Love at the Top

a wonderful feel good story:
Cassidy Romanelli works in a personnel office at Haydon-Smith Communications in New York. For the most part she enjoys her job, with the exception of the office gossip and the time conscientious supervisor. Seven months ago, Cassidy had been divorced from her cheating husband, and she still hurts from the gossip that was spread throughout the office about her then. She'd sworn off men after the divorce. Maybe her friends were right. Maybe she did need to give men another chance. A. E. Haydon-Smith is the new head of Haydon-Smith Communications. He's one of the richest men in England. Because of stipulations in his dead uncle's will, he must return to the business world. He'd have to leave behind his vagabond ways. He rather enjoyed not having to shave and being able to dress slovenly. People treated him differently when they weren't aware of whom he was. He really wasn't looking forward to the money hungry debutantes throwing themselves at him. Thursday, while taking her lunch break in the park, Cassidy met a man she thought might possibly be a vagrant. Still he was nice to her when she had started coughing, so she'd thanked him and they started a conversation. She bought him a potato knish since he said he didn't have any American funds and inquired if he had a place to stay. Before parting ways, they agreed to meet for lunch the following day and exchanged names. He said his name was Alex Smith. Cassidy had no way of knowing that the man she knows as Alex Smith is really A. E. Haydon-Smith. On Friday, they met in the park as planned and Alex took Cassidy to a Greek restaurant for lunch and had set up another date for that night. Cassidy had to cancel on the date for that night because of work related issues. She insisted on telling Alex in person, and she met him at the park where they'd previously met. Alex was stunned that she would be putting work before him. No woman had ever chosen work over him in the past. Cassidy stirs his blood like no other woman has. Just to show her what she's missing, Alex passionately kisses her before she leaves to go back to her job. It's not until Monday when Cassidy visits Mr. A. E. Haydon-Smith's office that she discovers she's been deceived by a man once again. Susanne Marie Knight has written a wonderful feel good story with LOVE AT THE TOP. Even the secondary characters are amazingly endearing. I loved the idea of a wealthy man living as a commoner. Cassidy's openness and obvious concern for others makes her a wonderful character. She was so willing to go out of her way for a complete stranger. People like that are hard to find in New York. Alex and Cassidy make the perfect couple. Alex just has to convince Cassidy of that. You could almost hear Alex's mind whirling as he tried to figure out how to get through to Cassidy. This book was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure I'll read it many times over in the near future. Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

A simple plotted, light-hearted, romantic story:
Alex Smith is the new CEO of Haydon-Smith Communications. Before he resumes his new position, he has a few days vacation to enjoy himself. He dresses like a vagabond, unshaved, with long hair and feels carefree just wandering around. He meets Cassidy Romanelli at the City Hall Park and rescues her by pounding on her back when she chokes on her food. Cassidy is scared and turns away because of Alex's appearance. But she comes around a moment later and feels guilty and ashamed of her own behaviour. She approaches Alex and invites him to lunch for helping her. Alex agrees gladly and they have a good time together. They agree to meet for lunch again the next day and then dinner after work. Unfortunately, Cassidy has an urgent project that needs to be done and she has to work overtime the next day. She still goes to see Alex and they agrees to meet for dinner on the coming Monday. What they don't know is Cassidy works in Alex's company as a HR specialist. And they are surprised when meeting face to face in the CEO's office on Monday afternoon. Alex is a super sexy hunk with self-assurance and confidence. Women always chase him and never choose work over him. His ego is a little hurt when Cassidy has to work overtime and reschedules their dinner. It is also why he finds Cassidy a special woman. Cassidy has lost faith in men after her divorce seven months ago. Finding out that Alex is her new boss makes her feels deceived and angry. However, Alex's tender sentiments for his staff touches her deeply and lest her see the other side of him. LOVE AT THE TOP is a simple plotted, light-hearted, romantic story that you could read within one day. A nice tale of "Millionaire Marries Working Girl" and somehow a fairy tale comes true. However, like most short stories, there is not enough room for characters developing. An average read for a contemporary romance.

A 5 Star Modern Day Cinderella Story!:
"This book is fantastic! LOVE AT THE TOP is a modern day Cinderella story. I was so engrossed in the story that I forgot I was having a really bad day. In fact, I loved it so much I couldn't put the book down--I had to stay up until I finished it. Alex is a wonderful hero... not to mention super-rich! And Cassidy's dilemma is extremely real. What an emotional roller coast ride for her! Very believable situations make for a compelling, exciting read. I've recommended this book to all my friends. Definitely 5 stars!!