Two Week Deal

Struck By Love #2

by Syrie James

It’s just business. Or madness!

A fiercely independent graphic artist gets the opportunity of a lifetime working with the headstrong owner of an advertising agency. But can business and pleasure mix?

At a holiday mixer on a cold winter's eve in December 1987, freelance graphic artist Kelli Ann Harrison gets an unexpected job offer that throws all her plans into disarray. She came to South Lake Tahoe to oversee the final phase of construction on her brother's glamorous vacation house and hoped to get in a little skiing on the side.

But when Grant Pembroke, a smart, attractive, take-charge advertising executive invites her to team up with him for two weeks on an ad campaign for a local casino, it's a proposition that's too exciting to refuse.

Professionally, they make a wonderful team. But privately their strong personalities clash, a situation further complicated by the high-voltage charge that sizzles between them. Is this two-week deal business ... or madness? If Kelli and Grant play their cards right, can a whirlwind love affair last forever?

This novel can be read as a standalone … or enjoy the series!

Newly revised edition, previously published as Propositions and The Sky's the Limit.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1987

About the author

Syrie James writes about bold, smart women who defy the odds and overcome daunting obstacles to achieve a cherished creative dream, find truth and justice, or help people in need, often finding love along the way. She is the international, USA TODAY, and Amazon bestselling author of many novels of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and YA which have been published in 21 languages.

Syrie's Historical Murder Mystery series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, is set in Victorian England and features sister sleuths who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. The series includes the Amazon bestseller "The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall," "The Secrets of Thorndale Manor" and the upcoming "Danger at Darkmoor Park."

Los Angeles Magazine dubbed Syrie the “queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Her novel “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” sold at auction to HarperCollins and became an international bestseller, and was named Best New Fiction by Regency World Magazine. Her passion for love stories and the paranormal led to her critically acclaimed “Dracula, My Love,” “Nocturne,” and the YA series “Forbidden.” Her enduring love of all things English and 19th century led to her Amazon bestselling Dare to Defy Historical Romance series.

Syrie’s books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, hit many Best of the Year lists, been designated as Library Journal Editor’s Picks of the Year, and won numerous awards including the national Audiobook Audie Award for Romance and the Women’s National Book Association Great Group Read (“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte”), and Barnes and Noble’s Romantic Read of the Week and Bookbub’s Best Snowbound Romance (“Nocturne”).

Syrie is also a WGA member with numerous scripts sold to film and television, and a published playwright, actress, and stage director.


Find Syrie at:
syriejames.com,
Facebook,
Instagram

Reviews

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does This Temporary Work Relationship Have The Potential To Be Anything More?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance

SERIES: Struck By Love #2, completely standalone – leads are related to characters in Book One

SETTING: Lake Tahoe, 1987

NOTE: This book was previously published as Propositions in 2012 and The Sky’s the Limit in 1987

WHY I READ THIS BOOK: It isn’t Austenesque/JAFF, but Syrie James is the author of several brilliant Austenesque books and I love reading everything she writes. And just in case there are other readers out there who love both Austenesque and Syrie James, I thought I’d share my review here.

THE PREMISE: Kelli Ann Harrison, a freelance graphic artist, is determined to establish a life for herself on her own. She has had high-handed boyfriends and arrogant bosses, and is not about to let either of those into her life again if she can help it. Enter Grant Pembroke, a devastating handsome CEO of an advertising agency, who desperately pleads with Kelli to help him with this important casino deal. But with high tempers, two fiercely independent personalities, and an irresistible attraction, will this work relationship be able to last? Or is only a short-term affair…

MY THOUGHTS: I’m not typically one to go for love-at-first-sight romance, but I completely bought into it in this story where Kelli and Grant literally run into each other at an elevator and have an adorable meet cute. After seeing the connection they felt towards each other and their linked circumstances I was completely invested in their story. In addition, I loved that this story took place in one of my bucket list destinations – Lake Tahoe – in the winter time. It was the perfect choice to read on a cold and wintery weekend. ❄️

Similar to Floating on Air, Syrie James’s other contemporary romance in this series, what I enjoyed most about this book is the portrayal of a self-sufficient and fiercely independent woman. Kelli is a marvel – she’s her own boss, repairs her car on her own, and coordinates contractors for her brother’s home with confidence. She is #Goals. I also liked that she was a mixture of romantic dreams and sensible realism. She is wise, she knows what works for her and what doesn’t. And she won’t settle or subject herself to anything that doesn’t align with what she wants in life. Kelli’s got it going on…

Grant Pembroke (we see what you did there, Syrie 😏) was super dreamy and had some Mr. Darcy vibes with his initial mistrust authoritative personality. I loved seeing his romantic side – how he felt so strongly for Kelli and how he wanted and believed in a future with her so strongly. Their dynamic together was fun to explore. On the one hand you have powerful attraction and simmering passion, but on the other you have two similarly independent individuals who prefer to be in the driver’s seat. There were copious amounts of challenges, clashes, and consuming heat. (NOTE: Some scenes are for Mature Audiences).

Another element I enjoyed about this story was seeing Kelli and Grant work together on their adverting proposal for the casino. It was interesting to see the process and steps involved in working in an advertising agency – something I have zero experience with personally. I enjoyed seeing what ideas developed and was just as excited for them when they delivered the final product. However, around this same time is when I felt a little disappointed with Grant for his behavior. I think he made a big mistake with how he treated Kelli, and even though he apologized I feel like more ground needed to be covered before they could be reconciled.

Chemistry and creativity combine to deliver a whirlwind romance in Syrie James’s Two Week Deal. Once again Syrie James illustrates a fast-paced yet satisfying romance where a couple strives to overcome professional/work obstacles, learns the art of compromising, and forges a future together!

Austenesque Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Two Week Deal" is book two in "Struck by Love” series by best-selling author Syrie James. Kelli Ann Harrison, the sister of Kyle Harrison, the hero from book one, "Floating on Air," is a Seattle freelance advertising artist who is supervising the last construction details of her brother's Lake Tahoe luxury vacation home. Determined to add some fun in the mix while in this casino resort town, she literally runs into a tall, dark and handsome stranger. "He stood just inches away, still gripping her arms with his head tilted down to hers, so that despite his height, she couldn't help but stare directly into his eyes. They were a rich, vibrant blue, like the Tahoe sky, surrounded by think, dark lashes; quick intelligent eyes, which at this moment sparked with irritation. Despite this—for some inexplicable reason—she felt a sudden, wild fluttering inside her—a feeling of momentous, impending change. `Fate,' she thought, and realized, too late, that she'd said it out loud."

Grant Pembroke, owner of a San Francisco advertising company, is in Tahoe to land a big casino account. When Fate interrupts, not only does he become awed by Kelli's beauty and artistic talents but they both seem to have met one another's intellectual and creative match! So of course what intelligent, hot blooded man wouldn't think they should pair up and work together on winning this casino campaign?! Kelli struggles to remain professional; how can she resist him, let alone concentrate on the work at hand? "She said she didn't want this. She'd tried to resist. But she saw in his expression such heartfelt tenderness that it stripped away her defenses. She didn't want to think, only wanted to feel." As the deadline draws near, it seems they have fallen madly in-love. But is it love? Can it really be love after only a few days?

Originally published in the Eighties as "Propositions," as James points out in the Author's Note: "I love that this book is set in the ’80s, at a simpler time before cell phones, computers, and the internet changed the way we do everything... But the basics of the creative process remain the same. So do the joys we experience in a new relationship, on the road to falling in love."

This poignant, steamy romance will have you believing there can be love at first sight—and like one of our hero says, "When you know, you know." I loved, loved, loved this perfectly crafted, lush, love story. Ideal read to curl up with these bleak winter days and escape! Let me be the first to petition for James to continue with this series—the Harrison clan has at least four more sisters, parents and grandparents she could tell their stories!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ad artist and an advertiser meet in a wintry Tahoe and agree to a short-term work only relationship, but that pesky attraction thing keeps getting in the way. I’ve enjoyed so many of the author’s past books that I was jazzed to pick up this latest which is a re-make of the older title Propositions.

Two Week Deal is a standalone follow up to Floating on Air and tackles another Harrison sibling’s romance life. Readers don’t have to have read the first one to appreciate Two Week Deal

Kelli Ann Harrison is in town to put the finishing touches on her brother’s vacation home and decides to have a bit of fun while in the winter playground and casino town. That’s when she runs into the most attractive man. Literally. Turns out he can use her graphic artistic talent to help him get the edge on his competitor in advertising campaign for a new casino. Kelli is fiercely independent and Grant is used to being in charge. Naturally, this pair clashes, but the fireworks aren’t all of a business nature. Kelli wants to keep it that way, but she can’t deny the undercurrent between them or that Grant looks on her like she is someone extra special.

Tahoe is the gorgeous third main character and I loved that it is the vibrant backdrop to this clever, ambitious, artistic pair who think they want one thing when fate has other ideas. Kelli had to work out that her life could have balance and more than one focus just like Grant. I really enjoyed seeing them figure it out even though yes, they had to find out the hard way to keep things interesting.

