Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

It’s rare for me to select a book designated as women’s fiction, but choosing to read Camera Ready by Adele Royce was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve never enjoyed a “women’s” book more! The world in which the protagonist Jane Mercer lives…that of high-powered advertising and PR executives…is not one with which I’m readily familiar, but what Jane experiences, her issues, and conflicts are all too familiar. It’s a fortunate woman who has never had to work in a misogynistic environment where women are in demand for their appearances rather than their intellects and talents. Unfortunately, that’s Jane’s world.

Making her life more complicated is the devastatingly handsome and wealthy Craig Keller, who takes over Jane’s company. Former lovers, Jane now has to answer to Craig. Her problem is she’s engaged to a wonderful guy but still attracted to Craig, as are all the women who work for him. Jane is career-ambitious, but it doesn’t take long for her to realize that advancement in the company will depend on her willingness to accede to Craig’s renewed lust for her. Despite her best efforts and the support of her two closest friends, Jane’s career and love life take a beating. Caught up in her downward spiral, readers find their emotions as tangled as Jane’s. We agonize over her ongoing battle with Craig, fervently hope she finds a solution and, before we know it, the story is over, leaving us breathless and begging for more. What just happened?

What happened is a brilliant bit of realistic fiction by the very talented author Adele Royce. From the high-powered and opulent settings to the character-revealing dialogue to the cleverly evolving and satisfying plot, Royce shines. She drew me in and never let me go, so much so that I nearly burned dinner in my haste to keep reading! Through Jane, Royce reminded me what it was like to feel that fatal attraction, wanting to taste that forbidden fruit and knowing that doing so could be deadly. And again through Jane, Royce showed me just how wonderful and strong we women really are. This is powerful writing and I want more! I visited Royce’s website and see that there are two other books in this series, a prequel, Princess Smile, and the sequel, For Position Only. I hope to read both very soon. Five stars all the way!