This was cute. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series, and maybe checking out the author’s back catalogue.
The set-up here is that Samiah Brooks, tech prodigy working in Austin, has been duped by a scumbag, and she befriends two other women also duped by self-same scumbag. Their confrontation with him (over sushi volcano rolls!) goes viral. This brings unwanted attention and a lack of privacy, but it also brings Samiah two new friends, an area of her life she’s been neglecting in favor of her career. Together, the three women vow to work on themselves and not worry about finding a man for the next six months. They agree the Austin dating scene is dire. So of course the very next Monday at work, the new hire at Samiah’s company turns out to be gorgeous, and the attraction is mutual.
Half-Black, half-Korean Daniel is actually at Samiah’s company under false pretenses. He is trying to take down a money-laundering scheme, and got himself hired as part of an undercover mission, but he can’t tell anyone that, even Samiah, no matter how close they get.
Where this book really succeeded for me is in the details. I loved the focus on Samiah’s career and her actual work (and Daniel’s as well!). I loved the friendships between the women (though I wish there had been a lot more of that aspect, the main reason I didn’t give this the full four stars). It didn’t feel like the plot was just there as window dressing; it felt real and fleshed out, and like the author had done her research. The dialogue is pretty great as well, especially between the three women. I liked Samiah and Daniel together, though at times he seemed a little too perfect for me. Really the only internal conflict he has the whole book is professional. The sex wasn’t to my taste, either, so that’s a bummer. But what I liked here, I really liked. I’m very excited for the next two books.
[3.5 stars, rounded up]