Lee Palmer is happy enough working as assistant editor at Lively Lady magazine and visiting her widowed mother and crippled brother on the weekend when new owner Adam Boothe takes over to give the magazine a sexy new makeover, including a new name, New Lady. The editor isn't on board with changes and is convinced to take an early retirement, giving Lee a promotion. Lee isn't at all intimidated by Adam, although she's a bit outraged on behalf of her departing editor. Adam and she spark and when they bump together in her office he kisses her and she likes it.
Only they make a lunch date and Adam cancels it but she seems him with another woman, the former boss's divorcée daughter, Lisbeth. But Adam seems to be pursuing her anyway! And Lee is forced to juggle her previous friendly boyfriend, Brian - an editor from their sister Travel magazine, and a man she used to have a crush on in high school, Mark, who has reappeared now that he's taking classes with her brother (who's moved in with her) in university. But Lee is only attracted to Adam, making it all the more devastating when she becomes convinced he is going to marry Lisbeth!
Reading this book, it felt almost like a historical to me – it was great. Lee's world in the 1970's in New Zealand is completely different than mine – Lisbeth is “a gay divorcée” and kisses are not French! (French kisses are “making love”). The whole thing is very otherworldly, but a great place to visit! Despite this the book doesn't seem dated and Adam's kisses aren't brutal or punishing (for the most part), plus Lee is a liberated woman, able to challenge Adam both mentally and emotionally, although more reserved sexually. Quite enjoyable!
