This book is a mix between sweet romance, some extremely angsty moments, and a workplace mystery in the financial sector that adds a level of reality and suspense that I found quite interesting. And while "unconventional" definitely applies to the way Tristan handles the relationship with his boss, if not the plotline itself, the additional elements give this well-known storyline a present-day, fresh look and feel that made it an entertaining read for me.

Tristan loves his job, and he has fallen for his boss. He fights the latter with everything he has for several reasons. "I want to keep my job" is the more obvious one, but his personal past and bad experience is probably the more important barrier. He works hard and has learned a lot from his boss on the professional front, so when the tip to the Caribbean takes away the normal workplace boundaries he has gotten used to, Tristan needs to re-evaluate his position.

Webber is a model boss, but he, too, is attracted to Tristan. He has kept his feelings under control, and the additional problem of being in the closet doesn’t exactly make things easier. Especially since his very attractive 'beard' is also his best friend, so the vibes they send to Tristan are not exactly encouraging. Webber needs to make up his mind and get off the fence, and despite all appearances (he has more money than he'll ever need), this is not and easy thing for him to do.

If you like workplace mysteries and enjoy a boss and employee struggling with what is right and wrong for their personal relationship, if a mysteriously fraudulent corporate takeover is likely to add spice and enjoyment to your read, and if you're in the mood for a sweet romance with some suspenseful undertones, you will probably like this novel.




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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A Hearts On Fire Review

ONE & A HALF STARS--Scotty Cade's "An Unconventional Courtship" has a promising blurb - an assistant in love with his boss for years. The boss, Webber, is actually in the closet and has a model best friend and beard. He's also in the closet but feels something for his personal assistant as well and both men do not know how to exclaim their secret crushes.

Well the best part of this story? It is the blurb. I was a little iffy at the 3% mark as the prologue was a predictable plot device and reflecting back... unnecessary.

I was disappointed with the story. I though there would have been more intrigue and conventionality. There was nothing unconventional at all with this story.

Fans of sugary sweet Harlequin-like romances where both partners have slow, slow love scenes, long drawn out description of mundane items like meals and wardrobe (winter dinner jackets, suspenders and cummerbunds are an example), dialogue not fitting the characters (what forty-five year old man do you know that incessantly cries, speaks and acts like a 15 year-old lovelorn teenager - oh the non-angst of it all).

I don't and just can't.

I enjoy fidelity and promising relationship starts like any romance fan but this story was too much. It was too similar to cheesy outdated soap operas for me to enjoy and it was a chore for me to finish this story.

The use of the secondary characters was weak Deanna the supermodel beard who is pregnant...what purpose was that or Deanna even necessary for the story? Nathan the supposed 'villain', his antics were too predictable and just yawn worthy.

The story peaked at 29% and drew out the inevitable. The main characters kept re-describing boring things like sunsets. Deanna exclaims how beautiful they are, Tristan does too. So does Webber. Then Tristan again. *slaps forehead into wall* then there's the re-re-reassurance Webber and Tristan re-re-repeat again and again and on and on about their love.

What could have salvaged this story? Webber acting closer to his age, at least dialogue-wise. He was not even professional among a fellow colleague.

On the other side of the coin, there is a base for this type of book (sugary sweet, fluffy, low angst, high dramatics type of reads).

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I am not one of them.
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I love a good sappy love story every once in a while, and that is definitely what this was. ( )

I loved, loved, loved this book! It was sweet... Mind numbingly sweet. But it was exactly what I was looking for.

I am completely going to run and see what else the author has written. Thank you Amazon for suggesting this book! ( )

2.5 stars.

This slipped over the line from romantic to soppy at times with the constant I love you's. It also felt a lot like an article in a travel mag throughout the middle where nothing really happened except a lot of eating and off screen shagging. The story was pretty bland until 80% of the way through but that interesting plot line was resolved without much exploration disappointingly then the story ended and left me wondering if that was it.

The MCs are sweet and the whole thing is very tooth-decaying. Not a horrible way to spend a sleepy Saturday afternoon but it's not a story that will stay with me after I press the Home button on my Kindle. ( )