It's Just Business

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the premise at first—another ‘love is a scam’ heroine? But *It’s Just Business* won me over by making Haley’s cynicism *earned*, not just a cute affectation. Dowell writes her like a woman who’s built walls not for drama, but survival, and watching her trip over her own defenses is both hilarious and weirdly relatable. The male lead, whose name I won’t spoil, could’ve been a bland ‘golden retriever in human form,’ but his charm is laced with just enough mischief (and a *very* questionable habit of ‘accidentally’ running into Haley) to keep things spicy. Lynhurst’s narration sells this balance perfectly—her Haley is a masterclass in restrained exasperation, while his voice drips with the kind of confidence that makes you want to throw something at him… or kiss him. *Ugh.* That said, the middle act sags slightly under repetitive ‘will they or won’t they’ beats—there’s only so many times Haley can storm off before it feels like a crutch—and a subplot involving Haley’s mom’s latest boyfriend fizzles more than it pops. But the audiobook’s production elevates the weaker moments: Lynhurst’s timing during Haley’s internal rants is *chef’s kiss*, and the sound mixing ensures the humor lands even when the plot stumbles. The ending, thankfully, sticks the landing with a payoff that’s equal parts satisfying and sneaky—no grand gestures, just two stubborn people finally admitting they’re idiots. If you love rom-coms that mock the genre while still delivering the goods, this is your next listen. Just maybe skip the 3rd ‘coffee shop coincidence’ scene. We get it, universe." "tags": [ "enemies-to-lovers with bite