Limecello’s review of Putting it to the Test by Lori Borrill
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Apr 08
I read Lori Borrill’s first Blaze when it came out in 2007, and pleasantly surprised to see that she had written more books. As the friend of more than my fair share of programmers, I knew I had to read this book. Office sex surveys? Programmers, and clashing personalities? What’s not to love?
In fact, very little. Carly Abrams cheats on a sex survey. Well, it’s not just a sex survey (and actually that’s a part the programmers are allowed to leave blank) – but the personality test result lead to her being labeled “most compatible” with coworker cum super-programmer, Matt Jacobs.
I’d almost say this is Dilbert, made into a story and sexed up, but that’s not entirely true. There’s a boss that likes to mess with people, and frustrated co-workers, but the focus is definitely the romance between Carly and Matt. She knows he’s up for a job that she should be a contender for as well, and Carly’s determined to get her chance. A little harmless hacking gets her what she wants, and Carly and Matt are forced to work on a project together.
From day one, Carly and Matt did not get along. Carly doesn’t like Matt because he took away her project, and shut her out of future ones. Also, he’s the boss’s chosen one and golden boy. Matt has never been a team player, and acts stupid (like a jerk) around Carly because he’s attracted to her. He also hasn’t bothered to develop relationships with is coworkers, and is rather arrogant.
Their antagonism and simmering attraction to each other leads to a flaming affair – but when the work world intrudes on their little interlude, real conflict arises. Luckily, Carly loosens up a little, and Matt gains some empathy, and their relationship truly blossoms. Time spent together allows them to get to know each other, and for some rather humorous scenes, including one which involves too much wine and a very low tolerance.
A very cute read – definitely not something you normally find in a romance. After all, programmers are notoriously geeky and lacking in social skills. I will say that these programmers are extremely adept at human interaction, which was nice. The premise of the story is very interesting, and the interaction between the characters extremely enjoyable. I also found the personalities and events in this book realistic and fun.
Grade: B-
Blurb:
Office Sex Survey
All staff must anonymously participate… and no cheating!
She did it! Sweetly shy Carly Abrams, programmer extraordinaire, cheated on the sex survey. This way, she’s guaranteed to be paired up with infuriating (but no less delectable man-thing) coworker Matt Jacobs on a new account. If she’s caught, she’ll be neck-deep in pink slips. Unfortunately, working closely with Matt could land her in deeper-and much, much hotter-water….
Turns out Matt and Carly couldn’t be more suited for each other…sexually. And when Matt discovers that Carly’s cute exterior conceals thoughts lusty enough to make a porn star blush, he can barely keep himself from pulling her into an empty office, locking the door and putting the sex survey’s results to the test…but good!
Read an excerpt here.
