WOW WOW WOW! this book was so good and not expected. I loved everything about it and I read it within 24 hours! 5 starts all the way! Lucas is a perfect golden retriever cinnamon roll🥰

This was a cute and fun read (listen) and I was glad to have had the chance to receive an advanced copy from Netgalley, but time for away from me and I was then fortunate enough to get an audio copy after pub day and it was a really good time.

The narration was great and I loved the accents. Especially for Lucas. I love a good rivals to lovers story, and one that has a sort of fake dating twist is extra fun. They had great chemistry and cute banter. Their ‘dates’ were fun and silly and I loved them.

I’d definitely grab it if you want something funny and cute that will leave you smiling and feeling giddy.

Dealbreakers by Lauren Forsythe was a great romcom read! This was not only a great rom-com but a story of realizing sometimes what you plan is not always what’s best. Besides, what more could you want from a romance then a witty Irishman and fake dates! I definitely recommend this book.

At 30 and newly single, after her 15-year-long relationship ends, Marina knows her dealbreakers. No smokers, no tattoos, no swearing, someone who wants 2.5 kids, and a picket fence lifestyle. She's ready to settle down and is aggressively dating to find the one that meets every item on that list.

Lucas is everything that Marina doesn't want. Charming, slightly rakish, with tattoos, and a foul mouth. He never settles down in one place for long. Even worse, he's her professional nemesis (I, too, have a nemesis and I love that that language is used!).

When the two are sent on a series of fake dates with a major promotion at stake, Marina starts to realize that maybe those dealbreakers aren't dealbreakers at all when the man in front of her gives her butterflies. Lucas realizes that maybe being in the same place wouldn't be so bad if he gets to spend it with a woman who gives as good as she gets.

This is a sweet, closed-door romance with plenty of great tropes: enemies to friends to lovers, workplace, forced proximity, and sort of fake dating. Marina has an excellent set of friends who can push her on her hang-ups and who have interesting stories of their own. The banter between the two love interests is also well-done. The primary downside here is that the enmity between Marina and Lucas isn't well-developed, we're launched fully into their story with only brief mentions of that background. As a result, it's not particularly surprising that Lucas is really smitten with Marina and goes all out to charm himself into her life.

All told, if you don't mind closed-door romances, this is a good choice with a fun premise and plenty of enjoyable tropes.

Dealbreakers
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Lauren Forsythe

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Penguin Group and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: A woman with high standards. A rival coworker. And the promotion that stands between them . . .

Coder Marina Spicer has no time to waste when it comes to love, hence her long list of dealbreakers. Frustrated by the online dating world, she created Dealbreakers, an anonymous app where women review how men stack up to their internet profiles. Her high standards have served her well at work, so why not in love?

Enter Lucas Kennedy. A charming Irish content writer, he’s the only one standing between Marina and her long-deserved promotion. Much to Marina’s chagrin, the two are paired on a project to test out date ideas, ultimately determining which of them will run the department. Taking a peek at Dealbreakers hoping to learn some dirt about her rival, she finds he’s the worst-rated man on the entire app.

As Lucas and Marina argue their way through mixing cocktails, salsa dancing, and throwing axes, Marina finds herself having more fun than she’s had in years. So when temptation becomes too strong to resist, Marina allows herself to break some of her own rules. After all, if the Dealbreakers say he’s Mr. Wrong, he can’t possibly be Mr. Right . . . can he?

My Thoughts: This novel focuses on our two MCs and having to come up with dating ideas competing for the promotion at work. On the side, Marina created this app called Dealbreakers where dates are rated against their dating app profile. I fell in love with Forsythe on her last novel but really struggled with this one. This is a closed romance story. The tropes followed are the classic enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and fake dates.

At the very beginning, Marina’s character was highly judgmental and picky, to the extreme. Her character somewhat evolved by the end. Marina is so focused on the ratings on Dealbreakers that she almost loses sight what is in front of her. Marina is serious, focused, and determined. Lucas is carefree, charming, sexy, and charismatic. Marina’s friends were awesome, a strong supporting friend group. The characters were developed well, had witty banter, and chemistry. The one character that I could not connect with and had issue with was Marina’s mother, now she was likely written that way, but there should have been some focus for Marina to confront her mother in the book. The author’s writing style was easy, witty, and humorous, while serious at times.

The pacing seemed off sometimes. However, overall a good read. This reminded me of The Hating Game. I think this story will be a hit for some and a miss for other readers. I would recommend picking up the physical or digital book on this one.

THE DEALBREAKERS

4 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam for the gifted copy!

I was worried about reading this one as I didn't love The Fixer-Upper, however I was a happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this one! I thought it was a cute take on close-proximity, workplace romance with a side of competition. I felt like the chemistry was there between Marina and Lucas. Some parts made me scratch my head with the miscommunication, but overall it was a sweet read!

LOVED that our MC was a boss lady in the STEM field and loved that she unapologetically owned it. Can totally relate with a type-A analytical Brian to thinking there is a formula or list to how to tackle love and felt the author did a great job developing the character and all her actions seemed to make sense for who she was. The plot was unique and fresh/fun. Overall, I really enjoyed!

"Dealbreakers" by Lauren Forsythe is a captivating adult novel. The book's engaging narrative and relatable characters delve into the complexities of modern relationships and personal growth. Lauren Forsythe's storytelling skillfully navigates the challenges and triumphs of love, making "Dealbreakers" a compelling read for those who enjoy stories that explore the intricacies of human connections. This novel offers a thoughtful exploration of what it takes to overcome obstacles and find true happiness, making it a must-read for fans of both romance and women's fiction genres.

4 stars <3 i love a cliche <3

Coder Marina Spicer has no time to waste when it comes to love, hence her long list of dealbreakers. Frustrated by the online dating world, she created Dealbreakers, an anonymous app where women review how men stack up to their internet profiles. Her high standards have served her well at work, so why not in love?

Enter Lucas Kennedy. A charming Irish content writer, he’s the only one standing between Marina and her long-deserved promotion. Much to Marina’s chagrin, the two are paired on a project to test out date ideas, ultimately determining which of them will run the department. Taking a peek at Dealbreakers hoping to learn some dirt about her rival, she finds he’s the worst-rated man on the entire app.

As Lucas and Marina argue their way through mixing cocktails, salsa dancing, and throwing axes, Marina finds herself having more fun than she’s had in years. So when temptation becomes too strong to resist, Marina allows herself to break some of her own rules. After all, if the Dealbreakers say he’s Mr. Wrong, he can’t possibly be Mr. Right . . . can he?

A fun read, the story of Lucas and Marina. Workplace enemies competing for a job, so do they have a chance at being together. Looking forward to more books from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Really wonderful, interesting read.

Okay this started off with a very unlikeable main character, honestly she annoyed me with her unrealistic expectations but I have to say that she had some great growth throughout the story and I ended up really rooting for her and the male main character, This was cute and a fun read.

After her boyfriend of fifteen years breaks up with her, coder Marina Spicer has come up with a list and a plan to get her love life and goals for the future back on track. Frustrated by online dating, she creates an app called Dealbreakers, where women can anonymously share intel on how prospective men stack up. Her plan for a promotion and a step towards her dream future is interrupted when Lucas Kennedy rudely derails her presentation on a new idea at work, and the two find themselves paired up to test different date experiences to determine whose idea is better. Marina uses her app to look up Lucas—and learns that he’s a walking red flag according to the other women on Dealbreakers. Lucas and Marina argue their way through ax throwing, cocktail making, and an escape room, and Marina finds herself having more fun than she has in years. Marina has to decide whether she should stick to her list and first impressions, or break her own rules in the quest to achieve the life she dreams of.

Thank you @netgalley, @putnambooks, and @laurenforsythe_author for the ARC. Finally got around to this one over the weekend. Marina and Lucas’s characters were total opposites and definitely challenged each other in the best way! The things that I did f like in each of them were really worked out in their relationship with one another. They balanced each other so well and helped each other get over their flaws and shortcomings. At first I was a little annoyed by Lucas’s lackadaisical attitude, but as we got to know more of his backstory I liked him more and more. The fake dates and activities were also so fun! This was a quick and fun read, definitely recommend if you’re a fan of second first impressions, fun banter, and a reverse grumpy/sunshine! Dealbreakers is out now!

if you are looking for a palate cleanser after reading dense mystery novels, this one is great. the premise and the plot, i left a little disappointed. thank you netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Marina is over online dating but still desperate to find love. She creates an app, Dealbreakers, where women can review the guys they went on dates with for others to reference. Then she meets Lucas Kennedy, the one standing in the way of her big promotion at work. The two agree to go on fake dates around the city - Marina trying to prove the activities are better for groups, Lucas trying to prove the activities are better suited for dates. The two argue their way through the dates but end up truly opening up to one another.

This is a cute enemies to lovers rom com. I just found myself wishing for a little more steam. Thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the egalley in exchange for my honest review.

Dealbreakers was a fun quick read that approached dating in your 30s in a cool and interesting way! Marina's last relationship ended abruptly and we see her trying to find her way in the world of dating apps and men with varied intentions all while she is deep in a workplace rivalry with the sexy Lucas. Marina has created an app to pair with dating apps called "Dealbreakers" that allows women to review men they have gone out with and she easily becomes swept up in other's people opinions and perceptions of Lucas as they engage in some friendly competition to prove what is and isn't first date worthy activities. The chemistry between the two of them is great from start to finish (even if Marina can't see it) and watching the characters grow together was tons of fun!

I thought this sounded interesting and to be honest, I was drawn in by the adorable cover. Unfortunately, it really wasn’t working for me and I decided to DNF. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and PRH audio for the free ebook and audiobook to review.

A cute workplace, enemies to lovers read!! I liked the adventures Marina and Lucas went on for their work competition. I loved the progression of their friendship to feelings and in general absolutely loved Lucas. But Marina's list of dealbreakers and her must stick to plan attitude felt a little tired and a little over the top. As much as she wanted to move forward she was so far stuck in the past that it kind of felt like it hindered the moving of the story line a little bit. While the epilogue was perfect, the third act resolution felt a little rushed and I wanted just a bit more at the end!

This is a perfect summer read for when you want to commiserate on your online dating woes! 😊


Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my review!

An app that gives all dating app participants the option to share with other users the potential dealbreakers their prospects possess. How has this not been done in real life?

Things I really loved:
- The premise. I loved how our FMC had this extra information though things can always been deceiving.
- That these two MCs were fighting at work but also fake dating at work.
- The dates were so much fun and the banter between the two was great.
- How Lucas really tried to get Marina to open up and have fun. I think that is what drew these two opposites together.

What I didn’t like:
- Marina’s mom. While I get the whole meddling thing, it was a bit too much. I wish Marina’s dad would have told her to calm down and back off.
- Adam. He gave me the ick. I wish that Marina would have had told him off!

Great modern day dating read! Just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁠
Spice Level: 💋⁠💋💋
Genre: Contemporary Romance⁠
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, dating app, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, dual POV, great banter
Publication Date: August 1, 2023
Goodreads Rating: 3.9 ⭐️⁠
Amazon Rating: 4.0 ⭐️⁠
Available Format: 📖📱⁠🎧
KU Option: NO

* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dealbreakers is a cute workplace rivals romance. It started a little slow for me, but I was ultimately pulled in by the creative approach to "fake dating" by having one person be trying to convince the office that their outings are dates and the other that they are group hangouts for a work project. I also like the women in tech leadership representation! The book seems to realistically address the current online dating environment with both the pros and cons. I would recommend this book for fans of Shipped and The Hating Game.