In Greg Abbott’s high-stakes romance, a billionaire’s wife has an affair with the heir of a pantyhose tycoon.
Alex Halaby’s role as the executive VP of sales at his family’s business, Halaby Hosiery, is at risk as his father’s resistance to change hinders Alex’s ability to contribute. Their sole customer is considering dropping them due to their outdated designs. Amid preparations for his birthday soiree, an argument with his parents prompts Alex to quit the family business and seek shelter with nightclub owner Billy Lukes.
Billy convinces Alex to play the piano at his struggling nightclub to impress Charles, Billy’s brother and potential investor. There, Alex meets Charles’ wife, Emily, and is immediately smitten. When Charles, unaware of Alex’s feelings, hires Alex to perform at Emily’s birthday party, Alex and Emily connect over her passion for art, and they soon share a passionate night.
Emily’s guilt ends the short-lived affair, but Alex’s feelings intensify. While Alex struggles to save his family business after his father’s heart attack, Emily continues to play the role of a devoted wife. Will they ever see each other again?
Abbott vividly describes his characters, writing of one: “At six foot six, with his leonine mass of platinum hair, Larkin would’ve cut a distinguishing figure had the pant cuff of his Havemeyer suit not betrayed him ending an inch above his enormous wing tips.”
Alex and Emily’s struggles, rooted in their personal and respective family histories, add a layer of complexity to the already engrossing storyline, and their journey to becoming fully realized adults is compelling.
One distraction, however, is the lengthy backstories Abbott gives his characters, such as in Chapter 9, where minor character Frank Shea’s backstory stretches over three pages.
Regardless, the story’s excitement stems from the will-they, won’t-they between Alex and Emily, which engages readers from start to finish. Readers will be happy to find that the thrilling ending establishes the possibility of a follow-up.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
