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Sarantos Siblings #2
Claiming His Own
It is only an affair…or so they believe in this Billionaires and Babies tale from USA TODAY bestselling author Olivia Gates
From their first explosive night, Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov agreed to no commitment, only pure pleasure. Then her pregnancy changed everything.
Though the Russian tycoon made the baby his heir, he disappeared from Caliope's life. Now, he's back, offering everything he didn't in the past. But the shining promise of a happy ending is eclipsed by the shadow of his tragic past…and his dark future. Will Caliope's heart break again? Or will Maksim risk everything to claim this woman and child as his own?
From their first explosive night, Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov agreed to no commitment, only pure pleasure. Then her pregnancy changed everything.
Though the Russian tycoon made the baby his heir, he disappeared from Caliope's life. Now, he's back, offering everything he didn't in the past. But the shining promise of a happy ending is eclipsed by the shadow of his tragic past…and his dark future. Will Caliope's heart break again? Or will Maksim risk everything to claim this woman and child as his own?
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
29 people are currently reading
591 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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 10, 2013
A hot sexy Russian hero, a super fabulous plot with lots of twists and turns and an explosive ending that will leave you in complete awe, yes this book had it all and so much more.
Definitely one of the most intense reads of the year! The book tells the story of Caliope and Maksim, brought together by a fierce attraction their raging passionate nights leads to Cali becoming pregnant but instead of the normal he will do anything to be with her and the baby the author took this read in a whole other direction.
Maksim will claim the child as his heir but does not want to be part of it's life, but he will be around for Cali as long as she will have him.
So when he suddenly disappears Cali is convinced something terrible happened to him, after all he said he would be with her till their passion fades with the baby only in the background
( yes I know this sounds incredible and believe me it was the plot of the year).
A year goes by and suddenly Maksim is back, but standing on Cali's doorstep is not the man she fell in love with, he is only half the man she knew, when he reveals the reason for leaving Cali is not only in shock but also a state of utter confusion., Maksim wants her and the baby and a marriage. Why now and not before? And how is she meant to make this decision without it being a direct reflection to her mother's past?
The character of Maskim was truly mind blowing-ly fascinating! I truly could not get enough of this hero. Strong, sexy and confident the one minute and helpless and a heap of sorrow the next. His reasoning for taking off then just popping back up made him a very intriguing hero and his kind and caring nature touched my heart.
But what I found most fascinating was the inner battle he fights with himself in wanting to be with Cali but not wanting to hurt her. This reminded me that in real life it is what each and everyone of us do, we want, need and crave but in an attempt to not face failure we try to control the future and of course this is impossible and in the process our attempts cause more damage.
The character of Cali was brilliant. Strong and always ready to push for what she wants and needs, but also always alert to know when it is time to stop pushing and rather start re-directing those in her life ready to meddle in her happiness. I absolutely adored how the author let Cali have this hangup with her mother and the actions she takes in life, it showed her as I think most woman are, afraid to turn into their mothers yet when faced with similar circumstances the true understanding into their mothers actions becomes a clear and very vivid reality, opening the road to understanding.
The backdrop settings were simply amazing! Each and every setting was mouthwatering, laced with so much vivid description it left me in a state of wonder and wanting to be right there to see what was being described, but with the exquisite descriptions it was as if I truly was!
The dialogue was filled with such heartbreaking emotion and intensity it left me in tears more than once both of sorrow and joy. The most amazing of all was the twists and turns of this read, just when I thought I had it figured out the author would take it to a whole new level which reminded me that this is exactly what real life is like, it is never the perfect road , and therefore this read was as real as it gets and I found it simply brilliant.
But it did also leave me with quite a number of stares in my direction when a twist happened and I would shout out a big ear piercing "NO!" yes I truly believe the others in the room thought me completely mad. For me this just meant that the author truly wrote a masterpiece and I was completely entranced.
I am taking away a message of tragedy can strike at any time and our perfect happy lives can become bleak and meaningless but we have no control of the when or where or what and for this reason it is of the highest importance to always live each day to the fullest and be with the ones we love for tomorrow they may be gone.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance so intense and filled with the wonder of life, you will be in trapped in world of pure brilliant romance! Sensual, sexy, passionate, spicy and simply beautiful!
5 star review
" Claiming his family brings him back to life"
** This review can also be found on Romance Book Haven Reviews http://rbh-contemporary.blogspot.com/...
Definitely one of the most intense reads of the year! The book tells the story of Caliope and Maksim, brought together by a fierce attraction their raging passionate nights leads to Cali becoming pregnant but instead of the normal he will do anything to be with her and the baby the author took this read in a whole other direction.
Maksim will claim the child as his heir but does not want to be part of it's life, but he will be around for Cali as long as she will have him.
So when he suddenly disappears Cali is convinced something terrible happened to him, after all he said he would be with her till their passion fades with the baby only in the background
( yes I know this sounds incredible and believe me it was the plot of the year).
A year goes by and suddenly Maksim is back, but standing on Cali's doorstep is not the man she fell in love with, he is only half the man she knew, when he reveals the reason for leaving Cali is not only in shock but also a state of utter confusion., Maksim wants her and the baby and a marriage. Why now and not before? And how is she meant to make this decision without it being a direct reflection to her mother's past?
The character of Maskim was truly mind blowing-ly fascinating! I truly could not get enough of this hero. Strong, sexy and confident the one minute and helpless and a heap of sorrow the next. His reasoning for taking off then just popping back up made him a very intriguing hero and his kind and caring nature touched my heart.
But what I found most fascinating was the inner battle he fights with himself in wanting to be with Cali but not wanting to hurt her. This reminded me that in real life it is what each and everyone of us do, we want, need and crave but in an attempt to not face failure we try to control the future and of course this is impossible and in the process our attempts cause more damage.
The character of Cali was brilliant. Strong and always ready to push for what she wants and needs, but also always alert to know when it is time to stop pushing and rather start re-directing those in her life ready to meddle in her happiness. I absolutely adored how the author let Cali have this hangup with her mother and the actions she takes in life, it showed her as I think most woman are, afraid to turn into their mothers yet when faced with similar circumstances the true understanding into their mothers actions becomes a clear and very vivid reality, opening the road to understanding.
The backdrop settings were simply amazing! Each and every setting was mouthwatering, laced with so much vivid description it left me in a state of wonder and wanting to be right there to see what was being described, but with the exquisite descriptions it was as if I truly was!
The dialogue was filled with such heartbreaking emotion and intensity it left me in tears more than once both of sorrow and joy. The most amazing of all was the twists and turns of this read, just when I thought I had it figured out the author would take it to a whole new level which reminded me that this is exactly what real life is like, it is never the perfect road , and therefore this read was as real as it gets and I found it simply brilliant.
But it did also leave me with quite a number of stares in my direction when a twist happened and I would shout out a big ear piercing "NO!" yes I truly believe the others in the room thought me completely mad. For me this just meant that the author truly wrote a masterpiece and I was completely entranced.
I am taking away a message of tragedy can strike at any time and our perfect happy lives can become bleak and meaningless but we have no control of the when or where or what and for this reason it is of the highest importance to always live each day to the fullest and be with the ones we love for tomorrow they may be gone.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance so intense and filled with the wonder of life, you will be in trapped in world of pure brilliant romance! Sensual, sexy, passionate, spicy and simply beautiful!
5 star review
" Claiming his family brings him back to life"
** This review can also be found on Romance Book Haven Reviews http://rbh-contemporary.blogspot.com/...
May 18, 2014
Reading Olivia Gates books are like serving up the most decadent over the top dessert and then adding sprinkles on top. They are almost too much. The smex scenes sizzle, the emotions are full on, the language is often almost poetical. In some ways they remind me of Violet Winspear if she'd been allowed to write Smexytimes.
This is one of the most emotional category reads I've come across for a while. Maksim and Caliope are lovers but neither want to get too involved because of the tragedies in their past. When Caliope gets pregnant, it changes everything. Maksim at first seems to be prepared to take responsibility without becoming emotionally involved but then he vanishes entirely for almost a year.
The story really gets going when he returns but Caliope is reluctant to take him back. What follows is a roller coaster ride of emotions. This books made me cry more than once.
Maksim is a fascinating hero. Underneath his steely facade is a cauldron of seething emotion, for Caliope and for his son Leo. Caliope is a strong woman but is reluctant to take a chance on Maksim, afraid that it will make her weak.
I really enjoyed every bit of this story, even the bits that made me cry.
This is one of the most emotional category reads I've come across for a while. Maksim and Caliope are lovers but neither want to get too involved because of the tragedies in their past. When Caliope gets pregnant, it changes everything. Maksim at first seems to be prepared to take responsibility without becoming emotionally involved but then he vanishes entirely for almost a year.
The story really gets going when he returns but Caliope is reluctant to take him back. What follows is a roller coaster ride of emotions. This books made me cry more than once.
Maksim is a fascinating hero. Underneath his steely facade is a cauldron of seething emotion, for Caliope and for his son Leo. Caliope is a strong woman but is reluctant to take a chance on Maksim, afraid that it will make her weak.
I really enjoyed every bit of this story, even the bits that made me cry.
November 16, 2013
A love story of incrediible proportions. An intensity of emotions it will have your heart racing. A couple who, despite the odds, find a way.
Olivia Gates has written another fabulous love story with characters that are real and very human. Her trademark writing style is almost poetic as she takes the reader throgh the lives of Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov.
Their love was instant and all-cosuming and just when Caliope needed him most, he was gone. What happened to Maksim is revealed as he suddenly re-enters Caliope's life and she finds out secrets from his past and secrets that can affect his future - and hers!
I very much enjoyed this book. It is filled with everything we Harlequin readers look for in a romance novel. Highly recommended.
Olivia Gates has written another fabulous love story with characters that are real and very human. Her trademark writing style is almost poetic as she takes the reader throgh the lives of Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov.
Their love was instant and all-cosuming and just when Caliope needed him most, he was gone. What happened to Maksim is revealed as he suddenly re-enters Caliope's life and she finds out secrets from his past and secrets that can affect his future - and hers!
I very much enjoyed this book. It is filled with everything we Harlequin readers look for in a romance novel. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2013
There is so much angst in this story that it was occasionally hard to read, but worth sticking it out. The affair between Cali and Maksim was explosive. They had agreed to stay clear of any kind of commitment and it was working well for them - until Cali got pregnant. At that point Maksim's actions became very erratic. He told Cali that he would make sure that the baby would be his heir and she would be taken care of but he could not be part of their daily lives, though he still wanted to be her lover for as long as she'd have him. Then he would leave for awhile, then come back as if nothing was wrong. Finally, when she was about seven months along, he disappeared completely. Cali was heartbroken and desperate to find out what had happened to him, giving up only when she gave birth. When Leo was nine months old, Maksim suddenly reappeared, ready to explain what had happened and to give Cali everything she had dreamed of. But there are still obstacles to their happiness.
Cali was an amazingly strong woman. The chemistry between her and Maksim was strong and she had started to develop feelings for him before her pregnancy. His actions afterward confused her and she didn't know what to do. When he disappeared all she wanted was to find out if he was ok, but heard nothing from him. After Leo was born she put her life back together and was moving on when Maksim suddenly reappeared. He is explains what sent him running and she is ready to accept him back into her life until he tells her one more thing. She is afraid of losing him all over again but cannot deny him the chance to get to know his son. I loved the way that she does everything she can to make it easier on Maksim to spend time with Leo. The more time he spends with them the closer she comes to giving him her entire heart. I liked the way that the more she saw of him with Leo and also with his mother the more she was convinced that he could never be like his father. When tragedy nearly takes him from her again she has to decide if she's willing to accept his limits or hold out for everything.
Maksim has a terrible secret eating away at any chance he has for a future with Cali. He comes from a long line of abusers and desperately fears that he could become one also. The strength of his passion for Cali makes him fear that other passions could overwhelm him. When he finds out about her pregnancy his fears overcome him. As much as he tries to stay away to protect her his passion for her keeps drawing him back, until finally he forces himself to stay away. When he shows up again a year later he has finally gotten a handle on his fears and is ready to offer her his heart. He is dismayed when she refuses to accept him back into her life, but does get her to allow him to get to know his son. He would like nothing more than to become a proper family but accepts her demands. I loved seeing the way that he became such a wonderful father, willing to do anything that Cali told him to do. I also loved the way he accepted whatever her family wanted to say to him as being deserving of it. Maksim's obvious love for Leo and the care he takes of his mother make it obvious that he could never be an abuser, but it takes a lot to convince him. Then his health issues cause him to try to drive Cali away in an attempt to protect her from grief. He nearly throws away his chance for a happy future because of a possibility.
Cali was an amazingly strong woman. The chemistry between her and Maksim was strong and she had started to develop feelings for him before her pregnancy. His actions afterward confused her and she didn't know what to do. When he disappeared all she wanted was to find out if he was ok, but heard nothing from him. After Leo was born she put her life back together and was moving on when Maksim suddenly reappeared. He is explains what sent him running and she is ready to accept him back into her life until he tells her one more thing. She is afraid of losing him all over again but cannot deny him the chance to get to know his son. I loved the way that she does everything she can to make it easier on Maksim to spend time with Leo. The more time he spends with them the closer she comes to giving him her entire heart. I liked the way that the more she saw of him with Leo and also with his mother the more she was convinced that he could never be like his father. When tragedy nearly takes him from her again she has to decide if she's willing to accept his limits or hold out for everything.
Maksim has a terrible secret eating away at any chance he has for a future with Cali. He comes from a long line of abusers and desperately fears that he could become one also. The strength of his passion for Cali makes him fear that other passions could overwhelm him. When he finds out about her pregnancy his fears overcome him. As much as he tries to stay away to protect her his passion for her keeps drawing him back, until finally he forces himself to stay away. When he shows up again a year later he has finally gotten a handle on his fears and is ready to offer her his heart. He is dismayed when she refuses to accept him back into her life, but does get her to allow him to get to know his son. He would like nothing more than to become a proper family but accepts her demands. I loved seeing the way that he became such a wonderful father, willing to do anything that Cali told him to do. I also loved the way he accepted whatever her family wanted to say to him as being deserving of it. Maksim's obvious love for Leo and the care he takes of his mother make it obvious that he could never be an abuser, but it takes a lot to convince him. Then his health issues cause him to try to drive Cali away in an attempt to protect her from grief. He nearly throws away his chance for a happy future because of a possibility.
November 9, 2013
When Olivia Gates creates a story for a hero, I know his future with the heroine will not be an easy journey. Her book in the Billionaires and Babies miniseries delves into the lives of two individuals with an intensity rarely conveyed, and I became totally invested in what would ultimately happen to them. The featured couple in CLAIMING HIS OWN has to overcome some of the most demanding challenges imaginable, and each situation is depicted with such genuine emotions and lots of heartbreak. Ms. Gates has always been able to draw me into her stories because of the huge amount of emotional incidents, and CLAIMING HIS OWN is one of her most powerfully written to date.
With the strong sexual chemistry between them, Maksim Volkov and Caliope Sarantos decided to enjoy a relationship based on satisfying their mutual attraction. Both knew it would never turn into anything permanent. When she becomes pregnant, the physical side of their affair continues but the Russian tycoon puzzlingly begins to distance himself from her. Before she delivers their baby, he suddenly quits coming around. After their son is born, Caliope loves the boy unconditionally but is not completely happy because Maksim is absent from their lives.
Then one night, Maksim reappears but seems to be a changed man in numerous ways. The explanation he gives Caliope for his past actions stuns her. He wants to be in the life of his son and the woman he adores, giving them anything they need, but personal fears have held him back. Now the time has come for Maksim and Caliope to make some tough choices, ones that will affect all three of them forever.
The more I read CLAIMING HIS OWN, the more I became involved in the lives of two wonderful people. Caliope is a very resilient woman, as she does not let events that arise in her life keep her from moving on. Her feisty nature is apparent, regardless of who is talking to her, as she always speaks her mind and does not let anyone push her around if she disagrees with their thinking. Although Maksim is a very influential person in the business world, he is an altogether different man whenever he comes in contact with Caliope. His only wants to bring happiness into her world, yet sometimes his reasoning still causes her suffering. During these trying moments, I truly felt the torment these two suffered through because of the overpoweringly effective writing of Ms. Gates. Even though there is much emotional upheaval in CLAIMING HIS OWN, there are also scenes where the desire between Maksim and Caliope is expressed with intense passion that is both enthusiastic and tender. What this couple experiences with each other is portrayed with so much realism, and I could sense their every heartfelt wish. CLAIMING HIS OWN is constantly affecting with profound emotions.
While Ms. Gates is known for constructing notable settings for her Sheikh heroes, the Russian locale and its history in this book are also outstanding and exceedingly colorful. Being able to transport the reader to a different place is something I thoroughly enjoy, and I was definitely able to visualize many places in the story because of in-depth ad vivid descriptions. Another remarkable read from an author who makes her books come across as real because of the characters.
With the strong sexual chemistry between them, Maksim Volkov and Caliope Sarantos decided to enjoy a relationship based on satisfying their mutual attraction. Both knew it would never turn into anything permanent. When she becomes pregnant, the physical side of their affair continues but the Russian tycoon puzzlingly begins to distance himself from her. Before she delivers their baby, he suddenly quits coming around. After their son is born, Caliope loves the boy unconditionally but is not completely happy because Maksim is absent from their lives.
Then one night, Maksim reappears but seems to be a changed man in numerous ways. The explanation he gives Caliope for his past actions stuns her. He wants to be in the life of his son and the woman he adores, giving them anything they need, but personal fears have held him back. Now the time has come for Maksim and Caliope to make some tough choices, ones that will affect all three of them forever.
The more I read CLAIMING HIS OWN, the more I became involved in the lives of two wonderful people. Caliope is a very resilient woman, as she does not let events that arise in her life keep her from moving on. Her feisty nature is apparent, regardless of who is talking to her, as she always speaks her mind and does not let anyone push her around if she disagrees with their thinking. Although Maksim is a very influential person in the business world, he is an altogether different man whenever he comes in contact with Caliope. His only wants to bring happiness into her world, yet sometimes his reasoning still causes her suffering. During these trying moments, I truly felt the torment these two suffered through because of the overpoweringly effective writing of Ms. Gates. Even though there is much emotional upheaval in CLAIMING HIS OWN, there are also scenes where the desire between Maksim and Caliope is expressed with intense passion that is both enthusiastic and tender. What this couple experiences with each other is portrayed with so much realism, and I could sense their every heartfelt wish. CLAIMING HIS OWN is constantly affecting with profound emotions.
While Ms. Gates is known for constructing notable settings for her Sheikh heroes, the Russian locale and its history in this book are also outstanding and exceedingly colorful. Being able to transport the reader to a different place is something I thoroughly enjoy, and I was definitely able to visualize many places in the story because of in-depth ad vivid descriptions. Another remarkable read from an author who makes her books come across as real because of the characters.
November 18, 2013
CLAIMING HIS OWN by Olivia Gates is a Harlequin Desire release for November 2013.
Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov discover their scorching hot passion for each other. And get into a no-commitment fling.
But with Cali getting pregnant, it would of course have to change. Yet Maksim walks away from her and her baby. So would Cali take him back when he comes?
Would Cali let him meet his son?
CLAIMING HIS OWN is a lively contemporary romance with a strong heroine you will love and want to cherish and a gorgeous bad boy hero you are sure to swoon over. Author Olivia Gates brings to live this sparkling tale of second chance romance with all the sensuality and tension which is her trademark!
Highly recommended and well worth reading!
Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov discover their scorching hot passion for each other. And get into a no-commitment fling.
But with Cali getting pregnant, it would of course have to change. Yet Maksim walks away from her and her baby. So would Cali take him back when he comes?
Would Cali let him meet his son?
CLAIMING HIS OWN is a lively contemporary romance with a strong heroine you will love and want to cherish and a gorgeous bad boy hero you are sure to swoon over. Author Olivia Gates brings to live this sparkling tale of second chance romance with all the sensuality and tension which is her trademark!
Highly recommended and well worth reading!
January 18, 2019
A sweet and intense second chance baby romance - not secret at all ...
H leaves pregnant at 7 months h as he comes from an abusive background and feels he might be the same with the baby and h ... he comes back when the baby is 9 months old and he has been in an accident; he comes with a potentially terminal medical condition ... he asks h to marry him but she refuses, telling him he left her alone and came back with a medical condition and expects her to drop everything and marry him ...
She appears hard hearted but she also has her reasons
What I liked the most; the H and his baby son's interactions are just so sweet and tender ... Olivia Gates writes beautiful plot moppets ...
So the H, h and the baby get close again and work on their relationship ...
Overall a good read ..
H leaves pregnant at 7 months h as he comes from an abusive background and feels he might be the same with the baby and h ... he comes back when the baby is 9 months old and he has been in an accident; he comes with a potentially terminal medical condition ... he asks h to marry him but she refuses, telling him he left her alone and came back with a medical condition and expects her to drop everything and marry him ...
She appears hard hearted but she also has her reasons
What I liked the most; the H and his baby son's interactions are just so sweet and tender ... Olivia Gates writes beautiful plot moppets ...
So the H, h and the baby get close again and work on their relationship ...
Overall a good read ..
November 14, 2013
In Olivia Gates latest book Claiming His Own: We find Maksim and Caliope who first meet across a crowded room. And agree to a friend’s with benefits type relationship. Neither one is interested in anything serious, for personal reasons.
When Cali accidently becomes pregnant a year into their relationship she has already managed to fall in love with Maksim. When she confesses she is pregnant she is shocked by his reaction, but agrees to his terms. She just was not prepared for him to walk away without a word.
Maksim had what he believed to be very good reasons for walking away from Cali. One year later he is back. But this is where the story really takes off. And we learn why Maksim made the choices he did. Maksim is back and he wants to be a father to their son.
Just when you believe all will end well between these two, this story takes a very emotional rollercoaster ride. And this reader was holding her breathe and praying for a great outcome. Then Maksim once again breaks Cali’s heart.
Olivia does any amazing job of writing characters with deep emotions. She was able to showcase their strengths and weaknesses and the passionate obsession with each other. She also was able to take this reader along on the trip to Russia. Without giving too much away Olivia described a special occasion that took place while in Russia with great detail.
Favorite line:
“ Ya ocheen skoocha po tebyeh, moya dorogoya.”
I missed you so terribly, my darling.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
When Cali accidently becomes pregnant a year into their relationship she has already managed to fall in love with Maksim. When she confesses she is pregnant she is shocked by his reaction, but agrees to his terms. She just was not prepared for him to walk away without a word.
Maksim had what he believed to be very good reasons for walking away from Cali. One year later he is back. But this is where the story really takes off. And we learn why Maksim made the choices he did. Maksim is back and he wants to be a father to their son.
Just when you believe all will end well between these two, this story takes a very emotional rollercoaster ride. And this reader was holding her breathe and praying for a great outcome. Then Maksim once again breaks Cali’s heart.
Olivia does any amazing job of writing characters with deep emotions. She was able to showcase their strengths and weaknesses and the passionate obsession with each other. She also was able to take this reader along on the trip to Russia. Without giving too much away Olivia described a special occasion that took place while in Russia with great detail.
Favorite line:
“ Ya ocheen skoocha po tebyeh, moya dorogoya.”
I missed you so terribly, my darling.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2013
I loved this story it is so intense and emotional and had me turning the pages Maksim is like a Russian bear a billionaire who falls head over heals for Greek born Caliope neither wants anything permanent and when Caliope falls pregnant and Maksim walks away neither of them cope very well but after an accident brings Maksim back the strength of their love wins through with still a lot of hurdles to cross. This is a story you will fall into and cry and smile.
December 4, 2013
This was a life saver. It was absolutely amazing. Loved, loved Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov. Maksim was deliciously yummy. Just as Aris Sarantos was. :)
The Sarantos series is highly recommended. Thank you so much Jennie for recommending them to me.
The Sarantos series is highly recommended. Thank you so much Jennie for recommending them to me.
November 11, 2013
I just loved this story. I was hooked from the very first page till the last.
January 5, 2014
Claiming His Own
Anyone who is familiar with Olivia Gates' books knows that she doesn't write small stories. She writes big, emotional stories with a strong heroine; an alpha hero who, despite himself, conflicts, and all other circumstances, is unwaveringly in love with her; a conflict that will tug at your heartstrings; and a bold, all-encompassing passion that burns up the pages. In Claiming His Own, Ms. Gates does not disappoint. She brings the tears, and she brings the heat. Most of all, she brings the love that dries the readers' tears and makes everything better again.
Caliope Sarantos lives in the shadow of her mother's weakness for Cali's father, who showed up in their lives only long enough to impregnate Cali's mother and spend all the money she had scraped and earned for her children before he left them again to fend for themselves. He left the family for the last time just before Cali's birth. As a result, she is determined that she will never be her mother; she will never be emotionally vulnerable to a man. To her, commitment is nothing more than a setup for mediocrity and disappointment. She has never met a man who tempted her to explore physical intimacy. However, the heart wants what it wants, regardless of what the brain says.
When Cali meets Maksim Volkov, a Russian steel tycoon, at a charity gala, the attraction between them is instantaneous and explosive. Within an hour, she finds herself on the way to his presidential hotel suite. After the intensity of her first night with him, she realizes that it could never be a one-night stand, so she forges an agreement with him to protect herself. They will be together whenever their schedules allow and for as long as they mutually desire each other. Maksim, a man with quite a playboy reputation, adds one surprising requirement of his own: mutual exclusivity.
One year later, much to Cali's surprise and despite their dedication to preventing it, Cali finds herself pregnant and decides to keep the baby, although she is sure that as soon as she tells Maksim, their relationship will end. However, when she does break the news to him, absolving him of any responsibility for her or the baby, his response both surprises and confounds her. He declares that he wants to remain her lover as long as she is willing and that, even after that, she and the baby will have his unwavering support. He will give the baby his name and declare him or her his heir, but he will not -- cannot -- have any part of raising the baby.
What Maksim does not tell her is that he fears that he will become like his father and his father's paternal lineage: an abuser. His father had been cold and abusive to Maksim's mother and to him, as his father's father had been and so on far into the history of his family. He fears that abusiveness is in his genetic makeup and that, if he is too involved in a child's life, he will be unable to stop himself from becoming abusive as well. However, he keeps all of this to himself.
Even though she is surely setting herself up for heartache later, she can't even contemplate giving him up then. So they agree to remain lovers. Then Ms. Gates breaks your heart in this story when Maksim disappears and then reappears with a story which eventually turns Cali cold and a surprising desire to be part of their son's life. Though Cali can't deny him access to Leo, she is determined to keep herself emotionally apart.
Over the course of several months, Maksim's constancy and devotion to both her and Leo wear down her resistance. Cali even agrees to go with him to Russia so that Maksim's mother can meet her grandson, and. over time, she begins to trust him and allow her feelings for him to grow again. Then the second crisis in their relationship strikes, and with it comes the second time that Ms. Gates breaks your heart. In order not to spoil the story, I won't mention anymore details. However, rest assured that your heart will be bleeding for each of them at various times during the story.
If you like stories with big personalities and bold, sweeping passions that will keep your emotions on edge throughout, Claiming His Own is the book you want to read. This style of story is Ms. Gates' forte, and in this reader's opinion, no one writes them quite like she does!
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...
http://http://www.barnesandnoble.com/...
http://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Mills-...
Anyone who is familiar with Olivia Gates' books knows that she doesn't write small stories. She writes big, emotional stories with a strong heroine; an alpha hero who, despite himself, conflicts, and all other circumstances, is unwaveringly in love with her; a conflict that will tug at your heartstrings; and a bold, all-encompassing passion that burns up the pages. In Claiming His Own, Ms. Gates does not disappoint. She brings the tears, and she brings the heat. Most of all, she brings the love that dries the readers' tears and makes everything better again.
Caliope Sarantos lives in the shadow of her mother's weakness for Cali's father, who showed up in their lives only long enough to impregnate Cali's mother and spend all the money she had scraped and earned for her children before he left them again to fend for themselves. He left the family for the last time just before Cali's birth. As a result, she is determined that she will never be her mother; she will never be emotionally vulnerable to a man. To her, commitment is nothing more than a setup for mediocrity and disappointment. She has never met a man who tempted her to explore physical intimacy. However, the heart wants what it wants, regardless of what the brain says.
When Cali meets Maksim Volkov, a Russian steel tycoon, at a charity gala, the attraction between them is instantaneous and explosive. Within an hour, she finds herself on the way to his presidential hotel suite. After the intensity of her first night with him, she realizes that it could never be a one-night stand, so she forges an agreement with him to protect herself. They will be together whenever their schedules allow and for as long as they mutually desire each other. Maksim, a man with quite a playboy reputation, adds one surprising requirement of his own: mutual exclusivity.
One year later, much to Cali's surprise and despite their dedication to preventing it, Cali finds herself pregnant and decides to keep the baby, although she is sure that as soon as she tells Maksim, their relationship will end. However, when she does break the news to him, absolving him of any responsibility for her or the baby, his response both surprises and confounds her. He declares that he wants to remain her lover as long as she is willing and that, even after that, she and the baby will have his unwavering support. He will give the baby his name and declare him or her his heir, but he will not -- cannot -- have any part of raising the baby.
What Maksim does not tell her is that he fears that he will become like his father and his father's paternal lineage: an abuser. His father had been cold and abusive to Maksim's mother and to him, as his father's father had been and so on far into the history of his family. He fears that abusiveness is in his genetic makeup and that, if he is too involved in a child's life, he will be unable to stop himself from becoming abusive as well. However, he keeps all of this to himself.
Even though she is surely setting herself up for heartache later, she can't even contemplate giving him up then. So they agree to remain lovers. Then Ms. Gates breaks your heart in this story when Maksim disappears and then reappears with a story which eventually turns Cali cold and a surprising desire to be part of their son's life. Though Cali can't deny him access to Leo, she is determined to keep herself emotionally apart.
Over the course of several months, Maksim's constancy and devotion to both her and Leo wear down her resistance. Cali even agrees to go with him to Russia so that Maksim's mother can meet her grandson, and. over time, she begins to trust him and allow her feelings for him to grow again. Then the second crisis in their relationship strikes, and with it comes the second time that Ms. Gates breaks your heart. In order not to spoil the story, I won't mention anymore details. However, rest assured that your heart will be bleeding for each of them at various times during the story.
If you like stories with big personalities and bold, sweeping passions that will keep your emotions on edge throughout, Claiming His Own is the book you want to read. This style of story is Ms. Gates' forte, and in this reader's opinion, no one writes them quite like she does!
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...
http://http://www.barnesandnoble.com/...
http://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Mills-...
November 15, 2013
Though the story immediately starts off with an incredibly fast-moving, supremely passionate encounter, the pacing for the rest of the piece is quite slow and deliberate – a quality that is due, in large part, to the presence of several lengthy quasi-monologues delivered by multiple characters. The slow and steady unfolding of the story is necessary, as are the aforementioned lengthy pieces of exposition, in order to understand these characters: their mindsets about love and commitment, their traumatic childhoods, the long-term effects abuse can have on the psyche of the victims, the desire to not repeat others’ past mistakes, and how the power of soul-searing love and passion can be all-consuming.
Maksim acts in ways throughout the story that may lose some readers’ understanding, simply because he causes so much pain (regardless of his intentions). However, we are given ample insight into his reasoning, and this is where one of the more interesting aspects of the story comes into play: Usually, when heroes inflict emotional turmoil on their heroines, they do so for self-serving reasons – i.e., to protect their bachelorhood, because they are wary of falling of love, etc. etc. In this case, Maksim is sincerely convinced that he’s acting in Caliope’s (and adorable baby Leo’s) best interests, and causes even himself a significant amount of pain in the process.
For her part, Cali is determined to not follow in her mother’s footsteps by constantly allowing a man to waltz in and out of her life on a whim. When Maksim reenters the picture, she does put up a strong front, though her defenses are precarious. The bottom line is that she does not make it easy for him to rekindle a relationship with her, but happily, she does allow him to be a presence in Leo’s life, which results in an abundance of lovely (and occasionally tear-jerking) scenes.
Another interesting tact taken with this story is that their original relationship is the usual based-entirely-on-sex trope, but where it differs from the norm is that each believes that that was the real extent of their connection – any feelings they had for one another they kept strictly to themselves, so much so that Maksim laments at one point that they’d never had a comfortable bond, and that while their chemistry and passion was extraordinary, they hadn’t really known each other. Then – and here’s something that’s all-too-rare in books nowadays – they actually….talk to each other and explain their points of view.
As the story progresses, the reader is treated to several scenes of Maksim and Leo being adorable, the chemistry between Maksim and Cali ranging from potent to scorching, and quite a few glimpses into just how deep the love is in this newly-formed family unit.
Olivia Gates’ work tends to have some truly special hallmarks, and they are fully present here: her heroes truly love their heroines, and that love and devotion is profound, unwavering, and something in which they revel. That’s always such a treat, given how getting typical heroes to admit their feelings is akin to pulling teeth. Then, too, this author excels at creating combustible chemistry between her characters, as well as true emotional devastation, the likes of which other authors struggle to create yet on which their efforts usually fall short. The only downsides to the latter in this case is that Maksim comes a bit close to losing readers’ empathy near the end of the piece, though again, his actions are born of self-sacrificing motivations. Additionally, the final reconciliation is wrapped up perhaps a mite too quickly, in my view, given how emotionally destroyed Cali was.
That said, these characters and their love story – in all of its passionate, heart-wrenching glory – really pulls you in. This is a truly well-written book that I would highly recommend to readers searching for romance with real emotional resonance.
(In the interest of full disclosure, a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Maksim acts in ways throughout the story that may lose some readers’ understanding, simply because he causes so much pain (regardless of his intentions). However, we are given ample insight into his reasoning, and this is where one of the more interesting aspects of the story comes into play: Usually, when heroes inflict emotional turmoil on their heroines, they do so for self-serving reasons – i.e., to protect their bachelorhood, because they are wary of falling of love, etc. etc. In this case, Maksim is sincerely convinced that he’s acting in Caliope’s (and adorable baby Leo’s) best interests, and causes even himself a significant amount of pain in the process.
For her part, Cali is determined to not follow in her mother’s footsteps by constantly allowing a man to waltz in and out of her life on a whim. When Maksim reenters the picture, she does put up a strong front, though her defenses are precarious. The bottom line is that she does not make it easy for him to rekindle a relationship with her, but happily, she does allow him to be a presence in Leo’s life, which results in an abundance of lovely (and occasionally tear-jerking) scenes.
Another interesting tact taken with this story is that their original relationship is the usual based-entirely-on-sex trope, but where it differs from the norm is that each believes that that was the real extent of their connection – any feelings they had for one another they kept strictly to themselves, so much so that Maksim laments at one point that they’d never had a comfortable bond, and that while their chemistry and passion was extraordinary, they hadn’t really known each other. Then – and here’s something that’s all-too-rare in books nowadays – they actually….talk to each other and explain their points of view.
As the story progresses, the reader is treated to several scenes of Maksim and Leo being adorable, the chemistry between Maksim and Cali ranging from potent to scorching, and quite a few glimpses into just how deep the love is in this newly-formed family unit.
Olivia Gates’ work tends to have some truly special hallmarks, and they are fully present here: her heroes truly love their heroines, and that love and devotion is profound, unwavering, and something in which they revel. That’s always such a treat, given how getting typical heroes to admit their feelings is akin to pulling teeth. Then, too, this author excels at creating combustible chemistry between her characters, as well as true emotional devastation, the likes of which other authors struggle to create yet on which their efforts usually fall short. The only downsides to the latter in this case is that Maksim comes a bit close to losing readers’ empathy near the end of the piece, though again, his actions are born of self-sacrificing motivations. Additionally, the final reconciliation is wrapped up perhaps a mite too quickly, in my view, given how emotionally destroyed Cali was.
That said, these characters and their love story – in all of its passionate, heart-wrenching glory – really pulls you in. This is a truly well-written book that I would highly recommend to readers searching for romance with real emotional resonance.
(In the interest of full disclosure, a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
December 4, 2013
Olivia Gates is a wonderful author! I cannot say that enough! She is a true artist, and as such, she always manages to deliver wonderful characters with very moving stories of their own.
Now, on Claiming His Own. I have to start by saying that I LOVED IT! I'm an avid reader, and have been one most of my life. And even though that some of the stories have moved me, none of them had ever managed to make me cry. Well, Olivia, YOU FINALLY DID IT!
In this story you will be able to read about Maksim and Caliope, who were enthralled with each other since the moment they met. They agreed on no commitment and that whenever either of them decided it was time, they would separate on amicable terms. Well, destiny had something else in mind! Caliope found out she was pregnant, despite all of her precautions, and decided to continue with the pregnancy, even if it meant letting go of Maksim.
To her surprise, Maksim didn't immediately leave, deciding to stay with her, but making it clear that he would have nothing to do with the baby. He would be giving all of his support, but wouldn't be involved with the child. And so the relationship continued... until Maksim disappeared...
But then he returns! And he wants back in her life!
Claiming His Own is a story that will keep you on your toes. Where other stories would be predictable, this one is not! And Olivia Gates manages to keep you in suspense to the very end of the book!
Be prepared to read yet another wonderful story by writer extraordinaire Olivia Gates.
... and yes, she made me cry. I admit it! And I don't cry when reading. Well, I didn't. ;D)
Now, on Claiming His Own. I have to start by saying that I LOVED IT! I'm an avid reader, and have been one most of my life. And even though that some of the stories have moved me, none of them had ever managed to make me cry. Well, Olivia, YOU FINALLY DID IT!
In this story you will be able to read about Maksim and Caliope, who were enthralled with each other since the moment they met. They agreed on no commitment and that whenever either of them decided it was time, they would separate on amicable terms. Well, destiny had something else in mind! Caliope found out she was pregnant, despite all of her precautions, and decided to continue with the pregnancy, even if it meant letting go of Maksim.
To her surprise, Maksim didn't immediately leave, deciding to stay with her, but making it clear that he would have nothing to do with the baby. He would be giving all of his support, but wouldn't be involved with the child. And so the relationship continued... until Maksim disappeared...
But then he returns! And he wants back in her life!
Claiming His Own is a story that will keep you on your toes. Where other stories would be predictable, this one is not! And Olivia Gates manages to keep you in suspense to the very end of the book!
Be prepared to read yet another wonderful story by writer extraordinaire Olivia Gates.
... and yes, she made me cry. I admit it! And I don't cry when reading. Well, I didn't. ;D)
November 17, 2013
Calliope Sarantos finds Maksim Volkov to be incredibly sexy and the two embark on a no holds barred affair with only a few rules. Their affair is to be about pleasure with no commitment. All that changes when Calliope finds herself pregnant. Maksim agrees to give the baby his name but not himself. He disappears from her life before the baby is born. When he returns, Maksim offers everything he denied before, but Calliope is not sure she wants to take a chance. A tragedy from his past threatens her future happiness. Calliope is not sure she should allow him the chance to potentially hurt her again.
Olivia Gates lands her magic to the Billionaires and Babies series with Claiming His Own. Maksim suffered so much and wanted only the best for Calliope, but instead he only wound up hurting her more. The love between the two was very strong but Maksim’s past interfered. It was uncertain through parts of the book if Maksim would become the hero we love but he redeemed himself in the end, particularly when he learned of his past and his noble intentions. Another great love story to entertain us for the coming cold nights, Claiming His Own by Olivia Gates will take its place as another great read.
Olivia Gates lands her magic to the Billionaires and Babies series with Claiming His Own. Maksim suffered so much and wanted only the best for Calliope, but instead he only wound up hurting her more. The love between the two was very strong but Maksim’s past interfered. It was uncertain through parts of the book if Maksim would become the hero we love but he redeemed himself in the end, particularly when he learned of his past and his noble intentions. Another great love story to entertain us for the coming cold nights, Claiming His Own by Olivia Gates will take its place as another great read.
March 31, 2014
CLAIMING HIS OWN by Olivia Gates is a Harlequin Desire release for November 2013.
Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov is a super awesome couple. I love this story. It just became one of my top baby books. The heroine Cali is a strong woman that takes on this Alpha male Maksim. The story deals with a lot of pain and touch's on a subject that I wasn't sure I was ready for but Olivia Gates dealt with this subject delicately and told a story of a journey of healing which I loved so much. They were what each other needed I could feel it there love for each other and I could see it. With the addition of their son and the relationship Maksim had with him even with his fears was awesome He became the father he never had and loving husband.
Olivia Gates knows how to describe the homelands and homes she puts me there to see what they were seeing. Great Job Olivia.
This is a must read story but get your tissue ready!!!
Caliope Sarantos and Maksim Volkov is a super awesome couple. I love this story. It just became one of my top baby books. The heroine Cali is a strong woman that takes on this Alpha male Maksim. The story deals with a lot of pain and touch's on a subject that I wasn't sure I was ready for but Olivia Gates dealt with this subject delicately and told a story of a journey of healing which I loved so much. They were what each other needed I could feel it there love for each other and I could see it. With the addition of their son and the relationship Maksim had with him even with his fears was awesome He became the father he never had and loving husband.
Olivia Gates knows how to describe the homelands and homes she puts me there to see what they were seeing. Great Job Olivia.
This is a must read story but get your tissue ready!!!
December 2, 2013
To read any book is a gamble because you don't know if you are going to like it. To read an Olivia Gates book is an absolute chocolate mousse moment. This is one of Olivia best written book Maksim is a gorgeous crazy, iintense, loving passionate and down right good man. Cali is stubborn independent no nonsense good girl. The passion between these two is so intense and real. This book made me laugh,cry and most of all made me feel. This book is so good it made me feel every single emotion written. Olivia this is so well written, I am now convinced without a shadow of a doubt that you are a magician. Your talent is priceless. You combine words effortlessly. Its always a pleasure reading your books because you educate entertain and excite. I'm at a loss of words because saying thank you for sharing your gift with us is such a minute way to compliment you.
March 17, 2014
Love it
Again one more beautiful story in Billionaire and Babies tale. This was heart touching and emotional story with passion at perfect timings. I hate it when Maksim left but later when he came back made it all the more story interesting as the chemistry between Caliope and Maksim was hot. A book must read as all the books by Olivia Gates are awesome. Can’t wait for next one. If you love a baby in the package then this series is just for you. You will adore it.
Again one more beautiful story in Billionaire and Babies tale. This was heart touching and emotional story with passion at perfect timings. I hate it when Maksim left but later when he came back made it all the more story interesting as the chemistry between Caliope and Maksim was hot. A book must read as all the books by Olivia Gates are awesome. Can’t wait for next one. If you love a baby in the package then this series is just for you. You will adore it.
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December 29, 2014"TOP PICK! Gates has a gift for writing multidimensional characters and emotionally driven stories that resonate and stay with readers. Her latest is no exception. Set against the beautiful and expertly described backdrop of Russia, Claiming His Own is a beautiful love story that readers won't want to put down." RT Book Reviews rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: Billionaires and Babies
Miniseries: Billionaires and Babies
February 24, 2014
I loved this story, it is so intense and emotional.
I enjoyed reading it so much, I loved every bits of the story, even though it made me cry more than once, both of sorrows and joys.
I Loved Maksim Volkov and Caliope Sarantos...their story is amazing. .
Olivia Gate is a wonderful authior...
I highly recommend this book to all romance readers. ....it is a great read......
I enjoyed reading it so much, I loved every bits of the story, even though it made me cry more than once, both of sorrows and joys.
I Loved Maksim Volkov and Caliope Sarantos...their story is amazing. .
Olivia Gate is a wonderful authior...
I highly recommend this book to all romance readers. ....it is a great read......
December 8, 2013
You know you are getting explosive passion in an Olivia Gates book, but Claiming His Own gives you this and so much more! An emotional story that carries the reader directly into the character's turmoil and yearning for happiness. Every all-encompassing page is filled to the edges of the margin overflowing into something special.
February 22, 2014
I won this book from good reads first reads. This is a story about a sexy Russian hero. This book has a fabulous plot line with lots of surprising twists and turns. The ending is amazing!
I am looking forward to reading more from Olivia Gates..
I am looking forward to reading more from Olivia Gates..
April 2, 2014
I loved the way Olivia Gates wrote Claiming His Own. Maksim and Caliope seemed to have everything go wrong in their lives, so it was only fair that they get a Happily Ever After, once they worked things out and started actually speaking to each other.
June 2, 2014
Maksim and Cali - an intense couple, interesting locations, bring baby, Leo, into the picture and you have a complete package. The story gave you some nuggets to think about. I look forward to reading more books by Olivia!
November 11, 2013
Best I've read in ages. I really didn't want it to end!
November 16, 2013
I loved the tortured hero and the strong feisty heroine. Great read!
January 10, 2014
Great read! I enjoyed the strong yet tortured hero and the feisty heroine.
January 20, 2014
I have had the privilege of reading several books by this author and I just want to say that I really loved this one.
Caliope Sarantos had made a pact with Maksim Volkov and one she never thought she would regret seems that maybe she should've left the day she found out she was pregnant. That way she wouldn't feel like she was repeating her mom's mistakes when he walked out on her when she was seven months pregnant. What could've been so bad in Makism's life that would cause him to just walk away and make it like he was never there?
Now I had to get to the bottom of this and find out all the secrets that I could. What I found was a man running from his past because he was afraid of being just like his dad and a woman afraid to love again. The thing that brought them back together was their son. I will only say that I thought it was going to end so great and then something else happens and I won't say anymore.
I loved this book and I couldn't seem to put it down. I was left with a warm fuzzy feeling inside and I am still feeling it. This author did a great job with the characters and storyline.
Caliope Sarantos had made a pact with Maksim Volkov and one she never thought she would regret seems that maybe she should've left the day she found out she was pregnant. That way she wouldn't feel like she was repeating her mom's mistakes when he walked out on her when she was seven months pregnant. What could've been so bad in Makism's life that would cause him to just walk away and make it like he was never there?
Now I had to get to the bottom of this and find out all the secrets that I could. What I found was a man running from his past because he was afraid of being just like his dad and a woman afraid to love again. The thing that brought them back together was their son. I will only say that I thought it was going to end so great and then something else happens and I won't say anymore.
I loved this book and I couldn't seem to put it down. I was left with a warm fuzzy feeling inside and I am still feeling it. This author did a great job with the characters and storyline.
September 13, 2021
Claiming His Own was heartbreakingly beautiful. And I enjoyed reading it. It had my emotions flying everywhere! Ms. Gates never fails to deliver a story that makes you feel different emotions.
Maksim was really the type of hero I fell for. I loved him, and I absolutely could not get enough of him. And I adored her. I loved her strength and vulnerability. They were perfect for each other. I was really invested in their relationship right from the start and was rooting to get happily ever after they deserve finally.
Overall, the book was a quick, gut-wrenching, heartwarming, and delightful read with a compelling love story, great writing, and well-rounded characters. And I couldn't ask for much more!
Maksim was really the type of hero I fell for. I loved him, and I absolutely could not get enough of him. And I adored her. I loved her strength and vulnerability. They were perfect for each other. I was really invested in their relationship right from the start and was rooting to get happily ever after they deserve finally.
Overall, the book was a quick, gut-wrenching, heartwarming, and delightful read with a compelling love story, great writing, and well-rounded characters. And I couldn't ask for much more!
January 3, 2014
Really enjoyed the plot of this book. So many of these have the hero seeming incapable of love - this guy was worried that his love could lead to horrible consequences for his family. I enjoyed him being willing to give the heroine time to trust him again and the book not being filled with threats and overbearing behavior.
Gave it 3 stars only cuz I felt like the last twist felt a little superfluous.
Gave it 3 stars only cuz I felt like the last twist felt a little superfluous.
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