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HEATED RIVALRY - Patricia Sargeant April 2010 |
SYNOPSIS: Valerie Parker is desperate to win the affection of her emotionally distant father and land a promotion at his advertising firm. Her biggest obstacle is junior partner Steven Crennell, a dazzling former NBA star who scores all the big accounts.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Susan Plummer
REVIEW: HEATED RIVALRY by Patricia Sargeant lives up to its title with a riveting plot and memorable characters. Valerie Parker wants to prove to her father, Garrison Parker, that she deserves a promotion in the family’s Ad agency. When she lands a sales pitch for a major ad campaign, instead of allowing Valerie to make the presentation, Garrison hands it off to his partner, Steven Crennell, Valerie’s rival. Steve is a retired basketball star launching a new career. He wants to make a home at Parker Agency but he also wants Valerie. Valerie is attracted to Steven but he stands between her and her promotion. Pitted between father and daughter, Steven is torn. He finally makes a decision that could end his budding relationship with Valerie although he’s made the right choice. Valerie is mad thinking Steven sided with her father. Steven defends his choice, knowing he went with his gut instinct. Grudgingly Valerie acquiesces admitting that Steven did not side with her father but chose what he thought was best overall. The couple unites and Valerie no longer has to worry about Steven’s choices. No matter what happens, they’ll always be by each other’s side.
HEATED RIVALRY has several subplots and they
comingle smoothly. There’s an ex who doesn’t want to remain an ex, secrets
unspoken; just to name a few. Valerie is an accomplished marketing exec
yet when it comes to her relationship with her father, she is reduced to this
needy person who feels invalidated by his indifference. In Valerie’s defense,
she falters but doesn’t fail despite her father’s lack of support. Steven has
flaws too but they don’t detract from him being a strong male who is very
considerate of others. I liked these human qualities in characters because it
makes for a more interesting story. Valerie’s father is a great protagonist but
his motives are revealed in the end.
The story is set in Coral Gables, Florida which is a great location but not
integral to the plot. However, Steve and Valerie’s trip to Colorado was quite
comical. HEATED RIVALRY is a perfect
descriptor for the exchanges between Valerie and Steven. Their dialogue is
always spirited whether they agree or disagree. It gets more combustible when
they finally act upon their feelings.
HEATED RIVALRY is an enjoyable novel with
great characters. I liked the layers of the story and how each unfolded giving
answers to questions posed earlier. Overall this is an entertaining novel that
is sure to appeal to many readers.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 1st May 2010