The Best by Tinnean

Title: The Best

Author: Tinnean

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (197pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ransom Burke, the handsome, wealthy, gay CEO of Burke, Burke, and Hammett, has implemented a strict no-fraternization rule for his firm. And with good reason—his father’s profligate ways almost destroyed the family company. Ransom’s new policy works well until he comes into the office one day and sees Parrish Rutledge, his new executive secretary. Ransom finds Parrish extremely attractive but fights his feelings. If he takes Parrish as a lover, he’ll have to fire him.

Parrish has been alone since he was sixteen, having been tossed out by his older brother. He dreams of his boss but knows nothing can ever come of it. Then an office party becomes their undoing and they give in to their passion. As expected, Ransom offers Parrish a choice: stay and ignore what happened or leave the job and return to college. Neither option is even remotely appealing. If only Parrish could persuade Ransom there’s a third possibility….

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3560

Review: Ransom has two strict rules, one: no relationships between co-workers and two: any lover will be monogamous. Ransom has kept to his own rules, but has been tempted in the past year by Parrish, his new executive secretary. Having been burned by love in the past, Ransom is wary to trust again. Parrish has had a crush on his boss for a while, but he never imagined he would ever get the opportunity to prove his worth outside the office. He can only hope this Valentine’s Day will be different from the last several.

This is a great story of two men who have both been burned by love, doing what it takes to protect their hearts while getting what they want. Ransom dumps his lovers the second they break his rule, there are no second chances, and he has no tolerance for cheaters. He also refuses to entertain the idea of fraternizing between co-workers. When he first notices Parrish, he ignores his attraction until Parrish makes a drunken pass. Then he lays down the options to Parrish. As far as Parrish is concerned there is only one real option for him, he will take what Ransom offers just so he can be with him. Falling for the boss might be stupid, but as far as Parrish is concerned it wasn’t a choice. Now, he will enjoy their time together, because he is sure that somewhere in his future will be gold tipped white roses.

Parrish is an adorable character who, even though he has been dealt a bad hand, still believes in love and happiness.  He makes the best of everything and just hopes he won’t be alone for Valentine’s Day. Ransom keeps hoping that his next lover will be the one, but he always manages to attract the wrong men.  He hates Valentine’s Day, but can’t stop searching for love. Together they make a great partnership, but they both go about it in the wrong way; Ransom trying to ease the way and Parrish accepting anything.

I must admit Parrish and Ransom are well suited and I wish they could have spent more page time together. They get separated after only a short time together and although they speak on the phone, it is hard to imagine them deepening their connection that way. We don’t get any sex although it is inferred to in abundance, and I was really impressed with how they came across as passionate with just a few well described scenes.

I will recommend this to those who love discovering love stories, great characters, a good storyline and a very happy ending.