Nisha J. Tuli, internationally bestselling author of fantasy series like The Artefacts of Ouranos and The Nightfire Quartet, makes a stunning transition into contemporary romance with Not Safe for Work. Known for her kick-ass heroines and slow-burn romances in fantasy settings, Tuli brings the same magnetic character development and tension-building expertise to the corporate world, creating a romance that’s both swoon-worthy and socially conscious.
The Setup: When Corporate Toxicity Meets Tropical Paradise
“Not Safe for Work” follows Trishara “Tris” Malik, a brilliant engineer whose career at WMC Purcell has become a masterclass in corporate frustration. After watching promotion after promotion slip through her fingers—including the devastating loss of her dream team lead position to Rafe Gallagher, the boss’s privileged son—Tris finds herself at a crossroads. When she’s unexpectedly selected for a leadership retreat in Hawaii, it seems like the universe is offering her one last chance at redemption.
The catch? She’s sharing the honeymoon suite with her sworn nemesis.
Tuli’s setup is deceptively simple but brilliantly executed. The forced proximity trope gets a fresh twist through the corporate retreat setting, where professional competition meets personal chemistry in ways that feel both inevitable and surprising.
Character Development: From Cardboard Villains to Complex Humans
Trishara Malik: A Heroine Worth Rooting For
Tris emerges as one of contemporary romance’s most relatable heroines. Her journey from career-focused engineer to someone willing to risk everything for authenticity feels genuine and earned. Tuli masterfully portrays the exhaustion of being the only woman of color in a male-dominated field, capturing the microaggressions and systemic barriers with painful accuracy.
What sets Tris apart is her complexity—she’s ambitious without being ruthless, vulnerable without being weak, and her evolution throughout the story feels organic rather than forced. Her internal monologue sparkles with wit and self-awareness, making even her most questionable decisions understandable.
Rafe Gallagher: Subverting the Golden Boy Trope
Rafe’s character arc represents some of Tuli’s finest work. Initially presented as the stereotypical nepotism baby, he gradually reveals layers that completely reframe the reader’s understanding of his character. The revelation of his secret passion for baking and his struggles with family expectations transforms him from a seemingly one-dimensional antagonist into a fully realized romantic hero.
The author’s decision to make Rafe’s social media presence as “The Dessert Wolf” a central element of his character development is inspired. It provides a creative outlet that showcases his artistic soul while highlighting the pressure he faces to conform to his family’s corporate expectations.
Romance Development: The Perfect Slow Burn
The enemies-to-lovers progression unfolds with exquisite pacing. Tuli understands that the best romantic tension comes from characters who challenge each other intellectually and emotionally, not just physically. The banter between Tris and Rafe crackles with intelligence and wit, reminiscent of the best romantic comedies.
Their first kiss scene deserves particular praise—it’s passionate without being gratuitous, and the emotional weight behind it feels earned after chapters of building tension. The wedding crashing sequence stands out as a perfect example of how shared mischief can deepen romantic connection while providing genuine entertainment.
Writing Style: Sharp, Witty, and Emotionally Resonant
Tuli’s prose style adapts beautifully to contemporary romance while maintaining the engaging voice that made her fantasy works so compelling. Her dialogue is particularly strong—conversations feel natural and purposeful, advancing both plot and character development. The author’s ability to balance humor with serious social commentary creates a reading experience that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The dual POV structure works effectively, though Tris’s voice remains slightly stronger throughout. Rafe’s perspective adds necessary depth to his character, particularly in revealing his internal struggles with family expectations and career dissatisfaction.
Social Commentary: Romance with Substance
Workplace Toxicity and Systemic Inequality
Where Not Safe for Work truly excels is in its unflinching examination of corporate culture. Tuli doesn’t shy away from depicting the real-world challenges faced by women and people of color in male-dominated industries. The microaggressions, casual sexism, and blatant nepotism feel authentic without overwhelming the romantic storyline.
The character of Paul Stuart serves as an effective representation of predatory behavior in professional settings, while Diane Hart’s disappointing response highlights how even successful women can perpetuate harmful systems. These moments provide genuine stakes beyond the romantic plot.
The Courage to Burn Bridges
Tris’s explosive resignation email represents the book’s thematic climax—a moment where personal integrity trumps professional security. The decision feels earned and empowering, showing how love (both romantic and self-love) can provide the strength needed to make difficult choices.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
What Works Brilliantly
Not Safe for Work succeeds most in its character development and emotional authenticity. Both protagonists feel like real people with genuine flaws and growth arcs. The workplace setting provides a fresh backdrop for romance while addressing important social issues. Tuli’s ability to balance heavy topics with romantic comedy keeps the tone from becoming preachy or overly serious.
The supporting characters, particularly Molly, Lan, and Gabrielle, add depth and authenticity to the story. Their relationships with Tris feel genuine and provide necessary emotional support for her journey.
Minor Shortcomings
While the overall execution is strong, some elements feel slightly underdeveloped. Hannah’s character, while serving her plot function, lacks the depth given to other characters. Her presence sometimes feels more like an obstacle than a fully realized person.
The resolution of some workplace conflicts comes perhaps too easily—while Tris’s email creates satisfying consequences, the systemic changes at WMC happen off-page and feel somewhat convenient.
Heat Level and Romantic Elements
The physical chemistry between Tris and Rafe builds naturally from their verbal sparring. When the romantic tension finally explodes, it feels inevitable and satisfying. The intimate scenes are well-written—steamy without being gratuitous, and always serving the emotional arc of the relationship.
The progression from enemies to lovers to partners tackles the challenge of maintaining tension throughout the entire book. Tuli succeeds by introducing external conflicts that test their growing relationship without relying on manufactured drama.
Comparison to Similar Works
Not Safe for Work stands alongside other excellent workplace romances like Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners, Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game. However, Tuli’s focus on systemic workplace issues gives her book additional weight and relevance. The corporate retreat setting provides more variety than typical office-bound romances while maintaining the professional dynamics that make workplace romance compelling.
Final Verdict: A Romance That Matters
Not Safe for Work represents a successful genre transition for Nisha J. Tuli, proving her storytelling skills transcend the fantasy realm. This is a romance that entertains while challenging readers to think about workplace equity and personal authenticity. The enemies-to-lovers progression feels fresh despite being a well-worn trope, largely due to the strength of the character development and the author’s commitment to addressing real-world issues.
While not without minor flaws, the book succeeds in its primary goals: delivering a satisfying romance while providing meaningful commentary on corporate culture. Tuli has created characters worth caring about and a relationship worth rooting for, all while crafting a story that feels both escapist and grounded in reality.
Not Safe for Work will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy workplace romance with substance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and stories that tackle social issues without sacrificing romantic satisfaction. Fans of Tuli’s fantasy work will find familiar elements—strong character development, slow-burn romance, and complex world-building—adapted skillfully to contemporary settings.
