As chief negotiator during the sale of Chapman Inc. to York
Instruments, Calla is well aware that Slade York expects her to continue in
the same capacity under his employ, thus easing the transition
during the takeover process. Calla, however, has no intentions of staying
on. She's aware of Slade's desire for her and is not interested in becoming
another one of his conquests. She finds him arrogant and domineering to the
extreme and his reputation as a womanizer is well known. Her ex-husband had
possessed the same qualities and she had no desire to repeat past mistakes.
Slade, intrigued with Calla and looking forward to furthering their
association, attempts to negotiate a deal. When that fails, he is desperate
enough to resort to a little blackmail, which succeeds in her agreeing to
stay for an additional 3 months.
Slade wastes no time in breaking down Calla's defenses, and when
negotiations move from boardroom to bedroom, things really heat up.
As both Calla and Slade, are as alpha as they come, it's no surprise that
"compromise," never enters into the picture. As a result, their battles of
wills, provide for a highly entertaining read.
Joanne Bartling
Calla Nevin has successfully negotiated the sale of her boss's
company to businessman Slade York. She has come to know him fairly well during the
month-long meetings and
senses that Slade is intent
on not only acquiring the company, but herself as well. But having put a
disastrous marriage and
divorce behind her, Calla is determined not to be dominated by such a
strong, intimidating and powerful
man as Slade. On the night of the celebratory party after the sale is
finalized, she finally tells him
that she will neither work for him, as he has expected, nor will she be his
mistress.
Slade sets out to woo and win her in his own unique style, after Calla's
former boss talks her into
staying with the company during a transition period. What she hasn't
understood is that Slade intended
from the outset to marry her, not just have an affair. She is stunned,
knowing of his past history of a
long line of "relationships."
Calla is a focused and disciplined woman, who uses her ballet class to
recharge her energies and her mind.
Even though she is strongly attracted to Slade, she is determined to resist
him because of her past conflicts
with a domineering, dominating husband.
Slade York is a bluntly-spoken man who goes after what he wants. He
proceeds to court Calla with sailplaning
dates and homemade pasta dinners. The couple's prickly courtship is carried
on in the business environs often
found in JAK's earlier books. The recurring theme of woman's struggle to be
equal in business is a minor element
but it is here.
A Negotiated Surrender is an enjoyable read, with well-drawn, attractive
protagonists, an interesting setting and
JAK'S unique writing style. I recommend it.
Joanne Bartling
