What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devilish D'Angelos #1
A Bargain with the Enemy
Mills & Boon Sexy series delivers what you love in contemporary romance - glamour and scandal in exotic locations...
Gabriel D'Angelo: renowned and ruthless
Artist Bryn Jones never forgave Gabriel for sending her father to prison, tearing her family apart and breaking her heart in the process. But she has forged herself a new identity away from the scandal and disgrace...until she wins the chance to exhibit at the D'Angelos' prestigious London gallery!
International tycoon Gabriel D'Angelo is haunted by the unforgiving eyes that once stared at him across a crowded courtroom. Now the enticing Bryn is back, and this time she'll play by his rules to get what she wants...and Gabriel's determined that this bargain will be mutually pleasurable!
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
62 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,296 books907 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 5, 2015
2,5 stars
I liked the storyline and the first couple of chapters were interesting….half-way through …fell flat in some way…..
The characters were not that complex and neither were their issues with each other. And, even though I loved the hero….how could I not?? He was such a lovely guy!!!! Alpha, yes…but not an ass@@@. He treated the heroine well and she….so not back!!! I have to mention that the fact that Gabriel had been in love all those years with Bryn….a bit unbelievable??? More than a bit!!!!
One of the things that irritated me was every time Gabriel and Bryn found themselves in the midst of a hot scene….stop!!! Moving on….nothing happens except a bit of “oral” play!!!! Do we have to wait until the last page to see if these two actually go the “whole” way?????
Was it a great book? Not.
Was it a bad book? Not that bad.
It was more like an OK read for me.
I liked the storyline and the first couple of chapters were interesting….half-way through …fell flat in some way…..
The characters were not that complex and neither were their issues with each other. And, even though I loved the hero….how could I not?? He was such a lovely guy!!!! Alpha, yes…but not an ass@@@. He treated the heroine well and she….so not back!!! I have to mention that the fact that Gabriel had been in love all those years with Bryn….a bit unbelievable??? More than a bit!!!!
One of the things that irritated me was every time Gabriel and Bryn found themselves in the midst of a hot scene….stop!!! Moving on….nothing happens except a bit of “oral” play!!!! Do we have to wait until the last page to see if these two actually go the “whole” way?????
Was it a great book? Not.
Was it a bad book? Not that bad.
It was more like an OK read for me.
January 13, 2019
Misunderstandings drive this slow-motion plot to a sleepytown HEA.
Yes, it's that boring.
Heroine's "disguise" isn't revealed until chapter six. Meanwhile the reader has both the H/h's point of view so we know hero knows who the heroine is the minute she walks into his art gallery office in hopes of having her paintings exhibited. We know he regrets putting her father in prison and that he thinks she is talented.
So what's the point of watching the heroine's histrionics? And hysterical she is - she throws up, faints, gets drunk, blushes,cries during the course of this story.
The rest of the story is the padded with descriptions of the heroine's creamy skin, her braless breasts, the hero's cheekbones - so boring!
The sex scenes were all interrupted because heroine is a virgin and hero wants sex to be special, but the heroine thinks she's being rejected or she remembers at the last minute her beautifully cheekboned hero is "the enemy."
*sigh*
There are two more brothers with the D'Angelo surname and archangel first names. How do I know? CM told me over and over again.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Yes, it's that boring.
Heroine's "disguise" isn't revealed until chapter six. Meanwhile the reader has both the H/h's point of view so we know hero knows who the heroine is the minute she walks into his art gallery office in hopes of having her paintings exhibited. We know he regrets putting her father in prison and that he thinks she is talented.
So what's the point of watching the heroine's histrionics? And hysterical she is - she throws up, faints, gets drunk, blushes,cries during the course of this story.
The rest of the story is the padded with descriptions of the heroine's creamy skin, her braless breasts, the hero's cheekbones - so boring!
The sex scenes were all interrupted because heroine is a virgin and hero wants sex to be special, but the heroine thinks she's being rejected or she remembers at the last minute her beautifully cheekboned hero is "the enemy."
*sigh*
There are two more brothers with the D'Angelo surname and archangel first names. How do I know? CM told me over and over again.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
January 6, 2014
Our heroine Bryn was in love with Gabriel until he sent her thief bastard father to prison. Now five years later she has the chance to present her art at hero's London gallery. She thinks Gabriel won't recognize her but he does and he is determined to win back her love and forgiveness.
OMG what a hero! He never treated Bryn badly, in fact he treated her like a queen. He loved her adored her and no matter how hard she pushed him away he was there for her. What a gentleman!
My only complain is that in typical CM style hero and heroine never consummated their love and that left a bitter taste in my mouth! I really wanted to read about their first time together!
OMG what a hero! He never treated Bryn badly, in fact he treated her like a queen. He loved her adored her and no matter how hard she pushed him away he was there for her. What a gentleman!
My only complain is that in typical CM style hero and heroine never consummated their love and that left a bitter taste in my mouth! I really wanted to read about their first time together!
January 3, 2014
One of the best Modern books ever. The hero (who, let's admit - had been standoffish, arrogant and not-too-nice to the heroine in most Harlequin Presents and Modern books) made this book worth it. He cared and showed it from the first page. He took all the stubbornness she had to give and kept at her, knowing she was what he wanted. He'd made up his mind from page 1, and never treated her with disrespect even once. Half the book was in his POV which I liked very much. Almost as much as him doing all the chasing.
I admit though, that the heroine was a little on the TSTL side. I had no idea why she was being so stubborn, but I guess the author need to create a story. I overlooked that though, because the hero was unconventional for an HP, and his character made my day - and my reading experience.
The scenes in this book were great too, and added to my five star rating, and my choice to overlook the heroine's flaws. Thanks Carole Mortimer, for a great story.
I admit though, that the heroine was a little on the TSTL side. I had no idea why she was being so stubborn, but I guess the author need to create a story. I overlooked that though, because the hero was unconventional for an HP, and his character made my day - and my reading experience.
The scenes in this book were great too, and added to my five star rating, and my choice to overlook the heroine's flaws. Thanks Carole Mortimer, for a great story.
June 4, 2021
Artist Bryn Jones never forgave Gabriel for sending her father to prison, tearing her family apart and breaking her heart in the process. But she has forged herself a new identity away from the scandal and disgrace…until she wins the chance to exhibit at the D'Angelos' prestigious London gallery!
International tycoon Gabriel D'Angelo is haunted by the unforgiving eyes that once stared at him across a crowded courtroom. Now the enticing Bryn is back, and this time she'll play by his rules to get what she wants…and Gabriel's determined that this bargain will be mutually pleasurable! (less)
International tycoon Gabriel D'Angelo is haunted by the unforgiving eyes that once stared at him across a crowded courtroom. Now the enticing Bryn is back, and this time she'll play by his rules to get what she wants…and Gabriel's determined that this bargain will be mutually pleasurable! (less)
April 22, 2022
I like the fact that it is about three powerful, handsome brothers. And I like the story line.
But there were other things that I didn’t like. All of it has to do with the h.
The h used to be chubby, it’s a shame she became slender.
The h has quite a lot of hysteric moments. She throws up, she collapses, she faints.
And most of all, the h is stated to be a virgin. I know not everyone agrees with this, but in my opinion being a virgin is more than just never having done the final act.
She gives the H a BJ like she’s a pro, she lets him perform oral sex on her, she lets him penetrate her with his fingers a couple of times, etc.
Even after all that they did together, she still calls herself a ‘virgin’? So she could even have done all those sexual acts with a thousand men and she is still considered a virgin?
But there were other things that I didn’t like. All of it has to do with the h.
The h used to be chubby, it’s a shame she became slender.
The h has quite a lot of hysteric moments. She throws up, she collapses, she faints.
And most of all, the h is stated to be a virgin. I know not everyone agrees with this, but in my opinion being a virgin is more than just never having done the final act.
She gives the H a BJ like she’s a pro, she lets him perform oral sex on her, she lets him penetrate her with his fingers a couple of times, etc.
Even after all that they did together, she still calls herself a ‘virgin’? So she could even have done all those sexual acts with a thousand men and she is still considered a virgin?
October 16, 2018
Bayıldım ama ben buna :D
December 29, 2014
Alright, so as well as the rather repetitive writing style and very formulaic storyline, this book seems to carry the following messages for readers:
For men: If i woman's body responds to your sexual advances she wants you, if she continually tells you 'no' and 'stop' then really she's just lying and it's your job to wear down her defences by putting her under so much mental stress that she can't eat or sleep, is terrified of seeing you and is physically ill and even faints (twice!) Also refuse to stop touching her, even if it's just in small ways, visit her at work, where she will be fired if she is rude to you, the paying customer, and take every opportunity to tell her that you will own her one day. And if all else fails, get her mother on your side, because after all, young women belong to their parents, don't they?
For the women: If a man stalks you, almost has you fired from your job, won't take 'no' for an answer, mentally tortures you, starts telling you how to live your life and that he owns you, touches you without your permission, then he must really, really like you and is definitely a keeper.
Also, who the fuck wears a see-through top and no bra to what is essentially a job interview? seriously!
For men: If i woman's body responds to your sexual advances she wants you, if she continually tells you 'no' and 'stop' then really she's just lying and it's your job to wear down her defences by putting her under so much mental stress that she can't eat or sleep, is terrified of seeing you and is physically ill and even faints (twice!) Also refuse to stop touching her, even if it's just in small ways, visit her at work, where she will be fired if she is rude to you, the paying customer, and take every opportunity to tell her that you will own her one day. And if all else fails, get her mother on your side, because after all, young women belong to their parents, don't they?
For the women: If a man stalks you, almost has you fired from your job, won't take 'no' for an answer, mentally tortures you, starts telling you how to live your life and that he owns you, touches you without your permission, then he must really, really like you and is definitely a keeper.
Also, who the fuck wears a see-through top and no bra to what is essentially a job interview? seriously!
February 16, 2014
The book started out with a great premise but just couldn't seem to deliver. The writing seem choppy at times. It was hard to believe that the hero had been pining for the heroine for five long years. And I didn't buy any of the heroines actions either. She acted like a windup toy who string had been pulled. She claims she doesn't want him yet she makes no real attempt to pull away. She's brash enough to say no and keep him at arms length so why does she let him touch her every time she's at the auction house. The whole sex-in-the-office thing didn't sit well with me either. Not because I'm prudish but because the H doesn't stop until the worst possible moment. Why does her status matter to him? He wasn't concerned when she was on her knees!
Still, I will probably reread this book at some point (since I now own it) and I will try to keep an open mind. The storyline itself is very interesting to me. I love a hero who is more emotionally invested than the h. Plus there are no hidden pregnancies, ex girlfriends, revenge plots, or wicked relatives. It's definitely worth a second read although its not the best thing I've seen from Carole Mortimer.
Still, I will probably reread this book at some point (since I now own it) and I will try to keep an open mind. The storyline itself is very interesting to me. I love a hero who is more emotionally invested than the h. Plus there are no hidden pregnancies, ex girlfriends, revenge plots, or wicked relatives. It's definitely worth a second read although its not the best thing I've seen from Carole Mortimer.
October 2, 2017
This is like instant-lust ..physical attractions all the way. If Gabriel had fallen in love with Sabryna 5 yrs ago that sure did not stop him tomcatting around while missing her...Just can't bring myself to like the couple as they were always in states of arousal when together. Instead of sexy It felt sleazy :(
January 3, 2014
It wasn't too bad. I could understand where the heroine was coming from in the novel, which made it a little bit better for me. The hero was, well he was kind of perfect, too bad he's just a character written in a story.
August 9, 2018
I liked the story a lot. The characters are straight forward. Luckily, I read this one first as there is a chronological order to when the brothers wed.
February 18, 2024
This book had potential; I liked the initial "misunderstanding" between the families. But I did not like the focus on the character's improved "looks"and minimal weight loss (due to poverty) which is why the hero becomes so "interested" in her in the first place. The heroine (a literally starving artist) is basically forced to work with the hero's company to showcase her art, even though he seemingly "betrayed" her father who was a con artist. The hero, after glimpsing her for the first time in years, is very pushy to take her out and date her (he seems pleased that she eats a lot though he admires her weight loss) and even though she seemingly has a very good excuse to "hate him"; she of course does not and is a classic victim of traitorous body syndrome. And of course the heroine is a virgin and the book never shows the consummation. This is very bland and disappointing. I don't seem them lasting long term.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
Bryn Jones is an artist and approaches the D'Angelo gallery to show her work, BUT there is history there, Bryn used to be Sabryna Harper, the daughter of an art conman who defrauded Gabriel.
Now Bryn has changed her look but as Gabriel was once in love with her the deception is not enough.
How can Bryn get through this exhibition when their feelings are just as strong as they were five years ago.
Inventive and a refreshing take on a Mills and Boon romance set in the art world.
Now Bryn has changed her look but as Gabriel was once in love with her the deception is not enough.
How can Bryn get through this exhibition when their feelings are just as strong as they were five years ago.
Inventive and a refreshing take on a Mills and Boon romance set in the art world.
November 22, 2023
It is very repetitive. Her dad’s case doesn’t need to be brought up every other paragraph. I understand that’s the issue/past trauma holding them back from moving forward but geez. After a while I was skipping paragraphs because it would go on and on. It just wasn’t my thing. Oh and a woman who is “roundish and over weight” that losing 20lbs made her skinny?? Idk her “change” was annoying and her sex scenes. Excuse me lack of. She’d get started then stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2018
This entire thing was a slog. It read like the author had to hit certain plot points but each rang so false. There was no sizzle, there was no reason for the affection between the characters and there was no plot! The conversations were so repetitive and very lackluster. Skip.
April 15, 2023
Tycoon, Gabriel D'Angelo, is the gorgeous man who likes Bryn. She is an artist, but has a new identity now because of the scandal and disgrace of her father being in prison.
A pleasant read. I did enjoy reading it. 4☆
A pleasant read. I did enjoy reading it. 4☆
February 13, 2019
Nombres: Bryn & Gabriel.
Profesiones: Marchante de Arte & Pintora.
Pais: Londres.
Profesiones: Marchante de Arte & Pintora.
Pais: Londres.
June 16, 2020
This one was just kind of bland and sometimes just crass. Not a favorite of Mortimer’s books
December 13, 2020
ugh. did not finish
April 24, 2022
Bargain with the Enemy
This was a great book. I loved the story, it kept you interested to the end. I highly recommend reading this book.
This was a great book. I loved the story, it kept you interested to the end. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 29, 2023
Was this wildly different from any other M&B romance that I've read? No.
Did I still enjoy it? Yes.
Did I still enjoy it? Yes.
February 11, 2024
Artist Bryn Jones met Gabriel 5 years ago when her father tried to sell his gallery a previously unknown Turner. They were attracted to each other but the painting was a fake and he testified against her father. Now she has entered her paintings in a competition at his gallery and they meet again.
April 26, 2014
A Bargain with the Enemy is book one of three in The Devilish D'Angelos" mini series. Three brothers who own the infamous and prestigious Archangel Art Galleries in Europe.
Five years ago middle brother Gabriel was the main prosecution witness whose testimony helped imprison a fraudulent art dealer. The fraudster died in jail a few months later and the entire fall out for his family was devastating.
We start the book five years later with older brother Michael pouring over a detailed security report regarding Bryn Jones, an entrant for Archangel's New Comers Gallery which will displays new comers work to their exclusive clientele. Bryn is the daughter of the jailed fraudster but she's completely altered her appearance and changed her name and she's desperately hoping she wont be recognised as an entrant. The last thing she wants is Gabriel to recognise her, wrongly assuming this will cause her entry to be tossed out the window. However, Bryn's art is incredible and she's chosen as one of the final finalists to display her work. Middle brother Raphael doesn't hesitate to tell Gabriel about Bryn and so begins an engaging and exciting story about two people, one trying to hide her identity from her enemy and the other trying to hide his feelings (and failing miserably at it) while both are trying to ignore what the past meant to each of them.
A Bargain with the Enemy is filled with action packed interaction between Gabriel and Bryn. I thought Carole Mortimer did a great job of Gabriel's character. He's clearly a man in charge of his world but when it comes to Bryn, she's his one weakness where he's chosen to stay away because of his involvement of her fathers imprisonment and untimely death. He plays the game until he's had enough of the game because at heart he's as straight up as they come and throws a couple of curve balls Bryns way where you really hold your breath and go Uh Oh, how's this going to pan out?
Bryn was tough and feisty, although a lil more feisty than I perhaps would have picked her to be given the desperate circumstances she was facing but in saying that if she wasn't feisty and Gabriel hadn't met his match it would make for a boring read wouldn't it!
The only thing I would change if i wrote this book would be the overuse of the word nubbin. Also Gabriel and Bryn also didn't fully consummate their relationship within the story (but got very close a couple of times) but to be honest I didn't actually notice until I finished. It wasn't like you were sitting there waiting for it to happen because there was so much detail packed into the story that it was a fulfilling read regardless because it was a fast paced enjoyable read that I read in one three hour sitting.
I adore linked books and The Devilish D'Angelo's promises to be a great one. It's quite clear through the little parts youngest brother Rapheal makes appearances that he is the mischievous will-forever-be-a-fun-loving-bachelor type of guy so I'm looking forward to downloading his story soon.
Original review at: http://rbhretroreviews.blogspot.co.nz...
Five years ago middle brother Gabriel was the main prosecution witness whose testimony helped imprison a fraudulent art dealer. The fraudster died in jail a few months later and the entire fall out for his family was devastating.
We start the book five years later with older brother Michael pouring over a detailed security report regarding Bryn Jones, an entrant for Archangel's New Comers Gallery which will displays new comers work to their exclusive clientele. Bryn is the daughter of the jailed fraudster but she's completely altered her appearance and changed her name and she's desperately hoping she wont be recognised as an entrant. The last thing she wants is Gabriel to recognise her, wrongly assuming this will cause her entry to be tossed out the window. However, Bryn's art is incredible and she's chosen as one of the final finalists to display her work. Middle brother Raphael doesn't hesitate to tell Gabriel about Bryn and so begins an engaging and exciting story about two people, one trying to hide her identity from her enemy and the other trying to hide his feelings (and failing miserably at it) while both are trying to ignore what the past meant to each of them.
A Bargain with the Enemy is filled with action packed interaction between Gabriel and Bryn. I thought Carole Mortimer did a great job of Gabriel's character. He's clearly a man in charge of his world but when it comes to Bryn, she's his one weakness where he's chosen to stay away because of his involvement of her fathers imprisonment and untimely death. He plays the game until he's had enough of the game because at heart he's as straight up as they come and throws a couple of curve balls Bryns way where you really hold your breath and go Uh Oh, how's this going to pan out?
Bryn was tough and feisty, although a lil more feisty than I perhaps would have picked her to be given the desperate circumstances she was facing but in saying that if she wasn't feisty and Gabriel hadn't met his match it would make for a boring read wouldn't it!
The only thing I would change if i wrote this book would be the overuse of the word nubbin. Also Gabriel and Bryn also didn't fully consummate their relationship within the story (but got very close a couple of times) but to be honest I didn't actually notice until I finished. It wasn't like you were sitting there waiting for it to happen because there was so much detail packed into the story that it was a fulfilling read regardless because it was a fast paced enjoyable read that I read in one three hour sitting.
I adore linked books and The Devilish D'Angelo's promises to be a great one. It's quite clear through the little parts youngest brother Rapheal makes appearances that he is the mischievous will-forever-be-a-fun-loving-bachelor type of guy so I'm looking forward to downloading his story soon.
Original review at: http://rbhretroreviews.blogspot.co.nz...
July 5, 2014
Bryn Jones Babasının hapise girmesine sebep olan adama yıllardır aşıktı. Babası hapise girdikten annesi tekrar evlenerek kendine yeni bir yaşam kurmuştu. Kendisi de hayatına düzene sokmuş ressamlık yapmaya başlamıştı.
Ama karnını doyurmak fatıralarını ödemek için paraya ihtiyacı vardı tabloları henüz para etmiyordu. O yüzden yedek bir işte çalışırken resim yapmaya devam ediyordu. Ama tablolarını satamayınca isim yapması gerektiğini anlar ve babasını hapise gönderen Gabriel D'Angelo'nun sanat galerisine başvuru yapmaya karar verir. Yıllar sonra verdiği kilolar ve kendinde yaptığı değişiklikler ile kendisini tanımayacağını ummaktadır.
Ama onu tanıyan Gabriel'in agabeyi Rafe idi
Ama karnını doyurmak fatıralarını ödemek için paraya ihtiyacı vardı tabloları henüz para etmiyordu. O yüzden yedek bir işte çalışırken resim yapmaya devam ediyordu. Ama tablolarını satamayınca isim yapması gerektiğini anlar ve babasını hapise gönderen Gabriel D'Angelo'nun sanat galerisine başvuru yapmaya karar verir. Yıllar sonra verdiği kilolar ve kendinde yaptığı değişiklikler ile kendisini tanımayacağını ummaktadır.
Ama onu tanıyan Gabriel'in agabeyi Rafe idi
February 13, 2014
Some varied reviews around for this one but I loved it! Gabriel is deliciously drawn as your typical alpha, but with a heart and great dialogue. Also, he's into art and I love the gallery setting. Bryn has just the right amount of naivety, ambition and fearfulness -- after all, this man did send her father to prison. The whole novel had a smoky, dark-wooded atmosphere, like a cigar bar with red velvet lounges. A very pleasant place to inhabit.
June 6, 2014
This was an ok read. The plot was good and this was written well. The characters were ok, but not really complex and pretty much got on my nerves throughout the book. There really wasn't any growth either. This is something to read more for passing time or if there isn't anything else to read. Not bad, but not really good either. Just...eh. Good Luck
Read
January 12, 2016"Mortimer's opulent scenes enhance the flavor of this exceptional romance. Her frenemies enchant from beginning to end, and their dialogue is bitingly realistic." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: The Devilish D'Angelos
Miniseries: The Devilish D'Angelos
May 14, 2015
This is my 11th book of Carole Mortimer, and am loving the fact that each and everyone of them had the heroine so strong headed , steel will and making the heroes in these books the ones who undergo suffering of love and are agonized all the time as a change from other authors.
November 5, 2015
Oh my goodness a pretty diabolical book. Started out ok with some possible mystery and intrigue as to Bryn's past but the sexual encounters were soooo repetative and boring. How many times does one have to read the same word, very off putting and a very predictable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews