Private Arrangements

Forged of Steele #10

by Brenda Jackson

MP3 CD Format Private Arrangements  No man has ever tempted her like this.... Nikki Cartwright can't believe Jonas Steele - the Jonas Steele - has chosen her for a high-profile marketing venture. It could make her career. But when she remembers the kiss they once shared, a kiss so intimate it sent their desire skyrocketing from simmering to blazing, Nikki knows she must guard her heart against the seductive Phoenix playboy as if her life depends on it. Jonas has no problem making their professional relationship personal. With the beautiful and talented photographer within his reach, he can erase her from his system once and for all. From a whirlwind Las Vegas affair to jet-setting across four continents, this Steele discovers getting Nikki out of his system is easier said than done, and now he wants her to belong to him heart and soul - as the woman of his most passionate fantasies.... Possessed by Passion They're discovering the healing powers of passion. Burned-by-love architect Hunter McKay came home to Phoenix to open her own firm, not rekindle her fleeting high school romance with playboy Tyson Steele. But when she runs into the sexy surgeon at a nightclub - and he unleashes that legendary Steele charm - Hunter fears she's headed straight for heartbreak once again.  Tyson hasn't forgotten the one who got away. A weeklong fling should be just enough to get the sultry beauty out of his system for good, even if he has to let Hunter set the ground rules. But the rules are suddenly changing for the no-strings bachelor. Can Tyson convince this sensual woman that he's the real deal - that they deserve a second chance together?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, African American Romance, Harlequin, Chick Lit

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Brenda Jackson book that I have enjoyed in a while, and I am happy it is a Steele book because they are my favorite of all her clans. Nikki and Jonas had a great love story. Their romance played out from beginning to end, and it was really a complete story. This book was a lot about business, but it was not totally focused on the business aspect which was great and really added to the story line. Nikki and Jonas had great chemistry, and really hot and steamy love scenes. This book had the feeling of the old Brenda Jackson stories that I loved and made me become a fan of her work....please keep this up!

[Marcela (BookaholicCat) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Arrangements is the tenth book in the Steel Series by Brenda Jackson.

Jonas Steel is the typical womanizer that only goes out with model-type women, his motto is ‘one and done’. He is the owner of the most successful advertising company in Phoenix.
After getting one of the most important accounts in the country he needs the best photographer for this job and that one is Nikki Cartwright. He has worked with Nikki before, eighteen months ago to be precise, he knows how good she is, the only problem is the kiss they shared at that time, kiss he hasn't been able to forget, there is something in Nikki that heats his blood as no other woman has done before.
When Jonas approaches Nikki with the job proposal she is not sure about accepting it. It is a great job opportunity, one that will help her make a bigger name as a photographer but she also knows that working so close to Jonas will be very dangerous for her heart. After the kiss they shared she is already half in love with him and if she accepts the offer she will have to spend a lot of time with him, first in Las Vegas and then they will travel the world together for two weeks.
She decides to decline Jonas’ offer, she already has another job opportunity working in a political campaign, this job is not as good as Jonas’ offer but it’s safer for her heart. But Jonas won’t accept no for an answer, he calls in favors and the political campaign withdraws the offer forcing Nikki to accept Jonas job.

Let’s start by saying I didn’t know this book was part of a series, I started to suspect it while reading it, there were some references about the older Steel brothers that made me realized this was a series. To say I was surprised that this was the tenth book in a series is an understatement, even tough I felt this book belonged to a series I can honestly say Private Arrangements can be read as a stand alone without a problem.

There were many things a liked about this book as there were others I didn’t like much. I had a problem liking Jonas, he was to cocky for my taste, the way he treated women was a bit too much for me. He’s a thirty-something guy who has never had a stable relationship, he allegedly sleeps with a different woman every night.

“...Jonas Steel. The master of one-night stands. The man who had a revolving door in his bedroom….”

I understand that in some cases the main character is a man with a reputation but in Jonas case his reputation was too much for me. I also don’t like heroes who frequent prostitutes, for me that’s a big red flag. In this book Jonas didn’t go to a brothel (he was busy with Nikki) but his little brother went after Jonas’ recommended him the brothel he likes the most in Las Vegas and of course with the great advice to bring plenty of condoms because he was going to need them.

Nikki is the sweet girl who dreams with the perfect man, kids and a the house with the white picket fence. I liked that she knew what she was getting into, she is a smart woman and was responsible for the consequences of her actions.
The chemistry between Jonas and Nikki is present since the first page, it was fun seeing them try to fight it until they succumbed to temptation. The sex scenes were hot but the internal dialogues were a little bit over the top making them kind of funny. I not sure if that was Mrs. Jackson intentions, but the very florid language only helped to bring the smiles.

"... but something about being here with him was getting to her. He was a hunter and could pick up the scent of an aroused woman a mile off. And some part of his presence, and their conversation, had turned her on. He was certain of it." - * By the way he's not a shifter or anything like that, he's a mere human, I guess with a highly developed sense of smell. * -

“She began nibbling her bottom lip, which meant she was nervous. He felt his erection throb which mean he was horny.”

“Every single rumor she’d heard whispered about him and his deadly steady, lickity-split, seemingly mile-long tongue was true.”

“The sensations surging through her were over the top, off the charts, mind boggling and earth-shatteringly explosive.”

“-his mind, body and soul had been taken for one hell of a ride. It’d been one damn sexual transportation that had taken him to a whole new hemisphere, maybe another universe.”

I could quote many more examples but I think you get the idea with those. Don’t take me wrong I kind of liked the flamboyance in the narrative because it made of this book an even funnier one.

Private Arrangements was my first book by Brenda Jackson but I’m sure it won’t be my last. If you are into funny and sexy contemporary romance and like very cocky protagonists this book is for you.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Jackson confirms why she is the queen of crafting sexual tension between her heroes and heroines that fuel her storylines. Nicole Cartwright and Jonas Steele have shared a kiss over two years ago neither can forget, and causing both to avoid each other, But, now Jonas has a business contract that could propel her photography career to the next level. Another kiss proves the first one was not a fluke. Jonas, a confirmed womanizer, does not want to understand what his heart (and body) is revealing about his feelings for Nicole. Nicole still believes in love everlasting with the perfect man, but until then Jonas is a good candidate for a sexual fling. Both will soon discover that often short-term solutions will lead to long-term solutions. Once the couple takes their relationship to the next level the love scenes are very hot and steamy and consume the second half of the book. Readers will be able to empathize with the female character and her hesitancy to move forward. Jonas is too formulaic as his character was too much like the other Phoenix Steele stories. The humorous dialogue between Jonas and his brothers demonstrates their brotherly love. This was definitely Jonas story, but a little more back story on Nicole would have made them more equals in the storyline.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another installment of the Steele brothers of Phoenix. This story is about the conversion of Jonas. The motorcycle riding, shoulder length hair wearing, body and face made for a woman to see and swoon. Jonas, like all his brothers, believes he's meant to be a womanizer a one and done as he calls it kind of man. That's until on a rainy day a sweet, kind, and loving woman comes in his office and knocks him off his feet by the name of Nikki Cartwright.

Nikki and Jonas work together on a project and happen to kiss. Both knowing it's more than they are letting on but let 18 months pass by. Jonas gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work on a project called the Velocity and has the perfect freelance photographer in mind for his team, Nikki. Nikki declines the career changing offer out of fear based upon her attraction to Jonas. Needless to say Jonas takes matters in his own hands and Nikki changes her mind. Now begins the whirlwind of intense attraction and great chemistry hot and steamy. I don't remember reading one of Ms. Jackson's books that were more steamy and blazing hot. The scenes were not just descriptive or implied but were shown for the reader to visualize. I enjoyed Private Arrangements and would recommend it to any and all fans of the romance genre.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 out of 5. Another fun read from an author who continues to delight her fans with the saga of the Steele family in all its manifestations. A hero who is a determined bachelor and who loves women, lots and lots of women, and who is a successful marketing executive. A heroine who is a smart and sassy, skilled and successful professional photographer and who is determined to hold out for the "real thing" in a long-term relationship, no matter how attracted she may be to Jonas Steele. It is a delightful romance that has, at its core, the family values that make Ms Jackson's books entertaining but there is also the clash between the "free and easy" way of living and the deeply satisfying intimacy of a love that stands the test of time and circumstance. A very good book.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Bad News Steele is bit by the love bug...Jonas the ULTIMATE womanizer of the Phoenix Steele's is unaware that 18 months ago Nikki Cartwright stole a place in his heart and he just can't seem to shake it off after only one AMAZING kiss and a successful business deal. The chemistry between Jonas and Nikki is CRAZY HOT...despite her knowing that Jonas is Mr. Wrong and she should wait for her Mr. Right...she can't fight the INTENSE fire that sizzles between them whenever they're in close proximity to one another. Another enjoyable romantic tale...looking forward to the next Bad News Steele's downfall.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three down and three to go. Those Bad News Steeles are falling like a house of cards. Loved Jonas and Nikki's story. He has just replaced Eli as my favorite Phoenix Steele. Another amazing read from Brenda Jackson.

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Not as exciting as some in the rest of the series.
Lot of push and pull between Nikki and Jonas because she wants "forever" and he is cool with "right now." A one night hook up is fine with Jonas but can true love change his mind?

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great page turner. If you need a romantic distraction from life this is the book. Great plots and twist and plenty of romance. Could not put it down.

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonas and Nikki had an interesting love story. They were colleagues. She had a crush on him. They kissed and he kept his distance even though he couldn't stop thinking about her. Then he decided to go after her. She didn't make it easy for him. Then she decided she could just have a fling and ignore her heart.
I enjoyed this story. Jonas was so cocky. He didn't realize he had lost his heart to her until it was almost too late.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Arrangements
Private Arrangements is the latest in the Steeles series. The steeles are a large “when are you going to give me grandbabies? I want twins” kinda family, the latest instalment takes place in phoenix where the “Bad news Steeles” live: Die hard bachelors, dangerous bed mates and mouth watering good looks all thanks to papa Steel with only six Steeles left on the market I say “LADIES get in there NOW!” With this instalment one of the Steele men is falling hard and fast though he refuses to admit it.

Nikki Cartwright. That’s her name women plan revenge now!! Well if Jonas Steele doesn’t sabotage it himself, after a passionate kiss which left them both confused 18months ago, the two finally collide head on and when they do, the notorious womanizer acts out of character.

This story was funny, frustrating and just plain HOT. The author builds characters that you will (scream and shout at your kindle) root for. You’ll love and hate their “private arrangement” and love the Finesse the Steeles carry.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of Brenda Jackson's better books. I found characters kind of silly. Hopefully next book will be better.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good... Enough that I think I'll get more acquainted with the Steel's brothers.. :)

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way this book started & ended. This book seemed more focused on the sex than the storyline. The storyline was okay. The storyline could have been better.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can't help but like the Steele brothers. Now if only there were really men like this in Phoenix.

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Arrangements Become Public!

I purchased this book in 2012 when I started reading the Steeles of Phoenix. After picking them up this year, I realized I had not read this one was delighted to continue the series after reading or rereading the first books.

Another one of the "Bad News Steeles of Arizona" fall in love. Jonas was really the bad news of the six Steele brothers in Phoenix. He owned a successful marketing firm, Ideas of Steele. He wore his hair to his shoulders, rode a motorcycle and had the infamous green eyes of the Phoenix Steele brothers. He was absolutely a "one and done". Why would he tie himself to one woman when there were so many to sample, all types, all races.

Then he met Nikki Cartwright, a freelance photographer who was very good at her job. She had just finished a job for him, and was in his office when he was awarded a contract which would take his business to the next level. He knew her photographs had helped and he grabbed her and kissed her. They both thought it was simply a congratulations' kiss.

However, they thought of that kiss for eighteen months. Then, he had another contract that would take his firm even higher and offered her a job. She knew his job offer included sex. Since she knew she couldn't resist him and refused to be another one and done, she turned down his job offer. He was shocked as he couldn't imagine any woman's turning him down.

After he made sure that she was rejected for a job offer, she accepted his offer. Additionally, she agreed to be with him for the next two week as they traveled to complete the job. Once they returned to Phoenix, their affair would end.

Of course three weeks after returning to Phoenix, he couldn't stop thinking about her. When he discovered she had accepted a job offer and was moving to LA, he knew what he had to do.

Yes, another Steele bit the dust. Another HEA. The storyline was built around so much sensual sex, there wasn't as much plot. Still, it was worth reading and I'm in to the next brother's story.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wrote the review below about another Steele book, "Possessed by Passion". I used the same review and switched out Tyson and Hunter for Jonas and Nikki. I enjoyed the earlier Forged of Steele books much more.

Here is the review:
I have read most of Brenda Jackson's books, but this one was just ok. I would probably give it a 2.5. She has other books that I have enjoyed much more and even re-read.

