Review: Great Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 1, 2013
First off, thanks to the author for giving me a copy of her book in exchange for a honest review.  When I first saw this book, I was a little worried it would be erotica because of the cover.  Thankfully, it was not in my opinion.  What made me reply to the author's request for reviewers was the blurb written about it.  It sounded really good.  My first impression was that it read like a really good Harlequin Presents novel with a darker twist.  In the beginning, you meet Kate Ripley who is struggling to provide for her ill mother and her half siblings.  She currently has a job, but not much job security.  Her friend at work Bridget tells her about an escort service that pays really well.  She rejects this and says she will never do that.  A little while later, she loses her job and is forced to resort to calling the escort service.  Her first client is Clayton Reid a billionaire.  He is sick of secretaries throwing themselves at him.  So, he calls the escort service and figures he can get 2 for 1 - a secretary and a mistress.  At their first meeting, things quickly fall apart and he tells her he only wants her for his mistress.  Kate is ready to call it quits on the whole thing.  After she leaves, he gets her to come back the next day to settle everything.  They sleep together and the next morning she is so ashamed that she sneaks out determined to never see him again.  Clayton realizes he never wants to let her go.  To get her to see him again, he blackmails her and asks her what her price is.  He agrees to pay her so she will go to Alaska to a family gathering. The whole time in Alaska she feels guilty for deceiving his family.  Clayton tells them she is his fiancée.  Eventually, everything falls apart because of Clayton's insecurities and suspicions.  Kate leaves heartbroken.  The ending has Clayton groveling to get her back.  Overall, a great contemporary romance.