Review: A thrilling read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2013
Mutual and hidden attraction can drive two people crazy with lustful imaginings, so much so that one of them may have to literally take the situation in hand to get a little needed relief.Computer programmer Veronica James and CEO Victor Rossi felt instant attraction for each other, but since he just contracted with her small start-up company to manage his stalled programming project, neither of them wants to cross the line beyond strict professionalism. Yet, every time they meet over the next two months to go over project updates, they each must consciously control their attraction so it doesn't become apparent to the other.When a scheduled late afternoon meeting with Victor is delayed, an impatient and sexually on-edge Veronica gets tired of waiting and decides to leave her latest project report on his desk, but when she hears him approaching, she does something totally out of character and dives behind the sofa in his office to hide her presence. Witnessing Victor serving his own sexual needs after the staff leaves that afternoon is a shockingly erotic sight for the woman hiding behind the sofa, but Victor need never know the sight makes Veronica's breathing labored and her ears ring. She'll simply sneak out when the coast is clear. Too bad that ringing is really her cell phone and the secret indulgence of I Spy isn't a secret anymore. Sudden contract re-negotiation between the CEO and the contractor may be in order, and it's likely to expose the secret needs and vulnerabilities they've both tried so hard to mask.NEGOTIATING SKILLS is newly minted author Laurel Cremant's first published work and I'm simply awed and impressed by it. Why? Because she chose the often difficult short story format and she nailed it! I never felt this seventy plus page tale was missing back-story, left any unanswered questions, or contained erroneous plotting or superfluous characterization. Instead, it was a thrilling read featuring a well-matched couple and boasting a spicy and satisfactory conclusion that seemed completely natural, unforced and unhurried.So yes, I'm very impressed with this author's first release and must confess I visited her website in anticipation of more works in progress. I was thrilled to discover her next work has already been contracted for publication and I am eagerly anticipating its release. If you're looking for a quick read that will have you turning pages with burning anticipation of things to come, you can't go wrong with NEGOTIATING SKILLS, but make sure you turn the ceiling fan on so internal combustion doesn't interfere with your reading pleasure 'cause this one's very hot!Reviewed by Angie Just Read...for TheRomanceReviews.com