Customer Reviews

The Pleasure Principle (Arabesque)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Natalie Goodman is a good looking woman with a good head on her shoulders, so why is the thought of David Spencer's return so unnerving. Maybe because David stole her heart and because of a mix-up they couldn't make it work,and he left town, and now he's back. Will they finally be able to work things out and move on?

If you read Picture Perfect and liked it then you will love this book. This book picks up with Natalie and David, the best friend and brother of the main character in Picture Perfect, getting together finally. But there are some obstacles they have to overcome before its all said and done. I liked it because it had mystery and the couple had the kind of chemistry that wasn't sappy but real. There is real talk in this book. Sometimes you read romance novels and say to yourself "Who talks like that?" But this was believable. A great read.

I loved this book from beginning to end. First, there is a real relationship between Natalie and David, and it's not based on sex, yet they still have an amazing sexual chemistry between them. This is a change from many books I have read recently. A lot of books have couples who have some "deep" connection after knowing each other one week usually because they've slept together, but it seems artificial. That is not the case here. Yet, I was only anticipating when they would finally get together, not mad that it wasn't in the first fifty pages.

Also, the second story of the scandal at Natalie's office really works because it is realistic. They are not actual detectives and they realize this, so nothing is too over the top. David and Natalie never stop fighting and it's great to watch them admit their feelings for one another. You will also get some much appreciated humor from the cast of friends who appear in the book. I definitely recommend this book for all.

If you have read Shirley Harrison's previous books Picture Perfect and the Proposition, this will reunite you with characters from those books. If you have not read her previous books, I would recommend that you do because they were good, though it is certainly not necessary in order to follow the story and the characters.

THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE is an absorbing romantic mystery that focuses
on financial corruptness in corporate America.

Accountant Natalie Goodman is finally getting an opportunity to put her
years of preparation to use. As the lead auditor for her accounting firm,
she and her team have been tasked to perform the annual audit of a major
investment company. Natalie has uncovered some questionable bookkeeping
which could expose an embezzling scheme that involves several million

dollars. Because of her persistence she is creating enemies along the
way.

While Natalie's corporate life is progressing on schedule, her personal
life is stagnant and has been since the demise of a relationship, and
since that time Natalie has submerged herself in her work. But after a
year's separation David Spenser is back and Natalie knows with her busy
schedule the last thing she needs is the distractions of and ex-boyfriend.
But when Natalie's life is endangered, she finds herself confiding in
David and clinging to him for support.

Shirley Harrison once again showcases her penchant for intrigue in the
work place. This story is warm, engaging, and challenging. Readers of Ms.
Harrison's previous book, Picture Perfect, will be reacquainted with
some familiar characters and again entertained with realistic situations
and solutions. This is a romantic mystery with a flair.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Natalie was shallow and after reading the entire book, I still cannot figure out why she had such a problem committing to David. I tried, but I just did not like her character.

I DONT THINK I COULD EVER READ A BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR AGAIN

WHAT A WASTE.