Can't Get Next To You

Dutton Sisters Duology #1

by Niobia Bryant

BUSINESS TAKES A BACKSEAT … Gabrielle “Gabby” Dutton is in love with her boss, but he doesn’t have a clue. Although she lives in his guest house, Max has kept their relationship strictly professional and platonic, choosing to entertain a parade of gorgeous model types that gabby feels she could never compete with instead. So When Max hires Penelope Tillman, a beautiful business manager who makes it clear that she’s looking to marry him, Gabby decides it’s time to pursue the man who’s stolen her heart. …WHEN LOVE IS ON THE LINE Maxwell Bennett never views his reliable assistant in a romantic light, but when Gabby returns from her trip to Georgia –after getting a sexy makeover to top all makeovers, he’s taken aback by the breathtaking beauty she’s hidden under bulky clothing and awkward glasses. They surrender to their desire for each other–until Penelope, sensing competition, spreads a nasty rumor that causes Gabby to flee. Now with his heart and his business in disarray, Max needs to find Gabby and convince her that she’s been promoted from secretary to soul mate.

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Niobia Bryant is the award-winning and national bestselling author of more than fifty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written under the pseudonym Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star-Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling books has been adapted to film.

Reviews

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENJOYABLE romance about Gabrielle's unrequited love for Maxwell. She's been his assistant for 6 years and unbeknownst to him she's loved him at first sight. She's his employee, friend, and confidante...yet Maxwell only sees her as an innocent little girl who needs protection from the BIG BAD world due to her sheltered and shy nature. When Maxwell throws Penelope in the mix as his consultant, the pleasant easy balance of Max and Gabby's relationship is tested and it makes them both say and do things that could tear them apart forever or possibly turn LONG time friends into lovers and soulmates. As this is a 15th Anniversary Special Edition...IMHO the author should have taken a moment to have the book "re-edited" in order to clean up the many typos/grammatical errors. Overall it's a DECENT fairy-tale-like read.

[Jazzypom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gabby Dutton is Max Bennett's girl Friday- but she's been in love with him for ages, and Max doesn't know that. It doesn't help that Max has gotten involved with a new art agent, Penelope something another, who terrorizes Abby into retreat for a while. So, Abby goes home, and in this paint by numbers story, she gets the "hook up" from her sister and her sister's gay friend, in realising that yes Virginia, size six is just as good as being thick, and a good haircut and wardrobe will do wonders for a man's libido.

Are you freaking kidding me?

Anyways, Max falls for Gabby, due to her new and improved look, they hook up, then Penelope ruins stuff (again), and Gabby runs away, will Max realise how much he misses her? Will he find her and then they live happily ever after?

I stopped my knitting for this?

None of the characters were even sympathetic- you wanted to slap Gabby for being so clueless, Max for being so insensitive, and Penelope for not having enough pride in herself to say, "Self, he doesn't want you, move on."

I give the book two stars, not because I liked it (hell no), but because it wasn't annoying enough to throw across the room.

[Tim Covell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of well-worn tropes here, with the assistant who has a crush on the boss who does not notice her until she gets a makeover, and the temptress versus the good woman. However, the book is more than 15 years old, and the boss/assistant relationship is unconventional. Secondary characters are delightful, if familiar. This is a story that does not take itself too seriously, which makes for a fun read, even if the resolution is drawn out. Lots of steamy scenes and humour, including several dream sequences which add to the fun.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT.....i fell over laughing at the part with the FED EX delivery guy that was funny. But good book good read and can't wait to read about the sister. I just started reading this author and have not been disappointed so far.

[Kandiz Oliver]

Fantastic book.. I loved the thrill and excitement of the book.. It showed me that you can always find love if you just wait and it'll comes to you..

[Jamila Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Fave of Niobia*s

This is one of the first books I read of Niobia's that hooked me as a forever fan! Falling in love with Max and Gabby's bond was easy.

[Lena Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Reissue

I'm so glad Maxwell and Gabby's story has been reissued. They were secretly in love for six years and he didn't even know it. Looking forward to April's story.

[Lorice DeBlanc-Brim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

[Nicole Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll Enjoy!!!

I found myself enjoying these characters immediately and that is not the norm for me. I also smiled and laughed throughout the book. Read you'll enjoy

[Deborah C. Fidderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Get Next to You

I loved the story of Maxwell and Gabrielle. I recommend this book to everyone who loves romance novels, it's a great read.

[Edrenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

Love this book she is a great writer I will be reading more of her books. Yes I would recommend to some who loves a good romance.

[Tesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!!

I enjoyed reading this book and all trials and drama that came with it. What a beautiful love story!! You must read for yourself!!

[Sigourney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story

A beautiful story that captured me quickly when I read the preview because it reminded me of myself a little bit. Sweet ending and glad Penelope was removed.

[jewelee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main leads were incredibly immature in their drama and antics but the side characters were hilarious and made up for it.