The Real Deal (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Years after a disastrous marriage destroyed any semblance of self-esteem, all Amanda Zachary has left is her career. She scores a major coup in being assigned the task of negotiating a merger between her firm and a computer company, but one of the owners, Simon Brant, refuses. Over six feet of exotic looks, rock-hard abs, and sexy ponytail, Simon is a genius-recluse ensconced on an island near Seattle. Said genius has a few flaws, including stunted social skills and a tendency to become so engrossed in his work that he disappears for hours, even days. Overcome with a sudden idea, he abruptly ends his first meeting with Amanda and suggests that they reconvene at his house, which is how they end up living together. She keeps trying to convince Simon; he keeps disappearing; she is afraid she's falling in love, and the only way Simon can think of to keep her around is to delay making a decision. Monroe's wonderfully written, must-read romance features characters you ache for as though their emotions were your own. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

A sizzling romance with well-developed plot. Mix in snappy dialogue and dry humor, and you have one red-hot,passion-filled read. 4-Stars -- Romantic Times Bookclub September 2004

If you like intense sexual tension and well-written, explosive love scenes, THE REAL DEAL delivers. And delivers! -- The Romance Readers Connection - September 2004

Monroe touches on issues that all women can relate to when dealing with men and relationships. FAR Recommended Read -- Fallen Angel Reviews - September 2004

Should be on the shelf of every woman. This is such a rich, emotionally-charged, sensual and highly satisfying book. -- CataRomance Reviews - September 2004

The BEST Brava story of the Year! Hot, exciting, wonderfully written and should not be missed! RTR Reviewer’s Choice Award -- Road to Romance - September 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075820860X
• ISBN-13: 978-0758208606
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #625,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where can I find a guy like Simon?, September 6, 2004

By	Sara Andrade (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When Amanda Zachary gets the chance to head up negotiations for a merger between her company and Brant Computers, she knows she's one step closer to getting that promotion that she's wanted for so long. Things are going well with the negotiations, but when she meets eccentric Simon Brant, a shareholder in Brant Computers, Amanda realizes things aren't going to go as smoothly as she'd hoped. Simon is drop-dead gorgeous and absolutely frustrating! He is opposed to the merger and isn't afraid to tell her that. Can Amanda fight her attraction to Simon and keep it all business while trying to change his mind about the merger?

Simon was such a special hero! He was a wonderful mix of sexy and sweet. Amanda was a very likable, strong woman who had been hurt in the past. The sexual tension between Simon and Amanda was strong right from the beginning and the love scenes were very sensual. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I didn't want to put this book down! If you're looking for a book that is fun, has wonderful characters and steamy love scenes, THE REAL DEAL is one book you don't want to miss!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sensual tale of a genius with a big ... brain, August 23, 2005

By	Tracy Vest (Northern California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Recovering from a toxic marriage after walking in on her husband having sex with another woman, as well as a familiar male, Amanda divorces him and throws her energy into her career. She is about to make her dreams come true when she is assigned to make a merger between her company and a rival software firm come to fruition.

The only thing blocking her success is sexy co-owner Simon Brant, who is more at home in a lab than an office. He is so dedicated to his work, that he often leaves a room mid-sentence if an idea regarding one of his experiments pops into his head. After being stalled in merger talks with him numerous times, his sarcastic butler jokingly tells her she should move in to his home. So she does, and attempts to sell Simon on the merger.

When her boss tells her to sell Simon on the merger using her feminine wiles if necessary, she shudders. But soon the two are burning up the sheets. She is falling in love; he is not sure what is happening with him, but he does not want her to leave, so he stalls any talk of the merger. When her ex-husband is brought in to close the deal, all bets are off.

"The Real Deal" is a captivating and sensual story featuring two engaging characters with wounded souls who somehow find each other. Amanda is a great combination of confidence, with self-esteem issues. Her painful marriage has turned her off men, and has made her feel that she is the inadequate one. I like how Simon feeds her delicate ego as he comes to terms with his own feelings. Simon is a sexy heartthrob with a big heart. His major problem with the merger is the potential loss of jobs.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem of a book, September 5, 2004

By	Judy "book reader" (Cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The Real Deal is a must have book.

Amanda Zachary has come off a disastrous marriage to focus on her career. She is brokering one of the most important merger deals. Amanda runs into a problem with one Simon Brant.

Simon very seldom interfered in the business side of Brant Computers. He was always engrossed in his lab. But this possible merger has brought him to the negotiations and head to head with Amanda.

Simon and Amanda are taken aback by their intense reactions to each other. What starts out as a business deal becomes a battle of wills to fight their growing attraction. Each has issues to overcome and watching them come to terms is moving.

The Real Deal is a sensational book. It's sexy, steamy, funny and emotional. Simon and Amanda are delightful to watch. This book really touched my heart and should be on any auto-buy list.