Just Business

by Julie Cannon

What should be just business becomes much more when two women agree to a deal that changes their lives. Real estate tycoon Dillon Matthews, in the middle of negotiating the deal of her life, is stunned when the owner of the small parcel of land she desperately needs to complete her latest project presents the final condition she must meet to close the deal. Callie Sheffield is struggling to pay the attorney she has hired to appeal her brother’s conviction for a crime he didn’t commit. When Dillon and Callie meet by chance, they realize each has what the other needs. A simple business transaction will give them both what they need—until love threatens to derail the negotiations.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Fiction, Lesbian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Julie Cannon is a native sun goddess born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a corporate stiff by day and dreamer by night. She has nine romance novels and five short stories published by Bold Strokes Books. A recent transplant to Houston, Julie and her partner Laura live on the lake with their two kids, two dogs and a cat.

Reviews

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a cover like that, who doesn't want to read this book. Except that neither of the ladies in the cover looks anything like the lead character Dillon, who prefers boxers with planes, boats or other silly decors.

Anyway, the whole book can be summarized with one word: Karma. Dashing millionaire lady-killer Dillon uses a vulnerable woman to further a business deal. (Note: In real life, who wouldn't jump at the chance to be Mrs. Dillon--certainly not me!) But this is fiction, so lets bear with the author's implausible premise and just enjoy the book, which isn't hard to do.

So, the two ladies jump into a relationship, one of whom thinks its real love and the other one, a business deal. But when one of them gets too cocky and spills the beans, all hell breaks loose and the tables are turned.

I almost didn't read this book because of the low ratings on Amazon. Yet this is one of my favorite reads. Just goes to show you should always take all reviews (including mine) with a grain of salt.

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can't I give a 5 plus?

I've read the book, I have listening to the audiobook and I enjoyed both. There were touching scenes, the attraction and tension was spellbinding and the cast of secondary people was really good and adorable. The story is excellent written and it will wrap around your heart. I'm so glad that I added this book to my collection. Yes, I can highly recommend it.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book was alright. I did not enjoy the flow of the book all that much. It seemed to be broken up and jump from event to event. I never fully felt like I was involved in the two main characters' lives. Dillon Mathews, a real estate architect, was looking to buy a piece of land to make her dream building. Callie, a florist, was just trying to save her brother from jail for a crime he shouldn't have been put in jail for. They meet at a bar one night and both spend some time over coffee together. Then, when Dillon needs a date for a dinner with a house owner who is stubborn about selling his property, she invites Callie as her date and they start a relationship to try and get the home owner to sell his house. Callie is intrigued by Dillon and Dillon starts to sweep her off her feet.

I thought this book seemed to jump a lot between the events and I never felt like the characters relationship developed as much as it should. It was an alright book with a lot of drama. I had read Julie Cannon's short story in the book, The Boss of Her, and thought I would give a full length book of her's a try. I did not enjoy it as much as the short story, but I may try to read one more of hers.

[Lex Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I think this just went to the top of my favorite Julie Cannon book list.
I was so angry at Dillon, reading this book. How could she be so cruel and manipulative?! But by the end, all I could hope for was a HEA for Dillon and Callie. I can not remember a book were I went from hating a main character to rooting for her. Julie Cannon masterfully wrote this to make you forgive "the bad one".
This romance is enjoyable, different, and well written. Don't pass this one up!

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just didn't 'get' Dillon, not what she stood for but how she went about it and how she treated Callie in her own mind. Otherwise, a standard JC book which, if you like her, I'd recommend, but try some of her others which, to me, are stronger.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Good read.

[Jo reece · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn’t for me I’m afraid…

[Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating for this 4.5. I think the book had a great start and along the way I liked seeing how the characters developed with themselves and with other characters in the book. Honestly, I really hated when Dillion went through the thought process of her plan and the way she used Callie thinking it was okay. The ending is iffy for me. I think I wish we could have gotten a bit more when it came to what happened after Callie told Dillion to sign the papers and I would like to know what happened in the process of Callie forgiving Dillion in terms of what she did. I think Callie sorta forgave her way too easily especially considering what she did to her and how she made Callie feel. All in all it was a good book though and I might read other stories from this author

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since the basic plot is one we're all familiar with (in chick flicks it's usually known as "at first it was just a bet, but now I really do love you!") Just Business hinges on character development and quality of writing. The good news? It was an engaging read, with believable characters and an honest moment of "geez, how are they ever going to fix this?" I loved Callie and the parts about her brother as well as the elderly couple who take Callie and Dillon under their wings. Dillon is perhaps less likeable but no less relatable, and certainly shows the most growth.

The love story was beautifully written, with all the subtle moments making it believable. Even while Dillon is so adamantly telling herself the relationship is a business arrangement and will have to be dissolved when it's no longer mutually advantageous, Cannon makes it clear to the reader that yes, she and Callie are happy together, and the love is there.

The book starts with one of those prologues which annoy me, the scene from the middle of the story which is supposed to make the reader wonder how the characters get into that particular situation and eager to read the wherefores, but really just succeeds in making me wonder why we can't just start at the beginning and continue from there. Forget the teaser, just make sure the opening is in itself strong enough to grab me.

For a long time I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending. The happy ever after wasn't forced per se, but parts of it were slightly contrived. Ultimately, though, I did feel that Callie and Dillon were happier together, and would continue to be so after the story ended. I would have liked to hear more about Michael's trial, though, instead of it merely serving as an opportunity for Dillon to show off her new, better self.

