Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

The Build Up

ebook
0 of 0 copies available
0 of 0 copies available
"Plenty of sexy chemistry and sensual sizzle in a story line that celebrates family, friends, and food." Booklist, starred review
A truly unfortunate first day of work leads to unexpected love in this sparkling debut from Romance in Colour podcast cohost Tati Richardson
.
Rumpled and ragged was not how architect Ari James envisioned kicking off her first day at a new firm. And few things can top the horror of her new—and extremely hot—colleague walking in on her at the worst moment ever. Learning that she'll be working with him on the project that's supposed to get her career back on top makes it harder than ever to focus on her big comeback.
With a partnership at his firm on the line, nothing is going to stand in the way of Porter Harrison absolutely killing it on his new project: not his obnoxious rival, not his unpredictable brother and definitely not his new coworker whose gorgeous curves he accidentally saw and now can't get out of his head.
Though neither of them is looking for love, once their creative juices get flowing, Ari and Porter's connection is obvious. But when their shared goal has always been winning at work, building a solid foundation for a relationship might end up costing them everything...
  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      January 23, 2023
      Richardson, cohost of the Romance in Colour podcast, debuts with an emotional and exceptionally well realized workplace romance. After a scarring experience mixing business with pleasure, Ari James has decided that architecture is going to be her only workplace passion. She has no intention of ever dating a coworker again—but then the irresistible Porter Harrison is assigned as her partner for a dream project, and her good intentions become frustrating obstacles to her desires. Gentlemanly Porter is similarly determined not to act on their growing mutual attraction, especially if he wants to make partner at their prestigious architecture firm. But the closer they get to one another, the harder it gets to keep things professional. Richardson keeps the focus squarely on the characters’ emotional development, hitting all the right romance beats. Readers will seamlessly slip into Ari’s head and may find themselves wanting to recreate playlists and meals based on the vivid descriptions. Focused on a Black couple finding love in their 40s and featuring a plus-sized heroine, Richardson’s debut will especially excite readers who don’t always see themselves well represented in romance—but should be enjoyed by all.

    • Booklist

      Starred review from February 15, 2023
      After her architectural career in Chicago is derailed by a workplace romance gone awry, Ari James is now on a man-fast. That means Ari isn't about to let anything distract her from her new job at Atlanta-based Riddle and Robinson, including Ari's way-too-fine workplace partner, Porter Harrison, with whom Ari is developing plans for a trend-setting new soccer stadium. However, the more time Ari spends with Porter on the clock at work, the more she begins to wonder what they might be like as a couple when they're off the clock and away from the office. Richardson's delightfully entertaining debut brilliantly showcases a deliciously sharp sense of humor that makes the most of the book's setting while never downplaying the real workplace struggles women in a male-dominated industry face. This appeal is matched by the book's older, plus-size heroine, who confidently embraces her own self-worth. In all, this is a romance that throws off plenty of sexy chemistry and sensual sizzle in a story line that celebrates family, friends, and food, hitting the romance fiction trifecta.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading