The Build Up
-
-
4.4 • 28 Ratings
-
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
"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…
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Two co-workers stumble headfirst into a relationship in this body-positive workplace romance. When Ari takes a new job at an architecture firm, things start out a bit shaky…until she meets her incredibly attractive co-worker Porter. She’ll be working with him on her first project—if they can put aside their intense chemistry and get some work done, that is. We loved all the inspiring and positive themes that run through Tati Richardson’s debut romance novel, as Ari celebrates her curves and her talent despite enduring hurtful comments from some nasty colleagues. Watching Ari struggle with her policy to never date co-workers made her super relatable, though we were definitely rooting for her and Porter to give in to their desires. The Build Up is a delightful romance about a plus-size Black woman who goes after what she wants.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Easy read
Easy read.
Love it
Awesome book, I could not put it down.
Ok
Kind of corny and the dialogue was a bit cringe at times but overall not bad. Not my fav rom com but still did it’s job.