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Rules Of Engagement
Unrestrained passions and exotic locales are key elements of Rules of Engagement, a savvy debut by C. Michael Bennis. With a pitch perfect prose and unforgettably naughty characters, new romance author Bennis offers a winning combination that tells of the underbelly of the advertising world and the softest sides of true love. In the summer of 1964, two college graduates meet in a London club. While their attraction is palpable, Nicole is engaged to the premier’s son and is Parisian aristocracy; dutiful to a fault she can’t help but fall headfirst for Alec, a Colorado native who is a little rough around the edges. As they decide the course of their affair, Nicole comes up with the Rules of Engagement. Over the next nine days they agree not to fall in love and not to reveal their identities. Reunited by chance over two decades later, the magic is still there. One is married, one is not—both will begin to understand that love and passion endures despite time, circumstance, and reason.
- GenresRomance
258 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2009
About the author
C. Michael Bennis
6 books34 followersC. Michael Bennis is a former toy and advertising industry executive. He has authored five best selling novels: Rules of Engagement, Signs of Destiny, Dangerous and Desirable, Ralph's Place- A Magical Experience, and Ralph's Place II, The Adventure Continues.
He is at work on his fifth novel between speaking engagements. He has been featured on The Balancing Act Airing on Lifetime Television to discuss his romance novel Rules of Engagement with show Host Danielle Knox.
He attended Complutense in Madrid, graduated from the U. of Colorado, where he earned a varsity letter in football as a member of the 1961 Big 8 Champion football team and the 1962 Orange Bowl squad. He later graduated from the Thunderbird School.
Bennis is bilingual, English and Spanish, and he currently lives in Tucson, Arizona with wife Helen and two rescue dogs, Barney and Fred, and adopted Yorkie "Max."
He is at work on his fifth novel between speaking engagements. He has been featured on The Balancing Act Airing on Lifetime Television to discuss his romance novel Rules of Engagement with show Host Danielle Knox.
He attended Complutense in Madrid, graduated from the U. of Colorado, where he earned a varsity letter in football as a member of the 1961 Big 8 Champion football team and the 1962 Orange Bowl squad. He later graduated from the Thunderbird School.
Bennis is bilingual, English and Spanish, and he currently lives in Tucson, Arizona with wife Helen and two rescue dogs, Barney and Fred, and adopted Yorkie "Max."
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 29, 2019
A well-written, professional book. with hints of Jilly Cooper, Mad Men and Three Coins in a fountain. I especially liked the retro feel of the earlier part of the book which was written in a bright jewel-like,almost autobiographical way.
I expected a different engagement; the obvious war of the gentleman warrior or the nastier boardroom, instead we find love. Love is not made for rules nor engagement; at least not to start with and that's the crux of the story. Love is chaos, it cannot be contained and from loss, although rare, it can become obsessive. This at times convenient for the rejected male, for he can then keep at the right distance every woman who might love him and yet still accept what he needs, even so they all stay and become family. The lover may say she is aristocratic, however even in public there is more the feel of the tragic bourgeoisie Madam B., perhaps even at times the desperation of the Folie Bourgeoises. Somehow, she doesn't quite fit the lady she professes to be and certainly is not too good for the hero; will fate bring them back? Suitably saucy without losing its Hollywood-style elegance. A good read, suiting blue skies and a dry martini.
I expected a different engagement; the obvious war of the gentleman warrior or the nastier boardroom, instead we find love. Love is not made for rules nor engagement; at least not to start with and that's the crux of the story. Love is chaos, it cannot be contained and from loss, although rare, it can become obsessive. This at times convenient for the rejected male, for he can then keep at the right distance every woman who might love him and yet still accept what he needs, even so they all stay and become family. The lover may say she is aristocratic, however even in public there is more the feel of the tragic bourgeoisie Madam B., perhaps even at times the desperation of the Folie Bourgeoises. Somehow, she doesn't quite fit the lady she professes to be and certainly is not too good for the hero; will fate bring them back? Suitably saucy without losing its Hollywood-style elegance. A good read, suiting blue skies and a dry martini.
June 10, 2013
Rules of Engagement is a savvy debut by C. Michael Bennis. With a pitch perfect prose and unforgettably naughty characters, new romance author Bennis offers a winning combination that tells of the underbelly of the advertising world and the softest sides of true love. In the summer of 1964, two college graduates meet in a London club. While their attraction is palpable, Nicole is engaged to the premier’s son and is Parisian aristocracy; dutiful to a fault she can’t help but fall headfirst for Alec, a Colorado native who is a little rough around the edges. As they decide the course of their affair, Nicole comes up with the Rules of Engagement. Over the next nine days they agree not to fall in love and not to reveal their identities. Reunited by chance over two decades later, the magic is still there. One is married, one is not—both will begin to understand that love and passion endures despite time, circumstance, and reason.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews