What do you think?
Rate this book
Married by Royal Decree #1
Temporarily His Princess
"Get a wife. ASAP."
When his king says Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino must marry, the confirmed bachelor knows only one woman will do: Glory Monaghan, the lover who betrayed him six years ago. By forcing her hand, he'll appease his ruler—and get the woman he can't forget out of his system forever.
But Vincenzo's proposal is the last thing Glory expects. His long-ago rejection nearly destroyed her—how can she say yes now, even for show? Yet she has no choice. Becoming Vincenzo's temporary bride will save her family—even if giving in to the prince of Castaldini's passion will surely leave her yearning for more….
When his king says Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino must marry, the confirmed bachelor knows only one woman will do: Glory Monaghan, the lover who betrayed him six years ago. By forcing her hand, he'll appease his ruler—and get the woman he can't forget out of his system forever.
But Vincenzo's proposal is the last thing Glory expects. His long-ago rejection nearly destroyed her—how can she say yes now, even for show? Yet she has no choice. Becoming Vincenzo's temporary bride will save her family—even if giving in to the prince of Castaldini's passion will surely leave her yearning for more….
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
55 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gates
505 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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 3, 2022
Buckle up for a bumpy ride but boy what a ride it was. I feel the 3.51-star rating is a bit misleading (at least it was for me) because it was much too low for the intensity of this story and the beautiful love-story contained within. It was deep and heavy and wonderful and I felt it radiating throughout every inch of me! I almost missed this gem because my cut-off rating for considering a book is 3.5 stars and this was 3.51. For this reader it was a super read! It was my second time through and I loved it even more. This is the love story of Vincenzo and Glory who met and fell in love six years ago. When I say ‘fell in love’ that’s simply an inadequate simplification to describe the depth of love this couple had for one another. It is strong, deep, abiding, adoring, worshipful, lovely, and pure with a lot of emotion and pain to keep us enthralled. Their connection for them both was love at first sight, as simple as that. They trusted each other in everything...
Until these two lovers were torn apart by crimes committed against Vincenzo’s company as our heroine, Glory, was craftily set up to take the fall for those misdeeds. The head of security insisted he be rid of her because she was a detriment to his company and security and had cost them the research they needed desperately and sold it (sort of) to a competitor. The guard had the evidence before him and multiple witnesses who had placed their signatures on the documents swearing and claiming the evidence did indeed belong to Glory. Her own mother threw her under the bus to cover the crimes committed by Glory's father, mother and brother. She risked her daughter's life to try and save the the guilty parties. In my books that is horribly wrong.
But, we readers learn very early on that Glory did none of this. She has an enemy she knows nothing about and it has destroyed her life...at least for six years and it destroyed Vincenzo's as well. The greatest of these losses for him was the love of his life, the woman he wanted desperately for a lifetime, the mother of his future children. The man was devastated but unfortunately, he found her guilty without the benefit of a trial and withheld the information about the breach, giving her no opportunity to refute the damning evidence and tell her side of the story. Sadly, he thought the best way to handle this was to expel her from his life, home and business without a single explanation and telling her that he never loved her, just used her for sex and had a new mistress on the way over to take her place. It was almost unbelievable how cruel he was.
Because of the extent of his cruelty with the venom he spewed forth it not only crushed her heart, soul and spirit, but caused Glory to question her worth as an employee, a lover, a friend, a human being, and her self-worth was zero. Her self-esteem was non-existent and her soul lay in tatters, never recovering. She changed careers and tried to move on with her life but he was on her mind and in her heart always. Gosh, it just about killed her (and me as an observer.) She suffered unmentionable heartache and despair. For six very long and tortuous years she had no idea what happened and what she did to cause this man to turn on her so viciously and withdraw his love as he claimed he lied and had never loved her. Why was she kicked to the curb by the man she so deeply loved. Six years and both of them still lived in misery every single one of those days. Those six years they were apart neither had been with anyone else. Yes, both were celibate while apart because only each other would do. He had made it to look like he was a major man-whore, playboy, because he found it the easiest way to ward off other women who were clamoring after him for his wealth and status. All those 'dates' he was seen with were actually paid escorts (of the non-sexual variety to clarity.)
When Vincenzo is ordered by the King to get married for the new position he is to be promoted to he makes it a royal decree because he needs to try and tame Vincenzo's playboy image and reputation which is quite damaging and unacceptable for political life and the shaping a country. What the King, who is Vincenzo's good friend, nor anyone else knows is that since Vincenzo lost Glory, pushed her away, his body has not responded in the presence of any other woman...simply put, he couldn't rise to the occasion so he silently declared celibacy hoping someday he would be reunited with Glory, that she would return to his bed and his life. It was a continual struggle for him and his yearning for her was ever-present every moment of every day, even in his sleep. His life was not worth living without her and he finally admits this to himself. So who better for him to marry but Glory and he has some dirt on two people close to her that could send them to prison so he blackmails her. Sweet huh?! That's true love. She is furious and still deeply hurt and broken but he refuses to discuss what happened six years prior and until he does neither of them can really move forward together or apart. They need to clear away what really happened in the past and leave it in the past. He now believes that somehow, someone forced Glory to betray him. That possibly someone had threatened to bring harm to her, him or her family if she did not do their bidding. For some reason it seems there is no one who believes her true innocence. So he still thinks she was involved but certainly not the leader in this deception. The King has no idea that Vin has set up his reputation as a man-whore nd playboy to purposely put a wall of protection around himself to keep all other women away. So he lets them all believe what they want. The first and only person he considers for his one-year wife is Glory. Maybe then he can exercise her from his heart and soul and his body will get its fill so he can stop craving her. He comes up with a plan and blackmails her into a one-year-marriage deal. At this point he is also thinking that he will never be happy without her and he is trying to forget about her deceit and move on with her. To say he is a bit messed up and mixed up emotionally is putting it mildly.
His cruelty towards her as he excised her from his life six years prior has left her permanently scarred and damaged emotionally and psychologically. I could feel in my gut the pain she went through when the man she loved and trusted beyond all others betrayed her by not telling her what had happened and kicked her to the curb without explanation. I felt incredibly sad for her.
This story is packed full of strong emotion, love lost and a hero and heroine who have never stopped loving each other. It was heartbreakingly sad and my chest ached for the both of them, but especially Glory, but it also was joyful in parts.
So, what will happen when they are finally settling in as a couple (at least for a year) and another breach is exposed with the head of security demanding she be thrown out...again?
This is worth the read just to find out who so cunningly set Glory up for the mighty fall.
Safety Status: Although it doesn’t appear to be so, the Hero was blessedly celibate during their six-year separation as was the heroine. No OW/OM drama. No cheating.
I definitely recommend this book. It was a truly great find.
Until these two lovers were torn apart by crimes committed against Vincenzo’s company as our heroine, Glory, was craftily set up to take the fall for those misdeeds. The head of security insisted he be rid of her because she was a detriment to his company and security and had cost them the research they needed desperately and sold it (sort of) to a competitor. The guard had the evidence before him and multiple witnesses who had placed their signatures on the documents swearing and claiming the evidence did indeed belong to Glory. Her own mother threw her under the bus to cover the crimes committed by Glory's father, mother and brother. She risked her daughter's life to try and save the the guilty parties. In my books that is horribly wrong.
But, we readers learn very early on that Glory did none of this. She has an enemy she knows nothing about and it has destroyed her life...at least for six years and it destroyed Vincenzo's as well. The greatest of these losses for him was the love of his life, the woman he wanted desperately for a lifetime, the mother of his future children. The man was devastated but unfortunately, he found her guilty without the benefit of a trial and withheld the information about the breach, giving her no opportunity to refute the damning evidence and tell her side of the story. Sadly, he thought the best way to handle this was to expel her from his life, home and business without a single explanation and telling her that he never loved her, just used her for sex and had a new mistress on the way over to take her place. It was almost unbelievable how cruel he was.
Because of the extent of his cruelty with the venom he spewed forth it not only crushed her heart, soul and spirit, but caused Glory to question her worth as an employee, a lover, a friend, a human being, and her self-worth was zero. Her self-esteem was non-existent and her soul lay in tatters, never recovering. She changed careers and tried to move on with her life but he was on her mind and in her heart always. Gosh, it just about killed her (and me as an observer.) She suffered unmentionable heartache and despair. For six very long and tortuous years she had no idea what happened and what she did to cause this man to turn on her so viciously and withdraw his love as he claimed he lied and had never loved her. Why was she kicked to the curb by the man she so deeply loved. Six years and both of them still lived in misery every single one of those days. Those six years they were apart neither had been with anyone else. Yes, both were celibate while apart because only each other would do. He had made it to look like he was a major man-whore, playboy, because he found it the easiest way to ward off other women who were clamoring after him for his wealth and status. All those 'dates' he was seen with were actually paid escorts (of the non-sexual variety to clarity.)
