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This book by Maggie Brown is the first of her writing I have read. I am quite astounded at just how much I enjoyed it. The writing is intensely emotional yet just so satisfying to absorb. The characters are deeply written and the storyline is entertaining yet full of surprises. The politics are enticing as a backdrop drawing the reader through situations most of us will never experience. I really enjoyed this book and will look to read the rest of the series.
I love Maggie Brown's writing style! The story was over 300 pages but it didn't feel like it and the story moved steadily forward. This was a real joy to read.
The story centers around Maxine Carleton, who goes is a very successful corporate lawyer who was worked out of Singapore for the last six years. But she grew tired of the corporate law scene and wanted to make a different impact so she quiet and was considering a career in public advocacy, fighting for the "little guy" against corporations and, if necessary, government. So she quit and returned to Australia.
But her sister, Judy, runs an high end escort service in Sydney and Senator Emery Moreton, an absolute ice queen of a politician, has requested an escort for the global trade conference in Canberra for two weeks. Unfortunately, the list of requirements for this escort is beyond anyone in Judy's employ.
Except for her sister, Maxine. Maxine speaks multiple languages, understands high society functions, and can hold her own talking to anyone about trade. So Judy begs Maxine to take this two week job and reluctantly, Maxine accepts.
Neither woman is what the other expects, and, of course, sparks fly. But what happens next is something you need to read. It's a great story and I loved the pacing throughout. And yes, at the very end, you do get a happy ever after but getting there is the crux of this story.
Another entertaining sapphic romance set in politics and the courtroom Maggie Brown is a very reliable source for entertaining books. And this one is excellent - again. Set in the world of politics and later in the court room it‘s a two-for-one read. Add to this: hilarious, ice-queen melting, second chance with great side characters and set in Australia and it‘s the perfect sapphic romance with an interesting backstory. The start was very amusing when stodgy senator Emery Moreton clashes with the (seemingly) carefree Maxine she has hired as a companion for an international summit. But what can Emery do when Maxine at the same time charmes all the diplomats and the icy senator? Their affair ends with the summit. Turn the tables: Maxine is back in the court room after her hiatus where she did her sister a favor accompanying the senator. This is where both women clash again in a demanding court case. I loved this storyline and I loved the surprising turn of events. The pages turned effortlessly and all too soon this well-rounded, entertaining read came to an end.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Another great read from this author. Almost 2 stories in one, a lonely senator hiring an escort initially to deter annoying suitors at a conference in Canberra, we have Maxine the escort who is doing her sister a favour as she is actually a corporate lawyer, as they connect there's lots of witty banter and interesting characters as their relationship turns to romance 🔥 times ensue. There's a split as the story turns to a second chapter, very interesting court scenes when they re connect, the secret life is revealed very cleverly. I enjoyed this somewhat because I actually live in Canberra and see first hand the goings on in parliament here. There's a few inaccurate descriptions geographically but I'm just being pedantic, on the whole another enjoyable read and hea, nice to read something with mature intelligent characters.
This is my first book by this author, and I’m so glad I picked it up. It’s been a long time since I’ve read something that completely pulled me in. The angst was just right, the slow burn was just about right! and I loved that something finally happened around the 50% mark—imagine all that buildup!
I absolutely loved this book. Emery and Maxine’s story is one I’ll never forget. Easily one of my best reads of 2026!
I always look forward to MB’s strong female characters, up-tempo pacing and plots that are never cookie-cutter. Her content always opens my eyes to something new. Same goes for this one! Both MCs were smart and accomplished professionals, and I had fun with it the whole way through!
Fabulous. Two smart women coming together as politician and escort in this clever book that has great chemistry and emotional depth. It's one of those rare books that stays with you after the last page.
A beautiful book, it has everything. Love, passion, amazingly well written characters, realistic dialogues, passionate moments, interesting family and happy ending. I couldn’t put it down, loved it. Thanks