Juliana, a widow heading back to work after seven years of being a stay at home mom, doesn’t expect juggling single parenthood and a career to be easy, but she wasn’t anticipating outright antagonism from Ben, a department head who she overhears complaining about working parents soon after starting her new job. What follows is a two-year feud of snarky comments, tiny pranks, and needling at one another while working at an Orlando-based architectural firm. Attraction simmers under the surface of their animosity. When Asia, a colleague who values them both as friends, hosts a birthday party, they declare a truce for the night… there’s alcohol and dancing… and Ben invites Juliana to come home with him. She declines, but can’t stop thinking about it, and he says that he won’t ask again, and will wait for her to make the next move.

When Juliana and Ben are forced to work together on a new internship program with the boss Eduardo’s alma mater in Boston, they eventually start dating in secret, made more difficult when Juliana keeps bumping into Ben at her daughter's events (soccer games and school field trips). When Ben’s ex shows up and allows their daughter Paris to think her parents are getting back together, Juliana can’t accept the deceit, that Stephanie is living with Ben, or the uncertainty of the new relationship, and ends things in a third-act breakup.

Debut author Buchanan infuses the story with a lot of drama: giving in to their chemistry and then Juliana changing her mind, fighting and calling truces. Better editing might have dialed the drama down to a more appropriate notch (for example, there's a scene where Juliana goes from calm to screaming in the blink of an eye, and another with her opening a text with an f-bomb; her screaming and swearing make her seem unhinged). While I think the author beautifully and sensitively portrays what it’s like to cope with widowhood and the trauma of losing a spouse, and the tenuous nature of being new to dating after a long relationship (and the feeling of betrayal a spouse's death evokes, in particular), Juliana’s behavior towards Ben sometimes comes across as selfish and immature.

A therapist is mentioned at the very beginning, and never again—running is Juliana's therapy, but it would have been good—and realistic—for Juliana to have a professional in addition to her strong circle of friends to dispense advice and prop her up (the friends are all distinctive and wonderful, yay for sisterhoods!). I would have liked to see more of Clara and Sophie, Juliana’s kids, and more details about her workplace and the company (Juliana is in HR for an architectural abs interior design firm, and I’d love to know more!). Architect Ben is portrayed as mature, relationship-ready, and willing to give Juliana all the space she needs, and comes across as very tolerant, plus hot, plus a good dad.

The plot moves briskly, towed in part by the suspense of wondering what Ben needs to come clean to Juliana. A subplot around diversity, equity and inclusion is progressive and well-handled without being preachy. The settings of Boston and Orlando are described with affection and authenticity, but Billings professor James and Ben’s ex are not as fleshed out as other supporting characters. I was a bit shocked that there was no "disclose the relationship" requirement until the Epilogue, especially given the protagonist’s role as an HR staff member! And I was more than a little shocked over the location of their first (juicily detailed) sexual encounter.

Narrator Charlotte North does a fantastic job capturing Juliana’s voice (she sounds a little like Courtney Cox, musical with a little huskiness or vocal fry at times), and when North portrayed one of the kids, I actually thought it was another narrator. Juliana has a strong, clear narrative voice throughout the book, so this felt like a great match for the character. Bonus points for the pronunciation of timbre with its French pedigree. I listened to 32% of this and had to stop because it was bedtime, and was SO happy to see I was approved for the digital ebook as well, so I switched and kept reading—I had to find out what happened next.

I received a free advance readers copy of #LetsCallATruce via #NetGalley courtesy of #MacMillan.

Thank you Netgalley smp and MacMillan audio for the free ALC. My opinions are being left voluntarily. This started off a tad shaky for me but under 10% in it picked up and I gobbled up this perfect romance book. I loved the narration, the side characters, the mmcs every little hit. I will need a copy for my forever shelf.

4.5/5☆

This cutesy cover did NOT prepare me for this book. Seriously 5 stars. This book gave me every emotion possible and kept giving me twist after twist I did not see coming.
There were points when both MCs annoyed me but in the end I loved them both so much as well as the 3 kids and friends in this book. I really hope we will get to see more of the side characters stories!!

For two years 33-year-old widow Juliana has held a grudge against colleague Ben after he commented about her abilities when she cancelled their meeting to race to one of her daughters. Now she’s forced to collaborate with him on a project that could land her a promotion. Ben wants a truce, but Juliana is still angry. Yet why can’t she stop staring at his forearms and why does he make her heart race? Can Juliana open her eyes to really see Ben and her heart?

I adored Ben. It was obvious he liked Juliana from the start and enjoyed sparring with her for a reaction. I loved that he called her out to deal with their mutual attraction. He was all in from the start, though I wasn’t a fan of the way he handled the final conflict (and Juliana was right deal with it how she did). Juliana is a woman forced to rebuild a life for her and her daughters after her husband dies. She’s tenacious and strong desperately trying to balance everything while grieving. However, I started to dislike her for repeatedly cutting Ben down in hurtful ways, and this dragged the pace. While I was glad Asia finally told her off, I wish this was addressed much earlier to see her properly enact their truce. It was disappointing that she finally learns Ben’s backstory through coincidence and not because she bothered to take an interest in the same way Ben took an interest in her. Then she had the temerity to be angry with him and their friends because she didn’t know! WTF?

Overall, this was a such a fun and sexy workplace romance with charming characters. Highly recommended.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 ✨️ (rounded up). I don't typically pick up single mom/dad tropes, because I myself can't typically connect to the main characters. But Ben and Juliana were written with very mature communication styles which made the angst and enemies-to-lovers plot fun to interact with! I loved how much time was spent building not only their relationship, but the relationships with the kids. There were several moments where the emotions didn't feel genuine, but overall I enjoyed the romance!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Buchanan, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader copy!

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance with plenty of witty banter, *Let’s Call a Truce* is definitely worth your time! Amy Buchanan delivers a charming enemies-to-lovers story that pulls you in with its playful premise and relatable characters.

The plot centers around Lexi and Jack, two people who can’t stand each other but are forced to work together on a big project. What starts as an all-out feud soon morphs into a truce—then, unexpectedly, into something more. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and watching them navigate their bickering while slowly falling for each other is pure fun. Buchanan does a great job balancing humor and heart, keeping the pace lively with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Lexi is smart, sassy, and independent, while Jack has that irresistible mix of confidence and vulnerability. Their snappy dialogue is one of the best parts of the book—like watching a fast-paced rom-com unfold right on the page. But beyond the banter, *Let’s Call a Truce* also explores the softer side of relationships, showing how trust and understanding are key when moving past old grudges.

That said, if you’re not a huge fan of predictable romance plots, this book won’t necessarily surprise you with major twists. The "enemies-to-lovers" trope plays out pretty much how you’d expect, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment. Sometimes you just want a fun, heartwarming story with characters you can root for, and this delivers exactly that.

Overall, *Let’s Call a Truce* is a delightful read for anyone who loves a good rom-com with plenty of humor, sizzling chemistry, and a sweet ending that’ll leave you smiling. Perfect for a cozy weekend escape!

this was such a fun read, I have never read any books by Amys before and I will definitely be picking up something else that she writes. I love a second chance office romance. this one made me laugh so much. I cant wait to see what Amy writes next!

I think I loved the parts when they were "enemies" more.
And while I applaud Juliana's way of setting and sticking to her boundaries, sometimes I didn't understand her thought process. I might be in the minority here, but I completely get Ben's actions as he was doing everything with regards to his daughter's well-being, however shitty or misplaced it was. I think I had hoped for more understanding? Idk.
Wrt the writing, it was fine, although a but repetitive. I wouldn't say no to reading another book from the author!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Let's Call A Truce by Amy Buchanan is a super cute romance story with drama, witty banter, & plenty of passion. Two co-workers, Juliana & Ben, both fighting past traumas, just can't seem to get along until a big project forces them to work together. All the tension between them leads to plenty of drama as well as building each other back up after their pasts & helping them grow together as a couple.
Great side characters & I'm selfishly hoping Amy Buchanan's next book might be Asia's story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, but overall, Let's Call A Truce is a wonderful enemies to lovers story you should add to your TBR list.

Thank you, Net Galley, St. Martin's Press and Amy Buchanan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

I can't believe this was Amy Buchanan's debut! Where has she been hiding?! This book had everything, a single mom's second chance at romance while climbing the corporate ladder, sweet gestures, banter, and spice.

Juliana is a widowed mother of two who gets back into the workforce after years of being a SAHM. On her first day, she had to leave work early to have a meeting at her kid's school and had to cancel a meeting with Ben, the hunk she literally ran into earlier that day. She overhears him talking to a colleague about how angry he was that she didn't respect his time and makes a comment about her kids that makes her see red.

After this encounter, she keeps her distance. She even keeps a record of who wins and who loses each of their banter-filled competitive interactions.

Then, they get put on a project together and have to call a truce to get through it. It's pretty obvious that he's into her as they start to interact more, but she fights the attraction. Feeling guilty about her late husband and how her kids would react.

There's quite a bit of spice and sass in this book, but it's mixed with tender moments as they find their way to each other.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but I was so frustrated with Juliana for the first part of the book. He told her to ask anything she wanted, and she refused to get to know him. Then got mad when he had secrets she didn't know about!

All in all, excellent debut and definitely recommend!

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let’s Call a Truce
Author: Amy Buchanan
Romance

Thank you so much Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC! I enjoyed this one. Juliana is a widowed mother raising her two kids on her own. She is just returning to the work place after being a stay at home mom, and her first day back she catches one of her coworkers basically talking about how she a a risk and liability for the company, etc. This sparks a feud between the two of them that continues on for over two years. When forced to work on a project together, do these feelings or irritation and frustration turn to something else? It was a cute office romance, with a splash of enemies to lovers. Definitely not a romcom. A little dash of spice. Nothing crazy. Thank you again for this ARC! Releases 1/2025!

4.5⭐️

i’m in love with this book!!! i flew through this in a weekend and loved every second of it. the banter between the MCs was soooo good and the spice… 👌🏼 i was also IN LOVE with ben.

this book made me realize how much i love the single parent trope and love amy’s writing, it’s highly addictive

i would highly highly recommend this to any romance girlie who loves a bit of enemies to lovers + forced proximity. i ate up every second of it

This book was an absolute joy to immerse myself in! The delightful banter between the main characters had me smiling and cheering them on at every twist and turn. The tension that simmered throughout the pages was exhilarating, pulling me deeper into their world with each unfolding moment. While it may not be bursting with spice, the intimacy that is present is masterfully crafted and profoundly moving. The portrayal of family ties was heartwarming, radiating love and connection that truly touched my soul. I was particularly impressed with how the author navigated the delicate theme of loss; the way the female main character grappled with her grief over her husband's passing resonated deeply.

Let's Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan offers a classic enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of office drama and slow-burn tension. Juliana Ryan's journey from a grieving widow to a strong, career-driven woman is relatable and heartwarming. The initial tension between Juliana and her colleague, Ben, is fun to watch unfold, with witty banter and undeniable chemistry.

However, the story sometimes feels predictable, and certain plot points, like Ben’s troubled past, are introduced late in the book, leaving less room for development. While the romance is sweet, it can also feel rushed at times, especially after two years of animosity.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for fans of workplace romance, but it doesn't break new ground. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good romance, *Let’s Call a Truce* delivers, though it may not leave a lasting impact.

This was such a great debut! Amy Buchanan has written some rounded, well-realized characters, great banter, and an entirely believable (and well-paced!) romance.

Juliana and Ben’s relationship drips with tension from the moment they meet, and it all plays out on the page so well. I think one of the finest parts of this romance is watching Juliana come to terms with moving on from the husband she is still grieving, and learning how to balance that grief with loving someone new. I loved that Ben not only wasn’t intimidated by her dead husband, but that he encouraged her to talk about him and understood that he would always be a part of her.

The friend group in this book was everything (seriously, I was jealous!). They’re supportive, they make each other laugh, and they call each other out. Each one was fully developed, so you weren’t left going “Wait, who was that again?” They were one of my favorite parts of the book!

I devoured this thing in a day, and I can’t wait to see what else comes from this debut author!

Workplace, “enemies” to lovers romance that was both funny and also serious in the best way. I enjoyed the characters and the story!

This workplace enemies to lovers story was so good! When these two characters start acknowledging their feelings for each other, it is swoon worthy! But having both been hurt before, they both bring baggage to the relationship. Will they overcome the struggles that arise?

One of my favorite things is reading debut novels! Amy Buchanan definitely has a a wonderful start to an amazing writing career, and I can't wait to see what else she does-I'll be watching!

This book has excellent character development. They are so well thought out, and you can't not fall in love with them along the way. This is a classic Enemies to Lovers trope with a twist. Everything I'd want in a rom com honestly! It was a fun read that I couldn't put down. I laughed, and also found myself shedding some tears.

Let's Call a Truce is fantastic. I loved this one so much. The banter and bickering between Juliana and Ben is amazing. I love the chemistry build between Juliana and Ben. Your heart goes out to both as the struggle with juggling everything. Juliana is a fantastic single mom. I love her strength as she battles the home life and work life. The chemistry grows hot between Juliana and Ben as they drop their walls and figure out they have a lot in common. This has so many sweet and laugh out loud moments to go with the little heavier ones. I could not put this down. You need to read this today.

My luck with trying different authors lately has been not so great, but this one I really liked. I'll definitely read more by her. The banter between the main characters, as well as side characters, is great and made me laugh several times. I also cried a few times...something about an MMC crying just gets me every time.

The MMC is very likable, and I was rooting for him the whole time. The FMC has some reservations, for good reasons, that she must overcome. I very much enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down. I only wish the FMC could have given the MMC more grace at times. Also, I think it could have been a bit shorter and still gotten the same story across, but that's a personal preference.