Release Day Review ~ Pregnant by the Rival CEO ~ Karen Booth

Pregnant by the Rival CEO by Karen Booth
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: COYER B2B, Blogger Shame, New Release
Goodreads

Synopsis
It was just business. And then she got pregnant...

Anna Langford is ready to be CEO of the family business, but her brother won't give up control. When she sees the opportunity for a major deal, she goes for it, even though it means working with Jacob Lin, her brother's former best friend, the guy she's never quite gotten over--the man her brother now despises. A successful venture capitalist, Jacob makes ruthless moves. And Anna has given him the perfect chance to take revenge on her brother...

What starts as business turns into romance--until Anna learns of Jacob's motives. And an unplanned pregnancy presents them both with the greatest challenge they've ever faced.

I've read and enjoyed Karen Booth's novels before so when she asked if I'd review Pregnant by the Rival CEO, I quickly agreed. And Booth didn't disappoint. While Pregnant by the Rival CEO differed from the previous novels I'd read (those were aging rock star romances) she proved that she can deliver compelling characters no matter the setting and a pleasurable story as well.

Anna Langford and Jacob Lin shared an easy friendship and one kiss ages ago. But since Jacob's best friend was Anna's brother, Adam, he rebuffed Anna's advances. Then Jacob and Adam's friendship hit the skids and Anna thought she'd never see him Jacob again. Six years later, Jacob appears back in her life as she tries to land a business deal that will cement her place as CEO of her family's company.

I am completely delighted with this story. Booth delivered fairly robust characters in Anna, Jacob, and Adam. Anna is no shrinking violet. She knows what she wants and sets out to get it - in both business and pleasure. Jacob, despite being ruthless in his career, is an honorable man. And Adam seems exactly as overprotective and overbearing as any older brother would be. The business dealings felt very realistic as well - right along with the tension Anna felt in thinking of how Jacob and Adam would react to one another. The romance developed at a nice pace - as did the whole story. And I felt the predicament Anna and Jacob found themselves in - an unexpected prenancy - was also portrayed realistically.

Pregnant by the Rival CEO is a feel-good romance. It's a quick read with the perfect blend of drama and romance. And I'm left very curious about Anna's brothers, Adam (who has his own book already) and Aiden. I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with the Langford family.