It was really tiresome to continue to hear about the "Bad News" Steele Men who are basically manwhores. The book doesn't lack for sex. Jonas is a master. It was like he did all the giving trying to prove his prowess, or confirm his reputation, and Nikki was just on the receiving end. Not that it is terrible, I just never felt the sense of them coming together on any level but a sexual one. It felt very shallow somehow.. Then, there is the successful woman who doesn't believe a Steele man could possibly be interested in her, could he? The whole "these men are gods, and the women who tame them" theme is a bit boring. I skimmed through a bit of this book. The one redeeming quality is when Jonas finally decides he truly love Nikki. The book begins to get more interesting and less repetitive. BUT, this doesn't occur until almost the end of the book, 95% into the book.

Not a bad read, but I hope, other Steele Men let their genuine feelings be known earlier in the book rather than let the woman feel as though she is no more than his next conquest.

I feel like the North Carolina Steeles have more of a storyline, more emotion, etc. than the Phoenix Steeles.

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonas Steele has been avoiding Nikki Cartwright for the past eighteen months after they shared a kiss. But now his company has been awarded a much desired project and he wants the best photographer he knows -- Nikki Cartwright -- to come on board. Nikki has secretly had a crush on Jonas for some time but knows it will never go anywhere because Jonas is a one and done Bad News Steele with no desire for attachments.

Jonas may be a one and done kind of guy but has no problem using manipulation to get Nikki right where he wants her -- in his bed. Jet-setting across four continents is the perfect opportunity to get Nikki out of his system, or so Jonas thinks. But Mr. one and done will discover that he is the one done in!!

[Biggaletta Day · Rating 1 out of 5]

See other reviews for a balanced view. For a regular contemporary romance, I found the hero problematic and a bit toxic. Jonas was just a sexually aggressive promiscuous man who couldn't take no for an answer. He is more bully boy romance material, which probably would have been better.

He also sabotaged her career which the silly Nikki woman thought was cool.

Another thing is they went raw or condomless without even thinking about testing given his 'One and Done' sexual history. No Nikki, it's not okay you are on the pill, you both need to get tested or at least claim 'clean' status. Yes, this story just bugged me. Sorry 😞.

Read other reviews for a balanced view because she writes great sex scenes but the hero was ugh.

[Maria T. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Arrangements

This was a story about Nikki Cartwright and Jonas Steele. They met at Galen and Brittany's is wedding and again at Eli and Stacey's wedding since she was the photographer at both. He was instantly attracted to her but kept fighting the pull. Finally he hired her for his marketing campaign with Fulton Airline which was an immediate success. During the two week flight they became intimate which was the beginning of happily ever after.

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stubborn Love

Jonas and Nikki fell in love at first sight but didn’t know until it was almost too late. Getting to know each other made it possible. Jonas claimed he’d be a bachelor for life but when love hit it proved him wrong. After giving in to temptation, Nikki finally got what she desired. Great Steele love story.

[Mary Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA

Brenda Jackson never disappoints. Her characters stand out as real people with fears and weaknesses, but also strength of character. They know what they want and go after it. I enjoyed Private Arrangements and recommend it to all romance readers.

[Yvonne Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexual banter

Jonas sexual forward ways inspired me to make love to my husband. I enjoyed the banter between him and the heroine and how sometimes men can be ignorant to their own desires!

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Steele’s

Been reading about this family for years and of course Brenda didn’t let me down! Another player who gave up his player card now if I could meet Mr. Right and live happily ever after...again! Only in my dreams 💋

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki

I enjoy reading about the strong women characters who do not fit the skinny, make-up face, fake hair, fake nails. The men character, Steeles, find love in these extraordinary women. On to ,"Possessed by Passion".

[Treese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, 🤔 I didn't like this book.
As a new reader to this author and having listen to a couple of her books. One, they primarily have the same story line pattern and the readers voice
of the female is HORRIBLE, which makes the story even worse!

[Gia Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Arrangements

Jonas and Nikki are hot! This is a great happy ending and part of the series. It’s been fun to see how the married ones came to the conclusion and new beginnings.

[amaya crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome book

I like that in the end of the book Jonas stop fighting his feelings for Nikki and this is a really awesome book

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Jonas fought it until he couldn't anymore. I think he new but didn't want to admit tvat Nikki was it for him.

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. You can't make deals and think your heart won't be affected. I need to start reading with her first book. Really enjoy her writing style.