Title: Choice Matters
Author: Jamie Salisbury
Series: Southern Heat (Book #1)
Genre: Contemporary Erotica
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Release Date: August 17 2014
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
Apolo Choice... self-made billionaire before the age of
thirty. At a time when most men are still trying to figure out what direction
to take their careers, Apolo Choice is enjoying luxuries they are still
dreaming about. But behind every powerful man come secrets, and Apolo is no
exception.
Confident, intimidating, arrogant and handsome, Apolo Choice
is a man who gets whatever he wants. At least in the boardroom. Away from the
power deals, he has a dark side. One he allows few to enter. Until he meets
Caitlyn White.
Caitlyn White... smart and self-assured, she has quietly
worked at Choice Enterprises for four years. Until one day her world is turned
upside down by the man at the top. Taking her from the cubical to executive
suite faster than you can blink an eye.
Together they become a power couple both in the boardroom
and the bedroom.
Book Links
Author Information
Since Jamie Salisbury began publishing her Romance stories,
she has seen her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella Tudor Rubato was a
finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) award, and the cover won
for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel Life and Lies was been
nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. She has expanded her audience to
include several now published by Secret Cravings Publishing .
Her previous career in public relations in and around the
entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story
ideas.
Author Information
Excerpt
I was standing with
a small group of senator's wives. They were giving me tips about life in
Washington, where to shop, the best neighborhoods. Though I was listening
attentively, suddenly something in my head told me to glance over to Apolo.
There she was… again. Engaged in conversation with him. He
appeared to be polite and engaged, but the muscle ticking in his cheek gave it
all away to me. That one subtle feature meant he was unhappy. Of course, my
glance did not go unnoticed.
"It appears as though you have competition," one
of the senator's wives joked. "Whoever she is she's stunning."
"Yes, she is," I replied. "But she's
certainly not competition . She's merely an old friend."
"Well, you certainly wouldn't know by the way she's
acting," another chided.
She was right. Delpheine was in what Apolo considered his
personal space. He allowed no one remotely close to him unless he initiated the
move. She had committed one of the big Apolo Choice no-no's, not that she
seemed to care.
"Oh, that's just Delpheine. She's French, and they’re
much more personally engaged with people they talk with."
Then we locked eyes, Apolo and I. Knowing him as well as I
do, I knew this woman was exasperating him. But ever the cool businessman and
now politician, he was tolerating her openly flirtatious ways. The moment she
placed a hand on his arm in an attempt to lure him in, I saw him quietly remove
her offending, well-manicured hand.
He backed away, putting more space between them. I didn't
know what he was saying to her right then, but from the expression on her face,
I'd say it was not what she wanted to hear.
Excusing myself, I found my way to the ladies’ room. I
needed to regain my composure. Whoever this woman was, I intended to find out
more. If she thought she could simply reappear in Apolo's life after leaving
him in his hour of need, she was sadly mistaken.
Making my way to the line of sinks, I wasn't too surprised
to find Delpheine standing there, a smirk on her face as she pretended to
reapply her siren red lipstick.
"You do know that he can’t have children because of his
accident?"
"Yes, I do," I replied. "Let's quit the
bullshit and niceties, Ms. Bouvier. What the hell do you want? You left
screaming in horror out of Apolo's life years ago. Now, he's a newly minted
senator, and poof , you magically reappear. What's with that?"
"I merely want what was once mine. I intend to have him
back, and trust me, it won't take long for him to find his way back to my bed.
I will be Mrs. Apolo Choice."
"Good luck with that pipe dream," I spat as I
threw the towel on the counter and spun past her. "I don't know what
you're smokin ', but lady, you don't stand a chance in hell with him. He didn't
forgive you then, and he's damn sure not going to forgive you now."
I marched past her and out the door, not leaving myself open
for any further comments. As I stepped into the corridor, I noted Jacob
casually standing there.
"Ms. White, Mr. Choice wanted me to make sure
everything was alright and asked me to escort you back to the ballroom."
He was glancing over my shoulder towards the ladies’ room. That meant both he
and Apolo knew what was going on. The woman was so transparent.
"Thanks, Jacob."
"Don't worry about Ms. Bouvier. I'll deal with her. If
she bothers you again, please let me know."
"I will. I think I got my point across just now. So,
Jacob, are you going to enjoy Washington?"
"Yes, ma'am. It's one of best cities around."
We arrived in the ballroom, where he escorted me over to
Apolo, who was speaking with a small group. I slid in next to him.
"Thanks for sending Jacob," I whispered.
"I'm sorry. I don't know how she gained entrance, but
I'm having it checked out."
"Don't worry, I think I handled her."
He cocked an eyebrow at me with a sly smile on his face
before turning to his admirers and guests.
MY REVIEW
What is there to say about Apolo, other than hot, rich, and powerful. I loved the intensity of the chemistry between he and Caitlyn the woman he promoted within his company. I was intrigued by the plot of the story, and found it interesting. I think it was what made it a good fiction book. The probability of something like this happening in real life did not exist. Sometimes those are the best reads.
With that said I found myself wanting to read more about the family equation the author wrote about.
Overall, it was a great read.