Only a year away from her goal, Mallory Sinclair is the last woman to remain line for partnership in her male dominated firm. A good old boys network runs the firm, and she has not yet entirely earned their trust; perhaps a woman never can. But she has earned a reputation for hard work and dedication. Further, Mallory's fierce control of her attraction to Jack Latham sets her apart from the other women in the office, although the no-office romance policy doesn't stop her from fantasizing. Now, as the only female associate in the firm, she is assigned to a very important divorce case to aid Jack. They will be spending an indefinite amount of time as the guests of their firm's biggest client while he decides if he's going of hire them to hand his divorce. Mallory vows to focus on the work at hand as she and Jack head to resort for an informal 'get-to-know-you' session with their eccentric client.
Jack, affectionately known as the Terminator and the firm's best-looking partner, is so named for the end he puts to marriages. According to office gossip, he does not believe in the institution of marriage or the idea of commitment. He certainly does not suspect that sexy lingerie that lurks beneath Mallory's power suits; consequently, he grossly misjudging her seductive qualities. So when he announces to Mallory that the firm's biggest client is sending them to a resort of the coast of Long Island, he underestimates the damage Mallory can do to his libido. One look in her eyes leaves him stunned. One foolish comment, and destiny is set into motion. Now they are courting the firm's biggest client in a divorce action that requires that they play hardball. Soon Jack finds that he would much rather be doing other things with Mallory, despite the rules of the office.
Jack longs to get beyond the frigid mask Mallory displays to see the woman beneath. He doesn't understand the conflicting emotions she inspires in him, and in his desperation to elicit a response, blurts his thoughts aloud. Mallory can't help wondering how she could be cold and frigid, as Jack accuses, if her taste runs to satin and silk. Perhaps he doesn't like the cold woman she created to survive in a man's world. But now they are away from the office, and ethics be damned. If he wants to see what lurks beneath the veneer of her exterior, then she has enough pride to show him. With all sorts of tantalizing, intriguing possibilities coursing through her imagination, Mallory begins her seduction. But perhaps the strongest lesson for both Mallory and Jack will not be in seduction, but realizing that an erotic invitation isn't enough without fulfillment.
Wow! Once again Carly Phillips creates an imaginative romp that really pumps the libido in EROTIC INVITATION. The tantalizing and intriguing plot delights the senses with its erotic overtones and subtle depths. In Phillips hands, mystery becomes a potent aphrodisiac, and seduction an art form. Her style is arousing, sultry. And the characters are sexy and believably distracted in their willingness to see the seduction through and deal with the consequences later. Not necessarily the most well thought out decision, but certainly the most human. Bold, sensual and daring, EROTIC INVITATION comes very highly recommended.