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Blood Brothers #1
El poder del destino
Ella tenía poder para cambiarlo todo…
Rafaele Falcone dirigía sus empresas de automoción y su vida privada con la misma despiadada frialdad. Los sentimientos no influían en sus decisiones, y siempre exigía lo mejor, así que no dudó en pedirle a Samantha Rourke, una brillante ingeniera, que se uniera a su empresa, a pesar de que años atrás él la había abandonado.
Su sexy acento italiano todavía la hacía estremecer, pero Sam sabía que no solo era a causa del intenso deseo de sentir las manos de Rafaele sobre su cuerpo otra vez, sino porque Falcone estaba a punto de descubrir su secreto más profundo, ¡uno que cambiaría su vida por completo!
Rafaele Falcone dirigía sus empresas de automoción y su vida privada con la misma despiadada frialdad. Los sentimientos no influían en sus decisiones, y siempre exigía lo mejor, así que no dudó en pedirle a Samantha Rourke, una brillante ingeniera, que se uniera a su empresa, a pesar de que años atrás él la había abandonado.
Su sexy acento italiano todavía la hacía estremecer, pero Sam sabía que no solo era a causa del intenso deseo de sentir las manos de Rafaele sobre su cuerpo otra vez, sino porque Falcone estaba a punto de descubrir su secreto más profundo, ¡uno que cambiaría su vida por completo!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 21, 2014
About the author
Abby Green
1,118 books612 followersAbby Green spent her teens reading Mills & Boon romances. She then spent many years working in the Film and TV industry as an Assistant Director. One day while standing outside an actor's trailer in the rain, she thought: "there has to be more than this". So she sent off a partial to Mills & Boon. After numerous rewrites, they accepted her first book and an author was born.
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 2, 2014
Writing a review to clear up confusion caused by some other reviews, because I was expecting very different details based on heroine being described as a slut/whore and a cheating heroine. If you are using the average of stars this book is given to decide whether to read this book, please note that several reviewers give books a 1 star review, not on the basis of the writing or the quality of the story but solely on the basis that heroine ever (either before meeting or separating from hero) has sex with another man. If heroine is not a virgin or moves on even in one single instance, the book is given 1 star, even where hero is a total man-ho and with multiple other women during the separation (many of those reviewers are also ok with a married unfaithful hero). Of course, these reviewers who believe that chastity and fidelity are only female virtues (and the primary basis on which a woman has value as a person) are totally within their rights, we can all have different values and fictional tropes we like, and for me checking their 1 star reviews is a great way to find a heroine I will like--but it seems that the use of non-conventional definitions is confusing to others. I hate heroes who supposedly love heroine but move on to other women during a separation they could have avoided, perhaps if they swallowed some pride, but I don't give those books 1 star on that basis. I also don't give 1 stars when the heroines are virgins after their early 20s, even though I find a 28, 32 or 35 year old virgin to be very sad. Maybe I should use the "1 star rating penalty/boycott method" but then there would be too many 1 stars to give....and sometimes the books are good reads with real angst/emotional connection, which is the basis on which I usually dispense stars.
1) the heroine as a slut/whore: she was a virgin in her twenties, is seduced by playboy hero and falls in love, but he dumps her after a month, telling her there was nothing serious between them, clearly doesn't want the baby when she tells him she's pregnant, accuses her of being a gold digger, and walks (practically runs) away from her in the clinic while he believes she is having a miscarriage. She does something wrong by not telling him the truth but his clear horror at the baby was giving her abdominal cramps and she wanted to protect her baby (from miscarriage and from having a father who doesn't want him, which was her horrible childhood experience). She is with one other man, she is actually dating him, and is with him once. To that reviewer, if a woman meets a man she is dating in a hotel room for sex, she is a slut and a whore. My own view is that if you are single and have children, it is highly responsible to meet in a hotel rather than bring him home. It is not seedy or slutty if you are not cheating. Since they were dating, it was not even a one night stand, although she only did it once. I think the place the author fell down is by making it so awful. Why can hero have many different women and enjoy them, but heroine can't have a healthy sexual response to a man other than hero when he dumped her years ago? It's simply not supported in reality that women physiologically can only enjoy one partner their whole lives (I've been with one guy for nearly 3 decades, please don't call me a slut/whore just because I think heroines can be with other men and have physically enjoyable sex with someone other than hero when they are separated for years, and that hero deserves to feel some jealousy and it's simply not fair that a woman is on ice when he has been with other women). I would actual love to read one where heroine does try to drown her pain with multiple men or at least does have sexual gratification with another man, especially another alpha male! But my favorite is when both parties are celibate because of true love.
2) heroine as cheater--this one is also really inexplicable. The reviewer says his definition of cheating is being with a man when you are still thinking about someone else. So his/her view is that heroine was cheating on the hero who dumped her, left her in a clinic during what he believed was a traumatic miscarriage, has been photographed with other women including a week after leaving her, and for the last 3 of the 4 years since he dumped her has actually been with many different women? Maybe reviewer thinks she was cheating on the guy she was dating cause she was still thinking about the hero who dumped her years ago? I really don't get it, I don't think there is any dictionary in the world that would define cheating this way, of course every reviewer has the right to their opinion, but I think there have been many readers who aren't reading this book because they believe the descriptions of heroine as a cheating whore, but don't have the facts.
I would also point out that heroine was depicted as a loving and devoted mother. Again, just my view, but leaving your son once as heroine did (or even regularly!) in the hands of a nursery or excellent babysitter to have an adult relationship does not a bad mother make.
1) the heroine as a slut/whore: she was a virgin in her twenties, is seduced by playboy hero and falls in love, but he dumps her after a month, telling her there was nothing serious between them, clearly doesn't want the baby when she tells him she's pregnant, accuses her of being a gold digger, and walks (practically runs) away from her in the clinic while he believes she is having a miscarriage. She does something wrong by not telling him the truth but his clear horror at the baby was giving her abdominal cramps and she wanted to protect her baby (from miscarriage and from having a father who doesn't want him, which was her horrible childhood experience). She is with one other man, she is actually dating him, and is with him once. To that reviewer, if a woman meets a man she is dating in a hotel room for sex, she is a slut and a whore. My own view is that if you are single and have children, it is highly responsible to meet in a hotel rather than bring him home. It is not seedy or slutty if you are not cheating. Since they were dating, it was not even a one night stand, although she only did it once. I think the place the author fell down is by making it so awful. Why can hero have many different women and enjoy them, but heroine can't have a healthy sexual response to a man other than hero when he dumped her years ago? It's simply not supported in reality that women physiologically can only enjoy one partner their whole lives (I've been with one guy for nearly 3 decades, please don't call me a slut/whore just because I think heroines can be with other men and have physically enjoyable sex with someone other than hero when they are separated for years, and that hero deserves to feel some jealousy and it's simply not fair that a woman is on ice when he has been with other women). I would actual love to read one where heroine does try to drown her pain with multiple men or at least does have sexual gratification with another man, especially another alpha male! But my favorite is when both parties are celibate because of true love.
2) heroine as cheater--this one is also really inexplicable. The reviewer says his definition of cheating is being with a man when you are still thinking about someone else. So his/her view is that heroine was cheating on the hero who dumped her, left her in a clinic during what he believed was a traumatic miscarriage, has been photographed with other women including a week after leaving her, and for the last 3 of the 4 years since he dumped her has actually been with many different women? Maybe reviewer thinks she was cheating on the guy she was dating cause she was still thinking about the hero who dumped her years ago? I really don't get it, I don't think there is any dictionary in the world that would define cheating this way, of course every reviewer has the right to their opinion, but I think there have been many readers who aren't reading this book because they believe the descriptions of heroine as a cheating whore, but don't have the facts.
I would also point out that heroine was depicted as a loving and devoted mother. Again, just my view, but leaving your son once as heroine did (or even regularly!) in the hands of a nursery or excellent babysitter to have an adult relationship does not a bad mother make.
October 22, 2013
I refuse to believe Abby Green wrote this book. Heroine was pure trash. A slut and a whore who left her baby boy home while she was fucking men in hotel rooms.
I think I will go back to old Harlequins. Those heroines had values, morals and most importantly self respect! Modern HP authors are not my cup of tea.
Oh! Highlight of the book was our doormat hero begging slutty heroine to marry him on his knees after she kept his son a secret from him for 3 whole years. Pathetic!
I think I will go back to old Harlequins. Those heroines had values, morals and most importantly self respect! Modern HP authors are not my cup of tea.
Oh! Highlight of the book was our doormat hero begging slutty heroine to marry him on his knees after she kept his son a secret from him for 3 whole years. Pathetic!
March 17, 2017
Jiminy Christmas, I just started and 'm already sick to my stomach over F stands for ....f.
Okey dokey, a little poem dedicated to the H's we love to hate in honor of St. Patrick's Day ...to the rhythm of Green Eggs and Ham. Appropriate since Dr. Seuss aka Theodore Geisel was also an asshat of epic proportions.
I’m a mat
Mat I am
That mat-I-am
That mat-I-am!
I do not like
That mat-I-am
Do you like
Mean men that scram?
I do not like them,
mat-I-am.
I do not like
Mean men that scram.
Would you like them
Here or there?
I would not like them
Here or there.
I would not like them
Anywhere.
I do not like
Mean men that scram.
I do not like them,
Mat I am.
Would you like them
as a spouse?
Would you like them
as a louse?
I do not like them
as a spouse.
I do not like them
As a louse.
I do not like them
Here or there.
I do not like them
Anywhere.
I do not like mean men that scram.
I do not like them, mat-I-am.
Would you beat them
At their game?
Would you leave them
With the blame?
Not as a spouse.
Not as a louse.
Not with a game.
Not with the blame.
I would not beat them here or there.
I would not beat them anywhere.
I would not beat mean men that scram.
I do not like them, mat I am.
I don't see a happily ever after in the cards for these two.
Falcone is one of three brothers that had the Harley equivalent of Medea as a mother. She may not have murdered them, but she effectively killed any sense of hope or real respect for women as something other than a mistress or co-worker. The h in this story has a passionate, hidden one month affair with F that results in a pregnancy. She confesses to being pregnant the same day he breaks it off with her. Yikes. His first assumption is she's looking for a golden meal ticket as that is what ALL women do.
Due to stress, she thinks she's miscarrying whereupon he offers the reassuring words, "It's for the best," as they were never meant to be anyway. I think I saw a Hallmark card with that same phrase. From here we segue into secret baby territory.
Four years later, F decides he wants to see her again and offers her a job she can't refuse. Deep, deep down he realizes he broke up with her because he was starting to need her too much. She does refuse him and his offer, and he's shocked. No one, especially some woman, says no to F. In a pool of stock characters that are known for arrogance and high-handedness, F is flag bearing asshat.
He, of course, finds out about his little mini-me and is furious she hid HIS son for so long. Guess that golden meal ticket theory is out the window. Now she's punishing him.
I persevered through his arrogance, manipulation as well as her body parts exploding at the mere thought of his Italian magical p. I don't know how many times they had unprotected sex, but you would think given what these two are struggling with that a condom or two would not be amiss.
The issue of the h having sex with someone else is such a non-issue I am surprised in 2017 it's even being discussed in reality much less HarleyLand. I hold both heroes and heroines to high standards of sexual behavior so, yes, I am not as dismissive of the virginal heroes as some. That said, if you are disappointed the heroine had sex or tried to have sex with someone other than the H, do you hold the hero to the same standards? Hypocrisy is alive and well in this and parallel universes it seems.
These two aren't the most toxic couple I've come across, but they combine a level of denial, lack of communication, wallowing in mommy/daddy issues and blatant waffling stupidity to qualify for the I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS CRAP tag.
He grovels at the end, but eh.
Okey dokey, a little poem dedicated to the H's we love to hate in honor of St. Patrick's Day ...to the rhythm of Green Eggs and Ham. Appropriate since Dr. Seuss aka Theodore Geisel was also an asshat of epic proportions.
I’m a mat
Mat I am
That mat-I-am
That mat-I-am!
