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The Italian's Pregnant Enemy: A Billionaire Marriage of Convenience Romance
She’s strictly forbidden and entirely irresistible to the billionaire! Find out why in this one-night baby romance by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates.
He’s arrogant, infuriatingly sexy…
And she’s expecting his baby!
Heiress Lyssia loathes her father’s protégé, tycoon Dario. He has always made her feel too spoiled, too inadequate and too…hot. Until stranded together on a work trip, their animosity flips into a complicated, urgent need…
Dario’s electric night with Lyssia was already out of bounds. But six weeks later, she drops the bombshell that she’s pregnant! Growing up on the streets of Rome, Dario fought for his safety, and he is determined to make sure his child never has to. There is just one solution—marrying his enemy!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the A Diamond in the Rough
Book 1: The Italian's Pregnant Enemy by Maisey Yates
Book 2: Hidden Heir with His Housekeeper by Heidi Rice
He’s arrogant, infuriatingly sexy…
And she’s expecting his baby!
Heiress Lyssia loathes her father’s protégé, tycoon Dario. He has always made her feel too spoiled, too inadequate and too…hot. Until stranded together on a work trip, their animosity flips into a complicated, urgent need…
Dario’s electric night with Lyssia was already out of bounds. But six weeks later, she drops the bombshell that she’s pregnant! Growing up on the streets of Rome, Dario fought for his safety, and he is determined to make sure his child never has to. There is just one solution—marrying his enemy!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the A Diamond in the Rough
Book 1: The Italian's Pregnant Enemy by Maisey Yates
Book 2: Hidden Heir with His Housekeeper by Heidi Rice
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,227 books3,219 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 2, 2024
Again too much dialogue 🤦🏻♀️
February 1, 2024
Rating is 3.5
Hero worked for heroines father, his mentor.
The two had a lot of sparks and sass between them.
Each thought the other hated them.
Heroine arrives at a cottage/lodge for a weekend to work with co worker that she is thinking of losing her virginity too. Did NOT like this part or the heroines thought process on the whole matter.
Surprise the hero is there instead. They become snowed in and the sparks fly and they have sex.
The heroine of course becomes pregnant. And they navigate their relationship and decided to get married. And fall in love and live happily ever after. 😬😊😂
So I did not like the heroine the first half of the book. Her behavior, actions and dialogue came across as juvenile, to me . The second half was much better but boy did I have to push through.
It was a good read to pass the time. Not my usual for MY, this was a little bit of a disappointment.
Hero worked for heroines father, his mentor.
The two had a lot of sparks and sass between them.
Each thought the other hated them.
Heroine arrives at a cottage/lodge for a weekend to work with co worker that she is thinking of losing her virginity too. Did NOT like this part or the heroines thought process on the whole matter.
Surprise the hero is there instead. They become snowed in and the sparks fly and they have sex.
The heroine of course becomes pregnant. And they navigate their relationship and decided to get married. And fall in love and live happily ever after. 😬😊😂
So I did not like the heroine the first half of the book. Her behavior, actions and dialogue came across as juvenile, to me . The second half was much better but boy did I have to push through.
It was a good read to pass the time. Not my usual for MY, this was a little bit of a disappointment.
January 29, 2024
I thought Maisey Yates was a safe writer, but this was not for me, so DNF after this scene.
January 6, 2024
From total misery to billionaire was Dario's story. It was a hard and painful experience for him. Then meeting Lyssia, Dario started to experience the beginnings of attraction. Little did he know that with Lyssia he would not only experience lust and attraction but family and forever love as well.
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January 2, 2024Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
A Diamond in the Rough (Book #1)
Miniseries
A Diamond in the Rough (Book #1)
Read
January 2, 2024Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
A Diamond in the Rough (Book #1)
Miniseries
A Diamond in the Rough (Book #1)
February 22, 2024
A hard read
This book was hard to follow and finish. The plot was confusing and the characters were hard to like. They knew each other for a long time, were mutually attracted to each other, the h was a whiny brat and the H was closed off. This book was too long and boring.
This book was hard to follow and finish. The plot was confusing and the characters were hard to like. They knew each other for a long time, were mutually attracted to each other, the h was a whiny brat and the H was closed off. This book was too long and boring.
August 24, 2024
For now, this is a DNF. The cringe is getting to be too much.
Kudos to MY for writing a 23-year old that actually comes off as an inexperienced, naive, sheltered 23 year old. Unfortunately, it makes the age-gap, and the fact that the MMC’s known her since she was 12, and lusted after her since she (how convenient?) turned 18 more ick.
The fact that he tries to built her up as “intelligent”, “brave”, “witty”, etc. when she’s barely been in a (struggling) business for a couple years and spouts off nonsense about feminism and the hymen being a “societal construct”…is such a huge discrepancy that it almost seems like he’s trying to justify to himself that she’s more his equal, more mature, than she actually is, in order to justify being with her.
But Lyssia’s 23 comes off as way too young to be a mother. And the way Dario immediately starts steam rolling her. “You will do what I want.” “You will give me what I want.” “You will wear what I want.” Doesn’t make the whole age & experience gap or power differential any better.
Nor does the fact that he uses their business contract to force her acceptance of a proposal, but then immediately does NOT envision her reaching her goals, but rather, serving him as his hostess, plus one, etc.
I also feel weird about the back and forth about how they’ve known each other for 12 years, are always “honest” with each other and know each other uniquely, in a way…and yet, are having these conversations to grow their intimacy like they are strangers.
(Also, spoiler: they are not enemies.)
The further I get in, the more often I cringe and have to put it down. 😬
I see where this is going. Dario keeps harping on about “care” vs “love”. Lyssia is unsure about everything, but is like, “well, at least I get to keep f-ing him”. But she’s going to call it off, because sex doesn’t substitute for love, and then he’s going to have his “ah-ha” moment that his “care” really is love, and blah, blah. I suspect he’ll do an unsatisfactory amount of groveling before she takes him back. I’m just not interested in how they get there anymore.
Kudos to MY for writing a 23-year old that actually comes off as an inexperienced, naive, sheltered 23 year old. Unfortunately, it makes the age-gap, and the fact that the MMC’s known her since she was 12, and lusted after her since she (how convenient?) turned 18 more ick.
The fact that he tries to built her up as “intelligent”, “brave”, “witty”, etc. when she’s barely been in a (struggling) business for a couple years and spouts off nonsense about feminism and the hymen being a “societal construct”…is such a huge discrepancy that it almost seems like he’s trying to justify to himself that she’s more his equal, more mature, than she actually is, in order to justify being with her.
But Lyssia’s 23 comes off as way too young to be a mother. And the way Dario immediately starts steam rolling her. “You will do what I want.” “You will give me what I want.” “You will wear what I want.” Doesn’t make the whole age & experience gap or power differential any better.
Nor does the fact that he uses their business contract to force her acceptance of a proposal, but then immediately does NOT envision her reaching her goals, but rather, serving him as his hostess, plus one, etc.
I also feel weird about the back and forth about how they’ve known each other for 12 years, are always “honest” with each other and know each other uniquely, in a way…and yet, are having these conversations to grow their intimacy like they are strangers.
(Also, spoiler: they are not enemies.)
The further I get in, the more often I cringe and have to put it down. 😬
I see where this is going. Dario keeps harping on about “care” vs “love”. Lyssia is unsure about everything, but is like, “well, at least I get to keep f-ing him”. But she’s going to call it off, because sex doesn’t substitute for love, and then he’s going to have his “ah-ha” moment that his “care” really is love, and blah, blah. I suspect he’ll do an unsatisfactory amount of groveling before she takes him back. I’m just not interested in how they get there anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2026
I wanted to like it but I didn't. I would not want to re-read it, I didn't like that the FMC talked about feminism, sexism, etc. Then she thought the hymen and virginity was just a societal construct.
She planned to lose her virginity to another man and only didn't because the MMC showed up instead and they got snowbound. So she probably would have got pregnant by the other man since even though she planned to sleep with the other man she didn't bring any protection with her and the guy she planned to sleep with had no idea she planned that and probably wouldn't have protection on him either.
I didn't like the FMC all that much, she came across as so young. She was antagonistic to the MMC for no good reason except for her resentment that her father favored him and sold his company to him instead of giving to her. He would also be a bit antagonistic with her, but his felt justified with how she treated him. She just came across as a teenage girl rather than 23 years old and her becoming a mother felt unfathomable to me, however she did have a turnaround after finding out she was pregnant, it felt like a different character though.
As for the connection between them it was ok by the end of the book. I feel like they would have still ended up together if she hadn't been pregnant for the fact that he was so close to her father and they would continue to see each other and eventually he would have pursued her again, especially if he saw her date someone else. Also he was celibate for the 6 weeks after they slept together and couldn't quit thinking about her. P.
She planned to lose her virginity to another man and only didn't because the MMC showed up instead and they got snowbound. So she probably would have got pregnant by the other man since even though she planned to sleep with the other man she didn't bring any protection with her and the guy she planned to sleep with had no idea she planned that and probably wouldn't have protection on him either.
I didn't like the FMC all that much, she came across as so young. She was antagonistic to the MMC for no good reason except for her resentment that her father favored him and sold his company to him instead of giving to her. He would also be a bit antagonistic with her, but his felt justified with how she treated him. She just came across as a teenage girl rather than 23 years old and her becoming a mother felt unfathomable to me, however she did have a turnaround after finding out she was pregnant, it felt like a different character though.
As for the connection between them it was ok by the end of the book. I feel like they would have still ended up together if she hadn't been pregnant for the fact that he was so close to her father and they would continue to see each other and eventually he would have pursued her again, especially if he saw her date someone else. Also he was celibate for the 6 weeks after they slept together and couldn't quit thinking about her. P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
It's been a while since I read a HQN presents by Maisey, and this was such an amazing emotional roller coaster. It definitely had hints of Harlequin Desire at some parts and the Hearwarming line as well but still kept true to that loveswept glamorous Presents feeling.
I noticed recently in pregnancy tropes, the actual pregnancy is being shifted more toward the middle of the story, which gives you sometime to explore the chemistry with the characters from the start to huild that relationship and just learn more about them. Especially since this one started with Lyssia interested in another man at the start! I had to double-check the Hero's name in this just to be sure. (Spoiler: no other guy or love triangles)
Both hero and heroine went through so much in this, Lyssia from the start, and Dario had his moment at the end and at both I just couldn't hold back my tears. So beautifully written from plot to charachters to scenes❤️
I noticed recently in pregnancy tropes, the actual pregnancy is being shifted more toward the middle of the story, which gives you sometime to explore the chemistry with the characters from the start to huild that relationship and just learn more about them. Especially since this one started with Lyssia interested in another man at the start! I had to double-check the Hero's name in this just to be sure. (Spoiler: no other guy or love triangles)
Both hero and heroine went through so much in this, Lyssia from the start, and Dario had his moment at the end and at both I just couldn't hold back my tears. So beautifully written from plot to charachters to scenes❤️
priority
March 17, 2024She’s strictly forbidden and entirely irresistible to the billionaire! Find out why in this one-night baby romance by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates.
He’s arrogant, infuriatingly sexy…
And she’s expecting his baby!
Heiress Lyssia loathes her father’s protégé, tycoon Dario. He has always made her feel too spoiled, too inadequate and too…hot. Until stranded together on a work trip, their animosity flips into a complicated, urgent need…
Dario’s electric night with Lyssia was already out of bounds. But six weeks later, she drops the bombshell that she’s pregnant! Growing up on the streets of Rome, Dario fought for his safety, and he is determined to make sure his child never has to. There is just one solution—marrying his enemy!
He’s arrogant, infuriatingly sexy…
And she’s expecting his baby!
Heiress Lyssia loathes her father’s protégé, tycoon Dario. He has always made her feel too spoiled, too inadequate and too…hot. Until stranded together on a work trip, their animosity flips into a complicated, urgent need…
Dario’s electric night with Lyssia was already out of bounds. But six weeks later, she drops the bombshell that she’s pregnant! Growing up on the streets of Rome, Dario fought for his safety, and he is determined to make sure his child never has to. There is just one solution—marrying his enemy!
May 15, 2024
3,5 estrelas
Considerando o estilo desses livros achei que a autora conseguiu fazer um bom trabalho com tudo o que tinha a disposição, tentou dar profundidade aos sentimentos dos protagonistas em relação a seus traumas do passado e fez uma construção ok do romance, mesmo a par dos clichês de personalidade, eu gostei dos protagonistas, porém eu sempre vou preferir as histórias mais elaboradas e profundas, não é o meu estilo preferido esse "romances de banca".
Considerando o estilo desses livros achei que a autora conseguiu fazer um bom trabalho com tudo o que tinha a disposição, tentou dar profundidade aos sentimentos dos protagonistas em relação a seus traumas do passado e fez uma construção ok do romance, mesmo a par dos clichês de personalidade, eu gostei dos protagonistas, porém eu sempre vou preferir as histórias mais elaboradas e profundas, não é o meu estilo preferido esse "romances de banca".
February 4, 2024
Dario is one of the hottest alpha hero men ever wow! Amazing book! Poor loveless boy becomes a powerful tycoon and falls in lust with his mentors young daughter! Forbidden but so steamy. Nice epilogue too! Made me swoon, made me cry!
Both celibate during separation!
Both celibate during separation!
February 1, 2024
It was an enjoyable and very easy read.
May 2, 2024
Good book
April 13, 2025
not the books fault (I think), just not my genre
March 28, 2024
Where is the angst I am looking for? Everything is so civil.
9/3 - Can't believe I read this again. Although, to be fair, I remembered nothing about it.
9/3 - Can't believe I read this again. Although, to be fair, I remembered nothing about it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews