Break the Rules by Claire Boston is a forbidden/office romance featuring a heroine who works in an oil refinery. It’s a really cool contemporary romance but I personally struggled with the “sexism in the workplace” theme because it’s so close to my real life.

Bridget Flanagan is a safety manager at an oil refinery in Houston, TX. She’s feeling low because she was passed over for a promotion that she clearly earned. She goes out with a friend, meets a sexy guy named Jackson Gibbs, has hot sex with him, and then shows up Monday morning to find out that Jack is her new boss.

Both of them want to continue the relationship but Bridget is well aware of how she will be perceived for sleeping with her boss, while Jack will largely escape the stigma of having sex with a subordinate.

This book worked because Jack realizes that he’s actually less qualified than Bridget for the job, and that sexism inherent in their industry has held her back from being successful. I liked that they come together as a team and I liked that this book explores a career that’s not often depicted in romance.

My issue is that I too work in a male-dominated industry (trucking) and the depictions of the sexism Bridget encounters were spot on. Because this is an issue I deal with a lot, it made it hard for me to escape into the romantic fantasy.  More than anything, as I read this, I went “Ugh, preach it sister.” I think for someone who hasn’t had those experiences, though, this book would work really well.

– Elyse

Bridget Flanagan knows how to assess risks, but are the consequences of exposing her heart too dangerous?

Bridget has a passion for safety and in the world of oil refineries that makes her great at her job. So when her big promotion goes to someone else, she heads out on the town to forget her troubles. Jack Gibbs seems like the perfect man to distract her.

At least until Monday morning when she discovers Jack is her new boss. There’s no way she’s going to keep seeing him, no matter the connection between them. She’s been burned before.

Jack can’t understand why Bridget’s so against their relationship. They positively sizzled during their one night together. He knows he has to be careful now she reports to him, but she tempts him in every way.

Can Jack convince Bridget to give him a chance, or is the risk too high?