The Davis Deal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review
Description:
America’s favorite youngest child, Manhattan’s most notorious womanizer, and a highly publicized proposal. What could possibly go wrong?
Scarlett Davis loathes the limelight. Long labeled the least compelling sister of a popular reality show family, the diligent fashion designer hopes to be left alone to run her growing company in peace. But a mean girl rival’s attempt to steal a red carpet client has the sassy businesswoman scrambling to generate positive buzz…until she blurts out a fake engagement to her majorly famous best friend.
Rafael Sánchez has turned his back on love. Yet when the most important person in his life impulsively proclaims he’s her fiancé, he helps her save face in front of the cameras.
And as the retired soccer star attempts to sell the ruse while hiding the way the voluptuous blonde makes his blood sizzle, he worries they’re about to send both their reputations up in flames.
As Scarlett’s insecurities flare up under scrutiny from her glitterati peers, she can’t resist the temptation of a red-hot kiss. And when their pent-up attraction explodes into a scorching summer fling, Rafael can’t shake the fear he’s about to get burned.
Will they stage a quiet breakup, or can their chemistry carry them into a Hollywood-style happy ending?
Review:
The Davis Deal begins with Scarlett Davis attending the Dauphney Gala, the biggest night in New York fashion. Scava Designs, created by Scarlett and her two sisters, was counting on this night to launch Scava into the stratosphere. Scarlett’s family is reality television royalty. Plagued by a few scandals, she and sisters have stepped away from The Hollywood Divas and refuse to let their mother pull them back in.
Scarlett was sure she would sign A list star, Cecilia Palmer. Standing in her way is Orelia Peters who this season’s IT girl. Once Scarlett mingles, it does not take long for her and Orelia to butt heads. Cecilia loves Scarlett’s designs but due to Orelia’s rising influence, she is going to give Orelia a seat at the table as well. Scarlett reels at this development, which is sent into overdrive when Orelia keeps prodding Scarlett with harsh comments. After all, Orelia has just married a man from an old and connected family in New York’s society circles.
Scarlett feels backed into a corner and reveals that she and Rafe Sanchez, retired world-renowned soccer superstar and handsome entrepreneur have just recently gotten engaged. The only problem is it is a lie. She and Rafe have been best friends for years and there has been nothing romantic about their friendship. To say they are shocked at the news is an understatement. Add to the equation that Rafe and his supermodel girlfriend just recently broke up and things get dicey.
Once Scarlett sees Rafe at the Gala, she asks to speak with him. Once she tells him what has happened, his immediate response is no. But once he thinks about it and the “engagement” has a time limit, he acquiesces. After all, Scarlett is his best friend, and she needs his help. What is the worst that could happen? They love spending time together and know each other well. Rafe has one hard line: he will NEVER appear on The Hollywood Divas. Best laid plans and all of that…………………
The Davis Deal is a wonderfully written tale. Scarlett and Rafe’s chemistry is palpable to everyone but them in the beginning. Scarlett has always felt like the odd one out of the family and never felt she quite fit in. As she and Rafe navigate their growing feelings for each other and the quintessential mean girl that is Orelia Peters’ antics, they both know one thing: they will do whatever it takes to keep the other safe. However, no one expected a huge life-changing secret to be revealed by Scarlett’s mother which sends everything Scarlett and her sisters believed into a tailspin. Add to that a manipulative move made by said mother sends Rafe running. Nothing will ever be the same. The Davis Deal is ultimately a story of trust and redemption, love and forgiveness. If you are a romance fan, you will never go wrong with one of Hayward’s books. I look forward to the next set in the Davis world. (Get a move on, Jennifer!) I have said this before, several years ago, that if she wrote a phonebook, I had read it. She is just that good. Well done, Jennifer Hayward! Very, very, very well done!
Reviewed by Vickie
Copy supplied by Author
