THE SUBSTITUTE (Single in Seattle 5.5) by Kristen Proby-review
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2024
Derek Langley can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s grumpy, demanding, and sometimes mean, which mirrors his reputation in court. Derek doesn’t have time to coddle an employee, so when the temp agency informs him their next placement will be the last, he knows he’s doomed.
Maya Sterling is excited to move to Seattle. She wants to be closer to her siblings and her new friends, and a position with a temp agency fits the bill for her new life in the city. She doesn’t plan on walking in and finding a sexy British grouch for a boss, but his gruff nature doesn’t really bother her. In fact, she’s attracted to his rough-around-the-edges nature.
They quickly realize the attraction is mutual and steam up the office. But Maya’s position with Derek is temporary, and she knows she must maintain a professional distance to preserve her sanity.
Will they be able to resist each other? Or does fate have other plans?
••••••
REVIEW: THE SUBSTITUTE by Kristen Proby is a contemporary, adult, erotic, novella found in the author’s SINGLE IN SEATTLE series, and a part of the 1001 Dark Nights multi-authored series. This is attorney Derek Langley, and PA Maya Sterling’s story line. THE SUBSTITUTE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. May is Grayson Sterling’s sister (The Scandal)
Told from dual first person perspectives (Derek and Maya) THE SUBSTITUTE follows Maya Sterling as she struggles with a direction in life. Having spent six months touring Europe, Maya returns home, excited about a move to Seattle but leaving her parents is hard, in the face of her mother’s ongoing failing health. Working for a temp agency, Maya begins a thirty day trial period with attorney Derek Langley, a man whose reputation as a difficult boss, and toxic environment precedes his introduction to our story line heroine but form the outset Maye refuses to bow to Derek’s demands, and in the end, places her own boundaries when they both cross the line. What ensues is the rapidly building relationship between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as Maya’s time with Derek comes to a close.
The relationship is one of immediate attraction but Derek doesn’t do relationships; he’s demanding and over bearing; and expects perfection from everyone in his life. Falling for Maya was never in the future but Derek knew Maya was the woman to calm his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
We are reintroduced to several members of Maya’s family including her brother Grayson Sterling, and both Maya and Derek’s parents.
THE SUBSTITUTE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is enthralling and captivating; the romance is fast and furious; the characters are determined, strong and dynamic.
Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Secret
The Surprise
The Scandal
The Scramble
The Score
The Set Up
The Stand In
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.
