Every once in a while, a romance novel surprises you, not just with chemistry and chaos, but with true emotional warmth. The Art of Awkward Affection by Alina Jacobs is exactly that kind of read. I found this book on Goodreads, and the title, along with the cover, was so charming that it promised an enemies to lovers book trope, which is exactly what I was looking for.
What came next was a mixture of laughter and heartwarming moments. It was full of unexpected tenderness, slow-burning tension, awkward moments, and tear-jerking situations all at once. If you need a grumpy-sunshine dynamic as rewarding as it is ridiculous, you are in the right spot.
- Author:- Alina Jacobs
- Series:- The Richmond Brothers (Book 1)
- Pages:- 625 Pages
- Genre:- Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Office Romance, Billionaire Male Lead
- My Rating:- 5 Stars
- Goodreads: 3.93 Stars
About The Art Of Awkward Affection
This Alina Jacobs romance novel follows: Lexi, a proud, sunshine-filled Floridian living in cold, uptight Manhattan. She’s determined to spread kindness, even if it’s through surprise compliments or secret affirmations hidden in her boss’s underwear drawer.
Grayson Richmond, her boss, is a grumpy billionaire CEO who doesn’t smile, doesn’t do kindness, and doesn’t appreciate Lexi’s well-meaning chaos. When an awkward compliment lands her in his office, a hilarious and chaotic work romance begins to unfold.
Between emotional support iguanas, Tuesday dinners, and panty-dropping grins, Lexi slowly chips away at Grayson’s icy exterior until the cracks reveal a dark secret he’s been hiding.
The Art of Awkward Affection Review: Character Development
Lexi sure is a ball of joyful, chaotic energy. It is rare to encounter a rom-com protagonist who is so weird and unapologetically themself. Besides her perfectly chaotic vibe, there is extraordinary emotional depth, self-awareness, and sobering energy. She’s trying to survive New York, manage debt, and still make the world a little brighter.
Grayson starts as a classic “Mr. Grumpy Pants,” but there’s much more beneath that stern, tailored exterior. His journey is slow and rewarding; he goes from shut-off and emotionally distant to vulnerable and open, thanks to Lexi’s persistence and charm.
Their chemistry is sizzling, but what truly stands out is how real they feel, despite the over-the-top moments.
Enemies to Lovers Book: Plot and Pacing
There is no relaxation for the reader, only steadily increasing tension from the very start. From strange, awkward moments to post-it affirmations and Lexi’s surprise Tuesday dinner appearance, each scene strengthens character bonds or advances the plot.
Nothing feels less than earnest in this book; from situations that are amusing to those that tug at the heartstrings, it has packed it all. It develops at a fast pace without giving a feel of being rushed, so nothing appears out of the box. As for what stood out in my recollection, it has to be the Tuesday lunch that both Grayson and Lexi attended.
Writing Style and Tone
Alina Jacobs’s writing is sharp, witty, and surprisingly touching, making it one of the best office romance books. The tone walks the perfect line between comedy and emotion. Lexi’s inner monologue is chaotic in the best way, and Grayson’s deadpan responses make their banter addictive.
Even the steamy scenes are written with care and heat, making them feel earned and natural. The humor never feels forced; it’s authentic to the characters, making even the cringiest moments charming.
Themes and Messages
While the book is packed with steamy romance and comedy chaos, it also dives into:
- Emotional healing and vulnerability
- The value of unexpected kindness
- The importance of human connection
- Reclaiming joy, even in adult life
Lexi’s kindness isn’t just a plot device; it’s a form of resistance, of hope, and ultimately, transformation. Grayson’s growth reminds us how love and compassion can undo even the tightest emotional armor.
Let’s be real; How many books give you a heroine with an emotional support iguana and a mission to fill underwear drawers with affirmations? This story dares to be weird, and that’s exactly why it works.
The contrast between Lexi’s sunshine and Grayson’s storm cloud personality makes for hilarious, high-stakes interactions that constantly evolve.
Final Thoughts
“The Art of Awkward Affection” isn’t your typical rom-com; it’s a heartwarming reminder that love can blossom amidst life’s chaos, fueled by honesty, laughter, and healing. This Alina Jacobs romance novel caters to all readers who enjoy spicy, heartfelt, and mildly unhinged romances. It remains wholesome at its core, despite being intended for adults due to explicit intimate content. If unhinged romances featuring grumpy-sunshine dynamics, tender moments, and frenemies becoming lovers are your jam, we highly recommend adding this to your TBR!
Have you read The Art of Awkward Affection? Drop your favorite Lexi or Grayson moment in the comments!
