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Sicily's Corretti Dynasty #6
A Facade to Shatter
For the forgotten Corretti - is one night enough? Jackson Scott wakes from nightmares to the echo of gunfire. So when he stirs from a flashback and finds himself not in the cockpit of a fighter jet but at a party, pressed up against the soft, womanly figure of Lia Corretti he rages against the sweet pity in her eyes. The forgotten Corretti, Lia is desperate to love and be loved. The hot heat of Jackson as he trapped her to him is something the innocent Sicilian girl has never experienced. Perhaps one night would be enough to sate the fire he’s lit inside her. Or will it just add fuel to the flames?
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
51 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Raye Harris
349 books2,962 followersLynn Raye Harris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sizzling military romantic suspense novels and contemporary romance novels. She lives in Alabama with her husband (former military), her cat, and her American Saddlebred horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 11, 2016
I think this was my favorite of the Corretti series so far. I really liked the Corretti heroine who felt abandoned by her father and didn't like her too tall, too curvy figure. She had a virginal sweetness that the hero desperately needed. The hero was cold and cynical - but at least he had a reason. He was battling PTSD from being shot down in the war.
It's interesting how the editors worked an American fighter pilot into a series about a Sicilian family - he happened to accompany the heroine from An Invitation to Sin to the wedding where all the action started. The flashbulbs set off his PTSD and he acted strangely around the heroine in the elevator. She recognized that something was off about him and was kind.
Later, when the heroine is rejected by her new-found half-sister at the reception, she jumps into the pool with her hideous, too-tight bridesmaid dress still on. It gets caught in the pool drain and she is in danger of drowning until the hero rescues her, takes her to his hotel room, strips her of her clothes and then proceeds to seduce her - for two days. Then they part. She to stay in Sicily. He to return to the USA.
I don't normally like one-night stand romances, but this one felt in character for both of them.
The conflict begins when the heroine confronts the hero in Washington DC with her pregnancy:
I liked that the hero didn't wallow in his angst and that he did listen to the heroine in the end. I liked how the heroine was up front and honest about her feelings and didn't deny her hurt or try to whitewash what the hero was going through. Their drama was more understandable than some of the other hangs ups of the rich and notorious characters in the rest of the series.
It's interesting how the editors worked an American fighter pilot into a series about a Sicilian family - he happened to accompany the heroine from An Invitation to Sin to the wedding where all the action started. The flashbulbs set off his PTSD and he acted strangely around the heroine in the elevator. She recognized that something was off about him and was kind.
Later, when the heroine is rejected by her new-found half-sister at the reception, she jumps into the pool with her hideous, too-tight bridesmaid dress still on. It gets caught in the pool drain and she is in danger of drowning until the hero rescues her, takes her to his hotel room, strips her of her clothes and then proceeds to seduce her - for two days. Then they part. She to stay in Sicily. He to return to the USA.
I don't normally like one-night stand romances, but this one felt in character for both of them.
The conflict begins when the heroine confronts the hero in Washington DC with her pregnancy:
I liked that the hero didn't wallow in his angst and that he did listen to the heroine in the end. I liked how the heroine was up front and honest about her feelings and didn't deny her hurt or try to whitewash what the hero was going through. Their drama was more understandable than some of the other hangs ups of the rich and notorious characters in the rest of the series.
July 31, 2015
Edited on 31st July 2015 to get the gif working again. Why don't they work?
Now this, this is the kind of story that I absolutely love! The kind where a hard, cynical man softens and learns how to live again because of the unconditional love and caring of a strong, persistent woman.
But the reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars was because it didn't start out that way, neither did it end that way. The heroine doesn't love the hero from the start (although I absolutely loved her), she slowly stars to love him later on, and even then she tries to deny her feelings. And the hero was too much of a blind ass at the end.
Anyhoo, the good parts. This book made me feel so good from inside because of its sweetness. The heroine was such a delight to read, so practical, honest, understanding and mature. And an adorable sweetheart, to top it off. I loved how she didn't throw temper tantrums left and right, and understood the hero's POV and conceded to his wishes, even if she didn't agree with him. Another thing I applauded her for - coming all the way to the States to tell the hero of her pregnancy. Seriously, it's become so rare in romances nowadays, finding a heroine like that. Lynn Raye Harris, I hail you.
The hero was cynical, tortured, self-depracating and oh Lord, so wonderful. I absolutely loved him. I more than loved him. And the PTSD just made him hotter. It was only that he kept pushing the heroine away. And the heroine, at times, held onto her pride too much. It kind of irked me, but I understood why she did it.
At the end, when the h expresses her love for the H, I really disliked how he broke her heart and pushed her away. But then it wouldn't've been a HP if that hadn't happened, eh? The grovel was really good; I loved how the hero didn't give up easily.
As for the writing, it was amazing. The flow was so good that I couldn't find a single thing wrong with it. I loved the exotic setting and the description. This author is a good one. I loved the sweetness in this story.
Now this, this is the kind of story that I absolutely love! The kind where a hard, cynical man softens and learns how to live again because of the unconditional love and caring of a strong, persistent woman.
But the reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars was because it didn't start out that way, neither did it end that way. The heroine doesn't love the hero from the start (although I absolutely loved her), she slowly stars to love him later on, and even then she tries to deny her feelings. And the hero was too much of a blind ass at the end.
