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#1 #3

#1 Rival

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Lauren Harper wanted four things.
Respect.
Success.
Happiness.
And to annihilate Roman Pierce.

Sure, he was a smooth, smart and sexy attorney who made the senior partners at their law firm cream their pants. But he was also an annoying cocky jerk who she’d been competing with since they had both been hired over a year ago.

And Lauren didn’t care how amazing his smile was or how hot his body was underneath that suit—the firm-sponsored fun run had a lot to answer for—he was a ruthless, ambitious prick who would stop at nothing to climb the corporate ladder. He’d even climb over her given half the chance. Sadly, she’d probably enjoy that.

No.
That wasn’t what she was supposed to be thinking.
She did not want him climbing over or under her, or doing anything else to her.
He was the enemy. Destroying him was the only option.

Wiping that smug, beautiful grin off his gorgeous, obnoxious face, a bonus.

Now, if she could just keep her objective in check and obliterate him before he did the same to her.

ebook

First published January 1, 2018

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About the author

T. Gephart

35 books1,286 followers
T Gephart is a USA Today and International bestselling author from Melbourne, Australia.

With an approach to life that is somewhat unconventional, she prefers to fly by the seat of her pants rather than adhere to some rigid roadmap.

Her lack of "plan" has resulted in a rather interesting and eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history.

She'd tell you all about it, but the statute of limitations hasn't expired yet. But all those crazy twists and turns have led her to a career she loves—writing romantic comedy.

When she isn't filling pages with sassy and sexy characters with attitude, she's living her own reality show in the 'burbs of Melbourne with her American husband, two teenage children, and her fur child—Woodley.

She loves adventure, to laugh, travel, and strives to live her life to the fullest.

Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tgephartauthor/

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5 stars
442 (41%)
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441 (41%)
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152 (14%)
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20 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for ~**Anna**~ A Romance Reader.
623 reviews320 followers
February 21, 2018
I loved this book so much! It was sexy, fun and romantic!

Lauren and Roman are both lawyers working at the same firm for the past year. They have a love-hate relationship that was so fun to read about. Their banter was incredible (some of the best I’ve ever read) and their chemistry was off the charts. They are so perfect for each other! I loved them so much as a couple and was rooting for them all along.

This book kept my interest from page 1. I couldn’t stop reading and I was sad that it ended. This story had it all; sexy times, smart, talented MC’s and no unnecessary drama. It was a perfect read for me and I will be reading more books by this author for sure! This one is going straight to my favorites of 2018.

arc
Profile Image for Snow.
2,241 reviews694 followers
February 23, 2018
Roman Pierce & Lauren Harper work together as junior associates at Moss, Byrne & Carter Law firm and they "hate" each other's guts. Or well, more likely they inspire the challenging push in one another,
No one could push my buttons like he could. No. One. It was his sport, his hoby, his favorite pastime.

and they rile up each other every step of the way, bringing up the most interesting, funny, sharp bickering and banter while evoking the best scenarios in preparation for each given case...
Every opportunity he had to challenge me or my work, he did. Which meant I had no choice but to do the same.

So, instead of working as a team, it was a daily grudge match, neither of us willing to concede in an effort to out "lawyer" each other.

Until one moment of slip up, when the pent up sexual attraction sets a different course of their actions, inspite the "hateful" resentments
"I don't even like you."

"Then hate me and fuck me."

"So, we're going to have sex. But somehow keep things professional at work."

"Yes, we can be adults."

"Working alongside you pushes me to be better. I like having you breathing down my neck. Doesn't mean I can't be sucking yours at the same time."



And they keep up with the steamy sex in between pent up bickering while keeping it a secret until the misunderstanding reverses the position they are in, and changes the odds by releasing the growing feelings into the mix, and well then some heavy groveling will be ensued until they face up and admit that they have fallen deep long time ago.
A man wo had once been my biggest rival was now my number one love.


Just entertaining as fuck...😏 lol and then bloody sweet in the end...

This was my first book by T. Gephart and I was pleasantly surprised. I love witty humor , in fact, I cherish that and admire the most in this kind of "enemies-to-lovers" trope, besides the sexual inuendos, than actual steamy sex and pent up banter , which is the essence of these kind of books, and this book had it all.

So, all in all, this author had me laughing, had me swooning too *sigh* LOL, had me wishing to slap the shit out of the H, like "what-the-ever-loving-fuck-are-you-doing" kinda of yelling too, and I had a truly fun time.

warmly recommending it ;)
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,161 reviews921 followers
January 12, 2020
Well this is refreshing. Office romance is not something new. What I like about this book is that the good balance of comedy and power play. I like how Lauren and Roman keep pushing each other buttons and build the sexual tension.

The character have a little development. However it still suffice to bring out the push and pull banter. I love how Roman dates Luaren in an low profile way. I also enjoy how they stand on their own two feet.

Overall this is a entertaining book to read on a lazy weekend.

4 stars
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,715 reviews530 followers
January 7, 2020
Two legal eagles who are rivaling associates in a large and prominent law firm faceoff in a run for the one junior partnership position that is bestowed each year. They fight fiercely for domination each trying to one-up the senior partner they are trying to impress.

Even though this book is part of the #1 Series -- it easily stands on its own. There are carry-over characters from the other two books that make a reappearance. The author explains their presence sufficiently so that readers won't find themselves lost.

A forbidden office romance with an enemies to lovers trope, readers will find two main character who challenge each other with lots of strong and witty bantering and wicked bickering skills, along with sexual attraction that scorches the pages. Roman Pierce is one magnificent male specimen who has some well-kept secrets hidden under those impressive and expensive suits. Lauren Harper is a strong and smart female lead. Both play their parts well -- although sometimes Lauren got on my nerves when she slid out of character a few times too many.

There's enough angst to keep things lively but nothing is too over-the-top. It's mostly an easy read that moves forward at a fast clip. The writing is good, but a few too many easy-to-fix edits glared at me from the pages and called for another good proofread prior to publishing.
Profile Image for T..
Author 35 books1,286 followers
September 12, 2019

#NewRelease #ComingSoon #RomCom #LoveToHate #Lawyer #StandaloneInSeries #1Series #Enemies #OfficeRomance #LaughOutLoud #OneClick

#1 Rival - Feb 21st
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Profile Image for Nadine Booklover.
823 reviews117 followers
March 26, 2018
3.5 stars
"I hated Roman Pierce. I wanted to destroy Roman Pierce. But unfortunately, I wanted to sleep with him as well."

#1 Rival was my first book by T. Gephart and it really was a fun read. Lauren and Roman are really a perfect match. Not only at work but also behind the scenes.

"I took your advice, went to see the Wizard and asked him for a heart. Turns out I've had one this whole time, but I'd already given it to you."

I enjoyed the banter between Lauren and Roman, because Lauren never backed down. She's a pretty strong heroine, fiercely loyal with a big heart.

"A man had once been my biggest rival was now my number one love."

Overall the book was an OK read with potential. The thing that bothered me most were the sex scenes. To me they mostly felt a little "out of place". I didn't feel the heat or chemistry between both characters which clearly was there. Mostly they came to me a little "out of the blue". The story would have worked perfectly with less of these scenes, or they should have been better integrated into the story line.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy (given by the author) of this book.
Profile Image for Ros &#x1f33b;.
450 reviews43 followers
August 18, 2018
4 stars!

I really enjoyed this one.

For some reason going into this, I had decided it was going to be ‘just another’ office romance with a little back and forth banter and nothing more.

I fear I may turning into a bit of a cover snob and I really should know better!

I am very pleased to say though just how wrong I was.

First time reading a book by T. Gephart and whilst #1 Rival is actually the third book in this series, I read it as a standalone and enjoyed it immensely. There was no confusion at all over who the secondary characters (who were all great by the way) were. In fact, I have only just discovered it’s not the first book!

Lauren 'Harper' and Roman Pierce are both Associates at a top Law Firm. They have an intense working rivalry that makes for some brilliant banter, as they desperately peddle that fine line between hating each other and craving each other.

As the book goes on, their relationship develops into so much more with surprising depth.

This one had the feels for me, and despite their relationship evolving into something pretty special, the banter between the characters, especially their rivalry in the office, is not lost.

Pretty good plot line too and it's not a short read either, which I liked.

Gephart had me turning the pages eagerly.
Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,845 reviews
September 3, 2019
Oh my goodness! I loved this book! This was my first read by T. Gephart and I'll make sure it isn't my last. This was .99 on Amazon so I downloaded it because I've wanted to read this series for awhile. Turns out, this is the 3rd book but I kept going because I was already half way through. Glad I did because by the end of this book, I was in tears. Such a good book!

I'm hungry and heading to lunch so not going to write a big review. I'm sure there are plenty of good ones out there for this one. Just know that I loved it and loved the gradual change of feelings between the two. There was some good angst near the end which later led to the "apology" that led to my tears!

Loved it!

My Rambling Thoughts I Think:

❀ Gah! I loved the

❀ Secret angry sex, or just secret sex in the office is hot. Not gonna lie.

❀ The constant reference to spontaneous pregnancy because of his looks and his brother's. LOL
Tall, good-looking and athletic—it was like the Larsson family had been genetically engineered for optimum sexual appeal. The thought of them all in a room together made me uneasy; I wasn’t sure that all that testosterone wasn’t going to make me spontaneously ovulate. Thank God I was on the pill, one of these Larssons was bound to get someone pregnant.

❀ Men can be so cruel when they are hurt and incredibly romantic when they are begging for forgiveness. Roman is both.

Profile Image for Virginia.
728 reviews41 followers
February 21, 2018
Tina has written another great book! #1 Rival was really, really good!!

Tina made me laugh and smile and swoon while reading #1 Rival. Roman and Lauren were so great. Their banter, interactions, and wit were fantastic. They had some really great chemistry and I loved watching them go from enemies to lovers. Tina knows how to get you invested in the story and rooting for the characters wither her great writing. Her books are always fun and leave you happy.

Go one click!

An arc was provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,306 followers
April 21, 2018
I guess the heroine was meant to be cool and sassy, and she tried to be... desperately tried, that she came across as needy and pathetic.
He paraded OWs in front of her for over a year and she still had a crush on him. She chased at the beginning... When she kissed him shortly after he told her that OW, Carla if I recall correctly, didn't mean anything and he only f*cked her, I stopped caring. Such an amazing hero, best husband material... 😨😩 Typical...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elisa Wang.
171 reviews40 followers
February 4, 2018
Omg, this book was DA BOMB!

So first of all, my fault, I didn't realise this was going to be about Roman, THE lawyer brother of Eric Larsson from #1 Crush. Yeah I know, how could I? My memory's fault. But anyway, when I connected the dot, I was like: OMG THAT ROMAN!! YESSS!

This book was just amazing, it was funny, it was catchy, it won my attention from the first page. And the banter, omg, I love T. Gephart's books because she always creates such amazing conversations and exchanges between her characters, but with #1 Rival she did an even more outstanding job. I mean, the banter between Roman and Lauren was like watching a ping pong match between the two best ping pong players. If one day this book will turn to a movie, wow, it would be for sure a must watch movie! Just fireworks, I'm not kidding!
And I loved that every time they put their best selves in the rivalry, wanting to outdo the other every single time. Again, just amazing.

This book was written only from Lauren's point of view. Until the last few chapters, I was thinking: oh, I wish we could have gotten some chapters from Roman's POV too! But let me tell you, the last chapters completely made up for the rest, Roman actions were definitely crystal clear and were even better than some eventual chapters from his POV.

Lauren was great, a strong, self made woman with a will of steel. And I loved how she didn't let anything put her down. Even after some difficult situations, she only let herself commiserate for a few hours before pulling herself together. No drama, no self pity. You go Lauren! And a special mention to her imagination, especially regarding Roman's family😂 my gosh, it was hilarious to read about her completely crazy theory about it 😂

And Roman, he was such an enigmatic guy, at least for me. From the beginning I could say that he was perfect for Lauren, their chemistry was off the chart and he wasn't scared of challenging her. But for sure he wasn't the most open guy.
But little by little one could see how much he cared for Lauren (as Morgan, Lauren's sister, so clearly delineated), and the last chapters... wooo, my heart, be strong, don't leave me after such swoon worthy declarations and gestures <3 <3

Last but not least, ladies and gentlemen, the Larsson Family! Hilarious, funny, I want more of them!!!😍
February 20, 2018
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

5 "Laugh Out Loud" Stars!!!

T. Gephart definitely knows how to bring the funny. The #1 Series is one of my favorites! Honestly, with every book it's hard to choose a favorite because they're ALL good. So let's just leave it at that they're all my favorite. And knowing that there's more books to look forward to in this series makes super freaking happy!!!

#1 Rival is a enemies to lovers romance. Gahhh, I live for these romances! Roman and Lauren, oh my gosh these two characters were AH-MAZING! Both lawyers working at the same firm. Constantly in competition with the other. Their back and forth banter was fun to read. And their chemistry was off the charts! Oh boy, and their sexual tension was tantalizingly good. As much as they hated each other they were so perfectly perfect for one another. And the way that they challenged the other to bring out their best was exactly on point. I couldn't get enough of these two. I was turning the pages at record speed anticipating what was going to happen next. But, at the same time I didn't want the book to end. Oh, the dilemma. But what a dilemma to have.

#1 Rival will have you laughing nonstop. Filled with unnecessary drama. With a h that was sassy, smart, challenging and sweet. And a H that will make you weak in the knees, who's intelligent, to-the-point, and witty. T. Gephart once again hit it out of the park. And I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Silvia (roomforbooks).
571 reviews144 followers
February 22, 2018
Some parts were really good, other parts were terrible. Unfortunately the bad parts outnumbered the good ones. I couldn’t stand Roman for 70% of the book and when he started behaving, it was definitely too late. Plus the sex scenes were superficial and awful.
Profile Image for Laci .
1,012 reviews
March 1, 2018
This is my favorite book of the 3. I loved it. This is a fantastic series.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,814 reviews165 followers
February 16, 2018
I loved every minute of reading #1 Rival!

As with the previous standalone novels of this series, #1 Crush and #1 Player, this book is more than just a series of one-liners. It has a strong story, witty dialogue and characters that you feel connected to. There are times in #1 Rival that I really disliked Roman Pierce, but the emotion was always strong! He is sexy and intelligent, yet abrasive and competitive. Lauren Harper, on the other hand, is always likeable. She is equally intelligent and competitive, but her kindness also shines through.

As the story progressed, Roman became increasingly lovable. When the story climaxed, I was physically shaking with disbelief and anger! I had to remind myself that Lauren was a fictional character and I couldn't call her to offer my assistance in causing Roman pain and suffering.

The banter between these two lawyers is highly entertaining. The tension they create is enormous and the spark they have is second to none. I was laughing out loud numerous times at the antics of this pair.

#1 Rival is a funny, yet emotional character-driven novel. I highly recommend giving this book, and series your time. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
633 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2018
2018 is going to be the year of new authors to me. This was my first book from this author and I loved it.

It has been awhile since I have read a Rom-com and I need to read these more. The battle between Roman and Lauren was fun to read and I loved the banter these two had while on the job. Once they left the workplace all bets were off. But once they started the heat just rose no matter where they ended up.

I can't wait to read more books from this author and was glad to be introduced to her.
Profile Image for Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P -.
3,351 reviews48 followers
February 21, 2018
wow what an amazing read!
I loved Roman and Lauren so much, I don't think I have laughed so much in a book.
"you think I'm in some sort of gang, Harper?"
the back and forth banter between Roman and Lauren in this Hate to Lovers Romance is off the charts funny.
Ms Gephart has once again rocked another book in the #1 series.
I'm jonsing for the next installment in this series.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
Profile Image for Danielle.
807 reviews42 followers
February 26, 2018
I really love enemies to lovers so I was excited to read this one. For some reason I liked this one but I didn't love it. I think I'm just in a weird space as far as books and I went into this one at a bad time. This was a good book and I can see why many people love it but it was just an ok read for me. Even with that I would definitely still recommend this book because it was a good read and I know many people would love this story.
Profile Image for Jan .
2,157 reviews45 followers
September 4, 2020
A good enemy to lovers' office romance.

The audio is fast-paced, the narrator really brings the characters' words and feelings to life, she's very quick with her words short and snappy and a good representation of how I presume Lauren is being a lawyer.

A highly entertaining read, full of banter and I can't wait to get stuck into more in this series in either audio or to read on my kindle.

A good office romance with a hea. Told in first person pov

Profile Image for Karen.
5,386 reviews73 followers
July 15, 2019
Well, I have a hate/love with Roman, much like Lauren does in the book. I've seen his character in other books in the series and thought he was the most arrogant but great attorney. I wondered who'd he be attracted to and despite her account (first person POV) sounding insecure, she is a great lawyer, also because Roman and she were equal associates.

Very good read, T. Gephart!
Profile Image for Nicole Erard.
386 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2018
A cute funny enemy to lovers story, Roman and Lauren are extremely entertaining with their banter and ability to fight and make up seconds later. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
300 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2018
meh.. the lust-hate relationship of these two got old real fast to the point i was starting to skip pages and see what else the book had to offer. sad to say it was a DNF.. too bad because i really liked the synopis and the author..
Profile Image for Monique.
1,114 reviews54 followers
April 2, 2020
Roman Pierce is a lawyer and a damn good one. His adversary is Lauren Harper. These two are not necessarily a yin yang type of thing, more like pit bull and terrier going at each other. They give as good as they get and then some. It’s what keeps them on their toes in their job and fires them up that then spills out in their personal life.

Roman is Eric’s brother, and he has taken a different surname so his famous family aren’t intertwined with his work life. He keeps his family very private as they are all extremely close. Lauren has a elder sister whom she lives with and their bond will stand strong, even in a court of law!

I enjoyed this book, and the fact I did it with audio made it so much better. I loved their banter, their chemistry and their antics. The storyline was authentic and I loved how Lauren stood her ground after the family wedding. She didn’t cave and held her head high. Roman was a jerk, but his apology was heartfelt and I loved him all the more for it. I am loving working my way through this series.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,435 reviews66 followers
March 23, 2018
#1 Rival is smart and funny, a hate to love story of two lawyers who are trying to work together as sparks fly. Their chemistry is off the charts, the banter is awesome and the storytelling is completely entertaining! I think I’ve found a new favorite author!

"I had stumbled on the definition of a true paradox. I hated Roman Pierce. I wanted to destroy Roman Pierce. But unfortunately, I wanted to sleep with him as well."

One of the best feelings ever is to stumble upon a ‘new-to-me’ author and just fall in love with their writing. That is exactly the feeling I have after listening to the audiobook of #1 Rival. I now need to catch up and read everything this author has written!
I loved the narration and I’m so glad I got to listen to this book on audio!
-5 Stars!-
Profile Image for Lily.
581 reviews29 followers
August 19, 2018
It was quite enjoyable. I like this series and was previously intrigued about main male character of this book. He was kind of a jerk most of the times, even if he wasn't a liar and was never a mean person on purpose, he still wasn't very good at expressing himself where his own emotions were concerned. He was this cool and collected persona, who seemed to have an ace in his sleeve all the time. She was slightly too irrational and too attracted to him (too much begging) for my taste, but she surely made up for all of this in the end. I was impressed how strong she turned up to be.

Safe. No Ow drama. No cheating.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,298 reviews61 followers
February 22, 2018
Such a great read from T Gephart. I have loved every book in this #1 series. They are always fun with the right amount of sweet and heat. Sometimes you just need a book to make you smile and this one did that for me. Roman was the very best kind of a$$hole guy that you alternated between wanting to punch and kiss and Lauren was hilarious! Smart, funny and so genuine. Absolutely loved their banter and chemistry and and definitely recommend this story.
Profile Image for Ariel.
382 reviews
June 13, 2018
No time to chit chat! I now need to back track to the beginning of this series and read book 1 and 2. I think I just found a new author to love but need to read more books to make sure it's not a fluke.
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