Limecello’s review of The Secretary’s Bossman Bargain by Red Garnier
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire 13 Jul 10
A number of things made me decide to read this book. First of all, I adore Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Blaze books. They’re hands down my favorite category lines. Next, I’ve been meaning to try something written by Red Garnier for a while. Someone also recommended it to me, but it didn’t even matter, because I’d already bought it based on the premise. I’m a big sucker for secretary-boss romances. I do feel the need to state how much I dislike the title.
Virginia Hollis is a heroine who falls into a lot of stereotypes, yet manages to remain unique on some level. Her situation and experiences aren’t something a reader wouldn’t expect from a Desire book [yes I know, double negative], but there’s something about Virginia that is quite likable. It’s also clear that the attraction between Virginia and Marcos is undeniable. I also liked that Virginia was generally realistic and level headed. While she couldn’t resist Marcos, she held out on hoping for more until the end. Basically, she wasn’t the one who was misguided.
Marcos Allende is a master of seduction. It sounds cliche to say that- even to write it, but there’s no other way to describe him. Virginia never had a chance against him. Marcos is also a very nice guy. Ms. Garnier writes him as someone who we’re supposed to believe is cold hearted and out for destruction (well, of one company), but I never really got that from him. It seemed that Marcos had simply been biding his time, or more fighting himself to not be with Virginia.
The word I’d use to describe the book would simply be “lush.” The language is decadent and gripping. The Secretary’s Bossman Bargain is very sensual, with the reader following the combustible sexual attraction between the hero and heroine from the start. I really liked that. It was so up front.
The conflict, however, was weak.The all too overused “I love you but won’t admit it so I’m going to ask you to be my mistress instead of wife” the usual conflict ensues with hurt feelings, a panicked then grovelling hero, and quick forgiveness.
However, aside from those issue I’d say this a bit better than an average read (hence the C+ grade), and I’ll definitely be looking for more category romances by Ms. Garnier. The Secretary’s Bossman Bargain is a fantastic summer read, and I definitely recommend it to those of you who enjoy contemporary romances, and especially Silhouette Desire categories.
Grade: C+
He’d desired her—and denied himself her company—for far too long. Now Marcos Allende finally had his secretary right where he wanted her. He’d convinced her to play the role of his lover while he conducted the deal of his life. And once the pretense was over, Marcos would move heaven and earth to make Virginia Hollis his true mistress.
She longed to be more than merely Marcos’s dedicated assistant. Yet she’d readily agreed to play along, hoping to ensconce herself in his bed…and then his heart. But could she keep a permanent place in his life once he discovered her secret?
Read an excerpt here.