Clarise Robinson has made a successful career in accentuating a woman’s curves.  Not only is she head of the women’s department at Eubanks Elegant Apparel, she has a reputation for excellence in the company.  For all of that, this is a woman who has not been able to come to terms with her lush curves nor to view herself as sexy and appealing.   

When she comes to the company Christmas party wearing an uncharacteristically revealing red dress, she draws the eye of the man whom she has secretly been harboring a crush.  Perhaps a change in wardrobe and attitude are in order to get her guy.  And the perfect opportunity is coming with the annual corporate bonding trip.   

This trip is to Tampa for Gasparilla, a wild pirate themed Mardi Gras style festival.  Like the other festival, breasts are bared for beads.  The company participants have coined the phrase that what happens in Tampa, stays in Tampa.  Armed with her new purchases and intent to explore the possibilities, she heads off for the corporate trip with a to do list of fantasies.  If only the object of her affection could also attend. 

Her boss, Ethan Eubanks appreciates Clarise not only for her performance as an employee, but also for being a best friend.  Their Friday coffee get togethers have let him laugh and vent regarding problems with life and difficulties with romantic relationships.  He is suddenly made aware that his good friend is also a very beautiful woman who interests him on a variety of levels.  A change in schedule makes him available to attend the bonding session he had previously thought he would have to miss and then the fun begins. 

This is a rather cute and fun romance.  Readers will enjoy the progress Clarise makes from discomfort with her body image to embracing her attributes.  Everyone can relate to feeling ashamed of perceived physical flaws.  We cheer for any person who can rise above these “imperfections” and learn to see the beauty in themselves in spite of being outside of what societal norms dictate as appealing.  Therein lies much of the allure to this lighthearted story. 

It was somewhat strange that the heroine had such a negative view of her figure.  The descriptions could hardly be said to depict a heavy woman.  Point in case, her quirky Granny Gert has named this genetic benevolence the Robinson Treasures.  Sunken they are not, nor are they depictions of overly generous belly and thighs. 

On the other hand, smaller sized women were described as envious of curvy proportions, bony, and when such petite sizes bared breasts they were said to have nothing to offer.  This seemed like overcompensation and made the tale feel weighted a bit heavily on one end. 

Having a corporate bonding session in the setting chosen also felt a bit odd.  Of course, there doesn’t actually seem to be much in the way of scheduled sessions so much as people going out in separate clusters to partake of the festivities. 

Ethan was a sweet hero whose intent to show his genuine attraction and admiration for his vulnerable friend made for some heart melting moments.  One never doubts his determination or ability to make every one of the listed fantasies come true in a spectacular way. 

Clarise is fun to watch as she makes her journey from self imposed caterpillar to rightful butterfly.  Readers will find in her a very sympathetic character and as her self confidence increases one truly enjoys her taking more control of situations. 

There is a big misunderstanding towards the end that does stretch ones patience.  All the same, we never lose our hearty hope for Ethan and Clarise to realize that they have a thorough love match through thick and thin.   

Anyone needing a sexy, uplifting read should consider picking up a copy of this book.

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