What do you think?
Rate this book
Chevalier Brothers #1
The Highest Price to Pay
“While it has been reported that I’m missing my own soul, I have no interest in yours. This is about money.”
When Ella’s failing business comes wrapped up as part of Blaise Chevalier’s recent takeover, he plans to discard it – as is his usual way with surplus goods. Then he meets Ella! Cast from the same fiery mould he is, she makes an intriguing adversary. Perhaps he can have a little fun with his new acquisition…
As proud and strong as she is beautiful, Ella is determined to prove Blaise wrong about her business and her worth. As long as she hides her hint of vulnerability and denies the flicker of attraction between them when she catches her enemy’s eye….
When Ella’s failing business comes wrapped up as part of Blaise Chevalier’s recent takeover, he plans to discard it – as is his usual way with surplus goods. Then he meets Ella! Cast from the same fiery mould he is, she makes an intriguing adversary. Perhaps he can have a little fun with his new acquisition…
As proud and strong as she is beautiful, Ella is determined to prove Blaise wrong about her business and her worth. As long as she hides her hint of vulnerability and denies the flicker of attraction between them when she catches her enemy’s eye….
187 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2011
6 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,161 books2,998 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 23, 2011
The front cover of the book surprised me…..at last….Mills & Boon have actually published a bi-racial love story.
The heros tend to be either Greek, French, Italian and even desert sheiks so why not an African billionaire who meets a fabulous, gorgeous blonde heroine???
Okay, it’s almost 3am….a good idea to catch up on some sleep….but….maybe just read a page or two…..and then …….found myself on Chapter 5 ... having read non-stop…forgot about the time….all I wanted to do was turn the next page……….and the next…..I read it in one go…….and found myself thinking …………………………………..
THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!! Why did I like it so much???? What is so different about this book from the previous books written by this author that I have read???
This is why I loved this book:
1 It’s not a “in your face” story about a black man and a white woman – yes the hero is an African-French man and she’s a white American heroine…but the story doesn’t go on and on about the colour of their skin but what lies underneath it. It’s about two people with baggage …..their skin colour is immaterial….it’s about two people putting up barriers to protect themselves against hurt, pain and disillusionment
2 The usual alpha male, beyond handsome millionaire..but with a difference….he does not dwell on his past mistakes but uses his reputation as a womanizer to ensure he doesn’t another woman to hurt him. I would have been interested to know a bit more about Marie and their affair
3 No endless descriptions about the hero’s billionaire status, his good looks and so on…..but more about his feelings, his thoughts…..
4 I could totally believe that the heroine was still a virgin…..the feeling of rejection by both her family and the men she had met…..her deep-rooted insecurities about her scarred body even though she pretended otherwise….just showing a bit of the scars but not all….
5
Here’s a heroine who despite her insecurities can still be a strong, determined woman who instead of wallowing in self-pity, believes in herself and never allows her physical scars stopping her from attaining her dream of becoming a successful designer…not a hero who knows everything and more, stepping on a down-trodden heroine in need of a total makeover ….turning her into the woman he wants…NO…this is about two strong characters , not afraid of their strengths and weaknesses.
6 Story background –the exciting world of fashion, the sounds and the feel of Africa, the life of the rich and famous in Paris…..how well it all fitted in…..a hero who actually does more than just giving millions away to charity….who gets involved…emotionally, physically and monetary for a cause that really matters to him……the excitement of a talented designer rising to great heights ….
7 I absolutely adored the scenes in Malawi…..the fashion shoot on the lake shore, the drama about the “losing light”, the model being touched up by the make-up artist for the perfect shot, the resort, the food, the stars……I felt I was there..I saw and felt it…I was there…watching it all……
8 The build-up to the actual moment when they make love is totally amazing, awesome….the emotional tension…and for once they didn’t fall into bed on their first meeting as it usually happens in most contemporary romance books….
9 I was blown away by the way the hero, on seeing her body scars for the first time, shows such sensitivity and tenderness…… the love scenes were so sensual….on the yatch using a red rose…..wow wow…..
10 The story is ABOUT two damaged people who meet, feel this incredible attraction for each other who break down their own barriers and find true happiness together…the focus is on them with very little interference from other characters in the story.
11 I didn’t want the story to end…..I wanted to know more about the two characters……more about the hero’s brother, mother and father. How did the affair between the hero and his brother’s fiancée affect their relationship. Hopefully we will have a story about the hero’s brother in the future…..I will look forward to reading it……………….
So if you want a story….where a gorgeous, rich alpha male that has a deep and sensitive side meets a scarred, strong, talented and beautiful woman with a surprising twist, this book is for you.
I had one Maisey Yates book left to read….which I started during the day…..and will be posting my review next…….so yes…..I will be reading more of this author’s books…….
The heros tend to be either Greek, French, Italian and even desert sheiks so why not an African billionaire who meets a fabulous, gorgeous blonde heroine???
Okay, it’s almost 3am….a good idea to catch up on some sleep….but….maybe just read a page or two…..and then …….found myself on Chapter 5 ... having read non-stop…forgot about the time….all I wanted to do was turn the next page……….and the next…..I read it in one go…….and found myself thinking …………………………………..
THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!! Why did I like it so much???? What is so different about this book from the previous books written by this author that I have read???
This is why I loved this book:
1 It’s not a “in your face” story about a black man and a white woman – yes the hero is an African-French man and she’s a white American heroine…but the story doesn’t go on and on about the colour of their skin but what lies underneath it. It’s about two people with baggage …..their skin colour is immaterial….it’s about two people putting up barriers to protect themselves against hurt, pain and disillusionment
2 The usual alpha male, beyond handsome millionaire..but with a difference….he does not dwell on his past mistakes but uses his reputation as a womanizer to ensure he doesn’t another woman to hurt him. I would have been interested to know a bit more about Marie and their affair
3 No endless descriptions about the hero’s billionaire status, his good looks and so on…..but more about his feelings, his thoughts…..
4 I could totally believe that the heroine was still a virgin…..the feeling of rejection by both her family and the men she had met…..her deep-rooted insecurities about her scarred body even though she pretended otherwise….just showing a bit of the scars but not all….
5
Here’s a heroine who despite her insecurities can still be a strong, determined woman who instead of wallowing in self-pity, believes in herself and never allows her physical scars stopping her from attaining her dream of becoming a successful designer…not a hero who knows everything and more, stepping on a down-trodden heroine in need of a total makeover ….turning her into the woman he wants…NO…this is about two strong characters , not afraid of their strengths and weaknesses.
6 Story background –the exciting world of fashion, the sounds and the feel of Africa, the life of the rich and famous in Paris…..how well it all fitted in…..a hero who actually does more than just giving millions away to charity….who gets involved…emotionally, physically and monetary for a cause that really matters to him……the excitement of a talented designer rising to great heights ….
7 I absolutely adored the scenes in Malawi…..the fashion shoot on the lake shore, the drama about the “losing light”, the model being touched up by the make-up artist for the perfect shot, the resort, the food, the stars……I felt I was there..I saw and felt it…I was there…watching it all……
8 The build-up to the actual moment when they make love is totally amazing, awesome….the emotional tension…and for once they didn’t fall into bed on their first meeting as it usually happens in most contemporary romance books….
9 I was blown away by the way the hero, on seeing her body scars for the first time, shows such sensitivity and tenderness…… the love scenes were so sensual….on the yatch using a red rose…..wow wow…..
10 The story is ABOUT two damaged people who meet, feel this incredible attraction for each other who break down their own barriers and find true happiness together…the focus is on them with very little interference from other characters in the story.
11 I didn’t want the story to end…..I wanted to know more about the two characters……more about the hero’s brother, mother and father. How did the affair between the hero and his brother’s fiancée affect their relationship. Hopefully we will have a story about the hero’s brother in the future…..I will look forward to reading it……………….
So if you want a story….where a gorgeous, rich alpha male that has a deep and sensitive side meets a scarred, strong, talented and beautiful woman with a surprising twist, this book is for you.
I had one Maisey Yates book left to read….which I started during the day…..and will be posting my review next…….so yes…..I will be reading more of this author’s books…….
October 7, 2012
I tend to usually rate this author's books much higher,but unfortunately,not this book.It was an okay read for me,I did not like this hero,he seduced away his brother's fiancee away from him and lived with her for a year.She left him to move on to greener grounds.He hurt his brother and father with his selffish actions.
Three years later he meets the heroine when he takes over her loans on her business. The heroine had suffered severe burns on her body due to a fire in her parents home when she was a young child.They are both sexually attracted to each other.After a while they become sexually involved .He develops remorse one day and leaves the heroine ,2 weeks later he goes back to her,they have their HEA.
Three years later he meets the heroine when he takes over her loans on her business. The heroine had suffered severe burns on her body due to a fire in her parents home when she was a young child.They are both sexually attracted to each other.After a while they become sexually involved .He develops remorse one day and leaves the heroine ,2 weeks later he goes back to her,they have their HEA.
August 5, 2011
Ella had quite a nasty shock when Blaise Chevalier walked into her store and informed her that he now owns it. Luckily he wants to help her to improve her struggling business. She accepts his help (after all she really doesn't have a choice), but she knows she can't let herself fall for him. Of course making a decision and sticking to it are two different things.
Blaise made a mistake that included a woman and since then he didn't let himself care for anyone. He's more or less estranged from his family and the only thing that he cares about is his business. Of course, Ella is proving to be hard to resist.
Ever since the fire that scarred her and changed her life drastically Ella has been alone. She doesn't let people close, especially not men. She's insecure, but that's understandable. After the fire, the people who should have been there for her abandoned her. And now, when she's forced into proximity with the incredibly attractive Blaise everything is changing.
I love Blaise, he is patient and gentle and understanding. Of course, he resist his feelings, but he is never intentionally mean to Ella. And that's a miracle considering his not so good past with women.
I would've liked to see Blaise interact with his family. His childhood had a large impact on the man he became. As well as his indiscretion. A reconciliation would've been great.
I loved the setting - Paris. :-)
Rating:
5 stars
Blaise made a mistake that included a woman and since then he didn't let himself care for anyone. He's more or less estranged from his family and the only thing that he cares about is his business. Of course, Ella is proving to be hard to resist.
Ever since the fire that scarred her and changed her life drastically Ella has been alone. She doesn't let people close, especially not men. She's insecure, but that's understandable. After the fire, the people who should have been there for her abandoned her. And now, when she's forced into proximity with the incredibly attractive Blaise everything is changing.
I love Blaise, he is patient and gentle and understanding. Of course, he resist his feelings, but he is never intentionally mean to Ella. And that's a miracle considering his not so good past with women.
I would've liked to see Blaise interact with his family. His childhood had a large impact on the man he became. As well as his indiscretion. A reconciliation would've been great.
I loved the setting - Paris. :-)
Rating:
5 stars
July 29, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 15, 2011 (UK), August 1(US-iBooks)
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Imprint: Modern
Author’s Website: maiseyyates.com
My Source for This Book: Won in a contest
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Ella is a talented fashion designer, determined to find success with her own line and small boutique. Though technically an “heiress” of a famous family, she relies only on her own talent and perseverance to make something of herself with her line. Unfortunately, fashion is a very expensive business, and she’s accumulated massive debt with her business. When her loans are purchased by Blaise Chevalier, a man well known for both his playboy lifestyle and his ruthless business acumen, she sees all of her dreams going down the drain.
However, Blaise has seen Ella’s potential, and knows that with the right connections, he can make them both incredibly rich off of her work. All she has to do is give up control of her precious company to a man whose reputation paints him as heartless.
Even knowing that it’s unwise to mix business and pleasure, both are unable to resist the attraction crackling between them, despite the fact they each know they have nothing to offer each other…
To be absolutely fair, I have to start off any review of a Maisey Yates book by saying this: I am a Maisey Yates fangirl. I have, thus far, absolutely adored everything that I have read by her, and was incredibly upset to learn that at the time of its publishing in the UK, there were no plans for a U.S. release, and that it was therefore unavailable to me. When I found out I’d won this book through a contest on the SEVEN SASSY SISTERS blog, my husband can attest to the fact that I quite literally squealed like a little schoolgirl and probably frightened my neighbors. Never fear, they’ve recovered, but my excitement about this book never faded.
So.
Overall, I of course loved it. Two tortured people hiding their vulnerabilities behind a public mask of indifference, they were absolutely perfect for each other. Ella used her smaller, more visible burn scars to erect a sort of armor around her, flaunting them to satisfy the morbid curiosity of the masses. Blaise, on the other hand, fell into his role of heartless womanizer, ensuring that he’d never fall vulnerable to the traitorous and disasterous emotion of love. Together, however, neither could resist both the physical attraction between them, nor the lure of finding out just what was hiding behind each others’ masks.
The love scenes were tasty, but more than that, this book was romantic. The scene on the yacht with the rose just blew me away — I literally re-read it three times before moving on, because the incredible tenderness and respect that Blaise showed Ella completely decimated her resistance to him.
Recommended for fans of tortured heroes, stubborn and physically damaged (and therefore insecure) heroines, and of finding someone to love you in spite of all of your flaws.
A very cheerful 4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: July 15, 2011 (UK), August 1(US-iBooks)
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Imprint: Modern
Author’s Website: maiseyyates.com
My Source for This Book: Won in a contest
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Ella is a talented fashion designer, determined to find success with her own line and small boutique. Though technically an “heiress” of a famous family, she relies only on her own talent and perseverance to make something of herself with her line. Unfortunately, fashion is a very expensive business, and she’s accumulated massive debt with her business. When her loans are purchased by Blaise Chevalier, a man well known for both his playboy lifestyle and his ruthless business acumen, she sees all of her dreams going down the drain.
However, Blaise has seen Ella’s potential, and knows that with the right connections, he can make them both incredibly rich off of her work. All she has to do is give up control of her precious company to a man whose reputation paints him as heartless.
Even knowing that it’s unwise to mix business and pleasure, both are unable to resist the attraction crackling between them, despite the fact they each know they have nothing to offer each other…
To be absolutely fair, I have to start off any review of a Maisey Yates book by saying this: I am a Maisey Yates fangirl. I have, thus far, absolutely adored everything that I have read by her, and was incredibly upset to learn that at the time of its publishing in the UK, there were no plans for a U.S. release, and that it was therefore unavailable to me. When I found out I’d won this book through a contest on the SEVEN SASSY SISTERS blog, my husband can attest to the fact that I quite literally squealed like a little schoolgirl and probably frightened my neighbors. Never fear, they’ve recovered, but my excitement about this book never faded.
So.
Overall, I of course loved it. Two tortured people hiding their vulnerabilities behind a public mask of indifference, they were absolutely perfect for each other. Ella used her smaller, more visible burn scars to erect a sort of armor around her, flaunting them to satisfy the morbid curiosity of the masses. Blaise, on the other hand, fell into his role of heartless womanizer, ensuring that he’d never fall vulnerable to the traitorous and disasterous emotion of love. Together, however, neither could resist both the physical attraction between them, nor the lure of finding out just what was hiding behind each others’ masks.
The love scenes were tasty, but more than that, this book was romantic. The scene on the yacht with the rose just blew me away — I literally re-read it three times before moving on, because the incredible tenderness and respect that Blaise showed Ella completely decimated her resistance to him.
Recommended for fans of tortured heroes, stubborn and physically damaged (and therefore insecure) heroines, and of finding someone to love you in spite of all of your flaws.
A very cheerful 4.5/5 Stars
July 23, 2011
This is the story of Blaise and Ella. Blaise is an infamous business man known for his ruthless attitude and playboy existence and Ella is a fashion designer and fiercely independent as well as physically scarred and determined to make a success out of herself. When Blaise takes over her floundering business, Ella is convinced he is going to crush it but she is surprised when he tells her her is going to help her reach her potential. There is instant attraction between them, which only gets more intense as they spend time together. Blaise doesn't do commitment and Ella has never trusted anyone enough to let them see the extent of her scarring. But when their desire becomes so overwhelming they begin an affair, and it's not long until Blaise realises Ella's feelings for him are growing and he knows he has to end it.
From the very first page I could really feel the weight on each of the characters hearts, as well as the web of sexual tension the author spins around them. The plot is riveting and really well written, as are both of the characters. I loved how tortured Blaise is and how he realises his past mistakes but doesn't make excuses for his behaviour. Ella is a wonderful heroine, the perfect mix of bravado and sadness. Both of their backstories are well developed, I really felt like I 'knew' them. When the passion between them finally erupts, believe me, it's hot!
This book is amazing; emotional and exciting, absolutely perfect for the Modern line.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
From the very first page I could really feel the weight on each of the characters hearts, as well as the web of sexual tension the author spins around them. The plot is riveting and really well written, as are both of the characters. I loved how tortured Blaise is and how he realises his past mistakes but doesn't make excuses for his behaviour. Ella is a wonderful heroine, the perfect mix of bravado and sadness. Both of their backstories are well developed, I really felt like I 'knew' them. When the passion between them finally erupts, believe me, it's hot!
This book is amazing; emotional and exciting, absolutely perfect for the Modern line.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
March 19, 2012
In a romance world where the highly sexed alpha male who dabbles in women for pleasure without committment is commonplace, Maisey Yates has added a nuance of guilt and regret in this particular male that makes him lovable even before we get to know the full story. Feeling rather jaded by the parade of male supposed heroes who apparently cannot survive without sex on demand it was a pleasant surprise to me to meet one who was reevaluating his lifestyle in ethical terms. What a perfect time for Blaize to meet our heroine. A woman who has suffered physically and emotionally and come out fighting. Not hiding her disfigurement to push her career without demanding pity Ella is still struggling in the highly competitive fashion world. What she needs is a guardian angel, but what she gets is Blaize Chevalier. Ruthless is just the beginning with this hero who encourages his reputation as a man who puts the bottom line before everything else. With Ella's business under fire its a case of make it pay or call it a day. Yet somehow the two make a connection that will take both way out of their comfort zones. And it is this rather than any innate conflict between the characters that threaten the relationship. The scars, physical and emotional, that both carry from the past are the biggest barrier to a HEA for these two. How Maisey Yates works her protagonists through the challenges to heal and find true love is fascinating to the last paragraph.
to-buy-harlequin
August 29, 2011Black man + white woman = need this book.
November 4, 2012
This is no light read, you have to be in the mood for a very intense & emotional read. This is the story of two tortured people who hid their vulnerabilities behind a mask of indifference and erect barriers to protect themselves from hurt & disillusionment.
Blaise & Ella are complex & damaged characters. Blaise appears callous, with no honor or decency - he took his brother's fiancée away from him - he is the bad boy of the business world , a first rate womanizer. But what saves Blaise from the reader' wrath is his inner turmoil, his regret, his ever-present guilt. He refuses to repeat the past mistakes. His inner feelings & thoughts reveal that he is in a turn-point where he is reevaluating his life and despising the man he was.
Ella is scarred from fire burn since childhood. Suffering from her parents selfishness & her classmates cruelty, she poured all her life, all her passion in her career as a fashion designer. Now this career is threatened. When Blaise takes over the loan on her business, she is at the mercy of the ruthless businessman. But she can see through his reputation to the real man beneath. With his tenderness & understanding, Blaise heals Ella from her past pain & shows her how beautiful she is ( the "rose" scene is sooo moving). Ella' love makes Blaise believe in love again. These two deserve their HEA.
Blaise & Ella are complex & damaged characters. Blaise appears callous, with no honor or decency - he took his brother's fiancée away from him - he is the bad boy of the business world , a first rate womanizer. But what saves Blaise from the reader' wrath is his inner turmoil, his regret, his ever-present guilt. He refuses to repeat the past mistakes. His inner feelings & thoughts reveal that he is in a turn-point where he is reevaluating his life and despising the man he was.
Ella is scarred from fire burn since childhood. Suffering from her parents selfishness & her classmates cruelty, she poured all her life, all her passion in her career as a fashion designer. Now this career is threatened. When Blaise takes over the loan on her business, she is at the mercy of the ruthless businessman. But she can see through his reputation to the real man beneath. With his tenderness & understanding, Blaise heals Ella from her past pain & shows her how beautiful she is ( the "rose" scene is sooo moving). Ella' love makes Blaise believe in love again. These two deserve their HEA.
June 21, 2020
Parecido a Herencia Oscura en el sentido de que no hay apenas secundarios que interactúen con ellos. Ni descripciones. Él es un tiburón empresarial con un pasado familiar que le pesa. Ella superando el accidente que la dejó marcada en la adolescencia y con el negocio que intenta mantener.
Libro que se lee rápido, muy esquematico , te deja indiferente.
Libro que se lee rápido, muy esquematico , te deja indiferente.
January 16, 2012
Ella Stanton, designer and shop owner, has her business taken over by Blaise Chevalier, who buys her debt as part of a package. She’s resentful of Blaise and the takeover, and he’s only going to give her business the time of day if he thinks it is viable. The attraction between them complicates matters to another level.
I liked the rich characterization in The Highest Price to Pay. These are both strong, yet vulnerable characters and so I was deeply invested in seeing them get together. I enjoyed Blaise and Ella’s interaction, even when they were downright hostile to each other. The chemistry and love scenes are well done. Oh, and Blaise was super-hot.
I haven’t read a Mills & Boon romance in ages, thinking I’d outgrown the plotlines; however, the writer handled this story so smoothly that I finished reading it in no time. This is the first time I’ve come across a female lead who isn’t physically perfect. While the plot isn’t complex, Ms. Yates still kept me tied to the story.
I first came across the cover of the book on Nas Dean’s blog and marked it to read on Goodreads. I thought these characters were a radical departure from the usual Mills and Boon romance, but since I haven’t read one of their books in a while, I’m probably way out of touch. I came across The Highest Price to Pay again on my Goodreads list this past Friday, downloaded a sample from Amazon and then bought the book.
I could have lived without the deep emotional connection to these two characters. Weird, I know, but I felt Ella’s pain and insecurity in all its intensity. Truth be told, there were a few times that my eyes got a case of the burn. Of course, I know this is wonderful stuff. You can’t have a better experience than to feel for the people you’re reading about.
I have to be honest and say I found the book fascinating because of the cover, which speaks immediately to the racial difference between the characters, not that there was a big deal about it in the story.
The wrap-up came a little quickly for me as well as a teeny point I thought was unresolved, but I understand that this is the nature of a Mills & Boon Romance being that there are only so many pages.
Again, Ms. Yates did a superb job with the characters, and in my book, that’s one of the hallmarks of a good writer.
See full review at http://www.readerssuite.blogspot.com/...
I liked the rich characterization in The Highest Price to Pay. These are both strong, yet vulnerable characters and so I was deeply invested in seeing them get together. I enjoyed Blaise and Ella’s interaction, even when they were downright hostile to each other. The chemistry and love scenes are well done. Oh, and Blaise was super-hot.
I haven’t read a Mills & Boon romance in ages, thinking I’d outgrown the plotlines; however, the writer handled this story so smoothly that I finished reading it in no time. This is the first time I’ve come across a female lead who isn’t physically perfect. While the plot isn’t complex, Ms. Yates still kept me tied to the story.
I first came across the cover of the book on Nas Dean’s blog and marked it to read on Goodreads. I thought these characters were a radical departure from the usual Mills and Boon romance, but since I haven’t read one of their books in a while, I’m probably way out of touch. I came across The Highest Price to Pay again on my Goodreads list this past Friday, downloaded a sample from Amazon and then bought the book.
I could have lived without the deep emotional connection to these two characters. Weird, I know, but I felt Ella’s pain and insecurity in all its intensity. Truth be told, there were a few times that my eyes got a case of the burn. Of course, I know this is wonderful stuff. You can’t have a better experience than to feel for the people you’re reading about.
I have to be honest and say I found the book fascinating because of the cover, which speaks immediately to the racial difference between the characters, not that there was a big deal about it in the story.
The wrap-up came a little quickly for me as well as a teeny point I thought was unresolved, but I understand that this is the nature of a Mills & Boon Romance being that there are only so many pages.
Again, Ms. Yates did a superb job with the characters, and in my book, that’s one of the hallmarks of a good writer.
See full review at http://www.readerssuite.blogspot.com/...
November 16, 2012
This was a lovely story about 2 scarred people who eventually find that a life half-lived is no life at all. Both are scarred in different ways but the end result is the same.
I so enjoyed reading about a non-perfect woman and a man from as exotic a place as Malawi. I don't believe there's been another story featuring a Malawan man. Considering Malawi is the poorest country in the world, I wish there really were a Blaise Chevalier to build roads, hospitals, schools and empower the people of this land.
A quick and really enjoyable read!
I so enjoyed reading about a non-perfect woman and a man from as exotic a place as Malawi. I don't believe there's been another story featuring a Malawan man. Considering Malawi is the poorest country in the world, I wish there really were a Blaise Chevalier to build roads, hospitals, schools and empower the people of this land.
A quick and really enjoyable read!
August 30, 2011
THE HIGHEST PRICE TO PAY is an August 2011 release by HM&B Modern series and is the latest presentation by author Maisey Yates.
The Book Description reads…
'While it has been reported that I may be missing my own soul, I have no interest in yours. This is about money.' When Ella's failing business comes wrapped up as part of Blaise Chevalier's recent takeover, he plans to discard it - as is his usual way with surplus goods. Then he meets Ella! Cast from the same fiery mould as he is, she makes an intriguing adversary. Perhaps he could have a little fun with his new acquisition...As proud and strong as she is beautiful, Ella is determined to prove Blaise wrong about her business and her worth. As long as she hides her hint of vulnerability and denies the flicker of attraction between them when she catches her enemy's eye...
My Review…
Blaise Chevalier knew the man he could be if he allowed emotion to lead. He knew what he was capable of when he let his desires to take charge, when he abandoned decency in the pursuit of his own satisfaction. He had no intention of ever being that man again.
But Ella Stanton was temptation. She was more than what he had envisioned. The temptation she presented to him seemed too great to combat. But he had to, didn’t he?
Ella saw another side to Blaise. When she had thought he was nothing more than a cold, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get what was his, then it had been hard to stop herself from weaving fantasies around him. Now that she saw this new Blaise, who could blame her from falling for him?
This couple deserved their happy ending because each of them in their own way was strong, strong enough to endure whatever came their way. It’s as much a story about recovering from grief, betrayal and self-discovery as it is about the unquenchable desire between Ella and Blaise. This is a story I thoroughly enjoyed, it kept me turning pages late into night with its captivating blend of high fashion business drama, passion, emotional tension, seduction and romance.
Maisey Yates has always written books that enthralls her readers. THE HIGHEST PRICE TO PAY is no exception with characters that leap of the page and holds you captivated. THE HIGHEST PRICE TO PAY is sexy, sensual, filled with tension, heartbreak, secrets, scandals and sizzle!
August 5, 2011
I have been looking forward to reading this and as usual Maisey does not disappoint. Brooding, tortured hero, who slowly reveals his soft side, equally tortured and scarred heroine, who comes to accept herself and heal the scars of the past, if not her physical ones, by seeing herself through his eyes - it doesn't get much better than this. :-)
I shan't give the plot away but I found it nigh impossible to put this book down. In fact dinner ended up being terribly late, because I just had to finish it!
The emotional conflict of the H/H really pulls you in and I found myself falling in love a little bit with the hero at the same time as Ella did. And the heroine, strong, yet vulnerable, you can't help but like her and the way she will not let Blaise off the hook.
Loved, loved, loved it!
I shan't give the plot away but I found it nigh impossible to put this book down. In fact dinner ended up being terribly late, because I just had to finish it!
The emotional conflict of the H/H really pulls you in and I found myself falling in love a little bit with the hero at the same time as Ella did. And the heroine, strong, yet vulnerable, you can't help but like her and the way she will not let Blaise off the hook.
Loved, loved, loved it!
November 1, 2011
Wonderful emotional read,liked Ella-Blaise a lot,both are estranged from their family,they have scars from past Ella has it outside,Ella is strong yet vulnerable,Blaise is gentle caring and understanding he heals Ella from her past pains and makes her see that inspite of her scar she is a beautiful person,Ella falls in love with Blaise but he keeps himself in denial & pushes Ella away,but he has an epiphany with himself accepts his feelings and goes to Ella ,both take the leap towards HEA
The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was Blaise's both issues were left unsolved,would have liked to see some kind of interactions
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it
The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was Blaise's both issues were left unsolved,would have liked to see some kind of interactions
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it
April 28, 2021
This is so good. I love Maisey Yates; she writes powerful stories with interesting characters who engage your interest from the first page. This one is only the third or 4th M&B I’ve read to address a mixed race romance and Maisey does it beautifully. Blaise is a magnificent character and indeed the h/H are one of the most interesting couplings I have found. The love scenes (that scene with the rose ... oh wow! ...), are beautifully done. Both of them are scarred and damaged but the story develops their relationship and their healing so well. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2012
This was my first foray into a M&B Modern, and I couldn't have chosen better. Blaise and Ella are fantastic characters and I loved their story. The story had a very natural unforced progression. I highly recommend this.
April 10, 2013
Beautiful!!!
September 17, 2011
Love the way this book explores perfection vs imperfection and how people's perceptions of themselves play into how they look at others and what they expect from life.
December 5, 2011
Great novel, decently written, which surprised me given the crap novels coming out lately.
December 13, 2013
excellent!!!!
July 13, 2014
This is a gorgeous novel. I love it beautifull. I recommended totally
October 27, 2020
My favorite quote of the book. “I don’t have feeling on the left side of my back. The scar on my neck...it’s the same. I have no feeling there.
Then I will have to kiss you twice as much on the right side, to make up for it,” he said”
The book was pretty good but way too short. There’s not enough information about her family, his affair with Marie, or his relationship with his brother.
Then I will have to kiss you twice as much on the right side, to make up for it,” he said”
The book was pretty good but way too short. There’s not enough information about her family, his affair with Marie, or his relationship with his brother.
October 8, 2018
Amazing chemistry between the H/h. The characters come together really well and their conversations are natural and it really had an amazing HEA worthy proposal!
Want to read
April 5, 2020Χρυσό Άρλεκιν Special #285
October 2, 2025
A passionate love story. I enjoyed reading Blaise and Ella finding their way to each other through their own issues and emotional barriers. Beautifully well written.
October 6, 2016
Another MY book that I enjoyed waaay more than I should - first of all I adore that HPland has finally answered the call of the 21st centuary and we have a multi racial couple. Our alpha male is tall dark and handsome and notorious playboy who shagged his bro's fiancé and tore the family apart, while our h is scarred from a fire as a girl and kind of shunned from her family because they are embarrassed by her - niiice people!
Throw these 2 in a room together and boom - sexy times! he has to overcome his guilt from boinking his bro's gal as he now reckons love sucks and he doesn't deserve happiness and she needs to get over her stoopid family then its all HEA - kind of want to find his bro now though and hear his story!
Throw these 2 in a room together and boom - sexy times! he has to overcome his guilt from boinking his bro's gal as he now reckons love sucks and he doesn't deserve happiness and she needs to get over her stoopid family then its all HEA - kind of want to find his bro now though and hear his story!
August 4, 2012
I picked this one up thanks to a review on The Good the Bad and the Unread which gave a far better description than the official blurb, or even the cover. Ella has scars, some of which she displays to the world, while wearing dresses she has designed, but most are hidden: both the physical ones and the emotional damage from the physical damage, its cause and its after effects. Blaise, meanwhile, has madesome morally questionable decisions in the past and gone on to regret them. So lots of sources of conflict, which are mostly dealt with well, although wrapped up a little hurriedly at the end. Another author I want to read more from.
October 20, 2020
This book is a 4.5 for me.
What I liked:
-the hero is half french & half Malawian (the first black character I've ever read in HQ!)
-the heroine is an independent business woman and fashion designer
-both characters are flawed but acknowledge their flaws and work on it in their own ways
-the heroine practices autonomy! (the first time I've read a HQ heroine who wanted someone and went for it. Huzzah! It's been a long time coming.)
-the heroine blatantly states her expectations of the hero in a phone call (this kind of honest conversation is rare in HQ presents world)
-the chemistry was pretty sexy
Overall, I'd recommend this book for any HQ fans. It has the usual tropes but is done so well it leaves you satisfied.
What I liked:
-the hero is half french & half Malawian (the first black character I've ever read in HQ!)
-the heroine is an independent business woman and fashion designer
-both characters are flawed but acknowledge their flaws and work on it in their own ways
-the heroine practices autonomy! (the first time I've read a HQ heroine who wanted someone and went for it. Huzzah! It's been a long time coming.)
-the heroine blatantly states her expectations of the hero in a phone call (this kind of honest conversation is rare in HQ presents world)
-the chemistry was pretty sexy
Overall, I'd recommend this book for any HQ fans. It has the usual tropes but is done so well it leaves you satisfied.
September 6, 2012
At the beginning, I was worried that the heroine would be fawning over the hero in all that sizzling attraction, but as the story progressed, there was beauty in how both characters developed. I thought the "break-up" point was really unnecessary but then again, we all need to lose to value what we had, and of course, strive for redemption.
The sexual tension was a little lacking, but I guess it was understandable since coupling wasn't totally central to the story.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read.
The sexual tension was a little lacking, but I guess it was understandable since coupling wasn't totally central to the story.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews