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Sarantos Siblings #1
The Sarantos Secret Baby
He was as tall and dark as the devil…and was her family's hated adversary. But that didn't stop Selene Louvardis from wanting Aris Sarantos with her every breath. Or grabbing her one chance for a forbidden night with him.He was never supposed to learn she'd borne his child. But when Aris stormed back into Selene's life and discovered the truth, nothing would stop the ruthless billionaire from claiming his own. Not her family, not the billion-dollar contract at stake and certainly not something as inconvenient as love.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
47 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gates
502 books495 followersI am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of 45 books in different genres including Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, Medical Action Thrillers and Paranormal Romance. My upcoming works will also veer into fantasy.
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 27, 2012
This has to be the very best 'secret baby' book I've ever read. Two powerful, passionate characters butting head and reaching out to each other and bonding over their baby while all the time falling fathoms deep in love. Perfect pacing and development of story and characters makes this a keeper and a frequent re-read! Highly recommended!
February 1, 2012
5 stars is not enough!
This is the best secret baby story I've ever read and I've read dozens. Aris is an incredible alpha irresistible, complex, dark yet so sympathetic. Selene is his perfect foil. And their passion is way off the charts from the first chapter. Baby Alex feels so real, and his developing relationship with Aris is one of, if not *the* best relationships between father and a baby son I've read in a romance. Outstanding story and writing! A triple re-read so far and on my keeper shelf!
This is the best secret baby story I've ever read and I've read dozens. Aris is an incredible alpha irresistible, complex, dark yet so sympathetic. Selene is his perfect foil. And their passion is way off the charts from the first chapter. Baby Alex feels so real, and his developing relationship with Aris is one of, if not *the* best relationships between father and a baby son I've read in a romance. Outstanding story and writing! A triple re-read so far and on my keeper shelf!
April 14, 2011
Emotional situations are described right from the start of the book, and any choices made could have lifetime consequences. Olivia Gates knows how to tell a story which portrays the deepest inner feelings of her main characters, and each set of circumstances does this superbly in THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY. What a fabulous addition to the Billionaires and Babies series in the Harlequin Desire line.
Although Selene Louvardis once had a crush on Aristedes Sarantos, she knew the successful Greek businessman never let himself become genuinely involved with others. Also making a relationship between them impossible is the fact he and her family are often rivals in the shipping industry, and this would definitely keep them apart forever. A conversation between the two after the death of her father leads to her fantasy dreams becoming vivid reality, but the passionate time they spent together also left her pregnant with his child.
When Aris comes to see Selene again after a year and a half because of business negotiations, he realizes he wants her back in his life and even more so when he learns they have a son. He has always been unrelenting when it comes to devising and carrying out a plan of attack in business, and Aris comes up with a strategy he believes will win over Selene.
A book by Olivia Gates always contains countless scenes depicted with intensity. All during THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY, the passionate natures of the characters are communicated in a multitude of ways. Sometimes the moment actually pertains to sex and other instances relate to other types of feelings. There are so many different sentiments in the story, from anger to joy to anguish, yet all of them are clearly gotten across to the reader because of so much fervent sincerity behind any responses. Regardless of how a reaction is conveyed, whether it is spoken aloud or told only through a thought, insight will be given into how an individual truly feels at that particular moment and why the person thinks this way. Ms. Gates has such a gift for making anyone more humane despite how they are perceived by others, especially when a reaction is the result of something unexpected as it shows how they really think. I found the scenes where Aris interacted with his son to be very true-to-life, as he just followed his feelings without planning ahead like he would do in a business venture. Although the initial connection between Aris and Selene was based mostly on sex, any subsequent encounters have their emotions entering into the equation and cause confusing turmoil in their lives and even a couple of surprising revelations. There are also several times when amusement is exhibited, as is very evident when the inexperienced father tries to take care of his adorable son for the first time. When it comes to intimacy shared by this couple, there is always an abundance of blazingly fiery heat which only burns hotter as time passes, and Ms. Gates certainly knows how to make every second believable. A wonderful story about following the heart and not listening to the mind, THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY is a passionate romance overflowing with emotional issues and critical decisions.
Although Selene Louvardis once had a crush on Aristedes Sarantos, she knew the successful Greek businessman never let himself become genuinely involved with others. Also making a relationship between them impossible is the fact he and her family are often rivals in the shipping industry, and this would definitely keep them apart forever. A conversation between the two after the death of her father leads to her fantasy dreams becoming vivid reality, but the passionate time they spent together also left her pregnant with his child.
When Aris comes to see Selene again after a year and a half because of business negotiations, he realizes he wants her back in his life and even more so when he learns they have a son. He has always been unrelenting when it comes to devising and carrying out a plan of attack in business, and Aris comes up with a strategy he believes will win over Selene.
A book by Olivia Gates always contains countless scenes depicted with intensity. All during THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY, the passionate natures of the characters are communicated in a multitude of ways. Sometimes the moment actually pertains to sex and other instances relate to other types of feelings. There are so many different sentiments in the story, from anger to joy to anguish, yet all of them are clearly gotten across to the reader because of so much fervent sincerity behind any responses. Regardless of how a reaction is conveyed, whether it is spoken aloud or told only through a thought, insight will be given into how an individual truly feels at that particular moment and why the person thinks this way. Ms. Gates has such a gift for making anyone more humane despite how they are perceived by others, especially when a reaction is the result of something unexpected as it shows how they really think. I found the scenes where Aris interacted with his son to be very true-to-life, as he just followed his feelings without planning ahead like he would do in a business venture. Although the initial connection between Aris and Selene was based mostly on sex, any subsequent encounters have their emotions entering into the equation and cause confusing turmoil in their lives and even a couple of surprising revelations. There are also several times when amusement is exhibited, as is very evident when the inexperienced father tries to take care of his adorable son for the first time. When it comes to intimacy shared by this couple, there is always an abundance of blazingly fiery heat which only burns hotter as time passes, and Ms. Gates certainly knows how to make every second believable. A wonderful story about following the heart and not listening to the mind, THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY is a passionate romance overflowing with emotional issues and critical decisions.
September 16, 2011
Parenthood and passion between rivals.
Aris Sarantos's toughest business rival is a man Aris secretly admires and by who, he wishes to be recognized. Sadly, the man dies without acknowledging Aris at all. Worse, somehow Aris feels affected by his unexpected departure, specially after being the last person who argued with him. Aris attends his funeral in spite of being unwelcome. He has to be there, he needs the closure too. What he finds is a way to channel his unexpected sorrow with the daughter of his bitter rival.
She always has had this crush for Aris Sarantos, and when he dares to show up at her father's funeral, Selene Louvardis confronts him. Somehow, they end up spending a passionate weekend together. One that would bring a child into their irreconcilable worlds. Selene imagines Aris doesn't want their baby, and keeps the secret, but once Aris find out of his existence, nobody can keep his child away from him. The baby forces Aris to face the demons from his own childhood, which shaped his character.
The interaction between Selene and Aris is sizzling and explosive, the kind of romance one keeps reading frenetically, because one needs to know how these two are going to work their differences. Thanks God, romance guarantees a happy ending, because there are some dramatic moments in this one. What I liked the most in the book is the author's portrait of Aris Sarantos, a memorable alpha hero. I also love that cover since the first time I saw it.
Aris Sarantos's toughest business rival is a man Aris secretly admires and by who, he wishes to be recognized. Sadly, the man dies without acknowledging Aris at all. Worse, somehow Aris feels affected by his unexpected departure, specially after being the last person who argued with him. Aris attends his funeral in spite of being unwelcome. He has to be there, he needs the closure too. What he finds is a way to channel his unexpected sorrow with the daughter of his bitter rival.
She always has had this crush for Aris Sarantos, and when he dares to show up at her father's funeral, Selene Louvardis confronts him. Somehow, they end up spending a passionate weekend together. One that would bring a child into their irreconcilable worlds. Selene imagines Aris doesn't want their baby, and keeps the secret, but once Aris find out of his existence, nobody can keep his child away from him. The baby forces Aris to face the demons from his own childhood, which shaped his character.
The interaction between Selene and Aris is sizzling and explosive, the kind of romance one keeps reading frenetically, because one needs to know how these two are going to work their differences. Thanks God, romance guarantees a happy ending, because there are some dramatic moments in this one. What I liked the most in the book is the author's portrait of Aris Sarantos, a memorable alpha hero. I also love that cover since the first time I saw it.
January 28, 2012
Olivia Gates delivers another high-powered emotionally charged and wonderfully sensuous tale in The Sarantos Secret Baby. Billionaire, Greek Shipping Magnate, Aristedes Sarantos could teach the devil a lesson with his out of this world good looks and the icy stare and heart to match. At ten years his junior, attorney Selene Louvardis knows this first hand, as she has held a place for him in her heart since she was fifteen. How can she explain to her heart that loving Aristedes is the ultimate betrayal, for he is her family’s enemy? Now at twenty-seven, finding themselves under the effects of their personal emotional turmoil they turn to each other. A short–lived sultry merger they soon walk away from with no words of goodbye, however results in unforeseen dividends. Time away has weighed on them both for different reasons. At Aristedes’ return eighteen months later, the sight of Selene before him convinces him he was a fool to walk away and he will apply every cutthroat means in his arsenal to make her his. He did not get to where he is now by not taking what is his. Selene however is up to the challenge for she has more to protect than just her heart and her cunning as the family business lawyer pales in comparison.
April 19, 2011
What do I think?. wow, wow, wow.... I have to say that it is a long time since I enjoyed a romance book so much. Should you wish to buy it, be prepared for not being able to put it down until the very last page. The emotional roller coaster journey between the main characters Serena Louvardis and Aris Sarantos is absolutely thrilling. What you have here is a strong, sexy, passionate alpha male(be still my beating heart) and a beautiful, successful equally sexy lady and of course their adorable baby boy.
I hated saying goodbye to this story but I can take comfort from the fact that Ms Gates has plans to do a number of follow up stories on other family members and friends from this book... I already wait, not so patiently, for her next book entitled 'To Touch a Sheikh'. Olivia Gates never disappoints with her books and I look forward to reading them each and every time.
I hated saying goodbye to this story but I can take comfort from the fact that Ms Gates has plans to do a number of follow up stories on other family members and friends from this book... I already wait, not so patiently, for her next book entitled 'To Touch a Sheikh'. Olivia Gates never disappoints with her books and I look forward to reading them each and every time.
March 26, 2018
I don't like when heroines keep a baby from their fathers. Not unless they have a VERY good reason for doing that.
August 13, 2011
my very first read of a Olivia Gates book and this is one of the best written book....You are a fabulous story teller.....I love your creativity,style and humour....I am now your number one FAN ...all books have to be a Olivia Gates first.....
February 5, 2012
Olivia Gates proves in this book that she can write Greek tycoons as alpha, smoldering, and romantic as she writes her sheikhs. The father/baby bond is such a fabulous bonus, you won't want to put it down.
April 5, 2022
Six years ago I first read this book and absolutely loved it. As much as I loved it on reread today it drug most of the way through. This is something I have noticed with this author. Since I was so frustrated with the pacing and dragging I had to take it down a star.
This was a great read. Our hero and heroine are from rivaling families who could have easily worked together to profit both their businesses. The heroine's family just wouldn't concede and join up so they diligently worked to try and put him out of business but he was too smart for that. They hated the man-genius-hero who could take anything and make it a huge success adding to his billions.
The heroine's father passed away and that evening the heroine drove him back to his hotel...and stayed for the weekend. Yes...of course there was a consequence. That is the way of the book-world. The heroine was crazy about him and had been crushing on him since her teens. She was devastated when she never heard from him and took it as a sign that he would not be happy about her pregnancy news. She was ready to explore whatever was going on between them and waited daily for his call that never came.
Since it was the death of the heroine's father and they were rivals the hero did something very stupid...he left it up to her to call him, thinking she may not want a relationship with the enemy. What??? I still believe in the man being the first one to call. After that it doesn't matter. But he doesn't call. About eighteen months later he returns and goes to a party at her family's home. He decides to follow her back to her home which she did not have when they were together. It is then that he follows her inside and sees her stop and kiss a baby who is being looked after by his nanny. He takes a glance at the child and does a triple take. That baby is a miniature of himself. Lucy...you got some splainin' to do!
They were apart for approx 18 months and were both celibate. Hero was titled as a major-man-whore but we find out that was not true. Yes, he had gotten around some but it was nothing like it was made out to be!
This is more than a love story. There's the families rivalry and the contracts they fought over since her family would not work with him. This is their road to happiness. Oh, I forgot to mention that the heroine has three brothers who despise the hero and doesn't know he is the father of their sister's baby. Those brothers but-in where they aren't wanted almost severing the relationship between the two.
I would definitely recommend.
This was a great read. Our hero and heroine are from rivaling families who could have easily worked together to profit both their businesses. The heroine's family just wouldn't concede and join up so they diligently worked to try and put him out of business but he was too smart for that. They hated the man-genius-hero who could take anything and make it a huge success adding to his billions.
The heroine's father passed away and that evening the heroine drove him back to his hotel...and stayed for the weekend. Yes...of course there was a consequence. That is the way of the book-world. The heroine was crazy about him and had been crushing on him since her teens. She was devastated when she never heard from him and took it as a sign that he would not be happy about her pregnancy news. She was ready to explore whatever was going on between them and waited daily for his call that never came.
Since it was the death of the heroine's father and they were rivals the hero did something very stupid...he left it up to her to call him, thinking she may not want a relationship with the enemy. What??? I still believe in the man being the first one to call. After that it doesn't matter. But he doesn't call. About eighteen months later he returns and goes to a party at her family's home. He decides to follow her back to her home which she did not have when they were together. It is then that he follows her inside and sees her stop and kiss a baby who is being looked after by his nanny. He takes a glance at the child and does a triple take. That baby is a miniature of himself. Lucy...you got some splainin' to do!
They were apart for approx 18 months and were both celibate. Hero was titled as a major-man-whore but we find out that was not true. Yes, he had gotten around some but it was nothing like it was made out to be!
