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The Husband Hunters #2
The Vengeful Husband
Mills & Boon Sexy series delivers what you love in contemporary romance - glamour and scandal in exotic locations…
Race to the altar Maxie, Darcy and Polly are
The HUSBAND Hunters
The terms of the will: Maxie, Darcy and Polly have each been left a share of their godmother's estate if they marry within a year and remain married for six months
The hunter: Darcy Fielding, a single mum, decides she must advertise for a husband! But the consequences of one night of unforgettable passion are about to return to haunt her
The husband? Gianluca Raffacani has finally traced the mysterious beauty who disappeared from his bed. She is advertising for a husband his perfect opportunity for revenge . Only, Luca finds he's married the mother of his secret child!
Race to the altar Maxie, Darcy and Polly are
The HUSBAND Hunters
The terms of the will: Maxie, Darcy and Polly have each been left a share of their godmother's estate if they marry within a year and remain married for six months
The hunter: Darcy Fielding, a single mum, decides she must advertise for a husband! But the consequences of one night of unforgettable passion are about to return to haunt her
The husband? Gianluca Raffacani has finally traced the mysterious beauty who disappeared from his bed. She is advertising for a husband his perfect opportunity for revenge . Only, Luca finds he's married the mother of his secret child!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 1998
258 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,763 books1,448 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 13, 2016
Note to self - this is the one where they meet in Venice. Billionaire Italian hero thinks heroine stole a family ring after an anonymous one night stand and answers her ad for a husband as part of his revenge. Heroine needs to marry for six months to fulfill the terms of her godmother's will so she can keep her family home out of the clutches of her evil stepmother/sister. She has a two year old daughter from her one night stand with an anonymous Italian waiter who was working at the masquerade ball that she had crashed. She was playing Cinderella with a found invitation to the ball on her honeymoon-for-one after she was jilted at the altar. A virgin until that night, she was doubly jilted the next day when her prince-charming didn't show up at their meeting place.
Look how much story there is before the action even starts!
Why this backstory works:
*There is a reason for the one night stand - heroine was feeling low after her fiance fell for her beautiful bridesmaid (who has her own book in this series)
*The descriptions of the dress she wore, the ancient stately home, the hero and what he said, are of a fairy tale, rather than just a raw sexual encounter.
*The heroine is not the least bit bitter about her lot in life.
*The hero is full of restrained revenge, but he is also baffled at himself for his uncharacteristic behavior
*The mystery of the ring and the mystery of the heroine have kept her in him mind for three years. And all his memories of her are beautiful. He can't seem to erase them.
*There really is a good reason for the baby staying secret. She didn't know who the father was and couldn't describe him because she didn't have her glasses on at the ball.
What I loved about the rest of the story:
I could go on and on. This was even better as a re-read. If you like Lynne Graham and you haven't read this story, do look it up. It's fun.
Look how much story there is before the action even starts!
Why this backstory works:
*There is a reason for the one night stand - heroine was feeling low after her fiance fell for her beautiful bridesmaid (who has her own book in this series)
*The descriptions of the dress she wore, the ancient stately home, the hero and what he said, are of a fairy tale, rather than just a raw sexual encounter.
*The heroine is not the least bit bitter about her lot in life.
*The hero is full of restrained revenge, but he is also baffled at himself for his uncharacteristic behavior
*The mystery of the ring and the mystery of the heroine have kept her in him mind for three years. And all his memories of her are beautiful. He can't seem to erase them.
*There really is a good reason for the baby staying secret. She didn't know who the father was and couldn't describe him because she didn't have her glasses on at the ball.
What I loved about the rest of the story:
I could go on and on. This was even better as a re-read. If you like Lynne Graham and you haven't read this story, do look it up. It's fun.
September 10, 2016
I like Lynne Graham. I guess you all know that by now. This one was great. It is the second of a trilogy of which I've already read the other two. The heroine was not a whiny wimp and she stood up fairly well to the hero. She was susceptible in the bedroom but so was he and that was fine. I don't mind her being led around by her lady bits if it's equally obvious to both of him that he is being led around by his manly parts as well. He was arrogant and out for revenge but he was never an ass to her. In fact there were several times that he could have really been mean to her but he didn't take the opening. Most of the time even when he was being all revengy he was still super supportive of her especially around her lousy stepfamily. It was pretty clear that although he thought he wanted revenge. What he really wanted was the heroine.
He found out that he was all in the wrong about 2/3rds of the way through then it was fun to watch him scramble to make up to her. A pretty nice bit of groveling at the end.
He found out that he was all in the wrong about 2/3rds of the way through then it was fun to watch him scramble to make up to her. A pretty nice bit of groveling at the end.
April 8, 2019
Re The Vengeful Husband - Lynne Graham's second book in the Husband Hunter's trilogy is a seekrit baby book under the guise of revenge.
The h in this one is Darcy and she too has a shot at a million dollar inheritance if she manages to get married for six months. Darcy needs the money. Her father, who was an idiot, left her a 400 year old family estate in deep dept and her slime gulping evil step mother and step sister are hell bent on getting Darcy to sell so they can claim part of the proceeds.
Darcy is kind witchy for a lot of this, mainly because three years earlier, Darcy was engaged to be married. But her fiance fell in love with Maxie, the h from the first book and tho Maxie did not encourage the man in any way, shape or form, the ex-fiance dumped Darcy and Darcy has blamed Maxie ever since.
Which is completely hypocritical, because she has her ex-fiance visit all the time and he brings along various girlfriends. So Darcy is a really passive aggressive doormat. Darcy is also a single mother.
After the aborted wedding debacle, Darcy went to Venice, took too much cold medicine and did not wear her contacts and had a hugely passionate one night stand with a guy whose name and face she can't quite remember.
