GRR Reviews Hold Me Close by J H Croix

Owen is the quintessential billionaire geek, after founding his renewable energy firm in Boston, then moved it to Alaska. He lost his parents in a carbon monoxide poisoning incident, and only a neighbor helped him stay sane, and inspired his line of research. Owen just doesn't know how to love... He was too busy to try. He just hired Ivy, who's both brilliant and beautiful, and already tied to Diamond Creek, Alaska: her brother lives nearby. Ivy had to abandon the academia when her engineering department head (an old guy who hadn't published a paper in a decade, just cruising along ) got a bit too hands-on, and not even a complaint to HR can stop the harassment. Moving back home, and finding a great job was great... She can't jeopardize that by having a fling with the hot boss... But soon, both gave in to their temptations, hoping that a taste will soon let their flames burn out, and they can get back to work. But when the department head threatened to ruin her professionally AND Owen's company too if she won't withdraw her harassment complaint, things look bleak for the couple...

Somehow, the threat just didn't feel... right, or urgent. But that's the problem of setting something in Alaska. And in the end, it's Owen's money and lawsuit that finally stopped the harassment for good, not that Ivy's running away (resigning) would do anything. Again, it's the "I must hurt you to save you" trope. Still, the polish is good. 4/5

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4/5

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