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21st Century Bosses #2
Doukakis's Apprentice
With her family business in crisis, Polly Prince does her best to keep calm and carry on. But hard work alone can't save her London company from a takeover by the infamously ruthless Damon Doukakis…or her traitorous body from the lethal sensuality of her boss! As his new apprentice, Polly accompanies Damon to Paris to negotiate the most challenging business deal of her life! Worse still, Polly must at all costs resist Damon in the most dangerously romantic city in the world.…
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
113 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
904 books6,866 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in October - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in October - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 6, 2015
I have read quite a few books by this author and I like her storylines and her characters.
But I have to say that Polly is one of my favourite Mills & Boon heroines. She may be innocent and a virgin but she's not a doormat or a wallflower.
She doesn't wilt or primp to get her alpha gorgeous rich man. I really admired her values. She's actually what makes this love story work for me.
This is the second time I have read this book and loved it just as much as the first time.
But I have to say that Polly is one of my favourite Mills & Boon heroines. She may be innocent and a virgin but she's not a doormat or a wallflower.
She doesn't wilt or primp to get her alpha gorgeous rich man. I really admired her values. She's actually what makes this love story work for me.
This is the second time I have read this book and loved it just as much as the first time.
January 7, 2012
I can totally see why one of my GRs friends has so much love for Polly. She really is a great character. Loving, hardworking, intelligent, strong, and willing to stand up for what's right. And she has a great sense of humor. I loved her loyalty to her employees. Wish more bosses were that way in real life. At first, I didn't think Mr. Doukakis was nearly good enough for her. He was a bit of a jerk to poor Polly. Fortunately, as it should be with any good romance book, I came to like and respect him, to see that he was a Control Freak more than anything. It's interesting how an insecure childhood can shape two different people in two entirely different ways. Honestly though, Polly and Damon aren't that different. They are both goal-oriented, decisive people who get the job done. Who deal with circumstances and fix what's wrong in the best way possible. People who love strong and deep, and believe in doing the right thing. Damon came on hard and tough, like he didn't care, but he also cared about his employees. He just wasn't touchy feely about it like Polly. I have to say I liked his business ethics a lot (except for the hot desk idea. Did not like that at all). So my main issues were with how Damon treated Polly. Damon couldn't see past the outside, the fae, energetic beauty of Polly, to believe that she was just as capable as he was. He was poisoned by his past experience with her and his issues with her father. I was glad that he did work past his preconceived notions to give her the credit she was due. And he fell head over heels for her. I think I might create a new shelf, the "He never even knew what hit him" shelf, because that's what happened to Mr. Doukakis when Polly came into his life.
I liked the fresh, modern feel of this story, without throwing out the things I value in a HP. I like a virgin heroine, and I like that Ms. Morgan wrote one who is identifiably modern without being promiscuous. It wouldn't make sense for her to be that way, but it makes perfect sense for her to be a virgin. And there are a lot of woman out there who might be virgins for similar reasons without being weirdos, as the media tries to present. (off soapbox) I also felt the freshness in the references to such things as You Tube and other social media. Polly knows that the target audience for her advertising campaigns are going to rely heavily on social media. So why not use those technological avenues to advertise to the younger demographics? This felt very relevant, and I never felt like I was lost in a time zone, like I can feel sometimes with category romances. I also liked that although Damon takes over Polly's dad's firm, she isn't just the secretary. She's been running the company for years and not getting credit for it. It puts her on much more equal footing than you see in the usual workplace-set HP. Cheers for that. Even though this couple get their traditional HEA, I can rest happily knowing that Polly will continue being a genius in the workplace, making a name for herself, as she deserves. And she gets the man of her dreams. Works for me.
This review is a rambling fest. I guess that's the mood I'm in. Anyway, I ended up loving this book. it's glad I am that this is my first HP read of the new year. You were right, Lulu!
Sarah Morgan has done it again. High five!
I liked the fresh, modern feel of this story, without throwing out the things I value in a HP. I like a virgin heroine, and I like that Ms. Morgan wrote one who is identifiably modern without being promiscuous. It wouldn't make sense for her to be that way, but it makes perfect sense for her to be a virgin. And there are a lot of woman out there who might be virgins for similar reasons without being weirdos, as the media tries to present. (off soapbox) I also felt the freshness in the references to such things as You Tube and other social media. Polly knows that the target audience for her advertising campaigns are going to rely heavily on social media. So why not use those technological avenues to advertise to the younger demographics? This felt very relevant, and I never felt like I was lost in a time zone, like I can feel sometimes with category romances. I also liked that although Damon takes over Polly's dad's firm, she isn't just the secretary. She's been running the company for years and not getting credit for it. It puts her on much more equal footing than you see in the usual workplace-set HP. Cheers for that. Even though this couple get their traditional HEA, I can rest happily knowing that Polly will continue being a genius in the workplace, making a name for herself, as she deserves. And she gets the man of her dreams. Works for me.
