Title: The Dating Policy
Author: Suzanne Eglington
Publisher: July 12, 2018, Xlibris
ISBN: 9781984535021
Pages: 192
Genre: Erotic Romance
Reviewed by: Anita Lock
Pacific Book Review
After her fair share of romantic entanglements, Mallory Kennedy cannot help but set her eyes on one fine stud: Todd Duvall. The only problem is that she doesn’t think he even knows she exists. Both work at the same company but in vastly different departments; she in customer service and he on the corporate level. That all changes when they unexpectedly, as well as repeatedly, bump into each other. One thing leads to the next, and before Mallory knows what’s happening, she and Todd are going hot and heavy at the gym. Soon afterward, she is in for another surprise with a promotion in management; her office now just down the way from Todd’s.
Their whirlwind romance appears to head in a good direction until Mallory is reminded of the company’s “no dating” policy. Todd, who convinces her that this will not be an issue, begins to brazenly display his affection toward Mallory, especially in front of other employees. Although she loves the pampering, she is not only embarrassed but also deathly afraid of losing her new job. In addition to her job fears, Mallory grows suspicious when Todd’s incessant phone calls and quick exits interrupt their sexual sprees. What she doesn’t know is that there is more to Todd Duvall than she anticipated; especially when she finds out that he’s married.
Award-winning author Suzanne Eglington veers off the Kate-and-Robert-Chronicles path to create a new story with a romantic twist. The Dating Policy features a host of interesting characters—many of whom are caught up in social status—that, for the most part, lack depth, but their idiosyncrasies are used as foils to develop Mallory’s relationship with Todd. Interestingly, there’s more information about Todd’s physique and background (as the plot thickens) than Mallory’s.
Mallory’s narration of the few-weeks encounter with Todd focuses on quirks, as well as emotional and sexual aspects over depth of character—and for a good reason since the plot deals with the attraction of two people desiring to build a relationship in the midst of turmoil. What the story reveals about Mallory’s past is little, but just enough to give an idea that her life has been riddled with dysfunction. As a result, she continually struggles with standing up for herself and her desperation to be loved.
The story ebbs and flows between tension and sensual moments in Mallory and Todd’s relationship. The writing style, heavily based on emotions, is replete with histrionics in one form or other. While it is easy to grow irritated with Mallory near-spineless reactionary emotional-rollercoaster responses to various situations, it helps to keep in mind about her limited yet tainted past.
Filled with a balanced mix of expected and unpredictable twists and turns and cliffhanging chapters, The Dating Policy is an appealing chick-lit page turner.
