46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Awesome Contemporary Rake!, December 16, 2002
Double Standards is a very enjoyable contemporary novel. It has all the ingredients for a firey romance. A fabulous hero with rakish motives and a sharp heroine who refuses to be used come together in a fast moving, competitive corporate environment.
After a powerful family member asks Lauren Danner to work undercover at Sinco, a rival company, Lauren applies for an executive secretarial position with Sinco. Once she arrives for her interview, Lauren has already concluded that she is incapable of spying on Sinco. Lauren then proceeds to fail all entry tests and deliberately makes a bad impression during her interview with the head of human resources. How is she to know, after leaving the disastrous interview, that she would meet Nick Sinclair, the owner of Global Industries (the company that owns Sinco), and fall flat on her face in front of him? Before she knows what is happening, Lauren has a job at Sinco the next day despite her deliberate attempt to botch her job interview.
Nick attempts to ignore Lauren and his attraction to her. But Lauren doesn't realize who Nick is and spontaneously invites him to lunch. From there, Nick begins his assault, attempting to seduce Lauren and she believes she is falling in love.
McNaught draws a vivid portrait of a bold, successful business man who owns a considerable number of large, thriving companies. He is the typical type A confident male who thinks he has all the answers. In his arrogance, he seeks our Lauren for an affair - nothing more. He is a real stinker at times. Lauren, in turn, is fascinated with Nick until she learns his true identification. Lauren is quick and on target as she continually refuses Nick's further advances. Others have referred to Nick's treatment of Lauren as sexual harassment. Although I concede that Nick's words to Lauren could be considered sexual harassment, Lauren doesn't allow such treatment. She is firm and consistent in her refusals to Nick. She will not allow him to treat her flippantly. You actually love hearing Lauren reject Nick - you feel he deserves it. I am not fond of smart mouthed heroines that treat the man they secretly love with hate and meanness. This is not how Lauren treats Nick. Her treatment of Nick lets him know she will not allow disrespect, mistreatment, or use as a short term sexual playmate. Her lines are delivered with dry wit and satisfaction. McNaught does not allow her characters to wallow in silly misunderstandings or lies. Eventually Lauren and Nick communicate honestly and lovingly. There are a few sensual scenes that would rate about a three (see "about me" for sensual rating definition). This story does not need many sensual scenes. It drips with sexual chemistry.
The lead characters spend a lot of quality time together and we can watch their relationship grow. There is only one thing I would have changed about this book and that is the heroine's age. She is only 23. In contemporary novels, I prefer the heroine at least a few years older.
This is a book that will delight you and you won't want to put it down. Thanks Judith McNaught for another great story.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second only to 'Perfect', January 24, 2000
By A Customer
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Nick and Lauren... I could understand Nick not trusting anyone with heart as his very own mother hurt him. Lauren who never wanted to hurt anyone was treated poorly by Nick at times as her employer but I thought it fun knowing he was doing that because he didn't know how to deal with his feelings for her. It was a great read and I really recommend it to anyone. If you haven't read Paradise and Perfect, you're missing out. If you like historical romances, try all of Ms. McNaughts. I've yet to find an author that can set my emotions on a rollercoaster like she does. One minute you're laughing and then come the tears. Luckily all of JM's books end in smiles.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Double Standards for double days, December 26, 2000
This book was my first time read of work by McNaught and was first printed in 1986 which leaves me to believe it may have been one of her first publications. I read the book in two days, starting late one evening and finishing it early the next morning. I gave the book a high score because I love a book that makes me want to keep turning the pages to see what happens. I thought the plot was good. I understood how Nick could acquire his attitude toward women because of his mother, but I kept wondering how long it would take Lauren to get to him. McNaught took time to develop her characters and made you see them as I think she did and wanted you to. I enjoy a good romance and McNaught delivered one in Double Standards. I'll be ready to read another one of her books the next time I get a chance.
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