Review: Office Hate by Rachel Van Dyken (The Emory Games #1)


Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

Maaaaax!!! Yes, yes. I know full well that this book isn't about Max Emory--although the guy's got some serious scene-stealing abilities. Office Hate is a brand-new book from bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, and while it may be more novella in terms of length, it's packed chockful of Van Dyken's brand of snappy writing with even snappier comebacks from our main characters. This is the story of Mark Huxley and Olivia... (Okay, yeah, I don't recall her last name being mentioned, but if it was and you happen to know, please feel free to leave me a comment!), two people who went to the same college, only to have a not-so-cute meet-cute that left her with a bloody nose. Since then, he's always felt like she's done nothing but look down her nose, albeit not as bloody as when they crashed into each other that first time, at him. They've become rivals, and their latest battle involves an internship at Emory Enterprises. Yes, that Emory--MAAAAAX!!! Only one person can claim the coveted position. Let the (Emory) Games--and gecko-sitting...I kid you not--begin!

I've missed Rachel Van Dyken's romantic comedies! Her Consequence series is one of my all-time favorites, and calling myself a happy camper while reading Office Hate would be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the shenanigans our dear evil genius--and somewhat adorable "stalker"--Max put his interns through. Mark and Olivia may have hated each other in the beginning, but the attraction was clearly there, albeit very tamped down because, duh, you can't go showing the person you hate you have a thing for them, too. I confess to snort-laughing a time or two while reading this, and let's just say that I'm glad I was alone because no one wants to hear me snort-laugh. The humor here is reminiscent of what's found in the Consequence books. There's hate and lust and love and laughs. This quick read was entertaining, but it was also quite endearing. Also, I may have mentioned the infamous Max (The Consequence of Revenge, 2015), but Mark and Olivia's story can be read as a standalone (but read the Consequence series anyway). 4.5 stars!

Release Date: 13 May 2021

Date Read: 12 May 2021

Learn more about Rachel Van Dyken.

Purchase Office Hate on Amazon.

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