Member Reviews

[Thanks to NetGalley & the author for providing me with this ARC]

This sapphic law firm romance was a sweet, funny and quick read. The characters were likable, although not that fleshed out. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was mostly fun if not a little frustrating at times due to the internal conflicts being relatively superficial. While age, wealth and company policies are valid reasons to be careful about entering any kind of relationship with someone, it gets a little boring at some point. Good thing the writing was flowing nicely so the book was already over before it got too annoying.
Overall a cute romance story perfect for anyone who doesn’t seek too much realness and just wishes to be swept away for a while.

Disclaimer: The ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The ARC category in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It was such a fun read. Great character development! I also really enjoyed the plot. It was one of my favorite reads this spring!

Was this review helpful?

Really good book, Darcy and Lizzy, were such a cute couple. I liked that both women worked in a law firm. Even though Darcy was the more established of the two, Lizzy was no slouch in the career department either. This was an age gap romance, with a bit of work drama thrown in, because Darcy is one of the partners in the law firm and there's a rule about dating your subordinates, both women had to keep their relationship hidden. I liked that this story was, low angst, mostly drama free and highly romantic. The surrounding characters were well written and were there to help push the story along. I would definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Was this review helpful?

A very sweet debut novel. I really liked that despite the age gap and wealth gap, the reader can really understand why Darcy is drawn to Lizzy. The fact that their relationship is forbidden adds a little tension and spice, making the reader looking forward to all their initial encounters. Darcy was my favorite character : charismatic and forgot herself in a life built for someone else. Lizzy was the catalyst she needed to wake her up. She is a perfect mixed of confidence and cute. I just wished Adams digged deeper in her background, because her character appeared a little less layered than Darcy.
I like long books more I always have a taste of not enough in my mouth. But overall, with short chapters that gave it a good pace, chemistry, this book was really quick and easy to read.

Was this review helpful?

From start to finish this book had me hooked. I loved the low-angst romance and finished it in one sitting. I would have preferred it be a little longer, but that's just me being selfish.

Was this review helpful?

Hot lawyers in skirts … Where do I sign?

I had a crush on Susan Dey in LA Law all those years ago, so yeah, I’ve always loved lawyer shows on TV, from Ally McBeal to Suits in recent years. So the chance to read a Sapphic version set me up with high expectations. Were they met? Yes, on the whole. Maybe it ended just a little too soon at 238 pages? Or maybe I was simply enjoying it too much.

Don’t expect anything earth-shattering though in this light, low-angst age-gap romance debut from Morgan Adams. Do enjoy that the leads’ naturally shared interests and that they have a good natural rapport with one another. I found myself turning the pages and simply enjoying the girls’ connection. And the sexy risks they take in the office are a lot of fun!

If you want a light, enjoyable romance that sizzles and your ice queen to melt pretty easily and so you can spend the page time with the payoff of those elements, then you’ll enjoy View from the Top.

Thank you to the author, to Bold Strokes Books, and to NetGalley for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I'm a sucker for a romance set in a law firm - the strong personalities, the drive and the suits absolutely win me over every time. Morgan Adams' debut View from the Top delves into a forbidden romance set within the high-stakes world of a New York law firm, entwining the lives of Elizabeth "Lizzy" Taylor and Darcy Hammond.

This novel is an enthralling blend of ambition, power, and passion - including the complexities of workplace relationships. Lizzy, fresh out of law school and eager to make her mark, finds herself drawn to and eventually entangled with Darcy, the firm's youngest managing partner. The law firm strictly forbids romances between managing staff and their subordinates but Lizzy and Darcy can't seem to stay away from each other. Their chemistry is palpable.

The story's strength lies in the chemistry between Lizzy and Darcy, as their interactions are laced with tension that evolves into a very sweet romance. Adams manages to craft moments of vulnerability and strength, and I really enjoyed the way it navigated the balance of tension, passion, and mutual respect.

This novel not only offers a steamy and engaging romance but also comments on broader themes of power, gender, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment within the competitive confines of a New York law firm. It's a great debut and looking forward to reading more from Morgan Adams in the future.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I have received an ARC from NetGalley and am writing this review voluntarily.

This is a debut novel by Morgan Admas. It has all the points I like in the book, age-gap, Ice queen, etc. Though the author has portrayed Darcy, one of the MCs, as an ice queen, I couldn't see it though. She is a lovable, adventurous, witty person. She has her idea of fun: cycling. But, during my reading, I thought Darcy's aforementioned characteristics might be true only for/ with Lizzy aka Elizabeth but not for others. She may be an ice queen for others but when it comes to Lizzy she is a puddle of goo. She, however, fought for her ice-queenness but couldn't and wouldn't be successful when it came to Lizzy. She tried though. Great applause.

The book is fun. It is a light reading. The angst is mild but has emotions. However, I was picturing while reading that Lizzy should control her flirtation and let the angst roll on. But, what can we do if Darcy has no control over herself? It is a book I read in one day. The writing is clear. I have one fact-check here: The book mentioned that Amina's family is from West Bengal. It is an Eastern part of the country and once upon a time in the beginning the author introduced us to Lizzy's roommates for the first time and mentioned Amina, who was cooking 'Sambar'. It is a southern Indian dish, basically originated from South India. The description of Amina there and on the next page where the author mentioned that she is from West Bengal creates confusion. Based on the description it is saying Amina is from Southern India and her family is from West Bengal. Both parts of India are in different directions.

I would recommend this book if you want hot chemistry, low angst, some witty banter, cheeky pick-up lines, and full of swag.

Was this review helpful?

Being a big fan of the ice queen trope but never having read this author before I went in to this book cautiously optimistic and for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. Out of the two main characters Lizzie was my favorite. I admired both her work ethic and felt for her for having a super famous, super terrible name (having a somewhat less famous and terrible name myself).

The best thing about this book was the chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy. Palpable and sizzling hot, I knew it was only a matter of time before they got together and was not disappointed when they did (steamy)! I would have liked to have seen perhaps a bit more iciness from ice queen Darcy, and the plot seemed a bit predictable at times, but overall this was a good introduction to author Morgan Adams and I will be looking for more from her in the future.

I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Darcy Hammond, managing partner at ‘Byron & Browning’ a well known law firm in Manhattan and she carried herself with a no-nonsense lawyer. Getting to this place in the firm has taken a while mainly because she didn’t have an Ivy League Education. With a lot of hard work she’s made it ... .but why wasn’t she as happy about her career moving forward as she should be.
Elizabeth Taylor has come to New York City ready to make her mark. From humble beginnings she has worked hard to become a lawyer, her dream since childhood. Now here she was, working for one of the biggest law firms, where she felt like she’d landed in another world but it didn't take her long to find her stride. Only part that bothered her was her sexy as hell boss Darcy and she has no desire to start a relationship with Elizabeth but friends with benefits no problem.
As we all know the heart wants what the heart wants. Simply put this book is a wonderful read with great main characters Darcy and Elizabeth, making this a very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. Elizabeth meets Darcy, the only female partner at her law firm, on her first day at work and there is an instant attraction, but relationships between partners and juniors are forbidden under threat of instant dismissal. The story is about Darcy trying to resist Elizabeth but they do work together, so there's a lot of office politics and a courtroom drama too. They are lovely characters and learn about themselves and what is most important to them. Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Smokie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyable read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 March 2024
I settled into this book immediately, it caught my attention and kept it to the end. A very talented writer who kept the pace of the book going. My only disappointment was I felt it finished rather abruptly- I expected something else to happen. It didn’t ruin the book for me though and I will search out more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

An enjoyable and well written book. Both women are nicely nuanced. I liked the uncertain but also assertive Lizzy and the married to her career Darcy. The work environment is full of believable characters and situations. The only thing I didn’t like was the sneaky political insertion - Ayn Rand is not great and I don’t appreciate an endorsement hidden in a romance.

Was this review helpful?

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝙰𝚁𝚈. 𝙾𝙵𝙵𝙸𝙲𝙴 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴. 𝙻𝙰𝚆𝚈𝙴𝚁𝚂.⁠
📖ARC 🏳️‍🌈⁠

I enjoy office romance books because the drama is always interesting and some scenes can be emotionally charged in a very good and satisfying way. There are moments when Elizabeth and Darcy almost had that but love/lust at first sight can be tricky because it either makes the chemistry and character development more intriguing or not. And the synopsis doesn't entirely align with the story when it comes to character traits because for someone who is strictly business, there as less business happening. ⁠

One thing I liked was that scene when Darcy quit, because if we had more of that, then stuff would have been more interesting. ⁠


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

Was this review helpful?

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

when elizabeth taylor walks into her new prestigious law firm she is amazed.... she had worked hard for years to get this job and she was going to enjoy every minute of it.... though she wished everyone would call her lizzie

the view from the top was amazing a clear view of new york city.... her first day and already she had come to the attention of darcy hammond and possibly not in a good way but she couldnt stop herself.... darcy type was just her type

so when darcy started to respond to the flirting lizzie was amazed

a fun read about lawyers and working their way to the top and along the way putting up with men and their annoying comments

Was this review helpful?

The book sounded interesting, but it didn't resonate with me. It was easy to read, though. I didn't feel a connection with the main characters, especially Lizzy. Her lack of professionalism, asking strange questions and lusting after her colleague on her first day at work made me roll my eyes. The rest of the story felt superficial as well, and too many events happen at once. I'd still recommend it if you are looking for a quick happy read with low angst and less depth.

Was this review helpful?

A quick and easy romance. I liked the main characters and they sizzled together. However, the fact that they were willing to risk their career so quickly after working so hard didn't sit well with me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC. This is my opinion.

Was this review helpful?

An age gap, workplace romance. Top lawyer meets new junior associate and sparks fly immediately. A relationship between boss and subordinate is strictly forbidden, but what can you do when the attraction is that strong?

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Taylor is finally where she wants to be. She worked her ass at law school and now her professional life will finally begin. Lizzy landed her first job as a junior associate at New York City’s top law firm. Within her little group of new colleagues, Lizzy is the odd one out. She didn’t get a degree from an Ivy League and doesn’t have a family that paved the way. What she does have is confidence in her abilities, a sharp tongue and people skills. When the only female managing partner introduces herself to the group of newbies, Lizzy is intrigued. This Darcy Hammonds is gorgeous, sexy and a force to be reckoned with.

Darcy Hammonds has it all. The corner office at the top floor of New York’s elite law firm, a job as a managing partner at 38 and a whole lot of money. Other than that, her life is empty. And while staring out of her office windows at the gorgeous skyline, she can’t help but wonder, is this it? Darcy grudgingly agrees to introduce the firm to another new group of newcomers. Another load of snobbish youngsters that got the opportunity served on a silver platter. When Darcy’s gaze tracks over the young faces, she halts. The beautiful blonde is anything but what she expected. In her ill fitted suit Lizzy Taylor exudes a confidence that is rare in new lawyers these days. Darcy can’t help it. She has to get to know this woman.

This story is what you’d expect from an age gap, boss-employee romance. There is the element of forbidden desire and the struggle with how to separate feelings from being a professional.

Over all, the immediate connection between Darcy and Lizzy is great, their quick witted banter a lot of fun and their physical relationship sizzles off the page.

For me there could have been more angst. I think if the story played more into the hot and cold dynamic between Lizzy and Darcy, I would have sat on the edge of my seat. Now, it felt inevitable almost immediately that Darcy would choose Lizzy and another career above being at the top of the lawyer food chain. It would have been fun if the story played more into the forbidden nature of the relationship. Maybe if one of the other managing partners would have sniffed around a little further and would have suspected something going on between Lizzy and Darcy, it would have more suspense.

The side characters were what you’d expect them to be. The snobby lawyers with Ivy League degrees making fun of Lizzy. That one guy who is actually very sweet. And of course the misogynistic, white, rich, male colleagues of Darcy. They are all responsible for some cringeworthy situations.

Although it’s not the best in its genre, this is definitely a nice story to spend a few hours with.

Was this review helpful?

I had a hard time with this book. I loved the premise as the boss/employee trope is a favorite of mine - and in a professional setting like a law firm - even better!

The story started out slow for me, and then it managed to hold my interest, but only for a short time. The characters felt superficial and not completely hashed out for me. I also had a hard time believing Darcy's immediate interest in Lizzy considering she was an ice queen and didn't even know the name of a character that had been at the firm for a good bit of time.

There felt to be a lot of telling vs. showing throughout the book too - maybe why I just couldn't get pulled in.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so sweet! The characters were lovable and funny. Darcy is an amazing ice queen: frosty to pretty much everyone except her melter. Likewise, Lizzy is the perfect free-spirited melter to make Darcy lower her guard. They had great chemistry together and they actually had a lot of shared interests despite their age gap which I thought was great.

My favorite thing about this book was how the characters helped each other grow. Lizzy helped Darcy realize what is actually important in her life and Darcy helped Lizzy find her confidence and sense of belonging in her career. The bar scene in the court room was the icing on the cake for me!

I really liked that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next in this book. It was like I knew the destination but I couldn’t guess the route that was going to be taken. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an age gap, workplace romance. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Morgan Adams. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?