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The Santina Crown #4
The Man Behind the Scars
Rafe McFarland, Eighth Earl of Pembroke- and 21st century heartthrob- has secretly wed ex-model and tabloid darling Angel Tilson! Angel's long been believed to be in financial difficulty, prompting feverish speculation that her marriage to the tortured billionaire is one of the strictest convenience…
Bearing terrible scars from his time in the military, Rafe rarely leaves his remote Scottish estate. And with the terms of this deal negotiated, is Rafe demanding repayment- in kind- from his new wife...?
Bearing terrible scars from his time in the military, Rafe rarely leaves his remote Scottish estate. And with the terms of this deal negotiated, is Rafe demanding repayment- in kind- from his new wife...?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
60 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Crews
1,111 books597 followersCaitlin Crews discovered her first romance novel at the age of twelve, in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates, grand adventures, a heroine with rustling skirts and a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering and masterful hero. The book (the title of which remains lost in the mists of time) made a serious impression. Caitlin was immediately smitten with romances and romance heroes, to the detriment of her middle school social life. And so began her life-long love affair with romance novels, many of which she insists on keeping near her at all times, thus creating a fire hazard of love wherever she lives.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 22, 2017
OMG!!!! Do not judge this book by the cover!!! IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! Beautifully written.
"Because she looked at him with whole summers in her blue eyes, and her smile made him want to be the man she saw when she looked at him, whoever that might be. Whatever it took."
"Because she looked at him with whole summers in her blue eyes, and her smile made him want to be the man she saw when she looked at him, whoever that might be. Whatever it took."
April 28, 2020
Angel Tilson’s mother landed Angel in heavy debt and now Angel needs money fast. She decides to find a rich husband and sets her sights on Rafe McFarland. Not only is Rafe wealthy, but he is also the Earl of Pembroke. He has scars on the side of his face and he considers himself a monster. Angel offers him a marriage of convenience and surprisingly he accepts. And what follows is a very enjoyable romance between two very likable characters. Rafe made a great tortured hero and I liked his Scottish estate. Angel and Rafe had great chemistry and I liked how the sexual tension built up between them and that they waited to act on it, instead of jumping into bed immediately. All-in-all, it was a beautifully written, emotional and romantic read.
June 18, 2017
This is exceptional writing from Ms. Crews.
Angel is the h who is on the prowl for a rich husband and Rafe, the H, is it. What transpires will make you laugh, cry and sigh. It was simply brilliant.
February 10, 2017
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This is the best Harlequin Presents I've read in a long, long, time. It's fun to trash bad books, but it's hard to describe what happens when everything is perfect.
Angel . . . I hate the idea of a heroine named Angel. I keep picturing you-know-who, the vampire. Or the young Mexican idealist in Sam Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH.
But Angel is an original. She's a gold-digger, a cynical courtesan, yet somehow her wisecracks always push you to read the next sentence, and the next, and the next . . . she seems one step ahead of every romance-novel cliche.
And Rafe . . . Rafe has no right to be this seductive, so original and fascinating. I mean, how many English earls are named Rafe? (Why not Joe Bob or Billy Ray?) But still, this is a hero we've met before. Many, many times. A reclusive beast with a scarred face? I mean, come on! But somehow he's one step ahead of the cliches too. By the time the book was over I had a feeling I NEVER have reading Harlequin Presents. I felt that the author had so much more to say about these characters. I felt like I'd only been given a tantalizing glimpse of fascinating people who seemed very real.
I remember when I reviewed THE FORBIDDEN WIFE, I made fun of it as being a really silly attempt to write a modern version of JANE EYRE. The funny thing is, this book really achieves that, without even seeming to try.
Caitlin Crews is an amazing author. Her writing style is sensual and sultry like Rosemary Rogers was thirty years ago. Her dialogue is witty like Georgette Heyer. And she makes you feel like each new twist is something you've never seen before -- even when you saw it coming a mile away.
More! More! More!
This is the best Harlequin Presents I've read in a long, long, time. It's fun to trash bad books, but it's hard to describe what happens when everything is perfect.
Angel . . . I hate the idea of a heroine named Angel. I keep picturing you-know-who, the vampire. Or the young Mexican idealist in Sam Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH.
But Angel is an original. She's a gold-digger, a cynical courtesan, yet somehow her wisecracks always push you to read the next sentence, and the next, and the next . . . she seems one step ahead of every romance-novel cliche.
And Rafe . . . Rafe has no right to be this seductive, so original and fascinating. I mean, how many English earls are named Rafe? (Why not Joe Bob or Billy Ray?) But still, this is a hero we've met before. Many, many times. A reclusive beast with a scarred face? I mean, come on! But somehow he's one step ahead of the cliches too. By the time the book was over I had a feeling I NEVER have reading Harlequin Presents. I felt that the author had so much more to say about these characters. I felt like I'd only been given a tantalizing glimpse of fascinating people who seemed very real.
I remember when I reviewed THE FORBIDDEN WIFE, I made fun of it as being a really silly attempt to write a modern version of JANE EYRE. The funny thing is, this book really achieves that, without even seeming to try.
Caitlin Crews is an amazing author. Her writing style is sensual and sultry like Rosemary Rogers was thirty years ago. Her dialogue is witty like Georgette Heyer. And she makes you feel like each new twist is something you've never seen before -- even when you saw it coming a mile away.
More! More! More!
August 12, 2018
Thinky Thoughts! Thinky Thouuuuuughts alert!
This is peak inner monologue right here. I remember reading this a few years ago and wondering what the heck was going on (answer: not a lot) but now I know it's just CC's style.
So plot -heroine needs money because her useless mother stole her identity and racked up a bunch of debt. At her stepsister's engagement party, she asks the scarred hero to marry her because: (1) he looks rich (2) she thinks he's hot (3) why not?
He says yes because (1) he thinks she's hot (2) he's given up ever being happy (3) why not?
Ah, when two nihilist meet.
Alas, heroine is a romantic under her brittle, cheerful facade. They marry three weeks later. She then begins to fall in love with the hero as they rattle around the hero's Scottish estate. I liked that they did not go to bed together until they actually spent time together. Once in the sex kicked in, the hero actually began to feel things* and lashes out at the heroine for a black moment.
(His mother and brother were sadists and he couldn't wait to join the army and get away from them. A roadside bomb killed his mates and scarred him for life. He doesn't want to care about anyone because he'll be hurt.)
If you liked damaged heroes and the Beauty and the Beast trope, you'll like this one. I'm not that fond of it, nor do I enjoy inner monologues or the fact that the H/h's family members never got a comeuppance - but surprisingly, I ended up liking this by the end.
Go figure.
This is peak inner monologue right here. I remember reading this a few years ago and wondering what the heck was going on (answer: not a lot) but now I know it's just CC's style.
So plot -heroine needs money because her useless mother stole her identity and racked up a bunch of debt. At her stepsister's engagement party, she asks the scarred hero to marry her because: (1) he looks rich (2) she thinks he's hot (3) why not?
He says yes because (1) he thinks she's hot (2) he's given up ever being happy (3) why not?
Ah, when two nihilist meet.
Alas, heroine is a romantic under her brittle, cheerful facade. They marry three weeks later. She then begins to fall in love with the hero as they rattle around the hero's Scottish estate. I liked that they did not go to bed together until they actually spent time together. Once in the sex kicked in, the hero actually began to feel things* and lashes out at the heroine for a black moment.
(His mother and brother were sadists and he couldn't wait to join the army and get away from them. A roadside bomb killed his mates and scarred him for life. He doesn't want to care about anyone because he'll be hurt.)
If you liked damaged heroes and the Beauty and the Beast trope, you'll like this one. I'm not that fond of it, nor do I enjoy inner monologues or the fact that the H/h's family members never got a comeuppance - but surprisingly, I ended up liking this by the end.
Go figure.
May 4, 2016
Beauty and the beast trope with bad parents on both sides lead to two damaged MC coming together.
Angel's rotten as sticks mother has taken out 50,000 pounds of debt in Angel's name so Angel is looking for a rich husband despite the fact she really wants a family and HEA. Rate, whose mother is actually worse, is damaged emotionally and physically.
Angel propose a MOC quite cheekily and Rafe takes her up on it. They go to the ancestral manor in secluded Scotland so Rafe can brood. It takes them a while to get together although there is serious chemistry on both sides.
Angel admits her love for Rafe and he goes cold stone killer then it's HEA. Most abrupt ending ever. It's like Crews computer gave up or her word limit exploded.
All in all a nice story with an intense brooding hero and a charming, engaging heroine. Star deduction for not fleshing out the sheer evilness of Rafe's kin (serious potential for more back story) and such a ridiculously abrupt ending.
Angel's rotten as sticks mother has taken out 50,000 pounds of debt in Angel's name so Angel is looking for a rich husband despite the fact she really wants a family and HEA. Rate, whose mother is actually worse, is damaged emotionally and physically.
Angel propose a MOC quite cheekily and Rafe takes her up on it. They go to the ancestral manor in secluded Scotland so Rafe can brood. It takes them a while to get together although there is serious chemistry on both sides.
Angel admits her love for Rafe and he goes cold stone killer then it's HEA. Most abrupt ending ever. It's like Crews computer gave up or her word limit exploded.
All in all a nice story with an intense brooding hero and a charming, engaging heroine. Star deduction for not fleshing out the sheer evilness of Rafe's kin (serious potential for more back story) and such a ridiculously abrupt ending.
October 29, 2012
I don't think I have ever read a book with a beginning quite like this one, it is really surprising and intriguing. We, the reader, know right from the start what the heroine is trying to achieve but then it is such a shock to have her actually come out and say it! As much as I love the Modern/Presents line, one of the most frustrating things about it is that the books so often have motivations misunderstood or kept secret, so this one was a nice refreshing change.
The heroine is extremely honest, and I loved that about her character and she is very interesting throughout the story. Rafe is a great hero; he is tortured and damaged and scarred, both physically and emotionally. His character is the complete opposite to the heroine and her openness, instead the author keeps us wondering about him never really knowing his full story.
Both characters have layers and feel very three dimensional, plus between them there is plenty of chemistry, tension and connection, which leaps off the pages.
Brooding is the theme here, as well as acceptance. It is satisfying story. Enjoyed it!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
The heroine is extremely honest, and I loved that about her character and she is very interesting throughout the story. Rafe is a great hero; he is tortured and damaged and scarred, both physically and emotionally. His character is the complete opposite to the heroine and her openness, instead the author keeps us wondering about him never really knowing his full story.
Both characters have layers and feel very three dimensional, plus between them there is plenty of chemistry, tension and connection, which leaps off the pages.
Brooding is the theme here, as well as acceptance. It is satisfying story. Enjoyed it!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
August 22, 2012
This is a difficult book to critique. I think it had so much potential, but then fell flat during the ending. Through out the book, there is a huge build-up to the fact that he is a monster in his soul as well as one of the visage. I wondered what could he have done that was so terrible that he believed he was a monster inside and out.
I won't say what it was, but it certainly fell flat of the build up.
In addition, the reader is well aware that our heroine is playing a position that is not her own. She has morals and cares about herself, but the hero never seems to question the way she portrays herself with the reality of how she acts. this is minor and would not have lowered the rating as did the first issue.
The second star was lost because I felt that the story did not end...
Our heroine got into the mess by the actions of her family, but this complication is never really dealt with in the story. It is just left hanging. Yes, I know that real life happens that way sometimes. However, I do not reach for a Harlequin for reality. They are supposed to be a fantasy, a feel good story. By not dealing with the instigator of our heroine's dilemma, it feels like she has more to face. She does not have a fantasy future.
Even with these issues, I liked the story. I just felt it ended too soon. The author's writing ability is not in question here. The story sucked me in quickly and had me rooting for our heroine from the first few pages. the author's style was smooth and I did not feel the story itself was choppy. It felt more like the author suddenly realized she only had a few pages left, so she cut it short.
I won't say what it was, but it certainly fell flat of the build up.
In addition, the reader is well aware that our heroine is playing a position that is not her own. She has morals and cares about herself, but the hero never seems to question the way she portrays herself with the reality of how she acts. this is minor and would not have lowered the rating as did the first issue.
The second star was lost because I felt that the story did not end...
Our heroine got into the mess by the actions of her family, but this complication is never really dealt with in the story. It is just left hanging. Yes, I know that real life happens that way sometimes. However, I do not reach for a Harlequin for reality. They are supposed to be a fantasy, a feel good story. By not dealing with the instigator of our heroine's dilemma, it feels like she has more to face. She does not have a fantasy future.
Even with these issues, I liked the story. I just felt it ended too soon. The author's writing ability is not in question here. The story sucked me in quickly and had me rooting for our heroine from the first few pages. the author's style was smooth and I did not feel the story itself was choppy. It felt more like the author suddenly realized she only had a few pages left, so she cut it short.
December 18, 2018
This started out to be very promising but fell flat midway point and the high point for me was first meeting and the confrontation at the end. Ending was abrupt, too abrupt almost felt like a vintage hp! An epilogue would have been nice. Recommend this if you like tortured and scarred heroes.
October 29, 2012
3.5 stars
A modern version of Beauty and the Beast,this book is dark & at times oppressive.
Rafe is scarred from the inside ( because of his mother & brother cruelty towards him) and from the outside ( from an explosion that killed all his friends in the army).
Angel is quite a character. All her life she suffered from her mother' s irresponsibility, she is always left to clean her mothers' mess. This time, she decides to become a gold- digger & find herself a rich husband. She is bold & honest when she approaches Rafe & to her surprise he accepts her proposition.
The characters are well portrayed, the reader can't help but root for them. CC writing is not in question, the story is interesting but the pace is slow & drags a lot. Most of the story is in Angel's mind. And the end is abrupt. After a big scene where Rafe is at his most cruel & hurtful to Angel, he just has to say " I love you" for everything to fall in place. The reader is left wanting more.
A modern version of Beauty and the Beast,this book is dark & at times oppressive.
Rafe is scarred from the inside ( because of his mother & brother cruelty towards him) and from the outside ( from an explosion that killed all his friends in the army).
Angel is quite a character. All her life she suffered from her mother' s irresponsibility, she is always left to clean her mothers' mess. This time, she decides to become a gold- digger & find herself a rich husband. She is bold & honest when she approaches Rafe & to her surprise he accepts her proposition.
The characters are well portrayed, the reader can't help but root for them. CC writing is not in question, the story is interesting but the pace is slow & drags a lot. Most of the story is in Angel's mind. And the end is abrupt. After a big scene where Rafe is at his most cruel & hurtful to Angel, he just has to say " I love you" for everything to fall in place. The reader is left wanting more.
August 1, 2013
Extra 1/2 star.
It started out interesting enough but then
It started out interesting enough but then
November 22, 2013
review to come
May 18, 2012
Part of the Santina series, I am so glad I read these out of order. If this had been the first one I'd read, I would never have picked up any other titles.
The storyline moves very slowly.. The hero and heroine finally "get together" in Chapter 9? Rafe isn't the most sympathetic hero. Angel is ok but you don't really buy in to their attraction toward each other.
It just draaaags. Did I mention it moves slowly? It bears mentioning again.
The storyline moves very slowly.. The hero and heroine finally "get together" in Chapter 9? Rafe isn't the most sympathetic hero. Angel is ok but you don't really buy in to their attraction toward each other.
It just draaaags. Did I mention it moves slowly? It bears mentioning again.
June 19, 2016
I thought this book was good, and I enjoyed it, but I was slightly disappointed in the ending. I found the ending to be quite rushed and unbelievable that he came to his senses that quickly. Plus I feel that Rafe could have done a bit more groveling because he was very cruel towards Angel near the end that he needed to do a big time make up. I also wished some of her emotional issues with her mother was explored more in depth than it was. That would have just made it more interesting and bring more intensity in the story. More pain. Just more emotionally to the story.
But I did enjoy this book. In fact I enjoyed most of it until the very end. I really enjoyed their interesting meeting at the ball and how they planned a cat and mouse game that was very playful and entertaining and filled with some very sexy tension between them. Their attraction was felt and very apparent. It was just fun to see them interact throughout the book.
I also found it refreshing that their was honesty to their relationship with no ulterior motives hidden beneath the surface. Everything was made clear of why this marriage made sense for both of them. There was no lies. No blackmail. No subterfuge. No malice. Was it calculating? Yes. Was it a love match in the beginning? No, but there was honesty and attraction even though they really had no idea what they were getting into in this marriage. So I really liked that. This story could have totally went in a direction with deception but I was glad it didn't.
I liked seeing the back and forth with the sexual tension. It was fun to watch and see play out. It amped up the anticipation between the two and showed how much attraction there was between them. They were dying for each other just like I was dying for them together. I knew with all this tension that they were going to have some sexy time between the sheets.
Unfortunately the sexy times didn't quite live up to my expectation. In fact I was disappointed with the lack of them. There was only one proper love scene. With all that built up anticipation that carried throughout the book, I was expecting a lot more love scenes. And the one love scene was okay. Kind of a little to rushed for my taste. I wanted a little bit more passion too when they finally gave in. I just wanted more.
Overall I did like the book. I didn't love it however, I just wanted more explode from an emotional stand point because that could have added more depth and more angst to the story. I wanted to see them grow together as they worked through their emotional issues because there were a lot there, but it just didn't happen. And I think it would have shown them fall in love if the emotions were explored more than the were. Instead I felt like I was told they were in love. However I did enjoy their byplay and interaction with one another. It was fun and entertaining. That was what was most enjoyable about the story and was the strength. I liked their playfulness. It was cute. Thankfully it was present in most of novel and why I enjoyed it so much. It was adorable. It was worth the read.
But I did enjoy this book. In fact I enjoyed most of it until the very end. I really enjoyed their interesting meeting at the ball and how they planned a cat and mouse game that was very playful and entertaining and filled with some very sexy tension between them. Their attraction was felt and very apparent. It was just fun to see them interact throughout the book.
I also found it refreshing that their was honesty to their relationship with no ulterior motives hidden beneath the surface. Everything was made clear of why this marriage made sense for both of them. There was no lies. No blackmail. No subterfuge. No malice. Was it calculating? Yes. Was it a love match in the beginning? No, but there was honesty and attraction even though they really had no idea what they were getting into in this marriage. So I really liked that. This story could have totally went in a direction with deception but I was glad it didn't.
I liked seeing the back and forth with the sexual tension. It was fun to watch and see play out. It amped up the anticipation between the two and showed how much attraction there was between them. They were dying for each other just like I was dying for them together. I knew with all this tension that they were going to have some sexy time between the sheets.
Unfortunately the sexy times didn't quite live up to my expectation. In fact I was disappointed with the lack of them. There was only one proper love scene. With all that built up anticipation that carried throughout the book, I was expecting a lot more love scenes. And the one love scene was okay. Kind of a little to rushed for my taste. I wanted a little bit more passion too when they finally gave in. I just wanted more.
Overall I did like the book. I didn't love it however, I just wanted more explode from an emotional stand point because that could have added more depth and more angst to the story. I wanted to see them grow together as they worked through their emotional issues because there were a lot there, but it just didn't happen. And I think it would have shown them fall in love if the emotions were explored more than the were. Instead I felt like I was told they were in love. However I did enjoy their byplay and interaction with one another. It was fun and entertaining. That was what was most enjoyable about the story and was the strength. I liked their playfulness. It was cute. Thankfully it was present in most of novel and why I enjoyed it so much. It was adorable. It was worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2012
Reviewed at: HarlequinJunkie.com
The Man Behind the Scars blew me away! It was so much better than I expected it to be…. outstanding really.
Angel and Rafe are two exceptionally well-written characters, they never quite say or do things you expect them too. Add to that sizzling chemistry, great dialogues and a plot that constantly evolves and what you have is a compelling great read.
Angel is quite the materialistic gold digger; were it not for her character this book would have been an OK angsty Presents, but her snark and wisecracks make this a really enjoyable read.
The Man Behind the Scars is by far the best Harlequin rendition of Beauty and the Beast I have read to date. A book I would highly recommend.
The Man Behind the Scars blew me away! It was so much better than I expected it to be…. outstanding really.
Angel and Rafe are two exceptionally well-written characters, they never quite say or do things you expect them too. Add to that sizzling chemistry, great dialogues and a plot that constantly evolves and what you have is a compelling great read.
Angel is quite the materialistic gold digger; were it not for her character this book would have been an OK angsty Presents, but her snark and wisecracks make this a really enjoyable read.
The Man Behind the Scars is by far the best Harlequin rendition of Beauty and the Beast I have read to date. A book I would highly recommend.
February 5, 2016
Harapan utk membaca kisah spt "Beauty & the Beast" and "Phantom of the Opera" agak gagal di buku ini.
Terlalu bnyk narasi yg diulang2 dan ending yg terlalu dipaksakan. Malah nuansanya cenderung dark drpd romance. Andaikan karakter Angel lbh ditampilkan kegigihannya utk membuka diri Rafe, spt Belle dlm dongeng, saya rasa akan lbh dpt feel nya buku ini.
Terlalu bnyk narasi yg diulang2 dan ending yg terlalu dipaksakan. Malah nuansanya cenderung dark drpd romance. Andaikan karakter Angel lbh ditampilkan kegigihannya utk membuka diri Rafe, spt Belle dlm dongeng, saya rasa akan lbh dpt feel nya buku ini.
September 6, 2012
Loved this book. The Santina-Crown series is excellent so far in my opinion. Much better than the Wolfe series.
September 11, 2013
What I liked about this book is that Angel began as this bitchy goldigger and finished as a real heroine.
January 28, 2013
This book is in need of an epilogue.
And not because "Aw, shucks! I didn't get enough of it!" but because the ending really wasn't satisfactory.
For one thing, I did not see Rafe change all that much.
He has this Eureka! moment about his life and love for Angel and that's where we get cut off.
I want to see him actually deal with that realization. What about all those papers she signed? Where are they going to live now? Is he going to trust her? Will they have another wedding?
Maybe all those practicalities are too anti climatic to be written in? I don't know and don't care. What I feel is that something major is missing here.
This isn't a movie: a kiss and "I love you" is not enough to secure my assurance in their happily ever after.
Perhaps there's a limit on number of pages for these books? Because everything but the very end was pretty perfect.
And not because "Aw, shucks! I didn't get enough of it!" but because the ending really wasn't satisfactory.
For one thing, I did not see Rafe change all that much.
He has this Eureka! moment about his life and love for Angel and that's where we get cut off.
I want to see him actually deal with that realization. What about all those papers she signed? Where are they going to live now? Is he going to trust her? Will they have another wedding?
Maybe all those practicalities are too anti climatic to be written in? I don't know and don't care. What I feel is that something major is missing here.
This isn't a movie: a kiss and "I love you" is not enough to secure my assurance in their happily ever after.
Perhaps there's a limit on number of pages for these books? Because everything but the very end was pretty perfect.
March 17, 2013
I agree with some of the other comments. There should be a follow-up, it kind of finished too soon! The final book of the series does have an "update" on them saying that they hadn't decided whether to have any children because they're working on their relationship first. It also says that Angel is now 2IC, helping Rafe run the estate. In the update they are about to travel to Kenya for several months.
Angel is still wearing her couture while "tramping about the grounds", and has embraced the country lifestyle.
Angel is still wearing her couture while "tramping about the grounds", and has embraced the country lifestyle.
March 29, 2013
This book gave me a love/hate relationship with both the hero and heroine. Both were stubborn to the point of wanting to be able to reach into the book and shake sense into them. I loved it! The author did a marvelous job bringing the characters to life.
August 31, 2012
well, I have a thing for those scarred hurting heroes,so it was great read for me since I remember it pretty much but it has been a while since,this book made me read the rest of the series...
October 22, 2012
4.5 stars - The female character is definitely different in this story from any other HR I have ever read. It was a nice change for the female to be so blatantly shocking and blunt.
November 10, 2012
Suddenly tears start to fall from my eyes this was a great read. My heart went out to Rafe and Angel. So much to overcome but love conquered all.
January 3, 2015
Beautifully written book throughout that I rarely encounter in these Campbell Soup books. It felt more like a Mary Ballough book with the introspection and simple love story.
February 5, 2017
Angel Tilson harus mencari pria kaya. Dan di tengah pesta pertunangan Allegra Jackson, kakak tirinya, dia menemukan banyak sekali pangeran, sheik, apapun sebutan bagi pria kaya itu. Yang perlu dilakukan Angel adalah memikat salah satunya dan meminta pria itu menikahinya.
Tentu ada alasan di balik perbuatan itu. Chantelle, ibunya yang kini menikahi Bobby Jackson, telah mengambil identitasnya tanpa izin untuk meminjam 50.000 pound dan meninggalkannya untuk membayar utang itu. Jika selama ini Angel masih bisa bertahan hidup dengan pekerjaan serabutan, sekarang dia tidak bisa lagi memikirkan cara membayar utang itu selain menikah dengan pria kaya. Dan di pesta itu dia melihat sesosok pria tinggi besar berbalutkan pakaian mahal, yang juga membuat desiran kuat di dalam dirinya, sedang menatap ke arahnya.
Rafe McFarland—Earl of Pembroke kedelapan, sudah memperhatikan Angel sejak tadi. Ketika gadis itu berjalan ke arahnya, dia tahu sebentar lagi gadis itu akan berpaling. Parut di wajahnya selalu terbukti mampu mengalihkan gadis manapun. Tetapi Angel bertahan, dan itu cukup membuat Rafe terkejut. Apalagi ketika tanpa basa-basi Angel menyodorkan proposal pernikahan padanya, entah mengapa Rafe tahu dia menginginkan gadis itu.
Saya sempat dibuat terkejut dengan karakter Angel yang dengan mudahnya menggaet pria kaya, layaknya wanita pemburu harta. Tetapi membaca lebih jauh tentang dirinya, saya jadi kagum pada sosok tangguh Angel. Di sisi lain, Rafe sendiri bukan hanya memiliki luka parut di wajahnya yang membuatnya menarik diri, tetapi luka di dalam dirinya yang lebih besar membuatnya merasa harus selalu menyendiri. Hanya sosok Angel yang mampu menembus pertahanannya.
Sedikit membosankan ketika Angel dan Rafe telah menikah dan mereka hanya saling "berdiam diri" dan sibuk bermain dengan pikiran masing-masing selama beberapa waktu lamanya. Padahal keduanya sama-sama tidak bisa mengelak dari pesona satu sama lain. Ada panas yang selalu memercik ketika keduanya berdekatan. Kalau bisa dihitung, hanya ada dua adegan dimana mereka saling bersentuhan. Sisanya adalah narasi yang panjang.
Bagian favorit adalah ketika Angel bersembunyi di perpustakaan milik Rafe. Adegan ini mengingatkan pada kisah Beauty and The Beast (atau sepertinya novel ini bisa menjadi fan fiction Beuty and The Baast ya...). Ada satu kalimat yang disebutkan Rafe yang membekas bagi saya, ketika dia bercerita tentang perpustakaan milik kakeknya itu.
"Ia percaya membaca adalah tujuannya, bukan koleksi itu sendiri."(halaman 127)
Tentu ada alasan di balik perbuatan itu. Chantelle, ibunya yang kini menikahi Bobby Jackson, telah mengambil identitasnya tanpa izin untuk meminjam 50.000 pound dan meninggalkannya untuk membayar utang itu. Jika selama ini Angel masih bisa bertahan hidup dengan pekerjaan serabutan, sekarang dia tidak bisa lagi memikirkan cara membayar utang itu selain menikah dengan pria kaya. Dan di pesta itu dia melihat sesosok pria tinggi besar berbalutkan pakaian mahal, yang juga membuat desiran kuat di dalam dirinya, sedang menatap ke arahnya.
Rafe McFarland—Earl of Pembroke kedelapan, sudah memperhatikan Angel sejak tadi. Ketika gadis itu berjalan ke arahnya, dia tahu sebentar lagi gadis itu akan berpaling. Parut di wajahnya selalu terbukti mampu mengalihkan gadis manapun. Tetapi Angel bertahan, dan itu cukup membuat Rafe terkejut. Apalagi ketika tanpa basa-basi Angel menyodorkan proposal pernikahan padanya, entah mengapa Rafe tahu dia menginginkan gadis itu.
Saya sempat dibuat terkejut dengan karakter Angel yang dengan mudahnya menggaet pria kaya, layaknya wanita pemburu harta. Tetapi membaca lebih jauh tentang dirinya, saya jadi kagum pada sosok tangguh Angel. Di sisi lain, Rafe sendiri bukan hanya memiliki luka parut di wajahnya yang membuatnya menarik diri, tetapi luka di dalam dirinya yang lebih besar membuatnya merasa harus selalu menyendiri. Hanya sosok Angel yang mampu menembus pertahanannya.
Sedikit membosankan ketika Angel dan Rafe telah menikah dan mereka hanya saling "berdiam diri" dan sibuk bermain dengan pikiran masing-masing selama beberapa waktu lamanya. Padahal keduanya sama-sama tidak bisa mengelak dari pesona satu sama lain. Ada panas yang selalu memercik ketika keduanya berdekatan. Kalau bisa dihitung, hanya ada dua adegan dimana mereka saling bersentuhan. Sisanya adalah narasi yang panjang.
Bagian favorit adalah ketika Angel bersembunyi di perpustakaan milik Rafe. Adegan ini mengingatkan pada kisah Beauty and The Beast (atau sepertinya novel ini bisa menjadi fan fiction Beuty and The Baast ya...). Ada satu kalimat yang disebutkan Rafe yang membekas bagi saya, ketika dia bercerita tentang perpustakaan milik kakeknya itu.
"Ia percaya membaca adalah tujuannya, bukan koleksi itu sendiri."(halaman 127)
May 13, 2018
And here we have yet another case of the cover not matching the description because as the author told us at least 57 times our h has short choppy hair!
I really, really wanted to love this book because I have a weakness for scarred H's, they are my favourite kind. However, I just could not bring myself to love the literal gold digging h no matter how much she came to love him.
I really, really wanted to love this book because I have a weakness for scarred H's, they are my favourite kind. However, I just could not bring myself to love the literal gold digging h no matter how much she came to love him.
September 29, 2021
The worst take on Beauty and the Beast story ,which is my ultimate favourite romantic story , the writer 's style is so "elongated"as if to fill in pages , why all this analysis about her helluvamother and the Hero 's legal team !!! I wanna read about fiction & romance not social psychology ! It is just an enjoyable fiction please Ms Crews make it enjoyable ,it doesn't have to be that long !! I had to skip several pages fully describing unessacry legal papers description fit for a lawyer study ! It had promising characters and situations but fell out miserably ..Sorry, I am not ashamed to say that I am a simple woman who wants to escape from dull life with romance reading .
Edit : tried to read it again and FAILED ..So bad really , the heroine is taken to the the Hero 's Scottish castle -he is the Beast ,he must have his own castle ,but we don't get the tiniest description of it or the landscape !..mind the heroine has never lived outside the city but she adapts magically ! ..and what on earth is that blue wedding gown ??!! tabloid favourite /glamour girl married to an Earl and has worse &smaller wardrobe than me !! ..Go get yourself some nice clothes dear ,it is a romantic novel
Edit : tried to read it again and FAILED ..So bad really , the heroine is taken to the the Hero 's Scottish castle -he is the Beast ,he must have his own castle ,but we don't get the tiniest description of it or the landscape !..mind the heroine has never lived outside the city but she adapts magically ! ..and what on earth is that blue wedding gown ??!! tabloid favourite /glamour girl married to an Earl and has worse &smaller wardrobe than me !! ..Go get yourself some nice clothes dear ,it is a romantic novel
August 20, 2012
I won this book from the Goodreads First Read Program, thank you. I like romance novels, I usually find them a light, simple, and pleasant distraction from other intensive, more, for lack of a better word, serious reading. This romance was not so. It was not light nor was it simplistic although it was pleasant. This didn't follow the standard formula. It had more substance and style. I found myself interested in the characters, what had made them who they are and brought them to this point. They were flawed and fascinating. They seemed like real people. Dare I hope this is a sign of things to come in this genre, then again, what would I read as a distraction?
August 17, 2012
This was a goodreads win! Thank you to Caitlin Crews for the signed book!
This was a very quick, short read. It was fairly a predictable Beauty & the Beast story. I did enjoy the snarky personality of our heroine. We definitely got to hear more of her story than of our hero, Rafe.
I wish this book had spent more time building their relationship on more than just attraction. Well, I would've enjoyed more building of a friendship/relationship period.
Those who want a quick, easy read may enjoy this.
This was a very quick, short read. It was fairly a predictable Beauty & the Beast story. I did enjoy the snarky personality of our heroine. We definitely got to hear more of her story than of our hero, Rafe.
I wish this book had spent more time building their relationship on more than just attraction. Well, I would've enjoyed more building of a friendship/relationship period.
Those who want a quick, easy read may enjoy this.
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