Advertising for Love

Roseland's hapless debut makes an intriguing plot feel like recycled stereotypes. Aisha Anderson's successes at Hansen Advertising make her the candidate to beat for a coveted promotion. Less successful in the dating department, Aisha nervously hires a professional escort for the upcoming company gala, hoping to keep Phil, a lecherous co-worker and competitor, at arm's length. When suave Greg Williams arrives, he proves to be "smart, successful, beautiful, and funny" and provides the right image for Aisha at the gala; meanwhile, her thoughts of him are X-rated. After a night of clinical but satisfactory sex, the relationship becomes personal. Workaholic Aisha explores her sexual nature as Greg confides his reasons for working as an escort and his dreams of opening a restaurant. The stigma of dating an escort, a denied promotion, and work obligations overcomplicate a hurried ending that limits the characters' growth and potential. This is too shallow to satisfy romance fans but may appeal to undemanding readers of erotica. (Dec.)