This review is a rambling fest. I guess that's the mood I'm in. Anyway, I ended up loving this book. it's glad I am that this is my first HP read of the new year. You were right, Lulu!
Sarah Morgan has done it again. High five!
December 30, 2012
I've never been more annoyed about the lack of respect Harlequin pays to its category romances: this is a really good book, and it's almost ruined by lousy continuity. How hard can it be for a proofreader to notice that the hero's sister changes names from one paragraph to the next, several times. (Not the only continuity issue, either.)
That aside, I was charmed by this. It's not at all a typical Presents, but not in that way that makes me think it was published in the wrong line -- although not high on drama, it has just enough of everything it needs to feel right. Ironically, the fact that it seems genuinely contemporary reminds me of the great HPs of the past, in which there was variety and surprises and a sense of zeitgeist.
The best thing about the story is its heroine. Polly has a sad past, but she is tough and resilient as well as intelligent and creative. But my absolutely favorite thing about her is that when Damon sexually humiliates her, in classic HP style, instead of suffering in silence, she does it right back to him. with the instruction "Just because you're insanely good at kissing, that doesn't give you the right to make a fool of me. Don't ever do that again." I was also very amused when the commitment-phobic Damon is highly tense after they sleep together, only to discover that she has no interest in trying to form a relationship with him, which leaves him curiously aggrieved.
I started this review with a complaint about Harlequin; I'll end it by praising them for publishing a book that's different and fun. Please, keep it up! And hire some more proofreaders!
That aside, I was charmed by this. It's not at all a typical Presents, but not in that way that makes me think it was published in the wrong line -- although not high on drama, it has just enough of everything it needs to feel right. Ironically, the fact that it seems genuinely contemporary reminds me of the great HPs of the past, in which there was variety and surprises and a sense of zeitgeist.
The best thing about the story is its heroine. Polly has a sad past, but she is tough and resilient as well as intelligent and creative. But my absolutely favorite thing about her is that when Damon sexually humiliates her, in classic HP style, instead of suffering in silence, she does it right back to him. with the instruction "Just because you're insanely good at kissing, that doesn't give you the right to make a fool of me. Don't ever do that again." I was also very amused when the commitment-phobic Damon is highly tense after they sleep together, only to discover that she has no interest in trying to form a relationship with him, which leaves him curiously aggrieved.
I started this review with a complaint about Harlequin; I'll end it by praising them for publishing a book that's different and fun. Please, keep it up! And hire some more proofreaders!
November 5, 2019
*re-read* Knocked down a star because of the unsatisfying ending for the secondary characters. Heroine’s pig of a dad got no comeuppance nor felt any remorse for how he neglected his daughter and business. I also felt sorry for the H’s sister who traded a controlling brother for an aging husband on his fifth marriage. That’s just depressing. H/h are still adorable and I love their relationship.
*original review*
This was fun. Heroine is very likable and competent and tries to do her best for her employees. Hero has his own agenda that never quite gets off the ground - bless him. Read this when you want to smile as the action unfolds.
*original review*
This was fun. Heroine is very likable and competent and tries to do her best for her employees. Hero has his own agenda that never quite gets off the ground - bless him. Read this when you want to smile as the action unfolds.
March 27, 2024
Reread. 2024 Still a five star read.
Reread and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
I just wish it had an epilogue.
Reread and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
I just wish it had an epilogue.
August 17, 2011
One of the most best and enjoyable HP's I've read.
Polly Prince is hard at work despite the board having sold her father's company to Damon Doukakis and she knows the reason why(her father is involved with his younger sister). Damon has a very low opinion of her since she and his sister got expelled from school at 14 and he blames her.
Polly just wants to save the people's jobs, who've been like family to her, raising her when her father has been too irresponsible and self-involved. She loses her temper in the meeting because of the faithless board but Damon despite being condescending to her and thinking that she holds a position only because of being the boss's daughter, assures her that the jobs are not being cut yet.
The reason I enjoyed the book was Polly and seeing how over the course of the book Damon had to eat crow and realize how wonderful and hard-working Polly was. I also enjoyed that Polly was open about acknowledging the chemistry between them and gives back to Damon as well by playing his same game.
After their first night together, the next day Damon is shocked that Polly only wants to talk about work and tells him to forget about it. I liked that we saw the effect her father's multiple relationships had, had on Polly and her faith in them.
What I enjoyed the most was Polly's loyalty to her company members, and even her father. She wasn't a bitter at all about having only herself to depend on for everything and worked harder than anyone. I liked how she didn't keep a grudge about Damon's snap judgments about her and kind of showed him that productivity can be through fun too. Everything about the book worked for me.
Polly Prince is hard at work despite the board having sold her father's company to Damon Doukakis and she knows the reason why(her father is involved with his younger sister). Damon has a very low opinion of her since she and his sister got expelled from school at 14 and he blames her.
Polly just wants to save the people's jobs, who've been like family to her, raising her when her father has been too irresponsible and self-involved. She loses her temper in the meeting because of the faithless board but Damon despite being condescending to her and thinking that she holds a position only because of being the boss's daughter, assures her that the jobs are not being cut yet.
The reason I enjoyed the book was Polly and seeing how over the course of the book Damon had to eat crow and realize how wonderful and hard-working Polly was. I also enjoyed that Polly was open about acknowledging the chemistry between them and gives back to Damon as well by playing his same game.
After their first night together, the next day Damon is shocked that Polly only wants to talk about work and tells him to forget about it. I liked that we saw the effect her father's multiple relationships had, had on Polly and her faith in them.
What I enjoyed the most was Polly's loyalty to her company members, and even her father. She wasn't a bitter at all about having only herself to depend on for everything and worked harder than anyone. I liked how she didn't keep a grudge about Damon's snap judgments about her and kind of showed him that productivity can be through fun too. Everything about the book worked for me.
July 26, 2011
What an awesomely kick-ass, bad-ass heroine! Polly Prince was so feisty, sassy, smart and so utterly adorable that I even forgot I was reading a Harlequin novel. This was such a refreshing change of pace from the typical Harlequin book because Polly actually had a backbone and wouldn't take any nonsense from the hero, rather managing to turn him into a quivering mess of emotional nerves over his insecurities about her feelings (or rather lack thereof) for him. Not that Damon doesn't try to pull the typical alpha hero I'm-a-real-jerk-and-I-don't-do-commitment antics on her. Oh no. Damon is the typical overbearing, autocratic, judgmental, I'm-holier-than-thou alpha harlequin male full of unwarranted misjudgments and condemnation of the heroine and her character. But Polly doesn't take any of that crap from him and puts him right back in his place and winds him around her little finger. That was so AWESOME. I felt vindicated for and felt cathartic relief for every other Harlequin wallbanger I have ever read with doormat heroines just taking abuse from jerk heroes. Many Harlequin writers try to portray a strong heroine but fail, portraying a bitchy, irritating or annoying character instead. Polly was none of those things. She was smart-mouthed, sassy, passionate and stood-up for herself but she was also touchingly vulnerable and lovable too. I loved her fluffy pink pen and pink notebook with her love for pink everything. I really just wanted to give her a big hug so I could really understand why Damon fell for her. Demon Damon (his well-earned nickname) was not a bad catch either, after Polly did her number on him.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read with quite a few laughs and smart repartee between the characters thanks to Polly's smart-mouth and sass. It's got everything else you want from a Harlequin/modern as well, including pretty steamy love scenes and a glamorous setting. What I didn't enjoy about the book was . There were quite a few editing mishaps in this book as well, with constant confusion about Damon's sister's name as well as Damon's secretary's name. But Polly was so awesomely bad-ass that I still have to give this book five stars.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read with quite a few laughs and smart repartee between the characters thanks to Polly's smart-mouth and sass. It's got everything else you want from a Harlequin/modern as well, including pretty steamy love scenes and a glamorous setting. What I didn't enjoy about the book was . There were quite a few editing mishaps in this book as well, with constant confusion about Damon's sister's name as well as Damon's secretary's name. But Polly was so awesomely bad-ass that I still have to give this book five stars.
February 24, 2014
Uplifting romance, easy and light to read! Witty and brisk dialogues plus adorable characters u can't help but love!
January 28, 2012
What with writing and reading, I rarely get to bed before 1am.
Last night, my plans for an early night were shot by this book.
I'm always wary when there's hype about a book in case it doesn't live up to expectations.
This one did, and how!
Polly Prince is a standout heroine: ballsy, funny, quirky.
Damon Doukakis is a typical Presents hero: commanding, arrogant and super sexy.
Together? Fireworks!
Every now and then a book comes along that gives me writer envy. This is one of them.
Brilliant read.
Highly recommended.
Last night, my plans for an early night were shot by this book.
I'm always wary when there's hype about a book in case it doesn't live up to expectations.
This one did, and how!
Polly Prince is a standout heroine: ballsy, funny, quirky.
Damon Doukakis is a typical Presents hero: commanding, arrogant and super sexy.
Together? Fireworks!
Every now and then a book comes along that gives me writer envy. This is one of them.
Brilliant read.
Highly recommended.
November 7, 2017
3,5 ⭐️.
Me encantó ❤️ en serio, ojalá la autora hubiera desarrollado la historia más largo. Se me ha quedado pequeña. Me encanta cuando se llevan mal, cuando siempre todo no es lo que parece y al final se llevan tan mal que se besan como locos 😬
Polly es una luchadora, uñas y dientes se dejaba por la empresa. Y el ambiente tan familiar que tenían jo qué bonito. Eso sí, a ver llamadme loca pero a mí lo de su padre, un hombre de 54 años con una chica de 24 y que alguien me quiera cascar que es amor... me cuesta. Me cuesta mucho.
Y por cierto, el padre de Polly es un pedazo de mierda y se merecía todo lo que le dijo Damon cuando se enfadó. Menudo abandono hizo con Polly, lo único que le dio fue un techo porque del resto, NADA.
Muy recomendada esta historia para pasar el rato 😉
Me encantó ❤️ en serio, ojalá la autora hubiera desarrollado la historia más largo. Se me ha quedado pequeña. Me encanta cuando se llevan mal, cuando siempre todo no es lo que parece y al final se llevan tan mal que se besan como locos 😬
Polly es una luchadora, uñas y dientes se dejaba por la empresa. Y el ambiente tan familiar que tenían jo qué bonito. Eso sí, a ver llamadme loca pero a mí lo de su padre, un hombre de 54 años con una chica de 24 y que alguien me quiera cascar que es amor... me cuesta. Me cuesta mucho.
Y por cierto, el padre de Polly es un pedazo de mierda y se merecía todo lo que le dijo Damon cuando se enfadó. Menudo abandono hizo con Polly, lo único que le dio fue un techo porque del resto, NADA.
Muy recomendada esta historia para pasar el rato 😉
February 3, 2016
Well it was a cute story and I loved it when she turned the tables on him. Best part of the whole book was when she walked away from him after stripping. It was ok just not awesome too many loose ends it needed an epilogue and maybe a baby or two! Just saying it felt like no real issues were dealt with.
November 10, 2018
This was really nicely done. The author never hit a false note in this story. The h is wonderful and admirable, and the H is a jerk for quite a while but never crosses the line.
January 14, 2023
Surprisingly good considering it took me several days to read.
Smart, entertaining and happy about reading a work place romance that shows woman who can hold her own on a more than romance level, she’s also his equal on the job.
4 stars, but if I continue to think about it, it might get bumped up to a shocking 5 stars, those are few and far between.
Smart, entertaining and happy about reading a work place romance that shows woman who can hold her own on a more than romance level, she’s also his equal on the job.
4 stars, but if I continue to think about it, it might get bumped up to a shocking 5 stars, those are few and far between.
September 11, 2019
This was a fun office romance with more emphasis on the fun and office than the romance. Polly proved she could be the perfect apprentice capable of accomplishing anything she set her mind to, including winning the heart of ruthless businessman Damon Doukakis. She and Damon had nice chemistry. Their banter and clash of wills set the tone for some funny moments.
But as fun as this was I would have liked to have gained more insight into Polly and Damon's feelings for one another, such as longing and passion. Just a little more internal introspection or even personal interaction outside of the business domain would have been nice. Other than the last chapter these romantic feelings weren't really explored.
But as fun as this was I would have liked to have gained more insight into Polly and Damon's feelings for one another, such as longing and passion. Just a little more internal introspection or even personal interaction outside of the business domain would have been nice. Other than the last chapter these romantic feelings weren't really explored.
August 29, 2011
Good story. Fast and fun. Good bantering and a great heroine. The only thing that made me stop to 4 stars was the fact she was being a little too saint for me. She took care of her (stupid and useless) father, she took care of her (stupid and useless) father's firm. She wrote fantastic ads. Mmmmm, less perfection, please! We can be good without be on the verge of sainthood 24/7.
July 20, 2021
Rating: **4stars**
In other words "short and sweet". What an enjoyable read and both the leads were adorable. As used this trope is, I am an absolute sucker for opposites attract especially with the whole bubbly and sparkly FL and the ruthless serious Hero.
‘If the doors opened to the outside, I’d push you.’
