What do you think?
Rate this book
Technically Yours
Seven years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.
Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. When she is appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she has a chance to make lasting change for the organization, but a scandal has put their reputation at risk. Further complicating matters, Pearl didn’t expect the one man she hasn’t stopped thinking about in seven years to be the newest member of her board of directors.
Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator seven years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn’t for him. After five years with no contact, their connection is immediate despite the many roadblocks in their way and Cord must consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode.
Pearl and Cord both are hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk as they grow closer, but it becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them, and love isn’t easily debugged.
Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. When she is appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she has a chance to make lasting change for the organization, but a scandal has put their reputation at risk. Further complicating matters, Pearl didn’t expect the one man she hasn’t stopped thinking about in seven years to be the newest member of her board of directors.
Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator seven years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn’t for him. After five years with no contact, their connection is immediate despite the many roadblocks in their way and Cord must consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode.
Pearl and Cord both are hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk as they grow closer, but it becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them, and love isn’t easily debugged.
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 794 reviews
August 27, 2024
Black History Month
I wanted to love this. It has most of the qualities I want in a book. Strong, independent woman. Diverse rep. However, it felt a little try hard.
I will be the first to tell you I am "woke," no matter how much I hate the word, and while the Black rep in this book feels authentic to me, the two enby characters did not. To me, they felt thrown in as an afterthought. I've had this discussion with a few friends, and we differed on opinions, but for me, not all rep is good rep. Nonbinary people shouldn't be afterthoughts. They should be fully fleshed, with normal everyday interactions.
I'm not saying Black women should only date Black men, because if globalization brought us anything, it should be the mix in cultures. However, when a good portion of the interracial (I hate this word - is there anything new yet?) romances I read contain a BIPOC woman with a white man, I internally cringe. I'm not hating on these couples. I know these couples. I just think it sends the message that BIPOC men aren't "worth it," and that, to me, feels wrong.
All of that aside, second chance romances are not my favorite, and while I knew that going in, that's not what bothered me here. We are supposed to believe that Pearl and Cord's chemistry is off the charts, but I found myself yawning as they were getting it on. I also didn't like how he never listened to her, and just decided to do what he wanted 90% of the time.
Another thing that bothered me was Pearl's mentality. I get it, I get it, "head over heart." Say it one more time for those that didn't hear. For someone supposedly so smart, how did she get entangled in so many interoffice relationships? Shouldn't you learn after the first one?
In short, I wish this sent a better message, and that I liked the couple more as a couple, and separately as their own people. I don't want to write this author off for a subgenre I don't particularly enjoy, so I'll next pick up something a little more up my alley. I was trying to rush and finish this for one of The Ripped Bodice's book clubs, but as you can see, I didn't.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
I wanted to love this. It has most of the qualities I want in a book. Strong, independent woman. Diverse rep. However, it felt a little try hard.
I will be the first to tell you I am "woke," no matter how much I hate the word, and while the Black rep in this book feels authentic to me, the two enby characters did not. To me, they felt thrown in as an afterthought. I've had this discussion with a few friends, and we differed on opinions, but for me, not all rep is good rep. Nonbinary people shouldn't be afterthoughts. They should be fully fleshed, with normal everyday interactions.
I'm not saying Black women should only date Black men, because if globalization brought us anything, it should be the mix in cultures. However, when a good portion of the interracial (I hate this word - is there anything new yet?) romances I read contain a BIPOC woman with a white man, I internally cringe. I'm not hating on these couples. I know these couples. I just think it sends the message that BIPOC men aren't "worth it," and that, to me, feels wrong.
All of that aside, second chance romances are not my favorite, and while I knew that going in, that's not what bothered me here. We are supposed to believe that Pearl and Cord's chemistry is off the charts, but I found myself yawning as they were getting it on. I also didn't like how he never listened to her, and just decided to do what he wanted 90% of the time.
Another thing that bothered me was Pearl's mentality. I get it, I get it, "head over heart." Say it one more time for those that didn't hear. For someone supposedly so smart, how did she get entangled in so many interoffice relationships? Shouldn't you learn after the first one?
In short, I wish this sent a better message, and that I liked the couple more as a couple, and separately as their own people. I don't want to write this author off for a subgenre I don't particularly enjoy, so I'll next pick up something a little more up my alley. I was trying to rush and finish this for one of The Ripped Bodice's book clubs, but as you can see, I didn't.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
March 29, 2024
I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to have delved into yet another inspiring and heartfelt novel by the talented Denise Williams. As one of my cherished auto-approved romance authors, she consistently delivers stories that never fail to bring me immense joy, happiness, and a warm feeling in my heart.
From the moment I started reading this book, its promising premise of second chance romance and forbidden love in the workplace had me utterly captivated. Williams's masterful execution brought these themes to life in a way that resonated deeply with me.
