"engaging boardroom romance"

In Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, family and a few employees attend the funeral of Hosea Summers, CEO of a security systems firm, a person, known for his caustic Don Rickles like personality. Whether he did this to keep his business afloat long after his death or as a final insult to his two adult children and his number two person Marcus Reed, he shockingly names his niece Nicole as chair of Summmers Security. The deceased's angry adult children, though they inherit a fortune, will protest the will. Because of their attitude and the belief by her father and other uncle that she is incapable of doing the job, Nicole reluctantly agrees to take charge.

Nicole moves to Houston where she meets doubt from the work force, opposition from the board, and animosity from her male cousin. She also finds herself attracted to Marcus who reciprocates the feeling as he finds her intelligent. However, someone is using the security systems to steal from clients, placing Nicole in trouble if she fails to uncover the identity of her adversary.

This engaging boardroom romance stars two delightful African-Americans and an eccentric support cast, whom readers will cherish. Though Nicole's successful move right into top management (with no supervisory experience) seems stretched; fans will enjoy her efforts as the CEO. Marcus is an intelligent hunk and though his street loyalty to a friend hurts the business and his relationship with the boss, fans will value highly his devotion to his pal and to Nicole though the dualism pulls him in different directions. Fans of contemporary tales will want to read Lynn Emery's fine tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 24, 2003