would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

hollis has a 3 year plan and woo betide anyone messing with that plan

it also doesnt help that she now has a boss that is micromanaging their department, its not as if hollis or harrison arent hitting their targets because they are, but the new boss might be coming in to make changes or worse lay off...

ainsley has to work out how to make those changes in a place that is doing really well but the ceo of the company has ideas and as hes in charge she has to work with what she has...

its a mine field...

office romances are off the cards and being the boss attracted to someone she is in charge of makes for a compelling read... its not a bad read and it was fun to see how ainsley and hollis got around the issues.... it could have been a bit more in depth but on the whole its not a bad one

A cute and fun read, with a fast-paced plot and very lovable characters.

Hollis and Ainsley have great chemistry; it’s interesting to see how their relationship develops, and of course, Harrison is the most charming side character that brings lots of fun to the story.

The only aspect that felt somewhat unexplored to me was the ending; it just seemed too rushed. Hollis was so offended and so sure to break up and move on, and then just after this one conversation, she was ready to forgive and forget; it felt a bit rushed to me.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.

Uncomplicate It is a queer office romance set in the athleticware industry. When Ainsley unexpectedly becomes Hollis's boss, they find themselves gravitating towards each other. It's a slow burn with tensions over being caught in an illicit boss-employee relationship.

I enjoyed reading this book. It has short chapters, which helped me to get through it faster. I loved the characters and their clearly defined personalities — especially Harrison. I wish we could learn more about the characters' backgrounds, like Hollis's relationship to her many family members, Harrison's family, or even where Ainsley's father is. But I do think the slow burn was well done and built throughout the book.

I found this book predictable, which I don't mind, but predictable plots aren't for everyone. I also wish it had more on running, exercising, and softball, especially as it centered around an athleticware company. Sometimes it felt like certain elements were lacking, like details on the company or Harrison's relationship with Gregory or how Ainsley shows up at Hollis's door so often out of the blue. Having more of these nuances would strengthen the plot and the connections between reader and characters.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Kel McCord for this ARC!

3.75 stars

*Possible Spoilers*

Kel McCord’s debut novel, “Uncomplicate It,” is unexpectedly enjoyable. While boss x employee is far from my favorite trope, this one made it work. I appreciated that the power imbalance wasn’t glossed over, it was a legitimate stumbling block for the relationship. Refreshingly, the main conflict wasn’t because Ainsley abused her power. It relied on miscommunication, admittedly not an original struggle, but it worked here. I did get a little annoyed with how insecure Hollis was in the relationship, but I also understand that forbidden romance can cause tension and uncertainty.

Ainsley and Hollis actually get to know each other somewhat before declaring their undying love, which makes the relationship more believable and the book stronger. The two go on more than two dates. An effort is at least made to help the other with her problems. I did feel like the development was slightly lopsided. Ainsley helps refuel Hollis’ passion for running. Hollis visits her family often, but we barely get a mention of Ainsley’s family. We know Ainsley likes cross-training, “Love Island,” and that she’s a workaholic. Oddly, I know more about Ainsley’s ex than who and what’s important to her, other than Hollis and work. I would’ve liked it if she got the minimal level of fleshing out that Hollis got.

The power imbalance was fairly well explored. Ainsley had constant pressure from higher ups to change Hollis’ division. Hollis had to balance her romantic relationship with loyalty to her team and best friend, who’s also a colleague. It felt more realistic that neither woman could delude herself into thinking that breaking company policy and mixing work/pleasure would have no consequences. I liked that their breakup wasn’t because Ainsley uses Hollis as a stepping stone in her path to business domination. She did poorly communicate why Hollis was getting transferred to another project, but Hollis almost instantly blew up, so there’s blame to share. I also liked that they broke up due to their imperfect relationship, not because HR found out about them.

Hollis’ friend, Harrison, is “a middle-aged, balding white man” and hooks up with men in their early twenties. That just gives me the ick. Hollis and Ainsley’s five year age gap doesn’t bother me too much, but when you’re literally middle-aged, having situationships with people who are college-aged, it’s bordering on gross.

The writing was straight forward but still had humor. My one note is that the sex scenes felt mechanical. They didn’t leave much space for the women’s chemistry to speak for itself. Hollis and Ainsley were a satisfying couple who did the work to deserve their happily-ever-after. Their relationship moved fast, especially during the epilogue, but they’re lesbians, it’s kind of expected. If you’re looking for a low-stakes forbidden office romance, this one’s pretty good.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is absolutely adorable! I cannot believe this is the authors first book. It is very well written and keeps you on your toes. I read this book in a few hours because I wasn’t able to put it down.

Dear Kel McCord, please write another book as soon as you are able…. please?
I could not put this book down, I know people say that but I went to bed late and got up early on my day because I wanted to carry on reading this book.
Although I misinterpreted the books blur (I thought ‘It’ was a play on words and thought the work placed romance was taking place for a tech company of at least one of them worked in the IT department - hello and welcome to my frame of reference), I was captivated by this book. I was routing for them to throw caution to the wind, frustrated with the misunderstand and pleasantly surprised at such a normal happy ending.
I would have happily read so much of this book had it have been longer, but only because I enjoyed the book so much, not because I felt the story in any way needed it. This is one of those authors that is they wrote a grocery list, I’d happily settle in and read.
And who couldn’t love Harrison, I have my own ‘Harrison’, those bonds are special and that connection was as well written as Hollis and Ainsley’s.
I am truly looking forward to your next book (of many) Kel McCord.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGallery for the chance to read this great debut novel.

I enjoyed it and to be honest found something compelling about the whole thing…… however the forbidden at work angle, and the superiors frankly cavalier attitude to it….. the whole, must be kept secret, no one can ever know, coupled with….. I couldn’t wait to see you, come here, just makes me uncomfortable rather than being swept along with the passion and inevitability of the connection. I think the writer is aiming for inevitability but, for me, just slightly missing the mark. Its odd, because this is not the first boss/employee mix but I am not on board like I usually would be.
Naturally all the intimate tick boxes are filled. Unfortunately tho I am honestly not that invested in the relationship or expression of it.
Having said all that I enjoyed the section where they did the long run together. Also the softball game. In fact I finally warmed up to this couple. The break up before make up seemed a bit over the top but I was pleased with the resolution. Parts of the book or rather my antipathy to the mains had it under 3 but the end third brought it up to a stronger 3.

Uncomplicate it is a light office romance with likeable characters. It was a fun read and spicy read overall. I thought the author did a great job with this debut. I look forward to more from Kel. I recommend.

Thanks to the publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

A light office romance was just what I needed today. Hollis Reed loves her job at a sports clothing company. After her last break up she has vowed to never date co-workers again because it can be messy. Ainsley Harrison is the new president of their division. When sparks fly between the pair it is hard to keep their situation professional.

These are likable characters in a likable story. Everything is told from Hollis’s POV and I love how foggy her brain is when Ainsley is taking charge with kissing and charm. I was confused that Hollis was so committed to her three year career plan that doesn’t actually lead to anything beyond. I would have liked a little more background and depth on Ainsley. The basics are there but maybe a little more details to flesh her character out. And the power imbalance is not really addressed between the two. I like that the author doesn’t wait until the formulaic 65% point before throwing in heat. These two are sizzling together. And when complications happen it gets repaired quickly. Best friend Harrison got some fun lines but I wasn’t sure he was as serious about work as she was. Ainsley is smart and knows her job so it was surprising she wasn’t more concerned about the taboo of a workplace romance.

All in all, I breezed through the book and was happy when it was finished. That is more than I can say for a lot of books that I read. This is seemingly a debut novel from the author and I will watch for her future books.

Great characters and I enjoyed the build to their relationship. The conflict that briefly keeps them apart was a fun set up and made the journey worth it.

The ending felt a bit rushed to me but still felt earned. I’d read more of these characters if their journey ever continued.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Uncomplicate it was such a fun book! First time reading anything by Kel McCord but she did not disappoint! A forbidden workplace romance, hot passionate love and tension! Absolutely ate this book up! Adding Kel to my new authors! Rated a 4.5 star, such a fun breath of fresh air! Thank you NetGalley!

Solid 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley!!
I love a good workplace romance and this checked all the boxes! The sex was hot and the tension was fantastic! I love me a good second act breakup and the drama behind it was perfect!! This is my first book by this author and I loved it!!

I received an ARC from NetGalley

The premise for Uncomplicated It is a forbidden office romance where Hollis is attracted to her new boss Ainsley, which sounds like nothing new. But this book is a must read! The characters are so well developed and the chemistry between them feels real. But more than that, there is intimancy and characters that actually care about each other and show it in the little details. Honestly, I might be a little bit in love with Ainsley.

A feel good romance that will have you cheering for these characters as they navigate their challenges and hoping for that happy ending.

After a messy breakup, Hollis decides to fully focus on work, but when Ainsley, a hot spin instructor, asks her out on a date, how can she say no? Fortunately or unfortunately, in this case, Hollis doesn’t actually have to wait until then to see her again. Yeah, the new boss at work that's expected to start soon, the one whose name she and her colleagues were not told, is Ainsley Jones. Oh, goody.

Obviously, this changes everything. It’s unprofessional and, besides, Hollis has no interest in getting involved with a colleague again. Suffice to say that last time it didn't end well, and she doesn’t need a repeat. So Hollis and Ainsley agree that mixing business with pleasure would be a terrible idea, so they’ll keep things strictly professional. Well, at least they try to.


A sapphic workplace romance that had tight deadlines and important private meetings. Hollis and Ainsley had great chemistry and things really spiced up in the bedroom…among other places. The characters were likable for the most part and I rooted for them. Harrison was charming, funny, and gave off big brother vibes when it came to his relationship with Hollis. The ending pace was quick, but it didn’t change how good I thought the book was. Overall, it’s one I recommend giving a read. Happy reading!

Holli meets this hot hot spin instructor that asks her out on a date that she agrees to, and they plan to go out next Saturday. The focus for Holli is however always her job and her ex even broke up with her since she worked too much. When clear that the hot spin instructor is also her new hot boss Ainsley feels a date is out of scope. They start work together, get to know each other, and soon clear the chemistry is there despite Ainsley isn’t her usual type, she is older and confident, not younger and more reliant that Hollis has gone for in the past. Hollis also tends to jump into a relationship way too fast. In the long run this is not something they can avoid but they decide to keep it casual, friends with benefits to round the company policy regarding not allowing a relationship between managers and direct report. It is so amazing and Hollis let Ainsley take the lead in the bedroom, something so different from past relationships. They have this great thing going so perhaps way more to this after all will the job thing be a breaker, Ainsley is after all there to rationalize the workplace.

This was fast nice read. I would have loved to dig deeper into their feelings and past relationships as well as also get Ainsley’s POV since now a bit one-dimensional. However, since they are so hot together, I forgive most of that.