I do not like
That mat-I-am
Do you like
Mean men that scram?
I do not like them,
mat-I-am.
I do not like
Mean men that scram.
Would you like them
Here or there?
I would not like them
Here or there.
I would not like them
Anywhere.
I do not like
Mean men that scram.
I do not like them,
Mat I am.
Would you like them
as a spouse?
Would you like them
as a louse?
I do not like them
as a spouse.
I do not like them
As a louse.
I do not like them
Here or there.
I do not like them
Anywhere.
I do not like mean men that scram.
I do not like them, mat-I-am.
Would you beat them
At their game?
Would you leave them
With the blame?
Not as a spouse.
Not as a louse.
Not with a game.
Not with the blame.
I would not beat them here or there.
I would not beat them anywhere.
I would not beat mean men that scram.
I do not like them, mat I am.
I don't see a happily ever after in the cards for these two.
Falcone is one of three brothers that had the Harley equivalent of Medea as a mother. She may not have murdered them, but she effectively killed any sense of hope or real respect for women as something other than a mistress or co-worker. The h in this story has a passionate, hidden one month affair with F that results in a pregnancy. She confesses to being pregnant the same day he breaks it off with her. Yikes. His first assumption is she's looking for a golden meal ticket as that is what ALL women do.
Due to stress, she thinks she's miscarrying whereupon he offers the reassuring words, "It's for the best," as they were never meant to be anyway. I think I saw a Hallmark card with that same phrase. From here we segue into secret baby territory.
Four years later, F decides he wants to see her again and offers her a job she can't refuse. Deep, deep down he realizes he broke up with her because he was starting to need her too much. She does refuse him and his offer, and he's shocked. No one, especially some woman, says no to F. In a pool of stock characters that are known for arrogance and high-handedness, F is flag bearing asshat.
He, of course, finds out about his little mini-me and is furious she hid HIS son for so long. Guess that golden meal ticket theory is out the window. Now she's punishing him.
I persevered through his arrogance, manipulation as well as her body parts exploding at the mere thought of his Italian magical p. I don't know how many times they had unprotected sex, but you would think given what these two are struggling with that a condom or two would not be amiss.
The issue of the h having sex with someone else is such a non-issue I am surprised in 2017 it's even being discussed in reality much less HarleyLand. I hold both heroes and heroines to high standards of sexual behavior so, yes, I am not as dismissive of the virginal heroes as some. That said, if you are disappointed the heroine had sex or tried to have sex with someone other than the H, do you hold the hero to the same standards? Hypocrisy is alive and well in this and parallel universes it seems.
These two aren't the most toxic couple I've come across, but they combine a level of denial, lack of communication, wallowing in mommy/daddy issues and blatant waffling stupidity to qualify for the I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS CRAP tag.
He grovels at the end, but eh.
February 3, 2014
Dear gawd when will I ever learn! After readin bout gazillion HPs u wud think that i wudnt hav high expectation when pickin up a HP but alas i do *so naive so stupido*
I was soo excited hearing about a h that finally moved on after the H kicks her to the kerb and so SUPRISED reading reviews booing her for it... "da skank left her baby nd bonked a stranger in a hotet" OMG really? Needless to say my curiousity was picked (not to mention my anger at the writer for writing a smart strong h that moves on after the H but in a way that has the readers loathing her) ... I HAD TO READ IT! And now i wish i hadnt -.-
I prefer a pathetic doormat h that takes crap from the H but at some point in the bk grows a backbone and really impresses me nd i imagine the H coz really who the eff wants to live wit a woman thats TSTL forever and ever?!
The h in the bk- where to start; ok i loved loved how she is super smart! Finally no model drop dead gorgeous wateverr... But she totally ruined it by a total doormat!! Gawd im so mad!! Wait thats not why im mad ! Im mad because (regardless of wat other reviewers think) she met a nice single parent dude and they bonded through their single parenting state and decided to finally sleep wit the dude- she refered to that time as sordid to the H..WTF!!! Really?!! gettin to kno someone nd liking them nd goin to a hotel (coz shes a good mom nd refused to sleep in the same house as her baby) to bonk them after not havin sex in yrs (and lets b honest pregnancy makes u horny!) poor girl had that one time in 4 yrs after breakin up wit the H nd she calls it sordid.. WHY WHY WHY? We learn towards the end the H did not sleep wit anyone for a yr after kicking the h out coz he started to get feelings for the h (oh u poor thang actually liking a woman ur smexing!) because, wait for it............. He couldnt get it up! Not for lack of trying, he was seen wit a hottie merely a wk after the breakup nd he tried so hard wit so many women but he jst cudnt get it up ! Awww u poor baby! But after that one yr he didnt hav a problem nd altho it doesnt specifically state how many women he slept wit, from wat he says there were MANY :-| I guess it wasnt sordid when the H (her boss) summons her to his office and has his way wit her on his desk? Oh no thats not sordid takin advantage of your young virginal employee thats just LOVELY :/
And why in gods name did she not tell him that she was in danger of mischarriage coz of the stress he put her thru?! I thought that was an effin good excuse to keep it a secret atm! I mean she was a bitch for not tellin him nd he was a douche for being super relieved that she miscarried (or so he thought) he didnt even wait til she was discharged from the hospital he hightailed it so fast he wud hav made the coyote jealous !
*sigh* Soo anyhoo if ur looking for a trainwreck knock urslf out ;-)
I was soo excited hearing about a h that finally moved on after the H kicks her to the kerb and so SUPRISED reading reviews booing her for it... "da skank left her baby nd bonked a stranger in a hotet" OMG really? Needless to say my curiousity was picked (not to mention my anger at the writer for writing a smart strong h that moves on after the H but in a way that has the readers loathing her) ... I HAD TO READ IT! And now i wish i hadnt -.-
I prefer a pathetic doormat h that takes crap from the H but at some point in the bk grows a backbone and really impresses me nd i imagine the H coz really who the eff wants to live wit a woman thats TSTL forever and ever?!
The h in the bk- where to start; ok i loved loved how she is super smart! Finally no model drop dead gorgeous wateverr... But she totally ruined it by a total doormat!! Gawd im so mad!! Wait thats not why im mad ! Im mad because (regardless of wat other reviewers think) she met a nice single parent dude and they bonded through their single parenting state and decided to finally sleep wit the dude- she refered to that time as sordid to the H..WTF!!! Really?!! gettin to kno someone nd liking them nd goin to a hotel (coz shes a good mom nd refused to sleep in the same house as her baby) to bonk them after not havin sex in yrs (and lets b honest pregnancy makes u horny!) poor girl had that one time in 4 yrs after breakin up wit the H nd she calls it sordid.. WHY WHY WHY? We learn towards the end the H did not sleep wit anyone for a yr after kicking the h out coz he started to get feelings for the h (oh u poor thang actually liking a woman ur smexing!) because, wait for it............. He couldnt get it up! Not for lack of trying, he was seen wit a hottie merely a wk after the breakup nd he tried so hard wit so many women but he jst cudnt get it up ! Awww u poor baby! But after that one yr he didnt hav a problem nd altho it doesnt specifically state how many women he slept wit, from wat he says there were MANY :-| I guess it wasnt sordid when the H (her boss) summons her to his office and has his way wit her on his desk? Oh no thats not sordid takin advantage of your young virginal employee thats just LOVELY :/
And why in gods name did she not tell him that she was in danger of mischarriage coz of the stress he put her thru?! I thought that was an effin good excuse to keep it a secret atm! I mean she was a bitch for not tellin him nd he was a douche for being super relieved that she miscarried (or so he thought) he didnt even wait til she was discharged from the hospital he hightailed it so fast he wud hav made the coyote jealous !
*sigh* Soo anyhoo if ur looking for a trainwreck knock urslf out ;-)
September 16, 2014
Why did her one sexual encounter had to be a disaster? Is it unacceptable for a heroine to find sexual fulfillment after a bad relationship with the hero? I wish the authors would notice that many of their readers believe a woman has as much right to move on after a bad breakup. They don't need to be put on the shelves until the hero comes to his senses.
October 2, 2014
I liked the heroine, Samantha, for the most part, but I couldn't figure out how she could still want Rafaele after the way he treated her when she told him she was pregnant and when he thought she had a miscarriage.
The hero, Rafaele, was hard to like throughout most of the book and it took him a long time to convince me he had any feelings for Sam beyond the physical.
The story got better for me when Rafaele took Sam and their son Milo to his home in Milan, and we finally got to meet Rafaele's father.
This was a quick read that had me curious as to how everything would all be worked out in the end.
The hero, Rafaele, was hard to like throughout most of the book and it took him a long time to convince me he had any feelings for Sam beyond the physical.
The story got better for me when Rafaele took Sam and their son Milo to his home in Milan, and we finally got to meet Rafaele's father.
This was a quick read that had me curious as to how everything would all be worked out in the end.
June 10, 2021
I’ve read this before, but never reviewed. I had forgotten so much of it, that it felt like a new story. (Yay for advancing years?) Anyhow, I didn’t love it.
This has the typical Abby Green heroine who is a doormat at a visceral level (she’s always throwing up/feeling dizzy/faint/exhausted from the extreme emotions she’s feeling). The H/h had a short, sexual relationship that ended after the heroine lied and told the hero she had suffered a miscarriage.
The hero is the typical AG hero, walking off a bad childhood and welcoming the “darkness” of shutting down all of his emotions whenever he is over his head.
The heroine went on to have the baby and earn her Phd in mechanical engineering (as you do).
The story opens four years later when the hero wants to hire the heroine for his new start-up auto company in England. The heroine refuses. Hero discovers he has a secret son and starts making demands.
*sigh*
They have the same argument with the same motivations over and over again. It’s just boring. Then the H/h have sex – feel guilty/regretful – rinse, repeat. Sadly, the characterization didn’t help out the predictable plot – the hero is charmless and heroine is a liar.
I was just bored by the time they finally got around to their HEA.
This has the typical Abby Green heroine who is a doormat at a visceral level (she’s always throwing up/feeling dizzy/faint/exhausted from the extreme emotions she’s feeling). The H/h had a short, sexual relationship that ended after the heroine lied and told the hero she had suffered a miscarriage.
The hero is the typical AG hero, walking off a bad childhood and welcoming the “darkness” of shutting down all of his emotions whenever he is over his head.
The heroine went on to have the baby and earn her Phd in mechanical engineering (as you do).
The story opens four years later when the hero wants to hire the heroine for his new start-up auto company in England. The heroine refuses. Hero discovers he has a secret son and starts making demands.
*sigh*
They have the same argument with the same motivations over and over again. It’s just boring. Then the H/h have sex – feel guilty/regretful – rinse, repeat. Sadly, the characterization didn’t help out the predictable plot – the hero is charmless and heroine is a liar.
I was just bored by the time they finally got around to their HEA.
avoid
April 14, 2022She was miscarrying and he assured her it was for the best... I need a shotgun. Does anyone have one?
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December 12, 2013
this book is a big no for me.
i really like the story until i read the heroine had a casual sex affair with a 'practically' a stranger in a hotel room like a hooker. i couldn't get it off my mind, so it's useless to continue reading afterward. i stopped reading.
that's not what i'm looking for in a fairytale HP.
it's different if you have a real relationship with another man because you (still try!) searching for something real. but NOT leaving your son to have sex in a hotel room, just to compare the sex between the hero's and another man's. woman, you really have no pride. ck.
if you're okay with that, then i recommend this book. hey it's abby green's!
but unfortunately i don't like the heroine.
read at your own risk. happy reading! :)
i really like the story until i read the heroine had a casual sex affair with a 'practically' a stranger in a hotel room like a hooker. i couldn't get it off my mind, so it's useless to continue reading afterward. i stopped reading.
that's not what i'm looking for in a fairytale HP.
it's different if you have a real relationship with another man because you (still try!) searching for something real. but NOT leaving your son to have sex in a hotel room, just to compare the sex between the hero's and another man's. woman, you really have no pride. ck.
if you're okay with that, then i recommend this book. hey it's abby green's!
but unfortunately i don't like the heroine.
read at your own risk. happy reading! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
Ugh! The hero was such a hypocrite!
