BOOKWORM REVIEW: Open for Negotiation by Emma Nichole
This book can stand by itself, but I highly recommend reading Effectively Immediately, the prequel novella to this series and especially to Max and Scarlett's series.
Scarlett Hale is an up-and-coming graphic designer at one of Atlanta's hottest architectural firms. Her ingenuity, hard work, and dedication have caught the eye of the firm's CEO Maxwell Duke, and she wants to catch more than his eye. Despite trying to be professional, she can't help but want all of her hot boss.
Max is trying to keep a professional distance from Scarlett. Sure, he is incredibly attracted to her, but an ugly divorce with an ex that can't seem to let go, a pitch for the firm's largest client yet, and the age gap are just among the many reasons he should stay away.
Open for Negotiation is more than just Scarlett and Max's love story. I was pleasantly surprised by the suspense and mystery as who's causing trouble in their relationship and their work. I am often leery about significant age gaps, especially in a situation of power imbalance, but Emma Nichole builds a great, believable progression of Max and Scarlett's connection. She establishes a great mutual respect between these two characters -- which is why it is important to read the novella first -- before they even realize that there is sexual tension between them, too.
I admire Scarlett's tenacity, even when faced with life-altering adversities. She is strong, kind, and intelligent. The perfect match to Max's commanding but gentle character. I like that while Max definitely knows how to take control of his firm and in any room he's in, he is kind and easygoing.
I enjoyed this book a lot. While I felt the solution to their ultimate problem came too easy, it did not completely take away from the story. I look forward to the other books in the series, and I just added Brazen Bossman to my TBR because of this read.
TW: Mental illness, sexual shaming** I received an ARC of this book and am posting an honest review voluntarily. **
Open for Negotiation is now available and is free with Kindle Unlimited.
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