Rating: 5

I have been looking forward to this book ever since I read & fell in love with the fastest way to fall. I loved the chemistry/mystery between Pearl and Cord. I thought they both seemed like good people and I couldn’t want to see their relationship play out.

I loved how this book was written alternating between past and present because it really built up their relationship for me, while also getting to see them rekindle/reunite in present day.

Thing book has a lot of good tension, steam, and you get to check in with your favorite characters from the universe.

Thank you Berkley for a copy of this arc, I was so surprised to receive a copy, but so thankful because this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. There is also something VERY exciting for me in the acknowledgements - 🥰

If Denise Willams writes it, I’m going to read it!

+second-chance romance
+workplace romance
+dual POV

I’ve been waiting on Cord and Pearl’s story since we were first introduced to them in The Fastest Way to Fall. Our main characters have fantastic chemistry, but of course, miscommunication and self-sabotage play a major role in their journey.

Beyond the romance aspect, I also appreciated the commentary about the added pressures of being a woman of color in the workplace.

“Being assertive looks different when people have preconceived notions about the angry Black person or the hotheaded Latina in the room. Lots of aspects of being and being seen as professional look different.”

Now I haven’t made some of the choices Pearl did - wait until the tent scene - but can relate to the pressure she felt to exceed expectations set at work.

Beyond Cord and Pearl, Tye is my favorite character. They might even have an argument for the number one spot. Their one-liners, texts, and matchmaking are all *chef’s kiss*. We also get to catch up with Britta and Wes. Shoutout out Mason for giving Cord some decent advice.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC! Technically Yours is available December 5, 2023!

I absolutely LOVE Denise Williams's romance novels. They are always so good, a little spicy but just the right amount! I love her representation and characters. I would highly recommend all her books.

This was my first Denise Williams book, and it did not disappoint, from the writing to the characters and the spice. Technically Yours is a second-chance romance told in dual povs with alternating past and present timelines. I'm not always a really big fan of second chances, but I thought this was done well, The main characters, Cord and Pearl, meet in the past when Pearl starts work at Cord's workplace. They have to navigate their attraction and connection because Cord is technically above Pearl in the company. Pearl, because of a previous bad relationship, does not allow herself to be fully present and leaves Cord behind. In the present timeline, we see that Pearl is back working with Cord and doing well in her job. Throughout the book, we get to see them connect and reconnect again while also finding out what happened with their relationship in the past.

I thought the main characters were very realistic, and even when I was frustrated with Pearl, I thought her actions were real. I also liked Cord, and how he was thoughtful, patient, and just wanted to support Pearl. I didn't particularly care for the conflict of why they couldn't be together, but there was great chemistry, steam, and tension between our main characters. Overall a good read, I recommend this book to anyone that likes second-chance romance with a diverse mc.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing and Netgalley, for this arc.

I love all of Denise Williams’ books, so I was super excited to read this one. Second chance romance is never my favorite trope, but I loved Cord and Pearl’s characters so much when they were introduced, and I was really looking forward to it. Overall, I found it enjoyable- it was nice to spend time with the characters and a lot of secondary characters were introduced like Pearl’s sisters and Bri’s child. However, I couldn’t get past Pearl’s selfishness in several parts of this book. Maybe “self involvement” is a better term, because she is self-destructive in her behavior. Ultimately, I didn’t like her as much as I had in Fastest Way to Fall. There’s protecting yourself, and then there’s taking advantage of the person you’re seeing. She definitely flirted with the line, which sucks because I love Cord. Of course all ends happily, but I guess I still expected more from her.

Denise Williams is an auto buy author for me! This book was a great second chance kind of book. Two people reunited who had grown a deep connection years before. There’s a little forbidden mixed in here that will leave you screaming and slightly anxious.

I felt that it lacked some of the emotion from a second chance. I was really excited for this story since it’s been hinted for a couple of books but there was just something missing. I think maybe they jumped at being friends with benefits too quickly? The ending of the chapters also felt a little choppy.

Regardless, it was a great read with a lot of that Denise Williams flare we love. The forest scene!!! Hello!

I completely enjoyed revisiting Cord and Pearl from The Fastest Way to Fall, as well as get peeks into their friends and family. Interconnected series are some of my favorites. I also loved how their backstories - together and apart - were developed with dual POV and multiple timeline chapters. It’s a unique way to tell a story and helps keep everything organized in my often forgetful brain.
The conflict of why they couldn’t be together 5 years ago was believable in that Pearl was afraid due to a previous relationship and she had a fabulous job opportunity in another state. However, in the present time, the roadblocks she kept throwing up could easily have been overcome. Their situation as co-workers was a volunteer position for Cord and he could have stepped down. Pearl was more than capable at her job and didn’t really need him to help her in a professional sense. Her fear of commitment was still hanging on, and that provided plenty of conflict.
I always love how Williams centers businesses and companies in her books. In this one, Pearl’s coding for teens nonprofit was super fun to read about and experience. It perfectly bridged Cord’s FitMe app at his company and provided several natural common interests and goals for them to bond over.
Finally, can we just stop and drool over Cord for a minute? Not only is he gorgeous and built, he is kind, thoughtful, independent, mature, ethical, loves kids and cats, cooks, does yard work, remodeled his house, and is an ally to diversity. When he does mess up, he listens, takes advice, considers his choices and actions, and tries better next time. I mean, Cord is one of the most swoon worthy-book boyfriends I’ve read in a long while. Definitely pick this book up if you are a romance reader!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Cord Matthews has been hopelessly in love with Pearl Harris since they stepped on the same elevator years ago. Unsure of her feelings Cord is content just to be in the same space with Pearl until one fateful evening he finally decides to risk it all.

After being burned by one bad relationship Pearl believes she must always lead with her head and not her heart. Although she had feelings for Cord she knows she must leave him behind in order to pursue her career. Pearl moves to California to start what she hopes is her dream job.

Fast-forward 5 years and Pearl is finally back in Cord's orbit. Pearl is the newly appointed interim-director of a non-profit organization OurCode and he's reluctantly accepted a position on their board of directors. As the pair become reacquainted they both realize that what they both felt years ago wasn't a fluke. Can these two put the past behind them, can Pearl find a way to follow her dreams and finally give love a try?

I'd been waiting to get the rest of Pearl and Cord's story since being introduced to them in The Fastest Way to Fall. The obvious chemistry between them made me want to know more and yet the "conflict" was a bit frustrating at times especially when it could have been easily managed. It can be a bit frustrating when the MC builds up a potential outcome and when the secret is out it's easily resolved. Overall it was a good read and I loved being able to catch up with some of the characters from the previous story.

I love Denise Williams, and this slow burn (slowwwwww) is a great entry in her loosely connected series. Watching the love story unfold was deeply satisfying, and it had just the right level of spice.

As someone who loves second chance romance, I was really excited for this one. That being said, I don’t think the dual timeline worked as well for me, as I was continuously confused about why they broke off their relationship at the first place, and even more so, why they were still hung up on each other so many years later. I think this one lacked the emotional payoff and depth that I usually enjoy from Denise Williams books, and I was just a little bit bummed.

I always enjoy books with perspectives from multiple characters, which made this one about Pearl and Cord so fun! It's also interesting how the author jumps back and forth between present day and many years earlier. Through it all, it's clear that Cord and Pearl are destined to be together, even if they're the only ones who don't realize it. Another fabulous read by Denise Williams!

While I did enjoy this book, I found that the characters were a bit unrealistic. Or at least the reasoning why they couldn't "be together" initially kinda dumb. I did like how the story has characters of various races, orientations, pronouns, etc. It's not one of my favorite books, but I did enjoy it.

I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to have delved into yet another inspiring and heartfelt novel by the talented Denise Williams. As one of my cherished auto-approved romance authors, she consistently delivers stories that never fail to bring me immense joy, happiness, and a warm feeling in my heart.

From the moment I started reading this book, its promising premise of second chance romance and forbidden love in the workplace had me utterly captivated. Williams's masterful execution brought these themes to life in a way that resonated deeply with me.

The characters of Pearl and Cord quickly won my heart. They were both remarkably relatable and engaging, allowing me to effortlessly empathize with their experiences and emotions. Their love story began seven years ago, an enchanting tale that began with a chance encounter in an elevator. However, as life's challenges and work-related complications piled up, they found themselves drifting apart, with Cord nursing a broken heart. Their paths diverged for five long years until fate intervened, pushing them back together to work on a special project. Although determined to maintain a strictly professional demeanor and keep their personal struggles at bay, the magnetic chemistry between them proved impossible to ignore. When the heart yearns for what it wants, there is no denying the powerful pull of mutual attraction.

Pearl, cognizant of the risks involved, treads cautiously, choosing to keep their rekindled relationship hidden behind closed doors. She fears the potential fallout and the potential loss of everything she has worked so tirelessly to achieve. However, as their connection deepens and their feelings intensify, they begin to question if it's worth it to hide their love. Can they find the strength to confront the challenges that lie ahead, and can love triumph over the obstacles that stand in their way? Together, will they finally find a way to ride off into the sunset?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster, tugging at the heartstrings and provoking thoughtful introspection. Williams expertly weaves together moments of tenderness, heartache, and longing, crafting a story that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this emotionally-charged, heartfelt, and beautifully angsty romance to all avid readers. It is a true gem that deserves a special place on your bookshelf.

I extend my sincerest thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read and review this remarkable novel. Their generosity in providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is deeply appreciated.

Denise Williams back at it again with the hear soaring romance! This book was funny, cute, romantic and spicy! All the things I want and need in a book! I enjoyed it a lot!

Parts are nice, but I had a hard time getting over the characters' near-constant self-sabotage. You don't want anyone to know you're seeing your coworker? You don't smash in a tent at a company retreat! I shouldn't have to explain this to you!

I wanted to love this based on the premise. I found myself skim reading by chapter 4. :-(

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.