His laugh lacked humour. ‘If I thought we’d be working together for long, I’d jump.’
Their banter and the FL's antics were entertaining and their overall chemistry was so delightful and organic. Overall had a good time.
In other words "short and sweet". What an enjoyable read and both the leads were adorable. As used this trope is, I am an absolute sucker for opposites attract especially with the whole bubbly and sparkly FL and the ruthless serious Hero.
‘If the doors opened to the outside, I’d push you.’
His laugh lacked humour. ‘If I thought we’d be working together for long, I’d jump.’
Their banter and the FL's antics were entertaining and their overall chemistry was so delightful and organic. Overall had a good time.
July 18, 2021
A quick read; light entertainment.
August 21, 2011
This probably more of a 4.5* book
The h is a 24 year old, free spirited, talented, creative and hardworking single female.
she basically runs her father's advertising agency but has no authority to change the way things are going. Her father disappears frequently and usually with a female about the same age as his daughter. This time he has taken off with her best friend and her friends older brother, the H, is not happy about this. He's so unhappy that he has bought out the board of directors and has taken over the company.
The H has a very poor opinion of the h based on a situation that happened ten years earlier when she was 14. He thinks she is spoiled, lazy and undisiplined and the first thing he's going to do is teach her a few lessons in how a business should run. The H is very anal, has rules about every thing and isn't interested in the need for a creative atmosphere. He finds out pretty quickly that Polly, the h, is the creative genius and energy behind the company's best ad campaigns.
After the initial skirmishes the book is about the H falling in love with the h despite his best efforts not to.
This book is entertaining, interesting, sweet and heart warming. The h is everything an h should be, she's someone you'd really like to have for a friend.
Forgive my spelling, I'm having a bad spelling day.
The h is a 24 year old, free spirited, talented, creative and hardworking single female.
she basically runs her father's advertising agency but has no authority to change the way things are going. Her father disappears frequently and usually with a female about the same age as his daughter. This time he has taken off with her best friend and her friends older brother, the H, is not happy about this. He's so unhappy that he has bought out the board of directors and has taken over the company.
The H has a very poor opinion of the h based on a situation that happened ten years earlier when she was 14. He thinks she is spoiled, lazy and undisiplined and the first thing he's going to do is teach her a few lessons in how a business should run. The H is very anal, has rules about every thing and isn't interested in the need for a creative atmosphere. He finds out pretty quickly that Polly, the h, is the creative genius and energy behind the company's best ad campaigns.
After the initial skirmishes the book is about the H falling in love with the h despite his best efforts not to.
This book is entertaining, interesting, sweet and heart warming. The h is everything an h should be, she's someone you'd really like to have for a friend.
Forgive my spelling, I'm having a bad spelling day.
January 9, 2012
Really good. I hadn't read a Mills & Boon in years and this was really modern while still mantaining those M&B traits - Greek Alpha hero - check, virgin heroine - check, exotic locale - check, obscenely rich hero - check. Don't let any of this turn you off though because Damon may be alpha but he's not an alphahole and he even apologises when he realises he's wrong and Polly is no virginal wimp, she's optimistic, stands up for herself, and just leads him a pretty dance throughout the book. Their repartee is fantastic and the sexual tension between them really sizzles. Tha added bonus is seeing our Damon thoroughly enthralled by Polly, getting ready to convince her that all they had is a one night stand and then when she preempts him by declaring it one before him and saying she'd rather not carry on the affair becos she doesn't want the inevitable nudges and winks, having him realise that the relief he should be feeling isn't there - now he really wants her.
I enjoyed this so much that it was a pity it was such a short book - I finished it in 2 hours but still 2 of the "funnest" hours I've had reading.
Sarah Morgan is definitely a writer to follow.
I enjoyed this so much that it was a pity it was such a short book - I finished it in 2 hours but still 2 of the "funnest" hours I've had reading.
Sarah Morgan is definitely a writer to follow.
April 7, 2015
It was good and quite fun. A smart and mature heroine, but I didn't feel any kind of romance, it was more business than seduction.
November 2, 2012
Damon is upset that his little sister has disappeared w/ Peter Prince, Polly’s father. He decides that taking over the company of Mr. Prince will bring him out of the wood work. Polly is the creative genius behind Prince’s company, but Damon assumes that she is just playing at working and is a lazy trust fund child. He is quite surprised when Polly reveals her hidden depths. Damon thought he knew it all walking in and that the 24 year old Polly couldn’t possibly be much different from the 14 year old who got his sister and herself expelled from school. Damon learns a lot of things over the course of the story, and it was VERY entertaining watching him learn each and every fascinating thing. He thought he was so slick showing how much control he had, well it was all for show later on!! Oh and the taking advantage of her injury situation – seemed like something he would do and again this backfired because he wasn’t dealing w/ a normal father. It also set up the little scene towards the end, because it was easy to see him doing what Polly thought he did as well.
Polly got the BEST advice early on in this story – “If you show him you’re afraid, he’ll walk all over you.” Well she didn’t show him she was afraid and she was AMAZING!! The dialogue was witty and entertaining. The chemistry between Damon and Polly sparked off the pages. I didn’t care too much for her father though. This guy acted like an immature child. He couldn’t seem to stick through anything. It was a good thing that Polly learned to solve her own problems because this guy seemed to think that giving her a place to live was the extent of his job! Okay and Arianna wasn’t a whole lot better, but perhaps she saw the light later on. It’s still a little quirky (disturbing) her taking up w/ papa though. I found it amusing that after their night Damon once again believes he has her pegged and proceeds w/ that belief only to be shot out of the sky and burned! This seemed to perturb him more and it even felt like he was a bit angry that she didn’t stick to his “script”. I also liked VERY much that he didn’t want her to give up her hopes and dreams for him. Nope instead he was willing to help her realize them! He was AMAZING as well. Their story is a definite keeper!! Thanks all for the great recommendation!!
There were times that names changed or that I might have missed something i.e. page 55 sounded like his sister, Arianna, suddenly became Analisa for a brief period of time, and his PA was known as Janey on page 157, but on page 180 she became Jenny.
Polly got the BEST advice early on in this story – “If you show him you’re afraid, he’ll walk all over you.” Well she didn’t show him she was afraid and she was AMAZING!! The dialogue was witty and entertaining. The chemistry between Damon and Polly sparked off the pages. I didn’t care too much for her father though. This guy acted like an immature child. He couldn’t seem to stick through anything. It was a good thing that Polly learned to solve her own problems because this guy seemed to think that giving her a place to live was the extent of his job! Okay and Arianna wasn’t a whole lot better, but perhaps she saw the light later on. It’s still a little quirky (disturbing) her taking up w/ papa though. I found it amusing that after their night Damon once again believes he has her pegged and proceeds w/ that belief only to be shot out of the sky and burned! This seemed to perturb him more and it even felt like he was a bit angry that she didn’t stick to his “script”. I also liked VERY much that he didn’t want her to give up her hopes and dreams for him. Nope instead he was willing to help her realize them! He was AMAZING as well. Their story is a definite keeper!! Thanks all for the great recommendation!!
There were times that names changed or that I might have missed something i.e. page 55 sounded like his sister, Arianna, suddenly became Analisa for a brief period of time, and his PA was known as Janey on page 157, but on page 180 she became Jenny.
September 25, 2011
DOUKAKI’S APPRENTICE is the latest Harlequin Presents by USA TODAY BESTSELLING Author Sarah Morgan.
The book blurb reads:
Wanted: willing apprentice to handle indecently arrogant (but incredibly sexy) tycoon
With her family business in crisis, Polly Prince does her best to keep calm and carry on. But hard work alone can’t save her London company from a takeover by the infamously ruthless Damon Doukakis…or her traitorous body from the lethal sensuality of her boss!
As his new apprentice, Polly accompanies Damon to Paris to negotiate the most challenging business deal of her life! Worse still, Polly must at all costs resist Damon in the most dangerously romantic city in the world….
My review:
Polly Prince had to work at all costs to save all her colleagues from being made redundant by the takeover of her family business. She had to fight with her own company’s board members who sold out, as well as Damon Doukakis, the ruthless man behind the takeover.
It didn’t help that Damon’s opinion of her was very low due to an incident ten years earlier.
Polly later found out that her view of Damon as a hard-hearted businessman was false. Now, will she be able to ignore the chemistry sparking between them?
Damon discovers that his opinion of Polly was not true either. How can he deal with this new found truth about her now? She was not a slacker at work as he’d believed but she was the creative power behind her company! She’d single-handedly run her business. And what about the sizzling hot attraction? Will he be able to forget his no commitment rule for her?
DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE had a yummy hero, who is honorable and darkly tormented, while the heroine is strong and idealistic but fighting her own past demons as well. The fast comebacks and witty dialogue created many laugh out loud moments, while the sensitivity and emotional tension made me reach for tissues. The sensuality in the love scenes is astounding. This story is in the “now” as in very modern.
Sarah Morgan’s latest DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE is a romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension. The premise of high-octane world of International Business and arrogant boss is exciting and the story keeps you involved from the first page!
The book blurb reads:
Wanted: willing apprentice to handle indecently arrogant (but incredibly sexy) tycoon
With her family business in crisis, Polly Prince does her best to keep calm and carry on. But hard work alone can’t save her London company from a takeover by the infamously ruthless Damon Doukakis…or her traitorous body from the lethal sensuality of her boss!
As his new apprentice, Polly accompanies Damon to Paris to negotiate the most challenging business deal of her life! Worse still, Polly must at all costs resist Damon in the most dangerously romantic city in the world….
My review:
Polly Prince had to work at all costs to save all her colleagues from being made redundant by the takeover of her family business. She had to fight with her own company’s board members who sold out, as well as Damon Doukakis, the ruthless man behind the takeover.
It didn’t help that Damon’s opinion of her was very low due to an incident ten years earlier.
Polly later found out that her view of Damon as a hard-hearted businessman was false. Now, will she be able to ignore the chemistry sparking between them?
Damon discovers that his opinion of Polly was not true either. How can he deal with this new found truth about her now? She was not a slacker at work as he’d believed but she was the creative power behind her company! She’d single-handedly run her business. And what about the sizzling hot attraction? Will he be able to forget his no commitment rule for her?
DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE had a yummy hero, who is honorable and darkly tormented, while the heroine is strong and idealistic but fighting her own past demons as well. The fast comebacks and witty dialogue created many laugh out loud moments, while the sensitivity and emotional tension made me reach for tissues. The sensuality in the love scenes is astounding. This story is in the “now” as in very modern.
Sarah Morgan’s latest DOUKAKIS’S APPRENTICE is a romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension. The premise of high-octane world of International Business and arrogant boss is exciting and the story keeps you involved from the first page!
July 4, 2011
The story begins with the heroine Polly nervously preparing for a meeting with the man who has taken over her fathers business, the hero Damon. Damon does not like Polly, thinking she is spoilt and reckless after Polly's actions many years ago resulted in his sister being expelled from school. To make matters worse Damon's sister has also run off with Polly's irresponsible father. Damon has taken over the company in order to find his sister, in the meantime he plans to teach Polly the meaning of hard work believing her to be lazy and only in a job due to nepotism. However once he has taken control of the company he soon realises that Polly has been running it virtually single handed for sometime, he also learns that Polly has brought herself up as her father was rarely there for her. During a business trip to Paris he gets to know Polly even more, especially how strong and unique she is, and begins to realise that not only has he misjudged her but also he is beginning to have feelings for her.
I have to say first; hurrah for the new breed of Modern authors who write such fantastic female characters, no doormats in sight! I adored Polly as a character; she is smart, independent and strong yet still caring and, at times, slightly whimsical. What a great mix, well done! I thought the two characters are perfectly matched, Damon is all serious and determined and Polly is equally determined but much more relaxed. They bounced of each other well, with the help from some fantastic dialogue. The relationship that developed between them feels very natural and real.
I especially liked how Sarah Morgan poked fun at corporate 'rules' and buzzwords. Up until a year ago I worked for a well known and very corporate banking group (whom shall remain nameless!) that used things like "hot desking" and other such nonsense, so I was laughing along with Polly's bemusement about these!
This is a beautifully written romance with all the classic elements of a Modern book, yet brought bang-up-to-date with witty dialogue and sparkling characters!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
I have to say first; hurrah for the new breed of Modern authors who write such fantastic female characters, no doormats in sight! I adored Polly as a character; she is smart, independent and strong yet still caring and, at times, slightly whimsical. What a great mix, well done! I thought the two characters are perfectly matched, Damon is all serious and determined and Polly is equally determined but much more relaxed. They bounced of each other well, with the help from some fantastic dialogue. The relationship that developed between them feels very natural and real.
I especially liked how Sarah Morgan poked fun at corporate 'rules' and buzzwords. Up until a year ago I worked for a well known and very corporate banking group (whom shall remain nameless!) that used things like "hot desking" and other such nonsense, so I was laughing along with Polly's bemusement about these!
This is a beautifully written romance with all the classic elements of a Modern book, yet brought bang-up-to-date with witty dialogue and sparkling characters!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
September 11, 2017
"Doukakis's Apprentice" is the story of Damon and Polly.
When Damon Doukakis take's over Polly's company, it is to lure out her deadbeat father, who has absconded with his kid sister!
How she changes his life forms the story.
The hero is pretty judgmental about the heroine in the first half, but how she does not give up and makes him swallow his words (in a way) was absolute fun to read. The hero realizes his assumptions in a series of funny and eye opening moments.
The two love making scenes were hot, and the characters were strong and likable. I loved the interaction between the h and her coworkers!
Really enjoyed this one.
Safe with minor exceptions
4/5
When Damon Doukakis take's over Polly's company, it is to lure out her deadbeat father, who has absconded with his kid sister!
How she changes his life forms the story.
The hero is pretty judgmental about the heroine in the first half, but how she does not give up and makes him swallow his words (in a way) was absolute fun to read. The hero realizes his assumptions in a series of funny and eye opening moments.
The two love making scenes were hot, and the characters were strong and likable. I loved the interaction between the h and her coworkers!
Really enjoyed this one.
Safe with minor exceptions
4/5
September 9, 2019
Re-read. And so I wanted to see if my feelings had changed. Not by much. The word redundant is excessively used in the book and makes you think if the writer was really that unintelligent.
Otherwise a quick easy read. The book lacked passion and romance imo. There was really so much room for wicked sparring between the h and H. All there was instead were mild arguments and stating the obvious. Nothing to write home about!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Well. One more time I read the word "redundant" I'd jump off a cliff. Just plain ol BAD writing. The word 'redundant' appears atleast once in every sentence. I tried just flipping pages but couldn't get rid of 'redundant'. That word is put atleast a thousand times randomly in this book.
Verbose, REPETITIVE, REDUNDANT....
Otherwise a quick easy read. The book lacked passion and romance imo. There was really so much room for wicked sparring between the h and H. All there was instead were mild arguments and stating the obvious. Nothing to write home about!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Well. One more time I read the word "redundant" I'd jump off a cliff. Just plain ol BAD writing. The word 'redundant' appears atleast once in every sentence. I tried just flipping pages but couldn't get rid of 'redundant'. That word is put atleast a thousand times randomly in this book.
Verbose, REPETITIVE, REDUNDANT....
October 7, 2011
*** 4 1/2 star ***
Really nice Harlequin with a good story and two likable leads.
Really nice Harlequin with a good story and two likable leads.
January 12, 2024
Pretty bad ngl. Read for the romance book class.
September 13, 2021
Doukaki's Apprentice was basically an enemies-to-lovers story about a guy falling in love for the first time with a girl who gave as good as she got! But to be honest, how the story goes is quite predictable, but it still managed to get me to hook, line and sinker from page one up to the last! Do you know why? Well, mostly because of Polly, that's why! She's fun, strong, independent, sassy, creative, loving, compassionate. She's kick-ass, give as good as she gets, protective, and .... yeah, she's pretty awesome! Then there's also our typical HP hero, the I'm-a-real-jerk-and-I-don't-do-commitment-type-of-hero. I adored Damon as much as I adored Polly. I don't know how Ms. Morgan does it, but she manages to find the balance between a swoony hero and a lovable asshole, and the combination works so well with Damon!
And even though the chemistry between them was white-hot, they both tried to fight it. So the sexual tension builds and builds, and you can only fight chemistry like that for so long, but it was rather enjoyable to watch the transition from enemies to lovers since it was well done and made it very worthwhile when they finally gave in! I loved these two as enemies as much as I loved them as lovers.
Overall, Doukaki's Apprentice was such a very satisfying read and beautifully written as well! I will definitely be re-reading this one!
November 21, 2012
This one was OK, but two factors just didn't sit well with me:
Firstly, a key secondary relationship, was riddled with immature decisions: running away, hiding, and at least for the woman, seemed to be attractive because it would piss her brother off as the man was in his fifties and she was in her early twenties. OK. that's going to be a long term relationship.
Secondly, the heroine's father was neglectful to the point of being abusive. This was repeatedly glossed over and defended by the heroine. Classic abused child. While I liked that our hero called him on it, but over all there was two much gloss for me regarding this issue.
That being said, the tension between the heroine, who was pretty, hard working and very talented, and the over protective but very judgmental brother of our heroine's friend had some very humorous and hot moments.
Firstly, a key secondary relationship, was riddled with immature decisions: running away, hiding, and at least for the woman, seemed to be attractive because it would piss her brother off as the man was in his fifties and she was in her early twenties. OK. that's going to be a long term relationship.
Secondly, the heroine's father was neglectful to the point of being abusive. This was repeatedly glossed over and defended by the heroine. Classic abused child. While I liked that our hero called him on it, but over all there was two much gloss for me regarding this issue.
That being said, the tension between the heroine, who was pretty, hard working and very talented, and the over protective but very judgmental brother of our heroine's friend had some very humorous and hot moments.
September 29, 2011
Recommended. Excellent example of what Harlequin Presents can be!
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