Books › Connoisseur's Choice
Connoisseur's Choice
First published 1984 · 192 pages
A breezy, sun-drenched 1980s battle of wits where a disastrous first impression sparks a delightfully stubborn summer romance.
What it feels like
A nostalgic trip back to the golden age of 1980s category romance, this briskly paced story thrives on the crackling, antagonistic energy of a classic battle of wits. Set against the sun-drenched, breezy backdrop of Virginia Beach, the narrative feels like a perfect beach read from a bygone era. The prose is straightforward and dialogue-heavy, leaning into the delightful melodrama of stubborn pride and workplace friction. Readers who love the push-and-pull dynamic of enemies-to-lovers will relish the prickly banter and the slow melt from irritation to undeniable attraction. It is an ideal afternoon escape for fans of vintage Nora Roberts or Janet Dailey, offering a lighthearted, comforting plunge into a world where a disastrous first impression is just the prelude to romance.
- Mood
- sun-drenched
- lighthearted
- nostalgic
- Tone
- playful
- antagonistic
- breezy
- melodramatic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- enemies to lovers · workplace friction · battle of wits · summer romance · pride and misunderstanding
- The writing
- Straightforward and dialogue-heavy, peppered with the dramatic internal monologues characteristic of 1980s category romance.
- The arc
- Moves from prickly defensiveness and mutual irritation to begrudging respect and passionate surrender.
- Who it's for
- Fans of vintage 80s romances who love a good old-fashioned battle of wits and a coastal summer setting.
Content notes
- mild sexism typical of the era
- workplace power dynamics
About the book
He didn't seem prepared to forgive and forget
Marlie had been working for her uncle in Virginia Beach every summer for years, and she knew everything there was to know about his business. If she had only known as much about Greg Alston, her uncle's most important customer, things might have turned out differently.
She might riot have insulted the man within minutes of their first meeting. And he might not have retaliated with such impossible demands.
Marlie was prepared to play the game. But once again, she seriously underestimated the resourcefulness of her opponent.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Connoisseur's Choice
See why they match
One-Night Mistress…Convenient WifeAnne McAllisterA high-drama, emotionally charged dance of past humiliations and present desires, where a single night of passion inevitably spirals into a lifetime commitment.
Master of MarshlandsMiriam MacGregorA comforting, nostalgic trip into a classic rural romance where prickly misunderstandings slowly melt into undeniable attraction.
The Winter PicnicDixie McKeoneA cheerful historical romp where a precocious child plays matchmaker to two stubbornly opposed adults.
Caribbean encounterKay ThorpeA high-seas clash of wills where bitter misunderstandings melt into tropical passion.
The Ultimate ChoiceEmma DarcyA fiery clash of wills set against the high-stakes world of show jumping, where initial hostility masks an undeniable, consuming attraction.
Conditional SurrenderWendy PrenticeA classic, high-stakes battle of wills where professional boundaries melt under the heat of undeniable attraction.