Anyhoo, the good parts. This book made me feel so good from inside because of its sweetness. The heroine was such a delight to read, so practical, honest, understanding and mature. And an adorable sweetheart, to top it off. I loved how she didn't throw temper tantrums left and right, and understood the hero's POV and conceded to his wishes, even if she didn't agree with him. Another thing I applauded her for - coming all the way to the States to tell the hero of her pregnancy. Seriously, it's become so rare in romances nowadays, finding a heroine like that. Lynn Raye Harris, I hail you.
The hero was cynical, tortured, self-depracating and oh Lord, so wonderful. I absolutely loved him. I more than loved him. And the PTSD just made him hotter. It was only that he kept pushing the heroine away. And the heroine, at times, held onto her pride too much. It kind of irked me, but I understood why she did it.
At the end, when the h expresses her love for the H, I really disliked how he broke her heart and pushed her away. But then it wouldn't've been a HP if that hadn't happened, eh? The grovel was really good; I loved how the hero didn't give up easily.
As for the writing, it was amazing. The flow was so good that I couldn't find a single thing wrong with it. I loved the exotic setting and the description. This author is a good one. I loved the sweetness in this story.
April 24, 2013
The sixth book in Corretti Dynasty series and so far the best. This is a story about a dark tortured hero redeemed by the love of a sweet, intelligent girl. Lia Corretti and Zach Scott meet, have a one night stand and later the heroine finds out this night has some unexpected consequences.
Lia is a shy, awkward self-conscious girl. She is hungry for acceptance and affection. She is a strong, kind and caring heroine. She might be innocent, but she's a great match for Zach, seeing something to love in him.
I loved that she had her own journey to go through as she dealt with the repercussions of being involved with such a dark man who also happens to be a celebrity. I love how confidently she slipped into his world. It was daunting but she was strong and held her own and, of course, her deep love for Zach was seriously heart warming.
Zach is a tortured, brooding military man with an aura of danger. He believes he is not husband or father material and that he doesn't deserve a sweet wife and a happy ending. He sees himself as a monster incapable of love who will ruin Lia's brightness with his darkness. Lia is compassionate, sweet and strong and she believes in him but he's being living with guilt and self loathing for so long it's hard to let go and move on.
In short this book has a hero to die for and a heroine I admire and adore. Their love seems genuine, their chemistry is sizzling and the hero's redemption is heartwarming. Also the epilogue made me all mushy gushy which is something I need in my Harlequins!
Lia is a shy, awkward self-conscious girl. She is hungry for acceptance and affection. She is a strong, kind and caring heroine. She might be innocent, but she's a great match for Zach, seeing something to love in him.
I loved that she had her own journey to go through as she dealt with the repercussions of being involved with such a dark man who also happens to be a celebrity. I love how confidently she slipped into his world. It was daunting but she was strong and held her own and, of course, her deep love for Zach was seriously heart warming.
Zach is a tortured, brooding military man with an aura of danger. He believes he is not husband or father material and that he doesn't deserve a sweet wife and a happy ending. He sees himself as a monster incapable of love who will ruin Lia's brightness with his darkness. Lia is compassionate, sweet and strong and she believes in him but he's being living with guilt and self loathing for so long it's hard to let go and move on.
In short this book has a hero to die for and a heroine I admire and adore. Their love seems genuine, their chemistry is sizzling and the hero's redemption is heartwarming. Also the epilogue made me all mushy gushy which is something I need in my Harlequins!
December 6, 2024
3,5 stars!
March 29, 2017
4-4.5 stars
This book was a mass improvement to the book previous in the series, A Whisper of Disgrace. This book jut fit more my expectations of what an intense, emotional romance should be. It was engaging all the way through, and I never found myself disconnected from the characters nor the story. I enjoyed very much especially with emotional stakes so high in this one, which added so much intensity to the story.
The beginning just dove right in and just didn't stop. It was interesting beginning, and I really like because it began in a way that I never saw before. Again in dropped into the action immediately with Zach having a panic attack at this big society wedding and was basically thrown back to his traumatic past. It wasn't until Lia approached and asked if he was okay out of concern for him then he snapped out of it and got back to reality. There were so many great things about that scene. For one, it showed how concerned Lia was for a stranger and she wanted to comfort him without second. Secondly it showed that Zach had some major emotional issues over a traumatic event that happened while he was in the surface, which meant that he had an uphill battle to get to his happily ever after. And thirdly, I really that this scene showed that Lia and Zach had connection right, and it wasn't just physical. They both emotional traumas that even though the traumas were completely different, they way they felt and reacted were very similar. Lia recognized it right away, and it made her feel like she wasn't alone in the world, and believed that they had that connection.
I liked how the emotional issues were explored in this book, and how they were to overcome. They both acted the way they did because of these issues. And they both experienced some raw and gut wrenching emotions along the way. For example with Lia, she felt unwanted all her life. Her father wanted nothing to do with her and shipped her to her grandparents. She barely saw her father or the rest of the family. She was an afterthought. So, all her life she never felt good enough or worthy of anything not even love. She didn't think she was attractive and surprised when Zach wanted her like did, but when Zach rejected her and said very hurtful things she was transported back to when her father abandoned her. And Zach did that a few times, and it really hurt her. And it was so painful and angsty that it was hard to look away. Zach rejected because he himself felt unworthy of her. So their pasts and emotional issues played a huge part in their developing romance.
As I said above, there was a lot of angst going on, and I loved that. With angst came lots of misunderstandings between the two. At times I wanted to shake them, but for the most part my heart broke for them. They both deserved to have love in their life and have a happy ending, but it wasn't easy. It was hard journey they went on and they needed to go on just like they needed one. This story showed how they were willing to fight for their relationship, but again it wasn't easy. Hence all the angst that just made the story so interesting and engrossing. I loved all the back forth between them as well as a range of emotions they went through. It was really a roller coaster ride with the ups and the downs that they went on. It was good, but very emotional. My heart cracked a little bit. But it was worth it in the end because they fought to be together.
Now I was surprised with how quickly they got to the bedroom action. If you have ever read my reviews in the past especially in Harlequin Presents, you would know I hate when love scenes happen too soon and also when it's two strangers going at. Usually for me I like a little build up to it, which increases sexual tension and angst. With this story I didn't hate that the scene happened so soon, and it didn't bother me as it usually would have. The reason being that they had that great part in the beginning where they connected on more than the physical. It was deeper than that, and she acknowledged it while Zach being a typical guy only focused on his desire for her, but he walked. Until they met again with him saving her and being hero that he didn't want to be. He took her to his room, and he tried to fight that pull to her. I liked seeing that conflict with himself over being with her at first. He didn't just fall on her and go at it. He tried to do the honorable thing, but he couldn't resist that pull to her. Even during the scene, he realized that being with her was different than anyone else had been. There was that connection that they had. I loved in that scene when he grabbed both of her hands and interlaced them together with his own while they were on the bed. That gesture alone just said so much me and showed that the first time was meaningful and special even though he tried to play it off later on. I wish more love scenes would have interlocking hands because it shows so much. Anyway my point being that because there was this special connection and closeness during their first time that it didn't bother me that they just met because their was an establishment that this wasn't just bout only the physical and only opportunity. They would have had this mind blowing connection with any one else. It could only happen between Lia and Zach because they understood each other. They needed each other. They were better together. It was a nice meaningful scene I thought.
Of coarse problems ensued after that, and Zach cold to Lia, and even though what he did wasn't right, I didn't think he was a jerk about it. Was he wrong to do what he did? Yes. Did I think he wanted to be cruel and hurt her? No. I really think he believed that he protecting her from himself. He thought he was a monster, but really he was broken man that needed heal. Lia made him realized he needed to heal in order to be with her. Though he came to realize it late in the book, it was what he needed. It was hard journey for him, but love made him fight for what he wanted and that was to get healthy again so he could be there for her. I liked being on that journey with him. Because he deserved love in his life, and I rooted for him. Was he perfect? No, but that's what made him human. It made him more real to me. It was just flat character on the page. He leapt off the page. I really enjoyed him as a character. He truly was a wounded hero and I just wanted to hug and hold him. Be there for him just Lia did. She wanted the man not the facade, and she learned loved the man. And he loved all of her. That's what made this beautiful love story.
My favorite parts in this book was when they were in Hawaii. It was the most romantic part of the book. They had romantic dinners. They spent time together and enjoyed that time together. They got to know each other. And they had some incredible lovemaking scenes during this time. This was where they got closer and started falling deeper and deeper for each other. I could feel their closeness grow and their bond deeper. The intimacy was really good, and I liked how it showed they were falling love. And their were those interlocking fingers again that just made me swoon. In fact all the little tender moments made me swoon. The setting was perfect. It was just romance in its purest form. I wished there was a little bit more romance and a couple more lovemaking scene here, but overall I was satisfied. I just enjoyed their time in Hawaii together.
I wish that both Lia and Zach confront their families over the issues they dealt with their entire lives. I understand because of length that it couldn't be that explored to a great depth, but I would have liked to have seen something and just how they were growing and moving on. That was a piece that could be in there just to show what they overcame through the course of the book. But again I know because of length it couldn't be there.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It had great structure and bones to the story and mostly it was emotional. That was great. I could feel Lia and Zach inner turmoil but also their strength. Their love made them stronger. The connection was there from the moment they met. There were great angsty moments that pulled at the heart strings. There were sad heartbreaking moments that made me hurt for them and made me want to hug them. There were a few bright moments that put smile on my face and experienced such joy because they were happy together. There were tender moments that made me and felt very heartfelt. There were painful moments that made me hurt for both them. It was just an emotional roller coaster ride of a journey that I went on. I really liked both of the characters that were in the book. They were special and had a very special connection that was beautiful to witness. They passionate moments that was due to their connection and just brought them closer. They fit together well and truly belonged together. I rooted for them. Just this book felt ver unique and different with very interesting hooks to make for an engrossing and interesting love story. I enjoyed it.
This book was a mass improvement to the book previous in the series, A Whisper of Disgrace. This book jut fit more my expectations of what an intense, emotional romance should be. It was engaging all the way through, and I never found myself disconnected from the characters nor the story. I enjoyed very much especially with emotional stakes so high in this one, which added so much intensity to the story.
The beginning just dove right in and just didn't stop. It was interesting beginning, and I really like because it began in a way that I never saw before. Again in dropped into the action immediately with Zach having a panic attack at this big society wedding and was basically thrown back to his traumatic past. It wasn't until Lia approached and asked if he was okay out of concern for him then he snapped out of it and got back to reality. There were so many great things about that scene. For one, it showed how concerned Lia was for a stranger and she wanted to comfort him without second. Secondly it showed that Zach had some major emotional issues over a traumatic event that happened while he was in the surface, which meant that he had an uphill battle to get to his happily ever after. And thirdly, I really that this scene showed that Lia and Zach had connection right, and it wasn't just physical. They both emotional traumas that even though the traumas were completely different, they way they felt and reacted were very similar. Lia recognized it right away, and it made her feel like she wasn't alone in the world, and believed that they had that connection.
