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The Renaldis #2
Kidnapping His Bride
Catch her if you can…
Rafael Renaldi is a modern man with an old-fashioned secret—an arranged marriage. Though it was an informal agreement, made when they were children, Rafe has always been a little in love with the beautiful, passionate Catalina Campioni. And assumed that the single, searing kiss they shared years ago sealed the deal.
Marriage? Babies? Not now—not yet. After growing up witnessing her mother’s devastation over her father’s cheating, Cat has no intention of settling down anytime soon. She plans to live life to the fullest before marching down the aisle—and it definitely won’t be with womanizing, lethally charming Rafe.
When Rafe realizes his bride-to-be wants nothing to do with him, he does what a crazed man might do—he kidnaps her. But not to force her to the altar. She wants adventure? He’ll show her adventure, and show her life with him will never be dull.
But even as they fall in love, someone close is desperate to keep them apart and will do whatever it takes to ensure they won’t marry. Anyone. Ever…
Rafael Renaldi is a modern man with an old-fashioned secret—an arranged marriage. Though it was an informal agreement, made when they were children, Rafe has always been a little in love with the beautiful, passionate Catalina Campioni. And assumed that the single, searing kiss they shared years ago sealed the deal.
Marriage? Babies? Not now—not yet. After growing up witnessing her mother’s devastation over her father’s cheating, Cat has no intention of settling down anytime soon. She plans to live life to the fullest before marching down the aisle—and it definitely won’t be with womanizing, lethally charming Rafe.
When Rafe realizes his bride-to-be wants nothing to do with him, he does what a crazed man might do—he kidnaps her. But not to force her to the altar. She wants adventure? He’ll show her adventure, and show her life with him will never be dull.
But even as they fall in love, someone close is desperate to keep them apart and will do whatever it takes to ensure they won’t marry. Anyone. Ever…
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2013
35 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Karen Erickson
98 books1,436 followersUSA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her family. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
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https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
Sign up for Karen's newsletter!
https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 13, 2018
Rafael and Cat have been engaged since childhood, they are both from traditional Italian families, he's always assumed that one day the marriage would take place. The trouble is that they've never spent any time together and Cat wants to live a little before she settles down, she's always been attracted to him but she doesn't know him. When he approaches her and wants to set a date for the marriage Cat is annoyed at his arrogance and decides to refuse to marry him not just now but ever. She uses his reputation as a womaniser against him, by asking if during all the years they've been engaged has he been faithful, of course he hasn't and Cat triumphantly walks away. But he's determined to have her and kidnaps her.
I've enjoyed this author's books in the past this one was only okay for me. The premise of the story an arranged marriage seemed out of place in set in a modern day story and is something I would expect more in a period romance. Rafael is charming suave and handsome, while Cat has not experienced life much and wants to spread her wings. The drama in this is supplied by Cat's crazy sister. A quick and easy read.
I've enjoyed this author's books in the past this one was only okay for me. The premise of the story an arranged marriage seemed out of place in set in a modern day story and is something I would expect more in a period romance. Rafael is charming suave and handsome, while Cat has not experienced life much and wants to spread her wings. The drama in this is supplied by Cat's crazy sister. A quick and easy read.
September 24, 2018
This is a contemporary romance about an arranged marriage buy two fathers in Italy when the daughter was about 14 and the son was about 18. Cat saved herself for her betrothed, but Rafi whored around because he didn't feel he could be in a relationship with a woman while betrothed to another. However, with a four-year age difference, he thought it was perfectly okay to have sex with many many women.
August 3, 2016
Was not what I expected based on the title, but loved it! Cat's sister is another level of crazy, did not expect what happened to happen. This book had me on the edge of my seat.
October 10, 2017
I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book
Rafe and Cat's family set up an arranged marriage for them when they were still children. Rafe has always wanted Cat, but she was too young, but now he feels the time is right, so he wants to set up a date for their marriage. But Cat wants to live her life first before she settles down. She tells Rafe then that she wants to wait one year before she gets married.
But between a very condescending sister and Cat wanting to live her life, poor Rafe has a tough time getting his women.
I loved this story. It was such a easy read and filled with drama and twists and turns and upheaval, but in the end we get there.
Rafe and Cat's family set up an arranged marriage for them when they were still children. Rafe has always wanted Cat, but she was too young, but now he feels the time is right, so he wants to set up a date for their marriage. But Cat wants to live her life first before she settles down. She tells Rafe then that she wants to wait one year before she gets married.
But between a very condescending sister and Cat wanting to live her life, poor Rafe has a tough time getting his women.
I loved this story. It was such a easy read and filled with drama and twists and turns and upheaval, but in the end we get there.
June 25, 2016
Review Posted on HarlequinJunkie.com
Kidnapping His Bride (The Renaldis #2) by Karen Erickson: Rafael Renaldi is the middle brother in the Renaldi family. He is hot, sexy and uber successful. Years ago when Rafe was a just a child, his father promised his good friend Carlo Campioni that Rafe would marry his youngest daughter Catalina. At the time, an arranged marriage in an Italian family was considered a done deal, especially when money changed hands. Read More
Kidnapping His Bride (The Renaldis #2) by Karen Erickson: Rafael Renaldi is the middle brother in the Renaldi family. He is hot, sexy and uber successful. Years ago when Rafe was a just a child, his father promised his good friend Carlo Campioni that Rafe would marry his youngest daughter Catalina. At the time, an arranged marriage in an Italian family was considered a done deal, especially when money changed hands. Read More
August 13, 2016
OMG who would have thought that an arranged marriage would turn out the way it did. Betrayal from a sister who did not show any signs of mental issues and then to go as far to to drug her sister to get the man that she wants. All in all a very good book.
November 3, 2013
*Review to come.*
May 9, 2023
Personally for me I find ‘his & her POV’ books a bit on the redundant side, a tad bit repetitive within thoughts & in actions. This one kind of went like that…although that wasn’t my biggest problem here. Here, I didn’t quite get the whole marriage arrangement thing. It plays like an arrangement made at convenient as convenience. If that makes sense…
Basically, MCs has been “engaged” for years but not officially? So, was it even acceptable or not? Because at the beginning we also have the hero’s big bro going on convincing the hero to end the arrangement as it was never made official. Not to mention arrange marriages are so out of date, too. But, of course, the hero refused his brother, because he’s in love with the heroine or something like that.
Despite that, neither the hero nor heroine seem to sought out each other company over the course of their “engagement.” In fact, it appears to be that they barely know each other. They have had very limited interactions throughout the years. Really? It was unbelievable that for two people who found each other attractive, as they do, in their ready made shoes, neither party bothered to really get to know one another as potential lovers before all this. Like what’s going on here?
They do genuinely like each other, I think. Indeed, both party are satisfied with the engagement (as we learned through their POV) so why is there no courting in between? Now, we have the hero claiming he wants to marry her soon. Thus, she asked him how soon. He says he doesn’t know. Really, dude? You’re a let down! So here we go, the precise moment the heroine in turn asked for time (space); and further prolonging their endless unofficial engagement for all eternity. Just kidding, for a year-ish. (Now, are we to presumed that during this one year the hero never took the time to officially court her still?) Because at one year up, she officially cut the ties. She said bye to the unfaithful you, aka the hero who affirmed his unfaithfulness during the past years. It was unfair of her in his defense. But again, all in all, as attracted as he was to her, as they were kind of engaged already, why not seek each other out instead of having him laying with other women in between? Sigh, another let down. Dude is forever a let down. Indeed, this marriage arrangement was made at convenient as convenience.
Basically, MCs has been “engaged” for years but not officially? So, was it even acceptable or not? Because at the beginning we also have the hero’s big bro going on convincing the hero to end the arrangement as it was never made official. Not to mention arrange marriages are so out of date, too. But, of course, the hero refused his brother, because he’s in love with the heroine or something like that.
Despite that, neither the hero nor heroine seem to sought out each other company over the course of their “engagement.” In fact, it appears to be that they barely know each other. They have had very limited interactions throughout the years. Really? It was unbelievable that for two people who found each other attractive, as they do, in their ready made shoes, neither party bothered to really get to know one another as potential lovers before all this. Like what’s going on here?
They do genuinely like each other, I think. Indeed, both party are satisfied with the engagement (as we learned through their POV) so why is there no courting in between? Now, we have the hero claiming he wants to marry her soon. Thus, she asked him how soon. He says he doesn’t know. Really, dude? You’re a let down! So here we go, the precise moment the heroine in turn asked for time (space); and further prolonging their endless unofficial engagement for all eternity. Just kidding, for a year-ish. (Now, are we to presumed that during this one year the hero never took the time to officially court her still?) Because at one year up, she officially cut the ties. She said bye to the unfaithful you, aka the hero who affirmed his unfaithfulness during the past years. It was unfair of her in his defense. But again, all in all, as attracted as he was to her, as they were kind of engaged already, why not seek each other out instead of having him laying with other women in between? Sigh, another let down. Dude is forever a let down. Indeed, this marriage arrangement was made at convenient as convenience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2018
Love it
May 31, 2018
Yeah romamce
Love the fist to books in this series! Can’t wait to read the third on! Easy read for any romance reader!
Love the fist to books in this series! Can’t wait to read the third on! Easy read for any romance reader!
September 12, 2022
A struggle to finish . A pretty lame story.
December 1, 2013
Kidnapping His Bride by Karen Erickson is a traditional romance novel with just a little bit of drama thrown in for fun. It’s short and sweet but certain elements of the story don’t ring true for me resulting in a half-hearted recommendation.
Rafe and Cat’s families set up an arranged marriage for the two when they were only children. While this may sound off in today’s era, both are products of traditional Italian families and money was even exchanged. Rafe was always attracted to Cat, but wanted to wait for her to grow up. Cat had a bit of a crush on the handsome, older Rafe but her parent’s marriage made her weary of commitment. Rafe sets out to win Cat over and show her that they would be good together.
Cat is only 23 years yet she acts so much younger. At the beginning of the story, she has little to no backbone when dealing with her older sister and mother. I was so frustrated by the way that she allowed her sister to talk to her that it made it difficult to be sympathetic to Cat’s problems. When she finally stood up to Rafe and asked him to wait one more year before marrying, I had hoped that Cat had gained a backbone but yet she still allowed her sister to berate her incessantly.
Rafe has the potential to be a great romance hero. He is rich, handsome and very romantic. He whisks Cat off to New York to wine and dine her and show her that they were meant to be together. I loved how Rafe gave Cat the courage and confidence to stand up to her family. I even understood and accepted that despite being engaged since they were children, Rafe was not faithful and slept around. However, once he agreed to wait one more year for Cat, I would have expected him to be faithful for at least that one year. This caused me to lose respect for him.
Ms. Erickson threw in a nice little twist that I didn’t see coming which I always appreciate. But the details involved in this particular twist are where I got a little lost. While I am certainly willing to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy a book, the reader was just expected to accept too much.
Despite these problems, Kidnapping His Bride is still a well-written story. The dialogue flows naturally and Ms. Erickson writes with so much description that I can easily picture myself right there in New York. I am a fan of Ms. Erickson’s work, especially the Worth It series. I just think Kidnapping His Bride just misses the mark.
Rafe and Cat’s families set up an arranged marriage for the two when they were only children. While this may sound off in today’s era, both are products of traditional Italian families and money was even exchanged. Rafe was always attracted to Cat, but wanted to wait for her to grow up. Cat had a bit of a crush on the handsome, older Rafe but her parent’s marriage made her weary of commitment. Rafe sets out to win Cat over and show her that they would be good together.
Cat is only 23 years yet she acts so much younger. At the beginning of the story, she has little to no backbone when dealing with her older sister and mother. I was so frustrated by the way that she allowed her sister to talk to her that it made it difficult to be sympathetic to Cat’s problems. When she finally stood up to Rafe and asked him to wait one more year before marrying, I had hoped that Cat had gained a backbone but yet she still allowed her sister to berate her incessantly.
Rafe has the potential to be a great romance hero. He is rich, handsome and very romantic. He whisks Cat off to New York to wine and dine her and show her that they were meant to be together. I loved how Rafe gave Cat the courage and confidence to stand up to her family. I even understood and accepted that despite being engaged since they were children, Rafe was not faithful and slept around. However, once he agreed to wait one more year for Cat, I would have expected him to be faithful for at least that one year. This caused me to lose respect for him.
Ms. Erickson threw in a nice little twist that I didn’t see coming which I always appreciate. But the details involved in this particular twist are where I got a little lost. While I am certainly willing to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy a book, the reader was just expected to accept too much.
Despite these problems, Kidnapping His Bride is still a well-written story. The dialogue flows naturally and Ms. Erickson writes with so much description that I can easily picture myself right there in New York. I am a fan of Ms. Erickson’s work, especially the Worth It series. I just think Kidnapping His Bride just misses the mark.
January 19, 2022
I have very mixed feelings on this one.
I struggled with Rafe the most. He claims Cat has been the only one for him yet he slept around with other girls despite knowing their arrangement. Then he gets upset when she wants to break it off because she didn't think it was a serious arrangement...just like he did. His approach is something that would work more in a historical romance when society was different but it just felt icky in a modern romance. It's the epitamy of a double-standard.
And it's a shame because once they interact more later in the book, I could see why they were a great pair.
There's a flair for some dramatics at the end. But it's a quick romance read otherwise.
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Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-3se
Actual Rating: 2/5
January 22, 2015
Rafael Renaldi and Catalina Campioni have been engaged since they were children. An arranged marriage set up by their fathers. Cat's not sure this is what she wants anymore. Rafe has been looking forward to it but when she tells him she's not sure anymore, he kidnapps her, with her reluctant permission of course! He wants time for them to get to know each other with out her crazy, overprotective, overbearing sister always whispering in Cat's ear. Will he be able to convince Cat that they belong together?
Fantastic! I didn't like Cat at first because she was so quiet and never stood up to to her sister but give her some time away and she blossoms into a woman that knows what she wants and needs. Rafe is a sexy, take charge kind of man and he really wants Cat as his wife. This is a fantastic afternoon read with enough sizzle to steam up my ereader screen. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Fantastic! I didn't like Cat at first because she was so quiet and never stood up to to her sister but give her some time away and she blossoms into a woman that knows what she wants and needs. Rafe is a sexy, take charge kind of man and he really wants Cat as his wife. This is a fantastic afternoon read with enough sizzle to steam up my ereader screen. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 11, 2014
this book was great. an arranged marriage but when it comes time Cat backs out. she wants to have adventure & she is trying to help run her family company. Rafe is ready & kidnaps Cat to show her that he's not really the playboy she thought he was anymore, he wants to show her the adventures she desires. things get in the way especially a family member & Cat starts to rethink falling in love with Rafe. Is definitely a recommend. Love Karen Erickson's stories.
February 14, 2014
3,5 stars.
As much as I enjoyed it, I was expecting a different ending. Could be so much better than this though.
Catalina's sister is killing me! I hate her despite her circumstances, I want to see her 'suffer' more. LOL, that's very unkind to me but seriously I hate her and her mother.
Overall, the story didn't really wow me. I still love the Renaldis' more. I still liked this book but not exactly my favorite. Look forward to read another Karen Erickson's book.
As much as I enjoyed it, I was expecting a different ending. Could be so much better than this though.
Catalina's sister is killing me! I hate her despite her circumstances, I want to see her 'suffer' more. LOL, that's very unkind to me but seriously I hate her and her mother.
Overall, the story didn't really wow me. I still love the Renaldis' more. I still liked this book but not exactly my favorite. Look forward to read another Karen Erickson's book.
August 31, 2014
Rafe and Cat story was a wild ride i couldnt believe the mess that took place. Cat's family is a mess i dont know why she even still talk to them. The book did have drama and action at least, well on to the next brother. I give it a 3.3.
December 20, 2015
I loved most of this book. Some of the the dynamics with the sister was over the top. The drama near the end was weird more than anything.
I really enjoyed the love scenes. I'm not a fan of dirty talk so popular in books today so it was refreshing to not have to deal with it in this story.
I really enjoyed the love scenes. I'm not a fan of dirty talk so popular in books today so it was refreshing to not have to deal with it in this story.
January 15, 2014
I liked this book, it wasn't really for me through. I was alittle disappointed I was expecting more. But maybe it was just me.
November 3, 2013
Loved it can't wait for ur next one
October 22, 2013
3·5 .... this was a good read, not as good as the 1st book but I enjoyed it .. I think the last 30% was rushed a little it could.have been made longer but Karen did a good job
August 7, 2015
It started a bit slow but the twist with Anna added intrigue.
November 2, 2013
Sweet, romantic and steamy but I really needed an epilogue with cute babies! :(
December 3, 2013
This one I found the story a bit better than the last one in this series. Kept my interest more. Still a little quick with the mood swings. Over all a nice light read though.
October 23, 2013
3.5 stars
October 30, 2013
Another great addition to this series. I love Karen's work and can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 3, 2013
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
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November 12, 2013
3.5 stars
February 1, 2014
Good book, although a bit predictable. I was not expecting this since I'm a big fan of Karen Erickson's writing.
November 2, 2014
Not much of an improvement from the first and the dénouement seem contrived.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews