Due South
Author: Tamsen Parker
Reviewer: VampBard
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
Interested in a thrill-of-discovery / new exploration book? Due South might be just what you’re looking for. This is the secret-office-romance trope—and man, I love it. Especially when it’s taboo!
The blurb gives us the basis for the plot, but what it doesn’t mention is how DEEP these characters are. Ms. Parker has done a phenomenal job with her other Compass titles, and I didn’t expect anything less from Due South. Here’s a run-down on my connection to the characters.
Lucy is the typical corn-belt girl gone to make the big time in California. Her innocence is accentuated as she learns about herself and her sexuality. It’s not that Lucy is completely innocent—she’s not. She just has had less-than-stellar experiences with sex because she’s had selfish lovers. I like Lucy, and I found myself connected to her for a variety of reasons. First, I adore her fashion sense. Stockings and garters should be an every-day occurrence. Second, I admired her because she put her upbringing behind her and allowed herself to form her own expectations—even though sometimes she was at war with herself.
Evans. OMG. I may have crushed really hard on his geeky uncertainty and second-guessing his words and actions. But… Oh, mama. The way he could turn on the charm? The way he was so caring right from the start? **swoon** And, that bit about family? Seriously. The man is a catch, and nobody knew! Top it off with his brain? Quadruple-threat, folks.
The sex was…thrilling. I really loved the way each encounter was presented, and how the emotional aspect was front-and-center for both Lucy and Evans. Because really, the best sex happens when there’s an emotional connection of some sort. Ms. Parker definitely gave us that connection.
An excellent addition to the Compass series—one you won’t want to miss. If you’ve not read the series, this title will function as a stand-alone.
My Rating: A, Loved It
About the Book:
Lucy Miller has worked her way up from coffee-fetcher and copy-maker to invaluable assistant. She’s proud of her accomplishments, but she’s looking forward to a break from her demanding boss; a visit home is just the Christmas treat she needs.
Diligent and unassuming, Chanoch Evans has avoided relationships not just out of shyness, but because he doesn’t feel like he has anything to offer—most of his resources are devoted to his war-veteran younger brother.
When a desperate plea from their boss ruins their holiday plans, Lucy and Evans are stuck in an otherwise empty office with only each other for company. After catching their boss in flagrante, they start to see that each other’s mild workplace personas might be just the tip of the iceberg. Despite the prohibition against fraternization between employees, there may be more than kissing going on underneath this mistletoe…
Release Date: December 12, 2016
Publisher: Tamsen Parker
Series: The Compass #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (276 pages), e-book,
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Personal Geography by Tamsen Parker (The Compass Series #1)
Intimate Geography by Tamsen Parker (The Compass Series #2)
Uncharted Territory by Tamsen Parker (The Compass Series #3 – Prequel Story)
True North by Tamsin Parker (The Compass Series #4)
WANT A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF DUE SOUTH? Read an excerpt from the book and enter to win – but contest ends soon! You must enter by end of day December 22nd. Click here for more details.