When Vincenzo is ordered by the King to get married for the new position he is to be promoted to he makes it a royal decree because he needs to try and tame Vincenzo's playboy image and reputation which is quite damaging and unacceptable for political life and the shaping a country. What the King, who is Vincenzo's good friend, nor anyone else knows is that since Vincenzo lost Glory, pushed her away, his body has not responded in the presence of any other woman...simply put, he couldn't rise to the occasion so he silently declared celibacy hoping someday he would be reunited with Glory, that she would return to his bed and his life. It was a continual struggle for him and his yearning for her was ever-present every moment of every day, even in his sleep. His life was not worth living without her and he finally admits this to himself. So who better for him to marry but Glory and he has some dirt on two people close to her that could send them to prison so he blackmails her. Sweet huh?! That's true love. She is furious and still deeply hurt and broken but he refuses to discuss what happened six years prior and until he does neither of them can really move forward together or apart. They need to clear away what really happened in the past and leave it in the past. He now believes that somehow, someone forced Glory to betray him. That possibly someone had threatened to bring harm to her, him or her family if she did not do their bidding. For some reason it seems there is no one who believes her true innocence. So he still thinks she was involved but certainly not the leader in this deception. The King has no idea that Vin has set up his reputation as a man-whore nd playboy to purposely put a wall of protection around himself to keep all other women away. So he lets them all believe what they want. The first and only person he considers for his one-year wife is Glory. Maybe then he can exercise her from his heart and soul and his body will get its fill so he can stop craving her. He comes up with a plan and blackmails her into a one-year-marriage deal. At this point he is also thinking that he will never be happy without her and he is trying to forget about her deceit and move on with her. To say he is a bit messed up and mixed up emotionally is putting it mildly.
His cruelty towards her as he excised her from his life six years prior has left her permanently scarred and damaged emotionally and psychologically. I could feel in my gut the pain she went through when the man she loved and trusted beyond all others betrayed her by not telling her what had happened and kicked her to the curb without explanation. I felt incredibly sad for her.
This story is packed full of strong emotion, love lost and a hero and heroine who have never stopped loving each other. It was heartbreakingly sad and my chest ached for the both of them, but especially Glory, but it also was joyful in parts.
So, what will happen when they are finally settling in as a couple (at least for a year) and another breach is exposed with the head of security demanding she be thrown out...again?
This is worth the read just to find out who so cunningly set Glory up for the mighty fall.
Safety Status: Although it doesn’t appear to be so, the Hero was blessedly celibate during their six-year separation as was the heroine. No OW/OM drama. No cheating.
I definitely recommend this book. It was a truly great find.
February 17, 2020
Found this one on the Best Vengeful Harlequin Heroes list. It’s not much a revenge story, but it is an enjoyable romance if you like OG’s ornamental prose and besotted characters.
The prologue, set six years before, is the most angsty, impactful part of the story. The hero thinks the heroine has been leaking corporate secrets, but instead of confronting her he tells her their love affair is over because she is boring him. (Heroine was a virgin and is crushed)
Fast forward six years, hero has been ordered to marry because he has to clean up his act for the kingdom. He hasn’t had sex since the heroine, but has a playboy façade. Heroine has devoted herself to renewable energy and third world causes and hasn’t had any men in her life.
Hero blackmails the heroine into a marriage for one year because he wants her out of his system, etc. He has evidence that her father and brother are thieves and he will turn them in. Heroine knows they are thieves and is estranged from them – but she has no idea the hero thinks she is in on their crimes.
The H/h fight their attraction. Heroine tries to remember hero hates her – and so does the hero – but they fall in love all over again. They marry – with elaborate descriptions of the jewels, wedding gown, ceremony, etc . . Eventually the hero finds out who the real culprit was and after a few days apart, the H/h reconcile for an HEA.
The problem I had with this one is that the prologue was so angsty that I had a hard time forgiving the hero for his cruel words. The heroine had six years to get over it, but I had three minutes.
The prologue, set six years before, is the most angsty, impactful part of the story. The hero thinks the heroine has been leaking corporate secrets, but instead of confronting her he tells her their love affair is over because she is boring him. (Heroine was a virgin and is crushed)
Fast forward six years, hero has been ordered to marry because he has to clean up his act for the kingdom. He hasn’t had sex since the heroine, but has a playboy façade. Heroine has devoted herself to renewable energy and third world causes and hasn’t had any men in her life.
Hero blackmails the heroine into a marriage for one year because he wants her out of his system, etc. He has evidence that her father and brother are thieves and he will turn them in. Heroine knows they are thieves and is estranged from them – but she has no idea the hero thinks she is in on their crimes.
The H/h fight their attraction. Heroine tries to remember hero hates her – and so does the hero – but they fall in love all over again. They marry – with elaborate descriptions of the jewels, wedding gown, ceremony, etc . . Eventually the hero finds out who the real culprit was and after a few days apart, the H/h reconcile for an HEA.
The problem I had with this one is that the prologue was so angsty that I had a hard time forgiving the hero for his cruel words. The heroine had six years to get over it, but I had three minutes.
October 7, 2020
I’m sorry fellow GR reviewers, but let me stick a needle in my eye as: TRIGGER, TRIGGER, TRIGGER ALERT.
The H brutally ditches the h because he thinks she is part of the Friends and Family plan to defraud his company. He has very plausible evidence to convince him. So plausible this book could be subtitled: Three ways throw your daughter under the Big Bus.
It’s six years later and the H has to marry as his cousin king says so. With all the royal selections he could have he says, Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, that I walk into she is mine. No! I’m lying. He hunts the h down for an insulting MOC proposal and prenup that lasts all of five minutes and he’s all, “Remember when we….
This H is four star besotted and has a hard time remembering why he was ever upset with her. The h and I both remembered though. They marry and it's a fairy tale bonanza until his security head finds more bad stuff.
Finally the h founds out that
The H carries the honors here with the poor duped, abused and befuddled heroine coming in second. Her family, on the other hand, is I hope, resting very uncomfortably in Mordor!
Complaints aside, it has all Olivia Gates I thought our story was epic, you know, you and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, bloodshed. Epic. romance.
The H brutally ditches the h because he thinks she is part of the Friends and Family plan to defraud his company. He has very plausible evidence to convince him. So plausible this book could be subtitled: Three ways throw your daughter under the Big Bus.
It’s six years later and the H has to marry as his cousin king says so. With all the royal selections he could have he says, Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, that I walk into she is mine. No! I’m lying. He hunts the h down for an insulting MOC proposal and prenup that lasts all of five minutes and he’s all, “Remember when we….
This H is four star besotted and has a hard time remembering why he was ever upset with her. The h and I both remembered though. They marry and it's a fairy tale bonanza until his security head finds more bad stuff.
Finally the h founds out that
The H carries the honors here with the poor duped, abused and befuddled heroine coming in second. Her family, on the other hand, is I hope, resting very uncomfortably in Mordor!
Complaints aside, it has all Olivia Gates I thought our story was epic, you know, you and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, bloodshed. Epic. romance.
March 14, 2019
What a story? Spoilers may be below
Wow that was some ride! I hated the hero so much at the beginning and it was hard for me to forgive him for what he did to the heroine. The cold blooded way he asked her to marry him, the blackmail, the prenup book, and the demeaning way he treated her just made me hate him. Six years he let her suffer. Six long lonely years. And then bam, don't sign the prenup, you don't have to marry me, I want you, I will fix the crimes your Father committed, and I felt like Bugs Bunny in Albuquerque!! Which way did I go??!!?? I was so confused. It was just so random and fast. They were passionate together and there is lots of intimate scenes in the second half that showed us how passionate they were. But it was almost unbelievable. And then when you think their HEA is around the corner we are hit with another accusation. I felt so bad for both of them but at least he faced her about it and didn't kick her to the curb. They talked finally. But all I could think about are those six long years. He dated 'escorts' but didn't sleep with them and she went on a one woman crusade to fix the world. And stayed away from relationships. I admired her so much. The Hero did try and move on but couldn't. So that was a bonus for me. Not the 'trying' part, yuk, but the couldn't part was awesome. I hated him. But towards the end, he grew on me with his radical personality change. That opening chapter almost made this a DNF but once you get past that, it does get better. I am glad I read it for sure.
Wow that was some ride! I hated the hero so much at the beginning and it was hard for me to forgive him for what he did to the heroine. The cold blooded way he asked her to marry him, the blackmail, the prenup book, and the demeaning way he treated her just made me hate him. Six years he let her suffer. Six long lonely years. And then bam, don't sign the prenup, you don't have to marry me, I want you, I will fix the crimes your Father committed, and I felt like Bugs Bunny in Albuquerque!! Which way did I go??!!?? I was so confused. It was just so random and fast. They were passionate together and there is lots of intimate scenes in the second half that showed us how passionate they were. But it was almost unbelievable. And then when you think their HEA is around the corner we are hit with another accusation. I felt so bad for both of them but at least he faced her about it and didn't kick her to the curb. They talked finally. But all I could think about are those six long years. He dated 'escorts' but didn't sleep with them and she went on a one woman crusade to fix the world. And stayed away from relationships. I admired her so much. The Hero did try and move on but couldn't. So that was a bonus for me. Not the 'trying' part, yuk, but the couldn't part was awesome. I hated him. But towards the end, he grew on me with his radical personality change. That opening chapter almost made this a DNF but once you get past that, it does get better. I am glad I read it for sure.
April 6, 2015
This is as AMAZINGLY ridiculous as it sounds. Get this. HE'S the Prince of Castaldini (yes, someone actually decided to go with that name) AND the world's top scientist in the field of renewable energy. She's the brilliant new graduate he hires and they fall instantly in love! BUT he's presented with evidence that she stole his secrets and sold them to... someone (spoiler alert: she was FRAMED). He breaks up with her, pretending she means NOTHING to him. She's crushed, he's crushed. Six years later the King of Castaldini wants to appoint Princy Boy (his name is VINCENZO) as Castaldini's envoy to the UN, but is worried Vincenzo's playboy reputation will ruin the country's UN street cred, SO he orders VINCENZO to get married within 2 MONTHS. Now Vincenzo has never forgotten the love of his life who BETRAYED him and he comes up with the perfect revenge: blackmailing her into marrying him for a YEAR.
This is truly a masterpiece of Harlequin artistry.
This is truly a masterpiece of Harlequin artistry.
April 25, 2017
Solid 3.5 stars for me.
Even though blurb said he needed to get married to clean up his image, there were VERY strong hints that he was celibate for six years, and I'm willing to believe that.
He didn't just force the heroine in MOC because of his idea of revenge, well he did, but his inner monologue was VERY clear, he's a one-woman man, she, no matter how wrong she is for him, is THAT woman, if there has to be marriage, then well, it will be with her. It was really more of a faithful act if you think about it.
He should have given her a benefit of doubt, yes, but let's be realistic. Your whole life's hard work is being stolen, you DO love the woman to pieces, but you have only known her for a short period of time. Your security head is an ass, yes, but he does his job well. So what are you supposed to do? He still thinks she might be under duress, and goes and talks to her mother, I mean come on, would you believe, that a MOTHER would throw her daughter under the bus? To be honest, in retro-perspective, he had impenetrable evidences.
So basically, his reason for dumping her and wanting revenge was understandable.
He might have started as a little jerk, but he redeemed himself. He realised he loves her, she loves him, she has been punished once for her sins, that was more than enough, she has made good since, and he cannot keep on punishing her infinitely.
He starts trusting her, which she deserved as a wife, and it was the brilliant scene with the security ass, when he had clearly spelt out that NO, no matter what the asshole thinks, he's not going to hold the past against his wife and no, he's NOT going to punish her anymore. He actually trusts her and TALKS to her about this.
She was good too, she does NOT make excuse for her family after learning the truth, she would have accepted it if he decided to prosecute them, I'd personally like that too. But i don't think it was that black and white.
The security asshole was an solid asshole though. He clearly doesn't ever learn from his mistake, doesn't know grey and does NOT know how to take ownership of his mistakes.
He has previously accused someone else in the family incorrectly, and even when H pointed it out, he had the audacity to deny his mistake, H ought to have had him fired.
Even though blurb said he needed to get married to clean up his image, there were VERY strong hints that he was celibate for six years, and I'm willing to believe that.
He didn't just force the heroine in MOC because of his idea of revenge, well he did, but his inner monologue was VERY clear, he's a one-woman man, she, no matter how wrong she is for him, is THAT woman, if there has to be marriage, then well, it will be with her. It was really more of a faithful act if you think about it.
He should have given her a benefit of doubt, yes, but let's be realistic. Your whole life's hard work is being stolen, you DO love the woman to pieces, but you have only known her for a short period of time. Your security head is an ass, yes, but he does his job well. So what are you supposed to do? He still thinks she might be under duress, and goes and talks to her mother, I mean come on, would you believe, that a MOTHER would throw her daughter under the bus? To be honest, in retro-perspective, he had impenetrable evidences.
So basically, his reason for dumping her and wanting revenge was understandable.
He might have started as a little jerk, but he redeemed himself. He realised he loves her, she loves him, she has been punished once for her sins, that was more than enough, she has made good since, and he cannot keep on punishing her infinitely.
He starts trusting her, which she deserved as a wife, and it was the brilliant scene with the security ass, when he had clearly spelt out that NO, no matter what the asshole thinks, he's not going to hold the past against his wife and no, he's NOT going to punish her anymore. He actually trusts her and TALKS to her about this.
She was good too, she does NOT make excuse for her family after learning the truth, she would have accepted it if he decided to prosecute them, I'd personally like that too. But i don't think it was that black and white.
The security asshole was an solid asshole though. He clearly doesn't ever learn from his mistake, doesn't know grey and does NOT know how to take ownership of his mistakes.
He has previously accused someone else in the family incorrectly, and even when H pointed it out, he had the audacity to deny his mistake, H ought to have had him fired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2013
6 years ago Prince Vincenzo D’Agostino believed his lover of the last 6 months, Glory Monaghan had betrayed him. Because he loved her so much he couldn’t bring himself to prosecute her, instead he cruelly cast her aside. With every lie he told he shattered both their hearts. Now his king (Ferruccio Selvaggio-D’Agostino, The Illegitimate King, The Castaldini Crown series) has ordered him to marry to clean up his image as a playboy. If he is to marry, there is only one woman he would want for a wife. So he sets about finding a way to convince Glory to be his wife, for a year. But if Vincenzo has his way it will be forever.
I really enjoyed this book. Along with great passion was also humour. Some of the conversations between Ferruccio and Vincenzo were priceless. It was great catching up with some former characters. Vincenzo also seemed to embrace his feelings for Glory and not try to hide from them.
I really enjoyed this book. Along with great passion was also humour. Some of the conversations between Ferruccio and Vincenzo were priceless. It was great catching up with some former characters. Vincenzo also seemed to embrace his feelings for Glory and not try to hide from them.
June 18, 2020
I was so bored it took 3 nights to complete it. No H should be that sweet and idiot at the same time.
April 1, 2013
TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS by author Olivia Gates is a Harlequin Desire release for May 2013.
Vincenzo Arsenio D’Agostino had thrown Glory Monaghan out very indiscriminately five years ago after having a scorching affair with her.
But now he needs a wife and he can’t think of anyone other than Glory to marry! Will Glory agree to his terms of marriage for one year only? And what will happen after that one year is over? Will they both walk away from each other and their marriage?
TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS is filled with strong characters, snappy and witty dialogue, it also has tender sweet and exciting moments. It is a steamy tale which sparkles with plenty of sizzle, sensuality, emotion, passion and romance. A gripping story of past secrets and unquenchable desires. This is another fabulous mesmerizing romance from the brilliant author Olivia Gates.
My rating 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Vincenzo Arsenio D’Agostino had thrown Glory Monaghan out very indiscriminately five years ago after having a scorching affair with her.
But now he needs a wife and he can’t think of anyone other than Glory to marry! Will Glory agree to his terms of marriage for one year only? And what will happen after that one year is over? Will they both walk away from each other and their marriage?
TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS is filled with strong characters, snappy and witty dialogue, it also has tender sweet and exciting moments. It is a steamy tale which sparkles with plenty of sizzle, sensuality, emotion, passion and romance. A gripping story of past secrets and unquenchable desires. This is another fabulous mesmerizing romance from the brilliant author Olivia Gates.
My rating 4.5 out of 5 stars!
April 3, 2013
As some woman will tell you it happens each and every day to more woman than you think. You meet the man of your dreams, your life seems perfect and definitely heading in the right "white picket fence" direction or in the case of Glory the "perfect palace life" direction but it all comes crashing down quicker and you fall harder than you ever imagined.
In the latest read from the brilliant Olivia Gates she takes us deep into the life of what happens when the man of your dreams discards you like yesterdays royal trash and then comes crawling back years later with a proposition of marriage.
The characters of both Glory and Vincenzo were well written staring in a truly spectacularly created masterpiece!
I loved how the author took people from different worlds and showed that once loved never forgotten can be the difference between a happy ending and a tragic loss.
I loved how the author took a "heartless" badboy Prince and changed him into a man any woman would be proud to call her husband, layering back the pieces of a heart once broken by the thought of betrayal and revealing a love so strong that it can never be shattered.
I felt true sorrow and compassion for Glory as the author revealed to me as reader the pure heart-wrenching pain she goes through when Vincenzo discarded her the first time, but I was also very happy to see that this made her stronger and more of a fighter in fighting for what she believes in.
The backdrop setting was calm and inviting letting the book flow without any thought of this setting just does not feel right for the book.
The dialogue was fun at times, down right cruel when the truth is revealed but also filled with emotion so strong it brought tears to my eyes and I could feel the pain of the characters and actually hear their hearts breaking.
This author has once again proven why she is a international best selling author, her books have the ability to take you to a whole new world of romance with a twist so unexpected it will leave you simply breathless and begging for more.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of Olivia Gates books and also those who love a emotionally packed romance with a truly magical ending.
5/5 star review
"She is the one woman that can tame the badboy Prince's heart into forever"
July 14, 2013
REading an Olivia Gates romance is like choosing the richest gooiest chocolate cake in the bakery. Her heroes are over the top, gorgeous alpha males with a hard crust but a soft centre. The heroines are women of intelligence and spirit who match their mates in every way.
Sometimes when I'm reading the lush descriptions the intense language I think, should I be laughing at this? It is so much more ornate and lavish in it's language than most other romances I read. But I'm loving every bit of it. Somehow it suits the stories, the setting of either Castaldini Princes or Sheikh's to die for.
This is the story of Vincenzo D'Agostini and Glory Monaghan. Lovers six years ago, they are torn apart when he finds she is responsible for stealing his scientific discoveries. He doesn't tell her why, but dismisses her cruelly from his life.
Then he pines for her for six years. *sighs* This gets a top score on my fidelity meter.
When the King demands Vincenzo marry, it is the excuse he has been waiting for.
What happens when these two get together is just wonderful. The bitter angry Prince just falls apart under the influence of a more beautiful feistier Glory. And the passion *fans self*. Ms Gates is really good at that side of things, stopping short of crossing into erotica territory.
I just loved every minute of it and can hardly wait for the next on of the series.
Sometimes when I'm reading the lush descriptions the intense language I think, should I be laughing at this? It is so much more ornate and lavish in it's language than most other romances I read. But I'm loving every bit of it. Somehow it suits the stories, the setting of either Castaldini Princes or Sheikh's to die for.
This is the story of Vincenzo D'Agostini and Glory Monaghan. Lovers six years ago, they are torn apart when he finds she is responsible for stealing his scientific discoveries. He doesn't tell her why, but dismisses her cruelly from his life.
Then he pines for her for six years. *sighs* This gets a top score on my fidelity meter.
When the King demands Vincenzo marry, it is the excuse he has been waiting for.
What happens when these two get together is just wonderful. The bitter angry Prince just falls apart under the influence of a more beautiful feistier Glory. And the passion *fans self*. Ms Gates is really good at that side of things, stopping short of crossing into erotica territory.
I just loved every minute of it and can hardly wait for the next on of the series.
April 25, 2013
Very good book with some very intense emotions. Six years earlier Vincenzo and Glory had been in the middle of an intense relationship as well as working together. Then Vincenzo broke things off saying such cruel things to her that they nearly destroyed her. Now he is back with a proposition that would have her married to him for a year in order to keep her family out of prison. She doesn't know if she'll survive being that close to him again, but how can she resist?
I really liked both Vincenzo and Glory though both had moments that made me angry at them too. Glory had been so in love with Vincenzo six years earlier that she was willing to do anything for him. Besides their intense physical attraction she was also instrumental in helping him with his business. She was devastated when he broke things off, saying truly nasty things to her. In the six years since then she has never gotten involved with another man. She is stunned by his arrival with the proposal that she marry him for a year or he will expose her family's crimes and make sure that they go to prison. I loved the way that even though she says yes she doesn't give in to his demands easily. She has a terrific way of snarkiness that just doesn't quit. I loved her comebacks to his demands. She doesn't understand his amusement as the Vincenzo she remembers had no sense of humor. She is also fighting against the sizzling attraction that has not gone away but that is a losing battle. When she gives herself permission to just enjoy the time they have together the passion they have is off the charts. As she fulfills her duties as his wife and princess her heart becomes completely his once again. When she discovers what had driven them apart all those years ago was happening again she was devastated and convinced she's lost him again.
Vincenzo had cared for Glory so much that when he received evidence of her betrayal he was unable to even think of prosecuting her. So he drove her away and tried to move on with his life and business. When the king ordered him to marry before taking his government position Glory was the only one he would even consider. So he decided to blackmail her into doing it never expecting that the attraction he still felt was only the surface of the deeper feelings that had never gone away. Six years have changed her and she is not making it easy on him. I loved his reactions to her comments and his delight in her attitude. He doesn't understand how he never saw this side of her until he thinks back to his actions and sees that he had never shown her either. He is determined to have her in his bed again and is blown away by the passion between them when he succeeds. His attitude toward her begins to change almost immediately as he accepts that she would not have willingly done the things he thought she did. When the same problems as before begin to happen, this time he is unwilling to believe that Glory is behind it. As the truth comes out he realizes that she had been innocent all along and now he has to find a way to bring them back together.
I really liked both Vincenzo and Glory though both had moments that made me angry at them too. Glory had been so in love with Vincenzo six years earlier that she was willing to do anything for him. Besides their intense physical attraction she was also instrumental in helping him with his business. She was devastated when he broke things off, saying truly nasty things to her. In the six years since then she has never gotten involved with another man. She is stunned by his arrival with the proposal that she marry him for a year or he will expose her family's crimes and make sure that they go to prison. I loved the way that even though she says yes she doesn't give in to his demands easily. She has a terrific way of snarkiness that just doesn't quit. I loved her comebacks to his demands. She doesn't understand his amusement as the Vincenzo she remembers had no sense of humor. She is also fighting against the sizzling attraction that has not gone away but that is a losing battle. When she gives herself permission to just enjoy the time they have together the passion they have is off the charts. As she fulfills her duties as his wife and princess her heart becomes completely his once again. When she discovers what had driven them apart all those years ago was happening again she was devastated and convinced she's lost him again.
Vincenzo had cared for Glory so much that when he received evidence of her betrayal he was unable to even think of prosecuting her. So he drove her away and tried to move on with his life and business. When the king ordered him to marry before taking his government position Glory was the only one he would even consider. So he decided to blackmail her into doing it never expecting that the attraction he still felt was only the surface of the deeper feelings that had never gone away. Six years have changed her and she is not making it easy on him. I loved his reactions to her comments and his delight in her attitude. He doesn't understand how he never saw this side of her until he thinks back to his actions and sees that he had never shown her either. He is determined to have her in his bed again and is blown away by the passion between them when he succeeds. His attitude toward her begins to change almost immediately as he accepts that she would not have willingly done the things he thought she did. When the same problems as before begin to happen, this time he is unwilling to believe that Glory is behind it. As the truth comes out he realizes that she had been innocent all along and now he has to find a way to bring them back together.
May 23, 2013
What do you say when your king makes it a royal command that you marry to salvage your reputation? You say " Yes, Your Majesty", and then you find a wife.
Vincenzo knew the perfect woman for his wife, but she had betrayed him once. Could he risk her doing it again?
Vincent was a prince with a womanizing reputation, rich, smart, and the alpha male. Glory was the only woman he had ever loved, but his heart still hurt from her betrayal. He believed the saying "once bitten, twice shy". He could blackmail her into marriage for a year, purge her from his system, but never again love her.
Six years ago, Glory was a vibrant, smart, emotionally naive, beautiful young woman, who loved Vincenzo with all her body, heart, and soul. She had thought he loved her the same. But her dreams of a happily ever after were shattered when Vincenzo called her so convenient,...so compliant,...so replaceable, then dismissed her from his life.She was devastated,but she had learned her lesson well. No one would ever get close again, ever fool her again, and except for her family, she would never love again.
A summons, a demand, a contract. Glory was stunned by Vincenzo's audacity, but he held the trump card: comply or her father and brother went to prison.
Love has many facets and levels. Once you have loved with all your heart, body, and soul, does it ever really fade? This journey to find their way in this puzzle of love, betrayal, trust, or just compliance is an intense roll coaster ride of the emotions.
Vincenzo begins to renew his love, only to wonder if his trust was again betrayed. Glory realizes sometimes not even the freedom of your family is worth the devastation to your heart. Will they find love again or will another betrayal tear them apart permanently?
I would highly recommend this book. Intensity of emotion, thought provoking scenarios, corporate espionage, and soul changing love abound in this book. It engages you from the emotional beginning to the surprising end.
Excellent read!
Vincenzo knew the perfect woman for his wife, but she had betrayed him once. Could he risk her doing it again?
Vincent was a prince with a womanizing reputation, rich, smart, and the alpha male. Glory was the only woman he had ever loved, but his heart still hurt from her betrayal. He believed the saying "once bitten, twice shy". He could blackmail her into marriage for a year, purge her from his system, but never again love her.
Six years ago, Glory was a vibrant, smart, emotionally naive, beautiful young woman, who loved Vincenzo with all her body, heart, and soul. She had thought he loved her the same. But her dreams of a happily ever after were shattered when Vincenzo called her so convenient,...so compliant,...so replaceable, then dismissed her from his life.She was devastated,but she had learned her lesson well. No one would ever get close again, ever fool her again, and except for her family, she would never love again.
A summons, a demand, a contract. Glory was stunned by Vincenzo's audacity, but he held the trump card: comply or her father and brother went to prison.
Love has many facets and levels. Once you have loved with all your heart, body, and soul, does it ever really fade? This journey to find their way in this puzzle of love, betrayal, trust, or just compliance is an intense roll coaster ride of the emotions.
Vincenzo begins to renew his love, only to wonder if his trust was again betrayed. Glory realizes sometimes not even the freedom of your family is worth the devastation to your heart. Will they find love again or will another betrayal tear them apart permanently?
I would highly recommend this book. Intensity of emotion, thought provoking scenarios, corporate espionage, and soul changing love abound in this book. It engages you from the emotional beginning to the surprising end.
Excellent read!
April 30, 2013
The Married by Royal Decree miniseries begins with a story that returns to the kingdom of Castaldini, where dreams previously came true for three endearing couples. In TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS, Olivia Gates gives two more individuals the unexpected opportunity to also find everlasting joy with someone their hearts never forgot. But only if challenging emotional issues do not tear them apart once again.
There has been one woman in his life that Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino truly loved, and he was devastated when her treachery against him was eventually learned. For six years he has not let himself get close to another female, but a command by the King of Castaldini is about to alter his life. Vincenzo will be serving in a new position for his country, and he must make the unfavorable opinions about his personal life more positive. The decree by his king is for him to quickly find someone to marry.
Although Vincenzo does not want to wed, the only woman whose enticing body he wants in his bed is Glory Monaghan, the person whose disloyalty still haunts him to this day. When he sends her a note threatening her family, she is absolutely stunned when they talk and he states she is going to be his wife. He also informs Glory about the terms of their marriage, and it will only have to be for a short amount of time. It seems there is no way for her to avoid wedding Vincenzo, but she fears spending any time with him as his wife will emotionally change her for life.
When Olivia Gates writes a story, the inner feelings of her main characters are often laid bare as they experience every emotion to the fullest. Ms. Gates is a master when it comes to getting her hero and heroine to openly convey their deepest longings, and I was totally invested in the lives of Vincenzo and Glory as their motives became clear. Although I was not quite sure about his initial verbal responses, it was soon apparent there is much more to this complex man than first perceived. He may come across as someone who should be respected if not for his pleasure-seeking reputation, and I enjoyed learning each detail about how this wealthy yet very intelligent man actually thinks. Glory has changed since the two were together in the past, and I liked how she did not shy away from his comments but fired back her own sharply worded retorts. When this couple exchanges words, I was never certain what either would say but I always knew it would be cleverly delivered and frequently catch my attention. The sexual tension between Vincenzo and Glory is repeatedly off the scale, and the times they come together are openly uninhibited. Olivia Gates knows how to create sex scenes with an abundance of steamy heat, and every intimate encounter seems to become hotter. Meticulous and very colorful facts about many of the settings make the whole story come alive with genuine realism and transported me into a wonderful fantasy. TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS is an enchanting romance filled with dramatic emotions and intense desires.
There has been one woman in his life that Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino truly loved, and he was devastated when her treachery against him was eventually learned. For six years he has not let himself get close to another female, but a command by the King of Castaldini is about to alter his life. Vincenzo will be serving in a new position for his country, and he must make the unfavorable opinions about his personal life more positive. The decree by his king is for him to quickly find someone to marry.
Although Vincenzo does not want to wed, the only woman whose enticing body he wants in his bed is Glory Monaghan, the person whose disloyalty still haunts him to this day. When he sends her a note threatening her family, she is absolutely stunned when they talk and he states she is going to be his wife. He also informs Glory about the terms of their marriage, and it will only have to be for a short amount of time. It seems there is no way for her to avoid wedding Vincenzo, but she fears spending any time with him as his wife will emotionally change her for life.
When Olivia Gates writes a story, the inner feelings of her main characters are often laid bare as they experience every emotion to the fullest. Ms. Gates is a master when it comes to getting her hero and heroine to openly convey their deepest longings, and I was totally invested in the lives of Vincenzo and Glory as their motives became clear. Although I was not quite sure about his initial verbal responses, it was soon apparent there is much more to this complex man than first perceived. He may come across as someone who should be respected if not for his pleasure-seeking reputation, and I enjoyed learning each detail about how this wealthy yet very intelligent man actually thinks. Glory has changed since the two were together in the past, and I liked how she did not shy away from his comments but fired back her own sharply worded retorts. When this couple exchanges words, I was never certain what either would say but I always knew it would be cleverly delivered and frequently catch my attention. The sexual tension between Vincenzo and Glory is repeatedly off the scale, and the times they come together are openly uninhibited. Olivia Gates knows how to create sex scenes with an abundance of steamy heat, and every intimate encounter seems to become hotter. Meticulous and very colorful facts about many of the settings make the whole story come alive with genuine realism and transported me into a wonderful fantasy. TEMPORARILY HIS PRINCESS is an enchanting romance filled with dramatic emotions and intense desires.
May 15, 2013
Temporarily His Princess by Olivia Gates
Believing that Glory his lover for the last six months, has been stealing secrets. Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino ends their relationship in the cruelest way. Six years later King Ferruccio Selvaggio-D'Agostino of Castaldini is demanding that Vincenzo be married by Royal Decree. With only a couple of months to find a wife, the Prince decides Glory will be his wife. So what if he needs to blackmail her into marriage.
Glory Monaghan fell in love with Prince Vincenzo at first sight. There has been no other for her. She is more than devastated when he throws her out of his life. Especially when she doesn't understand why. So imagine her shock when the one person she never thought to see again shows up at her door six years later, blackmailing her into marriage. My heart just broke for Glory's character. Not understanding why the Prince ended things and for the hurtful things he said to make her believe it was over. Then the utter shock when secrets come to light.
The one thing these two can agree on, is that the passion for each other never died. It is just as strong as ever. Neither one of these two, had gotten over their love in the time that they were apart. And Prince Ferruccio, well he truly becomes a Prince to love by the time everything comes to light.
Olivia writes strong characters in Temporarily His Princess.I also loved the banter between these two, even though some of the things said when breaking up were harsh, at other times they were very humorous. And I have to admit there was a twist to the story, that I did not see coming. I thought there was more, but my mind was going elsewhere. I will not post because I don't want to ruin the story for others. I look forward to reading more novel by Olivia!
5/5 stars
Believing that Glory his lover for the last six months, has been stealing secrets. Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino ends their relationship in the cruelest way. Six years later King Ferruccio Selvaggio-D'Agostino of Castaldini is demanding that Vincenzo be married by Royal Decree. With only a couple of months to find a wife, the Prince decides Glory will be his wife. So what if he needs to blackmail her into marriage.
Glory Monaghan fell in love with Prince Vincenzo at first sight. There has been no other for her. She is more than devastated when he throws her out of his life. Especially when she doesn't understand why. So imagine her shock when the one person she never thought to see again shows up at her door six years later, blackmailing her into marriage. My heart just broke for Glory's character. Not understanding why the Prince ended things and for the hurtful things he said to make her believe it was over. Then the utter shock when secrets come to light.
The one thing these two can agree on, is that the passion for each other never died. It is just as strong as ever. Neither one of these two, had gotten over their love in the time that they were apart. And Prince Ferruccio, well he truly becomes a Prince to love by the time everything comes to light.
Olivia writes strong characters in Temporarily His Princess.I also loved the banter between these two, even though some of the things said when breaking up were harsh, at other times they were very humorous. And I have to admit there was a twist to the story, that I did not see coming. I thought there was more, but my mind was going elsewhere. I will not post because I don't want to ruin the story for others. I look forward to reading more novel by Olivia!
5/5 stars
April 14, 2013
3-1/2 stars. In general a pretty good story. The hero was cruel at the beginning as you see him dumping her for betraying him. Of course as is the case with all good HP heroes or heroines, he never asks for her side of the story. The story starts 6 years later when he needs to marry so he blackmails her into marriage since he never really got over her and decides to get her out of his system this way. The downfall of the book for me, if there is one, is that he changes his mind about how he feels about her so early that you really can't get behind his asshattery. The heroine even wonders if he is manic depressive, his mood changes so often and so rapidly.
He was so totally in love with her that he couldn't keep up being mean to her. The writing was okay but a bit OTT in a florid almost purple prosy way. There were a few plotting inconsistencies but nothing real major. On the whole I enjoyed it.
I received this book free for review from netGalley.
He was so totally in love with her that he couldn't keep up being mean to her. The writing was okay but a bit OTT in a florid almost purple prosy way. There were a few plotting inconsistencies but nothing real major. On the whole I enjoyed it.
I received this book free for review from netGalley.
March 19, 2013
Who wouldn’t love a story about a sexy prince, even if he seems a little heartless at first, but that all changes? Can their love stand the test of time and all the hard feelings and emotions from 6 years ago? Can a marriage really work when your bribed into being married…so many questions you will find the answers too when you read this book. Characters were amazing, chemistry sizzling hot. This is a must read!
February 1, 2018
This book was fun as well as amazingly deep. Deep in love, passion, emotions and suspense. I felt exactly like Fiona Marsden has said in her review - like I'm devouring the richest, gooiest, chocolate cake. And, I totally agree with her about Olivia Gates's heroes being over the top, gorgeous alpha males with a hard crust and soft centre and her heroines are being smart, spirited, kind and a perfect match to their mates in every way like Glory was to Vincenzo in this book and Clarissa was to Ferruccio in the book The Illegitimate King. With Ferruccio and Clarissa having always been my favorite, I was so happy to see them make appearances in this book.
I didn't think I would love any other Castaldini prince as much as I love Ferruccio, but Vincenzo has proved me wrong. He's as hot, arrogant, passionate and caring as Ferruccio, moreover a one-woman man like him. The friendly banter between these two alphas whenever they met in the book had me chuckling all the time.
"Do pick your jaw off the floor, Vincenzo. And no, I’m not insane. Get. A. Wife. ASAP.”
Dio. He’d said it again. This time Vincenzo found himself echoing it. “Get a wife.”
Ferruccio nodded. “ASAP.”
“Stop saying that.”
As from the dialogue above, one can see that King Ferruccio has decreed that Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino, a cousin of his wife, Queen Clarissa, and foremost scientist and businessman in the clean energy field, finds himself a wife ASAP for he wants to send Vincenzo as Castaldini's representative to the United Nations, but because of Vincenzo's playboy image his council members are not in favor of this. So Ferruccio wants him to get married and clean up his image.
Six years ago Vincenzo had fallen hard and fast in love with Glory, who worked for him as a consultant. They had a good relationship for few months, but then Vincenzo's research had been stolen and landed in the hands of his rival. He'd been given proof that the breach had originated from Glory. At first he wasn't ready to believe it, but when he did his own check he was given proof of her being the breach from sources very close to her. Stabbed by betrayal, he breaks his relationship with her without letting her know what he'd discovered. He instead insults her by telling her she was only temporary and now that he's found a better replacement, he wanted her gone.
After their break-up, he'd tried to forget her with other women, but when after a few encounters found it wasn't working he gave up and a year later started hiring escorts as a propaganda to keep gold-digging women away, much to the shock of Alonzo, his valet and a father-figure, who was shocked that such a virile man had taken an open-ended leave of absence from sex. Now that his king has decreed he finds a suitable wife, he decides to kill two birds with one stone -obey his king and also have the woman --whom he'd never been able to replace body and soul-- for himself until she's completely purged from his system.
Glory is shocked on receiving summons from the man who had brutally broken up with her and smashed her heart to pieces, leaving her emotionally and psychologically devastated. For the past five years she didn't allow herself to feel or think of him or anything and instead poured all her time and energy into her job as a humanitarian crusader. Now, on receiving his summons, she wanted to tell him to take a hike but then he held a trump card in his hands - proof of crimes that her father and brother had been conducting over the years, crimes that could send them to prison for life. With her mother undergoing cancer treatment, she had no choice but to accept the year long position of his wife -- only a year because Vincenzo told Ferruccio he'd take the UN position only for that period.
Even though, Glory was cornered into becoming Vincenzo's wife, she didn't let him have it easy. Her comebacks were priceless.
"You sound awake.”
“I am now, thanks to a royal pain.”
If I woke you up, I’m glad. I shouldn’t be the only one who can’t sleep tonight.”
“Your conscience weighing on you?” Her voice, to her dismay, was rough and thick, aroused, nowhere as demolishing as she intended it to be. “Or have you long had that removed? Or has it always been genetically missing?”
“Watch it with the laughter, Vincenzo,” she mumbled, hating it that he affected her to extremes no matter what he was doing. “Doing something so unnatural to you can be dangerous. You’ll dislocate a brain lobe or something.”
Her lawyer-friend Amelia was fun too. I liked how she went from calling Vincenzo Prince Very Delicious --when Glory told her she was marrying him-- to Prince Very Disturbing when she learnt that he'd broken Glory's heart. "Based on a prenup like that, and the rest of this man’s pattern of behavior? Go for a billion dollars, Glory. Up front. And right after the wedding, go for his balls.”
Now, that they were together again, Glory didn't know what to make of Vincenzo. Where six years ago he was too serious and too intense, he now was easy-going and fun. She was beginning to enjoy being with him. But, he also constantly confused her. A day after having given her a prenup that documented every minute provisions for her to sign, he tells her she need not sign it if she didn't want to. Then, after taking her to Castaldini to marry her, he suddenly releases her from his blackmail, telling her she was free not to marry him and he wouldn't harm her family. I felt myself chuckling when she wondered if he was suffering from some bipolar disorder.
What she didn't know was that no matter how hurt and betrayed Vincenzo had felt by the breach and how much he wanted to hurt her and take some form of revenge from her, he couldn't see her hurt. It was one of the reasons why he hadn't reported her family's habitual crimes. He didn't want to see her lose the family she loved or if she too got implicated in their crimes, he didn't want her to go to prison. And, he suddenly realizes he didn't want her to marry him under compulsion. By then, Glory, herself, was eager to be his wife even if it came with an expiry date.
What I liked about their story was despite the betrayal, hurt and angst, the love between the two remained strong right through. There was lots of heartache but no vile bitterness. I also liked that despite the strong sexual chemistry and tension, between the two, they weren't tearing each other's clothes with one touch. Sex happened gradually - on the wedding night. Until then, there was few steamy kisses, but when it did happen it was HOT and sensual and unstoppable. And, that wedding night game was amazing -- a foreplay using only words!!!! Could just imagine Glory's desperation to plead. “Vincenzo, pietà…have mercy now…you win.”
Also, loved the fairytale grandeur and dreamy wedding ceremony especially that moment when a nervous Glory fumbles while putting the ring on Vincenzo's finger, he takes her hand, kisses it, then helps her to put it on his finger.
However, six weeks later, just when both are happy in their marriage and blissfully in love, sure that the other loves him/her, a repeat of the crime six years ago takes place with evidences once again pointing to Glory. What is Vincenzo going to do, now that he's a hundred times more in love with Glory than what he'd been six years ago? The betrayal and the reason behind it was a real shocker. Grips you hard. Felt so bad for both of them, especially Glory.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved all its twists and turns from start to finish. My only peeve is that there was no epilogue. Would have loved to see them happy and with a baby in their arms. Nevertheless, I can read it again and know I'll enjoy it as much.
I didn't think I would love any other Castaldini prince as much as I love Ferruccio, but Vincenzo has proved me wrong. He's as hot, arrogant, passionate and caring as Ferruccio, moreover a one-woman man like him. The friendly banter between these two alphas whenever they met in the book had me chuckling all the time.
"Do pick your jaw off the floor, Vincenzo. And no, I’m not insane. Get. A. Wife. ASAP.”
Dio. He’d said it again. This time Vincenzo found himself echoing it. “Get a wife.”
Ferruccio nodded. “ASAP.”
“Stop saying that.”
As from the dialogue above, one can see that King Ferruccio has decreed that Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino, a cousin of his wife, Queen Clarissa, and foremost scientist and businessman in the clean energy field, finds himself a wife ASAP for he wants to send Vincenzo as Castaldini's representative to the United Nations, but because of Vincenzo's playboy image his council members are not in favor of this. So Ferruccio wants him to get married and clean up his image.
Six years ago Vincenzo had fallen hard and fast in love with Glory, who worked for him as a consultant. They had a good relationship for few months, but then Vincenzo's research had been stolen and landed in the hands of his rival. He'd been given proof that the breach had originated from Glory. At first he wasn't ready to believe it, but when he did his own check he was given proof of her being the breach from sources very close to her. Stabbed by betrayal, he breaks his relationship with her without letting her know what he'd discovered. He instead insults her by telling her she was only temporary and now that he's found a better replacement, he wanted her gone.
After their break-up, he'd tried to forget her with other women, but when after a few encounters found it wasn't working he gave up and a year later started hiring escorts as a propaganda to keep gold-digging women away, much to the shock of Alonzo, his valet and a father-figure, who was shocked that such a virile man had taken an open-ended leave of absence from sex. Now that his king has decreed he finds a suitable wife, he decides to kill two birds with one stone -obey his king and also have the woman --whom he'd never been able to replace body and soul-- for himself until she's completely purged from his system.
Glory is shocked on receiving summons from the man who had brutally broken up with her and smashed her heart to pieces, leaving her emotionally and psychologically devastated. For the past five years she didn't allow herself to feel or think of him or anything and instead poured all her time and energy into her job as a humanitarian crusader. Now, on receiving his summons, she wanted to tell him to take a hike but then he held a trump card in his hands - proof of crimes that her father and brother had been conducting over the years, crimes that could send them to prison for life. With her mother undergoing cancer treatment, she had no choice but to accept the year long position of his wife -- only a year because Vincenzo told Ferruccio he'd take the UN position only for that period.
Even though, Glory was cornered into becoming Vincenzo's wife, she didn't let him have it easy. Her comebacks were priceless.
"You sound awake.”
“I am now, thanks to a royal pain.”
If I woke you up, I’m glad. I shouldn’t be the only one who can’t sleep tonight.”
“Your conscience weighing on you?” Her voice, to her dismay, was rough and thick, aroused, nowhere as demolishing as she intended it to be. “Or have you long had that removed? Or has it always been genetically missing?”
“Watch it with the laughter, Vincenzo,” she mumbled, hating it that he affected her to extremes no matter what he was doing. “Doing something so unnatural to you can be dangerous. You’ll dislocate a brain lobe or something.”
Her lawyer-friend Amelia was fun too. I liked how she went from calling Vincenzo Prince Very Delicious --when Glory told her she was marrying him-- to Prince Very Disturbing when she learnt that he'd broken Glory's heart. "Based on a prenup like that, and the rest of this man’s pattern of behavior? Go for a billion dollars, Glory. Up front. And right after the wedding, go for his balls.”
Now, that they were together again, Glory didn't know what to make of Vincenzo. Where six years ago he was too serious and too intense, he now was easy-going and fun. She was beginning to enjoy being with him. But, he also constantly confused her. A day after having given her a prenup that documented every minute provisions for her to sign, he tells her she need not sign it if she didn't want to. Then, after taking her to Castaldini to marry her, he suddenly releases her from his blackmail, telling her she was free not to marry him and he wouldn't harm her family. I felt myself chuckling when she wondered if he was suffering from some bipolar disorder.
What she didn't know was that no matter how hurt and betrayed Vincenzo had felt by the breach and how much he wanted to hurt her and take some form of revenge from her, he couldn't see her hurt. It was one of the reasons why he hadn't reported her family's habitual crimes. He didn't want to see her lose the family she loved or if she too got implicated in their crimes, he didn't want her to go to prison. And, he suddenly realizes he didn't want her to marry him under compulsion. By then, Glory, herself, was eager to be his wife even if it came with an expiry date.
What I liked about their story was despite the betrayal, hurt and angst, the love between the two remained strong right through. There was lots of heartache but no vile bitterness. I also liked that despite the strong sexual chemistry and tension, between the two, they weren't tearing each other's clothes with one touch. Sex happened gradually - on the wedding night. Until then, there was few steamy kisses, but when it did happen it was HOT and sensual and unstoppable. And, that wedding night game was amazing -- a foreplay using only words!!!! Could just imagine Glory's desperation to plead. “Vincenzo, pietà…have mercy now…you win.”
Also, loved the fairytale grandeur and dreamy wedding ceremony especially that moment when a nervous Glory fumbles while putting the ring on Vincenzo's finger, he takes her hand, kisses it, then helps her to put it on his finger.
However, six weeks later, just when both are happy in their marriage and blissfully in love, sure that the other loves him/her, a repeat of the crime six years ago takes place with evidences once again pointing to Glory. What is Vincenzo going to do, now that he's a hundred times more in love with Glory than what he'd been six years ago? The betrayal and the reason behind it was a real shocker. Grips you hard. Felt so bad for both of them, especially Glory.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved all its twists and turns from start to finish. My only peeve is that there was no epilogue. Would have loved to see them happy and with a baby in their arms. Nevertheless, I can read it again and know I'll enjoy it as much.
July 4, 2013
Back cover blurb:
"Get a wife. ASAP."
When his king says Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino must marry, the confirmed bachelor knows only one woman will do: Glory Monaghan, the lover who betrayed him six years ago. By forcing her hand, he'll appease his ruler—and get the woman he can't forget out of his system forever.
But Vincenzo's proposal is the last thing Glory expects. His long-ago rejection nearly destroyed her—how can she say yes now, even for show? Yet she has no choice. Becoming Vincenzo's temporary bride will save her family—even if giving in to the prince of Castaldini's passion will surely leave her yearning for more….
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Olivia Gates is a wonderful story teller who knows how to draw you in to the world she has created and keep you invested, mentally and emotionally.
I have been a fan of hers since 2009 when I was first introduced to the beautiful Castaldini Kingdom and the D'Agostino's.
Vincenzo is most definitely a D'Agostino prince; pure alpha male who lashes out when he gets hurt even if he doesn't have all the information about a situation. Olivia's hero's all seem follow a very close mold, and if you have liked any of them in the past you will most assuredly fall for Vincenzo.
Glory starts out as a naive young lady who falls hard for her boss. After the heart wrenching breakup she becomes a strong and successful woman; who buries herself in her work...for six long years. Glory will always love Vincenzo but now knows she can make it on her own if she has to.
When they come together Vincenzo and Glory are explosive, in and out of bed. Glory is no longer the naive young lady, she is now a mature woman who has no problem letting Vincenzo know what she is thinking. She lashes him with her tongue more than once letting him know how much of a pompous jerk he is being. Vincenzo finds this new side of Glory fascinating and invigorating, she is no longer someone he can bowl over, which makes her even more glorious and desirable in his eyes.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have. I will be keeping this book on my shelves for quite a while so I can go back and revisit these two remarkable characters and their unforgettable world.
"Get a wife. ASAP."
When his king says Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino must marry, the confirmed bachelor knows only one woman will do: Glory Monaghan, the lover who betrayed him six years ago. By forcing her hand, he'll appease his ruler—and get the woman he can't forget out of his system forever.
But Vincenzo's proposal is the last thing Glory expects. His long-ago rejection nearly destroyed her—how can she say yes now, even for show? Yet she has no choice. Becoming Vincenzo's temporary bride will save her family—even if giving in to the prince of Castaldini's passion will surely leave her yearning for more….
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Olivia Gates is a wonderful story teller who knows how to draw you in to the world she has created and keep you invested, mentally and emotionally.
I have been a fan of hers since 2009 when I was first introduced to the beautiful Castaldini Kingdom and the D'Agostino's.
Vincenzo is most definitely a D'Agostino prince; pure alpha male who lashes out when he gets hurt even if he doesn't have all the information about a situation. Olivia's hero's all seem follow a very close mold, and if you have liked any of them in the past you will most assuredly fall for Vincenzo.
Glory starts out as a naive young lady who falls hard for her boss. After the heart wrenching breakup she becomes a strong and successful woman; who buries herself in her work...for six long years. Glory will always love Vincenzo but now knows she can make it on her own if she has to.
When they come together Vincenzo and Glory are explosive, in and out of bed. Glory is no longer the naive young lady, she is now a mature woman who has no problem letting Vincenzo know what she is thinking. She lashes him with her tongue more than once letting him know how much of a pompous jerk he is being. Vincenzo finds this new side of Glory fascinating and invigorating, she is no longer someone he can bowl over, which makes her even more glorious and desirable in his eyes.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have. I will be keeping this book on my shelves for quite a while so I can go back and revisit these two remarkable characters and their unforgettable world.
June 15, 2013
This was my first book by Olivia Gates. And let me tell you how much I enjoyed it. I bought the ebook from Harlequin two and a half months ago. And since then I've gone out and got every single thing Olivia Gates wrote. I'm addicted, totally addicted to her writing. She makes you feel you're in the magnificent places she describes, inside the bodies and minds and souls of her characters. It's uncanny how she transforms the reading experience into such a total sensory one. Have i mentioned I am addicted to her writing? This is incredible for me, since I don't only want to read a great book, I want to find a great author whose books I can pick blindly and know I will get a great reading expeirnce every single time. I have found great authors in my time, but Olivia Gates is the one who has managed to surprise me constantly with the consistency of the intensity and level of her writing. She's my number one author now. I can't wait until she's writing longer books all the time! (I got a taste of her incredible versatility in the Dr. Calista St. James series and I can't wait until she's writing long thrillers and paranormals or just anything all the time. Olivia Gates...I just love everything you write. Write more and more...and faster. :-)
May 29, 2013
This is a must read story love Olivia Gates writing. This story is about Prince Vincenzo D'Agostino , he was devastated when he thought Glory his lover of six months had stolen secrets from him. For six years he has not let himself get close to another female, but a command by the King of Castaldini is about to alter his life. Vincenzo will be serving in a new position for his country, and he must make the unfavorable opinions about his personal life more positive. The decree by his king is to "Get a Wife"'
Although Vincenzo does not want to wed, the only woman whose enticing body he wants in his bed is Glory Monaghan, the person whose disloyalty still haunts him to this day. When he emails her that he wants to meet her she is shocked. He blackmailed her threatening her family with prison. Does she have a choice marry him and save her family or walk away risking her family. Because she knew if she went back this time she may not be able to recover when it was over.
Although Vincenzo does not want to wed, the only woman whose enticing body he wants in his bed is Glory Monaghan, the person whose disloyalty still haunts him to this day. When he emails her that he wants to meet her she is shocked. He blackmailed her threatening her family with prison. Does she have a choice marry him and save her family or walk away risking her family. Because she knew if she went back this time she may not be able to recover when it was over.
April 29, 2013
Another great one by Olivia Gates, Temporarily His Princess will capture you from beginning to end.
Prince Vincenzo D’Agostino has been ordered by his king to marry but he does not want to marry anyone, he is happy being single. The only person that still comes to mind when he thinks of a woman is Glory Monaghan. But can he risk himself and his company to her betrayal again.
Glory Monaghan has not seen Vincenzo since he broke her heart and left her ruthlessly. She thought that they were happy, but instead he told her he got tired of her and had another woman waiting to take her place in his bed. Read More...
Prince Vincenzo D’Agostino has been ordered by his king to marry but he does not want to marry anyone, he is happy being single. The only person that still comes to mind when he thinks of a woman is Glory Monaghan. But can he risk himself and his company to her betrayal again.
Glory Monaghan has not seen Vincenzo since he broke her heart and left her ruthlessly. She thought that they were happy, but instead he told her he got tired of her and had another woman waiting to take her place in his bed. Read More...
July 11, 2013
Formations of words comes so easy to Olivia Gates, it give me great pleasure to read her books a because without a doubt i know i will enjoy it. I feel like i want to be Glory. Olivia is so creative, gifted and a serious genius. I thought i was in love with Aris Sarantos my very first read from Olivia but boy i do love me some Vincenzo. I love to read your stories so i thinkyour next mission is yo create a mini series because your creativity needs T. Superb story love it, YEAH again my favorite author knock herself out with a #1 bestseller. Can't wait for part 2.
Read
March 30, 2013What a fun story! Plots within plots and emotions within emotions. Glory and Vincenzo are fun characters and the plot is unique. Well done :)
October 24, 2019
This one was so much better than the last OG I read. It opens with the hero convinced that the heroine has done him wrong, and he doesn't want to confront her so he intentionally breaks her heart to break them up. Fast forward 6 years and neither has moved on, he's been instructed to marry, and the only woman he can consider is the h. He starts off as a total dick with blackmail, but it doesn't take him long to realise how wonderful she is and he can't follow through. Amazing sex and blissful togetherness ensue. Then, and this was much better than the last story I read, it looks like she may have betrayed him again but - gasp - he actually believes in her and gives her a chance. Shitty family shenanigans follow and lead to an HEA.
August 1, 2013
I had read other Olivia Gates stories in this series before this one, but it was fun to go back to book one in the series and enjoy another story that may really be just a aristocratic fantasy of “how the other half lives.” Yet it is that very quality that has most of us reading romance fiction in the first place–taking us into lives and situations that we could never hope to experience in real life. Ms Gates has a way about telling these almost fairy tale kinds of stories that catches the reader’s interest and holds that interest from start to finish.
Obviously most of us have never been in this kind of circumstance–one where marriage to a royal prince is the only hope for one’s family prosperity. Most of us have not been given the choice of poverty or marrying a royal personage. Yet that is the premise of this story and one that, curiously, Ms Gates makes work. I have to admit to expecting this and the other stories in this series to be a bit on the unbelievable side, but that is not how it all turned out. It is also a reminder that in the world’s social order, there are scads of minor royals floating around and some of them take their responsibilities very seriously, even though their kingdoms or fiefdoms are miniscule. In this case, Glory really doesn’t want to be caught between a “rock or a hard place.” But as so often the case in fiction, she is left little choice. Yet for all its somewhat fantastical aristocratic trappings, this romance and this story work. It’s enjoyable and another one of those novels that is just simply fun to read and proof positive that no matter how old we may be, we still love a good fairy tale.
Perhaps what gives this story its realistic bent is the fact that there is a lot of hurt here. Glory is a woman who has had to find a way to endure a woman’s greatest nightmare–rejection by the man she thought loved her. Now she is being forced back into his life for the sake of her family’s wellbeing, and she knows that when it is all over, she is going to have to find a way to endure once more. It is also a story that sort of proves to us that men with this kind of status, power, and wealth are basically cads and I know that I was not prepared to like the hero AT ALL. Yet the story does move forward in surprising ways and perhaps the lesson here is that all of us change–some of the better and some for the worst. In the same way that Glory had to grow past her pain and the old wounds to her life and her heart, so Vincenzo has the same opportunities to mature and look beyond his self-absorbed way of life toward something of greater value: a life-long relationship with a woman of grace and beauty and the fulfillment of his dream to be important to that special someone.
Ms Gates does not back away from the sexual tension and strong attraction that continues to exist between these star-crossed lovers. Readers who love very romantic stories will not be disappointed. It’s a very entertaining read and will be a good expenditure of time and effort. Good novels always are.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
Obviously most of us have never been in this kind of circumstance–one where marriage to a royal prince is the only hope for one’s family prosperity. Most of us have not been given the choice of poverty or marrying a royal personage. Yet that is the premise of this story and one that, curiously, Ms Gates makes work. I have to admit to expecting this and the other stories in this series to be a bit on the unbelievable side, but that is not how it all turned out. It is also a reminder that in the world’s social order, there are scads of minor royals floating around and some of them take their responsibilities very seriously, even though their kingdoms or fiefdoms are miniscule. In this case, Glory really doesn’t want to be caught between a “rock or a hard place.” But as so often the case in fiction, she is left little choice. Yet for all its somewhat fantastical aristocratic trappings, this romance and this story work. It’s enjoyable and another one of those novels that is just simply fun to read and proof positive that no matter how old we may be, we still love a good fairy tale.
Perhaps what gives this story its realistic bent is the fact that there is a lot of hurt here. Glory is a woman who has had to find a way to endure a woman’s greatest nightmare–rejection by the man she thought loved her. Now she is being forced back into his life for the sake of her family’s wellbeing, and she knows that when it is all over, she is going to have to find a way to endure once more. It is also a story that sort of proves to us that men with this kind of status, power, and wealth are basically cads and I know that I was not prepared to like the hero AT ALL. Yet the story does move forward in surprising ways and perhaps the lesson here is that all of us change–some of the better and some for the worst. In the same way that Glory had to grow past her pain and the old wounds to her life and her heart, so Vincenzo has the same opportunities to mature and look beyond his self-absorbed way of life toward something of greater value: a life-long relationship with a woman of grace and beauty and the fulfillment of his dream to be important to that special someone.
Ms Gates does not back away from the sexual tension and strong attraction that continues to exist between these star-crossed lovers. Readers who love very romantic stories will not be disappointed. It’s a very entertaining read and will be a good expenditure of time and effort. Good novels always are.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
July 10, 2013
A fantastic start to the the Married By Royal Decree series. So much character development, humor, wonderful dialogue, angst and emotion...not to mention sizzling passion and scorching sex. Everything anyone can want in a romance and waaaay more. Another winner by Olivia Gates and another example why she's my favorite romance author.
April 15, 2013
It's an entrancing story from an author who has kept us all riveted with her tales of royal romps. It's every bit as good as it gets and we all love to read how "the other half lives . . . and loves." Well worth the time to read and enjoy.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Married by Royal Decree
Category: Passion
"Gates gives readers a couple whose romance was derailed through deceit. Their emotional love story and sizzling chemistry will leave fans riveted until the final pages." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Category: Passion
"Gates gives readers a couple whose romance was derailed through deceit. Their emotional love story and sizzling chemistry will leave fans riveted until the final pages." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
March 17, 2014
I am new to Olivia Gates. But I do love a good Prince story. And when you have a King forcing the Prince to marry, well then my attention is caught.
I loved the Prologue! I was asking myself how could she? But then to see him cast her off with such brutality. I was taken back! Noticing the story was going to carry on with Glory -the one Prince Vincenzo harshly casts away- even though he loves her. I was curious how Olivia would have the story unfold.
As I read, I saw that she kept with Glory being angry, and unapproachable -he had broke her heart and she felt she was just getting back to life. We learn that Vincenzo has been living like a playboy, but it's a ruse. For show. He feels that having his enemy within his reach will be the prefect solution to "Get a wife, ASAP" And since he hasn't forgotten Glory, he guilt's her into marrying him.
It's a good story, that carries on with you learning the characters and understanding their demons. Near the end there is another break in his security. And this time Vincenzo wont believe it's his wife. I loved the way the story unfolded at the end. Was worth the read! I'm looking forward to reading the remaining books in the Married By Royal Decree series!!!
Cheers H.L. Laffin
I loved the Prologue! I was asking myself how could she? But then to see him cast her off with such brutality. I was taken back! Noticing the story was going to carry on with Glory -the one Prince Vincenzo harshly casts away- even though he loves her. I was curious how Olivia would have the story unfold.
As I read, I saw that she kept with Glory being angry, and unapproachable -he had broke her heart and she felt she was just getting back to life. We learn that Vincenzo has been living like a playboy, but it's a ruse. For show. He feels that having his enemy within his reach will be the prefect solution to "Get a wife, ASAP" And since he hasn't forgotten Glory, he guilt's her into marrying him.
It's a good story, that carries on with you learning the characters and understanding their demons. Near the end there is another break in his security. And this time Vincenzo wont believe it's his wife. I loved the way the story unfolded at the end. Was worth the read! I'm looking forward to reading the remaining books in the Married By Royal Decree series!!!
Cheers H.L. Laffin
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews