Title: Stripped
Author: Rhonda Stapleton
Published in 2007 by Freya's Bower
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 1-934069-42-6
Amanda is not happy loosing the managerial position to an outside hire. For three years, she slaved proving her worth, only to have management cast her aside. The stripper her friends hire cannot dance but he looks good, so Amanda sits back, sipping her drink, enjoying the view. After helping remove his pants, she seductively dances and grinds against him. Later she invites him to stay for some bedroom action, but Amanda passes out from the alcohol before making good on her offer.
Jake owed his friends, Jim and Annie a huge favor, since helping him move from Chicago to Cleveland. Performing as a male stripper for one of Annie’s friend earns him three hundred dollars, money a single father can always use. With his new job, Jake and his daughter, Jessica begins their life as a family. Besides, he will never see these women again. Although…Amanda, Jake would not mind seeing again.
Monday is the first workday of his new job. At the morning meeting, Jake meets his fellow web designers and co-workers. Amanda’s veiled insults begin their heated repartee that no one else notices; except her friend Stephanie who recognizes Jake from Amanda’s party. Jake returns Amanda insults with ease, though quite embarrassed how his first day on the job starts. That weekend, the company picnic ignites their attraction as Amanda meets Jake’s daughter, not realizing whom the little girl belongs too. Then when a drunken co-worker gets obnoxious with Amanda, he comes to her defense. Before leaving the picnic, Stephanie hands over Amanda’s phone number, encouraging Jake to call her.
However, work related power struggles plague these two career-oriented lovers. When Amanda’s original conference partner gets ill, their boss sends Jake in his place. She viewed this trip as an excellent opportunity to display her business skills, as well as her web design talents. Being alone with him, she worries that her hormones will take the lead. On board the plane, Jake pulls out a list their boss has given him but not Amanda, making her seethe with anger by keeping her out of the communication loop. During the tech conference, they score a number of prospective clients making the trip a success. When one prospect asks them to rebuild their web site, Amanda feels slighted, again, as their boss gives Jake all the credit.
Amanda and Jake give in to their hunger, forming a sexual relationship during the conference. Proving they make great lovers, though clearly adversaries in the boardroom. Their sex life shows unity, bringing each other to a carnal satisfaction, but does not strengthen their overall relationship. Work and related squabbling breaks the fragile thread their loving creates. Amanda knows she is falling in love with Jake, but cannot move pass viewing him as competition. Jake acknowledges his growing attraction, even feels guilty for “stealing” the job she has coveted. Still, work has always been his first relationship, more so since raising a daughter alone now.
Stripped, published by Freya’s Bower, is hilariously funny from the first page, all the way to the end. Ms. Stapleton masterfully creates a world that is genuine, as the characters are charming and engaging. Amanda is ambitious but obviously not recognized for her talents and business acuity. Jake is confident in business while being a single dad leaves him floundering. Jake’s daughter, Jessica is adorable, although the glue who brings these two lovers together; reminding her workaholic father that people are more precious then any job. Their families and friends provide more entertainment as Amanda’s sister uncovers her husband’s affair, and her friend Stephanie finally finds the man of her dreams in Amanda’s old lover. Her mother delights in finding love again after the death of Amanda’s father, too. The girlfriend get-togethers provide a gentle reminder to the importance of friendships. The sex, though not explicit, is fresh, giving this romantic story the right amount of ardor. Funny…entertaining…a sexy romp – definitely a book to read!
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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