Review: Her Deal with the Devil by Nicola Marsh

In Her Deal with the Devil by Nicola Marsh, Sapphire Seaborn is back at work running her family jewellery business after taking a much needed hiatus. She was forced by her sister and doctor to take some time to rest, physically and mentally, after years of pushing herself to her limits keeping the business going. Sapphie is now ready to put her new calm and centered self to the test by meeting with the new CEO of Fourde Fashion’s Melbourne division and suggest Seaborns team with them for the upcoming fashion week. The only issue? The new CEO Patrick Fourde is a former schoolmate who seemed to be happiest when antagonizing her during classes and study sessions. And then there was the incredible kiss they shared after he drove her home from their graduation dance…

“She literally tingled with the urge to touch him, to see if the powerful vibe emanating from him would zap her. If he were this passionate about work, how worked up did he get in the bedroom?”

From the moment Sapphie and Patrick meet after ten years apart, their mutual attraction is undeniable. This charming, handsome man still loves to antagonize her and make her react but she can also see a focus and drive in his eyes she never saw in the carefree boy she grew up with. She was worried he wouldn’t be serious in making the Fourde Fashion line a success in Melbourne and would treat it as though it was handed to him by his parents. But she thinks she may have made the right decision to work with him when she sees the preliminary designs he creates. The only issue will be how to handle the intense sexual tension between them. The more she tries to ignore him, the more desperate her longing for him becomes. And she can tell she’s not the only one affected. They finally give in to temptation hoping it will help curb their desires but it only seems to create a frenzy within them both. Before Sapphie realizes it’s too late, she is in over her head and is afraid their time together will end once fashion week is over.

“The fact that Sapphire sat close to Patrick on his office sofa, her stockinged leg within tantalising touching distance, was not so good. How was a guy supposed to concentrate?”

Patrick Fourde wants to prove to himself and to his parents that he has what it takes to make it in the world of fashion as well as make up for the failure that was his first show straight out of college. He has spent the last ten years partying his way across Europe with his friends while working in different cities for his parent’s company. He has been waiting for the opportunity to show the world his creative designs and make a name for himself, and this Melbourne gig seems like the perfect way. Patrick is intrigued when he finds out Seaborns wants to team up with him for fashion week, knowing that he will be working closely with Sapphire. He remembers how much he loved to tease and cajole the aloof princess in school until she would get flustered and tell him off. He is surprised not only by how much she has changed but by the instant attraction he feels for her now. Working together proves difficult and the more time he is alone with Sapphie, he can no longer deny how much he wants her. He wonders if they have made a mistake after spending a sizzling weekend together as he can’t think of anything or anyone else besides her. Should he give in to the feelings and pursue a relationship with her or focus solely on his career?

Nicola Marsh writes lush romances with incredibly flirty, sexy dialogue. You know it’s a good story when you have a difficult time choosing only two lines from the book to quote! The main characters were truly made for each other and a good example of opposites attracting: the hardworking, model student being groomed to take over the family business vs the laid-back playboy who never took himself or life too seriously. I find it fitting that they both envied each other growing up thinking that the other had what they wanted for a lifestyle, only to meet again years later and find out things aren’t always as wonderful as they seemed.

I highly recommend this book for romance lovers, as well as anything else Nicola Marsh has written!

Book Info

Publication Date: April 23, 2013 | Series: Harlequin Kiss (Book 14)