Shelby Leighton has a serious problem. Her boss, Andrew, is becoming way too friendly and in an attempt to cool his jets, she makes up a boyfriend, who he promptly demands she bring to the company party. Jake Magill has had his eye on the blond at the coffee shop for a while. When he finally gets her to talk with him, she pours out her story and for some unknown reason he offers to stand in for her. After his best friend stole his best girl, the dating scene is starting to wear on him, and maybe helping Shelby will be a new way to get out of himself

However, at the patty things get complicated almost immediately. It turns out that Shelby's boss is none other than Andrew, who has shown up unexpectedly with his wife, Jake's ex-love-of-his-life. Determined not to be the object of their pity, he throws himself into the role of fake boyfriend. It's at this point that things get truly messy. Shelby rocks his boat with some of the most scorching sex he's ever experienced, and suddenly both are fighting an overwhelming attraction to each other, although neither is willing to put a name on it.

When Andrew's wife shows up with designs on Jake, those undeclared feeling are tested, Can the two rise above their histories of betrayals in love, not to mention the irresponsible natures of their parents? Will they be brave enough to reach for what they want and need?

Once again I've fallen in love with Kelly Jamieson's characters. The protagonists are fully developed, with strengths and weaknesses, which are completely believable. It's easy to get behind Shelby's determination to succeed and confidence in her ability to do so, coupled with her insecurities about picking the wrong men to get involved with. Her loyalty to her friends and their heart wrenching problems gives a level of emotion to the story not frequently found. Likewise, Jake is understandably cool to the idea of relationships, while at the same time, displaying sensitivity to Shelby's needs and an almost unwilling tenderness for her. Both have family issues, which would scar any child's psyche, providing an extra deterrent to trusting a partner. The secondary characters, while not given as much attention, have a life of their own, which again breathes depth into the story. Do not forget to factor in some hot, hot scenes to top off Sweet Deal, making it so very worth recommending to any reader wishing for a truly romantic erotic tale.

Reviewed by: Lynn