Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Very Intimate Takeover by LaQuette Published by Harlequin on September 28, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 224
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Falling for the enemy never felt this good in the debut novel of LaQuette's Devereaux Inc. series.
She’s ruthless in business, but vulnerable in his arms.
Trey Devereaux is out to prove her corporate mettle to her skeptical father. When she sees a chance to take control of Devereaux Inc. from her estranged grandfather, she pounces. But Jeremiah Benton, his second-in-command, is fiercely protective of the Devereaux patriarch…and absolutely enticing. The intensity of their attraction overwhelms her defenses, and Trey even finds herself warming to her grandfather under Jeremiah’s influence. Can Trey maintain her resolve—or is Jeremiah winning this high-stakes merger? The fate of a billion-dollar Brooklyn legacy lies in the balance…
A shrewd, successful businesswoman finds herself caught between duty to a beloved parent and desire for a man in the rival company in this lush, sexy upscale work romance. I’ve loved each encounter with this author’s books from the engaging plots, to the well-drawn characters, and her sensual romances so it was with eagerness I picked up this start to a new series, set in her beloved Brooklyn, NY.
A Very Intimate Takeover introduces a strong, force of nature heroine who is not bashful to go big and do it with a flair, but Trey has one vulnerable spot- the need for a father’s approval. Her dad is a successful businessman, who started with nothing and climbed until his finance company only has one rival in the city, his own father. Trey followed in his footsteps and has earned her way into the second spot in the company. Her dad questions her business moxy and Trey impulsively promises to serve up his rival, Devereaux Inc. on a platter. Then things get complicated when her plan to smooze her granddad out of the company shares goes pear-shaped when she cops a conscience and feelings for her granddad’s second, Jeremiah.
It has been a while since I picked up a city-set, office romance, but I had no trouble slipping into this story. Trey’s predicament made for a complex situation I enjoy. She thought it was a clear-cut plan until she actually met her grandfather and spent time with him, her cousins, and gorgeous and charming Jeremiah who thinks the world of Ace like she does her dad.
Trey and Jeremiah have some obvious and early sizzle between them. They liven each other’s lives and start to fall in love even while she is keeping big secrets and he isn’t sure she can be trusted. I loved how they shared a love of specialty sneakers, their city, food dates, and both were open about what they enjoyed together. The tension of Trey’s takeover plans along with the aunt’s conniving for her share got it as exciting as wondering what would happen when the truth of Trey’s plan came out.
A Very Intimate Takeover read swiftly, but was not lacking. I love this author’s writing style. I am glad this is a series because I want more Devereaux family story, Brooklyn setting, confident women, suave men, and those dazzling, sexy romances. Definitely recommend.
About LaQuette
2021 Vivian Award finalist and DEIA activist in the romance industry, LaQuette writes bold stories featuring multicultural characters. She crafts dramatic, emotionally epic tales that are deeply pigmented by reality’s paintbrush.
This Brooklyn native’s novels are a unique mix of unapologetically sexy, stylish, & sensational characters who are confident in their right to appear on the page.
She is the 2016 Author of the Year Golden Apple Award winner & the 2016 Write Touch Readers Award winner. Writing—her escape from everyday madness— has always been a friend and source of comfort. At the age of sixteen, she read her first romance novel and realized the genre was missing something: people that looked and lived like her. As a result, her characters and settings are always designed to provide positive representations of people of color and various marginalized communities.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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I had not heard of this author and I think this sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
She has written in more than one romance sub-genre and I’ve read three of her books so I watch for her new releases now. Hope you get the chance, Anne!
Sounds like they have an interesting family story.
Oh yes, definitely some family drama. 🙂
I’ll have to check out this series. I like that the story isn’t super long, but still packed some umph! Fab review, Sophia! 🙂
You describe it well, Rachel. I agree that the length is perfect for a busy reader.
You know I can’t remember the last city romance I have read. This sounds good Sophia.
Yeah, it had been ages for me, too. I loved how she described Brooklyn and made me see the fun parts of city living.