I liked how the emotional issues were explored in this book, and how they were to overcome. They both acted the way they did because of these issues. And they both experienced some raw and gut wrenching emotions along the way. For example with Lia, she felt unwanted all her life. Her father wanted nothing to do with her and shipped her to her grandparents. She barely saw her father or the rest of the family. She was an afterthought. So, all her life she never felt good enough or worthy of anything not even love. She didn't think she was attractive and surprised when Zach wanted her like did, but when Zach rejected her and said very hurtful things she was transported back to when her father abandoned her. And Zach did that a few times, and it really hurt her. And it was so painful and angsty that it was hard to look away. Zach rejected because he himself felt unworthy of her. So their pasts and emotional issues played a huge part in their developing romance.
As I said above, there was a lot of angst going on, and I loved that. With angst came lots of misunderstandings between the two. At times I wanted to shake them, but for the most part my heart broke for them. They both deserved to have love in their life and have a happy ending, but it wasn't easy. It was hard journey they went on and they needed to go on just like they needed one. This story showed how they were willing to fight for their relationship, but again it wasn't easy. Hence all the angst that just made the story so interesting and engrossing. I loved all the back forth between them as well as a range of emotions they went through. It was really a roller coaster ride with the ups and the downs that they went on. It was good, but very emotional. My heart cracked a little bit. But it was worth it in the end because they fought to be together.
Now I was surprised with how quickly they got to the bedroom action. If you have ever read my reviews in the past especially in Harlequin Presents, you would know I hate when love scenes happen too soon and also when it's two strangers going at. Usually for me I like a little build up to it, which increases sexual tension and angst. With this story I didn't hate that the scene happened so soon, and it didn't bother me as it usually would have. The reason being that they had that great part in the beginning where they connected on more than the physical. It was deeper than that, and she acknowledged it while Zach being a typical guy only focused on his desire for her, but he walked. Until they met again with him saving her and being hero that he didn't want to be. He took her to his room, and he tried to fight that pull to her. I liked seeing that conflict with himself over being with her at first. He didn't just fall on her and go at it. He tried to do the honorable thing, but he couldn't resist that pull to her. Even during the scene, he realized that being with her was different than anyone else had been. There was that connection that they had. I loved in that scene when he grabbed both of her hands and interlaced them together with his own while they were on the bed. That gesture alone just said so much me and showed that the first time was meaningful and special even though he tried to play it off later on. I wish more love scenes would have interlocking hands because it shows so much. Anyway my point being that because there was this special connection and closeness during their first time that it didn't bother me that they just met because their was an establishment that this wasn't just bout only the physical and only opportunity. They would have had this mind blowing connection with any one else. It could only happen between Lia and Zach because they understood each other. They needed each other. They were better together. It was a nice meaningful scene I thought.
Of coarse problems ensued after that, and Zach cold to Lia, and even though what he did wasn't right, I didn't think he was a jerk about it. Was he wrong to do what he did? Yes. Did I think he wanted to be cruel and hurt her? No. I really think he believed that he protecting her from himself. He thought he was a monster, but really he was broken man that needed heal. Lia made him realized he needed to heal in order to be with her. Though he came to realize it late in the book, it was what he needed. It was hard journey for him, but love made him fight for what he wanted and that was to get healthy again so he could be there for her. I liked being on that journey with him. Because he deserved love in his life, and I rooted for him. Was he perfect? No, but that's what made him human. It made him more real to me. It was just flat character on the page. He leapt off the page. I really enjoyed him as a character. He truly was a wounded hero and I just wanted to hug and hold him. Be there for him just Lia did. She wanted the man not the facade, and she learned loved the man. And he loved all of her. That's what made this beautiful love story.
My favorite parts in this book was when they were in Hawaii. It was the most romantic part of the book. They had romantic dinners. They spent time together and enjoyed that time together. They got to know each other. And they had some incredible lovemaking scenes during this time. This was where they got closer and started falling deeper and deeper for each other. I could feel their closeness grow and their bond deeper. The intimacy was really good, and I liked how it showed they were falling love. And their were those interlocking fingers again that just made me swoon. In fact all the little tender moments made me swoon. The setting was perfect. It was just romance in its purest form. I wished there was a little bit more romance and a couple more lovemaking scene here, but overall I was satisfied. I just enjoyed their time in Hawaii together.
I wish that both Lia and Zach confront their families over the issues they dealt with their entire lives. I understand because of length that it couldn't be that explored to a great depth, but I would have liked to have seen something and just how they were growing and moving on. That was a piece that could be in there just to show what they overcame through the course of the book. But again I know because of length it couldn't be there.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It had great structure and bones to the story and mostly it was emotional. That was great. I could feel Lia and Zach inner turmoil but also their strength. Their love made them stronger. The connection was there from the moment they met. There were great angsty moments that pulled at the heart strings. There were sad heartbreaking moments that made me hurt for them and made me want to hug them. There were a few bright moments that put smile on my face and experienced such joy because they were happy together. There were tender moments that made me and felt very heartfelt. There were painful moments that made me hurt for both them. It was just an emotional roller coaster ride of a journey that I went on. I really liked both of the characters that were in the book. They were special and had a very special connection that was beautiful to witness. They passionate moments that was due to their connection and just brought them closer. They fit together well and truly belonged together. I rooted for them. Just this book felt ver unique and different with very interesting hooks to make for an engrossing and interesting love story. I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2013
A Facade to Shatter was a compelling read. It had two people dealing with past emotional issues. The heroine, rejection from her family and a mistaken belief she was an ugly duckling. The hero, he suffered from post traumatic trauma disorder from war.
I liked seeing them grow as characters. I found the prose compelling. I was hooked the first page. I liked the heroine. I liked the hero tho I wish he didn't do appearances he hated attending. In my version of romanceland, alpha heroes do what they want not attending fancy events for appearances.
The only issue I had was I didn't really believe the heroine fell in love when she did. There wasn't much genuine relationship developed between the hero/heroine for that realization.
Now that I think about it the hero/heroine never even dated. Their bond was the unplanned pregnancy & chemistry.
In spite of these issues this was a good read. Flawed but good.
I liked seeing them grow as characters. I found the prose compelling. I was hooked the first page. I liked the heroine. I liked the hero tho I wish he didn't do appearances he hated attending. In my version of romanceland, alpha heroes do what they want not attending fancy events for appearances.
The only issue I had was I didn't really believe the heroine fell in love when she did. There wasn't much genuine relationship developed between the hero/heroine for that realization.
Now that I think about it the hero/heroine never even dated. Their bond was the unplanned pregnancy & chemistry.
In spite of these issues this was a good read. Flawed but good.
August 1, 2013
Rating 3.25 stars
Again not a fan of the hero, the heroine too was blah. Overall not upto the great first few books in this series. Hero was kind of a dick, not wanting his own kid while the heroine was too wishy-washy and didn't have much of a presence. She is the forgotten sibling, poor me attitude, sleeps with the hero immediately, gets pregnant, his family position means he needs to marry her to avert scandal. I truly didn't get why the heroine never did anything, get a job, something. Her lack of spine didn't make me love her and the hero as I said blah. She thankfully leaves him but takes him back.
Again not a fan of the hero, the heroine too was blah. Overall not upto the great first few books in this series. Hero was kind of a dick, not wanting his own kid while the heroine was too wishy-washy and didn't have much of a presence. She is the forgotten sibling, poor me attitude, sleeps with the hero immediately, gets pregnant, his family position means he needs to marry her to avert scandal. I truly didn't get why the heroine never did anything, get a job, something. Her lack of spine didn't make me love her and the hero as I said blah. She thankfully leaves him but takes him back.
February 7, 2017
Safety Level: Safe
Cliffhanger: No
Ending: HEA
This was an "okay" book. I actually liked the hero. The heroine, not so much. First, the heroine sees herself as a fat girl. She was even called fat by her uncle's wife. She thinks everybody else sees her as fat. Except for the hero, that is. He seems to think she's the sexiest woman ever. He doesn't see her as fat at all. While I have no problem with body type, because hey, I'm not one to talk. What I couldn't understand was exactly how "fat" is fat here? Is she just curvy? Big boned? Plus sized? Or really fat like 250lbs and up? And if she was really on the heavier side, I would have appreciated it if this was acknowledged by the hero. Let him see her as a big girl, but let him not care at all. Because the fact of the matter is that, solid relationships should recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Other than that, I wanted to have a better glimpse of the Correttis. Instead, the heroine was detached from her family. The book made it feel like only the hero and he heroine existed in the world. It didn't include other characters, except only in passing or just mentioned by name. I liked the story and the conflict on the hero's side. That's it.
Cliffhanger: No
Ending: HEA
This was an "okay" book. I actually liked the hero. The heroine, not so much. First, the heroine sees herself as a fat girl. She was even called fat by her uncle's wife. She thinks everybody else sees her as fat. Except for the hero, that is. He seems to think she's the sexiest woman ever. He doesn't see her as fat at all. While I have no problem with body type, because hey, I'm not one to talk. What I couldn't understand was exactly how "fat" is fat here? Is she just curvy? Big boned? Plus sized? Or really fat like 250lbs and up? And if she was really on the heavier side, I would have appreciated it if this was acknowledged by the hero. Let him see her as a big girl, but let him not care at all. Because the fact of the matter is that, solid relationships should recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Other than that, I wanted to have a better glimpse of the Correttis. Instead, the heroine was detached from her family. The book made it feel like only the hero and he heroine existed in the world. It didn't include other characters, except only in passing or just mentioned by name. I liked the story and the conflict on the hero's side. That's it.
October 17, 2014
The 6th book in the series.
Zack was so far the most cynical man in this series. The character's were better developed than majority of others in the series.
Zack was so far the most cynical man in this series. The character's were better developed than majority of others in the series.
September 28, 2013
3.5 stars
For as powerful as the Coretti family is, they have no idea how great each other. This was Lia's story. Lia was abandoned by her father, left to be raised by her grandparents while he went off and married someone else and had children with her. Lia was shy and insecure and Zach was so totally opposite of her I wondered how it would work. But Zach was hiding his pain and vulnerability. Once he finally accepted that they could be together, things were good for them.
For as powerful as the Coretti family is, they have no idea how great each other. This was Lia's story. Lia was abandoned by her father, left to be raised by her grandparents while he went off and married someone else and had children with her. Lia was shy and insecure and Zach was so totally opposite of her I wondered how it would work. But Zach was hiding his pain and vulnerability. Once he finally accepted that they could be together, things were good for them.
May 6, 2013
Another wonderful book by Lynn Raye Harris , I love her books a lot.
Zach and Lia are made for each other and the story was written in such a good way I had to finish it in one sitting.
Zach is an American which I loved a lot and Lia is the sweetest Correti I had ever met so far. She is sweet, innocent and sexy who wouldn't love her. Zach is a military hero. He has fought for his country and made it back home and he is so handsome and sexy .
I loved both Zack and Lia a lot and would recommend this book too.
Zach and Lia are made for each other and the story was written in such a good way I had to finish it in one sitting.
Zach is an American which I loved a lot and Lia is the sweetest Correti I had ever met so far. She is sweet, innocent and sexy who wouldn't love her. Zach is a military hero. He has fought for his country and made it back home and he is so handsome and sexy .
I loved both Zack and Lia a lot and would recommend this book too.
April 22, 2013
Who doesn't like a novel with a HEA, not to mention when the hero and heroine save each other. This was a bit of an emotional flop for me but it was written well and brought a smile to my face.
May 29, 2021
Nu tik kad švediškai suskaičiau, tai kalbai į naudą, bet visa kita... bėgt tolyn ir neatsigręžt 🤣
O turimam rinkiny dar trys, turbūt panašaus pobūdžio knygelės – HMHMHM
O turimam rinkiny dar trys, turbūt panašaus pobūdžio knygelės – HMHMHM
November 29, 2024
I disliked the H in this story.. The one star is all his fault
April 10, 2013
Who doesn't love a military hero. He has fought for his country and made it back home, not always in one piece but yes he made it back, he is loved by all and a pin up for millions of war-hero wannabe's.
Woman swoon over him and the world adores him. But what if you fall for him and he turns out to be nothing like you expected?
In this read the brilliant Lynn Raye Harris took me as reader on a journey of self discovery and showed that the power of knowing when to ask for help can and will make all the difference when the time comes.
The read is about Lia Corretti, she is shy, weak and worst of all believes she is fat, not something you would think unreal, as most woman do reckon they are, but when thinking Mills and Boon romance it is not something that is going to be your first thought.
However as the old saying goes "what you see in the mirror is not always what the outside world sees" and in this case it is completely true, Lia just needs to find the right man to prove it to her.
That man is I-look-like-am sugar-sweet-but-all-I-am-is hot-and-spicy-trouble-but-you-will-surrender-to-my-sweetness Zach Scott, beloved war hero and son to what they call American Royalty. He shows and makes Lia feel like the most beautiful woman in the world then, takes off!
He does not expect this amazing creature to show up again or render him speechless. Nor does he think that she will want to have anything to do with him once he reveals his most deepest, darkest secret, so shocking that yes most woman would take off in heartbeat.
I loved the character of Lia , the author did a fantastic job at showing this woman who was once beaten has come back fighting harder for what she wants and shows that woman however weak you might think them to be can surprise you in an instant and will leave you in awe at their power.
Zach was simply delicious from the first page, the man oozes sex and simply just makes you wish that you could conjure up some spell to bring him to life so you can sooth his ache and be the one to help him. No kidding he really is such a powerful character!
Yes there was a time in the book that I honestly did not like the man very much as his actions were just plain awful but knowing this author's books I knew there was a deeper reason behind it and I could not wait to find out what that reason was.
The backdrop setting was truly romantic and gave me as reader the feeling that just maybe these two characters can make it work, but there was also the moments of a stormy night in Maui that brought to life the elements of the restlessness of the characters souls and the turmoil they face.
The dialogue was absolutely breathtaking! It took me from hot and passionate to sweet, kind and romantic to downright cruel and hateful words being spoken, kept me on the edge of my seat during every single minute of the read.
Zach and Lia's story has been my very favourite so far in this series!
Excellent work Lynn you truly showed that a man that had fallen from grace can go from zero to ultimate hero in true spectacular fashion!
5/5 star review
"Life is not all sugar sweet, sometimes you need the hot&spicy to show you the way to love"
Woman swoon over him and the world adores him. But what if you fall for him and he turns out to be nothing like you expected?
In this read the brilliant Lynn Raye Harris took me as reader on a journey of self discovery and showed that the power of knowing when to ask for help can and will make all the difference when the time comes.
The read is about Lia Corretti, she is shy, weak and worst of all believes she is fat, not something you would think unreal, as most woman do reckon they are, but when thinking Mills and Boon romance it is not something that is going to be your first thought.
However as the old saying goes "what you see in the mirror is not always what the outside world sees" and in this case it is completely true, Lia just needs to find the right man to prove it to her.
That man is I-look-like-am sugar-sweet-but-all-I-am-is hot-and-spicy-trouble-but-you-will-surrender-to-my-sweetness Zach Scott, beloved war hero and son to what they call American Royalty. He shows and makes Lia feel like the most beautiful woman in the world then, takes off!
He does not expect this amazing creature to show up again or render him speechless. Nor does he think that she will want to have anything to do with him once he reveals his most deepest, darkest secret, so shocking that yes most woman would take off in heartbeat.
I loved the character of Lia , the author did a fantastic job at showing this woman who was once beaten has come back fighting harder for what she wants and shows that woman however weak you might think them to be can surprise you in an instant and will leave you in awe at their power.
Zach was simply delicious from the first page, the man oozes sex and simply just makes you wish that you could conjure up some spell to bring him to life so you can sooth his ache and be the one to help him. No kidding he really is such a powerful character!
Yes there was a time in the book that I honestly did not like the man very much as his actions were just plain awful but knowing this author's books I knew there was a deeper reason behind it and I could not wait to find out what that reason was.
The backdrop setting was truly romantic and gave me as reader the feeling that just maybe these two characters can make it work, but there was also the moments of a stormy night in Maui that brought to life the elements of the restlessness of the characters souls and the turmoil they face.
The dialogue was absolutely breathtaking! It took me from hot and passionate to sweet, kind and romantic to downright cruel and hateful words being spoken, kept me on the edge of my seat during every single minute of the read.