This is more than a love story. There's the families rivalry and the contracts they fought over since her family would not work with him. This is their road to happiness. Oh, I forgot to mention that the heroine has three brothers who despise the hero and doesn't know he is the father of their sister's baby. Those brothers but-in where they aren't wanted almost severing the relationship between the two.
I would definitely recommend.
January 6, 2013
OMG! Such an amazing love story. Could not put the book down. It sucked you in and it was written beautifully. The chemistry the heroes shared was so intense and their love so pure, and refreshing. Romantic, sexy and features the most adorable baby you'll read. I cherished every minute of it...
August 13, 2011
one of the greatest story ever told ...love your books ...
February 11, 2012
This book opens with a bang that left me gasping. I didn't expect that hot, hot, hot love scene in the very first chapter. But as I sat tingling with the power of it, I felt apprehensive that the steam had all gone out of the book and that it would be downhill from the on.
Boy, was I wrong. Olivia Gates keeps cranking up the pressure and the emotion and the sexual tension up to the very end. And that's only between the hero and heroine, Aristedes Sarantos and Selene Louvardis.
But the other elements of the book contribute hugely to making it the incredible book it is. It's got the most poignant development of a relationship between a man and his baby, the perfect dissection of how such a powerful, isolated alpha male becomes the best father possible. And then there was Selene's brothers. I can't wait until the Louvardis trio get their books and their deserved downfall in love! :-) Their horror at Aris's transformation at the hand of their sister was EPIC! :-D
Ms. Gates, if you're reading this, WE WANT THE LOUVARDIS BROTHERS' BOOKS!!!!
Boy, was I wrong. Olivia Gates keeps cranking up the pressure and the emotion and the sexual tension up to the very end. And that's only between the hero and heroine, Aristedes Sarantos and Selene Louvardis.
But the other elements of the book contribute hugely to making it the incredible book it is. It's got the most poignant development of a relationship between a man and his baby, the perfect dissection of how such a powerful, isolated alpha male becomes the best father possible. And then there was Selene's brothers. I can't wait until the Louvardis trio get their books and their deserved downfall in love! :-) Their horror at Aris's transformation at the hand of their sister was EPIC! :-D
Ms. Gates, if you're reading this, WE WANT THE LOUVARDIS BROTHERS' BOOKS!!!!
April 12, 2011
Great book about a lost soul finding love.
February 18, 2012
Aristedes Sarantos is the ultimate alpha hero. Hard and powerful and inaccessible and tormented, and then in the hands of the woman and the baby he loves, he's playdough! :-D
I loved, loved, loved this book from the first explosive chapter till the last one where Selene's brothers gang up on Aris, the one thing that can bring them together being defending their sister.
And though this was a one-off book, not part of a series, it would be a crime if we don't get the stories of those three Louvardis brothers. they're just too yummy and smug in their belief what happened to Aris would never happen to them (falling flat on his face in love with their sister, and wrapping himself around her and his baby's pinkies) I can't WAIT until they get theirs in their own stories.
So when is the Louvardis brother trilogy coming???
I loved, loved, loved this book from the first explosive chapter till the last one where Selene's brothers gang up on Aris, the one thing that can bring them together being defending their sister.
And though this was a one-off book, not part of a series, it would be a crime if we don't get the stories of those three Louvardis brothers. they're just too yummy and smug in their belief what happened to Aris would never happen to them (falling flat on his face in love with their sister, and wrapping himself around her and his baby's pinkies) I can't WAIT until they get theirs in their own stories.
So when is the Louvardis brother trilogy coming???
October 17, 2012
WOW!! What an intense read. The last couple of chapters in particular had my heart beating so fast I had to calm myself down!
Here's the deal- a strong, successful, sexy, pure alpha Greek tycoon who understands women and absolutely ADORES the heroine. And, a strong, successful, sexy heroine whose feminine strength matches his masculine strength and they compliment each other in the most fabulous ways !!!
That's what we're dealing with here. Add a gorgeous baby and 3 over-protective Greek brothers into the mix and you've got yourself one hell of a story!
Highly recommended!
Here's the deal- a strong, successful, sexy, pure alpha Greek tycoon who understands women and absolutely ADORES the heroine. And, a strong, successful, sexy heroine whose feminine strength matches his masculine strength and they compliment each other in the most fabulous ways !!!
That's what we're dealing with here. Add a gorgeous baby and 3 over-protective Greek brothers into the mix and you've got yourself one hell of a story!
Highly recommended!
April 25, 2017
Why do heroines apply reverse-psychology when they dunno basics about it anyway? She wants him but she won't tell him so , when he proposes she rejects him. When she thinks he is not putting efforts to woo her she goes self-pitying. Some heroines are mess.
February 23, 2012
Fantastic book about how Aristedes Sarantos and Selene Louvardis turn from rivals to lovers, to parents. The best book I've read where a flawed and ruthless alpha hero develops into the best lover and father. Really amazing and believable transformation. Wonderful writing, emotional and descriptive. A very powerful book with great characters, and thrilling groundwork for more books for the very intriguing secondary characters of Selene's brothers.
May 1, 2018
After reading the reviews and having enjoyed other books of this author, I was very sure I would like this one, but sadly I didn't enjoy this one. One reason for it was I had a hard time connecting with Selene, the heroine, and her insecurities and decisions.
In the first place I just didn't like the fact that she chose to keep from Aristedes the fact that he had a son and took it upon herself to deprive her son, Alex, the right to know his father. I would've understood if Aris had been an ass to her in that brief two-day delicious sex-fest weekend that they had, but he wasn't. She was upset he didn't call her after that weekend, but it was she who had left him while he was sleeping without any explanation or note causing him to interpret it as her not wanting to see him anymore. After all he was her family's enemy. Because, he didn't call her back, not even to thank her for the good time --Seriously? Thank her for the good time?-- she feels justified in keeping father and son away from each other.
Fine, once Aris finds out about Alex and proposes marriage, she was right in pointing out that she didn't need him as husband or all the material things he had to offer, but it pissed me that Aris had to literally beg her to allow him to know his son and be tested to see if he was fit to fill the 'position of fatherhood.'
“I’m not demanding any, to either of you. I’m asking for a…gift. A day. Give it to me, Selene.”
“Fine. I will give you today, too. But anything else, you check with me first.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Then, when he's successful with that day, he again has to beg for another day to spend with his son. Aris too, irritated me with his constant begging and concurring with Selene that he may not be a good father as his father wasn't a good father. Over and above, that entire testing thing rankled me. Especially, when Selene finally decides, 'Their test had been concluded. And he’d passed it. He would be Alex’s father.'
Parenthood doesn't come with a manual or a certificate. It's a constant learning and evolving process. The main thing is getting to know one's child and being part of that child's life. And, there was no doubt Aris had fallen in love with his son and wanted to do the best for him.
Yet, for almost two thirds of the book, he gives himself to Selene to be tested and she sits on her high horse judging and doubting him ---as if giving birth to their child automatically qualifies her to be a good mother--- waiting for him to fail. Moreover, because of her insecurities one moment they would be having a real beautiful moment between them and next she'll be all suspicious. Like the day she'd taken him sight-seeing in New York and I was enjoying the moment he held her against him in his arms and he told her they'd keep what's going on between them and not tell her brothers as yet --which she'd been thinking too-- but then she got suspicious about his motive.
Similarly, she tells him not to bother touching her, but when he pays heed to her advice and does exactly what she told him, she starts thinking maybe he no longer wanted her. Also, keeping in mind her hearty insulting laugh when he'd proposed soon after he'd come to know about Alex, he desistedFor from proposing to her again, but even that upsetted her. She confused the guy so much --me too-- that I felt sorry for him when after arranging for a grand setting and went down on his knees to propose, seeing her hesitation --that was because she was stunned-- he thought he'd messed up again. By then, I was so irritated with her that it marred my enjoyment of that beautiful moment.
Having said that, there were some nice scenes between them where they connected on an emotional level like the one in New York as I mentioned earlier and a couple of scenes in Crete like the one where they're on the beach, holding hands, confiding to each other and the one where Alex has an accident and had to be hospitalized. Other than these, they had lots of sex - mind-blowing sex. It was nice to know that both had remained celibate during the separation.
What I loved the most was the scenes between Aristedes and Alex. I would go all mush every time Alex kept reaching for his father. The first scene where he latches on to a stunned Aristedes leg was awesome. I also loved the scene where Aristedes introduces himself to Alex and the scene in Crete where he assists Alex as he took his first footsteps on the sand, the little tot shrieking with delight, also the one in the end when Alex sensing trouble seeing his uncles closing down on his father, clings to Aristedes. And, my heart broke along with Aris and Selena when Alex fell and hurt his head. I liked how Aris did not let Selene fall apart.
Then just when I thought that with the two engaged all would be well between the two, right toward the last few pages of the book comes a crisis to rain on their parade and the two are once again suspicious of each other thinking that the other has betrayed them by using the confidences they shared with each other at Crete. Selene brothers now join in and we are back to cold and cynical deals and negotiations and requirement of proof from Aris that he is fit to be Selene's husband and Alex's father, which he finally gives. However, that didn't convince me that the two wouldn't suspect each other when another crisis emerges. I did feel bad that Alex cried because his father was not around for the few days Aris took to arrange for the proof that he loved Selene and Alex.
I love angst and misunderstandings that causes angst, but the angst here didn't work for me. Considering the good reviews the book has got, I am just amazed how was it that I came away feeling irritable by the end of it.
Nevertheless, I'm glad for Alex. Loved, loved him and loved Alex and Aris together.
In the first place I just didn't like the fact that she chose to keep from Aristedes the fact that he had a son and took it upon herself to deprive her son, Alex, the right to know his father. I would've understood if Aris had been an ass to her in that brief two-day delicious sex-fest weekend that they had, but he wasn't. She was upset he didn't call her after that weekend, but it was she who had left him while he was sleeping without any explanation or note causing him to interpret it as her not wanting to see him anymore. After all he was her family's enemy. Because, he didn't call her back, not even to thank her for the good time --Seriously? Thank her for the good time?-- she feels justified in keeping father and son away from each other.
Fine, once Aris finds out about Alex and proposes marriage, she was right in pointing out that she didn't need him as husband or all the material things he had to offer, but it pissed me that Aris had to literally beg her to allow him to know his son and be tested to see if he was fit to fill the 'position of fatherhood.'
“I’m not demanding any, to either of you. I’m asking for a…gift. A day. Give it to me, Selene.”
“Fine. I will give you today, too. But anything else, you check with me first.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Then, when he's successful with that day, he again has to beg for another day to spend with his son. Aris too, irritated me with his constant begging and concurring with Selene that he may not be a good father as his father wasn't a good father. Over and above, that entire testing thing rankled me. Especially, when Selene finally decides, 'Their test had been concluded. And he’d passed it. He would be Alex’s father.'
Parenthood doesn't come with a manual or a certificate. It's a constant learning and evolving process. The main thing is getting to know one's child and being part of that child's life. And, there was no doubt Aris had fallen in love with his son and wanted to do the best for him.
Yet, for almost two thirds of the book, he gives himself to Selene to be tested and she sits on her high horse judging and doubting him ---as if giving birth to their child automatically qualifies her to be a good mother--- waiting for him to fail. Moreover, because of her insecurities one moment they would be having a real beautiful moment between them and next she'll be all suspicious. Like the day she'd taken him sight-seeing in New York and I was enjoying the moment he held her against him in his arms and he told her they'd keep what's going on between them and not tell her brothers as yet --which she'd been thinking too-- but then she got suspicious about his motive.
Similarly, she tells him not to bother touching her, but when he pays heed to her advice and does exactly what she told him, she starts thinking maybe he no longer wanted her. Also, keeping in mind her hearty insulting laugh when he'd proposed soon after he'd come to know about Alex, he desistedFor from proposing to her again, but even that upsetted her. She confused the guy so much --me too-- that I felt sorry for him when after arranging for a grand setting and went down on his knees to propose, seeing her hesitation --that was because she was stunned-- he thought he'd messed up again. By then, I was so irritated with her that it marred my enjoyment of that beautiful moment.
Having said that, there were some nice scenes between them where they connected on an emotional level like the one in New York as I mentioned earlier and a couple of scenes in Crete like the one where they're on the beach, holding hands, confiding to each other and the one where Alex has an accident and had to be hospitalized. Other than these, they had lots of sex - mind-blowing sex. It was nice to know that both had remained celibate during the separation.
What I loved the most was the scenes between Aristedes and Alex. I would go all mush every time Alex kept reaching for his father. The first scene where he latches on to a stunned Aristedes leg was awesome. I also loved the scene where Aristedes introduces himself to Alex and the scene in Crete where he assists Alex as he took his first footsteps on the sand, the little tot shrieking with delight, also the one in the end when Alex sensing trouble seeing his uncles closing down on his father, clings to Aristedes. And, my heart broke along with Aris and Selena when Alex fell and hurt his head. I liked how Aris did not let Selene fall apart.
Then just when I thought that with the two engaged all would be well between the two, right toward the last few pages of the book comes a crisis to rain on their parade and the two are once again suspicious of each other thinking that the other has betrayed them by using the confidences they shared with each other at Crete. Selene brothers now join in and we are back to cold and cynical deals and negotiations and requirement of proof from Aris that he is fit to be Selene's husband and Alex's father, which he finally gives. However, that didn't convince me that the two wouldn't suspect each other when another crisis emerges. I did feel bad that Alex cried because his father was not around for the few days Aris took to arrange for the proof that he loved Selene and Alex.
I love angst and misunderstandings that causes angst, but the angst here didn't work for me. Considering the good reviews the book has got, I am just amazed how was it that I came away feeling irritable by the end of it.
Nevertheless, I'm glad for Alex. Loved, loved him and loved Alex and Aris together.
March 8, 2012
The Sarantos Secret Baby is explosively passionate from the first page to the last. Aristedes "Aris" Sarantos is Selene Louvardis's family nemesis, but she wants him with every breath. After her father dies and he shockingly attends his funeral, messing up her convictions and bringing down her defenses. They spend a night out of time, consoling then losing themselves in each others' arms. But When he leaves without contacting her again, she considers he wants it to end there. But it doesn't end there. She has his baby not once thinking he'd be part of his or her life. But he comes back, and demands to claim her and his baby. And from then on, this book becomes REALLY different from any secret baby book I've ever read. Selene is powerful and won't let the mega alpha Aris take her or her baby over and makes him work the hardest I've seen for his place in their lives. And along the way she melts the ice from around this emotionally inaccessible man's heart, brings out the wonderful father and lover he could be, but wouldn't have been discovered without her.
I adored this book from start to finish, and I very highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read real romance with incredible character development. And I can't really wait to read Selene's brothers' books!!
I adored this book from start to finish, and I very highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read real romance with incredible character development. And I can't really wait to read Selene's brothers' books!!
March 2, 2012
I thought Olivia Gates wrote only series so I was wondering if I'll like a stand alone book from her as much, and boy, did I! Aris and Selene were fantastic toghether. She's so strong and no nonesense and wouldn't let him barge into her and her baby's life and dictate orders but work very very hard for them to let him in. The best secret baby story I've read and Aris is to die for.
May 24, 2014
Who doesn't love an alpha hero brought to his knees by his love for a good woman. Aris is a classic hero, having fought his way up from poverty in Crete to be a multi-billionaire shipping magnate. He had a large family to support because his dad abandoned him but he is cold and distant even to them.
Selene is a company lawyer and the daughter of Hektor Louvardis. His company fits out ships built by Aris but they have a difficult relationship. When he dies, Selene gets an opportunity to spend time with Aris and it is explosive.
She walks away, half hoping he follows but he doesn't. Eighteen months later he's back to try and sort out a contract problem caused by the Louvardis men, her brothers who have kept the feud going. Only problem is that he still wants her, so he follows and finds out about the baby she had. His baby.
From here on it's merely a matter of time and stubborn wills for them to give in to the immense attraction. Aris falls hard for baby Alex and it's obvious he's fallen hard for Selene.
Lovely emotional book with hero literally on his knees. I love that Olivia's heroes are always faithful even when separated from the heroine. Aris really does respect women and he says some lovely things when he and Selene talk about his past experiences.
I'm looking forward to her new Sarantos book.
Selene is a company lawyer and the daughter of Hektor Louvardis. His company fits out ships built by Aris but they have a difficult relationship. When he dies, Selene gets an opportunity to spend time with Aris and it is explosive.
She walks away, half hoping he follows but he doesn't. Eighteen months later he's back to try and sort out a contract problem caused by the Louvardis men, her brothers who have kept the feud going. Only problem is that he still wants her, so he follows and finds out about the baby she had. His baby.
From here on it's merely a matter of time and stubborn wills for them to give in to the immense attraction. Aris falls hard for baby Alex and it's obvious he's fallen hard for Selene.
Lovely emotional book with hero literally on his knees. I love that Olivia's heroes are always faithful even when separated from the heroine. Aris really does respect women and he says some lovely things when he and Selene talk about his past experiences.
I'm looking forward to her new Sarantos book.
March 3, 2012
The Sarantos Secret Baby kept me engrossed from the first page to the last. I love enemies turned to lovers themes AND secret baby stories, and this had one of the best examples of both ever. I loved how Selene was strong and a match for Aris, the unstoppable alpha male, and how she and their son, turned this isolated man into a man who loves with all of him. Their journey was so touching AND passionate, I recommend it to anyone who will listen. :-)
December 7, 2020
DNF @ 52%
I tried but couldn’t push through. First, the writing is awfully flowery.
He rose over her, freed himself, left no chance for the alarm at his daunting size to register before he dragged her by the legs, lifted them around his waist. He caressed her flaming flesh with his satin steel, bathed himself in her flowing need.
Aris struggled to fill his lungs that felt as if they had collapsed. Before he managed a breath, the baby moved, expelling every remaining wisp of air inside his chest, leaving it a cage tightening around an igniting coal.
The blurb sets up the plot, but in a nutshell. Her father hated Aris for some unexplained reason, and by association, so does Selena and her brothers. Aris attends the funeral then they end up in bed all weekend. She tells him she’s safe, so they don’t use protection, then she sneaks out in the morning while he’s sleeping. She ends up pregnant and doesn’t tell him because he doesn’t chase after her. She also gangs up with her brothers to take his business down. They reconnect 18-months later, and Aris follows Selena and discovers he has a kid.
Aris was arrogant but never cruel. Selena was tough for me; I’m not a fan of the bitter Betty personality, especially when she doesn’t really have a reason to be so nasty. Why was it his responsibility to chase after her? Sneaking out while he slept sends a pretty clear message, IMO. Regardless, the storyline is dragging, and I’m only halfway. Maybe I’ll come back to it, but I’m just not feeling it.
I tried but couldn’t push through. First, the writing is awfully flowery.
He rose over her, freed himself, left no chance for the alarm at his daunting size to register before he dragged her by the legs, lifted them around his waist. He caressed her flaming flesh with his satin steel, bathed himself in her flowing need.
Aris struggled to fill his lungs that felt as if they had collapsed. Before he managed a breath, the baby moved, expelling every remaining wisp of air inside his chest, leaving it a cage tightening around an igniting coal.
The blurb sets up the plot, but in a nutshell. Her father hated Aris for some unexplained reason, and by association, so does Selena and her brothers. Aris attends the funeral then they end up in bed all weekend. She tells him she’s safe, so they don’t use protection, then she sneaks out in the morning while he’s sleeping. She ends up pregnant and doesn’t tell him because he doesn’t chase after her. She also gangs up with her brothers to take his business down. They reconnect 18-months later, and Aris follows Selena and discovers he has a kid.
Aris was arrogant but never cruel. Selena was tough for me; I’m not a fan of the bitter Betty personality, especially when she doesn’t really have a reason to be so nasty. Why was it his responsibility to chase after her? Sneaking out while he slept sends a pretty clear message, IMO. Regardless, the storyline is dragging, and I’m only halfway. Maybe I’ll come back to it, but I’m just not feeling it.
March 10, 2012
I adored everything about this book. How Aris and Selene came together, how they came back to each other, how they learned to become lovers and parents. Aris is an incredible alpha hero and Selene was made to fit him. Fantastic writing as usual by Olivia Gates.
April 1, 2012
Amazing passionate scenes and a to-die-for dark and damaged hero who's healed at the hands of his match and the tot that brings them together in this perfectly plotted and paced story. Now I can't wait for the Louvardis brothers stories (the heroine's brothers)!!!!
April 19, 2012
I was used to reading trilogies from Olivia Gates, so wondered how she'd handle this standalone book! And I found out how. Magnificently! Then I discovered she'd written many stand alones and went back and devoured all of them. Aristedes and Selene's story is not to be missed!!
February 3, 2018
"The Sarantos Secret Baby" is the story of Selene and Aris.
Basically Selene Louvardis and Aris Sarantos are business rivals, who during a tragedy give into their attraction and have a one night stand that leaves her pregnant!
When 1.5 years later they cross paths, Aris discovers Selene had his baby and the two decide to embark on a journey of self discovery and commitment.
I love Gates' writing, and this was no exception. Well written, multidimensional characters, amazingly descriptive and scorching lovemaking and chemistry, and intriguing secondary characters. I adored how adorable Aris was with Alec, and unlike traditional HQN heroes- he wasnt mean or shitty.
Safe/SWE--->>
4/5
Basically Selene Louvardis and Aris Sarantos are business rivals, who during a tragedy give into their attraction and have a one night stand that leaves her pregnant!
When 1.5 years later they cross paths, Aris discovers Selene had his baby and the two decide to embark on a journey of self discovery and commitment.
I love Gates' writing, and this was no exception. Well written, multidimensional characters, amazingly descriptive and scorching lovemaking and chemistry, and intriguing secondary characters. I adored how adorable Aris was with Alec, and unlike traditional HQN heroes- he wasnt mean or shitty.
Safe/SWE--->>
4/5
October 13, 2012
From the first explosively emotional and erotic chapter in this passion packed story, I was riveted to every word, and drooling right with Selene over Aris. Wow! I never liked Greek heroes, but this one is now near the top of my best heroes ever. Such a dark, tortured and irresistible alpha male. He's hard, he's seductive and when he melts he does it all the way and then some. The addition of a baby in the story adds such an awww factor, yet doesn't take a bit away from its passionate erotic nature. I don't know how Olivia Gates managed that, since babies and children always manage to dampen if not put out the passion in a book completely. Not so in her mega talented hands! A book to re-savor many, many times and more than five stars as usual.
September 7, 2012
THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY by author Olivia Gates is a Harlequin Desire release for April 2011.
Selene Louvardis had a teenage crush on her family's sworn adversary, Aris Sarantos. When Aris arrived at her dad's funeral, she believed that Aris would miss the battle with her dad. She had hidden her crush from everyone but when he showed kindness, she went with him.
Going together just for a bite to eat, they end up in bed for the entire weekend. The chemistry was scorching hot between them.
Aris thought Selene didn't want to continue anything so she had walked out, when in fact Selene wanted Aris to take the first step.
Coming back eighteen months later when Aris confronts Selene again, he can still feel the out of this world chemistry between them and wants her again. But what he didn't know was Selene was hiding a secret from him. A secret so powerful which would rock his world. What would he do when he discover her secret?
THE SARANTOS SECRET BABY is a powerfully exhilarating read. I enjoyed the repartee between Aris and Selene. The dialogue is witty and sharp. Olivia Gates penned this spellbinding tale of pleasure and passion which culminate in boardroom!
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