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Those Scandalous Caffarellis #1
Never Say No to a Caffarelli
"I play by the rules, but they're my rules."
Poppy Silverton is as untouched as the leafy English village where she runs a tearoom. But her home, her livelihood and her innocence are under threat...
Rafe Caffarelli is a mouthwatering specimen of Mediterranean manhood. He's a playboy billionaire and determined to buy Poppy's historic dower house.
Poppy will not give up the only thing that remains of her childhood and family. She'll fight Rafe--and her attraction to him--all the way. And be the first woman to say "no" to a Caffarelli!
Poppy Silverton is as untouched as the leafy English village where she runs a tearoom. But her home, her livelihood and her innocence are under threat...
Rafe Caffarelli is a mouthwatering specimen of Mediterranean manhood. He's a playboy billionaire and determined to buy Poppy's historic dower house.
Poppy will not give up the only thing that remains of her childhood and family. She'll fight Rafe--and her attraction to him--all the way. And be the first woman to say "no" to a Caffarelli!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
64 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Milburne
1,146 books392 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 18, 2016
This is a sweet enemies-to-lovers story, which is a contradiction in terms, which means it lacked the traditional emotional intensity of that trope. These characters are just too *nice* to stay enemies. Instead, the conflict becomes whether the playboy hero will break the virgin heroine's heart. If you're looking for some engaging characters and their sweet love story then this is for you.
The premise: Playboy hero wants the dowager house of the run-down estate he just bought. It is owned by the virgin heroine, who runs a tea shoppe in town. She has been betrayed by her first serious boyfriend - he ran off with her recipes and opened his own trendy restaurant which is cutting into her business. The hero has offered top dollar for the house, but the heroine refuses to budge because she grew up there with her grandmother (who was housekeeper at the manor).
The hero orders coffee at her tea shoppe, and won't eat sweets and generally throws his weight around. The heroine loathes him, but she can't help but notice how hot he is. Hero thinks heroine is cute and feminine, but not his type.
She has three cute dogs - Pickles, Chutney, and Relish. Because of them, they have other interactions besides the business deal. During a storm, a branch falls on the heroine's house and almost kills the h in her bed. So she has to stay at the manor house. She cooks meals for him. They go out on a date to the ex's restaurant to flaunt the fact that she had moved on. They eventually go to bed, and then on to Paris . . .
A black moment is needed so the H gets a phone call informing him that his sequel-bait daredevil brother has been injured in an accident and may never walk again. The hero is upset and can't deal with any sympathy from the heroine. He dumps her and the heroine goes back to England to lick her wounds.
The hero does wake up to what he has thrown away and is appalled to see how "hardened" the heroine has become. She even offers to sell the dowager house to him. He, in turn, has to explain himself. One of the revelations is why he won't eat sweets. His last memory of his mother is her letting him lick cake batter from the beaters before she was killed.
The rest of the page count is setting up the next book with the injured hero with a bad attitude and the physio heroine.
Once I got over the fact that this wasn't a true enemy-to-lovers story, I did like the courtship of the H/h. They were a cute couple.
The premise: Playboy hero wants the dowager house of the run-down estate he just bought. It is owned by the virgin heroine, who runs a tea shoppe in town. She has been betrayed by her first serious boyfriend - he ran off with her recipes and opened his own trendy restaurant which is cutting into her business. The hero has offered top dollar for the house, but the heroine refuses to budge because she grew up there with her grandmother (who was housekeeper at the manor).
The hero orders coffee at her tea shoppe, and won't eat sweets and generally throws his weight around. The heroine loathes him, but she can't help but notice how hot he is. Hero thinks heroine is cute and feminine, but not his type.
She has three cute dogs - Pickles, Chutney, and Relish. Because of them, they have other interactions besides the business deal. During a storm, a branch falls on the heroine's house and almost kills the h in her bed. So she has to stay at the manor house. She cooks meals for him. They go out on a date to the ex's restaurant to flaunt the fact that she had moved on. They eventually go to bed, and then on to Paris . . .
A black moment is needed so the H gets a phone call informing him that his sequel-bait daredevil brother has been injured in an accident and may never walk again. The hero is upset and can't deal with any sympathy from the heroine. He dumps her and the heroine goes back to England to lick her wounds.
The hero does wake up to what he has thrown away and is appalled to see how "hardened" the heroine has become. She even offers to sell the dowager house to him. He, in turn, has to explain himself. One of the revelations is why he won't eat sweets. His last memory of his mother is her letting him lick cake batter from the beaters before she was killed.
The rest of the page count is setting up the next book with the injured hero with a bad attitude and the physio heroine.
Once I got over the fact that this wasn't a true enemy-to-lovers story, I did like the courtship of the H/h. They were a cute couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2013
Giving up the only home you have ever known is hard, no matter if it is because you have no financial choice in the matter or if simply need to let go for other reasons. It is filled with a lifetime of memories that can never be erased, but leaving it behind feels like you're leaving behind a part of yourself.
That is why Poppy will never part with her beloved home, she has lived there with her grandmother for many years and has built a life, made friends with the people of the community, formed a bond that is simply unbreakable.
So when Rafe Caffarelli comes walking into her tearoom and demands she sell the house to him in order for the property to return back to the link it has with the home's manor, she is outraged and insulted.
But she is also thrown completely off balance by the raw sexual attraction she feels towards him and cannot stop thinking how very badly she wants him to kiss her. But selling her home, is the last thing she will ever do even if she has to go up against Rafe and all his power. Only Rafe plays dirty and instead swears that he has never lost a deal and does not plan on doing so this time around. And so the war of ownership takes off!
The character of Poppy was not great. For me as reader she came off as being very childish, for example her actions of stomping to the front door of Rafe had me thinking how very unladylike of her and she is behaving like a child. I did love the idea of her being so old fashioned, she had the perfect blend of kind hearted and always full of sunshine personality, only again she remained very childlike for me and I would have liked to see the author let her mature into more of grown up at some stage.
Some of the lines she said also let me cringe as it is just not something you would expect a heroine to say, yet I found it somewhat refreshing as it showed how honest she is, but again it reminded me too more of a child than a woman.
The character of Rafe was one I felt sorry for as him feeling that he needs to always carry the burden of ensuring his family company is successful around each and very corner, and at the same time making sure his brothers are kept in place, tore my heart apart, it made him cold and unattached with the world and everyone around him.
He remains cold for most of the read, but does slowly let his guard drop here and there, showing he has a good heart somewhere under the suit of armour around his heart. I loved that the author lets the thoughts of Poppy wreck havoc on is brain, her invading his thoughts and actions gave me a bit of a laugh as it throws him so much more off balance then he has ever been.
The backdrop settings were quint and delightful. I very much loved that the manor has a certain darkness about it similar to the darkness of Rafe's soul and that Poppy's home was like sunshine after the rain much like she is.
The dialogue was great, I did love the lines of conflict and confusion. The read however did lack the passion and heat from this authors previous reads. The intense sexual attraction between the characters just did not burn as hot as it usually does in books from this author, and made the read a little dull and difficult to get through.
This author has always managed to surprise me with each of her books, but this time I was disappointed as something just did not gel in the read, it was almost as it just did not all come together, it was lacking the fire and wow factor I have come to expect from this author.
This is book one of a trilogy and I am looking forward to see what the author offers up with the other two brothers in this series, as based on the little insight she gave into the lives of the other two RR's I am thinking I might like them more and I am hoping the author re-finds her unique brand of passionate, sexy, heart stopping, leave me breathless romance writing style.
I am recommending the read for fans who love a trilogy, as if not reading this one I have a feeling you might be a little lost in the second and third book.
4 star review
"He shows her that saying yes is the only option she has"
July 21, 2013
NEVER SAY NO TO A CAFFARELLI (Those Scandalous Caffarellis) by USA Today bestselling author Melanie Milburne is August 2013 release from Harlequin Presents.
Poppy got the dower house with proper legality. She had no obligation or the inclination to sell it.
But when Rafe Caffarelli bought the manor, he wanted the dower house as well. And he is leaving no stones unturned to pressurize Poppy to sell the dower house to him. Will he go as far as faking an attraction just to get the house?
Poppy couldn’t be sure if Rafe was just stringing her along or if he really did have feelings for her. Would Rafe really play her along just for the house?
Author Melanie Milburne has written a fun, engrossing and fast paced story in NEVER SAY NO TO A CAFFARELLI. There are hidden depths to Rafe and Poppy’s characters. The emotions and sensuality is exquisitely done. NEVER SAY NO TO A CAFFARELLI has strong characters, snappy dialogue, and tender, sweet and exciting moments which will keep a reader riveted from the first page.
Poppy got the dower house with proper legality. She had no obligation or the inclination to sell it.
But when Rafe Caffarelli bought the manor, he wanted the dower house as well. And he is leaving no stones unturned to pressurize Poppy to sell the dower house to him. Will he go as far as faking an attraction just to get the house?
Poppy couldn’t be sure if Rafe was just stringing her along or if he really did have feelings for her. Would Rafe really play her along just for the house?
Author Melanie Milburne has written a fun, engrossing and fast paced story in NEVER SAY NO TO A CAFFARELLI. There are hidden depths to Rafe and Poppy’s characters. The emotions and sensuality is exquisitely done. NEVER SAY NO TO A CAFFARELLI has strong characters, snappy dialogue, and tender, sweet and exciting moments which will keep a reader riveted from the first page.
August 4, 2013
This was such a great read .I enjoyed everything about this book.A great start to the Caffarelli brothers series.Looking forward to the next book .
My heart tugged a little when the reason for the hero's dislike for cake was revealed.
My only complaint was lack of an epilogue.4.5***
This was a great 50th book Melanie!
My heart tugged a little when the reason for the hero's dislike for cake was revealed.
My only complaint was lack of an epilogue.4.5***
This was a great 50th book Melanie!
August 13, 2013
Loved this books so much and can't wait for the other two to come out! gotta love a Caffarelli, for a arrogant man he was so delicious. Oh Rafe you really are a softy :) Poppy well she is a thorn in his side and no-one ever defies him, yeah right! He wants something she has and she is not selling at any price. Stick to your guns girl! then add in dogs and tea house and he doesn't know what has hit him. She is not happy about plans for the mansion adjoined to her dower house fur does fly..... then what her ex did to her well not nice and believe me she is so much better off without him. Great book Melanie and can't wait to meet his brothers :) Just loved it like all your sexy books and your 50th book which to me was a perfect book to be your 50th. Congrats on a great book and great achievement. Just could not put it down love it so much just to see what he would do next and her reaction. He was such a cheeky bad boy :)Just love Rafe so much.... always a winner for me loving the hero no matter what he does ;)love Poppy as well.
August 5, 2013
Wow! I wish Melanie Milburne had written more virginal heroines. Poppy is such a sweet and cute country girl heroine! I loved how innocent and feisty she is. She has a heart of gold but she is not afraid to speak her mind. Her ex was such a bastard for deceiving and betraying her.
Oh Rafe! I am totally in love with him! He is charming, arrogant, mature and beneath he is just a big softie. Melanie sure knows how to write sinfully sexy hot gorgeous heroes. As a boy he had to grow up fast and take care of his younger brothers after they tragically lost their parents. Like his brothers he wants what his parents had, a deep true love, and he finds that in passionate, spirited Poppy.
Can't wait for the other two books to come out for Rafe's brothers!
Oh Rafe! I am totally in love with him! He is charming, arrogant, mature and beneath he is just a big softie. Melanie sure knows how to write sinfully sexy hot gorgeous heroes. As a boy he had to grow up fast and take care of his younger brothers after they tragically lost their parents. Like his brothers he wants what his parents had, a deep true love, and he finds that in passionate, spirited Poppy.
Can't wait for the other two books to come out for Rafe's brothers!
September 4, 2013
Which is more important: a commitment to business or romantic attraction to love? Depends upon your point of view.
Goal. Focus. Win. The mantra by which Rafe Caffarelli lives his life. Handsome, sexy, and successful, he has never failed to win in his personal or professional endeavors. That is, until now. The acquisition of the Dower House to complete the estate he wants to renovate into a hotel for the uber rich has hit a snag. Would his personal attention mean continued success or will a red headed five foot five obstacle determine his first defeat?
A home. A business. A love. Was that too much to ask? Over the last few months, pretty, feisty and stubborn, Poppy Silverton was beginning to believe it was. A development company wanted to purchase the Dower House, the only home she knew. Her business was barely able to make the rent, because of the new restaurant in a neighboring town by her ex-boyfriend. The deflection of her ex-boyfriend with another woman after stealing most of her prized recipes betrayed the love she thought they had. Maybe she couldn't do anything about the boyfriend, or the recipes, but her business would improve, she vowed, and Raffaele Caffarelli would never get the Dower House. Was she spinning pipe dreams or did fate have another solution in mind?
Then they met. He was, by turns, amused, aggravated, or annoyed. She was, by turns, infuriated, agitated, or intrigued. But neither could deny the chemistry growing between them.
Were they sworn enemies or future lovers?
Could their attraction lead to a long term relationship or would long term habits tear them apart?
A light, refreshing read that made you laugh, sympathize, empathize, and root for the characters to find the best solution to find love. Melanie Milburne has produced another entertaining story.
I would recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
5/5 stars Was the answer No or Maybe???
Goal. Focus. Win. The mantra by which Rafe Caffarelli lives his life. Handsome, sexy, and successful, he has never failed to win in his personal or professional endeavors. That is, until now. The acquisition of the Dower House to complete the estate he wants to renovate into a hotel for the uber rich has hit a snag. Would his personal attention mean continued success or will a red headed five foot five obstacle determine his first defeat?
A home. A business. A love. Was that too much to ask? Over the last few months, pretty, feisty and stubborn, Poppy Silverton was beginning to believe it was. A development company wanted to purchase the Dower House, the only home she knew. Her business was barely able to make the rent, because of the new restaurant in a neighboring town by her ex-boyfriend. The deflection of her ex-boyfriend with another woman after stealing most of her prized recipes betrayed the love she thought they had. Maybe she couldn't do anything about the boyfriend, or the recipes, but her business would improve, she vowed, and Raffaele Caffarelli would never get the Dower House. Was she spinning pipe dreams or did fate have another solution in mind?
Then they met. He was, by turns, amused, aggravated, or annoyed. She was, by turns, infuriated, agitated, or intrigued. But neither could deny the chemistry growing between them.
Were they sworn enemies or future lovers?
Could their attraction lead to a long term relationship or would long term habits tear them apart?
A light, refreshing read that made you laugh, sympathize, empathize, and root for the characters to find the best solution to find love. Melanie Milburne has produced another entertaining story.
I would recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
5/5 stars Was the answer No or Maybe???
August 2, 2013
Never Say No to a Caffarelli by Melanie Milburne
Raffaele Caffarelli is half French and half Italian and every woman’s dream. Extremely good looking, and arrogant. He is use to getting what he wants both in business and in the bedroom. And right now he wants the Dower House. Rafe recently purchased The Dalrymple Estate. With his goal to turn it into a hotel spa, the only thing standing in his way is Poppy Silverton.
Poppy Silverton owns and operates a tearoom. And she has no intention of selling the Dower House to Rafe, no matter how good looking and charming he might be. This is the home she grew up in with her late Grandmother. Poppy would hate to see the estate changed.
I had mixed feelings about the character of Poppy. She was sweet but somewhat childish in some ways. And Rafe was a little too arrogant and to self-assured. I also think Poppy should have made him grovel a little more after the way he walked away.
While I enjoyed this book and love Melanie’s writing style I did have issues with some of the wording regarding Poppy. Some of her lines seemed childish, for example the following. What was a passionate scene got really awkward for this reader. Ouch … then the comment I’m sorry for being such a drama queen … as she is losing her virginity just did not work for me.
This is still an enjoyable read and I look forward to more books from Melanie.
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Raffaele Caffarelli is half French and half Italian and every woman’s dream. Extremely good looking, and arrogant. He is use to getting what he wants both in business and in the bedroom. And right now he wants the Dower House. Rafe recently purchased The Dalrymple Estate. With his goal to turn it into a hotel spa, the only thing standing in his way is Poppy Silverton.
Poppy Silverton owns and operates a tearoom. And she has no intention of selling the Dower House to Rafe, no matter how good looking and charming he might be. This is the home she grew up in with her late Grandmother. Poppy would hate to see the estate changed.
I had mixed feelings about the character of Poppy. She was sweet but somewhat childish in some ways. And Rafe was a little too arrogant and to self-assured. I also think Poppy should have made him grovel a little more after the way he walked away.
While I enjoyed this book and love Melanie’s writing style I did have issues with some of the wording regarding Poppy. Some of her lines seemed childish, for example the following. What was a passionate scene got really awkward for this reader. Ouch … then the comment I’m sorry for being such a drama queen … as she is losing her virginity just did not work for me.
This is still an enjoyable read and I look forward to more books from Melanie.
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2013
I loved it. It was a sensual and emotional romance with a hot, gorgeous hero and a virgin heroine!
October 4, 2013
Poppy's what could be quaintly described as an old fashioned girl. For this English village belle, traditional values matter. Values like respect, fidelity and loyalty. Rafe is a well travelled and cosmopolitan man who lives in the modern world. As a property developer, he deals in property worth billions of dollars. For him, money talks.
When this pair meet, how is it possible for them to get together and build a successful relationship, one that doesn't end in tears and loss and broken hearts?
Poppy's character was endearing. She came across as this little girl lost, indignant and ready to stand up for the values she cherishes. Her child/woman personality can be attributed to having been abandoned by her parents and raised by her elderly grandmother. As she grows through the story, and learns to take risks for love, one can see her grow and mature.
Rafe was way too cold for my liking, but I loved how Poppy brought out the protective, loving side of him.
The love scenes were meltingly hot. No more words needed there.
I loved the ending. Satisfactory in all ways.
This is Melanie Milburne's fiftieth book and the first in a new series. Recommended for fans of sensual romance fiction.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5/5
When this pair meet, how is it possible for them to get together and build a successful relationship, one that doesn't end in tears and loss and broken hearts?
Poppy's character was endearing. She came across as this little girl lost, indignant and ready to stand up for the values she cherishes. Her child/woman personality can be attributed to having been abandoned by her parents and raised by her elderly grandmother. As she grows through the story, and learns to take risks for love, one can see her grow and mature.
Rafe was way too cold for my liking, but I loved how Poppy brought out the protective, loving side of him.
The love scenes were meltingly hot. No more words needed there.
I loved the ending. Satisfactory in all ways.
This is Melanie Milburne's fiftieth book and the first in a new series. Recommended for fans of sensual romance fiction.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5/5
August 19, 2013
Never Say No to a Caffarelli is Lynne Graham lite. It has the cute dogs, the virgin heroine and the fabulously wealthy who was a quasi alpha hero.
I liked some of the above but had my issues. The virgin shaming. I dislike a heroine having to explain why she is one when promiscuous heroines don't explain why they've slept with multiple men.
I didn't like all the talk during sex. I skimmed that. I didn't like the heroine wanting a fling then getting angry when it ended. I knew the heroine didn't want a fling. She had a history of giving mixed signals about her feelings towards the hero.
I didn't like the heroine was so defiant. I get why she was but it's not a trait I like in a heroine.
I wish the hero was a but more alpha.
I did like the hero & heroine do a lot of talking. That's a plus. But all the lustthink was annoying.
This was an ok read.
I liked some of the above but had my issues. The virgin shaming. I dislike a heroine having to explain why she is one when promiscuous heroines don't explain why they've slept with multiple men.
I didn't like all the talk during sex. I skimmed that. I didn't like the heroine wanting a fling then getting angry when it ended. I knew the heroine didn't want a fling. She had a history of giving mixed signals about her feelings towards the hero.
I didn't like the heroine was so defiant. I get why she was but it's not a trait I like in a heroine.
I wish the hero was a but more alpha.
I did like the hero & heroine do a lot of talking. That's a plus. But all the lustthink was annoying.
This was an ok read.
November 19, 2021
This was just average for me. Not one I would choose to reread.
August 14, 2013
The heroine was awesome, outspoken, gutsy! The hero was cynical as usual and the heroine was hampering one of his acquisitions so he decides to take time from his business and women to go see her and she isn't what he expected. First of all is not that old and doesn't pander to him. I loved the chemistry between the characters. The hero has to learn to lower his shields built in his childhood in order to let the heroine in!!Great HP.
June 23, 2013
I really would have given this book 5 stars IF NOT for Poppy being a TOTAL PUSHOVER!!! ARGH!!! She could have made Rafe grovel a bit, at the very least!!!!
July 21, 2019
Nombres: Poppy & Rafaelle
Profesiones: Inversor Inmobiliario & Pastelera
Pais: Londres & Paris
Profesiones: Inversor Inmobiliario & Pastelera
Pais: Londres & Paris
August 18, 2013
Never say No to a Caffarelli is book one of three. We meet Rafe, the eldest Caffarelli brother. Strong, determined, always gets what he wants, after all who ever says No to a Caffarelli? Well that would be Poppy. Owner of the little house on the grounds of a main estate Rafe has bought to develop. Poppy's little home has been left to her and it's all she's ever known in the name of a home. It also hold all the memories for her of everyone she's ever loved. Rafe wants the home and decides to set on a path to gain ownership and convincing Poppy in the best way he knows how.
I found Never Say No to a Caffarelli quite delightful and it took me back to memories of reading my first Mills and Boons. When I was younger the characters would dance the dance of feelings and let their feelings and conversations tell the story to the eventual build up of letting it all go. I found Rafe and Poppy's story to be a dance of feelings. They didn't succumb to their feelings straight away so to get there they had to interact alot and talk alot which is not always how it is these days.
I liked Poppy, she was refreshing and my interpretation of her was that while she was unworldly she was content with her dream of the white picket fence and her tea room to be a success. I think her character was quite refreshing, she was who she was and even tho no one ever says no to Rafe in particular it was what made him look twice, this little bundle of red-headed spirit sticking up for what her little life meant to her.
Rafe was a nice introduction to the Caffarelli brothers. I love trilogy's and I cant want to read more. Both brothers were mentioned enough to make me curious and it was edge of seat reading with Raoul and his accident. I'm suspecting Lily will be more than just a physical therapist to brother Raoul and I eagerly await their story.
I really enjoyed Never Say No to a Caffarelli, it deep without being too dark, the characters were complete opposites of each other and quite likable The setting was lovely and quaint and I enjoyed reading it over a very wet Auckland weekend. I cant wait for the release of Book II.
I found Never Say No to a Caffarelli quite delightful and it took me back to memories of reading my first Mills and Boons. When I was younger the characters would dance the dance of feelings and let their feelings and conversations tell the story to the eventual build up of letting it all go. I found Rafe and Poppy's story to be a dance of feelings. They didn't succumb to their feelings straight away so to get there they had to interact alot and talk alot which is not always how it is these days.
I liked Poppy, she was refreshing and my interpretation of her was that while she was unworldly she was content with her dream of the white picket fence and her tea room to be a success. I think her character was quite refreshing, she was who she was and even tho no one ever says no to Rafe in particular it was what made him look twice, this little bundle of red-headed spirit sticking up for what her little life meant to her.
Rafe was a nice introduction to the Caffarelli brothers. I love trilogy's and I cant want to read more. Both brothers were mentioned enough to make me curious and it was edge of seat reading with Raoul and his accident. I'm suspecting Lily will be more than just a physical therapist to brother Raoul and I eagerly await their story.
I really enjoyed Never Say No to a Caffarelli, it deep without being too dark, the characters were complete opposites of each other and quite likable The setting was lovely and quaint and I enjoyed reading it over a very wet Auckland weekend. I cant wait for the release of Book II.
September 20, 2013
4.5 stars
First entry to Melanie Milburne new series. The Caffarelli Brothers.
A beautifully crafted book with just the right amount of emotions, tension and humor.
I enjoyed this enemies-to- lovers story. I absolutely adored Rafe and Poppy. From the very start, their attraction is sizzling, their interactions are fun to read, and the banter witty.
Poppy is a sweet, soft-hearted heroine. She is also spirited and defiant.
No woman had ever said no to Rafe. Poppy is a challenge. Her defiance speaks to everything that is alpha in him. And her sweetness is just what this playboy needs. If only he stops fighting his feelings.
First entry to Melanie Milburne new series. The Caffarelli Brothers.
A beautifully crafted book with just the right amount of emotions, tension and humor.
I enjoyed this enemies-to- lovers story. I absolutely adored Rafe and Poppy. From the very start, their attraction is sizzling, their interactions are fun to read, and the banter witty.
Poppy is a sweet, soft-hearted heroine. She is also spirited and defiant.
No woman had ever said no to Rafe. Poppy is a challenge. Her defiance speaks to everything that is alpha in him. And her sweetness is just what this playboy needs. If only he stops fighting his feelings.
September 18, 2013
I loved this story Poppy and Rafe are the best for each other Poppy makes Rafe who is really is a very caring hero behind a rich playboy persona think about life and their adventure to a HEA is wonderful and I am looking forward to the other stories in this series
August 27, 2015
Shame that I have read it last though this was the first book in the Cafarelli brothers. But dont blame me, I had a hard time finding the copy. Yet it was so worth it!!
I love the book. I love Rafe and the Poopy, the heroine is the one you will surely adore! xx
I love the book. I love Rafe and the Poopy, the heroine is the one you will surely adore! xx
August 14, 2013
Loved this fun, witty and emotional story! Now looking forward to books 2 & 3 from The Caffarelli Trilogy!
November 3, 2018
This one was pretty darn cute.
Its the first in a 3 part mini series about 3 older brothers who don't do love due to them being orphaned as kids and raised thereafter by their unfeeling grandpa.
Our H Rafe is the oldest brother and of course the one responsible for the 2 younger brothers so therefoe seen as the more staid and boring of the 3 (as opposed to daredevil middle bro and gambling/needs to prove himself youngest).
He meets our h Poppy when he attempts to buy her house which is part of the estate he just bought and he wants to turn it into an upscale hotel. She is having none of it because its her first real home (she was raised by her now deceased gran). He is not impressed by her attitude as he always gets what he wants and she loathes the H because she thinks the house should be a family home.
I actually think shes got a bit of a cheek tbh its not like its her home or anything he bought it fair and square and is his to do with as he will. Where does she get off thinking it needs a family living there? )Star lost by h here for being an interfering busybody) I also think shes a stereotypical, too nice who does everything for everyone and again needs woodland creatures to do her housework as she sings. She isn't a total loser though as she has 3 dogs.
Its inevitable that these 2 fall in love/lust. There is a blip at the end when middle bro is severely injured and the H dumps her o go to his side preferring to deal with it on his own. I can kind of see his point his brother has to be his most important thing here and his relationship with the h was very new and he hadn't quite worked out his feelings so I'm not mad at him.
He returns when he realises and does a satisfactory apology to win the h back and we leave these 2 planning marriage and babies and the house becoming their family home.
Its the first in a 3 part mini series about 3 older brothers who don't do love due to them being orphaned as kids and raised thereafter by their unfeeling grandpa.
Our H Rafe is the oldest brother and of course the one responsible for the 2 younger brothers so therefoe seen as the more staid and boring of the 3 (as opposed to daredevil middle bro and gambling/needs to prove himself youngest).
He meets our h Poppy when he attempts to buy her house which is part of the estate he just bought and he wants to turn it into an upscale hotel. She is having none of it because its her first real home (she was raised by her now deceased gran). He is not impressed by her attitude as he always gets what he wants and she loathes the H because she thinks the house should be a family home.
I actually think shes got a bit of a cheek tbh its not like its her home or anything he bought it fair and square and is his to do with as he will. Where does she get off thinking it needs a family living there? )Star lost by h here for being an interfering busybody) I also think shes a stereotypical, too nice who does everything for everyone and again needs woodland creatures to do her housework as she sings. She isn't a total loser though as she has 3 dogs.
Its inevitable that these 2 fall in love/lust. There is a blip at the end when middle bro is severely injured and the H dumps her o go to his side preferring to deal with it on his own. I can kind of see his point his brother has to be his most important thing here and his relationship with the h was very new and he hadn't quite worked out his feelings so I'm not mad at him.
He returns when he realises and does a satisfactory apology to win the h back and we leave these 2 planning marriage and babies and the house becoming their family home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2018
Well written story with strong mature characters. Poppy and Rafe are both easy to love. They both have a painful past but they aren't angry and bitter just more cautious when it comes to relationships. Poppy can't decide what she wants more to rip his clothes off or his head. She's afraid he's only sleeping with her so she will sell her house to him and he is afraid she'll want more from him than just sex. She figures out that she's in love with him about the same time his brother is in an accident and he shuts her out and tells her it's over so he can focus all his attention on his brother. So she tries to build a wall around her heart and become the hard business woman and he has to open up and tell her how he feels when he finally realizes that he's in love and wants her back permanently as his wife. HEA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2013
FEISTY HEROINE
Poppy owns and runs her own Victorian style tea shop in a small village. She recently split with her boyfriend Oliver after he betrayed her. She lives in a dower house on a large run-down estate. The manor house has recently been sold after the owner died. But he had left the dower house to Poppy and her grandmother. Poppy had recently lost her grandmother, and now whoever bought the manor house was badgering her to sell her home as well.
Rafe Cafferelli decides to deal with the owner of the dower house personally, their refusal to sell is holding up his plans to turn the estate into a luxury spa. But when he arrives and meets the feisty Poppy he's taken aback by her attitude to him. Women usually fall over themselves to do anything he wants.
A very predictable. Storyline, but it's well written and I liked the fact that the heroine didn't melt into a puddle every time the hero looked her way. Poppy is twenty five but seems much older in this. Some might feel she's a bit dated in her thinking. But I liked her, she certainly gives Rafe Cafferelli what for. As for Rafe he's the usual billionaire type, tall dark and handsome and completely irrisitable. I liked their interactions, I also thought their relationship needing fleshing out a bit more. But overall this is a pleasant read.
Poppy owns and runs her own Victorian style tea shop in a small village. She recently split with her boyfriend Oliver after he betrayed her. She lives in a dower house on a large run-down estate. The manor house has recently been sold after the owner died. But he had left the dower house to Poppy and her grandmother. Poppy had recently lost her grandmother, and now whoever bought the manor house was badgering her to sell her home as well.
Rafe Cafferelli decides to deal with the owner of the dower house personally, their refusal to sell is holding up his plans to turn the estate into a luxury spa. But when he arrives and meets the feisty Poppy he's taken aback by her attitude to him. Women usually fall over themselves to do anything he wants.
A very predictable. Storyline, but it's well written and I liked the fact that the heroine didn't melt into a puddle every time the hero looked her way. Poppy is twenty five but seems much older in this. Some might feel she's a bit dated in her thinking. But I liked her, she certainly gives Rafe Cafferelli what for. As for Rafe he's the usual billionaire type, tall dark and handsome and completely irrisitable. I liked their interactions, I also thought their relationship needing fleshing out a bit more. But overall this is a pleasant read.
February 12, 2014
This is a very enjoyable read. I love Rafe and Poppy. Rafe is use to getting what he wants no matter what until he meets his match Poppy. She innocent and has a heart of gold and not afraid to say NO!!! They started as enemies, became friends and in the end lovers. It was the sweetest love scene I've read Rafe as hard core as he is in business. He is a respectful and gentle lover to Poppy. Super Special.
September 3, 2016
This was book three in a series about the Caffarelli brothers, When I recived the book in the mail I went and bought book 1 and 2 which I'm glad I did all three books were great, once I started with book one I did not want to put it down. This book was on the younger brother Remy and the woman who finally stole his heart -Angelique and all the ups and downs they had. Worth reading the whole series.
October 24, 2022
Ne tak úplně udrží myšlenku a překlad nic moc.
s. 114 Sáhl pro kondom do zásuvky nočního stolku
s. 195 „Myslím, že musíš mít u postele průmyslové maxi balení, hned vedle krabice s kondomy.“ (...)
„Mám u sebe jen tři. V peněžence.“
s. 9 [dům]
Ale potřebuje rodinu. Volá po ní od doby, kdy před mnoha lety žena lorda Dalrymplea zemřela při porodu.
s. 41 [dům]
Posledních šedesát let se utápěl v truchlení
Takže lord D byl vdovcem 60 let?
A je přes rok mrtvý. (s.31)
s. 31 „Znal jste lorda Dalrymplea?“
„Jeho žena se s tou mou přátelila od dětství,“ řekl Compton.
Což zjevně nebylo dlouho, bo žena pana Comptona, který do čajovny chodí od doby, kdy ovdověl, v šestašedesáti letech zemřela. (s. 28)
To se přátelily do jejích čtyř let?
A vdávala se v porodnici?
s. 111 „They’re a dime a dozen.“
s. 94 třináct do tuctu
Proč třináct?
s. 122 „You’re like a Persian cat with a fur-ball stuck in its throat.“
s. 104 „Jsi jako perská kočka, když potřebuje vymotat kuličku z chlupů.“
s. 14 naběhali [naběhaly]
s. 141 Popy [Poppy]
špatné dělení slov - s. 41, 47
[české vydání]
s. 114 Sáhl pro kondom do zásuvky nočního stolku
s. 195 „Myslím, že musíš mít u postele průmyslové maxi balení, hned vedle krabice s kondomy.“ (...)
„Mám u sebe jen tři. V peněžence.“
s. 9 [dům]
Ale potřebuje rodinu. Volá po ní od doby, kdy před mnoha lety žena lorda Dalrymplea zemřela při porodu.
s. 41 [dům]
Posledních šedesát let se utápěl v truchlení
Takže lord D byl vdovcem 60 let?
A je přes rok mrtvý. (s.31)
s. 31 „Znal jste lorda Dalrymplea?“
„Jeho žena se s tou mou přátelila od dětství,“ řekl Compton.
Což zjevně nebylo dlouho, bo žena pana Comptona, který do čajovny chodí od doby, kdy ovdověl, v šestašedesáti letech zemřela. (s. 28)
To se přátelily do jejích čtyř let?
A vdávala se v porodnici?
s. 111 „They’re a dime a dozen.“
s. 94 třináct do tuctu
Proč třináct?
s. 122 „You’re like a Persian cat with a fur-ball stuck in its throat.“
s. 104 „Jsi jako perská kočka, když potřebuje vymotat kuličku z chlupů.“
s. 14 naběhali [naběhaly]
s. 141 Popy [Poppy]
špatné dělení slov - s. 41, 47
[české vydání]
November 20, 2023
There was something about this book that just didn't sit right with me. I loved the characters, loved the plot, and loved the setting. It was very interesting to see Rafe and Poppy interact with each other. I really want to give Rafe's brothers tight hugs. The best thing was Poppy's determination to not back down.
But again there was just something that held me back from enjoying it fully. I could say it was Poppy's insistence on wanting more out of their relationship when she knew what she was getting into but then I totally get where she was coming from. So no, that wasn't it.
Maybe it was the way the love confessions were sort of rushed. But then I always find the endings in Melanie Milburne books rushed. This could totally be a 'me' problem.
Well. Instead of brooding over it I'm just going to let it sit and be happy about what I did enjoy. I think Poppy and Rafe are perfect for each other.
But again there was just something that held me back from enjoying it fully. I could say it was Poppy's insistence on wanting more out of their relationship when she knew what she was getting into but then I totally get where she was coming from. So no, that wasn't it.
Maybe it was the way the love confessions were sort of rushed. But then I always find the endings in Melanie Milburne books rushed. This could totally be a 'me' problem.
Well. Instead of brooding over it I'm just going to let it sit and be happy about what I did enjoy. I think Poppy and Rafe are perfect for each other.
July 12, 2020
Enjoyed the book but I’m a little tired of reading books where the heroine falls in love with the hero after been told and knowing that he’s not about that (love) and expect him to also be in love with her and is disappointed when it doesn’t happen as soon as possible. Didn’t like Chloe projecting her wishes (delusions) on Poppy a friend is supposed to be your voice of reasoning when yours has been dropped
March 16, 2024
"Never Say No to a Caffarelli" is the story of Poppy and Rafe.
Sweet romance between a village belle and a big bad developer. He wants her land, she doesnt want to sell. They are at loggerheads and chemistry sparks between them. There are three sweet doggos, exploration of past traumas, some sweet moments and a HEA.
Safe
3/5
Sweet romance between a village belle and a big bad developer. He wants her land, she doesnt want to sell. They are at loggerheads and chemistry sparks between them. There are three sweet doggos, exploration of past traumas, some sweet moments and a HEA.
Safe
3/5
January 9, 2017
Totally loved this story so much, pride and power of self go out the window when fighting for love especially when you messed up and are actually in love, a tears with joy, love me a HEA always love it
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