Susan's Review of A Fortunate Arrangement by Nancy Robards Thompson

Felicity Schafer throws her boss, Austin Fortune, a curveball when she hands in her resignation. She’s worked hard to earn her MBA and wants to move into a new role. She’s been crushing on Austin for years and feels it’s time to move on with her life professionally and personally.

Austin is a workaholic who depends on Felicity for everything from his morning coffee to ordering his dinner. Austin has immersed himself in his job at Fortune Investments since his bitter divorce and considers Felicity as a friend.

The chemistry between the two characters sizzled from the first page of the novel. Loved their conversations and Austin’s reaction to Felicity leaving the firm. I was so happy that Felicity’s friend Maia gave her a makeover- haircut and highlights and updated makeup palette. The makeover gave Felicity confidence and Austin took a step back and noticed the changes. She agrees to go out on a date with a friend of Maia’s and Austin is forced to recognize that he has feelings for Felicity.

Nancy Robards Thompson has written another fabulous addition to The Fortunes series- the characters and their office romance are relatable. The author does a great job with the perception piece of the office romance and balances the characters feelings and emotions perfectly. After his first marriage, Austin does not believe in love. Loved reading how his feelings toward Felicity changed. I adored the secondary characters of Maia (fairy godmother # 1) and Savannah (fairy godmother #2). Loved the novel’s conclusion and the epilogue made me cry!

If you like a story with a bit of Cinderella magic, a fairy godmother or two, a swoon worthy dance at a ball, you will love this book. I highly recommend A Fortune Arrangement and can’t wait for the author’s next book.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Susan's Review of Maddie Fortune's Perfect Man by Nancy Robarts Thompson

THERE'S TROUBLE AFOOT AMONG THE HOUSTON FORTUNES..
Maddie Fortunado, heir apparent to her father's real estate business, is stunned to learn that she'll have to fight for the job she'd assumed was hers! Even worse? Her rival is none other than Zach McCarter, her secret crush. Only a makeover can transform "Maddie" into "Madeleine," who can compete against her charismatic coworker. But when Zach meets Maddie 2.0, business is suddenly the last thing on either of their minds

Nancy Robards Thompson has added an unique twist to the secret crush romance in her new novel Maddie Fortune’s Perfect Man. I loved the relatable characters, the rivalry between the two main characters and the strong family bonds in this story.

Maddie Fortune has spent her days, evenings and weekends working at her family’s business, Fortunato Real Estate. She is shocked when her father makes her compete for the position she assumed was hers all along. Maddie’s competitor for the head of Fortunato Real Estate is Zach McCarter—her long term crush.

I loved that Maddie took the challenge seriously but, took a step back and realized that by devoting her herself to work she was missing out on life. Ms. Thompson’s smart dialogue between Maddie and her sister Schuyler drew me into the story. In typical sister fashion, Schuyler is able to draw Maddie out of her work persona and get her sister to admit that she’s interested in Zach. Schuyler decides Maddie needs a total make over. Loved the chapter when the sisters go shopping. Maddie comes home with a new hairstyle, designer clothes and a makeover! The new looks give Maddie the confidence that she needs to pursue her work and personal goals.

Zach McCarter is a complex character. His story unfolded bit by bit as the two week contest neared its deadline. Zach is completive by nature and he will go to any length to convince buyer to list with him. Adored that he rented a truck, wore jeans and a Stetson hat to land a ranch listing and that Maddie caught him in his “costume.”

The competition between hard working Maddie and smooth talking Zach showcases Ms. Thompson’s descriptive writing style and her fabulous dialogue. The author’s use of the sister vibe throughout the story endears Maddie (and Schuyler) to the reader Loved that the author introduced the tell me one more thing about you theme early in the story. This enabled Maddie and Zach to share and confide in each other. As the competition reaches the finish line, how will Zach react when Maddie asks him one more thing?

Looking forward to Ms Thompson’s next novel—love her characters and their journeys !

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author