A great read.

Rachel has twin boys and a useless ex. His family are constantly picking up the slack for him, and this summer is no different when he pulls out of the holiday he was supposed to take the children. Strugglng to run her business and look after everything else, she starts relying mroe on her ex brother in law Travis. Will they become more than friends and what does that mean for the rest of the family?

A raunchy Lovestory that took me a while to warm up to.
Romance novels are pretty predictable in who will end up happily with whom, so it's the writing that makes the difference between a book worth your while and a waste of reading time.
It took me about 25% into the book to warm up to the incoherent inner thoughts if the protagonists and the switches in perspective that fail to give deeper insights into a heater and are all written in the same omnipotent third person voice made it hard to get lost in the story.
I appreciate the underlying current of overcoming perfectionism, especially from a single mom perspective, and hope this book will bring value to readers that can identify with its heroine.

This was super entertaining and I loved Rachel! It was a light hearted read and it really just had that feel good romance

This was a book of firsts for me: my first by this author and my first romantic momedy - and I am absolutely hooked on both!

As a mom (albeit not a single one) of an 8 year old boy (thankfully just the one), this book resonated with me on so many levels. The pressure and the panic and the constantly trying to make things work. I felt Rachel in a way that immediately made her relatable, sympathetic, and downright likable to me. I will forever be a sucker for a strong heroine.

So that made it easier to fall head over heels for her unconventional romance. Can I just tell you how much I adored that there was so little angst in the romance? Because Rachel was dealing with enough already and the fact that Travis was an unexpected source of balance and peace for her is what made the romance so dreamy for me. Add in some seriously steamy chemistry, and an adorable connection that was just the right amount of banter and heat and -- man, I just really really loved them.

I also loved how the greater family dynamic was written. The formidable mama-bear who met her match with Rachel (no slouch in the mama-bear department herself). I loved how Rachel worked things out with her ex, and how honestly that relationship was written. All the relationships, really. This story had an authenticity to it that made it utterly unputdownable to me. It tugged at my heartstrings, coaxed out countless smiles, and I loved - literally - every minute spent with these flawed, but wonderful characters.

If you're looking for something sweet, sexy, and satisfying in a way that feels both relatable and fairytale-ish all at the same time, definitely give Rachel, Out of Office a try.

3.25 stars.

This started off so promising! I was all geared up for Rachel to be the strong and smart single mom with an attraction to her ex husband’s brother. I even totally dig the meddling mother in law. But then the connection Rachel shared with Travis seemed weird to me. It was so full of angst at first and then was just immediately all in. There was not even a hint of slow burn. It was 0-60 in no time.

I wanted more family dynamic. I wanted more Frank family shenanigans. Instead I got a whole lot of just Rachel and Travis.

Don’t get me wrong, they were sweet! I didn’t dislike the book. I enjoyed my reading experience. I just wanted more.

Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland was the perfect balance of steamy, sweet, and satisfying. The heroine, Rachel, is trying to do everything, and she is for the most part a true single supermom to her twin boys while managing a demanding entrepreneur career. Her perfectionist tendencies were a little hard to read, as I find also myself pushing others away because I do not trust them to do things as well as I would do on my own. But, I have hope as Rachel did find a way to balance everything in the end.

This book is told from two perspectives, Rachel and Travis. Travis is her ex-brother-in-law, and his perspective is refreshing and provides great insights. Rachel and Travis have significant obstacles in place to finding their own happily ever after which makes this book highly entertaining. The book has an enjoyable cast of characters who add to the family dynamics in an amusing way,

I did mention above that the book was steamy, so you have been warned. My husband benefited from some of the more descriptive passages!

The chapter headings were a fun touch, different quotes were shared that were hilarious. A particular favorite was “Motherhood should come with a warning that you’ll be forced to take a crash course in Bodily Fluids 101 from the School of Life.”

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy, hilarious, contemporary romantic comedy. It has likable, engaging characters, puppies, family drama, a heart-warming romance, many laugh out loud moments, and a happily ever after ending. The mom quotes at the beginning of each chapter are a great touch. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Hovland's next entry in this series with great anticipation.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I really loved this fun look at a mother trying to make the best life for her kids and herself. Rachel is so relatable, largely because of her perfectionism. She just knows that everything will work out if she works a little harder and gives a little more. I have been there, done that, got the gray hair to prove it. But this is the fun version of perfectionism, so her life goes down in flames in funny ways. It wasn't too angsty to enjoy reading the chaos.
I was also glad that this was dual POV because we really need to read Travis's thoughts. He is very funny, and he has a very different view of Rachel than she has of herself. I like how gentle he was with Rachel, even when he needed to tell her something she didn't want to hear. He is very romantic and a terrific match for Rachel and her boys.
The secondary characters add a lot of fun, too. I liked Brady and Kellan, Rachel's sons. I can't stand bratty kids in books, but these guys were normal -- good kids who sometimes do things they shouldn't. The Frank family was a hoot. What was up with Evelyn's cat? That was hilarious. Gavin Frank, Rachel's ex-husband, is a sympathetic character with a good heart. He needs an HEA, and I have the feeling a few hints were dropped in that direction. Molly is an excellent best friend, and I hope she is getting a book soon. She has a crazy outlook on life and dating. And Sadie from Do Me a Favor makes some appearances and adds some of her special brand of humor.
I meant to take a few days with this book and enjoy it slowly. I ended up reading right through it pretty quickly because Rachel and Travis kept me laughing. I guess that means I will have to go back and read it again!

A fun rom com, offering a new and engaging take on the pressures of motherhood along with the understandable desire to find true love. Totally put a smile on my face!

I loved this! It was so fun and real. The chemistry between Rachel and Travis was so sweet and genuine. I love reading romcoms about moms, because it’s SO important to remember that moms are real people and deserve happiness and an existence outside of being a mom. I also LOVED the little words of wisdom from moms at the beginning of every chapter. So great!!

Very well written book. Speaks like it was written about my life! Minus a few things of course. Rereading a second time just cause it was that good. Can't wait to read others by the author.

Another Christina Hovland now that I loved! Smart, sexy and touching. Rachel is a single mom of twin boys, just trying to make it through the day. Her ex, is adding to her chaos and her ex in-law's are more headache then helpers.

The whole book was a funny and real tale of om life, mixed in with romance and ex drama, from ex in - law's to ex-husband's making life decisions without thinking them trough. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with these characters!

Fun laugh out loud and heart. Really enjoyed the fact you get a real feel for the characters and family dynamics. A stress free easy fun read that will definitely keep your attention from beginning to the end. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Enjoyed the story of Rachel and Travis. Lots of crazy family time. It was good to see how Rachel dealt with her control issues and how Travis supported her. I received this arc for an honest review.

Rachel, the character who feels like she’s lost her touch in life as a single mother of eight year old twin boys. Her one night stand turned children’s father can’t bother to be there for important moments in the boy’s lives and she needs a break. Luckily, Rachel feels she has this break... the children will be gone on a summer long vacation with their grandparents. But, as luck would have it, Rachel winds up having to go. Christina Hovland takes readers in a journey to discover who Rachel is and how she can let her hair down.
This novel allows readers to realize that there is sunshine on gloomy days and what you may need is actually right in front of you. Full of romance and laughter, “Rachel, Out of Office” is one I will recommend to anyone needing a break and the mom who needs a laugh. Christina Hovland does a fantastic job of inserting mom quotes into every chapter’s heading. As a reader, I wish I discovered more from the setting and boys characters. However, maybe there will be a follow up so we can see how Rachel is doing in five years, twenty. Christina, if you are reading, I hope you build Rachel into just a glimpse of a future tale.

Hovland writes a cute, easy to read book. Rachel leads a complicated life. Wrestling twin boys while managing her career leaves her exhausted. Her ex, Gavin, isn’t all that hands on with the boys. They’ve managed co-parent with his family playing a large role. Especially his brother, Travis. When Travis entered,the story I was a goner. I was infatuated with him. I liked how besotted he was with Rachel. I liked the issues they acknowledged, how they were resolved. I really liked every move, statement, and look Travis made to Rachel. Other characters include irreparable 8 year olds, two puppies, a determined in-law, and funny friends. Check out Rachel, Out of ,the Office for a entertaining, sweet read.

This is the true romantic momedy you have been waiting for. Laugh-out-loud funny, sexy, and just so good. Rachel is the divorced mother of twin ten year old boys. She is also a bit of a workaholic - running her virtual personal assistant business and burning the candle at both ends. She got pregnant with the boys after a one night stand. Then married their father in an effort to give the boys some stability in life. Their marriage didn't work out - but Rachel has stayed close to her ex-husband and his family. Although Rachel's ex hasn't been as helpful as he really should be - leaving everything to Rachel (especially as his relationship with his new fiancé pushes him to be out of town more often).

Her ex-husband's two brothers often show up instead of her ex for the boys baseball games and other obligations. Rachel loves her ex-brother-in-law Dave - but Travis her other ex-brother-in-law not so much. Her ex and Travis don't get along very well and as a result - Rachel's opinions of Travis are pretty skewed. Travis is a total sweetheart, who has a bit of a history as a player - but shows up for his nephews and family in real ways. He wasn't always sure about joining the family business - so he explored other options and wasn't as invested in the family business as his other brothers. But - Travis is dedicated to his family and I think - just needed to be given a chance.

There is just so much to love about this book. Every mom reading this will identify with Rachel and her struggle to make order out of chaos and needing a break but not fully trusting others to do it the way she'd want it to be done. Rachel definitely starts out the book as a total control freak. It was the only way she could survive - but as a result she's pushed away help and maybe judged others (particularly Travis) a little unfairly.

Both she and Travis really need each other and do a lot of growing over the course of the book. I love that this is shown so clearly by the changes they both make (instead of just telling us that change happened). I also loved that the twins are show in a very age appropriate way and that the sibling relationships shown in the book (both adult and child) are very realistic and nuanced. I also adored the mom brigade and hope for many stories to come. I definitely see potential for Rachel's Ex and her bff to come together! I also hope we get to see more of Dave - who had a minor role in this story but has huge potential.

I highly recommend this - especially if you need a serious pick-me-up read.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Rachel, Out of Office is a fun stand alone, dual POV, romantic comedy by Christina Hovland that will make you laugh, think and at time tug at your heart strings.
Rachel and Gavin began as what was supposed to be a one night stand but that all quickly changed when Rachel found out that she was pregnant- with twins. After a quick wedding that never should have happened and an equally quick divorce, Rachel is now a single mother and business owner that is trying to make everyone happy and keep everything going as close to plan as possible- even with Gavin's meddling mother, who just wants to see her and Gavin back together. What is not a part of that plan is Travis Frank, her former brother-in-law. He's charming, witty and definitely easy on the eyes- and has the ability to drive Rachel crazy. When Rachel's ex backs out of his family's annual vacation to the mountains, she is forced to spend time with Travis and quickly realizes that she might not know him quite as well as she thought and that maybe part of the reason he always got under her skin was because they have a connection she didn't want to admit.
I absolutely ADORED this book! I have enjoyed quite a few of Christina's books before but this one exceeded my expectations. I loved how Christina portrayed Rachel as not only a mother but a single mother. I thought that the little quotes about motherhood at the beginning of each chapter was perfect- and how throughout the book there is the message that motherhood is not easy, perfect or even enjoyable at times but despite all that it is an experience that will never be regretted. When becoming a mom, so much of everything you do or think revolves around your kids and their happiness. This is exactly how Rachel is. She picks up the slack from her ex, from when he misses out on their boys games to when he thinks that buying twin 8 year olds twin puppies for their birthday is a great idea. Rachel gives 100% of herself into everything but herself. Then there is Travis- who is kind of mysterious at first- we don't really know his deal but it is abundantly apparent that he cares deeply for his nephews and their mother. He starts of pretty flirty but your unsure if he is just always flirty or if he has hidden feelings for his brother's ex-wife, but once they are at the mountain and things are starting to get steamy between him and Rachel- Travis goes full on swoon behavior as he pushes Rachel to take a stand and put herself first more often.
I'm not sure if this book is meant to be the start of a new series for Christina- but I'll just say I wouldn't be mad at revisiting the Frank family or Rachel's group of mom friends as some of them find their HEA.

“𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙯𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚.”

Easily the most relatable book I’ve read in a long time. Rachel and I might have different struggles, but the approach to handling them, the way we view things and overcome challenges were so similar.
I giggled at a lot of things, outright snorted at others, and applauded a woman coming into her own, no matter how she had to push to make it happen.
Add in a clueless ex husband, an ex brother in law that’s looking a lot less friendly these days, a know it all ex mother in law, twins, and a summer trip with most of these moving parts, and it was full blown mayhem for awhile there.
The little snippets at the beginning of each chapter, filled with advice and quotes about motherhood were so perfect for this story, and consistently reminded me that I’m not alone in the battle for sanity when it comes to children. I’d absolutely read this again, and encourage all my mom friends from different walks of life, to do so as well.

Super cute book about motherhood, family and life! I loved this one! I read it in a day because I could not put it down.