Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a delight for fans of contemporary romance who love witty banter, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a slow-burn boss-employee setup. Elizabeth O'Roark pairs a sharp-tongued, resilient heroine with an irresistibly flawed, secretly soft-hearted hero - a combination that brings lots of sparks and laughter. If you're in the mood for enemies-to-lovers vibes (with more playful antagonism than true animosity), layered characters, and a sprinkle of Hollywood glam courtesy of a plastic surgeon hero, you'll enjoy this ride. Plus, the supporting characters and zingy dialogue are top-notch, making it great for anyone who appreciates humor and a bit of angst in their romance.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the book's setup and certain plot moments a bit unrealistic or overly convenient - especially scenes that feel ripped straight from classic romance tropes (like the infamous shirt-swapping incident). The book has its share of angsty miscommunications and some felt the heroine was too snarky, while others struggled with the hero's playboy reputation and questionable bedside manners. If you're easily irked by office romances with blurred professional boundaries, or dislike characters who don't always communicate like adults, this might not be your cup of tea. There's also a touch of double standards and out-of-place moments that could pull some readers out of the story.
About:
Tali, an aspiring writer struggling to make ends meet, takes a temporary job as an assistant to Hayes, a grumpy plastic surgeon known as the Devil. Their banter sparks into romance, despite their initial oil-and-water dynamic. As they navigate their emotional baggage and snarky exchanges, the tension builds towards a slow-burn happy ending. The book is described as a mix of humor, angst, and the will to change, with well-developed characters and engaging dialogue.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of family dysfunction and financial struggles, which may be sensitive for some readers.
Has Romance?
Romance plays a significant and central role in the story, developing from initial antagonism to a fulfilling relationship.
From The Publisher:
An Amazon Top 100 Bestseller!
He might not be the devil, but working under him for six weeks is my idea of hell.
Hayes Flynn is an arrogant jerk known best for his scotch habit and the way he spreads his British "charm" all over Hollywood, never with the same woman twice.
He's the last person I want to work for, except he has a face I can't look away from, and the longer we're together, the harder he is to hate. Because under that smug exterior is a heart he doesn't want to show-one that was badly broken a decade earlier.
A part of me wants to fix it for him before I leave…but can I do it without breaking my own in the process?
Ratings (82)
Incredible (20) | |
Loved It (37) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (9) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (163):
Read It (91) | |
Want To Read (50) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (20) |
4 comment(s)
3,75/5
Thought this was great. Enjoyed the banter. Could have done with a few more pages in my opinion but over all it was great.
Beautifully woven story
It turned out to be quite an enjoyable read.
I found several truly unique and intriguing elements in this book. After consuming a fair share of contemporary romances, any signs of innovation and deviations from well-trodden paths are appreciated. For instance, I found it refreshing that the main character, Hayes, is a plastic surgeon to Hollywood stars. This was a new angle for me, and I appreciated that his profession had a place in the story.
And I really enjoyed how Hayes and Tali genuinely cared for each other. Their concern was evident in simple gestures, and the author didn't need to reassure me of it in every sentence. This allowed me to believe in their relationship and that they complemented each other well. They made each other better versions of themselves, and I found that aspect endearing.
This allowed me to smoothly overlook elements that I typically dislike in my romances or have grown tired of lately. For example, the heroine navigating a life crisis, being terribly chaotic, and unsure of what she wants in life, only to find herself through a relationship with a guy. Then there's Hayes—your stereotypical apparent bad boy and playboy with a heart of gold, someone who has been cruelly hurt in the past. These aren't elements I actively seek in my books, but the author handled them quite skillfully, allowing me to smoothly move past them.
Ultimately, I must admit that this won't be a book whose details will stay etched in my memory forever. However, I understand why some people love this book and return to it often. There's something undeniably pleasant about this story that makes you want to come back to it, and I wouldn't be surprised if I find myself picking it up again someday.
What can you read after
A Deal with the Devil?
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