What is it that causes some people to take drastic measures to maintain a facade of affluence when they are actually so broke they can't afford to pay attention? This is the case with Darien Jackson, public relations expert. At one point in her life, she could afford the finer things, but when she loses her job due to corporate downsizing, her financial outlook is decidedly bleak.
This doesn't deter Darien, though. She maxes out her credit cards, skips a few bills, and plays a game of cat and mouse with her bill collectors, all just to keep up appearances. Things go from bad to worse when the repo man comes looking for her car. With the help of a couple of crafty individuals, she manages to avoid immediate repossession. But when the repo man finally catches up to her, Darien puts on a show worthy of an Oscar. Her act is so convincing that Maxwell Ferguson, the repo man, decides to let her work off her past due car notes as a PR consultant for a family owned business. Little does Darien know, Maxwell is not the repo man, but instead the CEO of Allied States, LLC., his family owned business.
Although his family thinks Maxwell has taken leave of his senses by falling for Darien's story, Maxwell stands firm in his decision to hire Darien. The fact that she is beautiful only cements his decision, although he fights the attraction at first. What will happen when Darien finds out who Maxwell really is? Will Darien's lie backfire? Will their relationship weather the storm?
Every time I pick up a novel by Leslie Esdaile, I know that I will not be disappointed. She is one of the few authors who, in the space of one novel, can make me laugh, cry and reaffirm my faith in the power of true love. Esdaile has truly mastered her ability to create a beautiful, touching love story with characters you can identify with. She also writes in everyday language, something I can relate to, and not the oftentimes stilted, flowery phrases that are so prevalent in so many other romance novels. I can't wait to see what's next for this very talented author.
Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers