Title: Whatever You Like
Author: Maureen Smith
First published October 13, 2010
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780373831982 (ISBN10: 0373831986)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Lena Morrison is a woman of two worlds. During the day, she’s a driven grant writer, but by night, she’s an escort to some of the most successful men in Chicago.
Lena’s clients value her for her beauty and intelligence, but she refuses to mix business with pleasure after a steamy night with businessman Roderick Brand. However, Roderick is determined to have her fulfill his fantasies for three weeks in exchange for a million-dollar grant that will guarantee Lena a major promotion.
Lena agrees, thinking it’s just a game. She’ll give him the hottest, wildest sex he’s ever had and then walk away.
But what happens when desire takes over, and the rules they set for themselves are broken? Whatever You Like is a sensual tale of two people whose best-laid plans are about to be thrown out the window.
About the Author
From a young age, I’ve had a passion for writing. I remember as a third grader, penning a story about a child who found a bird’s nest and decided to care for the baby bird until its mother returned.
I can’t quite remember if the story had a happy ending, but my teacher, Mrs. Bennett, was so impressed that she predicted I would someday become a writer.
As a teenager, I spent my summers holed up in my bedroom, writing for hours on end. My family affectionately called me a recluse.
I received a degree in English from the University of Maryland College Park and even did some freelance writing for magazines, websites, and newspapers.
After a brief stint as a third-grade teacher, I now live in San Antonio, Texas with my husband and two children. When I’m not busy with family life, you can find me at my computer, focused on meeting deadlines.
Since the publication of my first novel in 2002, I’ve been fortunate to receive several award nominations and wins for my work. I’m proud to have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award four times, as well as the Emma Awards.
I’ve also won the Romance in Color Reviewers’ Choice Awards for New Author of the Year and Romantic Suspense of the Year for my book Ghosts of Fire. In 2010, I received the Emma Award for Best Romantic Suspense for my book Secret Agent Seduction.
And in 2011, I was nominated for the RT BOOKreviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Kimani Series Romance for my book Recipe for Temptation.
Editoral Review
Whatever You Like by Maureen Smith is a steamy, contemporary romance novel that was first published on October 13, 2010. Smith is a prolific author who has written several books in the romance genre.
With Whatever You Like, she brings her signature blend of passion and conflict to a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel follows the story of Kyra Dixon, a successful businesswoman who has always had a thing for bad boys.
When she meets Rafael Dawson, a charming and dangerous man who doesn’t play by the rules, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. However, as their relationship heats up and becomes more complicated, Kyra must decide whether to follow her heart or her head.
Set in present-day America, Whatever You Like is a fast-paced and engaging read that delves into the complexities of modern relationships. Like many contemporary romances, the novel deals with themes of love, sex, power, and trust.
However, Smith approaches these themes with a fresh and nuanced perspective that will appeal to readers who are looking for something more than just a fluffy love story. One of the strengths of Whatever You Like is its well-developed characters.
Kyra and Rafael are both complex and multifaceted, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Smith does an excellent job of bringing them to life on the page, making readers care about their struggles and rooting for their success.
The supporting cast of characters is also strong, with each one adding depth and complexity to the story. The plot of Whatever You Like is well-structured and well-paced.
Smith balances the romance with the conflicts in such a way that the story never becomes too saccharine or too melodramatic. The plot twists and turns are well-timed, and the climax is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.
However, there are some weaknesses to the novel. The writing style is sometimes overly verbose, which can slow down the pace of the story.
Additionally, some of the conflicts and plot points feel a bit contrived or coincidental. Finally, the novel could benefit from a bit more diversity in terms of the characters and their backgrounds.
Overall, Whatever You Like is an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance novel that will please fans of the genre. While it’s not without its flaws, Smith’s skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make it a worthwhile read.
For those who are looking for a steamy and emotionally resonant love story, Whatever You Like is definitely worth checking out. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