November 15, 2013
The expression "My world just ended" is one I have heard many, many times before, but never really personally fully experienced.
So when I get to see if from another's point of view it is always interesting to find out just why they seem to think their world has just ended.
In the new trilogy from Abby Green she tells of the lives of three brothers and the woman that will bring them to their knees and make their worlds indeed seem like it just ended.
In the first installment we meet the first brother, Rafaele Falcone and the one woman that he has had an addiction to from day one, but not wanting to be controlled by a woman as his farther was he finds the courage to walk away from their relationship.
But four years later he is back and wants her more than ever until he discovers her treacherous secret, and he has no control over anything anymore, except when it comes to the bedroom when Samantha is in his arms, or does he?
The character of Rafaele was one of those dark and mysterious hero's that makes you from page one get up and take immediate attention. Arrogant and a real bastard till the very last minute, which of course for me as reader is something I completely adore! It keeps me on the edge of my seat, digging for more and waiting in bated breath for the awesome moment he comes to his senses !
The character of Samantha was a really gutsy heroine, understandably she does make a choice she at the time feels valid but the author through this character made it clear that even if you feel there is no other choice there always is, and sometimes it is necessary to be controlled.
The secondary characters, and yes that includes a tiny little glimpse into the lives of brothers two and three, were extremely interesting. The author crafted a world of secrets, mystery and anger around each and every one, letting me as reader know that each one is hiding so much more hurt then they let on and in the next installments I am guaranteed to discover it to be even more fabulous!
The backdrop settings were simply beautiful and so romantic. The sexual tension in this read was so super, super hot and I very quickly became very addicted to seeing how this will play out, it really was as if I was just as addicted to the characters and their lives as they were to each other.
The dialogue was so very classic Abby Green, wild and crazy sexual heat and pent up frustrations leading to exciting moments of conflict and drama. I was able to take away the message that when young and
un-knowledgeable we are not able to take into full account what we see and this leads us to make assumptions and guide our own lives in the wrong directions.
I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a deep, dark to die for hero coming face to face with reality, and the start of a trilogy that if the first book is anything to go by, will no doubt be utterly fabulous!
A sexy beyond imagination, unbelievably hot and super gorgeous read! Bring on the rest Abby I need more secrets to be revealed!
5/5 Star review
" He wants control, but in her arms there simply is none"
**Copy provided via Netgalley
So when I get to see if from another's point of view it is always interesting to find out just why they seem to think their world has just ended.
In the new trilogy from Abby Green she tells of the lives of three brothers and the woman that will bring them to their knees and make their worlds indeed seem like it just ended.
In the first installment we meet the first brother, Rafaele Falcone and the one woman that he has had an addiction to from day one, but not wanting to be controlled by a woman as his farther was he finds the courage to walk away from their relationship.
But four years later he is back and wants her more than ever until he discovers her treacherous secret, and he has no control over anything anymore, except when it comes to the bedroom when Samantha is in his arms, or does he?
The character of Rafaele was one of those dark and mysterious hero's that makes you from page one get up and take immediate attention. Arrogant and a real bastard till the very last minute, which of course for me as reader is something I completely adore! It keeps me on the edge of my seat, digging for more and waiting in bated breath for the awesome moment he comes to his senses !
The character of Samantha was a really gutsy heroine, understandably she does make a choice she at the time feels valid but the author through this character made it clear that even if you feel there is no other choice there always is, and sometimes it is necessary to be controlled.
The secondary characters, and yes that includes a tiny little glimpse into the lives of brothers two and three, were extremely interesting. The author crafted a world of secrets, mystery and anger around each and every one, letting me as reader know that each one is hiding so much more hurt then they let on and in the next installments I am guaranteed to discover it to be even more fabulous!
The backdrop settings were simply beautiful and so romantic. The sexual tension in this read was so super, super hot and I very quickly became very addicted to seeing how this will play out, it really was as if I was just as addicted to the characters and their lives as they were to each other.
The dialogue was so very classic Abby Green, wild and crazy sexual heat and pent up frustrations leading to exciting moments of conflict and drama. I was able to take away the message that when young and
un-knowledgeable we are not able to take into full account what we see and this leads us to make assumptions and guide our own lives in the wrong directions.
I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a deep, dark to die for hero coming face to face with reality, and the start of a trilogy that if the first book is anything to go by, will no doubt be utterly fabulous!
A sexy beyond imagination, unbelievably hot and super gorgeous read! Bring on the rest Abby I need more secrets to be revealed!
5/5 Star review
" He wants control, but in her arms there simply is none"
**Copy provided via Netgalley
September 13, 2016
Having just read this book which was pretty okay IMO. I'm a bit confused by some of the other reviews. The hero had a relationship with the heroine till she told him she was pregnant but then he thought she had miscarried the baby he was relieved and left her. He doesn't see or speak to her for 4 years. During that period she tried going out with another guy also a single parent himself, they went on a few dates so when they wanted to take things further they went to a hotel as they didn't want to do that in front of their respective children. But things didn't work out for them and the heroine never went out with anyone else again that was a one time thing. She never went to hotels on a regular basis with men as some other reviews state, and she never cheated on the hero either he had dumped her some time before. She didn't think she would ever see the hero again, so was she to remain alone and celibate for ever then? Because that's the implication in some reviews I've read here, calling her a slut and whore, seriously! Although the hero admits at the end it took him a year before he had sex with other women after ending it with her. But he's still had plenty of sex with other women for the past 3 years, he's also emotionally constipated due to the treatment he received from his parents when he was a child, he believes that gives him the right to treat women badly.
When the hero reappears in her life he's furious that she hadn't lost the baby and he's now the father of a three year old boy. The rest of this is fairly predictable but it's not a bad read.
When the hero reappears in her life he's furious that she hadn't lost the baby and he's now the father of a three year old boy. The rest of this is fairly predictable but it's not a bad read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2013
I love anything written by Abby Green and can't wait for her latest book....so yay....another series.
Look, I though Raffaelle a bit of a twit in the beginning....but i did forgive him a little when I discovered what his life had been like as a child. Not that is an excuse for his behaviour...but in the end, he did redeem himself.
I liked Sam...but I LOVED Milo.
Can't wait for book #2.
Look, I though Raffaelle a bit of a twit in the beginning....but i did forgive him a little when I discovered what his life had been like as a child. Not that is an excuse for his behaviour...but in the end, he did redeem himself.
I liked Sam...but I LOVED Milo.
Can't wait for book #2.
July 1, 2021
Dnf at 56 %
Even harlequins are not safe anymore. Both not celibate during separation.
I know I was going to rate this book low when we were introduced to our hero . He was really a manwhore and a disgusting person . The heroine no celibacy was the sherry on top.
Anyway, no more trust . So it seems I should Check reviews before reading everything even harlequins.
Even harlequins are not safe anymore. Both not celibate during separation.
I know I was going to rate this book low when we were introduced to our hero . He was really a manwhore and a disgusting person . The heroine no celibacy was the sherry on top.
Anyway, no more trust . So it seems I should Check reviews before reading everything even harlequins.
April 1, 2014
Lets be honest, Harlequin Books are guilty pleasure for most. A quick mindless read with some hot moments. In most HP books the h are always treated like second class citizens by the H. There are not many HP books where, I've seen a true remorseful H except in the last five pages or so where the H actually needs to grovel throughout the book. This was a little different than the normal HP plots.
Now onto the book.
These two factors made the book likeable. Other than that the book could have used to some more angst to make it a little more interesting.
Now onto the book.
These two factors made the book likeable. Other than that the book could have used to some more angst to make it a little more interesting.
January 4, 2014
This one definitely had me tearing up. I could feel the distinct passion between hero and heroine, even when they were hating each other. It made me have quite a few tearful moments as well.
May 10, 2014
Second chance romance which is well written, as always for Abby Green, but uninspired. This was blah..so like the vast majority of HP's out there. There was just enough of a twist to keep it current so it doesn't read dated.
I thought it was interesting that while the H had been sexing it up with others,when they were apart, the h was also seen to have tried to do so and wasn't on ice until the H comes back into her life. I get the impression she, Abby Green that is, was trying to please readers who don't like their h's to have had a sexual relationship other than with the H AND those that think h's shouldn't go into deep freeze while the H's are living it up. I just didn't think that Abby quite pulled it off here.
Well, I'll be reading the next 2 books in the series because I've read good reviews about them. Hope they live up to them.
I thought it was interesting that while the H had been sexing it up with others,when they were apart, the h was also seen to have tried to do so and wasn't on ice until the H comes back into her life. I get the impression she, Abby Green that is, was trying to please readers who don't like their h's to have had a sexual relationship other than with the H AND those that think h's shouldn't go into deep freeze while the H's are living it up. I just didn't think that Abby quite pulled it off here.
Well, I'll be reading the next 2 books in the series because I've read good reviews about them. Hope they live up to them.
September 29, 2018
Several reviewers panned this book because . I accept that in real life this takes place, though I know many readers insist that the h should remain celibate until she's reconciled to the H.
Becky brings up some good points in her review as she addresses the above issues.
It was interesting to see how Rafaele's mother's actions impacted him and his relationships, and now I'm anxious to read his brothers' stories, too.
I would have liked to have seen more of Sam's talent/ intellect with the car designs.
Becky brings up some good points in her review as she addresses the above issues.
It was interesting to see how Rafaele's mother's actions impacted him and his relationships, and now I'm anxious to read his brothers' stories, too.
I would have liked to have seen more of Sam's talent/ intellect with the car designs.
January 13, 2014
Not AG 's best book. I read and enjoyed all her previous books. And this one has all the elements to guarantee a great read : the angst, the superb writing, off- the- charts attraction ....ect but I couldn't connect with the MC, they left me cold, which,for me, is a deal- breaker.
February 10, 2020
Not one of the best of this author.
h is neither likable nor lovable. She is just too insipid. Author missed opportunity of angst by not using a better way of narrating the initial rejection of H and consequent years for both H and h.
By the way, I never saw romance in kneeling of a man when he proposes. I don't understand women who like to see men they love kneeling in-front of them either.
h is neither likable nor lovable. She is just too insipid. Author missed opportunity of angst by not using a better way of narrating the initial rejection of H and consequent years for both H and h.
By the way, I never saw romance in kneeling of a man when he proposes. I don't understand women who like to see men they love kneeling in-front of them either.
May 5, 2014
Abby Green heats up the pages with When Falcon’s World Stops Turning, the first title in her outstanding new trilogy for Harlequin Presents, Blood Brothers.
Samantha Rourke had taken one look at handsome billionaire Rafaele Falcone and fallen head over heels in love with him. Their affair had been brief but intense, but when an unexpected twist of fate had forced the two of them apart, a broken-hearted Samantha had packed her bags, left Italy behind and vowed never to clap eyes on Rafaele ever again. Although Samantha’s resolve had never wavered, she soon realised that forgetting her lover was easier said than done. Years might have passed since the last time she had been in his arms, but Samantha has never quite managed to forget Rafaele nor has she forgiven him for smashing her heart into smithereens. Samantha knows that she should despise Rafaele with every bone in her body, yet her body still yearns for his touch. She has tried to put the past behind her, but how can she even contemplate embarking on a relationship with another man when nobody comes close to the sinfully sexy Rafaele Falcone?
A heart-breaking episode from his childhood had made Rafaele determined never to let any woman breach the impenetrable walls which he had built around himself. Although Rafaele has no objections to sharing his bed, his heart is strictly off limits. Relationships are not on the agenda for the devastatingly attractive billionaire and his business is the number one priority in his life. Only one woman has ever managed him to get close to him and he had vowed never to make the same mistake again. Samantha Rourke had come into his life and turned his world upside down, but when circumstance had pushed them apart, Rafaele had no choice but to let her walk away. He might not have been short of female company in the last couple of years, however, forgetting Samantha was a feat which he has never quite managed to accomplish.
