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Italian Billionaires #2
The Venetian's Daring Seduction
It was supposed to be a seduction of guile, but just who was doing the seducing?
Celina inherited both the cottage where her beloved grandmother painted her famous watercolors and a faded journal that hints at a long-ago Venetian love affair. It's the priceless Canaletto hidden away with the journal that piques her curiosity, however. An art historian and appraiser, Celina can't rest until she knows the story behind the painting--and how deeply the past owner, Conte Massimo di Palladino, touched her grandmother's life.
Lucca Palladino doesn't trust the lovely American who appears at the palazzo, particularly when he realizes his grandfather is smitten on sight. He'll use any means, fair or foul, to remove Celina, including the seductive pleasures of a midnight gondola ride. All he has to do is avoid being seduced himself...
Celina inherited both the cottage where her beloved grandmother painted her famous watercolors and a faded journal that hints at a long-ago Venetian love affair. It's the priceless Canaletto hidden away with the journal that piques her curiosity, however. An art historian and appraiser, Celina can't rest until she knows the story behind the painting--and how deeply the past owner, Conte Massimo di Palladino, touched her grandmother's life.
Lucca Palladino doesn't trust the lovely American who appears at the palazzo, particularly when he realizes his grandfather is smitten on sight. He'll use any means, fair or foul, to remove Celina, including the seductive pleasures of a midnight gondola ride. All he has to do is avoid being seduced himself...
156 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2013
124 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
173 books545 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 2, 2017
After inheriting her grandmother's cottage and a faded journal, Celina has more questions than answers as she discovers her grandmother and Conte Massimo di Palladino were connected in some way but the details remain a mystery. So she goes in search of answers. Lucca Palladino doesn't trust Celina, believing she's after money or his grandfather, the Conte. He tries seducing her but the more he's around her, the more he falls for her. Just who is doing the seduction and what about Celina's grandmother?
A sweeping romance in the heart of Italy. I loved this so much and highly recommend! Celina and Lucca sizzle and the story behind the Conte and Celina's grandmother adds a layer of intrigue. If you're looking for a romance that makes your heart swell, pick this up today!
My Rating: 5 stars
A sweeping romance in the heart of Italy. I loved this so much and highly recommend! Celina and Lucca sizzle and the story behind the Conte and Celina's grandmother adds a layer of intrigue. If you're looking for a romance that makes your heart swell, pick this up today!
My Rating: 5 stars
August 3, 2013
Jennifer Blake has done it again !!!she has a fantastic talent for writing beautiful romances..this book makes you feel as if you are truly there in Venice with the romantic couple..I fell in love with Celina and Lucca's story..I did not want it to end.. If you are a true romantic this book is for you.. and I know you will want to revisit again and again!!I now want to read every book Jennifer has written WTG Girl!!!
July 19, 2017
Beautiful story
This story had me enthralled from the beginning. It was romantic and sweet and full of so much lively emotions. It made me swoon for an Italian!
This story had me enthralled from the beginning. It was romantic and sweet and full of so much lively emotions. It made me swoon for an Italian!
August 8, 2016
Amazing sweet romance
This is one of those romances that males you grin. Celina comes to Venice to find proof of the grand love of her grandmother. That love has colored every aspect of her life. She falls in love with Lucca, Massimo's grandson.
Massimo knows exactly who she is and his obvious affection makes Lucca and the family suspicious.
The past and the present romances are brilliant.
This is one of those romances that males you grin. Celina comes to Venice to find proof of the grand love of her grandmother. That love has colored every aspect of her life. She falls in love with Lucca, Massimo's grandson.
Massimo knows exactly who she is and his obvious affection makes Lucca and the family suspicious.
The past and the present romances are brilliant.
June 10, 2015
Absolutely a sensually beautiful romance set in the romantic city of Venice, Italy! I was immersed in the romance of Lucca and Celina as well as enamored by the romance of Venice itself! Can't say enough about this second book in her Italian Billionaire's Collection! I can't wait for the third book in the series due in Fall 2013!!
March 29, 2020
Romance in the rain
Although listed as Book 2 of the Italian Billionaires series, this one has nothing to do with book 1 and is a simple standalone.
I enjoyed this one much more than the first as it has done away with the dated, flowery language and is truly a more contemporary read.
It's only a short book and would be a nice quick holiday read, though for me it filled a weekend of coronavirus lockdown 🙂.
Although listed as Book 2 of the Italian Billionaires series, this one has nothing to do with book 1 and is a simple standalone.
I enjoyed this one much more than the first as it has done away with the dated, flowery language and is truly a more contemporary read.
It's only a short book and would be a nice quick holiday read, though for me it filled a weekend of coronavirus lockdown 🙂.
September 25, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
She came at a request to chronolog the Count's Venetian Art collection, but she had other motives for being in the Count's home.
Lucas's suspection on the first sight of her, only grew and manifested to something more.
How were they to sort such a tangled Web of past and present emotions and conflicts.
She came at a request to chronolog the Count's Venetian Art collection, but she had other motives for being in the Count's home.
Lucas's suspection on the first sight of her, only grew and manifested to something more.
How were they to sort such a tangled Web of past and present emotions and conflicts.
December 20, 2019
Celina finds a painting in the cabin her grandmother left her that said ‘Forever’ on the back. She travelled to Venice to meet the man her grandmother wrote about in her diary. However, his grandson was sure she was there for purposes that he would not like. He intended to devert her from her purpose.
August 18, 2024
A beautiful romantic tale! With all the romance Venice has to offer, Jennifer Blake takes you on a wonderful boat ride. Highs and lows, pushing and pulling; Lucca and Celina's story jumps from the page into your heart. A warm, almost old fashioned story but with enough modern touches to make it relevant. Can't wait to read more of her books!
September 28, 2024
Much better than the 1st
These are stand alone. You do not need to read the first one to enjoy this one. I don't recommend the first one, but I very much enjoyed this one. It's still a light read, but Lucca and Celina are sweet together, and I enjoyed their story. There are still few issues with Italian culture and language but much less than in the first book.
These are stand alone. You do not need to read the first one to enjoy this one. I don't recommend the first one, but I very much enjoyed this one. It's still a light read, but Lucca and Celina are sweet together, and I enjoyed their story. There are still few issues with Italian culture and language but much less than in the first book.
April 11, 2018
This was a sweet read.
I actually slowly fell in love with them both. The characters were not mean and it was romantic the courtship of them both.
I actually slowly fell in love with them both. The characters were not mean and it was romantic the courtship of them both.
February 16, 2017
The Venetian's Daring Seduction
The book was wonderful. I enjoyed the comparison of the grandmother to the granddaughter. They both found love in a city on the sea. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The book was wonderful. I enjoyed the comparison of the grandmother to the granddaughter. They both found love in a city on the sea. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 21, 2017
Another wonderful story full of excitement and intrigue, this book will have you on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Celina has managed to convince her employer to send her to Venice to appraise a vast private collection of artwork, after discretely suggesting they send an article with regards to a priceless find in the attic of a collector, that she had written for the Auction House’s publication. But what they don’t know is that she has a personal agenda behind the subtle solicitation. What she wasn’t prepared for was all she would eventually find at the Palazzo di Palladino. Lucca can’t contain his surprise when he arrives home to the Palazzo only to find the most beautiful woman up at the top of the most rickety ladder, not only inspecting, but praising, the portrait of his ancestor in a most desirable way, especially when he could pass for said ancestor’s twin if not for the centuries between their births. But why is she here? Does she have intentions of seducing his Nonno? If so, he definitely plans to put a stop to it now, the only question being…how?
Beautifully written, with a plot that is easy to follow and intriguing enough to maintain my attention throughout, this story had me hooked right from the beginning. Well done!
Beautifully written, with a plot that is easy to follow and intriguing enough to maintain my attention throughout, this story had me hooked right from the beginning. Well done!
August 25, 2015
Good, but not her best
Celina goes to Venice looking for answers to some questions after reading the journal her grandmother left behind. The biggest question is whether Massimo, her host, is also her grandfather. She fights her attraction to his grandson, Lucca, while searching for clues. Meanwhile, Lucca is finding her rather hard to resist despite his suspicions about her intentions.
Celina goes to Venice looking for answers to some questions after reading the journal her grandmother left behind. The biggest question is whether Massimo, her host, is also her grandfather. She fights her attraction to his grandson, Lucca, while searching for clues. Meanwhile, Lucca is finding her rather hard to resist despite his suspicions about her intentions.
November 16, 2015
Short and to the point. What quibble I have is minor and has to do with the actual daring seduction.
September 22, 2015
The Venetian's Daring Seduction
This book was set in one of the most romantic places Venice. I love reading about how romantic a boat ride is riding on the Canals for lovers. This was a great book to read. I truly enjoyed reading it from the beginning to the end and the characters were so full of life, Love and very seductive. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
This book was set in one of the most romantic places Venice. I love reading about how romantic a boat ride is riding on the Canals for lovers. This was a great book to read. I truly enjoyed reading it from the beginning to the end and the characters were so full of life, Love and very seductive. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
July 5, 2016
The Venetian's Daring Seduction (Italian Billionaires Book 2)
The love story of Lucca and Celina.. Celina is an art appraiser, who grandmother once visit Venice and fall in love. Now Celine want to know what happen. Lucca think Celine has come to be his grandfather's lover. OK story.
The love story of Lucca and Celina.. Celina is an art appraiser, who grandmother once visit Venice and fall in love. Now Celine want to know what happen. Lucca think Celine has come to be his grandfather's lover. OK story.
March 9, 2014
Now I remember why Jennifer Blake is my favorite romance author. Her books make you feel the romance and the angst without using foul language or graphic sex to get the story across. I just feel like the ending could have been longer to wrap up the story properly. An epilogue would have been nice.
August 22, 2015
For this freebie, I'm giving 3 stars. It was neither daring nor was there much seduction. The plot wasn't that strong and I didn't get any emotional development from the hero. It is a sweet read, but wasn't compelling to me.
May 24, 2013
Meh. Better than the last one but still not amazing.
January 3, 2014
I love these kinds on Romance stories.. need to get my fix when I can.
Perfect length, great descriptive writing.. Had a little angst which I always like and the setting was just breath taking!
Perfect length, great descriptive writing.. Had a little angst which I always like and the setting was just breath taking!
August 2, 2013
Very cute, light escapism. Well written, the pace stays consistent through the entire book.
Would definitely recommend.
Would definitely recommend.
September 2, 2016
meh, nothing ever happens... i lasted half way through so it wasn't terrible either
August 19, 2015
Quick, light and easy to read. There was sex but the description was minimal which is how I like it. Just suspend reality for a bit and enjoy.
August 20, 2015
Loved it
Enjoy a good fairy tale love story. Could not put the story down, had to read it tell I got to end.
Enjoy a good fairy tale love story. Could not put the story down, had to read it tell I got to end.
August 22, 2015
Book two by this author. Liked it almost as much as an historical fiction novel she wrote.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
January 9, 2016The Italian Billionaires TwinPack
November 15, 2017
Star Rating: ★★½☆☆
May 28, 2024
I loved both of the Italian Billionaires books. I can't wait to read book 3. Jennifer Blake has always been a favorite and I have a bookshelf full of her books to prove it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews