Rival's Desire

When two meddling grandmothers get together who knows what the final outcome will be... Vivian Desmond and Caesar Morrison are celebrities in their own right, one a gifted and talented singer and the other a professional athlete with ties to the community. Having known each other since before they could walk, the two seem more apt to meet on the battlefield rather than a field filled with love. When their grandmothers come to them and ask for their help with the family owned business, the two jump at the chance to help the women they both care about. Neither knew that working in close quarters would bring to light a deeper love than the heated rivalry that has been the highlight of their relationship for years. A love that should be simple doesn't quite work out that way as Vivian holds dear to her heart a secret she fears will ruin any chance she has at happily ever after with the man who know holds her soul in the palm of his hand. Nothing but fireworks are possible when two celebrities who know each other like the back of their hands are thrown together in an explosive situation. Rival's Desire is a novel that had me wondering if Vivian and Caesar would ever stop fighting long enough to realize they were the perfect match. I will admit I tend to not like relationships where the bickering overwhelms the storyline and AlTonya Washington came this close to my breaking point before things moved in a direction I could really get into. After the fighting came to a close, I was able to see what the grandmothers of these two talented people saw. A couple who were matched not only by their common background and being one of the best in their respective fields but also how well they worked and played together. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will find Rival's Desire has a lot to offer and though I tend to read racier novels one of the things I found refreshing is the author's ability to weave a sensual tale with class. Indy Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

AlTonya Washington introduces Vivian Desmond and Caesar Morrison in her latest novel, Rival's Desire. Vivian is the sexy lead singer of a singing group, Intrigue and Caesar is a handsome, 6'8" professional football running back. Vivian and Caesar have known each other since they were kids and they have shared a love/hate relationship. That is until their grandmothers' decide to put their matchmaking plan to work. As Vivian and Caesar began working together, their relationship blossomed into something that was unforgettable -except, Vivian held a secret that continued to keep them apart. Rival's Desire is a wonderful love story. It will make you laugh and say "Awww" as the characters work through their differences. I recommend this book for all romance readers. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was great, it was funny, sexy and classy. I read this book in one day on one of my lazy saturdays and it was a joy to read. I will say Caesar and Viv did get on my nerves with the not communicating and saying how they really felt, or what they heard or what was really bothering them and making things bigger than what they were. But they were funny, in a way they remind me of my husband and I before we got together, we couldn't stand each other and fought over EVERYTHING lol. Funny how that happens. But they were a cute little couple, they just needed to communicate with each other more, he should have told her what his issue was(overhearing part of a conversation) and she should have told him what hers was as well. Both of them holding it all in until it was almost too late was a mess. I loved their grandmothers though meddlesome, they meant well and were just as funny. The verbiage was very realistic, not overly done and corny like some of the Arabesque books, and no where near all out ghetto like a lot of street lit, but just right in the middle. I love some of the Arabesque books don't get me wrong and now I'm a fan of the Kimani set, I get the Kimani TRU books for my daughter I had no idea they also did adult books. For me this was an enjoyable read, if your looking for a lot of action and drama, wrong book, this was easy and mellow, they had their spats and things like that, but it was more funny and relaxing than anything. I do have to say there were a few blunders as far as editing such as when Caesar first took Vivian to Chicago to his home because he played for the 'Chicago Champions' and they boarded a boat it said they rolled out on the Hudson, there is no Hudson in Chicago it's Lake Michigan, although the story is mostly based in New York where they took over their grandmothers doll company, so I can see where the mistake came from but still that caught my eye, especially since I'm from Chicago. Otherwise it was a good story.

A great fun read. The characters were fun and their personalities were constantly clashing - until they finally figure it all out. This is a fun read, watching the singer and the ball player come to the same conclusion - that they are made for each other. This book has you laughing, crying and sighing all at once, and some really good romatic scenes. As always this author DOES deliver the goods. Can't wait for the next book.

This story is funny, emotional and a wonderful romance story. Vivian Desmond and Caesar Morrison have been at each other since they were toddlers. When their grandmothers decide it's time for the passion between these two to lead to romance they ask them both to see over their company. After many fights the couple finally realize they do work well together but Vivian has a secret that won't allow her to let Caesar into to her heart but only in her bed. When the secret comes out and why she won't admit she loves him, he pulls away from her. Will she overcome her doubts and allow him to love her and be in her life forever or will she allow her fears to cause her to lose her one true love and best friend?