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Playing the Dutiful Wife / Expecting His Love-Child
"We have made an application on behalf of Niklas Dos Santos to exercise his conjugal rights...…"
Learning that the husband she'd tried to forget has spent the past year falsely imprisoned in Brazil and needs her to visit him is the last thing Meg Hamilton wants to hear. But she will play her part, in exchange for Niklas's signature on the divorce papers!
Except she hadn't bargained on their mind-blowing connection being as undeniable as ever. Last time it led usually sensible Meg into a Vegas wedding chapel. This time the consequence of giving in to their chemistry will bind her to Niklas forever…....
Plus a Carol Marinelli reader-favorite Expecting His Love-Child
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,402 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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May 15, 2016PLAYING THE DUTIFUL WIFE...Holy crap. This story is BIZARRE. And not in a good way. Here are some things that happen...
1. Heroine meets hero on plane...before the end of the flight, they have fooled around and decided to marry. Even though the hero has no interest in marriage. Coz sure...that's normal.
2. They marry in Vegas, and the next day he dumps her like a hot potato.
3. A year later she is notified that her husband is in jail and she has to show up and give him information via a CONJUGAL VISIT. And the lawyer makes sure she understands they must have sexual intercourse. At this point, I would have DNFed the book, but it was so ridiculous I had to find out what was going to happen.
4. She goes to Brazil and meets him in the prison. He is horrified to see her. He smacks the bed frame in the cell against the wall to make the guards think they are doing it. Heeeeeeeeee! And...never mind. Anyway, of course the wife starts to seduce her husband, coz...that's normal. And then he sends her away and tells her to leave Brazil. She's in danger.
5. She doesn't leave. Of course.
6. This is my absolute favorite part. As he's walking along in the prison, he has an EPIPHANY and realizes the nun in the orphanage was trying to tell him a secret via his name, and that he actually has an identical twin. And yes, this is as ridiculous as it sounds. THIS BOOK IS INSANE!
7. Of course the identical twin shows up and tries to kidnap the wife who never left Brazil. As one does.
8. And...of course, the REAL husband gets out of jail and shows up in the nick of time to save his wife right before the twin pushes her into a car to kidnap her.
9. I know. Just bear with me. And then...he gets out of jail and takes her to a colossal mansion he bought for her MINUTES before they froze his bank account when he went to jail...
10. I'm not making this shit up. I swear.
11. Also, there's a baby because the condom they used in prison got "shredded"...coz...HARLY!
12. Yep. I read the whole thing. Now I'm going to read EXPECTING HIS SECRET LOVE CHILD and hoping it's better. I adored the last 2 Marinelli books I read, so I'm thinking this book is just a crazy fluke of nature.
--I read the 2nd story. It was okay. Don't think I'll be re-reading this collection.
1. Heroine meets hero on plane...before the end of the flight, they have fooled around and decided to marry. Even though the hero has no interest in marriage. Coz sure...that's normal.
2. They marry in Vegas, and the next day he dumps her like a hot potato.
3. A year later she is notified that her husband is in jail and she has to show up and give him information via a CONJUGAL VISIT. And the lawyer makes sure she understands they must have sexual intercourse. At this point, I would have DNFed the book, but it was so ridiculous I had to find out what was going to happen.
4. She goes to Brazil and meets him in the prison. He is horrified to see her. He smacks the bed frame in the cell against the wall to make the guards think they are doing it. Heeeeeeeeee! And...never mind. Anyway, of course the wife starts to seduce her husband, coz...that's normal. And then he sends her away and tells her to leave Brazil. She's in danger.
5. She doesn't leave. Of course.
6. This is my absolute favorite part. As he's walking along in the prison, he has an EPIPHANY and realizes the nun in the orphanage was trying to tell him a secret via his name, and that he actually has an identical twin. And yes, this is as ridiculous as it sounds. THIS BOOK IS INSANE!
7. Of course the identical twin shows up and tries to kidnap the wife who never left Brazil. As one does.
8. And...of course, the REAL husband gets out of jail and shows up in the nick of time to save his wife right before the twin pushes her into a car to kidnap her.
9. I know. Just bear with me. And then...he gets out of jail and takes her to a colossal mansion he bought for her MINUTES before they froze his bank account when he went to jail...
10. I'm not making this shit up. I swear.
11. Also, there's a baby because the condom they used in prison got "shredded"...coz...HARLY!
12. Yep. I read the whole thing. Now I'm going to read EXPECTING HIS SECRET LOVE CHILD and hoping it's better. I adored the last 2 Marinelli books I read, so I'm thinking this book is just a crazy fluke of nature.
--I read the 2nd story. It was okay. Don't think I'll be re-reading this collection.
February 16, 2013
WOW (review for-Playing the Dutiful Wife-)
So I wont forget,hero is an orphan and I really liked the way it was treated in the book we`ve got glimpses of both sides,what if you don`t succede.This is one of the best reunited stories,and the fact that their time apart isn`t few years made me even happier!
Man meets girl on long distance flight from Australia to US,both flying on business,he couldn`t get first class so is annoyed with it and pretty(strawberry-blond,green eyes)girl beside him is nervous of flying and feelings he evokes,but slowly they let each other in,let feelings form,have whirlwind marriage-in bathrobes(sigh) in Las Vegas,and he promises honesty and to take care of her. He doesn`t believe in ever after but they`ll take as long as they have and it is till the morning after when hero leaves and tells her to file for divorce!
Next time they meet it will be eleven months after,in Sao Paolo,the way is described in blurb about book,she`s visiting in prison...
Meg is lawyer,more accountant,for family business but that is done for her loving parents she can`t say no to and wants to be chef ... Niklas is businessman who grew up in orphanages and on streets who knows how it is to have nothing but doesn`t know love nor family.
Firstly it feels like two teenagers are in love,exploring and teasing each other and they`re abruptly forced to grow up,to face the circumstances and fight for their rights and cravings,there is a bit suspense and I think it would work even better if the book was longer,and I rarely wish for a longer novel... and secondary characters though not enough detailed are wonderful!
maybe this won`t be the last I read about Fernando?
Btw.I stayed up whole night ,but am happy!
So I wont forget,hero is an orphan and I really liked the way it was treated in the book we`ve got glimpses of both sides,what if you don`t succede.This is one of the best reunited stories,and the fact that their time apart isn`t few years made me even happier!
Man meets girl on long distance flight from Australia to US,both flying on business,he couldn`t get first class so is annoyed with it and pretty(strawberry-blond,green eyes)girl beside him is nervous of flying and feelings he evokes,but slowly they let each other in,let feelings form,have whirlwind marriage-in bathrobes(sigh) in Las Vegas,and he promises honesty and to take care of her. He doesn`t believe in ever after but they`ll take as long as they have and it is till the morning after when hero leaves and tells her to file for divorce!
Next time they meet it will be eleven months after,in Sao Paolo,the way is described in blurb about book,she`s visiting in prison...
Meg is lawyer,more accountant,for family business but that is done for her loving parents she can`t say no to and wants to be chef ... Niklas is businessman who grew up in orphanages and on streets who knows how it is to have nothing but doesn`t know love nor family.
Firstly it feels like two teenagers are in love,exploring and teasing each other and they`re abruptly forced to grow up,to face the circumstances and fight for their rights and cravings,there is a bit suspense and I think it would work even better if the book was longer,and I rarely wish for a longer novel... and secondary characters though not enough detailed are wonderful!
maybe this won`t be the last I read about Fernando?
Btw.I stayed up whole night ,but am happy!
February 19, 2013
Most boring Harlequin I've ever read. Plus it didn't make ANY sense...
September 11, 2019
What a whirlwind of a bizarre fairy story adventure! It’s so unbelievable yet it’s riveting and amazing and funny and sad and sexy and romantic. I loved it!
March 19, 2013
Playing The Dutiful Wife
This is love at first sight. Meeting on a long distance flight, Niklas and Meg end up married at Las Vegas. But fate intervenes. A year later, Meg discovers that her estranged husband has been in prison in Brazil and that she is the only hope to rescue him from an unjust life sentence.
This is not your typical HP. There is tension, there is suspense. There is passion. An intriguing storyline. Well developed characters. Niklas is a closed person, an extremely guarded man due to his miserable childhood as an orphan. Meg has a lot of growing up to do. But in spite of all the hurt and anger, even knowing he is a lot of hard work, she loves Niklas unconditionally. And her love is the one thing Niklas needs to find his self- worth and his happiness.
The epilogue is so sweet : another hero who has to deliver his own baby !!
This is love at first sight. Meeting on a long distance flight, Niklas and Meg end up married at Las Vegas. But fate intervenes. A year later, Meg discovers that her estranged husband has been in prison in Brazil and that she is the only hope to rescue him from an unjust life sentence.
This is not your typical HP. There is tension, there is suspense. There is passion. An intriguing storyline. Well developed characters. Niklas is a closed person, an extremely guarded man due to his miserable childhood as an orphan. Meg has a lot of growing up to do. But in spite of all the hurt and anger, even knowing he is a lot of hard work, she loves Niklas unconditionally. And her love is the one thing Niklas needs to find his self- worth and his happiness.
The epilogue is so sweet : another hero who has to deliver his own baby !!
April 2, 2016
(Review for Playing the Dutiful Wife)
Now one of my all-time-favourite Presents.
Ms Marinelli maintains the fast pace whilst delivering depth of characterisation, deeply emotional, a unique plotline with an edge. One of those rare books that demands at least one re-read. Definitely wow!
Now one of my all-time-favourite Presents.
Ms Marinelli maintains the fast pace whilst delivering depth of characterisation, deeply emotional, a unique plotline with an edge. One of those rare books that demands at least one re-read. Definitely wow!
April 7, 2014
O herói é brasileiro.
February 4, 2013
The first story in this two story novel was kind of boring and seemed really split up. It wasn't a nice continuous read for me. The end seemed like the best part. I wasn't too impressed. 2 stars.
The second story in this two story novel was already read and reviewed under it 'Carol Marinelli - Expecting His Love-Child'.
The second story in this two story novel was already read and reviewed under it 'Carol Marinelli - Expecting His Love-Child'.
February 27, 2014
A little research (not even a good one) would have helped this book not to become one of the worse stories I've ever read. Pathetic.
June 15, 2016
I really liked both main characters and the way they evolved. There are lots of things that make no sense at all but I loved it, sue me!
December 12, 2014
Πρωτότυπο το θέμα του! Αν είχε λίγο περισσότερη ένταση θα το έβαζα 5 δαγκωτό!!
March 27, 2019
Two short stories in one book:
1. Playing the Dutiful wife
2. Expecting his lovechild
1. Playing the Dutiful wife
2. Expecting his lovechild
January 26, 2021
Στη δίνη του πάθους - Carol Marinelli, Σειρά Χρυσά, νούμερο 1672
July 24, 2024
PLAYING THE DUTIFUL WIFE.
The first book I read by this author. I was floored. Instant attraction. A bad boy hero who suggests a one night stand. Then he suggests they marry because they’re in Vegas. Circumstances intervene. He pretends it meant nothing. A woman so in love that she wears his wedding ring against her throat for a year though she has no idea if they will meet again.
It’s a sweet story.
The first book I read by this author. I was floored. Instant attraction. A bad boy hero who suggests a one night stand. Then he suggests they marry because they’re in Vegas. Circumstances intervene. He pretends it meant nothing. A woman so in love that she wears his wedding ring against her throat for a year though she has no idea if they will meet again.
It’s a sweet story.
June 4, 2021
Learning that the husband she'd tried to forget has spent the past year falsely imprisoned in Brazil and needs her to visit him is the last thing Meg Hamilton wants to hear. But she will play her part, in exchange for Niklas's signature on the divorce papers! Except she hadn't bargained on their mind-blowing connection being as undeniable as ever. L
March 21, 2013
I loved being able to read 2 books in 1. I thought that it maight be about the same people are had the same people in it but it didn't.
I can't figure out which one that I liked the most. I will just say that I liked them both the same.
I can't figure out which one that I liked the most. I will just say that I liked them both the same.
March 28, 2015
Some presents authors I read are a bit hit and miss but Carol Marinelli never fails to deliver a satisfying read. If it's by Marinelli, I'll buy it every time - and she is the only author I read consistently in the medical romance line. I just adore her voice.
April 29, 2013
Loved this book
July 26, 2013
i just couldn't get into it
September 5, 2013
3.5 stars
September 19, 2014
cute :)
November 22, 2015
Playing the dutiful wife was a very gritty departure for a harlequin I believe. I loved the twist in the story and how it all worked in the end.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
December 30, 2014Playing the Dutiful Wife: Expecting His Love-Child
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews