By: Allison Morse
Released June 5, 2016
The Wild Rose Press
The Wild Rose Press
Some people in her small rural community think Ellen Hamilton, the business savvy daughter of the town’s largest employer, is too big for her britches. After all it’s the 1950s and women should have no place in running corporations. But when the company is threatened with takeover by John Adair, the man who broke her heart and "betrayed" her family business years ago, she’s determined to stop at nothing to win. Yet, when the cool Ellen turns molten in John’s arms, will she discover the truth about the past in time to enter into The Sweetheart Deal.
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Something inside her gave way and she flung her arms around his neck and gave him a hot, lingering kiss. He grabbed hold of her and pulled her onto his lap. The kiss grew deeper. Her mind was lost in the sensation of him, his taste, his feel and the tightness in her own body begged for more.
The appalling doorbell sounded and she leapt to her feet. “Oh, it’s Harold.”
She paced. What an idiot! What possessed her? She looked at John and groaned inside. It was a compulsion, that what he was, or maybe hypnotism. Whatever it was, thank goodness for clichés, because she’d just been saved by the bell.
John stood, and as if he were a magnet she stopped pacing and halted right in front of him. He caressed her arms. “Ignore him.”
She threw off his hands. “No, no, no. No! He’s good, you’re bad. I’m ignoring you. Ignoring this.”
“Hey, I didn’t make that kiss happen. You did, and it was great.” His baritone voice was both soothing and sexy.
“Fine, I made it happened, and now I’m making it not happen.”
“Ellen.”
“I have a date.” She realized that she was reminding herself of that fact as much as him.
He stepped in closer. “Sure. Go ahead.”
“You’re smirking.” Still, she didn’t move. “You are such an egotist.” She wanted to move. She planned to move. She didn’t move. “I’m going out with Harold.”
The doorbell rang again.
John grinned. “So I see.”
Oh, this is such a breath of fresh air and just what I needed. The Sweetheart Deal is a captivating tale set in the 1950's, laced with historical references to this fascinating era!
Ellen Hamilton's heart broke when the man she fell for was escorted out of town because he's deemed a thief. As a result, despite having a savvy business head on her pretty shoulders, she decides to take a step back from the family business Hamilton Manufacturing to become a librarian. Additionally, against the wished of her mother, moves out of the family mansion and into her own little cottage; her refuge.
An announcement of a takeover threat for Hamilton Manufacturing spotlights John Adair's presence back in Pitney and stirs up old, impossible to ignore feelings.
A former poor farm boy, John Adair is on a mission and back in Pitney: his old home-town. He has plans to implement for his new employers but is quickly reminded of the reason he left all those years ago. Then there's sassy Ellen Hamilton, a woman who holds his heart and a sure fire obstacle he'll need to navigate if he's to fulfil his objectives.
This book is so much fun and kept me turning the pages as the author does a wonderful job of portraying the antics of this small Californian town. The style is more women's fiction, but romantic too. We're taken on a journey littered with bribes, lies, and deception; where any unlucky person is guilty by association. Yet, contains moments where heart-warming gestures. Pitney is a town dominated by a man who manipulates those willing to take his cash and homes a local news hack, eager to record all unpleasantries for prosperity. Lastly, there's the smart woman, who's just a step ahead of everyone!
The protagonists are engaging and likeable and the secondary character ensemble is an adorable mix of personalities that enhance the enjoyment of this delightful, complex book. The references to McCarthy add suspicion and paranoia as the townsfolk react to news that could change the landscape of Pitney forever.
Overall, this is my surprise book of the year. Ms. Morse's writing is sublime and I can't wait to read what she produces next. If you're looking for something with a plot filled with intrigue that will keep you guessing, then you shouldn't go far wrong with The Sweetheart Deal.
***arc generously received courtesy of The Wild Rose Press via Tasty Book Tours***
Allison Morse grew up in a family of actors in Los Angeles; before the age of five, she started acting classes, which she adored. She continued in the family business until her early twenties when her curious spirit led her to consider other interests.
After receiving a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley, she went on to earn a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a J.D. from U.C. Hastings College of the Law.
Although she loved learning from each of her varied careers she always knew that storytelling was as essential to her as breathing. So as she pursued her professional life, she kept to a strict writing schedule, and joined the Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
She lives with her wonderful husband in a house in the hills that’s filled with books.
Allison can be contacted at http://www.allisonmorseauthor.com
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