Nitpicks aside, I really enjoyed watching Dillon and Callie fall in love, so this one goes on the shelf for when I need a gentle pick-me-up.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very butch writer...unattractive concepts. The main chacter is butch and comments about her wife as a man would condescend to his wife. 'Sweet little empty-headed thing that she is'. I hoped those days were gone forever. But they are very much alive and well in Butch Literature, unfortunately. I actually liked the chacter of Calley. She was the only one with any substance. However, I did not like the overall story line.

[Frank Van Meer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know. The whole premise seems a bit silly (not to mention it's nowhere near to what the blurb says) and rather implausible. It just doesn't make sense to go through a whole charade as a means to acquire a small tract of land, because your whole project depends on it. To me, it seems much easier and cheaper to adjust your designs and build around it. (Edith Macefield House in Seattle, anyone?).

Now, if it had been your grandmother's will, stipulating you need to be married and produce an heir before your fortieth birthday, that stands in the way to fulfill your dreams, I could understand that. Even if the marriage contract contains stipulation 19.

Oh well.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after reading this a second time I've upped the this from 2 star to 3 stars. It definitely was better second time round. I was still extremely angry at Dillion for her callus attitude to sharing her life & marriage with someone....... However people make mistakes and if you can get over that it's actually a okay read!

[Karsyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really dispised Dillon. She should have told Callie what she was thinking, Callie would have agreed. Instead she was a lying piece of shit. I wish they didn't end up with a HEA. I would have liked the book a lot more. Dillon didn't deserve Callie or to get everything she wanted and a HEA.

[F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two stars don't reflect the quality of the writing - I'd give that a higher rating. The lack of enjoyment came from hating one of the main characters.

The fake-to-real relationship is one of my current favourite tropes. Especially when it involves a character who undergoes some real character development (with top marks given to a well-written Ice Queen). But in this book I just absolutely, almost viscerally hated the rich, spoilt, selfish, devoid-of-empathy, ...., Dillon. And this never changed for me. Even when I think I am meant to feel pity for her and see her great character development, all I see is a petulant spoilt brat who has lost a shiny toy that they want back, and will sulk and manipulate until they have it.

[Gaelle Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I really liked this book until I got to the end. The last 50 pages are a "nightmare" to read because they're the same thing said over and over again. It's a shame because it was the easiest I'd gotten into a story in a long time, but how annoying was the writing of the ending (which in itself is good, normal). But the author beats around the bushes for too long, saying the same thing from page to page.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wealthy real estate developed Dillon Matthews is setting up huge project and one land holder stands in the way. On a whim Dillon asks Callie a girl met in a bar to be a date to a dinner party of the land owner. As only can happen in a fantasy romance, Dillon marrying Callie will get her project completed. (It sort of makes sense in the story.) Callie has her own back story but believes they are marrying for love. Callie is great in this rich/poor trope. Dillon is only semi likable. Also a bit sexist in its writing probably because written in 2009. Quick read.

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if the book is really good or it's my love for Xena's uber stories (don't know if it really is, but it's how i perceive it) that sell it to me. Anyway, it's the typical story: bitch met love and don't get it until she loose her, and her world it's no more the same. Nothing original but i liked it.

[DeStijlx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I needed these last couple of days.

I love books that are packed with emotions and both mains had plenty to offer. Their character development was beautiful. Dillon oh Dillon, my heart went out for her. And Callie! You really do feel for her.

I wished there was an epilogue to just tie everything up.

Please do pick this one up at some point, it's worth a read.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not love this book, and Callie has no self respect. I would never be with someone who treated me that way. So yeah it wasn’t my favorite but I needed a fake romance to finish my lesbian book bingo and this one had high marks so I thought I would try it. Not sure I’ll read this author again.

[Taylor Pressley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I’ve read many books in this genre and none come close to how good this one is. It’s real, it’s a rollercoaster, and the characters are wonderfully developed. Honestly the only thing that could make it better is if there is a sequel. I left craving more of this story.

[Julie]

Don't remember.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Carole Damoci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this books

I have never not loved a book by Julie Cannon. Her stories are solid. She has just the right amount of humor, romance and good endings.

[Loree Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite enemies to lovers books!

[mili · Rating 1 out of 5]

0/10

dnf

[Milkiways · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I like to say don't be mislead by the book cover, there is much more to this book than the cover!

About the plot (read synopsis) wise, its terrific way different than usual romance novels. The writing is a little witty and gets more and more interesting towards the end. The story is also bit predictable but you will never know which path the writer will chose until the end. My only complaint is, towards the end the writer seemed to make the same point over and over and repeated the vocabulary, otherwise it would have been 5/5.

I am looking forward to read more books by Julie Cannon, I hope her other books are as good as this one.

[Louise Chambers · Rating 2 out of 5]

The usual Lesbian trash romance. I'm not sure why I thought I would like it. I am more a fan of the down and dirty "erotica" than I am of this formulaic literature.

[Oz. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can be read if you have time kill.

[veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buenísimo

El principio del libro te atrapa con la frase ¡ Cómo el llegado hasta aquí! Que te invita a quererlo averiguarlo y que cuando llegues al final va a decir Come on!!!!

[Gemma Masramon · Rating 2 out of 5]

És un llibre per passar l’estona, és llegeix ràpid i no hi ha girs de guió inesperats.
La trama està bé però li hagués pogut treure més suc.