This fell flat for me I’m afraid, as someone who has a chronic illness I hoped for a better representation. I found it was pretty vague and felt like the author didn’t have a true understanding or didn’t want it to be a focus in the book which felt like a missed opportunity and I tapped out.
Thank you NetGalley, Dana Hawkins and Storm Publishing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Sophie Black finally has the job she wants - project manager at a top Seattle agency. She's content with hard work and late nights until the CEO's daughter, Ella, joins the team. They have to learn to work together, and along the way they may find respect for one another - or something more.

I love a workplace, enemies to lovers romance. Sophie has to mentor Ella, who has joined the agency in a similar position to Sophie notwithstanding her lack of experience, being fresh out of college. They have to put their prejudices aside to work together.

So Not My Type is a lighthearted, sapphic workplace romance which is overall pretty enjoyable. I struggled to connect to either MC at the beginning, but they did eventually grow on me after a while!

Thank you to Storm Publishing for an e-arc! All opinions are my own.

Firstly, I like that this book had epilepsy representation, as it is not often seen in books, so well done to the author.
The romance was quite sweet, but I could not see a connection between the main characters.

So Not My Type tells the story of two very different women who are brought together to work on a promotional project. Sophie has grown up having to fight for everything she had and has a goal of progressing to a managerial position within the next few years. She is single-minded and is working herself into the ground to prove that she deserves her recent promotion, when she is offered the chance to go on an all expenses paid cruise, provided she and her team are able to deliver an important marketing project in a significantly reduced timeframe. Then she is thrown a curveball in her plans when Ella is thrown into the mix. Ella is the daughter of Sophie’s CEO and has grown up in a life of wealth and privilege. She’s has recently completed her university degree but has never had a job, let alone been involved in managing a project such as the one they are working together on. However, life is not all golden sunshine and rainbows for Ella due to her medical condition and sense of suffocation form her parent’s controlling ways. Sophie is expected to train Ella but resents everything about her, thinking that she is just a rich girl who has been handed the position because her father is the CEO.

I’ll be honest and admit that I struggled with the first 30-40% of the story, particularly in relation to the character of Sophie. In fact, I must say that I hated her. She was so caught up in her old grudge against Ella that she treated Ella abysmally. Maybe it’s partly because I’m not the type of person to hold grudges but I really, really wanted to smack Sophie around the head and tell her to get over herself. It was obvious that Ella was putting in the effort and doing a good job despite her lack of experience, but nothing was good enough for Sophie who was, quite frankly, obnoxious and a bully.

Then, after a massive blow up between the two women, I was left with a case of whiplash when, suddenly, Sophie decided that she needed to give Ella a chance and became as sweet as pie. There seemed to be no further struggle as the two women became increasingly close and soon fell into a relationship. This transition seemed to be a bit smooth for my liking given the amount of angst that had existed between Sophie and Ella previously. However, it did leave things open for the big blow up to occur towards the end of the book and it was clear that there was still a lot of room for improved communication.

However, despite these issues, I overall enjoyed the story and loved the way that Dana Hawkins treated the issues associated with Ella’s medical condition and Sophie’s willingness to learn more about how she could support Ella. And, by the end of the story, I had even come around to liking Sophie and could see that she was beginning to shift her views about her upbringing as well as seeing that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

I am grateful to Dana Hawkins, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

ARC READER

Oh my freaking goodie goodness!!! I love Sophie and Ella!! I thought the scenes, industry, plot, everything was super fresh and original in this book. It was more like watching a contemporary romance / drama on Netflix than reading a book.

This book is TOTALLY MY TYPE!! I loved it so much as an ARC I bought myself a copy when it releases. And I highly recommend you buy a copy too.

Another winner for Dana Hawkins. I just love everything she writes. I can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

I I wanna start with saying that I liked the concept. I struggled with the maturity level of the two main characters. I didn’t understand the instant hatred toward each other in the beginning, and I didn’t understand why the grudges and the problems kept popping back up.

I feel like Ella’s character lacked real depth. Sophie’s character had a lot of potential but once again the author failed to provide this character the three dimensional character development they deserved..

Dana!!!! I absolutely love her writing. I found her from the first book in this series and this one did not disappoint either! I am so grateful to have received this e book early to review. I am so excited to continue to follow Dana as an author and see what other magic she puts out!

This was, in most ways, a refreshingly normal and wholesome romance novell. Normal, you might ask, in what world is that a compliment? And while in general you might be correct, you forgett that this isn´t your average romance novell. It´s lesbian, So yes, it was very refreshing to see that it IS possible to write lesbian romance novels, without the lesbianism being a major plott point (or any at all, if I´m being honest). They instead faced problems a normal couple would, jealousy, questioning, not being ready etc., but zero homophobia. Another positiv aspect of this book is the way it handeld Ella, the main character who (minor spoiler) has epilepsy. While I don´t have epilepsy myself, and don´t personally know anyone with it (and so my opinian shouldn´t realy matter on this), I feel like this was something that was handeld truly gracefully. If I remember correctly the author even mentioned engaging sensitivity (or beta) readers specifically for this. And while it did play a significant role in the storry, it was never in a degrading way.
Now that you got a glimpse of how amazing this book is in general, I feel like it is important to note the one negativ aspect (for me personally at least). And that´s the way the author handled Ellas wealth. While I do believe that the life of a wealthy person isn´t always sunshine and happines, the way it was portrayed in this book realy rubed me the wrong way. Ella constantly almost whining about her wealth felt a little ... odd to say the least. I also disliked the way she highlited the way Sophie (the "poor" goth girl) reacted to her wealth. Which was not at all. Maybe it´s only me who feels this way, but I believe that it would be quite normal to react with awe, curiosity and maybe even a bit of repulsion, when experiencing wealth like that of Ellas family for the first time.
Other than that it was a truly wholesome romance with some minor conflict. A well put together, cozy, lesbian romance (and for anyone out there who appreciates this kind of information: it was not fade to black!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing ARC of the book. Minor spoilers below.

So Not My Type is third novel I've read by Dana Hawkins. It's also the third part in the Seattle series. I think it's the best novel by the author so far.

I've struggled to like the main characters of the books and the stories have been lacking something to really appeal to me. Maybe the characters are too urban, young and cool for me to really relate.

The main characters of So Not My Type gave me really hard time, too. I found them childish, naive, bratty and insecure, especially in the beginning. They are both 24 so I tried to understand. As a 40yo mom of two, their world is very different from mine. But that's why books and stories are great. They tell stories of variety of people.

I found it difficult to get into the story of So Not My Type in the beginning (because of the main characters) but after about 20-25 percent I got sucked into it and ended up liking the romance novel. I also found it nice to have the outwardly edgier MC to be the more sensitive and softer of the two.

The main romance trope is enemies to lovers. They really dislike each other in the beginning and both are stubborn to really try to understand the other person's side. But once they start talking, they quickly find they fit together well.

There's a 3rd act breakup which I'm not a fan of but sometimes it complements the story and gives a bit more insight to the characters. It's the case in So Not My Type. It fits with what we know of the characters until that point.

The novel is quite light (although there are also heavier topics) and mostly also silly. The professional part of the plot took a lot of page space and I could have lived with less. It's also the reason I find the book a bit silly. I've worked in digital marketing for over a decade (as a customer and as a service provider) and the whole plot with the marketing campaign and agency life felt very over the top and unrealistic. I ended up just not giving that part of the story a lot of weight and let it be what it is.

Overall, So Not My Type is light and steamy enemies to lovers romance. It was fun to get to read it in advance.

(I don't know what the author has planned for the series but there's definitely a clear option for a main character for a future book in So Not My Type.)

Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for the arc 🫶🏻🫶🏻

So Not My Type is pretty fast-paced and easy to read, which is always welcomed by me.
I like how Sophie and Ella are realistic, even on why they didn't like each other in the beginning of the novel. I resonated a lot to Ella and her feelings of wanting to explore the world she hasn't seen much of.

Personally, when they got together everything seemed to move really fast and they were calling each other girlfriend without addressing things I'd consider important. I think Hawkins could have written a little more, specially at the ending.

I haven't heard of "Single In Seattle" series before discovering So Not My Type on NetGalley, but I definitely want to pick up and read the other books.

Sophie has worked her way up by the dint of hard work to be a Project Manager at a prestigious ad agency. She is given a very high profile campaign to run and a new assistant - Ella, the spoilt daughter of the company's boss, with whom she has only negative experience from previous meetings.
This is the third in a series of books, one of which I have previously read and enjoyed, but is easily read as a standalone. Again it is a F/F romance, but is still basically two people both looking for a relationship. I'm not sure that I could cope with the workload that Sophie has to manage, fortunately I was never that ambitious before I retired. Ella is painted as much more than a spoilt child, with her own hope and dreams. The developing relationship between these two opposites, both professionally and personally, is the central core of the story. As usual things don't always go smoothly, with hiccups in their relationship and the project that they are working on. Some slightly spicy moments that you may choose to skip but overall a story that I did enjoy, despite not necessarily being the target reader.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

nothing was wrong with this book I just didn’t feel the connection between the 2 main characters.. it was super off in my opinion and I didn’t vibe with it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

There was more depth to this story than I thought there would be. When Ella and Sophie end up working together, there is an interesting dynamic at play. Ella is Sophie's trainee and Ella has always wanted a trainee. However, she is not thrilled that Ella is the boss' daughter. She believes that Ella comes from privledge and could never understand why Sophie is so scrappy and her humble background. Sophie believes that nepotism is at play but does not know about Ella's secret at first-- her epilepsy. I learned a lot from this book about what it is like dealing with epilepsy. The author did a good job of building up their slow burn romance as well.

This is the first book that I have read by Dana Hawkins and on the whole I found it enjoyable even though it is not my usual genre.
This is a story of two very different women from very different worlds. Sophie Black fought tooth and nail for everything that she had, her parents were happy but dirt poor, despite not having a college education and dressing like a punk rocker with piercings, a shaven head and torn fishnets, Sophie had clawed her way up from the bottom to become a project manager for an eminent Seattle agency.
When Sophie's manager offered her an account with a very tight schedule, but with a huge incentive at the end Sophie was more than excited, they had never finished an account in such a short space of time but Sophie had wings on her feet, she would do it, she wanted the reward.
The downside was that Sophie would have an assistant, an assistant who had a college degree but no experience, an assistant who Sophie hated, an assistant who happened to be the CEO's pampered daughter.
Ella Northwood didn't remember being unkind to Sophie when they first met, in fact she didn't remember Sophie at all. Ella had led a pampered life, but her overprotective but loving parents gave her the feeling of being smothered, she had fought then to go to college and she had fought to be allowed to work in her father's company, Ella had a genetic condition that was taking over her life, she needed to live with it.
This story follows the lives of Sophie and Ella. the punk rocker and the sophisticated lady, the fights, the digs, the gradual understanding leading from hate to love, the coming to terms with Ella's condition, coping with the over protective parents who had to come to terms with the fact that money couldn't cure Ella.
The author has confronted a very emotive subject with sensitivity even though there were parts that I didn't agree with, she has also created some likeable characters in Malcolm the manager, George the CEO and Thomas the family driver.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is my own opinion.

I absolutely devoured this book. Every single charachter is so likable, it really made this so much fun. And Ella having epilepsy hit me hard, as I'm currently struggling with it badly, and it made feel more understood.

Absolutely brilliant book!
I am a big fan of this author and love the writing style!
I cant wait to read more!

Dana Hawkins delivers a charming and heartfelt rom-com in So Not My Type, a story that masterfully balances humor, emotional depth, and romantic tension. The novel centers on the classic yet endearing trope of forbidden love, where an employee finds themselves falling for their boss’s daughter—and vice versa.

One of the standout elements of this story is the nuanced development of its characters. Hawkins doesn’t just scratch the surface; instead, she delves deeply into their pasts, weaving in personal histories that add layers to their personalities and motivations. This attention to detail enriches the narrative and gives the romance a compelling authenticity.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, with their witty banter and heartfelt moments keeping the reader engaged. What could have been a simple love story is elevated by Hawkins’s skillful storytelling, as she navigates themes of vulnerability, family dynamics, and personal growth.

The pacing is spot on, with just enough twists and challenges to keep the plot lively without overwhelming the romance. The supporting characters also shine, adding humor and complexity without detracting from the central storyline.

In So Not My Type, Hawkins successfully captures the magic of unexpected love while grounding it in relatable emotions and situations. It’s a feel-good read with depth, perfect for fans of rom-coms who crave more than just surface-level fluff. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a mix of laughs, heartfelt moments, and a satisfying love story.

Cute and enjoyable. This is a fairly predictable workplace romance but the characters are likeable and the pace is good. It will put a smile on your face.

So Not My Type by Sophie Black is a sizzling slow-burn romance that masterfully blends sexual tension with workplace dynamics, creating a compelling story that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Sophie Black is a driven, self-made project manager at a top Seattle advertising agency, having worked her way up from humble beginnings. Her sharp focus on her career is shaken when Ella Northwood, the CEO's privileged daughter, joins the team. Forced to collaborate on a high-stakes campaign, the two women’s contrasting personalities—Sophie’s scrappy determination and Ella’s polished, trust-fund background—quickly clash. However, beneath the surface, both women have more in common than they initially realise.

As the two work late into the night, their assumptions about each other begin to unravel, and what starts as professional tension quickly escalates into something far more personal. A spontaneous hot tub encounter leads to a steamy night neither can forget, and the ice between them begins to melt. Sophie starts to see Ella in a new light, while Ella hopes for the first time that someone might look beyond her privileged exterior. But as their office chemistry intensifies, a shocking revelation threatens to derail their budding connection, leaving them to question whether their feelings are worth fighting for.

Black’s writing is sharp and engaging, perfectly capturing the simmering tension between Sophie and Ella. The evolving dynamic between the two women is both heartwarming and tantalising, as they slowly uncover each other’s vulnerabilities and desires. The setting of a high-pressure office environment adds an extra layer of intensity, with their professional relationship gradually giving way to something far deeper and more personal.

So Not My Type is a delightful read for fans of workplace romances with a dash of angst and queer joy. Sophie and Ella’s journey is one of growth, self-discovery, and overcoming preconceptions, making this a must-read for those who enjoy complex characters and slow-burn romances. With its blend of workplace drama, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

if there's one thing i love, it's a good workplace romance, and so not my type delivers with a side of sizzing tension and all the drama you'd expect when opposites attract. set against the backdrop of a fast-paced seattle ad agency, this book dives headfirst into enemies-to-lovers territory, and it's a ride.

first off, the workplace setting is spot on. sophie black's dedication to her job is the kind of competence porn i live for. seeing her thrive in a high-stakes, creative environment while loving what she does felt like a refreshing dose of escapism. enter ella northwood, the ceo's daughter with a trust fund and a high-level job she may or may not have earned. from their first dash, it's clear this isn't going to be a smooth partnership, but watching their dynamic evolve—from mutual disdain to tentative respect to something a whole lot deeper—was a delight.

speaking of the two main characters, while the book is billed as a slow burn, i'd argue it leans more toward "smoldering right from the start." sophie and ella's attraction to each other is undeniable, even when they're bickering. their dates around the city were downright heartwarming, giving me all the feels.

now, let's talk about the drama. the plot twists are perfectly chaotic. one particular moment—when a ghost from both their pasts resurfaces—had me spitting out my drink. it's the kind of delicious, soap-opera-level drama i didn't know i needed. that said, some parts were a bit predictable, like ella's big hero moment near the end. while it served its purpose, it took away some of sophie's well-earned glory, which felt a bit unfair to her journey.

another standout is the chronic illness representation. ella's epilepsy was handled thoughtfully, telling us the challenges she faces daily. but, it sometimes felt like her entire personality revolved around her condition. ella had so much potential with her layered privilege and vulnerability, but her character development took some odd turns, leaving her feeling a little flat by the end.

on a broader level, the book tackles socioeconomic privilege and nepotism in an interesting way, weaving these themes into the characters' development. sophie's frustrations with ella's privilege are incredibly relatable—who wouldn't feel salty if someone waltzed into a position you worked years to achieve?

overall, so not my type is a mix of swoony romance, juicy workplace drama, and thought-provoking themes. while some elements didn't fully land, it's still an engaging read, especially if you're here for some workplace sparks and drama like me.

thank you, @netgalley and @stormbooks_co, for the e-arc. 🩷

rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