⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Perfect Blend of Depth and Romance

Not Safe for Work by Nisha Tuli was an absolute standout for me. Both the story and the narration easily earn a full 5 stars.

What really set this book apart was its willingness to dive into harder, more complex topics while still delivering a romance that felt authentic and well-paced. The emotional depth of the characters added a lot of richness to the story, and I appreciated how the romance developed gradually, with real tension and growth rather than rushing into clichés.

The narration brought everything to life beautifully — the voices, tone, and emotion were spot on and made it easy to stay engaged from start to finish.

If you're looking for a romance that isn't afraid to explore heavier themes while still keeping you hooked on the characters and their journey, this audiobook is definitely worth your time.

I was pretty excited to read this book and I am very happy that it was worth it. I really enjoyed the premise of this book and how the characters developed over time. The characters were well fleshed out and really good, always love seeing a bipoc female character in engineering. The struggles of the protagonist felt so real. I loved that the resolution didn't happen instantly and it took sometime, it made the story realistic. All in all I can't wait to read more books like this from Nisha J. Tuli

Surprisingly enjoyed this book more than I thought.

I didn’t haven any expectations for this one but I’m happy to say that it was a great romance book. I adored Trisha and her attributes, her vivaciousness and courage. I understood her struggles in a male-dominated career, and her narration was funny. The only thing I didn’t quite like from Trisha —or from the book— is the constant sexualization of the male lead, Rafe. There were various descriptions of him that borderline made me uncomfortable.

As for Rafe, I thought he was good character but I wanted more depth from him. He wasn’t necessarily one-dimensional but I wanted more from his character.

The romance is amazing — the chemistry and tension was electrifying. Their interactions together and banter made me love this book even more.

I read this book via audiobook and I thought the narrator and production team did an amazing job.

Full disclosure, I had already read this book as an eARC through NetGalley and loved it so much I jumped at the chance to listen to it as an ALC.

And I still loved it! The chemistry between Rafe and Tris is off the charts, and while I tend to gravitate towards dual or duet narrations, the narrator for NSFW did an absolute stellar job at all of the characters. Tris' letter at the end of the book was one of my favourite parts and to hear it read out loud was the absolute cherry on top.

The spice was still spicing, the banter was still top notch, and the romance still swoonworthy!

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ALC!

This was a fun book and I’ve been really enjoying stepping into the contemporary romance genre, so I’m glad that one of my favorite romantasy authors has an office rivalry romance. I loved the setting of the book at the beach, giving it a relaxed vibe while still giving some office rivalry with the conferences.

I loved Soneela’s narration in everything I’ve listen to from her so it was just a comfort read overall while trying something still sort of new for me. Thanks to the ease I felt with this book, I will definitely be looking at more contemporary books. I also really loved the little references to Nisha’s other books, I honestly found it really funny.

Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli
Narrated by: Soneela Nankan
Pub Date: May 20, 2025

As someone who loves stories about strong, smart women navigating male-dominated spaces, Not Safe for Work immediately struck a chord with me. Trishara is a powerhouse: sharp, determined, and constantly having to prove herself in an environment that doesn’t always give her the credit she deserves. Her journey was deeply relatable, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

This is such a great rivals-to-lovers story with an extra punch thanks to the forced proximity element. The chemistry and banter between Trishara and Rafe absolutely sizzled, but it was their emotional tension and professional power plays that really pulled me in. Trishara’s hesitation about dating someone at work felt so real, as someone who’s also had a bad experience in that area, I completely understood her concerns. It’s hard out there, and as always, women tend to bear the heavier consequences. Ugh. I adored the romance, but let’s be honest, I wouldn’t recommend this setup in real life. Workplace romances are a gamble! LOL

The narration in the audiobook was phenomenal. The voices brought the characters and workplace dynamics to life in such a vivid way that I couldn’t stop listening. I genuinely felt like I was watching the story unfold right in front of me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Forever for the advance listening copy.

Really loved this one! The emotions and the concept was really interesting. Having the Engineering world being the forefront was really great. This has the vibe of an Ali Hazelwood novel. I will say I didn’t love the humour in this as much as AH though, some was a bit cheesy. Overall though it was a great character arc. I also love the email sent at the end! What a way to clap back and fight for yourself and others. The layers to this book were really great.

I will say I didn’t love the ex girlfriend plot point. I really wish we could steer away from these types of characters.

Loved the audiobook! This narrator is one of the greats.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

A fun twist on enemies to lovers workplace romcom. Adding a work trip to Hawaii is a little different.

Nisha of course had excellent writing, amazing character development of our FMC, and fantastic diversity and smart/strong woman rep. This only has the FMC POV which gives a great understanding of this character and her struggles being a woman and a woman of color in an engineering field. So you get a little more than just romance with that storyline. Every time we found something new about the Tris, I kept relating to her more.

I’ve gotten used to dual POV, so it was a little different to get a single POV. I think the conflict was drawn out too long. Literally 30 minutes left and Tris still wasn’t sure.

Soneela Nonkani did a great job with both Tris and Rafe’s voices.

Thanks Nisha J. Tuli, Hachette Audio, amd Netgalley for the ALC

In the beginning their banter felt a little off but it started to smooth out quickly. I ended up enjoying both MC’s and was rooting for their success. Lots of tension and spice served up with a good plot and a HEA.

Loved this book! Great atmosphere and thoughtful tone with some difficult subjects. Well done! The audiobook brings the story to the next level. Loved the narrator and the production.

Okay, this book was such a fun and spicy read! After being passed over for promotions for years, Tris finally gets a shot—but of course, she has to share the opportunity with her workplace nemesis: Rafe, the owner’s son and total nepotism poster boy.

Cue the forced proximity trope—because naturally, they get stuck in the honeymoon suite at a luxury Hawaii resort with no other rooms available. Tris isn’t exactly thrilled to be stuck with Rafe, especially given their rocky work history, but let’s just say the tension doesn’t stay professional for long.

Things heat up fast and what goes down between them is definitely NSFW. This book was equal parts steamy and entertaining, with just the right amount of enemies-to-lovers drama. If you’re into forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and a tropical setting, this one’s definitely worth a read!


Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette audio for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

I really loved this book. Enemies to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, grumpy hero... sign me up now. Trishara and Rafe are co workers who have a rivalry going on. Trishara is an engineer who has been passed up for a promotion a few times, and the last one went to Rafe, the boss's son. She knows that she has what it takes, but her company doesn't support women in leadership roles or diversity for that matter.
Rafe is grumpy and one of the most attractive humans she has ever met. When they are both chosen for the company's leadership retreat, then get booked into the same room, sparks fly.
We only get Trishara's perspective but you can glean a lot from the little comments and subtleties that are in reference to Rafe. You can tell he is into her, even if she can't see it. I thought it was done well showing us his feelings, without getting his POV. I was just waiting for the time that we would see them accept what was right in front of them. Rafe gave me all the butterflies, he was such a sweetheart. Almost too sweet, if we are honest, because the stuff with his ex went on entirely too long for my liking. When it all came to a head, he did what he needed to do, but it was like he never wanted to rock any boats or make anyone mad at him and I felt for him on that. Pleasing everyone else was just weighing him down so much. 4.5 stars. This audio was fantastic.
Thank you to Hachette, Netgalley and Nisha Tuli for an ALC.

⭐ 3/5 – layered, steamy, but uneven

“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙮”

There’s a lot to appreciate in Not Safe For Work — especially its focus on the glass ceiling and gender dynamics in the workplace, a theme rarely explored in romance. The later development of the tension between the FMC and MMC was especially strong, and I found the male lead to be unexpectedly layered, emotionally attentive, and refreshingly supportive.

That said, the pacing felt slow, especially for a story centered on a woman breaking professional barriers. I was hoping for a more capable, empowered FMC from the start, but much of the first half focused on her inner monologue about how attractive the MMC is. Personally to me, this slowed the plot and made it harder to stay invested. Ironically, I felt like I saw more depth in the MMC, partly because the FMC kept highlighting his strengths.

Still, there are some great moments here — especially once the romantic tension kicks in — and readers who enjoy slow-burn workplace dynamics with a passionate twist might find a lot to enjoy.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

I really really enjoyed this book. Is the perfect read for summer ~ bonus points for the audio, the narrator did an awesome job with this one! I loved the charactes (they had good chemistry and great banter), the tropes (one bed trope? Yes please) and the setting (hello Hawaii!). Not safe for work defenetly has a good balance between a funny summery romance and some more of serious topics (the FMC works in STEM and is POC so you can see work life is not always easy for her). Nisha J. Tuli really delivered with one. Definitely check it out!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the audiobook

Workplace rivals and forced proximity in a tropical setting. Overall a super fun read with tension, build-up and spice!
I really appreciated the representation of gender/racial inequality in the workplace. Chapter 28 was so SATISFYING and made me love this FMC!!!

The general plot wasn’t anything spectacularly unique, but it was a good time! I felt some of the “ogling” of the MMC felt repetitive and overdone at times, but Rafe is hot so it’s fair.

Audio: I didn’t love the narrators voice at first, it felt very intense but I ended up really enjoying the audio of this story! The narrator inflected well and felt natural and engaging, especially when the story became more playful. Narrator also did different voices well and none were overdone.

I'm in my audiobook era and Not Safe For Work is going right up there in my list of faves. Usually, I only pick up audiobooks that are dual narration but I honestly didn't even notice this wasn't until about 80% in.

Nisha does such a great job of delivering all the steamy moments, almost painfully slow burn (I'm talking 50% in before they even realize that they can be in the same room without causing a scene LOL) while also shedding light on the issues surrounding women of all colors in corporate America- especially male dominated STEM fields. I do love a possessive man that always cares. And when Rafe apologizes for going caveman on Andy, SWOON. I think I would have enjoyed a little more of the story focused on them after coming back from the trip. The ending felt a tad rushed for my liking.

Thank you to Hachette Audio & NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this audiobook!

Thank you so very much to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for this ARC of Not Safe for Work.

This was such a fun read! The tension and build up was perfect and felt very believable. Spicy spicy spicy!

I loved how sweet and protective Rafe was even when he thought they were enemies. I also loved that Trishara was able to take her power back in the end.

Highly recommend! And will read more from this author in the future!

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a phenomenal job! I thoroughly enjoyed this listen.

#NotSafeforWork #NetGalley

Thank you Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli is a sharp, witty workplace romance that balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant commentary on navigating corporate spaces as a woman of color. This was my first novel I’ve read from this author.

Tish is a powerhouse: fierce, confident, and unapologetically herself. This is different than most women characters I’ve read and it was refreshing.

After years of being overlooked in a white male-dominated field, she’s ready to throw in the towel. That is, until she’s suddenly selected for a three week executive training program in Hawaii. It sounds like a dream… until she realizes her nemesis, Rafe (who also happens to be the boss’s son), will be there too.

I loved watching the tension between Tish and Rafe unfold into something layered and unexpectedly tender. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional depth (especially as Tish confronts microaggressions, roadblocks, and her own desires) is handled beautifully.

If you’re looking for a romance with a fresh voice, a strong heroine, and genuine laugh and swoon moments, I highly recommend this one. Bonus: the audiobook narration was on point. It was a great emotional delivery and a voice that was super easy to listen to!

Many thanks to Hachette Audio for the ALC!

Trishara is an engineer who has been slighted at her company a few too many times while mediocre men are promoted instead. When she and her rival, Rafe Gallagher, the boss’s son, are selected to attend a leadership retreat in Hawaii, she is shocked. She’s even more shocked when she finds out they will be sharing the honeymoon suite for the entire trip. Despite their competitive nature, both Rafe and Tris start learning more about each other and giving into temptation.

Not Safe for Work is Nisha J. Tuli’s first romance novel, and I loved it just as much as I have loved her fantasy books! Tris was such a strong FMC, and I loved the STEM representation. She’s funny, confident in herself and not afraid to stand up to anyone. I loved her personality so much! Rafe is so much sweeter than I expected him to be, and has the best forearms that I have ever read about. They have great chemistry and banter, and their romance was such an agonizingly slow burn. In addition to the obvious romance, this book took on topics like sexism and racism directly.

I highly recommend listening to the audio. The narrator, Soneela Nankani, did a fantastic job bringing Tris’ character to life with her expressions and speech delivery. I listened at 2x speed, and the pronunciations were still clear and easy to understand.

There’s just something about the chaos and charm of a corporate retreat that sets the perfect stage for unexpected romance—and this book leans all the way in. With classic tropes like grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, and the ever-iconic “only one bed,” the story delivers a blend of humor, tension, and heart. What starts off as a lighthearted trip filled with workplace awkwardness turns into a meaningful exploration of miscommunication, vulnerability, and emotional growth. The banter is fun, the chemistry is undeniable, and watching these two navigate their rocky dynamic was such a treat.

But this book doesn’t stop at just romance—it also dives deeper, exploring themes of career purpose and the pressure of family expectations. Both main characters wrestle with the question of whether the work they're doing is truly what they want to dedicate their lives to, or if they’re simply chasing goals someone else set for them. It’s a feel-good story that balances self-discovery with swoony moments, leaving you with a smile and maybe even a little inspiration to reevaluate your own path.