A smart, sexy lesbian romance about facing the truth about your desires…and risking everything.Laurie Holcombe is out of a job, out of luck, and out of time. When a prestigious law firm hires her as an assistant to one of its senior partners, it feels like she might finally get back on her feet. All she has to do is put up with the whims of her infuriatingly icy boss, Diana. How hard could that … hard could that be?
Diana Parker is Atlanta’s top lawyer and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it. She’s driven, ruthless, demanding, and stuck in a failing marriage. Too bad she can’t run her personal life as well as she runs her ordered office.
When a young assistant shows up with bright blue eyes, a cute Southern accent, and a streak of pink hair, Diana’s sure she’s all wrong for the job. And yet something seems to be pulling her and Laurie Holcombe together, drawing them into a secret, thrilling dance that’s far too dangerous for a boss and employee.
Can they make rules for this powerful attraction, a way to keep each other at arm’s length? But how do you resist the irresistible?
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This book started off great. The build up, the back and forth between Diana and Laurie, 2 very strong female characters. All great. But it lost some steam about midway thru.
Diana is a powerful partner in her own law firm. She’s in her 40s and having questions about her sexual preferences. Laurie is in her 20s, a student and Diana’s new assistant. She is also happens to be a lesbian.
Around the middle of the book, Diana starts to come off as selfish and rude, instead of strong and confused. Her denial about her sexuality has her overcompensating. And I get that. I didn’t mind at first, considering this is all very new to her. And she needed time to adjust. But it became very repetitive without any growth. Her insecurities became over the top, and made no sense. And she has some very unflattering thoughts about Laurie that had me wondering why she would want to be with her, if she really believes them to be true.
Laurie is obviously interested, but Diana is constantly thinking that she’s mocking her and only in it for the sex, even though Laurie never asks for anything from Diana in the bedroom. She did all the work. And did it happily.
It felt like they the relationship Laurie was being cautious but sincere and Diana was playing games and assuming that Laurie was playing games. And this dynamic went on for much too long.
Even though the middle of the book dragged, or maybe because it did, the ending felt rushed and almost unresolved in some aspects.
There was a very touching and emotional moment near the end that tugged at the heartstrings. And I have to say that Laurie is just so kind, generous and strong throughout the entire book. She was a fantastic female lead. I would have enjoyed more of her background information.
This book some really good elements, including the heat and chemistry, but came up just a little lacking for me.
Roslyn Sinclair has created a world filled with angst and erotic heat in The X Ingredient that had me hooked from the opening lines. The sensual energy between Diana and Laurie is so intense that it was difficult to pause this audio book for other commitments. I am always on the prowl for a good women loving women book. This book is definitely that. Anastasia Watley’s narration of this book is incredible. Her portrayal of Laurie brings a dimension of this book to life that I would have totally missed if I had read the e book. I am hoping to listen to her again as much as I am headed to Amazon to find another book by Roslyn Sinclair. The talent in this audio book is electrifying. I am trying to refrain from any spoilers. This in one of those books I will listen to more than once. It is a wonderful story.
“like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, stressed as hell while it tries to protect its tail from any number of dangers.”
Such a great read 🙂
The author did a great job bringing Laurie and Diana to life on the page. I really felt for both of them, and while their story held few surprises, it felt real and important through their eyes. And it is hot as hell.
Very highly recommended.