Does This Temporary Work Relationship Have The Potential To Be Anything More?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance

SERIES: Struck By Love #2, completely standalone – leads are related to characters in Book One

SETTING: Lake Tahoe, 1987

NOTE: This book was previously published as Propositions in 2012 and The Sky’s the Limit in 1987

WHY I READ THIS BOOK: It isn’t Austenesque/JAFF, but Syrie James is the author of several brilliant Austenesque books and I love reading everything she writes. And just in case there are other readers out there who love both Austenesque and Syrie James, I thought I’d share my review here.

THE PREMISE: Kelli Ann Harrison, a freelance graphic artist, is determined to establish a life for herself on her own. She has had high-handed boyfriends and arrogant bosses, and is not about to let either of those into her life again if she can help it. Enter Grant Pembroke, a devastating handsome CEO of an advertising agency, who desperately pleads with Kelli to help him with this important casino deal. But with high tempers, two fiercely independent personalities, and an irresistible attraction, will this work relationship be able to last? Or is only a short-term affair…

MY THOUGHTS: I’m not typically one to go for love-at-first-sight romance, but I completely bought into it in this story where Kelli and Grant literally run into each other at an elevator and have an adorable meet cute. After seeing the connection they felt towards each other and their linked circumstances I was completely invested in their story. In addition, I loved that this story took place in one of my bucket list destinations – Lake Tahoe – in the winter time. It was the perfect choice to read on a cold and wintery weekend. ❄️

Similar to Floating on Air, Syrie James’s other contemporary romance in this series, what I enjoyed most about this book is the portrayal of a self-sufficient and fiercely independent woman. Kelli is a marvel – she’s her own boss, repairs her car on her own, and coordinates contractors for her brother’s home with confidence. She is #Goals. I also liked that she was a mixture of romantic dreams and sensible realism. She is wise, she knows what works for her and what doesn’t. And she won’t settle or subject herself to anything that doesn’t align with what she wants in life. Kelli’s got it going on…

Grant Pembroke (we see what you did there, Syrie 😏) was super dreamy and had some Mr. Darcy vibes with his initial mistrust authoritative personality. I loved seeing his romantic side – how he felt so strongly for Kelli and how he wanted and believed in a future with her so strongly. Their dynamic together was fun to explore. On the one hand you have powerful attraction and simmering passion, but on the other you have two similarly independent individuals who prefer to be in the driver’s seat. There were copious amounts of challenges, clashes, and consuming heat. (NOTE: Some scenes are for Mature Audiences).

Another element I enjoyed about this story was seeing Kelli and Grant work together on their adverting proposal for the casino. It was interesting to see the process and steps involved in working in an advertising agency – something I have zero experience with personally. I enjoyed seeing what ideas developed and was just as excited for them when they delivered the final product. However, around this same time is when I felt a little disappointed with Grant for his behavior. I think he made a big mistake with how he treated Kelli, and even though he apologized I feel like more ground needed to be covered before they could be reconciled.

Chemistry and creativity combine to deliver a whirlwind romance in Syrie James’s Two Week Deal. Once again Syrie James illustrates a fast-paced yet satisfying romance where a couple strives to overcome professional/work obstacles, learns the art of compromising, and forges a future together!

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