Book Description

Loving the Ladies’ Man: An Office Romance Sweet Romantic Comedy (California Dreamin’ Sweet Romcom Series Book 1) 

Author Profile

Non-review Rant

I am on a roll. This is my 5th book in September 2023. Can you believe it? However, I know that I can’t maintain the same pace later on when workload piles on me, so, I’m pacing the book reviews. To sum up, I read this in September 2023, but the review is coming up in November 2023. I know myself well, and this planning/scheduling is a must.

Let’s try to do this the way I do drama reviews, shall we?

Characters

Evlyn aka Avie

The MC. Evlyn is an editor at Evermore Publishers. She loves romance, she loves editing and she loves helping others often to the point of being used. 

Conner Bryant

The hero, he’s in marketing.

Lisa

The Boss

Sally, Kelly, Justine

Evie’s colleagues and direct reports

Kayla

Evie’s roommate, best friend and a lawyer. Also the next-up in this series.

Alex, Shelby

Evie’s other roommates

David

Evie’s ex

Stephanie

Evie’s ex best friend and David’s fiance

Kevin

Conner’s brother

Robert

Conner’s father

Josh

Barista at Java Awakening coffee shop, Kayla’s hero in next-up in series.

Recap

Evlyn is an editor at Evermore Publishers. She loves romance, she loves editing and she loves helping others often to the point of being used. Conner, the marketing head, is a flirt and Evie has noticed him going out with every woman in office except her.

Things change when Lisa, the boss talks to them and considers both of them as promotion, only one of them will get it. Now, even before the competition begins, there is an earthquake, and Evie and Conner are stuck in the office.

Evie gets injured, Conner proves to be the sweetest and kindest person ever. Their friendship starts to brew while they are stuck. One thing lead to another, and Conner offers to go with Evie’s date on David’s wedding if Evie edits his romance novel’s manuscript.

Let the romance begin.

Overtime, Evie notices just how kind and kinda-broken Conner is, and learns about his family, his strained relationship with his father. We also learn about Evie’s family, and how her parents struggle to make ends meet-financially and labour-wise.

And there is a Happily Ever After. 

Review

If there’s one thing I adore, it’s stumbling upon a book that hits all the right notes, and “Loving the Ladies’ Man” by Kristin Canary did just that. This sweet romantic comedy served up a delightful blend of romance and sizzling chemistry that’s become a rarity in today’s literary landscape.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the romance. Canary crafts a love story that’s as sweet as a sugar-coated treat but doesn’t shy away from turning up the heat. It’s that perfect balance that’s so hard to find these days. The connection between the main characters crackles with chemistry, making you root for their love story from the very beginning. If you’re a fan of swoon-worthy romances with a dash of sizzle, this book is right up your alley.

A Unique Twist on Office Rivalry

Now, let’s dive into the plot. “Loving the Ladies’ Man” had me hooked from the start, partly because it reminded me of Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game.” We’ve got two fiercely competitive colleagues, both vying for the same promotion in a publishing house. It’s a setup that promises sparks, witty banter, and plenty of workplace drama.

But here’s the twist: an unexpected earthquake traps them in the office together. Now, that’s not your everyday office rivalry scenario, is it? The earthquake adds a layer of tension and vulnerability to the story, forcing our characters to confront their true feelings amidst the chaos. It’s a clever plot device that keeps you turning the pages, wondering how this unique situation will impact their budding romance.

A Stellar Debut from Kristin Canary

What makes this book even more remarkable is that it’s my first foray into Kristin Canary’s writing, and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed. Canary possesses a knack for humor that aligns perfectly with my taste. Her wit shines through in the characters’ banter, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. I’m already eager to explore more of her work because her sense of humor struck a chord with me.

Some Lines I Liked

Chapter 1 – Page 2

I’m sinking, drowning in a sea of should- I- haves.

Chapter 1 – Page 4

to help them succeed. To protect them. To keep them close.

Chapter 1 – Page 5

it doesn’t take a shrink to figure out that this intense need to make sure my team is okay stems from the fact that I didn’t protect my own sister, once upon a time.

Chapter 1 – Page 5

if you think someone is the one, and it turns out he isn’t, it doesn’t matter how long you were together. It hurts. – Page 6
I hold back a sigh. “That’s fine. I’ll approve the extra time.”

 

Chapter 1 – Page 14

“May the best person win.”

Chapter 2 – Page 17

Maybe I’ll treat myself to a chocolate croissant today. My waistline may not need it, but my spirits do.

Chapter 9 – Page 127

It’s okay to go after what you want.” But how can I go after what I want when what I want doesn’t want me back?

Chapter 10 – Page 136

being constant, being calm, being peace itself.

Chapter 12 – Page 155

No, he didn’t give me platitudes. Instead, he distracted me, because that’s what I needed in the moment.

Chapter 12 – Page 157

I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her since.

Chapter 12 – Page 157

These are not things my parents would ever tell me, but I would have known if I’d been here.

Chapter 14 – Page 180

“Bah.” Connor’s dad waves his hand, dismissing me. “He should have been a doctor. We”—he indicates himself and Kevin—“help people. But Connor had to go off and do something embarrassing. I’d rather tell my co-workers and friends that he’s a drug dealer than in marketing.”

Note: Okay, so Robert is pure evil.

Chapter 16 – Page 215

Happiness is not a place. It doesn’t happen to you. It’s a state of mind, a choice. So choose happiness, my dear girl.

Parting Thoughts

“Loving the Ladies’ Man” is a sweet romantic comedy that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a delightful blend of romance, humor, and a unique twist on the classic office rivalry trope. Kristin Canary’s writing is a breath of fresh air, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming love story with a generous side of humor, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It’s a gem in the world of romantic comedies, and you won’t be disappointed.

There you have it, my recap and review of “Loving the Ladies’ Man.” Stay tuned for more book reviews in my “one book review per month” series. Happy reading, fellow book enthusiasts! 📚💕😄

Until next time, happy reading!