[ARC Review]: "Her Favorite Rival"

Her Favorite Rival by Sarah Mayberry

Publisher: Harlequin (September 3, 2013)

Series: Matthews Sisters, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Category)

A new meaning for office politics Audrey Mathews has worked hard to get here. Now she's up for a promotion and nothing will stand in her way—including Zach Black. He's hot, smart and the competition. When they're assigned to the same project, she's shocked at how much she actually likes about him…and how much she misjudged him. 

Before long Audrey is seriously falling for Zach—and indulging in an affair that's against company policy. And the stakes rise when it's clear only one of them can get ahead. So where do they draw the line between competition and love? Especially when she doesn't want to lose either the promotion or the guy….

Where to Buy*:

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More Info:

Author's Site

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My Review:

This was my second time trying Sarah Mayberry's work, and it will not be my last! Her Favorite Rival  is a fun, sweet, and yes, sexy read; I was hooked by the story and characters, and especially by Mayberry's writing, from the start!

Zack and Audrey were perfect for each other, but don't try telling that to them in the beginning. As co-workers trying to climb the same ladder of success, they are nothing but rivals. She thinks he is a spoiled trust-fund baby, but his true past shocks her....It's not until she sees who he really is that they start to talk. And, as with any good romance, soon talking leads to other, much more fun, activities... But the road to their HEA is not easy, which made the journey all the more interesting.

I loved the interactions between these two; I've learned that Mayberry's romances are always full of delicious banter, which I adore. Also, Mayberry is talented at writing both steamy smex scenes and sigh-worthy sweet ones; needless to say she is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine!

Her Favorite Rival is, simply put, a great book. I love how Mayberry writes Australia into her novels; it is not just a setting, but rather a character, and I can almost picture myself there with Audrey and Zack.... I definitely want to visit! If you want a story that will capture your heart, steam up your e-reader a few times, and bring many smiles to your face, Her Favorite Rival is the perfect fit! I cannot wait to read more of Mayberry's backlist, and I will be on the look-out for her next novel.

4 STARS! 

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I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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For years, I turned my nose up at Harlequin books. I'll admit to it, and I'm sorry that I did. I'm slowly starting to find that not all category romances are bad, and thanks to listening to Sarah and Jane's DBSA podcast, I've found a new favorite author in Sarah Mayberry. I've only read a small handful of category romances so far, but I plan on reading many more in the future!

Do you have a favorite author/line from Harlequin? Or are you like I was, staying far away from this publisher? (And if so, why?)

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,






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