Zach and Lia's story has been my very favourite so far in this series!
Excellent work Lynn you truly showed that a man that had fallen from grace can go from zero to ultimate hero in true spectacular fashion!
5/5 star review
"Life is not all sugar sweet, sometimes you need the hot&spicy to show you the way to love"
April 25, 2016
I re-read this series in 2016 and see I didnt put a review up then, here is my thoughts now :)
Lia Corretti.
Lia's mother died and her father remarried and she was given to her grandmother - the lovely Teresa (who is mentioned through out the series) to live with while watching her half brothers grow up from afar. Lia has a two night stand with Zach after the wedding fallout. Consequences of the night mean Lia needs to track Zach down. She's not had a father and she wants to make sure her baby has the opportunity of having a father. Unfortunately Zach is from a very prominent political family and thinks Lia is trying to trap his as many others before her has. While that's what he holds onto to reject Lia a heartfelt reason is actually behind his avoidance.
Quite a lovely story. Has a lot of conflict and tenseness. Very moving and quite emotional. I like how there was a bit more in the background of Lia and Rosa tentatively building a relationship.
Lia Corretti.
Lia's mother died and her father remarried and she was given to her grandmother - the lovely Teresa (who is mentioned through out the series) to live with while watching her half brothers grow up from afar. Lia has a two night stand with Zach after the wedding fallout. Consequences of the night mean Lia needs to track Zach down. She's not had a father and she wants to make sure her baby has the opportunity of having a father. Unfortunately Zach is from a very prominent political family and thinks Lia is trying to trap his as many others before her has. While that's what he holds onto to reject Lia a heartfelt reason is actually behind his avoidance.
Quite a lovely story. Has a lot of conflict and tenseness. Very moving and quite emotional. I like how there was a bit more in the background of Lia and Rosa tentatively building a relationship.
October 6, 2013
Lia Corretti is mainly the forgotten one. Raised by her grandparents, she was never a part of her father's life. Always made to feel the outsider, and not good enough to be a family member, Lia wants to finally quit being the outcast. Her first attempt at standing her ground, she ends up almost drowned, but she is in the arms of the super sexy Zack Scott.
Zack will do what is required. Family dictates that the correct spin is always presented to the public. A war-time hero, money and fame does not keep the nightmares at bay. Post-traumatic stress and self-doubts threaten to destroy him. Lia slipping in to his life, and his heart, and a chance to move forward from the past seems possible, but can he really overcome the blame he carries for so many lives.
Really a good addition to the Corretti saga.
Zack will do what is required. Family dictates that the correct spin is always presented to the public. A war-time hero, money and fame does not keep the nightmares at bay. Post-traumatic stress and self-doubts threaten to destroy him. Lia slipping in to his life, and his heart, and a chance to move forward from the past seems possible, but can he really overcome the blame he carries for so many lives.
Really a good addition to the Corretti saga.
December 4, 2013
This book was giving to me by the author as an ARC. I really enjoyed this story.
Zack a war-time hero but he didn't see himself that way. Nothing keep the nightmares (PTSD) away except for Lia. He was rich and always in the limelight even though he didn't want to be fight for the veterans.
Lia was abandoned by her father, left to be raised by her grandparents while he went off and married someone else and had children with her. Lia was shy and insecure all she wanted was love.
Lia Corretti and Zack Scott made a good couple. I love their interaction they filled a need that the other person had. Great job to the author she brought these characters to life for me.
Good addition to the series.
Zack a war-time hero but he didn't see himself that way. Nothing keep the nightmares (PTSD) away except for Lia. He was rich and always in the limelight even though he didn't want to be fight for the veterans.
Lia was abandoned by her father, left to be raised by her grandparents while he went off and married someone else and had children with her. Lia was shy and insecure all she wanted was love.
Lia Corretti and Zack Scott made a good couple. I love their interaction they filled a need that the other person had. Great job to the author she brought these characters to life for me.
Good addition to the series.
October 4, 2013
Lynn Raye Harris' A Facade To Shatter is a poignantly unforgettable heartfelt romance novel. I was so ready to hate Zach because of the way he's been treating Lia, but as I read on I realized that Zach was acting the way he was because he was hiding, thus protecting himself, behind this facade that no one has been able to break down so far. It takes a strong and determined woman to overcome such obstacles and it's just so right that Lia is that woman for Zach. You will end up loving Zach and Lia as a couple and as individuals. I did! Another great and memorable book by Lynn!
September 12, 2014
-"Te quiero porque me das esperanza, porque ves lo bueno en mí en vez de lo malo, porque crees en mí –le dijo emocionado–. Porque me has hecho creer en mí mismo. Ahora siento que me alegra haber sobrevivido, Lia. Me alegra estar aquí contigo. Y, aunque no quieras tener nada que ver conmigo, no voy a lamentar ni un solo momento que he pasado a tu lado. "
Ohhhh Zach♥
Sin dudas el libro mas triste y tierno de la serie.
Ohhhh Zach♥
Sin dudas el libro mas triste y tierno de la serie.
September 13, 2018
This story was too bland for the elements that were in it. By the end I had questions. What was the baby's name? Was the hero's family really jerks? Why was the heroine so lonely always? Enjoyed PTSD and it's effects on someone who refuses to acknowledge the issues. But in the end, he messes up, a page later comes back and all is forgiven? Great, a lot of depth put into that ending.
January 10, 2014
I thought I'd really like this one because the hero is an American and a veteran, and not the usual Greek billionaire. But the heroine keeps describing herself as "fat and mousy." Over and over. It gets old fast!
March 9, 2016
Ini contoh buku biar tipis tapi enak dibaca dan tidak sia2 buang2 kertas.
Isi dalam ceritanya bagus dan karakter tokohnya aku suka.
Isi dalam ceritanya bagus dan karakter tokohnya aku suka.
May 9, 2019
Disappointing. Too little groundwork for the relationship to be compelling, and I just didn't care for the characters or their personalities.
September 9, 2019
H and h meet at a wedding and he has a PTSD moment and she resolves to turn over a new page in life which included jumping fully clothed in a pool. She almost drowns and H saves her and they proceed to have a 2 day stand after which he leaves and goes back to the US. A moth later she looks him up because its Harlequin and she had sex so she is of course pregnant. He is offcourse mad because condoms were used, except for a few strokes. (real classy). They get engaged and then married to give the baby his name and protect both families reputation.
After this point the book goes real fast. Like fast fast. its mostly summaries of what happend and how stuff was broken up and then resolved. Most of H issues were dealt with on page and the heroines issues were dealt with off page which lowered my rating. Besides that this all happend in a very short time spam. they have sex, she pregnant, they marry, go their separate ways, change their lives and get back together, all this and shes still not showing. the time spent apart was way more than the time spent together, and he loves her because she gives him hope. thatch a crappy reason to love someone in my opinion.
After this point the book goes real fast. Like fast fast. its mostly summaries of what happend and how stuff was broken up and then resolved. Most of H issues were dealt with on page and the heroines issues were dealt with off page which lowered my rating. Besides that this all happend in a very short time spam. they have sex, she pregnant, they marry, go their separate ways, change their lives and get back together, all this and shes still not showing. the time spent apart was way more than the time spent together, and he loves her because she gives him hope. thatch a crappy reason to love someone in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2019
I love this book! Zach is truly the hero of this story. The dialogue was absolutely breathtaking and it took me passionate to sweet, soft and romantic to downright cruel and hateful words being spoken, kept me on the edge of my seat during every single minute of the read.
Zach and Lia's story has been my very favourite so far in this series! Excellent work Lynn Raye Harris !! You truly showed that a man that had fallen from grace can go from zero to ultimate hero in true spectacular fashion!
Rating Book: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Zach and Lia's story has been my very favourite so far in this series! Excellent work Lynn Raye Harris !! You truly showed that a man that had fallen from grace can go from zero to ultimate hero in true spectacular fashion!
Rating Book: ★★★★★ (5/5)
January 25, 2022
I loved this as much as,if not more so than the previous books!
Showed us the problems of survivor's guilt and also of how a lonely child feels unwanted and this can fester deeper wounds into adulthood
My favourite scene was...
Why are you here, Zach?” she asked, still not looking at him.
He went over to the bed and sat in the chair beside it. He did not touch her, though he desperately wanted to. “To say I’m sorry.”
Her head turned. Bright blue-green eyes speared into him. “You have come all this way to say you are sorry? For what? Breaking my heart? Abandoning your baby?” She waved a hand as if to dismiss him. “Take your apologies and leave. I do not need them.”
Happy reading!
Showed us the problems of survivor's guilt and also of how a lonely child feels unwanted and this can fester deeper wounds into adulthood
My favourite scene was...
Why are you here, Zach?” she asked, still not looking at him.
He went over to the bed and sat in the chair beside it. He did not touch her, though he desperately wanted to. “To say I’m sorry.”
Her head turned. Bright blue-green eyes speared into him. “You have come all this way to say you are sorry? For what? Breaking my heart? Abandoning your baby?” She waved a hand as if to dismiss him. “Take your apologies and leave. I do not need them.”
Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
I wasn’t crazy about the hero Zach, and some of the actions and conclusions were too quick to be believable (really? She’s Sicilian and can’t handle the heat in her Sicilian garden, even if she is pregnant? Really? His meds make him “all better” in two months? I’ve been pregnant and I’m a gardener; I’ve known vets with PTSD—neither of these are believable).
What I really liked is that Lia said, “Get some help!” and he did. I’m really glad she stood up for herself and told him he needed help. As this is a fantasy romance, he actually did get some help. That’s a win all around.
What I really liked is that Lia said, “Get some help!” and he did. I’m really glad she stood up for herself and told him he needed help. As this is a fantasy romance, he actually did get some help. That’s a win all around.
April 17, 2022
For a harlequin, this is really well done. It deals with PTSD.
The h isn’t dramatic, she is a person with a big heart who really tries to understand and help the H. Despite this, there is plenty of angst.
It was refreshing to read a HQ where the source of the angst was a well constructed plot rather than a big misunderstanding and childish behavior from the MC’s.
Not that I mind soap opera behavior when I’m in the right mood 😜 but this was a lovely change of pace and for the most part very well written.
Four stars.
The h isn’t dramatic, she is a person with a big heart who really tries to understand and help the H. Despite this, there is plenty of angst.
It was refreshing to read a HQ where the source of the angst was a well constructed plot rather than a big misunderstanding and childish behavior from the MC’s.
Not that I mind soap opera behavior when I’m in the right mood 😜 but this was a lovely change of pace and for the most part very well written.
Four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
Barely any connection to the other Corretti books in the series. An interesting plot idea just not as well executed as I would have hoped. It was okay - just not as good as most of the others in the series. The hero was unpleasant and took far too long to have his redemption moment and the heroine never really captured my interest enough. A reasonable beach read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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