Doukakis's Apprentice (21st Century Bosses, #2)

by Sarah Morgan

[Angie]

Based on the publisher, I was expecting this to be super cheesy, over-the-top, and possibly ridiculous. Well, I was very wrong. I kind of adore Doukasis's Apprentice! Polly's father's company has just been sold to the infamous Damon Doukakis. Polly has been part of this company in some capacity for her entire life and doesn't want to see anyone lose their job. She's prepared to fight for her employees. What she's not prepared for is the attraction between her and the most infuriating man she's ever known. They have a history, and Damon can't seem to move past it as he seeks revenge on Polly's father. But he's also a savy businessman, so he proposes that he and Polly work together for three months.

Doukakis's Apprentice did start off a bit uncomfortable for me. I immediately loved Polly with her pink tights and her loyalty. I even liked Damon at first for firing this jerk-off for sexual discrimination. But then he starts becoming a jerk himself and could also have been fired for sexual discrimination and harassment if he weren't the big boss. I just didn't like how he spoke to Polly. I could see where he was coming from in thinking badly about her work ethic, but that's no excuse for any of the comments he made to her. However, Polly doesn't just take it. She gives it right back to him and more! She will not let his man continue to talk down to her, and not just because he's really, really, ridiculously good looking.

Other than the romance, Doukakis's Apprentice also has some great side plots. I loved seeing Polly in action, trying to save the business. She truly cares about the people who work there, and she's dedicated to their creative freedom. Of course, this means that Damon has to learn to loosen up as he spends more time with Polly. Then there's Damon trying to track down his sister who has run off with Polly's father! Shocking! Polly doesn't like their relationship either, but she's accepting of it if that's what makes them happy. Damon, on the other hand, just thinks Polly's family is trouble, since she and his sister were friends in high school and were both expelled.

Doukakis's Apprentice left me with a smile. Polly and Damon's relationship may be the typical enemies to lovers type, but there's plenty of moments that were refreshing. I was cracking up during their "morning after" scene. Polly's reaction is not at all what Damon expected and it completely throws him off! I definitely wouldn't have minded this one being longer and getting more of those kind of silly scenes!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.