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Captive in the Spotlight & Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife
Out of the limelight…
Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade….
Plus an Annie West reader-favorite story: Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife
Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade….
Plus an Annie West reader-favorite story: Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Annie West
913 books558 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 10, 2017
This review is just for Captive in the Spotlight. It was a fairly decent example of OTT HP goodness. I felt like the author failed just a bit with the whole she's been toughened up in prison thing. Because most of the time she wasn't. Decent all in all
May 27, 2013
This is just on Captive in the Spotlight. I'll rate and review Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife separately.
I really enjoyed the hell out of reading this. I don't typically read Harlequin Presents. They usually seem like a contemporary update of the eighties books. I hate the severe power imbalances; the borderline abusive, controlling, sexist, manipulative, dreadful Heroes; the virgin Heroine/powerful experienced Hero (don't get me wrong, I love virgin characters a lot, but it seems overly fetishistic in these books); the many stories that sound suspiciously rapey; and other obnoxious tropes. But sometimes when I find a deal I can't resist (this was a two in one!). I don't think I've liked any of the Presents I've read before so it's great I finally found one that doesn't irritate the crap out of me and, instead, had me glued to the pages.
It's definitely a different setup than I've read in a romance before. The Heroine, Lucy Knight, has spent the last five years in jail for killing the Hero's, Domenico Volpe's, brother. He wants nothing to do with her, but this is also a huge news story and he wants his family out of the spotlight so he offers Lucy refuge from the paparazzi until everything dies down.
I felt like the story struck a good balance when it came to the power imbalance and virgin tropes. Dominico was controlling and overbearing but not to a significant degree. I didn't really feel like I wanted to junk punch him. Lucy was a great, strong Heroine, but of course she'd have to be having been thrown in jail at 18 and losing everything. I love that she didn't bow to Dominico's demands and manipulation. She maintained her innocence and made him hear her. And his starting to trust and believe her wasn't led by his libido but by actually getting to know her. I was really invested in the characters and the story. It was hard for me to stop reading I was so interested in seeing where the whole thing went.
I only had three rather minor-ish issues. I wish this was written for the Intrigue or Romantic Suspense lines because I would have loved to have had a lot more on what really happened five years ago and getting proof and maybe even a showdown than focusing more on their "oh, this is wrong!" attraction. Which makes sense under Presents, but I think there was the potential for an even more interesting story in there.
West did a lot of that alluding to something, drawing it out, and revealing it later thing. Which drives me nuts unless it's done really well, and it rarely is in my opinion. I don't see what's gained by keeping the audience in the dark. Just tell me already and let's move on!
The end was a little lackluster. I enjoyed the rest of the book so much and it was such a different story for me, the very typical, predictable ending fell a little flat.
Other than that I really don't think you can go wrong with this one.
My review of Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife. 1 Star (but really a big fat zero).
I really enjoyed the hell out of reading this. I don't typically read Harlequin Presents. They usually seem like a contemporary update of the eighties books. I hate the severe power imbalances; the borderline abusive, controlling, sexist, manipulative, dreadful Heroes; the virgin Heroine/powerful experienced Hero (don't get me wrong, I love virgin characters a lot, but it seems overly fetishistic in these books); the many stories that sound suspiciously rapey; and other obnoxious tropes. But sometimes when I find a deal I can't resist (this was a two in one!). I don't think I've liked any of the Presents I've read before so it's great I finally found one that doesn't irritate the crap out of me and, instead, had me glued to the pages.
It's definitely a different setup than I've read in a romance before. The Heroine, Lucy Knight, has spent the last five years in jail for killing the Hero's, Domenico Volpe's, brother. He wants nothing to do with her, but this is also a huge news story and he wants his family out of the spotlight so he offers Lucy refuge from the paparazzi until everything dies down.
I felt like the story struck a good balance when it came to the power imbalance and virgin tropes. Dominico was controlling and overbearing but not to a significant degree. I didn't really feel like I wanted to junk punch him. Lucy was a great, strong Heroine, but of course she'd have to be having been thrown in jail at 18 and losing everything. I love that she didn't bow to Dominico's demands and manipulation. She maintained her innocence and made him hear her. And his starting to trust and believe her wasn't led by his libido but by actually getting to know her. I was really invested in the characters and the story. It was hard for me to stop reading I was so interested in seeing where the whole thing went.
I only had three rather minor-ish issues. I wish this was written for the Intrigue or Romantic Suspense lines because I would have loved to have had a lot more on what really happened five years ago and getting proof and maybe even a showdown than focusing more on their "oh, this is wrong!" attraction. Which makes sense under Presents, but I think there was the potential for an even more interesting story in there.
West did a lot of that alluding to something, drawing it out, and revealing it later thing. Which drives me nuts unless it's done really well, and it rarely is in my opinion. I don't see what's gained by keeping the audience in the dark. Just tell me already and let's move on!
The end was a little lackluster. I enjoyed the rest of the book so much and it was such a different story for me, the very typical, predictable ending fell a little flat.
Other than that I really don't think you can go wrong with this one.
My review of Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife. 1 Star (but really a big fat zero).
April 3, 2013
4.5 stars
Loved the book. Interesting twist, and glad that not only did Lucy get redemption for a crime she didn't commit that she was charged with all those years ago, but she got the guy too. The same guy that cleared her name in the end, and truly felt remorse for the blame he put on Lucy all those years ago, and did whatever he could to make it up to her like clearing her name.
Loved Lucy toughness, but also could feel remorse over all she had suffered those five years in prison, feeling the pain she felt and how she had to deal with some unfair things in her life, yet she refused to feel sorry for herself only doing whatever took for her to survive in the end. And she did, even if she had to keep a icy wall around her in order to protect her, but luckily that melted away once she started to fall in love with Domenico.
Loved the book. Interesting twist, and glad that not only did Lucy get redemption for a crime she didn't commit that she was charged with all those years ago, but she got the guy too. The same guy that cleared her name in the end, and truly felt remorse for the blame he put on Lucy all those years ago, and did whatever he could to make it up to her like clearing her name.
Loved Lucy toughness, but also could feel remorse over all she had suffered those five years in prison, feeling the pain she felt and how she had to deal with some unfair things in her life, yet she refused to feel sorry for herself only doing whatever took for her to survive in the end. And she did, even if she had to keep a icy wall around her in order to protect her, but luckily that melted away once she started to fall in love with Domenico.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2020
Okay, it appears I've dropped into "enjoy the brain release of reading secular romantic stories"... Which is not my normal, but hey. TROPES. ALL THE TROPES.
Book 1 was an interesting story of falsely accused heroine Lucy (and I do love that name) getting tangled up with the brother of the man she was convicted of killing... So very much the "stay on your guard, I can't trust him/her" vibe going on.
Book 2... The whole "forced into marriage to save family" trope... When it works out, I really have to say I enjoy it. Alissa and Dario both hold family as hugely important to them. Also, fake married but want more but don't want to admit it... Eh, okay.
They are both secular romance books with content.
Book 1 was an interesting story of falsely accused heroine Lucy (and I do love that name) getting tangled up with the brother of the man she was convicted of killing... So very much the "stay on your guard, I can't trust him/her" vibe going on.
Book 2... The whole "forced into marriage to save family" trope... When it works out, I really have to say I enjoy it. Alissa and Dario both hold family as hugely important to them. Also, fake married but want more but don't want to admit it... Eh, okay.
They are both secular romance books with content.
November 17, 2017
Two books in one. They were both amazing. This is the 4th book I have read by Annie and I'm a big fan now. I love her love/hate characters and all the obstacles in the way of love. So good.
May 28, 2020
Captive-4 stars
Blackmailed-3 stars
Blackmailed-3 stars
June 29, 2022
Captive in the spotlight
These two stories are some of the greatest short stories. They both starred heroines that were wronged and then proven their innocence.
These two stories are some of the greatest short stories. They both starred heroines that were wronged and then proven their innocence.
Read
March 26, 2017Part of my romance novel research.
May 16, 2013
Review:
Life for Lucy hasn’t been anything near fair, especially for the last 5 years in which she served time in jail for something she claims she wasn’t responsible for. After being released she doesn’t have a choice but to turn to her accuser for help, which the latter offers even without a request. But what are the true motives of the unexpected assistance? Or what could grow out of it?
Liked: The heroine was awesome, no wet blanket here, even though she was delicate and vulnerable. The hero was the right amount of conflicted. The setting was not entirely probable, but unique enough to set it apart from other common Harlequin presents plots. There was definitely chemistry between the couple and the romance was a slow burn.
Did not like: Everything was wrapped up too nicely and I couldn’t help but think that if the original trial would have been more carefulness, detailed and objective all this would not have happened. The whole court ordeal was lazy, incompetent and unprofessional and (while I don’t doubt that these things happen) thus felt quite unrealistic. The idea that there is no doubt that the pretty and young girl would only be after one thing and she no doubt is despicable enough to commit such a crime? – these notions were too self explanatory to me.
Characters:
Lucy was such a role model with her strong and dignified character. Whatever is said, done, accused, she holds her ground and doesn’t flinch at anything. She was capable of being true to herself no matter the situation. She came across extremely sympathetic with her head held high, but quite vulnerable and in need of someone to believe her and heal her pain and atone the injustice. I was glad to read that she wasn’t broken by the whole ordeal and she could forgive and move on.
Domenico was a good hero, he wasn’t all macho, suffocating or set out for cruel revenge. He was confused and that state of mind deepened constantly. He took his mistakes seriously and tried to atone as best as he could.
Overall:
An above average Harlequin Presents read that I recommend to all who want a slightly different plot with an extremely likable main couple.
Life for Lucy hasn’t been anything near fair, especially for the last 5 years in which she served time in jail for something she claims she wasn’t responsible for. After being released she doesn’t have a choice but to turn to her accuser for help, which the latter offers even without a request. But what are the true motives of the unexpected assistance? Or what could grow out of it?
Liked: The heroine was awesome, no wet blanket here, even though she was delicate and vulnerable. The hero was the right amount of conflicted. The setting was not entirely probable, but unique enough to set it apart from other common Harlequin presents plots. There was definitely chemistry between the couple and the romance was a slow burn.
Did not like: Everything was wrapped up too nicely and I couldn’t help but think that if the original trial would have been more carefulness, detailed and objective all this would not have happened. The whole court ordeal was lazy, incompetent and unprofessional and (while I don’t doubt that these things happen) thus felt quite unrealistic. The idea that there is no doubt that the pretty and young girl would only be after one thing and she no doubt is despicable enough to commit such a crime? – these notions were too self explanatory to me.
Characters:
Lucy was such a role model with her strong and dignified character. Whatever is said, done, accused, she holds her ground and doesn’t flinch at anything. She was capable of being true to herself no matter the situation. She came across extremely sympathetic with her head held high, but quite vulnerable and in need of someone to believe her and heal her pain and atone the injustice. I was glad to read that she wasn’t broken by the whole ordeal and she could forgive and move on.
Domenico was a good hero, he wasn’t all macho, suffocating or set out for cruel revenge. He was confused and that state of mind deepened constantly. He took his mistakes seriously and tried to atone as best as he could.
Overall:
An above average Harlequin Presents read that I recommend to all who want a slightly different plot with an extremely likable main couple.
February 5, 2021
2.5 stars rounded down, I'm sorry to say.
Almost dnf-ed this one. Which is a pity as the synopsis sounded very promising. There was also nothing disturbing in the story (which is usually the reason for my 2-star ratings). It was just that the writing was sooo BORING - terribly drawn-out and even the angst, of which there was plenty, seemed to fizzle out. It was probably the way the author seemed to double down on writing the ending: there was a resolution, then another, and then another (I think, I barely skimmed the final chapters).
The entire heroine-just-out-of-prison-despite-being-innocent storyline could have been done so much better. I hope someone does it soon. I hope Caitlin Crews does it.
story: 3+/5 (could have been a 5-star story, honestly)
characters: 2.5/5 (h is quite great, but the H a wannabe-alpha, ugh, the worst kind - his inner monologues are full of sappy emotions)
dialogues: 2/5
angst: 3+/5 (a lot of it but boring)
steaminess: 3-/5
Almost dnf-ed this one. Which is a pity as the synopsis sounded very promising. There was also nothing disturbing in the story (which is usually the reason for my 2-star ratings). It was just that the writing was sooo BORING - terribly drawn-out and even the angst, of which there was plenty, seemed to fizzle out. It was probably the way the author seemed to double down on writing the ending: there was a resolution, then another, and then another (I think, I barely skimmed the final chapters).
The entire heroine-just-out-of-prison-despite-being-innocent storyline could have been done so much better. I hope someone does it soon. I hope Caitlin Crews does it.
story: 3+/5 (could have been a 5-star story, honestly)
characters: 2.5/5 (h is quite great, but the H a wannabe-alpha, ugh, the worst kind - his inner monologues are full of sappy emotions)
dialogues: 2/5
angst: 3+/5 (a lot of it but boring)
steaminess: 3-/5
June 3, 2021
Out of the limelight…
Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade….
Plus an Annie West reader-favorite story: Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife
Domenico Volpe has been a paparazzi target for years with his rugged Roman looks, glamorous lifestyle and, most recently, a family tragedy. Now that the woman at the center of it all is released from prison, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet.
And into the fire!
Domenico ensures that Lucy Knight "accepts" his offer of refuge on his well-guarded offshore estate. While the media furor abates on the mainland, things are heating up on the island! Domenico is beginning to doubt Lucy's guilt as he uncovers the innocent, sensual woman behind the tough facade….
Plus an Annie West reader-favorite story: Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife
January 1, 2014
Pretty good- the first story was hard to understand because it took so long to get to the real reason for Domenico's revenge. A good quick easy read- guilty pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews