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Workplace romances can be tricky to maneuver for all kinds of reasons. But in the short romance Playing House by author Ruby Lang, a potential romance between colleagues becomes even more complicated when one of them is looking for a job—and the other could end up being his new boss.
The story finds Oliver Huang reconnecting with longtime acquaintance Fay Liu in the most unexpected of ways. During a historic home tour, Fay races up to greet Oliver with a kiss in order to escape another man’s unwanted advances. As they spend the day wandering through homes together, pretending to be a couple, they find that they actually enjoy each other’s company. But their budding relationship puts Oliver in a difficult place—because he’s applied for a job with her firm, and he doesn’t know how to bring it up.
As the would-be couple explores their possible relationship, Playing House introduces a world that most readers have probably never even thought about—the world of city planners. Oliver and Fay meet up while touring historic homes—and they spend much of their relationship wandering historic neighborhoods, posing as a couple while exploring beautiful houses, and talking about the communities. While the discussions don’t go too in-depth about their chosen field, it’s an interesting setup for the story. And if you’ve ever gone to a Parade of Homes event—or stopped by an open house out of sheer curiosity—you’ll understand the appeal (though your experiences may not have been quite as steamy as theirs).
The story, meanwhile, isn’t especially new or surprising. Instead, it fits the usual romance storylines. After a quirky meeting, the couple soon jumps into a promising relationship that quickly turns passionate. But while one struggles with her emotional baggage, the other struggles with the fact that he’s leaving out some pretty major parts of his own story. And, of course, when the truth comes out, the couple faces some serious obstacles. It’s really no question where their story is going—and, in such a short book, it has to do so quickly, without a whole lot of development. But, with its charming historic settings, its likable characters, and its occasional steamy moments, it’s a light, quick, and enjoyable read.
If you enjoy romance novels and watching HGTV, Playing House is a worthwhile pick for a lazy afternoon—and this new series seems to promise more romance and old homes to come.
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