The book read swiftly though the pacing was even and I felt I knew the pair and the situation. I love that swoony and slightly spicy romantic quality Syrie James instills in her romances. There are a few more potential romance opportunities within the Harrison family and it would be fun to see this series of standalones continue. Definitely one for contemporary romance lovers who like the emphasis to be on the romance.

I rec’d an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarai Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Syrie James has created an enjoyable story of whirlwind love.

I fell in love with Kelli and Grant in this wonderful blast from the past story of love and ambition. Kelli has an eye for art and advertising, but also a keen sense when someone is a blatant a terrible person. Grant has ambition and a company to run, but is quickly losing ground to his competitor.

In a chance happening, Kelli and Grant meet in an elevator and through a series of strange circumstances, they end up working together on an add campaign for a casino. Of course they are attracted to each other, and that is only made worse when a snow storm makes the roads impassable. Focusing on work becomes increasingly difficult.

I think Kelli and Grant really work well together. They are both headstrong and know what they want, but also have the ability to see the other side of the argument and make concessions for the greater good of the project. The whole story line is fun and sexy, flowing with a wonderful pace. I really loved this book and have nothing to complain about. A must read before winter is over.
Received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.

Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Propositions" is the newly edited book two in "The Harrison Duet" series by best-selling author Syrie James. Kelli Ann Harrison, the sister of Kyle Harrison, our hero from book one, "Songbird", is a Seattle freelance advertising artist who is supervising the last construction details of her brother's Lake Tahoe luxury vacation home. Determined to add some fun in the mix while in this casino resort town, she literally runs into a tall, dark and handsome stranger.. "He stood just inches away, still gripping her arms with his head tilted down to hers, so that despite his height, she couldn't help but stare directly into his eyes. They were a rich, vibrant blue, like the Tahoe sky, surrounded by think, dark lashes; quick intelligent eyes, which at this moment sparked with irritation. Despite this--for some inexplicable reason--she felt a sudden, wild fluttering inside her--a feeling of momentous, impending change. `Fate,' she thought, and realized, too late, that she'd said it out loud."

Grant Pembroke, owner of a San Francisco advertising company, is in Tahoe to land a big casino account. When Fate interrupts, not only does he become awed by Kelli's beauty and artistic talents but they both seem to have met one another's intellectual and creative match! So of course what intelligent, hot bloodied man wouldn't think they should pair up and work together on winning this casino campaign?! Kelli struggles to remain professional; how can she resist him, let alone concentrate on the work at hand? "She said she didn't want this. She'd tried to resist. But she saw in his expression such heartfelt tenderness that it stripped away her defenses. She didn't want to think, only wanted to feel." As the deadline draws near, it seems they have fallen madly in-love. But is it love? Can it really be love after only a few days?

Although Syrie James wrote this novel in 1986, it is still timely as the author points out in the Author's Foreword: "In some ways, reading the book is like stepping back in time, to an era before computers and cell phones took over the world and changed the way we do everything. The basics of the creative process, however, remains the same, as do the joys we experience in a new relationship, on the road to falling in love." This poignant, steamy romance will have you believing there can be love at first sight--and like our hero says, "When you know, you know." I loved, loved, loved this perfectly crafted, lush, love story. Ideal read to curl up with these bleak winter days and escape! Let me be the first to petition for Syrie James to continue with this series-- the Harrison clan has at least four more sisters, parents and grandparents she could tell their stories!

[Cass Grafton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Week Deal, like the first in the Love Struck series, is set in the 1980s, a time before mobile phones, computers and the Internet, and it’s a refreshing change to read contemporary romance that isn’t set in the 21st century.

Syrie James sets the scene beautifully, and writes with such clarity, it’s almost like watching a film as the story plays out in your imagination. The setting of Lake Tahoe in winter is also almost like another character, and wraps its arms around the characters - and the reader - as the story progresses.

Kelli Ann Harrison is a talented graphic artist who has just set herself up independently - and she is intensely independent!

Grant Pembroke runs a successful advertising business and is used to being the person who calls the shots.

Sparks fly almost as soon as they meet, when Kelli’s impulsive actions lead to them working together for two weeks on an important proposition for Grant’s company. The sparks, however, are not just business related but can you ever successfully mix business and pleasure?

Another fabulous story from Ms James, exploring the impact of instant attraction and how strong personalities can learn to compromise to secure a happiness that lasts forever.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice ooh romantic read. Lots of fun and drama but a great pairing that's exciting to read about.