The characters of Pearl and Cord quickly won my heart. They were both remarkably relatable and engaging, allowing me to effortlessly empathize with their experiences and emotions. Their love story began seven years ago, an enchanting tale that began with a chance encounter in an elevator. However, as life's challenges and work-related complications piled up, they found themselves drifting apart, with Cord nursing a broken heart. Their paths diverged for five long years until fate intervened, pushing them back together to work on a special project. Although determined to maintain a strictly professional demeanor and keep their personal struggles at bay, the magnetic chemistry between them proved impossible to ignore. When the heart yearns for what it wants, there is no denying the powerful pull of mutual attraction.
Pearl, cognizant of the risks involved, treads cautiously, choosing to keep their rekindled relationship hidden behind closed doors. She fears the potential fallout and the potential loss of everything she has worked so tirelessly to achieve. However, as their connection deepens and their feelings intensify, they begin to question if it's worth it to hide their love. Can they find the strength to confront the challenges that lie ahead, and can love triumph over the obstacles that stand in their way? Together, will they finally find a way to ride off into the sunset?
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, tugging at the heartstrings and provoking thoughtful introspection. Williams expertly weaves together moments of tenderness, heartache, and longing, crafting a story that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this emotionally-charged, heartfelt, and beautifully angsty romance to all avid readers. It is a true gem that deserves a special place on your bookshelf.
I extend my sincerest thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read and review this remarkable novel. Their generosity in providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is deeply appreciated.
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
From the moment I started reading this book, its promising premise of second chance romance and forbidden love in the workplace had me utterly captivated. Williams's masterful execution brought these themes to life in a way that resonated deeply with me.
The characters of Pearl and Cord quickly won my heart. They were both remarkably relatable and engaging, allowing me to effortlessly empathize with their experiences and emotions. Their love story began seven years ago, an enchanting tale that began with a chance encounter in an elevator. However, as life's challenges and work-related complications piled up, they found themselves drifting apart, with Cord nursing a broken heart. Their paths diverged for five long years until fate intervened, pushing them back together to work on a special project. Although determined to maintain a strictly professional demeanor and keep their personal struggles at bay, the magnetic chemistry between them proved impossible to ignore. When the heart yearns for what it wants, there is no denying the powerful pull of mutual attraction.
Pearl, cognizant of the risks involved, treads cautiously, choosing to keep their rekindled relationship hidden behind closed doors. She fears the potential fallout and the potential loss of everything she has worked so tirelessly to achieve. However, as their connection deepens and their feelings intensify, they begin to question if it's worth it to hide their love. Can they find the strength to confront the challenges that lie ahead, and can love triumph over the obstacles that stand in their way? Together, will they finally find a way to ride off into the sunset?
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, tugging at the heartstrings and provoking thoughtful introspection. Williams expertly weaves together moments of tenderness, heartache, and longing, crafting a story that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this emotionally-charged, heartfelt, and beautifully angsty romance to all avid readers. It is a true gem that deserves a special place on your bookshelf.
I extend my sincerest thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read and review this remarkable novel. Their generosity in providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is deeply appreciated.
medium.com
December 19, 2023
He’s got a fat dick, a cat named peaches, the ability to drop 30K on a cause you love, and doesn’t even bother to disagree when his friend tells him he’s been in love with you for a decade because he’s emotionally stable enough to be like “yeah, that tracks” yet you STILL don’t trust him with your heart????? Couldn’t be me 😭
She also fumbled a billionaire so idk what her deal is 😭(Was he great? No. But I’d at least be a little sad.) Back to Cord, she kept giving this poor man the weirdest standards. She would shut him out but expect him to come back. He can only fight for you so much!! Mister Man could take Rocky down at this point 😭
She left this man TWICE. and he begged both times for her to stay. He’s a simp but he’s a sexy simp. Does he maybe need to get a little self respect? Yeah, I mean he was once again the one to beg for her at the end, but unfortunately that only makes him hotter 😭
I debated giving this 3 stars but Cord is a makes you wanna get certified in scuba diving wet dream. I liked Pearl I just did NOT UNDERSTAND HER REASONING. Hot but confusing! Let him save you just a little bit👌 It was funny and well written and I couldn’t put it down, so rounding up to 4 stars it is.
The audiobook narrators were impeccable, so if you’re in the mood to be both hot and bothered, definitely grab a copy. Plus, the epilogue takes place on New Year’s Eve so it’s seasonally relevant!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
She also fumbled a billionaire so idk what her deal is 😭(Was he great? No. But I’d at least be a little sad.) Back to Cord, she kept giving this poor man the weirdest standards. She would shut him out but expect him to come back. He can only fight for you so much!! Mister Man could take Rocky down at this point 😭
She left this man TWICE. and he begged both times for her to stay. He’s a simp but he’s a sexy simp. Does he maybe need to get a little self respect? Yeah, I mean he was once again the one to beg for her at the end, but unfortunately that only makes him hotter 😭
I debated giving this 3 stars but Cord is a makes you wanna get certified in scuba diving wet dream. I liked Pearl I just did NOT UNDERSTAND HER REASONING. Hot but confusing! Let him save you just a little bit👌 It was funny and well written and I couldn’t put it down, so rounding up to 4 stars it is.
The audiobook narrators were impeccable, so if you’re in the mood to be both hot and bothered, definitely grab a copy. Plus, the epilogue takes place on New Year’s Eve so it’s seasonally relevant!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
February 21, 2024
2.5 stars
I want to preface this with I loved this authors first book How to Fail at Flirting, and if you're curious about reading her work please start there. This book, really didn't meet the mark for me. It's a quick read and one I was able to knock out almost entirely in one evening, but now almost two weeks after reading it, there was nothing that really stands out to me now.
Technically Yours is a second chance romance about Cord and Pearl, who were employer and employee. After Pearl dumped Cord and flew across the country years ago, she is back and working for a coding nonprofit Cord just became a board member of. The two still have feelings but try to keep things secret so Pearl can get a promotion.
Overall this book was very meh. I didn't feel any stakes or tension between the two. The author also didn't really describe a lot of the characters in the book, so oddly I can't even tell you the basics of what they looked like. Except Pearl had very long legs. I was never really sold on the romance between these two characters, honestly they felt very incompatible to me. I get that Cord was down bad for Pearl but it really felt like she could take him or leave him. I've read three other works by this author and they were all much better, so I am hoping this one is a fluke and her next one will be great!
I want to preface this with I loved this authors first book How to Fail at Flirting, and if you're curious about reading her work please start there. This book, really didn't meet the mark for me. It's a quick read and one I was able to knock out almost entirely in one evening, but now almost two weeks after reading it, there was nothing that really stands out to me now.
Technically Yours is a second chance romance about Cord and Pearl, who were employer and employee. After Pearl dumped Cord and flew across the country years ago, she is back and working for a coding nonprofit Cord just became a board member of. The two still have feelings but try to keep things secret so Pearl can get a promotion.
Overall this book was very meh. I didn't feel any stakes or tension between the two. The author also didn't really describe a lot of the characters in the book, so oddly I can't even tell you the basics of what they looked like. Except Pearl had very long legs. I was never really sold on the romance between these two characters, honestly they felt very incompatible to me. I get that Cord was down bad for Pearl but it really felt like she could take him or leave him. I've read three other works by this author and they were all much better, so I am hoping this one is a fluke and her next one will be great!
August 15, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This was a cutesy read! It was fun to read about the romance, but also really fun to connect with Pearl as she navigated the work place. If you’re a woman in a corporate career, you’ll really resonate with her struggles!
- Cord was everything and more! I wish we had gotten a little less spice and more of them together. Felt like the physical aspect of their connection really carried their relationship.
- Love how this author constantly adds little twists and turns within the story. Will definitely read more books from this author in the future!
- This was a cutesy read! It was fun to read about the romance, but also really fun to connect with Pearl as she navigated the work place. If you’re a woman in a corporate career, you’ll really resonate with her struggles!
- Cord was everything and more! I wish we had gotten a little less spice and more of them together. Felt like the physical aspect of their connection really carried their relationship.
- Love how this author constantly adds little twists and turns within the story. Will definitely read more books from this author in the future!
December 23, 2023
I couldn’t get through this book. The plot was interesting and the characters were too, but the they/them pronouns with two main characters were so confusing and distracting. I know it’s politically correct but it’s awkward to read. It’s like relearning grammar and it detracts from the story
May 16, 2023
Parts are nice, but I had a hard time getting over the characters' near-constant self-sabotage. You don't want anyone to know you're seeing your coworker? You don't smash in a tent at a company retreat! I shouldn't have to explain this to you!
December 5, 2023
3.5⭐️ This is my first full length novel by Denise Williams, and I now know why she is so beloved. Chock full of diverse representation, Williams touches on some heavier themes, while never losing sight of the romance at its core. Setting this second chance love story in the coding world gave it such an updated twist, and I loved the incorporation of true mentorship, within the tech industry, into the story as well. And did I mention it has the most gorgeous cover?!
I did this one as a combination read, utilizing both the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by superstars January LaVoy and Joe Ardon, to really immerse myself in the story and I think that was the way to go.
Thank you Berkley Pub And PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
I did this one as a combination read, utilizing both the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by superstars January LaVoy and Joe Ardon, to really immerse myself in the story and I think that was the way to go.
Thank you Berkley Pub And PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
May 14, 2024
Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but I think I would have struggled with this one even if it wasn’t that trope. I found both Pearl and Cord to be underdeveloped characters and never fully understood their attraction to each other (outside of lust).
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
2 ⭐ ‧₊˚ ꒱ thank u to berkley publishing + netgalley for providing me with an arc
December 7, 2023
Pearl Harris (Black woman) appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit focused on inspiring high schoolers to code and learn the tech industry, following a nasty scandal. She’s determined to do everything to ensure that OurCode can salvage its reputation without anymore surprises…that is until she learns that the newest board member is Cord Matthews (white man), the one who got away seven years ago.
I loved Pearl’s character. She is so independent and passionate about her career and mentoring the next generation even though she’s constantly facing sexism and racism in this majority white male field.
I was a bit hesitant about Cord at first because I wasn’t sure if he was going to swoop in and be the “shining white knight” that is too common place in interracial dating books. But Cord is an adorable cinnamon roll. He leans in and supports whatever Pearl needs and doesn’t insert himself. The chemistry they have makes for lots of banter and angst throughout the story.
I really loved every minute of this story and the light shed on the lack of diversity in STEM, and the importance of equity and inclusion.
Thank you Berkley Romance for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
I loved Pearl’s character. She is so independent and passionate about her career and mentoring the next generation even though she’s constantly facing sexism and racism in this majority white male field.
I was a bit hesitant about Cord at first because I wasn’t sure if he was going to swoop in and be the “shining white knight” that is too common place in interracial dating books. But Cord is an adorable cinnamon roll. He leans in and supports whatever Pearl needs and doesn’t insert himself. The chemistry they have makes for lots of banter and angst throughout the story.
I really loved every minute of this story and the light shed on the lack of diversity in STEM, and the importance of equity and inclusion.
Thank you Berkley Romance for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2024
i want to live in this book
December 16, 2023
I have never been so attracted to a fictional character named after a household utility before.
December 19, 2023
Happy release day!
Rating represents 3.5 rounded down~
Thanks to Berkley for a copy to review! Technically Yours will be out December 5th.
This was an interesting reading experience because while I didn't find myself invested in the romance (the split POV was helpful, the dual timeline, not so much), I very much enjoyed the diversity and representation in the cast of characters, and the issues discussed, like the lack of those things in many current STEM workplaces etc.
Cord and Pearl (I love these character names, together they could make a necklace, haha!) are mostly so-so on-page. But them taking care of Tye together, and their spicier scenes, were among their best moments.
Pearl was an interesting character, and very realistic in how she followed her feelings. Many readers seem baffled she would accept a position whose last occupant left it under a cloud of scandal, but I saw this as her showing sincerity and a desire to help advance the field, serve as a role model, help others.
Cord was much more dimensional than a lot of contemporary romance leads I've read lately. He has a cat, Peach, who he adores, who wears custom sweaters advertising his company and acts very enjoyably catlike the whole book. He's also in a situationship for a while with Abby, a lovable nonbinary character, and I found that super refreshing, even if briefly counterproductive to the main romance.
In fact, there were multiple they-them characters presented in the story, much to my delight, and from a mainstream traditionally published romance! A diverse and casually queer ensemble of characters, their stories set in the world of coding, really improved this book for me.
Rating represents 3.5 rounded down~
Thanks to Berkley for a copy to review! Technically Yours will be out December 5th.
This was an interesting reading experience because while I didn't find myself invested in the romance (the split POV was helpful, the dual timeline, not so much), I very much enjoyed the diversity and representation in the cast of characters, and the issues discussed, like the lack of those things in many current STEM workplaces etc.
Cord and Pearl (I love these character names, together they could make a necklace, haha!) are mostly so-so on-page. But them taking care of Tye together, and their spicier scenes, were among their best moments.
Pearl was an interesting character, and very realistic in how she followed her feelings. Many readers seem baffled she would accept a position whose last occupant left it under a cloud of scandal, but I saw this as her showing sincerity and a desire to help advance the field, serve as a role model, help others.
Cord was much more dimensional than a lot of contemporary romance leads I've read lately. He has a cat, Peach, who he adores, who wears custom sweaters advertising his company and acts very enjoyably catlike the whole book. He's also in a situationship for a while with Abby, a lovable nonbinary character, and I found that super refreshing, even if briefly counterproductive to the main romance.
In fact, there were multiple they-them characters presented in the story, much to my delight, and from a mainstream traditionally published romance! A diverse and casually queer ensemble of characters, their stories set in the world of coding, really improved this book for me.
August 9, 2023
My new favorite Denise Williams (who is my friend and fellow book club member, i love her). But seriously, the dual POV // past/present format worked amazing for this second-chance coworkers romance. Throw in Williams attention to detail, casually queer and diverse world building (without downplaying the struggles marginalized folks experience especially in workplaces), and delicious steam, Technically Your was such a fun read.
I especially loved Pearl & Cord's attempts to keep their hands off each other (next to impossible) and how patient Cord was with Pearl's hang-ups over relationships and broken hearts. Pearl's nibling was my fav secondary character FOR SURE and seriously just snap this up.
Also will be a fun treat for those who loved Wes & Britta from The Fastest Way to Fall, as Cord is Wes's business partner (and they book make appearances throughout).
*thank you to the publisher and LJ for the advance copy; full LJ review to come
**i am a friend of the author
I especially loved Pearl & Cord's attempts to keep their hands off each other (next to impossible) and how patient Cord was with Pearl's hang-ups over relationships and broken hearts. Pearl's nibling was my fav secondary character FOR SURE and seriously just snap this up.
Also will be a fun treat for those who loved Wes & Britta from The Fastest Way to Fall, as Cord is Wes's business partner (and they book make appearances throughout).
*thank you to the publisher and LJ for the advance copy; full LJ review to come
**i am a friend of the author
Read
February 11, 2024Dnfing because unexpected pregnancy 😭😭😭😭😭
December 15, 2023
3.5⭐️ Pearl and Cord's story was a spicy second chance romance. I was ALL IN with Cord. He was so patient with Pearl. He wore his feelings for her on his sleeve (hello cinnamon roll), in all his actions. He stole my heart and I was honestly annoyed at how much Pearl fought for her feelings for him. He was the perfect mix of nerdy, sexy, established and emotional.
I enjoyed the Then & Now storylines and how we get their love story over time, in pieces. I was not a huge fan of the breakup - again WTF Pearl!?! Cord, the secondary characters, the diversity and the LGBTQ+ representation were all amazing. I adored Tye so much and of course the sibling relationship between Pearl and her sisters.
Also, we hear from Wes and Britta from The Fastest Way to Fall, which I absolutely loved!
I enjoyed the Then & Now storylines and how we get their love story over time, in pieces. I was not a huge fan of the breakup - again WTF Pearl!?! Cord, the secondary characters, the diversity and the LGBTQ+ representation were all amazing. I adored Tye so much and of course the sibling relationship between Pearl and her sisters.
Also, we hear from Wes and Britta from The Fastest Way to Fall, which I absolutely loved!
April 6, 2024
4.5✨ 💌 thank you berkley romance for sending me a free copy of this book #berkleypartner #berkleyIG
🎀 It’s such an adorable second chance romance, pearl and cord are so adorable omfg ugh I love them. I’m sorry but this was so adorable I loved it. Great POC representation along with lgbtq+ representation. Can I have a cord please and thank you?!
🫶 tropes:
•second chance
•work/office romance
•forced proximity
•women in stem
🎀 It’s such an adorable second chance romance, pearl and cord are so adorable omfg ugh I love them. I’m sorry but this was so adorable I loved it. Great POC representation along with lgbtq+ representation. Can I have a cord please and thank you?!
🫶 tropes:
•second chance
•work/office romance
•forced proximity
•women in stem
February 16, 2024
3.5-3.75 ⭐️
August 14, 2023
Thank you so much to Berkley Pub for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I have been waiting for the release of Technically Yours ever since we got to see snippets of Chord being head over heels in love with Pearl in The Fastest Way To Fall. Being able to see the tension between them as Denise William's books progressed, I knew we were going to be in for a treat when we finally got to see their full love story, and I was not wrong! Technically Yours delivered the star-crossed, angsty romance I wanted. Getting to see flashbacks to how Chord and Pearl first met, and how their relationship progressed from 8 years ago to now was so magical.
I also just need to take a minute to talk about Chord Matthews because this man is SO DOWN BAD for Pearl Harris that it's not even funny. He's easily my favorite man written by Denise Williams because the way this man knew immediately from running into Pearl in an elevator that he wanted her and patiently waited for her for 8 years was everything. I love that when he reunited with Pearl after she moved back to Chicago, he immediately told her that he still had feelings for her and that he would be willing to do anything to make her happy,. Pearl was understandably hesitant about mixing the lines between personal and professional between her and Chord, especially given that her job would be on the line, but that doesn't stop Chord from being the sweetest man ever and telling her that he'll wait for her however long it takes for her to feel comfortable to move forward with their relationship. Seeing their dynamic with Tye was also so heartwarming and ugh just made me want to see them be a happy little family so bad.
I also just really loved Pearl as a character and seeing how far she came from juggling a job and degree to becoming Executive Director at OurCode. Every single one of Denise William's female main characters are so badass at their jobs, and are so determined with their own goals and personal ambitions, and it's so refreshing to see them get what they desire, whether it's a career advancement, love, or both!
Technically Yours is easily my favorite Denise Williams book, which I didn't think was possible considering what bangers her previous novels were. I definitely recommend reading Technically Yours if you've enjoyed her previous novels!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
I have been waiting for the release of Technically Yours ever since we got to see snippets of Chord being head over heels in love with Pearl in The Fastest Way To Fall. Being able to see the tension between them as Denise William's books progressed, I knew we were going to be in for a treat when we finally got to see their full love story, and I was not wrong! Technically Yours delivered the star-crossed, angsty romance I wanted. Getting to see flashbacks to how Chord and Pearl first met, and how their relationship progressed from 8 years ago to now was so magical.
I also just need to take a minute to talk about Chord Matthews because this man is SO DOWN BAD for Pearl Harris that it's not even funny. He's easily my favorite man written by Denise Williams because the way this man knew immediately from running into Pearl in an elevator that he wanted her and patiently waited for her for 8 years was everything. I love that when he reunited with Pearl after she moved back to Chicago, he immediately told her that he still had feelings for her and that he would be willing to do anything to make her happy,. Pearl was understandably hesitant about mixing the lines between personal and professional between her and Chord, especially given that her job would be on the line, but that doesn't stop Chord from being the sweetest man ever and telling her that he'll wait for her however long it takes for her to feel comfortable to move forward with their relationship. Seeing their dynamic with Tye was also so heartwarming and ugh just made me want to see them be a happy little family so bad.
I also just really loved Pearl as a character and seeing how far she came from juggling a job and degree to becoming Executive Director at OurCode. Every single one of Denise William's female main characters are so badass at their jobs, and are so determined with their own goals and personal ambitions, and it's so refreshing to see them get what they desire, whether it's a career advancement, love, or both!
Technically Yours is easily my favorite Denise Williams book, which I didn't think was possible considering what bangers her previous novels were. I definitely recommend reading Technically Yours if you've enjoyed her previous novels!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
January 8, 2024
While I enjoyed the male lead, the whole idea of Our Code and the female lead's family, the main point of the story is that our female lead is incredibly frustrating, having taken the wrong lessons from a short series of failed relationships, including her first go-round with the male lead. It wasn't terrible, but supposedly very smart people taking turns holding the "stupid stick" makes for a difficult book to appreciate.
February 29, 2024
I really tried liking it but it was so so so boring it was a tough job to finish it.
And I really disliked Pearl.
And I really disliked Pearl.
December 5, 2023
2.5 Stars
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have loved some books by Denise Williams, although in general her books have been a hit or miss for me. I was hoping this one would be a hit but sadly it just didn't work for me.
Technically Yours is based around a workaholic, confident, intelligent woman named Pearl and a successful, kind and loving man named Cord (still unsure if this is actually a name?). The pair meet when Pearl joins the staff of Cord's successful fitness app business. They have an instant attraction but don't act on it because she is his boss. The story is split into the current day (where Pearl is no Director of a non profit and back in the same city as Cord) and different moments in their past showing how they grew together.
The story is pretty basic and for me, it needed more depth, personality and insight into the characters. It has a dual POV which I liked but I wasn't a huge fan of the past chapters as I felt they were drawn out and made for a little lazy storytelling.
Pearl is a hardworking woman who is strong in character but has a pretty boring personality. Her life is work and not allowing herself to fall for Cord due to past mistakes with men. Her self sabotaging got old really quick and I felt that Cord deserved better. Cord came across as caring, motivated and capable. He was a little dry but both main characters were. Sadly, I didn't feel connected to either lead. This made for a romance that felt disconnected and lacking in any spark, humour or chemistry. The sex scenes were written well but again it showed the lack of connection between them. There was just no banter, no playfulness or character to them!
The side characters were good, especially Pearl's sister's child who is an absolute star. They stole the show!
The writing was good, for me it was the story and characterisation that lacked. However there were some great themes through this book including STEM work, helping LGBTQ+ children, women and people of colour get into and thrive in the STEM community.
Overall it was a good book, but the romance and characters were lacking and the storyline fell short. It has good potential but was too shallow and a bit boring. Sadly I have read too many books I didn't enjoy by this author (and one I LOVED), so I don't think I will be rushing to read her books again anytime soon.
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have loved some books by Denise Williams, although in general her books have been a hit or miss for me. I was hoping this one would be a hit but sadly it just didn't work for me.
Technically Yours is based around a workaholic, confident, intelligent woman named Pearl and a successful, kind and loving man named Cord (still unsure if this is actually a name?). The pair meet when Pearl joins the staff of Cord's successful fitness app business. They have an instant attraction but don't act on it because she is his boss. The story is split into the current day (where Pearl is no Director of a non profit and back in the same city as Cord) and different moments in their past showing how they grew together.
The story is pretty basic and for me, it needed more depth, personality and insight into the characters. It has a dual POV which I liked but I wasn't a huge fan of the past chapters as I felt they were drawn out and made for a little lazy storytelling.
Pearl is a hardworking woman who is strong in character but has a pretty boring personality. Her life is work and not allowing herself to fall for Cord due to past mistakes with men. Her self sabotaging got old really quick and I felt that Cord deserved better. Cord came across as caring, motivated and capable. He was a little dry but both main characters were. Sadly, I didn't feel connected to either lead. This made for a romance that felt disconnected and lacking in any spark, humour or chemistry. The sex scenes were written well but again it showed the lack of connection between them. There was just no banter, no playfulness or character to them!
The side characters were good, especially Pearl's sister's child who is an absolute star. They stole the show!
The writing was good, for me it was the story and characterisation that lacked. However there were some great themes through this book including STEM work, helping LGBTQ+ children, women and people of colour get into and thrive in the STEM community.
Overall it was a good book, but the romance and characters were lacking and the storyline fell short. It has good potential but was too shallow and a bit boring. Sadly I have read too many books I didn't enjoy by this author (and one I LOVED), so I don't think I will be rushing to read her books again anytime soon.
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
It’s Cozy Rom Com Szn and I really love one of this author’s books… unfortunately the rest of them have let me down by comparison (fine, good, not great), and this was no different, but really the worst of them. I just didn’t get into this one. I thought it was a little all over the place with the 2 timelines, and I wasn’t feeling their relationship, past or present.
And soooo much time was spent on the workings of this nonprofit. The nonprofit has a sex scandal between the Executive Director and a Board Member. So now the Acting Executive Director and New Board Member… have sex? Pretty smart. And it would have made sense if I felt there was some irresistible connection between them or something, but I didn’t. I kept feeling like I missed entire chapters, but no. So instead it just seemed like, OK, this is a bad decision you could have easily walked away from. Every time you hook up - starting AT A BOARD RETREAT NO LESS - it’s just kind of skeevy.
And now I remember how the other book I loved had questionable-ethics-in-the-workplace as well, except it 1) wasn’t as direct as this one, 2) they didn’t keep it a secret, and 3) I actually felt like that couple belonged together.
IDK something was missing here… or else just made me feel like *I* was missing something. It was a slog to try to hurry up and get this over with. Boo.
And soooo much time was spent on the workings of this nonprofit. The nonprofit has a sex scandal between the Executive Director and a Board Member. So now the Acting Executive Director and New Board Member… have sex? Pretty smart. And it would have made sense if I felt there was some irresistible connection between them or something, but I didn’t. I kept feeling like I missed entire chapters, but no. So instead it just seemed like, OK, this is a bad decision you could have easily walked away from. Every time you hook up - starting AT A BOARD RETREAT NO LESS - it’s just kind of skeevy.
And now I remember how the other book I loved had questionable-ethics-in-the-workplace as well, except it 1) wasn’t as direct as this one, 2) they didn’t keep it a secret, and 3) I actually felt like that couple belonged together.
IDK something was missing here… or else just made me feel like *I* was missing something. It was a slog to try to hurry up and get this over with. Boo.
February 8, 2024
The best part of this book is that it’s over.
June 7, 2024
3.5 stars
This was kind of a middle of the road book. I liked his POV, but her POV was just kind of... boring?
This was kind of a middle of the road book. I liked his POV, but her POV was just kind of... boring?
December 11, 2023
I love Denise and I love this book. Honestly, probably her best. Loved it so much.
Thank you Berkley for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
Red alert, there’s a new Denise Williams in town! If you listen to the podcast at all, you know we LOVE Denise over there. And I think this might be my new favorite of hers…it’s right up there with How to Fail at Flirting. I loved Pearl and Cord so much. This felt like the perfect blend of swoony moments and a romance grounded totally in reality.
Synopsis:
“Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. She has the chance to make lasting change at OurCode—a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code—but a recent scandal puts its reputation at risk. Further complicating things, Pearl didn't expect the one man she never stopped thinking about to join as the newest member of her board of directors. Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator eight years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn't for him. When they reconnect after years with no contact, Cord is tempted to consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. While Pearl and Cord are both hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk, it soon becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them--and love isn’t easily debugged.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Tropes—I am a sucker for second chance and I thought this worked so well for who these two characters are.
The Characters—I loved getting to see some of the other characters from Denise’s multiverse, but i really just LOVED Pearl and Cord. They felt so real and authentic to me, from their flaws to their swoony moments.
The Vibes—This felt like a return to the Denise Williams I fell in love with during How to Fail at Flirting. It felt like a book that was so grounded in reality, with characters experiencing life together and building a relationship through it. Don’t get me wrong, I love all her books, but this felt like it just crossed the threshold to masterful, like HTFAF was for me.
What Didn’t Work:
Second Act Pacing—I wanted things to have like, ONE more beat before they got together for the first time. But that’s me being nitpicky!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you Berkley for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
Red alert, there’s a new Denise Williams in town! If you listen to the podcast at all, you know we LOVE Denise over there. And I think this might be my new favorite of hers…it’s right up there with How to Fail at Flirting. I loved Pearl and Cord so much. This felt like the perfect blend of swoony moments and a romance grounded totally in reality.
Synopsis:
“Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. She has the chance to make lasting change at OurCode—a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code—but a recent scandal puts its reputation at risk. Further complicating things, Pearl didn't expect the one man she never stopped thinking about to join as the newest member of her board of directors. Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator eight years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn't for him. When they reconnect after years with no contact, Cord is tempted to consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. While Pearl and Cord are both hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk, it soon becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them--and love isn’t easily debugged.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Tropes—I am a sucker for second chance and I thought this worked so well for who these two characters are.
The Characters—I loved getting to see some of the other characters from Denise’s multiverse, but i really just LOVED Pearl and Cord. They felt so real and authentic to me, from their flaws to their swoony moments.
The Vibes—This felt like a return to the Denise Williams I fell in love with during How to Fail at Flirting. It felt like a book that was so grounded in reality, with characters experiencing life together and building a relationship through it. Don’t get me wrong, I love all her books, but this felt like it just crossed the threshold to masterful, like HTFAF was for me.
What Didn’t Work:
Second Act Pacing—I wanted things to have like, ONE more beat before they got together for the first time. But that’s me being nitpicky!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4.5/5
September 20, 2023
A second chance romance that felt fun, realistic, and hard won! Another read to love by this auto buy author!
When Pearl can't stop running into the one that got away, both in personal and professional settings, she's has to come to terms with the fact that maybe she made a mistake and it's time finally say yes!
This is a great read! It is a fast paced, easy binge romance read. It has a great, easy to understand plot. There is a endearing cast of side characters.
I loved Cord & Peral. I found their story to be relatable and I loved seeing their friendship built in the past and how it changed to romance. They are both fleshed out main characters (shout out to Dual POVs!) and I understood and empathized with both of them. I LOVE how direct Cord is. He is a man who knows what he wants and it's refreshing that he's able to communicate and be upfront about his unwavering feelings for Pearl despite her hesitation. I will say that 3rd act break up was a bit frustrating to say the least. I also would have liked more physical descriptions of Cord & Pearl early on outside of her calves and his formerly floppy hair?? Otherwise, solid character, plot, and spice!!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my gifted advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Pearl can't stop running into the one that got away, both in personal and professional settings, she's has to come to terms with the fact that maybe she made a mistake and it's time finally say yes!
This is a great read! It is a fast paced, easy binge romance read. It has a great, easy to understand plot. There is a endearing cast of side characters.
I loved Cord & Peral. I found their story to be relatable and I loved seeing their friendship built in the past and how it changed to romance. They are both fleshed out main characters (shout out to Dual POVs!) and I understood and empathized with both of them. I LOVE how direct Cord is. He is a man who knows what he wants and it's refreshing that he's able to communicate and be upfront about his unwavering feelings for Pearl despite her hesitation. I will say that 3rd act break up was a bit frustrating to say the least. I also would have liked more physical descriptions of Cord & Pearl early on outside of her calves and his formerly floppy hair?? Otherwise, solid character, plot, and spice!!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my gifted advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read
October 22, 2023After briefly being introduced to Cord and Pearl, and given the tease of something more, in one of her prior books - I was eager to see their story unfold.
Unfortunately this turned out to be a not quite to my taste read. I’ve enjoyed Denise Williams other books in this world shes created, and as always she proves to be a talented writer.
I struggled to get into the story. For one, alternating timeline can be hit or miss for me. In this case, I wasn’t feeling it (though I did appreciate that it was clearly called out at the beginning of each chapter). I also wasn’t really feeling the initial premise. If your boss was fired for an inappropriate relationship and you take on the position in the interim….yeah, did not love that. I was also having trouble connecting with Cord and Pearl - which makes it hard for me to stay invested in the story. 🤷♀️
All that to say, Williams is a talented writer and I know this one will find its audience, it just wasn’t a perfect match for me. As always, I’ll continue to try anything Williams writes and look forward to trying more from her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
Unfortunately this turned out to be a not quite to my taste read. I’ve enjoyed Denise Williams other books in this world shes created, and as always she proves to be a talented writer.
I struggled to get into the story. For one, alternating timeline can be hit or miss for me. In this case, I wasn’t feeling it (though I did appreciate that it was clearly called out at the beginning of each chapter). I also wasn’t really feeling the initial premise. If your boss was fired for an inappropriate relationship and you take on the position in the interim….yeah, did not love that. I was also having trouble connecting with Cord and Pearl - which makes it hard for me to stay invested in the story. 🤷♀️
All that to say, Williams is a talented writer and I know this one will find its audience, it just wasn’t a perfect match for me. As always, I’ll continue to try anything Williams writes and look forward to trying more from her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
January 20, 2024
I first discovered author Denise Williams after devouring 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘺 𝘛𝘰 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I loved the premise of a forbidden, second chance romance in a workplace, filled with all the angst between Pearl and Cord.
🎧I listened to the audiobook format and felt the emotional longing between Pearl and Cord, but felt their chemistry was off.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
💕workplace romance
🩵dual timelines
💕second chance
🩵enemies-to-lovers
*many thanks to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
🎧I listened to the audiobook format and felt the emotional longing between Pearl and Cord, but felt their chemistry was off.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
💕workplace romance
🩵dual timelines
💕second chance
🩵enemies-to-lovers
*many thanks to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 794 reviews