Title: Tangled Tech: Love and Intrigue in Silicon Valley
Author: Barbara Bouldin
Genre: Workplace Romance
Book Blurb:
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of 1985 Silicon Valley when tech giants were young, passionate, and ruthlessly struggled to gain market leadership. Prepare yourself for corporate intrigue, industrial spies, and unexpected romance. See how a tenacious heroine, Emma, skillfully navigates a 1980’s man's world while her hero, Jake, balances the challenges of work and family. Competing for control of the new AI project, this workplace romance turns enemies into lovers as they fend off a hostile takeover amidst CEOs who are nuts and unpredictable Boards of Directors. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at the software world we take for granted in our everyday life.
Excerpt from Tangled Tech:
Ryan left the room. When he came back, he was carrying a tray with four glasses filled with port. The glasses were typical port wine glasses, small and shaped like a tulip with relatively long stems. He placed two in front of me and two in front of Jake. “You two go ahead and do the taste test. But ladies first with the identification.”
I gingerly sipped one of the ports and then the other. I was relieved that I liked one much more than the other. But I tasted both of them again to make sure. When I had the same result, I felt a burst of confidence.
Everyone was looking at me. I smiled. “I am voting for the one on the right.”
Everyone turned to Jake. “I’m afraid I’m going to contradict the fair lady and pick the one on the left.”
Now everyone looked at Ryan. He lifted Jake’s glass up into the air and announced with embellishment, “Jake is the winner.”
Jake smiled and made an exaggerated bow.
I couldn’t believe my ears. How was it possible that the cheap port tasted better than the bottle that cost $500? I guessed that this meant I didn’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive liquor, or at least on port. And I was such a competitive person. I hated losing to Jake. And Ryan made it worse by announcing the winner with such enthusiasm. I was going home. I’d had enough of this day. I slipped out. Hoped nobody noticed, since it wasn’t the best political move to leave when everything was still in full swing.
After the usual nerve-racking ride over the mountains, I got home. Too wiped out even to change out of my meeting clothes. I didn’t wear navy blue suits with white blouses anymore. But I was respectful, and for meetings wore my black pants with a silk blouse or a nice sweater. I was sitting on my futon with a glass of chardonnay when I heard a knock on the door.
As I walked to the door, I called out, “Who is it?”
“It’s Jake. Open up.”
Perfect! I reluctantly opened the door, and he was standing there with his jacket and tie off. His shirt sleeves rolled up and his hair all rumpled.
“Why are you here? How do you even know where I live?”
“I asked Kaitlynn a while ago in case I ever needed your address.”
“Well, you didn’t really need it now.”
“Obviously I did, or I wouldn’t be here.”
“I repeat. Why are you here?”
Before I realized what was happening, he stepped into my apartment and swept me gently into his arms and kissed me passionately. It felt wonderful. He wrapped his arms around my waist and held me so tight I could feel his heartbeat. He was so much taller than me that I had to stand on tip toes and tilt my head back. I was right. The beard did add an extra dimension, soft and scratchy. His lips were warm, and I could feel his tongue starting to push into my mouth. This brought me to my senses. I pushed him away and said wearily, “Go home.”
He released me, nodded his head, and then turned and left.
When the door closed, I was standing there trying to figure out what had happened. We didn’t even like each other. But the chemistry was undeniable. I had to be careful. The last thing I needed was to have sex with someone at odds with my goals. And what was he thinking? This made me trust him even less. If that was even possible. What a day!
Buy Links:
What’s your favorite thing about autumn:
After the steaming Georgia summer, I welcome the crisp air, the vibrant colors of leaves, and the smell of cinnamon-spiced cider. I anticipate the children’s delight during Halloween and the candy which they share with me. In years past my costumes switched between Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, which demonstrated my love of fantasy. Then the season finale, Thanksgiving, gives me an opportunity to gather with my family. We share fellowship and everyone is given an opportunity to express what they are thankful for. I am blessed.
.
What inspired you to write this story:
I worked in the Silicon Valley for years starting when things were beginning to heat up and the tech giants were young, passionate, and ruthless. I wanted to share my experiences about the culture, the interactions between powerful men and women, the evolution of technology, and the brutal politics. I was fortunate to have technical and business positions in many roles from worker to upper management. Although I have written in a technical capacity, book, magazines and technical journal articles, and white papers, I wanted to share my experiences in an entertaining genre, so I decided to write a workplace romance novel, Tangled Tech. I enjoyed the experience immensely and decided to write a sequel, Corporate Chaos. These books will be part of the series, Romance in Silicon Valley.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs September 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on October 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Barbara Bouldin, a software engineer by profession, worked in Silicon Valley in many roles from business development manager to executive. She lived in the Valley when it was first coalescing, and the tech giants were young and hungry. Her experiences led her to write Tangled Tech. She is the author of Agents of Change and is currently working on Corporate Chaos, Book 2 of the Romance in Silicon Valley series. Barbara lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two adorable shihpoos where the female, Emma, runs the household
Social Media Links:
X