Darcy snuck out her lover's window the next morning, tho to her credit she did wait for hours at a priorly arranged location to see if her man from the night before would show up before she had to leave Venice.
He never showed and Darcy took a little Venetian souvenir home with home with her in the form of dark haired little girl born prematurely 7 months later. Now Darcy's dad has died and her overdraft at the bank is fully extended. Her family estate has huge mortgage payments due and Darcy has had to let staff go, which means her little area of HPlandia is getting economically depressed.
So Darcy places a discreet ad for a husband. The Wealthy Italian Businessman H, Gianluca, who believes Darcy snuck out because she stole a valuable family heirloom ring from him, has obsessed for three years and finally tracked her down.
Luca finds out about Darcy's mortgage and in seeking revenge for the stealing of the family heirloom, he buys it with the intention of marrying Darcy and then holding her estate hostage to the return of the ring.
All goes as Luca plans, tho Darcy doesn't recognize Luca as her one night lover and unicorn banisher at first. Luca also has some intense feelings of lust upon seeing Darcy again, so when he accuses her of stealing his jewels, he insists on boudoir moments too.
Darcy is gobsmacked that Luca thinks she is a thief, plus she still to has to worry about the mortgage and Luca forbids her from trying another bank for a loan. There is also the little matter of Zia, who is Darcy and Luca's two year old daughter.
Luca thinks Darcy was already preggers when she met him and he assumes Zia is the ex-fiance's child. So Luca doesn't exactly start out as good dad material. Zia, whose personality is very inherited, lets Luca decisively know in the airport just how much she doesn't appreciate his attitude.
It is hilarious, Zia is screaming "bad man" all the way through the concourse and everyone is looking at the normally reserved Luca like he is a horrible thug. We all get to Venice and the lurve club events are very purpley passionate and then the other shoe drops.
Luca finds out his sister is the one took the family heirloom ring and his embarrassment and remorse is epic. He confesses to Darcy about his plans to boot her off her estate and the Darcy is pretty upset by his revenge scheme.
Darcy and Zia leave Luca and return home to England. In the interim, Darcy still needs cash to keep the estate going, so she sells a newlywed interview to a gossip magazine for a large check. Her ex fiance manages to show up drunk in the middle of all of this, right as Luca has returned to plead his case.
The ex fiance is sent off with Darcy's BFF and Luca tries his best to woo his way back into Darcy's good graces. When the evil slime gulper step mother and sister show up, Luca kicks them out in grand style. Darcy finally lets on that Zia is also Luca's daughter and we gets some Luca/Zia buying frilly socks bonding time.
Luca makes the mistake of letting Darcy believe that he wants to stay married to give Zia a dad, so they both have a few weeks of London mopey moments while Darcy's estate gets refurbished.
After a lot of angsting and noble restraining of lurve club passions, Luca confesses his deep love and devotion for Darcy and tells her that her gushy romance interview about him for the gossip mag gave him the hope to carry on.
Darcy finally admits her love back and the two of them plan to live in Venice and keep on lurvin it up. Hopefully all the practice will mean that another stork will soon be on the way and LG leaves us in no doubt these two are in love forever, for another shiny, pink sparkly HEA.
This one is pretty cute and a great addition the HH series. Tho these two are not the sharpest tools in the shed, I tend to think it was the rush of Lurve Force Mojo to their brains when they hadn't time to acclimate to the intensity yet.
We will see Darcy and Luca again in Damiano's Return, they are much more settled there, but this one is a great day at the LG HP Office and worth the read if you run into it.
The h in this one is Darcy and she too has a shot at a million dollar inheritance if she manages to get married for six months. Darcy needs the money. Her father, who was an idiot, left her a 400 year old family estate in deep dept and her slime gulping evil step mother and step sister are hell bent on getting Darcy to sell so they can claim part of the proceeds.
Darcy is kind witchy for a lot of this, mainly because three years earlier, Darcy was engaged to be married. But her fiance fell in love with Maxie, the h from the first book and tho Maxie did not encourage the man in any way, shape or form, the ex-fiance dumped Darcy and Darcy has blamed Maxie ever since.
Which is completely hypocritical, because she has her ex-fiance visit all the time and he brings along various girlfriends. So Darcy is a really passive aggressive doormat. Darcy is also a single mother.
After the aborted wedding debacle, Darcy went to Venice, took too much cold medicine and did not wear her contacts and had a hugely passionate one night stand with a guy whose name and face she can't quite remember.
Darcy snuck out her lover's window the next morning, tho to her credit she did wait for hours at a priorly arranged location to see if her man from the night before would show up before she had to leave Venice.
He never showed and Darcy took a little Venetian souvenir home with home with her in the form of dark haired little girl born prematurely 7 months later. Now Darcy's dad has died and her overdraft at the bank is fully extended. Her family estate has huge mortgage payments due and Darcy has had to let staff go, which means her little area of HPlandia is getting economically depressed.
So Darcy places a discreet ad for a husband. The Wealthy Italian Businessman H, Gianluca, who believes Darcy snuck out because she stole a valuable family heirloom ring from him, has obsessed for three years and finally tracked her down.
Luca finds out about Darcy's mortgage and in seeking revenge for the stealing of the family heirloom, he buys it with the intention of marrying Darcy and then holding her estate hostage to the return of the ring.
All goes as Luca plans, tho Darcy doesn't recognize Luca as her one night lover and unicorn banisher at first. Luca also has some intense feelings of lust upon seeing Darcy again, so when he accuses her of stealing his jewels, he insists on boudoir moments too.
Darcy is gobsmacked that Luca thinks she is a thief, plus she still to has to worry about the mortgage and Luca forbids her from trying another bank for a loan. There is also the little matter of Zia, who is Darcy and Luca's two year old daughter.
Luca thinks Darcy was already preggers when she met him and he assumes Zia is the ex-fiance's child. So Luca doesn't exactly start out as good dad material. Zia, whose personality is very inherited, lets Luca decisively know in the airport just how much she doesn't appreciate his attitude.
It is hilarious, Zia is screaming "bad man" all the way through the concourse and everyone is looking at the normally reserved Luca like he is a horrible thug. We all get to Venice and the lurve club events are very purpley passionate and then the other shoe drops.
Luca finds out his sister is the one took the family heirloom ring and his embarrassment and remorse is epic. He confesses to Darcy about his plans to boot her off her estate and the Darcy is pretty upset by his revenge scheme.
Darcy and Zia leave Luca and return home to England. In the interim, Darcy still needs cash to keep the estate going, so she sells a newlywed interview to a gossip magazine for a large check. Her ex fiance manages to show up drunk in the middle of all of this, right as Luca has returned to plead his case.
The ex fiance is sent off with Darcy's BFF and Luca tries his best to woo his way back into Darcy's good graces. When the evil slime gulper step mother and sister show up, Luca kicks them out in grand style. Darcy finally lets on that Zia is also Luca's daughter and we gets some Luca/Zia buying frilly socks bonding time.
Luca makes the mistake of letting Darcy believe that he wants to stay married to give Zia a dad, so they both have a few weeks of London mopey moments while Darcy's estate gets refurbished.
After a lot of angsting and noble restraining of lurve club passions, Luca confesses his deep love and devotion for Darcy and tells her that her gushy romance interview about him for the gossip mag gave him the hope to carry on.
Darcy finally admits her love back and the two of them plan to live in Venice and keep on lurvin it up. Hopefully all the practice will mean that another stork will soon be on the way and LG leaves us in no doubt these two are in love forever, for another shiny, pink sparkly HEA.
This one is pretty cute and a great addition the HH series. Tho these two are not the sharpest tools in the shed, I tend to think it was the rush of Lurve Force Mojo to their brains when they hadn't time to acclimate to the intensity yet.
We will see Darcy and Luca again in Damiano's Return, they are much more settled there, but this one is a great day at the LG HP Office and worth the read if you run into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five stars -
Wow! This was a wonderful romance find - just sheer enjoyable romantic perfection for this reader 👌💕
Was this a read constrained by the notorious restrictions of a Harlequin publication? Yes, but it was so perfectly crafted within these perimeters that this reviewer is overlooking those aspects (concise, tight plotting) and is focusing on the story for what it is - an absolutely wonderful, worth a read and several re-reads, romance.
Did I feel the fun? Yes! Did I feel the angst? Yes! Did I get a pitter patter in my heart? Yes - all the way from my little toe to my still-beating heart 💗 It was glorious romantic fun from beginning to end!
Bonus: it’s a well-crafted plot. Anyone that cares to notice will note the careful plotting, editing, and just well-done pacing. A+
If you’ve been following my reviews, you will note that I primarily read and review based upon the romance factor. Also, I have stated many times in many separate reviews that I am on an old-school Harley binge fest, and am only reviewing the ones that I like (unless I’m compelled to write a hate note 😂✍️). This story gets a review because I just plain old LOVED IT!!
If you’re a reader that’s hung up on the fact that this is a Harlequin publication (let’s not pretend that these books don’t have a negative reputation by some readers, mmm ‘k) then I’m here to advise you to let that go. There are quite a few diamonds in the rough out there in Harley-land, and this book is one of those shining stars 🌟.
I found this story to be:
- well-written, lovingly crafted with care by the author, editor, and publisher; and their careful attention to the details shined throughout the pages. Yes, someone noticed (this reader) and appreciated your efforts! Thank you!
- witty and humorous. I just loved the banter, all of the fun dialogue, and the sexy, romantic interactions between our two amazing mc’s
- thoroughly told. I loved the backstory of our heroine and I related to her as a person and mother. I loved how she was a Mama Bear, and I felt the emotion of a mother/child relationship (while shown in a small way - again, given the HQ time constraints) shone through. Bonus: I laughed (as you are meant to) when the daughter calls our Hero a “Bad Man” 😂
. fun to read! In fact, I’ve read it at least twice now. It’s getting a place on my “all time faves” shelf since I will most likely reread yet again at some point. This one’s a keeper!
All in all, I highly recommend this story to my fellow romance reader. If you want a fun, easy to read, quick romance, then this one’s for you!
This author is getting moved to my “fave authors” shelf, too. Wonderful story crafted with care - I’m off to seek out more by Graham 🏃♀️📖
Five glorious stars. LOVE!!! 💗💗💗💗💗
Wow! This was a wonderful romance find - just sheer enjoyable romantic perfection for this reader 👌💕
Was this a read constrained by the notorious restrictions of a Harlequin publication? Yes, but it was so perfectly crafted within these perimeters that this reviewer is overlooking those aspects (concise, tight plotting) and is focusing on the story for what it is - an absolutely wonderful, worth a read and several re-reads, romance.
Did I feel the fun? Yes! Did I feel the angst? Yes! Did I get a pitter patter in my heart? Yes - all the way from my little toe to my still-beating heart 💗 It was glorious romantic fun from beginning to end!
Bonus: it’s a well-crafted plot. Anyone that cares to notice will note the careful plotting, editing, and just well-done pacing. A+
If you’ve been following my reviews, you will note that I primarily read and review based upon the romance factor. Also, I have stated many times in many separate reviews that I am on an old-school Harley binge fest, and am only reviewing the ones that I like (unless I’m compelled to write a hate note 😂✍️). This story gets a review because I just plain old LOVED IT!!
If you’re a reader that’s hung up on the fact that this is a Harlequin publication (let’s not pretend that these books don’t have a negative reputation by some readers, mmm ‘k) then I’m here to advise you to let that go. There are quite a few diamonds in the rough out there in Harley-land, and this book is one of those shining stars 🌟.
I found this story to be:
- well-written, lovingly crafted with care by the author, editor, and publisher; and their careful attention to the details shined throughout the pages. Yes, someone noticed (this reader) and appreciated your efforts! Thank you!
- witty and humorous. I just loved the banter, all of the fun dialogue, and the sexy, romantic interactions between our two amazing mc’s
- thoroughly told. I loved the backstory of our heroine and I related to her as a person and mother. I loved how she was a Mama Bear, and I felt the emotion of a mother/child relationship (while shown in a small way - again, given the HQ time constraints) shone through. Bonus: I laughed (as you are meant to) when the daughter calls our Hero a “Bad Man” 😂
. fun to read! In fact, I’ve read it at least twice now. It’s getting a place on my “all time faves” shelf since I will most likely reread yet again at some point. This one’s a keeper!
All in all, I highly recommend this story to my fellow romance reader. If you want a fun, easy to read, quick romance, then this one’s for you!
This author is getting moved to my “fave authors” shelf, too. Wonderful story crafted with care - I’m off to seek out more by Graham 🏃♀️📖
Five glorious stars. LOVE!!! 💗💗💗💗💗
March 6, 2025
Silly but still love it!
August 3, 2016
This book made me laugh, well, when my eyes weren't rolling in my head.
I really enjoy most Lynne Graham books. She creates great bamboozled, in-over-his-head arrogant ass-hats that are brought down by curvy, sweet somewhat brainless h's. Signor Vengeful Husband is one of the more clueless H's. In fact he raises the bar in cluelessness in more than one category. He falls under the trope of assuming the h's guilt over something to the point he has blinders on. Kind of makes you wonder how this kind of trope hero become and maintain their tycoon status when they are so blatantly STOOPID!
I was prepared not to like Darcy as she was kind of a bitch in Married to a Mistress. She's still a little bitchy about the female character in the first book, but it's fleeting.
Darcy has inherited her father's manor house and is underwater. Her evil stepmother and stepsister, who bled Daddy dry when he was alive, want her to sell because they want more money. With her godmother's bizarre will, Darcy has a chance to save the manor if she can just get a husband and stay married for six months. She places an ad 'cause that's what any sensible woman does.
Guess who shows up? The man she had an affair in Venice three years ago right after being dumped at the altar. He also happens to be daddy to her two year old moppet.
Here is where we jump into one of the most implausible elements of any Harley-land I have read, and that is saying something! She doesn't recognize the best (and only) lover she's ever had because she took too much cold medicine and didn't have her contacts in.
Long story short. The H has tracked her down because he thinks she stole a precious family jewel. He agrees to her MOC then spills after who he really is. Nothing she says will convince him that she is innocent when it is soo obvious a child could figure it out. When he finally finds out the truth he is so horrified he can't even look at her. Really. Much groveling ensues, but he's pretty worthless at it. He has scarred his Venetian family honor blah, blah, blah.
Two points that elevated this book for me:
One, the moppet does not like the H 'cause he's kind of mean to her. She's two. Even the trusty bodyguard gives the H the stink eye when the H gets snotty with her, and the H gets a deserved smackdown when the little cutie pie calls him a "bad man". Actually shrieks it non-stop at the airport so the police stop and ask questions. Nothing like a toddler tantrum to bring the high and mighty so low.
Two, the evil step-mother and step-sister get their own comeuppance from the H for being so snide and mean. I will say this for the hero, he may sling accusations and threats at the h, but if anyone else does he shuts it down. If there is any belittling to do, he will do it.
I really enjoy most Lynne Graham books. She creates great bamboozled, in-over-his-head arrogant ass-hats that are brought down by curvy, sweet somewhat brainless h's. Signor Vengeful Husband is one of the more clueless H's. In fact he raises the bar in cluelessness in more than one category. He falls under the trope of assuming the h's guilt over something to the point he has blinders on. Kind of makes you wonder how this kind of trope hero become and maintain their tycoon status when they are so blatantly STOOPID!
I was prepared not to like Darcy as she was kind of a bitch in Married to a Mistress. She's still a little bitchy about the female character in the first book, but it's fleeting.
Darcy has inherited her father's manor house and is underwater. Her evil stepmother and stepsister, who bled Daddy dry when he was alive, want her to sell because they want more money. With her godmother's bizarre will, Darcy has a chance to save the manor if she can just get a husband and stay married for six months. She places an ad 'cause that's what any sensible woman does.
Guess who shows up? The man she had an affair in Venice three years ago right after being dumped at the altar. He also happens to be daddy to her two year old moppet.
Here is where we jump into one of the most implausible elements of any Harley-land I have read, and that is saying something! She doesn't recognize the best (and only) lover she's ever had because she took too much cold medicine and didn't have her contacts in.
Gosh, you seem so familiar! You sound like my ex-Venetian lover, you kind of look like my Venetian lover, you kiss like my Venetian lover, but who could you be?
Long story short. The H has tracked her down because he thinks she stole a precious family jewel. He agrees to her MOC then spills after who he really is. Nothing she says will convince him that she is innocent when it is soo obvious a child could figure it out. When he finally finds out the truth he is so horrified he can't even look at her. Really. Much groveling ensues, but he's pretty worthless at it. He has scarred his Venetian family honor blah, blah, blah.
Two points that elevated this book for me:
One, the moppet does not like the H 'cause he's kind of mean to her. She's two. Even the trusty bodyguard gives the H the stink eye when the H gets snotty with her, and the H gets a deserved smackdown when the little cutie pie calls him a "bad man". Actually shrieks it non-stop at the airport so the police stop and ask questions. Nothing like a toddler tantrum to bring the high and mighty so low.
Two, the evil step-mother and step-sister get their own comeuppance from the H for being so snide and mean. I will say this for the hero, he may sling accusations and threats at the h, but if anyone else does he shuts it down. If there is any belittling to do, he will do it.
December 19, 2018
Three girls inherit a share of their godmother's estate—if they marry within a year and remain married for six months.
Soon they will realize that what they have inherit is basically “good luck".
All of them will be married under different circumstances and will stay happily married for the rest of their lives.
Darcy is the second girl. After a night of passion in Venice, Darcy became a single mother. Now she is about to lose her home and the only thing that can save it is her godmother’s fortune. So, she puts an advertisement in order to get a husband for six months.
Luckily a super hot Italian, Luca, appears at her doorstep. But she doesn't realise that he is the same Italian with whom she had the passionate night in Venice, i.e. the father of her child.
Moreover Luca wants revenge because apparently that night an important ring was stolen, but he doesn't know that he is a daddy.
Okay, I have to admit that I was laughing out loudly while I was reading this book. The only reason that Darcy does not recognise Luca straightaway is because she wasn't wearing her contact lenses when they had sex for the first time in Italy. So, she was almost blind.
When she loses one contact lense during their wedding she realises that Luca is her Italian fling and the father of her kid. What a mess!
'You don't understand,' she began, in an unsteady attempt to defend herself, so confused was she still. 'I could hardly see you that night, not in any detail...your face was a blur and out of focus—you looked different...'
'I guess one bird for the plucking looks much like another,' Luca responded with a sardonic bite that sizzled down her spine like a hurricane warning and made her turn even paler.
Soon they will realize that what they have inherit is basically “good luck".
All of them will be married under different circumstances and will stay happily married for the rest of their lives.
Darcy is the second girl. After a night of passion in Venice, Darcy became a single mother. Now she is about to lose her home and the only thing that can save it is her godmother’s fortune. So, she puts an advertisement in order to get a husband for six months.
Luckily a super hot Italian, Luca, appears at her doorstep. But she doesn't realise that he is the same Italian with whom she had the passionate night in Venice, i.e. the father of her child.
Moreover Luca wants revenge because apparently that night an important ring was stolen, but he doesn't know that he is a daddy.
Okay, I have to admit that I was laughing out loudly while I was reading this book. The only reason that Darcy does not recognise Luca straightaway is because she wasn't wearing her contact lenses when they had sex for the first time in Italy. So, she was almost blind.
When she loses one contact lense during their wedding she realises that Luca is her Italian fling and the father of her kid. What a mess!
'You don't understand,' she began, in an unsteady attempt to defend herself, so confused was she still. 'I could hardly see you that night, not in any detail...your face was a blur and out of focus—you looked different...'
'I guess one bird for the plucking looks much like another,' Luca responded with a sardonic bite that sizzled down her spine like a hurricane warning and made her turn even paler.
July 20, 2018
Great romantic comedy and I'm not usually a fan of the genre. This one cracked me up, however. The heroine was so practical and matter of fact about everything and completely befuddled the poor hero.
He has a revenge plot, but it's basically just an excuse to be near the heroine.
He has a revenge plot, but it's basically just an excuse to be near the heroine.
February 19, 2021
I've read the first book in The Husband Series (Married to a Mistress) last month and enjoyed it and thought that I might enjoy this one too. And I did! The Vengeful Husband is every bit as good as the first book, and in my opinion, even better. I loved the story from beginning to end. The plot is straightforward, and you might say predictable, but it was well written, with great dialogue and very likable characters. A story like this is why Ms. Grahamis my go-to author of choice when I’m looking for an angsty, feel-good, entertaining read.
April 19, 2021
I just re-read it
It had some classic Lynne Graham characteristics with the hero and I liked that part. Kind of similar to the Spanish Groom actually with the Porca Miseria quote and the obsessed hero. I really liked him, her not as much. Part of the time I did though and I liked how he judged her so wrongly and was trying to make up for it. Her family sucked. Just hate those type of snobbish characters but he was a good hero. He wasn't celibate while they were apart but it is only briefly mentioned when he says no woman has satisfied him since and I hated that part but he definitely lusted after her. For the three years and he kept searching for her. Partly for the attraction and partly because he thought she was a thief. But she wasn't and if course the secret child bit. I loved when she called him a bad man all through the airport. He was so embarrassed! Better upon re-read for sure. I can't give it four because of the no celibacy thing but it was pretty darn good.
It had some classic Lynne Graham characteristics with the hero and I liked that part. Kind of similar to the Spanish Groom actually with the Porca Miseria quote and the obsessed hero. I really liked him, her not as much. Part of the time I did though and I liked how he judged her so wrongly and was trying to make up for it. Her family sucked. Just hate those type of snobbish characters but he was a good hero. He wasn't celibate while they were apart but it is only briefly mentioned when he says no woman has satisfied him since and I hated that part but he definitely lusted after her. For the three years and he kept searching for her. Partly for the attraction and partly because he thought she was a thief. But she wasn't and if course the secret child bit. I loved when she called him a bad man all through the airport. He was so embarrassed! Better upon re-read for sure. I can't give it four because of the no celibacy thing but it was pretty darn good.
September 14, 2020
Single mother Darcy inherited her father's manor house on his death, a home she loves but which is presently in dire need of money, due to her wicked stepmother and harpy of a stepsister. Refusing to sell, she has a chance to save her home due her godmother's will - if she can get a husband and stay married for 6 months she'll inherit enough money to relax, and she puts an ad into the paper.
Certain that the woman he spent a hot night with 3 years ago stole a precious family heirloom Luca, Luca answers Darcy's ad, his intent anything but to help.
It took forever for the truth to come out, especially about Luca
I was hoping this would be like an episode of Dynasty or Dallas, both of which I enjoyed thanks to my mum, sadly this little read lacked the oomph/drama I was hoping for.
Some eye rolling occurred.
Not something I would re-read intentionally.
99p on amazon.
Certain that the woman he spent a hot night with 3 years ago stole a precious family heirloom Luca, Luca answers Darcy's ad, his intent anything but to help.
It took forever for the truth to come out, especially about Luca
I was hoping this would be like an episode of Dynasty or Dallas, both of which I enjoyed thanks to my mum, sadly this little read lacked the oomph/drama I was hoping for.
Some eye rolling occurred.
Not something I would re-read intentionally.
99p on amazon.
October 13, 2023
Deliciously fairy-tale. Alpha-hero, damsel in distress - innocent, yet strong, etc. Wealth. Venice. Passion, anger, and big misunderstandings.
Delicious candy, that isn't healthy, but it is so wonderful to savour it from time to time.
Delicious candy, that isn't healthy, but it is so wonderful to savour it from time to time.
November 14, 2016
Its been a really long time since I genuinely enjoyed reading HP . I am glad I read this , I was giving up on HP .
Billionaire disguised as some unemployed so that he could get married to h . That scenes were quite funny , When he arrives in a posh perfect tailored suit , she assumes he borrowed them , worse she thinks he took his car on loan and she actually feels pity for him , draws him a cheque for advance payment . She believes that he is some no-man and as a perfect choice to play her temporary husband for 6 months so that she could inherit her god-mothers estate . I had a good laugh reading that toss scene .
From the beginning you will pray for that HEA for Darcy and Luca , Its so evident that they love each other , but in a strange way I loved that wretched ring for causing that misunderstanding . lol
There are so many twists Graham definitely outshines herself , I don't intend to give away the spoilers but this is a must read if you love Intense but subtle flavour .
Billionaire disguised as some unemployed so that he could get married to h . That scenes were quite funny , When he arrives in a posh perfect tailored suit , she assumes he borrowed them , worse she thinks he took his car on loan and she actually feels pity for him , draws him a cheque for advance payment . She believes that he is some no-man and as a perfect choice to play her temporary husband for 6 months so that she could inherit her god-mothers estate . I had a good laugh reading that toss scene .
From the beginning you will pray for that HEA for Darcy and Luca , Its so evident that they love each other , but in a strange way I loved that wretched ring for causing that misunderstanding . lol
There are so many twists Graham definitely outshines herself , I don't intend to give away the spoilers but this is a must read if you love Intense but subtle flavour .
July 6, 2012
This is the second book in the husband hunter series, and clearly the best. This had all the right balance points between the hero and heroine. So often LG writes truly alpha males that can run rings around poor TSTL heroines. But in this series, the heroines can really stand strong against these rough riding heroes and it makes for a fun entertaining read.
Darcy is a well written heroine and Luca is quite scrumptious...A man hell bent on revenge, yet has no idea what hits him when he comes up against Darcy.
Darcy is a well written heroine and Luca is quite scrumptious...A man hell bent on revenge, yet has no idea what hits him when he comes up against Darcy.
June 3, 2013
Cute and well written romance! The hero wants revenge from his one night stand a con woman or so he thinks but he is not an ass. I liked his integrity, his sensitivity and determination to help the heroine and defend her against her wicked step mother and stepsister. I loved his interaction with his precious baby girl I thought her tantrums were just hilarious! Strong, alpha hero brought to his knees by his love for the heroine and his daughter is always a pleasure to read.
May 31, 2019
Una novelita de Lynne antigua, de esas que se leen de un tirón. La conseguí en el canje para seguir con la colección y me di cuenta de que no tenía hecho el review.
Los protas tienen mucha química, sus interacciones son lindas, aunque es una novela de los noventa y conceptos como "fax" hayan quedado obsoletos, igual muy disfrutable.
Los protas tienen mucha química, sus interacciones son lindas, aunque es una novela de los noventa y conceptos como "fax" hayan quedado obsoletos, igual muy disfrutable.
July 23, 2011
The heroine Darcy is trying to keep her beloved family home afloat, she has an inheritance due but only if she gets married and remains married for at least 6 months. Since she is busy with her home and her young daughter she has no time, or desire, to meet someone, so she decided to advertise for a husband. The hero Luca has been been searching for Darcy for 3 years after they spent the night together and she stole a very valuable ring. When his investigator tells him about Darcy's predicament and her advertisement, Luca sees this as his chance to finally get revenge. Darcy doesn't recognise Luca as the night they spent together she was without her glasses and her eyesight is very poor. When she does finally realise, they are already married and it's too late. At first she believes his anger is over keeping his daughter from him, but when he confronts her about the stolen ring she is shocked.
This is a great book, and considering its 13 years old it doesn't seem dated at all. Lynne Graham has a very unique style and always produces well thought out and interesting books. Both characters are really appealing; I adored Darcy and her very eccentric and calamity prone personality, she is the perfect other half to Luca's alpha-male personality. In my opinion Lynne Graham is a true master at creating alpha-males! There is also enough secrecy and questions in this book to really keep you interested and it ends fantastically.
Thoroughly recommended.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
This is a great book, and considering its 13 years old it doesn't seem dated at all. Lynne Graham has a very unique style and always produces well thought out and interesting books. Both characters are really appealing; I adored Darcy and her very eccentric and calamity prone personality, she is the perfect other half to Luca's alpha-male personality. In my opinion Lynne Graham is a true master at creating alpha-males! There is also enough secrecy and questions in this book to really keep you interested and it ends fantastically.
Thoroughly recommended.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
May 16, 2015
This is officially the first book I read by Lynne Graham. I don't remember to much about the story, I have to re-read it ;)
My personal rating scale from 1 to 10 = 7.5
My personal rating scale from 1 to 10 = 7.5
May 22, 2019
Es una buena idea, un buen libro, pero no me gusta como está escrito. :3
August 10, 2020
ohhh bueno seguimos con las confusiones por falta de comunicación salen lastimados, tontos ambos :(
August 18, 2016
Reread. Need to revise my opinion as I totally remember this one as I read, means it is good enough to have stuck in my mind in a sea of harlequin books. I actually am happy to see though the title suggested a very mean book, none of the characters here really is harsh and all are quite likable.
I like the h a lot this time around. She isnt the typical harlequin girl with a sad face all the time, weepy because H cannot love her or she was too weak to resist him time and again. She is very upbeat and prosiac, she doesn't beat herself to death with recriminations, also doesn't get all maudlin when H doesn't love her, she has her focus that doesn't involve the H. It was actually quite fun seeing her unusual reactions tick the H no end, which though not what she initially intended, did give us all a satisfactory grin.
Our H is a bit more complex. He reasoned himself into tracking down our h so he can demand his pound of flesh, but somehow finally worked out that it is really the h just wants. Even after showing his vindictiveness and threatening all manners of retribution, he never carried through. He was still kind to our h and also tried to put this hard feeling aside when he was spending time with her, even trying to give her things and stick up for her all along. His was the most empty threats I have read thus far, which makes him a lot easier to stomach when the hea comes. I cannot wrap my head around a total jackball 95% of the book being a sappy puppy last 5% to make a hea a lot of times.
I like how he is very persistent in his own way in pursuing the h and like how patient he really is all along with her and never throw up that you kept my child from me tantrum as he knew full well it was actually beyond her control then too.
All in all, quite enjoyable still second time around. I especially love the H being totally exasperated with the sometimes focused yet ditzy h.
I like the h a lot this time around. She isnt the typical harlequin girl with a sad face all the time, weepy because H cannot love her or she was too weak to resist him time and again. She is very upbeat and prosiac, she doesn't beat herself to death with recriminations, also doesn't get all maudlin when H doesn't love her, she has her focus that doesn't involve the H. It was actually quite fun seeing her unusual reactions tick the H no end, which though not what she initially intended, did give us all a satisfactory grin.
Our H is a bit more complex. He reasoned himself into tracking down our h so he can demand his pound of flesh, but somehow finally worked out that it is really the h just wants. Even after showing his vindictiveness and threatening all manners of retribution, he never carried through. He was still kind to our h and also tried to put this hard feeling aside when he was spending time with her, even trying to give her things and stick up for her all along. His was the most empty threats I have read thus far, which makes him a lot easier to stomach when the hea comes. I cannot wrap my head around a total jackball 95% of the book being a sappy puppy last 5% to make a hea a lot of times.
I like how he is very persistent in his own way in pursuing the h and like how patient he really is all along with her and never throw up that you kept my child from me tantrum as he knew full well it was actually beyond her control then too.
All in all, quite enjoyable still second time around. I especially love the H being totally exasperated with the sometimes focused yet ditzy h.
January 11, 2013
This book has the right amount of mystery in it. He believes the woman he spent a night with three years ago was a world class burglar who had targeted him, wormed her way into his invitation only- exclusive Venetian costume party, his home and into his bed to steal an antique and priceless ring. She thinks he is just a man answering to her advertisement for a temporary husband. Add the wicked step mother, the jealous step sister, and a two year-old throwing major fits and he gets more than he ever bargained for.
August 3, 2022
LG just knows how to deliver the right amount of revenge and angst when I need it. I really liked both characters a lot, even the vengeful hero because I can see why he thought what he did. However, I cannot improve at all on reviews I read by StMargarets, Boogenhagen, and Jacqueline J . So I’m going to leave my review where it is, plus dinner is ready!
July 26, 2023
Cleaning up my book shelves and I didn’t recall much from this book. Well it stays at a 1 ⭐️ despite some redeeming efforts made by the H by the end.
Both the MCs didn’t grow on me. The h was just a country bumpkin and LG drove her point home that she was just a plain Jane with frizzy red hair who mucked stalls and tended to barn animals. She also had an unattractive vocabulary and didn’t shy out of saying whatever was on her mind.
There were elements I hated in the book and my feelings haven’t changed. They MCs treat their little girl abominably. The little girl is bad tempered because obv her mother never attends to her and she’s always left as abandoned cargo with a neighbor or at her play school. Poor kid just wanted some loving.
The H on meeting the h’s daughter - not knowing she’s her own- also reacts strongly to having a bothersome kid on hands. Who wants to deal with an inconvenience as a child when you’d rather be in each others pants. Tbh I could bear these ugly sentiments from the H but I despised the h to hell for her abandonment of her little girl.
There’s a headache of a train wrecky story that I could care less for. Awful story telling LG. Shouldn’t have brought the little girl into this cheap game.
—————-//////——————
DNF at 50%. The H was alright but the h was unbearable. Her lacklustre was only bested by her awful language( bastard, chump etc). She was horribly masculine and indelicate for my liking. Cleaning chicken coops and mucking stables.. Plus the daughter she had seemed to be forgotten. There was almost no mention of her or how/ who was taking care of her while the h is away doing something or the other.
Just an unconvincing plot for h playing such a plain jane and telling the H how he was good looking and his kiss was quite an act that he must be a gigolo. There is also no mention from the H, ever, upto now in the book of him commenting on the h's appearance. Eitherways, the worst kind for me!! I've read better from this writer.
Both the MCs didn’t grow on me. The h was just a country bumpkin and LG drove her point home that she was just a plain Jane with frizzy red hair who mucked stalls and tended to barn animals. She also had an unattractive vocabulary and didn’t shy out of saying whatever was on her mind.
There were elements I hated in the book and my feelings haven’t changed. They MCs treat their little girl abominably. The little girl is bad tempered because obv her mother never attends to her and she’s always left as abandoned cargo with a neighbor or at her play school. Poor kid just wanted some loving.
The H on meeting the h’s daughter - not knowing she’s her own- also reacts strongly to having a bothersome kid on hands. Who wants to deal with an inconvenience as a child when you’d rather be in each others pants. Tbh I could bear these ugly sentiments from the H but I despised the h to hell for her abandonment of her little girl.
There’s a headache of a train wrecky story that I could care less for. Awful story telling LG. Shouldn’t have brought the little girl into this cheap game.
—————-//////——————
DNF at 50%. The H was alright but the h was unbearable. Her lacklustre was only bested by her awful language( bastard, chump etc). She was horribly masculine and indelicate for my liking. Cleaning chicken coops and mucking stables.. Plus the daughter she had seemed to be forgotten. There was almost no mention of her or how/ who was taking care of her while the h is away doing something or the other.
Just an unconvincing plot for h playing such a plain jane and telling the H how he was good looking and his kiss was quite an act that he must be a gigolo. There is also no mention from the H, ever, upto now in the book of him commenting on the h's appearance. Eitherways, the worst kind for me!! I've read better from this writer.
July 13, 2019
Over-the-top characters, clueless alpha males and a beautiful but spunky and down-to-earth heroine, this book displays the best of Ms Graham’s tropes. While some of her books can veer to alpha-ass territory, this was remained in the screwball comedy vein. The hero was never too awful and was patently clueless about what to do with a heroine who feeds chicken.
This made me smile which was much needed and for that I give it 4 stars.
I will say that despite the blurb which promised a “perfect opportunity for revenge… Only, Luca finds he’s married the mother of his secret child!”, the revenue plot is not overbearing. I am also amazed and amused at how little the baby matters - I kept expecting more angst and drama related to the kid but it never panned out. I would have probably added the last star if we got cute baby scenes with the hero.
Still, this one is highly recommended for Ms. Graham fans.
This made me smile which was much needed and for that I give it 4 stars.
I will say that despite the blurb which promised a “perfect opportunity for revenge… Only, Luca finds he’s married the mother of his secret child!”, the revenue plot is not overbearing. I am also amazed and amused at how little the baby matters - I kept expecting more angst and drama related to the kid but it never panned out. I would have probably added the last star if we got cute baby scenes with the hero.
Still, this one is highly recommended for Ms. Graham fans.
October 22, 2023
"Country woman seeks quiet, well-behaved and domesticated single male without close ties, 25-50, for short-term live-in employment. Absolute confidentiality guaranteed. No time-wasters, please."
The Vengeful Husband is the second installment in The Husband Hunters series by Lynne Graham. It is rather obvious that having finished reading Married to the Mistress, the first book in the series, I just had to indulge myself in the rest.
First published in December of 1998, told in the third person from the point of view of both lead protagonists, this is the story of Darcy Fielding, one of the three goddaughters of Nancy Leeland for whom she leaves her estate behind on the condition that her goddaughters get married within the year and maintain the marriage at least for a period of six months.
Darcy, a single mother by then, responsible for her crumbling family estate which had been with the family for over four hundred years is in dire financial straits. Little does she know that the man she spent one passionate night with in Venice, 31 years old Gianluca Fabrizio Raffacani (Luca) has been trying to find her since, believing that she stole from him a very important family heirloom.
As luck would have it, Darcy who views herself as too plain to attract a potential husband, and who simply does not have time to find someone in the conventional manner plans to fulfill the condition of her godmother's by advertising for one, something that plays along nicely with Luca's plans.
Luca does not hold a very favorable opinion of Darcy when he finds her. However that does not make a hypocrite out of him to lie to himself about how much Darcy affects him unlike any other woman he has met before or since. Once the knot is tied, all bets are off, and thus starts the crazy journey these two embark on to their ultimate happily ever after.
This was just as fun and angsty in the good way kind of read as the first book was, with Darcy acting in the belief that someone like Luca would not find a plain woman like herself appealing on any level. Darcy suffers from low self esteem, owing mostly to her childhood, with a father who wanted a son that he never got to have, with a step mother who had been vicious to no end. The final nail in the coffin had been when Darcy's fiance jilted her, which led to the encounter with Luca years back.
Luca is at first determined to get his family heirloom back, but he is not immune to Darcy's appeal that had spellbound him the very first time they met. Needless to say there is drama of the variety that keeps the pages turning, sexual tension of the kind that is sharp and tangible and makes you sigh and moon over the perfection of their union, and love of the kind that neither wants to admit to, for fear that the other would not feel the same.
I had a slight problem with Daisy for keeping a certain "secret" to herself for the better part of the novel which lowered the rating from what it could have been otherwise. I guess I should not judge unless I have walked in her shoes, but I always find it a bit uncomfortable when female protagonists tend to lie or tell half truths about having conceived a child with the hero (unless they are abusive men who do not deserve to traumatize their child) - they have a right to know and what they choose to do with that knowledge is up to them.
Recommended for fans of the series, fans of combustible category romances, and fans of Lynne Graham.
Final Verdict: The Vengeful Husband delivers a myriad of emotions of the kind that leaves the reader satisfied on all counts. Lynne Graham is a master storyteller for that very reason!
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
June 3, 2017
Am not completely sold on Lynne Graham, but will keep reading because of the rave reviews.
My problem is her heroes are such terrible assholes that I find it difficult to like or have sympathy for them even when they repent later.
My problem is her heroes are such terrible assholes that I find it difficult to like or have sympathy for them even when they repent later.
April 13, 2018
This was a fun book to read. Luca was a bit crazy and off the hook for sure. There was no real suspense or angst in this book but what kept it interesting were the likeable characters. Lynne Graham writes amazing second chance stories and that's exactly what this was.
September 20, 2020
Me encanta 😍
December 22, 2023
An entertaining read. Lynne Graham always delivers.
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