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Donatelli Series #1
Maxine
(Donatelli Series - Book 1) Newlywed Cara Andrews overhears her husband talking to his girlfriend about locking Cara in an institution so he can steal her inheritance. Frightened, Cara sneaks away and rents a run-down cabin in Gig Harbor, intending to hide out until she can end her marriage. When the cabin collapses in an earthquake, a neighbor, Nick Donatelli, risks his life to rescue her. The roads are damaged, power and phones are out. They're trapped in Nick's cabin on the shores of Puget Sound. Nick is warm and friendly, and she enjoys his company. When he learns who she is, he's uncomfortable. Cara is one of the wealthiest women in the world, and he's a man who works with his hands. She's falling in love, but her husband is a ruthless man who'll do anything to get his hands on her estate. Cara knows she has to leave before her husband tracks her down, before he hurts Nick. Before he kills her.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
37 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Sue Fineman
68 books29 followersI'm a grumpy old lady who lives with an even grumpier old man in a small town in Washington state. I have three grown children, all smarter and more successful than their mother, and one adorable grandson. My favorite kid!
I write mostly romantic suspense, women's fiction, and light paranormal romance novels. Although my plots get kind of involved and sometimes twisted at the end, I don't plot my books out before I start writing. I create characters, throw them into a situation, and let them lead the way. I'd like to think my characters are unique, yet familiar, people you'd like to get to know. People you can root for. People you'll remember after you finish reading the book.
I hope you enjoy reading my books. Please feel free to leave a comment or review.
suepalmerfineman@nwi.net
http://suefineman.blogspot.com/
I write mostly romantic suspense, women's fiction, and light paranormal romance novels. Although my plots get kind of involved and sometimes twisted at the end, I don't plot my books out before I start writing. I create characters, throw them into a situation, and let them lead the way. I'd like to think my characters are unique, yet familiar, people you'd like to get to know. People you can root for. People you'll remember after you finish reading the book.
I hope you enjoy reading my books. Please feel free to leave a comment or review.
suepalmerfineman@nwi.net
http://suefineman.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 29, 2012
3.5 stars
To be honest, I was on the fence as to whether to give this 3 or 4 stars since its somewhere in the middle. The Donatelli Series by Sue Fineman is about the Donatelli family. They are all blue collar, but have been raised right in a loving home. Each book focuses on one member and them finding the loves of their life - it seems they will all meet heiresses. Wait - what?!? How likely is that? This book is Nick's story. Circumstances put him place to meet Cara Andrews, one of the wealthiest women in the world. Cara is on the run from her new husband, who she just learned married her for her money (shocking, right? - not!). Though surrounded by security, no one thought to look into the man who is a murdering con artist. She rents a small cottage by Nick's to hide out in and when an earthquake rocks it to its foundation, Nick comes to her rescue. He cares for her and helps her recover from the injuries she sustained. Cara has no family or close friends. She is lonely and starved for affection. Since Nick does not recognize her and treats her like a regular person, she clings to him immediately. A friendship and attraction quickly forms. This story takes us from their initial meeting through Cara's quest (with Nick's help) to rid herself of her husband and take control of her estate, and to reclaiming her life so that she can be with Nick.
The book was incredibly far fetched, but even acknowledging that, I found myself drawn into the story and staying up late in the night to keep reading. Cara's husband and the head trustee of her estate both are out to take advantage of her, and they (and their supporting casts) along with the fact that she lives under a spotlight add necessary drama to a straight romance. Cheesy - yes, well written - no, but engaging - yes and good characters, yes. It was enough for me to really enjoy it. And, I do intend to read more in the series? Yes - which is why I gave this book 4 instead of 3 stars. If you choose to read this, consider yourself pre-warned on the pros and cons. Also, look for a free short story from Sue Fineman called Nick's Journey, which tells you about Nick's childhood and worth reading beforehand.
To be honest, I was on the fence as to whether to give this 3 or 4 stars since its somewhere in the middle. The Donatelli Series by Sue Fineman is about the Donatelli family. They are all blue collar, but have been raised right in a loving home. Each book focuses on one member and them finding the loves of their life - it seems they will all meet heiresses. Wait - what?!? How likely is that? This book is Nick's story. Circumstances put him place to meet Cara Andrews, one of the wealthiest women in the world. Cara is on the run from her new husband, who she just learned married her for her money (shocking, right? - not!). Though surrounded by security, no one thought to look into the man who is a murdering con artist. She rents a small cottage by Nick's to hide out in and when an earthquake rocks it to its foundation, Nick comes to her rescue. He cares for her and helps her recover from the injuries she sustained. Cara has no family or close friends. She is lonely and starved for affection. Since Nick does not recognize her and treats her like a regular person, she clings to him immediately. A friendship and attraction quickly forms. This story takes us from their initial meeting through Cara's quest (with Nick's help) to rid herself of her husband and take control of her estate, and to reclaiming her life so that she can be with Nick.
The book was incredibly far fetched, but even acknowledging that, I found myself drawn into the story and staying up late in the night to keep reading. Cara's husband and the head trustee of her estate both are out to take advantage of her, and they (and their supporting casts) along with the fact that she lives under a spotlight add necessary drama to a straight romance. Cheesy - yes, well written - no, but engaging - yes and good characters, yes. It was enough for me to really enjoy it. And, I do intend to read more in the series? Yes - which is why I gave this book 4 instead of 3 stars. If you choose to read this, consider yourself pre-warned on the pros and cons. Also, look for a free short story from Sue Fineman called Nick's Journey, which tells you about Nick's childhood and worth reading beforehand.
February 10, 2021
Heartfelt
This author always brings it the feels. She uses wisdom and strength with her characters, which makes you root for them. I always love her stories.
This author always brings it the feels. She uses wisdom and strength with her characters, which makes you root for them. I always love her stories.
November 10, 2011
Sue Fineman has done it again. She's written another terrific romantic suspense. Maxine is the first in the Donatelli Series. Maxine hooked me from the first page. Cara Andrews, a woman who grew up rich but without love, hears her husband conspiring with his mistress to send Cara to a mental institution so he can get his hands on her money. Cara runs away, and while hiding is injured when an earthquake destroys her rental cabin. Nick Donatelli, a warm-hearted guy who battled adversity his whole life, rescues Cara. During the course of the story Cara grows into a confident young woman who learns to fight for what she wants. Nick isn't your classic hunky hero. He has flaws, inner and outer, but his heart is so warm and he does all he can to help Cara, that I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Nick is a true hero. As Nick and Cara fall in love, they are stalked by Cara's husband, bent now on murdering them both. I couldn't put down this book and read it quickly. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, Ms. Fineman threw in a twist that kept me reading. I highly recommend Maxine.
Want to read
April 24, 2012Newlywed Cara Andrews overhears her husband talking to his girlfriend about locking Cara in an institution so he can steal her inheritance. Frightened, Cara sneaks away and rents a run-down cabin in Gig Harbor, intending to hide out until she can end her marriage.
When the cabin collapses in an earthquake, a neighbor, Nick Donatelli, risks his life to rescue her. The roads are damaged, power and phones are out. They’re trapped in Nick’s cabin on the shores of Puget Sound.
Nick is warm and friendly, and she enjoys his company. When he learns who she is, he’s uncomfortable. Cara is one of the wealthiest women in the world, and he’s a man who works with his hands. She’s falling in love, but her husband is a ruthless man who’ll do anything to get his hands on her estate. Cara knows she has to leave before her husband tracks her down, before he hurts Nick. Before he kills her.
When the cabin collapses in an earthquake, a neighbor, Nick Donatelli, risks his life to rescue her. The roads are damaged, power and phones are out. They’re trapped in Nick’s cabin on the shores of Puget Sound.
Nick is warm and friendly, and she enjoys his company. When he learns who she is, he’s uncomfortable. Cara is one of the wealthiest women in the world, and he’s a man who works with his hands. She’s falling in love, but her husband is a ruthless man who’ll do anything to get his hands on her estate. Cara knows she has to leave before her husband tracks her down, before he hurts Nick. Before he kills her.
January 11, 2014
I don't know how she does it. Sue Fineman always finds a wonderful mix in her stories, light hearted humour, thrilling adventure, tense stand off and good old fashion feel-good romance. Maxine by Sue fineman is another exceptional read. At $2.99 on Kindle it represents great value. Plus, Maxine is the first in another Sue Fineman series, the Donatelli Series. I can look forward to more twists of the same theme as we learn more about these characters, which makes for more great engaging entertainment.
April 22, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much. The locale is Gig Harbor Washington, Seattle and San Francisco. A heiress survives an earthquake, with the help of an out of work construction worker. Cara's husband is trying to kill her, for her money. Too bad I have to rate it LS-NoG because I really liked the story and suspense.
April 27, 2012
2.5 stars -- it was an up and down journey for me. The plot was fairly interesting, though sometimes it didn't feel as though it flowed as smoothly. But it was the characters where I really felt hot and cold...I couldn't help but feel that Nick and Cara were not always portrayed consistently...or maybe I just liked parts of them, but really disliked others. So yeah, not my favourite.
August 17, 2012
I didn't have super high hopes going into this book because I've found that free books aren't always amazing. The story line actually could've been very good, but the writing was just too cheesy, and the timeline goes by a little too fast in some parts. It was a quick read though.
Want to read
January 2, 2012Free Kindle Book 1/2/12. On my PC.
May 19, 2012
Free ebook
May 1, 2012
i like it.. this was book one in the series and it a free one and i enjoyed it now i will have to read the second one to see if i will enjoy the series...
April 30, 2012
Well writtin! Never became dull. I loved Nick he's a mans man yet affectionate,and Maxine :) is a wonderfully put together woman.
August 9, 2012
Sweet, romantic story. Good drama and character-building. Then, in one of the last chapters, Nick turned naughty and I loved the book even more. Hee hee.
February 10, 2013
Pretty good.
April 15, 2014
I could not put this book down. I read it in one night. Of course I paid for it the next day when I decided to read instead of sleep.
August 1, 2012
I have now read the entire series and well worth the read
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews