Tough Customer (Mitchell & Associates #2) Summary & Key Insights

Sandra Brown's Tough Customer (Mitchell & Associates #2) follows the compelling story of Lacey Sherlock, a fiercely independent and successful businesswoman, who becomes entangled with the enigmatic and dangerous Logan Kitridge. Lacey, a former rodeo star turned executive, runs a highly successful horse breeding operation and is facing a hostile takeover attempt spearheaded by the ruthless Kitridge. Initially, their interactions are marked by animosity and a clear power struggle. Kitridge, a man with a shadowy past and a reputation for ruthlessness, sees Lacey’s operation as a valuable acquisition, using intimidation tactics to force her compliance.

The narrative revolves around a complex game of cat and mouse. Lacey, refusing to be bullied, hires the renowned security firm Mitchell & Associates, a company already featured in the first book of the series. This leads her into contact with Jake Mitchell, a recurring character who provides a counterpoint to Kitridge's hard-edged demeanor with his quiet competence and professionalism. However, the central conflict remains firmly between Lacey and Kitridge. Their interactions are filled with intense sexual tension, a dangerous dance between attraction and animosity. Brown expertly weaves this romantic tension into the overarching business thriller plot.

As the takeover battle intensifies, the reader gradually uncovers Kitridge's motivations and his troubled past. His relentless pursuit of Lacey isn't solely driven by business; a deeper, more personal connection emerges, hinting at a shared history they both desperately try to deny. This shared past is revealed in flashbacks, adding layers of complexity to the characters and the central conflict. The revelation slowly chips away at Kitridge's hardened exterior, revealing vulnerabilities and a surprising capacity for tenderness.

Lacey, initially resistant to Kitridge's advances, finds herself increasingly drawn to him despite her better judgment and the danger he represents. She struggles with her own vulnerabilities and the conflicting emotions Kitridge evokes. The storyline expertly blends the high-stakes corporate battle with a passionate, albeit turbulent, romance.

The overarching themes explore the clash between power and vulnerability, the masks people wear, and the seductive nature of forbidden desires. Brown explores the complexities of human relationships, highlighting how seemingly opposing forces can be drawn together by shared trauma and undeniable attraction. Tough Customer delivers a thrilling narrative, successfully blending romantic suspense with a compelling corporate thriller, ultimately culminating in a resolution that explores both the professional and personal victories and defeats experienced by the main characters. The novel leaves the reader contemplating the lasting impacts of power struggles, the enduring power of love, and the enduring strength of a truly independent woman.