The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Declan was not the type of person who looked to marry anyone. His dad said he would need to marry someone with the right background and work hard to keep their company in the top 1%. He feels that an arranged marriage would suit him fine and has no intention of being committed. He shakes hands with his dad as he takes over the business. Eight years later, Declan has to pick up his younger sister from school. Sara asks if he will give Anne a ride home, too. When he arrives, Sara tells him that Terry pushed Anne into the pool, and she is soaking wet. She tells him not to mention it because she doesn’t want Anne to feel embarrassed. He makes eye contact with Anne and feels a spark, but keeps the feeling to himself.

In the car with Sara and Declan, Anne felt a connection whenever she looked into his eyes. She didn’t want to fall in love because of what happened to her parents. Her parents loved each other, and her father’s death had caused a big life change. Their mother, too depressed to care for them after his death, sent her and her brother to the United States. That night, at Sara’s birthday party, Declan meets Anne in the garden. He shares a tender kiss with Anne before they part ways.

Three years have passed; Anne is now working at a lounge, and Declan has been following her closely. She hadn’t realized how much he wanted her since the night of his sister’s birthday party. After work, Anne takes the risk of spending a night without obligations to Declan. However, Declan has long-term plans in mind. Likewise, his father hasn’t forgotten their deal from twelve years ago. Anne does not fit into the deal.

This story follows a twisted plot as two people who never wanted to fall in love struggle to fight their feelings. Both viewpoints are clear when switching between Declan and Anne. Just when a happily ever after story seems likely, a sudden plot twist shatters any predictability for this romance novel. The man, who maintains a separate apartment for his flings away from his home, exhibits an obsession with Anne that verges on stalking. Anne’s boyfriends could never resist her first kiss. The suspense builds intensity as supporting characters make their feelings known. Add in a sinister power play, and this makes The Handshake Agreement my number one favorite. I wish I could give this amazing book a higher rating than 5 stars.

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