When Rafaele decides to set up a UK base for Falcone Motors, he realises that he needs help – and who better to help him than his old flame, Samantha. Rafaele thinks that Samantha will jump at the chance to work with a company as prestigious as Falcone Motors, so he is stunned when she refuses flat out to have anything to do with him!
Samantha is shocked to her very core when Rafaele strides back into her life. Her former lover might still be as attractive as ever, but Sam must keep Rafaele at arm’s length because she cannot risk him finding out a devastating secret that could jeopardise everything which she holds dear to her heart…
Packed with searing emotion, dramatic intensity, sizzling sensuality and heart-pounding romance, When Falcone’s World Stops Turning is a compulsively readable tale of powerful secrets, illicit attraction and scorching passion that will keep readers on tenterhooks.
Abby Green’s characters are wonderfully drawn and sensitively written with Samantha being a strong, compassionate and intelligent heroine and Rafaele being a gorgeous Italian Alpha hero no reader will be able to resist.
When Falcone’s World Stops Turning is a first-class contemporary romance guaranteed to hold readers spellbound and with two further installments of this trilogy to go, I can’t wait to read more about the gorgeous Blood Brothers!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
Samantha Rourke had taken one look at handsome billionaire Rafaele Falcone and fallen head over heels in love with him. Their affair had been brief but intense, but when an unexpected twist of fate had forced the two of them apart, a broken-hearted Samantha had packed her bags, left Italy behind and vowed never to clap eyes on Rafaele ever again. Although Samantha’s resolve had never wavered, she soon realised that forgetting her lover was easier said than done. Years might have passed since the last time she had been in his arms, but Samantha has never quite managed to forget Rafaele nor has she forgiven him for smashing her heart into smithereens. Samantha knows that she should despise Rafaele with every bone in her body, yet her body still yearns for his touch. She has tried to put the past behind her, but how can she even contemplate embarking on a relationship with another man when nobody comes close to the sinfully sexy Rafaele Falcone?
A heart-breaking episode from his childhood had made Rafaele determined never to let any woman breach the impenetrable walls which he had built around himself. Although Rafaele has no objections to sharing his bed, his heart is strictly off limits. Relationships are not on the agenda for the devastatingly attractive billionaire and his business is the number one priority in his life. Only one woman has ever managed him to get close to him and he had vowed never to make the same mistake again. Samantha Rourke had come into his life and turned his world upside down, but when circumstance had pushed them apart, Rafaele had no choice but to let her walk away. He might not have been short of female company in the last couple of years, however, forgetting Samantha was a feat which he has never quite managed to accomplish.
When Rafaele decides to set up a UK base for Falcone Motors, he realises that he needs help – and who better to help him than his old flame, Samantha. Rafaele thinks that Samantha will jump at the chance to work with a company as prestigious as Falcone Motors, so he is stunned when she refuses flat out to have anything to do with him!
Samantha is shocked to her very core when Rafaele strides back into her life. Her former lover might still be as attractive as ever, but Sam must keep Rafaele at arm’s length because she cannot risk him finding out a devastating secret that could jeopardise everything which she holds dear to her heart…
Packed with searing emotion, dramatic intensity, sizzling sensuality and heart-pounding romance, When Falcone’s World Stops Turning is a compulsively readable tale of powerful secrets, illicit attraction and scorching passion that will keep readers on tenterhooks.
Abby Green’s characters are wonderfully drawn and sensitively written with Samantha being a strong, compassionate and intelligent heroine and Rafaele being a gorgeous Italian Alpha hero no reader will be able to resist.
When Falcone’s World Stops Turning is a first-class contemporary romance guaranteed to hold readers spellbound and with two further installments of this trilogy to go, I can’t wait to read more about the gorgeous Blood Brothers!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
November 16, 2013
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
Rafaele Falcone is a businessman that shows no emotions. That is the way he does his business since he saw his parents when he was three. He saw his dad on his knees begging his mom to stay and she left after taking him for all he had. That is the way he lived his life until he saw Samantha Rourke. She made him feel things that he never wanted to. He was going to break up with her and found out she was pregnant. As soon as he thought she had a miscarriage he gave her a ticket back to America.
Samantha Rourke has made something of herself after Rafaele left her. She let him think that she had a miscarriage and she went home. Now four years later she has finished college and has made a life for her son Milo. Everything is going great until she gets a call from Rafaele wanting her to work for him. She knows she has to keep him from finding out her secret.
These are the kind of books that I love. Give me an alpha man and I will be happy. This is why I love to read harlequin romance. Rafaele is the man any woman would want but it takes a special kind to get his attention. I have read some books by this author before and I love every single one that she writes. I can't wait to read the other two books that goes along with this one.
Rafaele Falcone is a businessman that shows no emotions. That is the way he does his business since he saw his parents when he was three. He saw his dad on his knees begging his mom to stay and she left after taking him for all he had. That is the way he lived his life until he saw Samantha Rourke. She made him feel things that he never wanted to. He was going to break up with her and found out she was pregnant. As soon as he thought she had a miscarriage he gave her a ticket back to America.
Samantha Rourke has made something of herself after Rafaele left her. She let him think that she had a miscarriage and she went home. Now four years later she has finished college and has made a life for her son Milo. Everything is going great until she gets a call from Rafaele wanting her to work for him. She knows she has to keep him from finding out her secret.
These are the kind of books that I love. Give me an alpha man and I will be happy. This is why I love to read harlequin romance. Rafaele is the man any woman would want but it takes a special kind to get his attention. I have read some books by this author before and I love every single one that she writes. I can't wait to read the other two books that goes along with this one.
December 27, 2013
Technically, I'd give this one 3 1/2 stars and NOT 4. There were parts of this book that were truly wonderful but the whole "secret baby theme" just bothers something in my core. I have read few books where the secrecy was justified. This one, hence the 3 1/2 stars, was ALMOST the exception. Her reasons were actually valid given the tumultuous end of their relationship. The problem lies with the continuing secrecy. Just...no!
That aside, I enjoyed reading this book, meeting the characters and look forward to getting to know the other two brothers. Honestly! I try to steer clear of these types of one book per sibling series, but I find myself more than intrigued at what happens to not only the brothers but their father as well.
Moreover, as a mom, I was ticked off by the boy's shallow, beautiful mother-I just cannot fathom it even though I am quite certain it happens! I seriously hope she gets redeemed-even a little-by the end of the series. If not, it won't stop me from gobbling up this delicious-oh, my goodness how could I forget-HOT, HOT, HOT Harlequin Presents. Whew. It was a fever inducing, find your partner so you can "dosie-do" read!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
That aside, I enjoyed reading this book, meeting the characters and look forward to getting to know the other two brothers. Honestly! I try to steer clear of these types of one book per sibling series, but I find myself more than intrigued at what happens to not only the brothers but their father as well.
Moreover, as a mom, I was ticked off by the boy's shallow, beautiful mother-I just cannot fathom it even though I am quite certain it happens! I seriously hope she gets redeemed-even a little-by the end of the series. If not, it won't stop me from gobbling up this delicious-oh, my goodness how could I forget-HOT, HOT, HOT Harlequin Presents. Whew. It was a fever inducing, find your partner so you can "dosie-do" read!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
July 11, 2020
I’m giving this a 1 star for two reasons... the a**hat H and I didn’t feel like giving it zero stars.
He’d be in my Hall of Shame if I created one. Atreus still holds the title but this guy would be in the top 5 for sure. He was mean, and truly horrible.
The scenes of him dumping her and where she’s supposedly miscarrying are heartbreaking. Absolutely awful... will not only kick you in the gut, they help make it clear why she hid the baby.
I felt no sympathy for him ever and he deserved a painful comeuppance. She was much too doormat with him; that was ridiculous.
There’s a lot of comments on the heroine. During the four-year gap after the H dumped her, she dated someone, tried going to a hotel room with him once, and it was all an epic fail. While that’s not my preference for an h, it was in no way cheating. The H not only repeatedly slept around, he was photographed countless times with many women. He *told* her he slept with many other women.
In case it’s not clear, H was absolutely one of the worst “heroes” I’ve read. He manipulated her, belittled her, yelled at her, threatened her several times.
He was so busy denying he cared about her. I have doubts about him.
He’d be in my Hall of Shame if I created one. Atreus still holds the title but this guy would be in the top 5 for sure. He was mean, and truly horrible.
The scenes of him dumping her and where she’s supposedly miscarrying are heartbreaking. Absolutely awful... will not only kick you in the gut, they help make it clear why she hid the baby.
I felt no sympathy for him ever and he deserved a painful comeuppance. She was much too doormat with him; that was ridiculous.
There’s a lot of comments on the heroine. During the four-year gap after the H dumped her, she dated someone, tried going to a hotel room with him once, and it was all an epic fail. While that’s not my preference for an h, it was in no way cheating. The H not only repeatedly slept around, he was photographed countless times with many women. He *told* her he slept with many other women.
In case it’s not clear, H was absolutely one of the worst “heroes” I’ve read. He manipulated her, belittled her, yelled at her, threatened her several times.
He was so busy denying he cared about her. I have doubts about him.
September 30, 2017
She has the power to change everything…
Rafaele Falcone runs his luxury auto empire and private life with the same ice-cold ruthlessness. Emotions play no part in his decisions, and he always demands the best, so he doesn't hesitate to ask brilliant engineer Samantha Rourke to join his company—even though he walked away from her years before.
That sexy Italian accent still sends shivers down her spine, but gutsy Sam knows it's not just about her impossible desire to feel his hands on her body once again. Because Falcone is about to discover her deepest secret—one that will send his world into a spin! (
Rafaele Falcone runs his luxury auto empire and private life with the same ice-cold ruthlessness. Emotions play no part in his decisions, and he always demands the best, so he doesn't hesitate to ask brilliant engineer Samantha Rourke to join his company—even though he walked away from her years before.
That sexy Italian accent still sends shivers down her spine, but gutsy Sam knows it's not just about her impossible desire to feel his hands on her body once again. Because Falcone is about to discover her deepest secret—one that will send his world into a spin! (
February 20, 2014
Really like this HP...secret baby and all. Oh and finally yea, the h moved on during the separation.
February 1, 2017
Hero was a twit, redeeming himself slightly by the end. I don't know what the heroine saw in this guy.
September 29, 2020
I hate to say it but I’ve read this series in manga form before and loved it enough to have read it three times.
I gave the novel a shot and still liked it, Shion Hanyu has done an amazing job illustrating it.
I gave the novel a shot and still liked it, Shion Hanyu has done an amazing job illustrating it.
March 23, 2014
Rafaele ended their relationship when he thought that their relationship is getting deeper than what he expected. Samantha was devastated because she is pregnant with their child. She packed her bags, left Italy and vowed never to clap eyes on Rafaele ever again. Fast forward to today, Rafaele have no idea what he expected when he sought her out for help in his company. He thought Samantha would jumps at the chance to work with him but was stunned when she refuses to have anything to do with him. It becomes worse when he found out the reason for her refusal.
This book is the first installation of Blood Brother trilogy that tell the story of three brothers and the women that will changed their life for good. The story focuses on Rafael’s struggle to overcome his fear for commitment and love. He is determined never to let any women into his heart and be the top priority in his life. With Samantha, his resistance is wearing thin especially when his heart tells him otherwise. This book is packed with emotion, dramatic intensity with sizzling sensuality that keeps the readers wanting for more.
This book is the first installation of Blood Brother trilogy that tell the story of three brothers and the women that will changed their life for good. The story focuses on Rafael’s struggle to overcome his fear for commitment and love. He is determined never to let any women into his heart and be the top priority in his life. With Samantha, his resistance is wearing thin especially when his heart tells him otherwise. This book is packed with emotion, dramatic intensity with sizzling sensuality that keeps the readers wanting for more.
October 13, 2018
4.5 stars.
I feel the need to remove half a star due to
Apart from that, the story had me captivated from the start.. and Milo is soo cute!
I feel the need to remove half a star due to
Apart from that, the story had me captivated from the start.. and Milo is soo cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews