Isabella Jordan: Author of romantic fiction for women

Cover by Trace Edward Zaber
Copyright © 2005
STIFF COMPETITION
Available now from Amber Quill Press
Frankie and Johnny were lovers all right. But their mutual ambitions as advertising executives ended their relationship. Frances Wallace is suspicious when John Woods is brought back to corporate headquarters from Seattle. She thinks he has returned to steal the promotion she has been eyeing for the last year. He thinks he's been brought back to be Frances' underling. Both of them are fighting the attraction that never went away. How will either of them be able to resist when they learn that they are to work together on ad campaign for a leading male enhancement drug?

Reviews:

"Isabella Jordan has written a terrific book with great characters and a very interesting storyline!!! Francine is a heroine who doesn’t appear to take any garbage from anyone, and is still very hurt by John’s deception. John’s regret shows through almost from the start. He’s loved Francine for so long and now he will not let her get away. Ms. Jordan has written these characters in such a way that we see, and almost feel, their anger, hurt, regret, passion and love for one another. Treat yourself to a wonderfully written, quick, hot read but be prepared for a surprise ending!" - 4 1/2 Nymphs, Irish Minx, Literary Nymphs

"In few written words, Ms. Jordan has delivered a powerful sexual story in competitive proportion! This is one of the best short stories this reader has read in quite awhile. Ms. Jordan's writing ability shines through with strong character development and snappy dialogues. Bravo, Ms. Jordan, you took the short route and filled it with quality writing!" - 5 Hearts, Janalee, The Romance Studio

"Isabella Jordan’s Stiff Competition is a contemporary-set short story, and as such, the length doesn’t allow for a lot of room to elaborate. However, I didn’t find it lacking. Ms. Jordan provides enough background information about the two main characters, so that the reader can understand the motivations behind these two estranged former lovers. Although Frances and John are very stubborn, eventually they have no other choice but to accept the obvious. The love scenes are erotic and filled with emotion (something Ms. Jordan does really well). With a rather satisfying happy ending, Stiff Competition will certainly appeal to all lovers of contemporary romance looking for a quick and satisfying read. Stiff Competition is another winning story from Ms. Jordan’s pen." - 4 Stars, Mireya Orsini, JERR

"Francis and John have worked together and had been lovers until ambition got in the way. Now the pair is up for the same job and each knows that they cannot work for the other. The sexual chemistry between the two is flammable as they try to find a perfect balance of work, ambition and love. The author tells a very believable story that you will hate to see end." - 4 Angels, Tewanda, Fallen Angel Reviews

"Ms. Jordan gives her characters just enough of a background to allow her readers to understand their motivation, even though she has such a short space to do it in. The chemistry between Frances and John is electric. Ms. Jordan creates many emotions in her love scenes which allow the reader to connect with the characters while maintaining the spicy undertones of true erotica. Overall, this short story was well written, with snappy sarcasm in the dialog, and steamy descriptions in the love scenes. Stiff Competition is a great read if you are looking for a quick fix for the day. " - Chelyjo, Coffee Time Romance

Excerpt:

"Well, that leaves only two options," John pointed out. "We find our own consumers very quickly or we try it ourselves."
John was hard put not to laugh at the way her little jaw dropped.
"Excuse me?" Frances asked sharply.
"You heard me," John continued. "We ask our buddies, preferably our married buddies, to give it a try for us or we play guinea pig."
Frances shook her head as she stared at him incredulously.
"Uh-huh. No way. Ask my friends or acquaintances to try out a male performance drug? No!"
Neither would he, but he didn't say as much. His plan was working.
"So we play guinea pig." John closed his portfolio. "Or rather I play guinea pig since it is a male performance drug. I'll try it out tonight and let you know how it works."
With that John rose from his chair, watching her expression as she did. Her eyes narrowed as shock quickly turned into suspicion.
It wasn't fair and he knew it. But his job in Seattle was at stake. He was happy there with the new house he'd just bought, his Mercedes.
But something tightened in his chest as he watched Frances rise from her chair and step in his path. It wasn't guilt. Even flushed with anxious color her face was so lovely. It was too damned easy to remember how much he missed her face, missed her…
Frances's eyes locked with his. "Not so fast, John. Dennis wants a male and a female perspective on this product. Taking Invigra and trying it out with a porno tape doesn't qualify."
Her insinuation that he couldn't find anyone with whom to try the drug stung his pride. Probably deserved it for being so high-handed with her, but still it stung.
"I didn't have any intention of doing that," he said sharply.
"Then who are you going to try it with?"
The truth of the matter was that he'd dated no one since he'd stopped seeing Frances. No one had even remotely interested him.
John sensed her interest was more than protecting her promotion on this assignment. Interesting.
Taking a couple of steps closer, he forced her to look up at him. Frances didn't back away. The sweet smell of her perfume combined with the warm scent of her body excited him.
"What about you?" John leaned in closer.