What do you think?
Rate this book
Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands #2
Tal para cual
Segundo de la serie.
Desde el momento en el que ve a Abbey en un desfile de moda benéfico, el magnate ruso Nikolai Arlov siente un profundo deseo por poseer cada centímetro de su voluptuoso cuerpo. Cuando ella lo rechaza, cambia de táctica sin pensárselo y apunta directamente al vulnerable corazón de la joven...
Al ver que el negocio familiar se encuentra en serias dificultades, Abbey decide que el dinero de Nikolai es su única esperanza. Se somete a su letal arma de seducción y acepta su chantaje: estará dispuesta a hacer todo lo que él desee. Sólo que Nikolai desconoce que su amante a la fuerza es... virgen...
Desde el momento en el que ve a Abbey en un desfile de moda benéfico, el magnate ruso Nikolai Arlov siente un profundo deseo por poseer cada centímetro de su voluptuoso cuerpo. Cuando ella lo rechaza, cambia de táctica sin pensárselo y apunta directamente al vulnerable corazón de la joven...
Al ver que el negocio familiar se encuentra en serias dificultades, Abbey decide que el dinero de Nikolai es su única esperanza. Se somete a su letal arma de seducción y acepta su chantaje: estará dispuesta a hacer todo lo que él desee. Sólo que Nikolai desconoce que su amante a la fuerza es... virgen...
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
188 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,763 books1,448 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 25, 2017
Okay I admittedly loved this book and it is one of my very favorites. I love her comments to him and his incredulity at her and it made me laugh. Sometimes, she got a little bit on my nerves but I did really like her. And I loved him but how did he change from the guy in the prologue to the guy at the end of the story? Why did she attract him? It was just a little to unbelievable for me but I will take it. When he bought her the knight on the horse, I fell in love with him too. Just so sweet. And the whole book was just a fairytale and I wish there were more like this. I know we need angst some times but this was just a breath of fresh air. I loved it.
p.s. the scene with his three 'advisors' propositioning him in the prologue was disgusting though. It didn't even need to be in there. She was right to get them out of the house at the end.
p.s. the scene with his three 'advisors' propositioning him in the prologue was disgusting though. It didn't even need to be in there. She was right to get them out of the house at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
In my opinion this was a really good book with minimal angst and without the formulaic break up at 75%-80% which surprised me. It isn't often that I find a book where there's not at least a short break up before the big HEA!
This story is about Nikolai, an incredibly gorgeous billionaire-major man-whore who's in his early thirties, and Abbey, twenty-five, who works with her brother and sister-in-law. She also helps with a charity that gave aid to her S-I-L when she was in an accident that left her unable to walk due to spinal cord damage. The accident that left the sister-in-law disabled also killed Abbey's husband on their wedding day on the drive from the church to the reception. Her marriage was never consummated so she remains a virgin, but not for long if Nikolai has anything to say about it. Abbey has been widowed now for six years and idolizes her dead husband and the very short marriage they had even though their relationship was sexless. She truly loved him and believes he felt the same about her. She's in for a rude awakening when the hero has her deceased husband investigated and finds out the truth behind her husband's unwillingness to be intimate before the marriage and also the secrets his family and hers kept from her. I felt that revelation was brutal! But, that information is positive for the heroine and will help free her from her continued grief.
On the evening that Abbey was helping with a fashion show to raise money for the charity she meets Nikolai. Actually, he spots her immediately and is set on having her...in his bed.
This is the second book in the 'Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands' series. All can be read as a standalone but there are small strands that connect the three books.
I definitely recommend this book and will let you know after I've read the other two.
Update: I have now concluded the other two books in this series and was only able to give both a two star rating. I did not care for them but loved this one.
This story is about Nikolai, an incredibly gorgeous billionaire-major man-whore who's in his early thirties, and Abbey, twenty-five, who works with her brother and sister-in-law. She also helps with a charity that gave aid to her S-I-L when she was in an accident that left her unable to walk due to spinal cord damage. The accident that left the sister-in-law disabled also killed Abbey's husband on their wedding day on the drive from the church to the reception. Her marriage was never consummated so she remains a virgin, but not for long if Nikolai has anything to say about it. Abbey has been widowed now for six years and idolizes her dead husband and the very short marriage they had even though their relationship was sexless. She truly loved him and believes he felt the same about her. She's in for a rude awakening when the hero has her deceased husband investigated and finds out the truth behind her husband's unwillingness to be intimate before the marriage and also the secrets his family and hers kept from her. I felt that revelation was brutal! But, that information is positive for the heroine and will help free her from her continued grief.
On the evening that Abbey was helping with a fashion show to raise money for the charity she meets Nikolai. Actually, he spots her immediately and is set on having her...in his bed.
This is the second book in the 'Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands' series. All can be read as a standalone but there are small strands that connect the three books.
I definitely recommend this book and will let you know after I've read the other two.
Update: I have now concluded the other two books in this series and was only able to give both a two star rating. I did not care for them but loved this one.
October 4, 2020
Heroine's tiresome mantra for most of the book:
I want you! I hate chu! But I love boinking you.
Traitorous Body Syndrome, what would Romancelandia do without you?
Abbey kept this going for three-quarters of the way in, lying to herself and hero Nikolai. She acted hot and cold so often which finally forced Nikolai to chastise her for it! Sure, Abbey did have reason to feel cautious as the man was a notorious womanizer (I want to unread that prologue scene). She also had some understandable emotional baggage left over from a previous relationship. However, I prefer my fictional characters to realize their romantic feelings sooner rather than later, especially if they're going to spend loads of time in bed with someone they claim to dislike.
I liked Nikolai* even if he was a past and frequent diner of the lady buffet. In his favor he'd practiced safe sex, and his tokens of love for Abbey were rather sweet.
A low-angst and high-on-lust romance which I liked overall.
* Although he still doesn't beat Sergei from Graham's Ruthless Magnate, Convenient Wife as my favorite Russian hero to date.
P.S. My totally unscientific theory per Lynne Graham's romances: the feistier the heroine's pet, the more exciting the romance. We're told Abbey's cat is playful but we don't see much of her and, when we do, she's low key much like the romance.
I want you! I hate chu! But I love boinking you.
Traitorous Body Syndrome, what would Romancelandia do without you?
Abbey kept this going for three-quarters of the way in, lying to herself and hero Nikolai. She acted hot and cold so often which finally forced Nikolai to chastise her for it! Sure, Abbey did have reason to feel cautious as the man was a notorious womanizer (I want to unread that prologue scene). She also had some understandable emotional baggage left over from a previous relationship. However, I prefer my fictional characters to realize their romantic feelings sooner rather than later, especially if they're going to spend loads of time in bed with someone they claim to dislike.
I liked Nikolai* even if he was a past and frequent diner of the lady buffet. In his favor he'd practiced safe sex, and his tokens of love for Abbey were rather sweet.
A low-angst and high-on-lust romance which I liked overall.
* Although he still doesn't beat Sergei from Graham's Ruthless Magnate, Convenient Wife as my favorite Russian hero to date.
P.S. My totally unscientific theory per Lynne Graham's romances: the feistier the heroine's pet, the more exciting the romance. We're told Abbey's cat is playful but we don't see much of her and, when we do, she's low key much like the romance.
February 4, 2018
Trope: Virgin Widow/Smitten Man-whore Hero meet at a charity fashion show and Lynne Graham hi-jinks ensue.
Lynne Graham Hi-jinks checklist:
Questionable opening: Hero's three assistants greet him in lingerie after a tough day of breaking up with an actress
Unimpressed-with-wealth heroine who has treacherous body syndrome
Unflinchingly honest hero who makes the heroine see the truth about her "saintly" dead husband
Billionaire sending spree:
London townhouse
Doll furniture for the heroine
Pearl choker to cover a love bite
Siamese Kitten named "Lady"
Assorted clothes and jewels
Castle
Engagement ring (it was a really sweet proposal)
Epilogue with babies and long-lost relatives.
Just a nice, angst-free outing from Lynne Graham.
Lynne Graham Hi-jinks checklist:
Questionable opening: Hero's three assistants greet him in lingerie after a tough day of breaking up with an actress
Unimpressed-with-wealth heroine who has treacherous body syndrome
Unflinchingly honest hero who makes the heroine see the truth about her "saintly" dead husband
Billionaire sending spree:
London townhouse
Doll furniture for the heroine
Pearl choker to cover a love bite
Siamese Kitten named "Lady"
Assorted clothes and jewels
Castle
Engagement ring (it was a really sweet proposal)
Epilogue with babies and long-lost relatives.
Just a nice, angst-free outing from Lynne Graham.
July 23, 2017
Classic Lynne Graham. Side note: it's scary that I can write that, and scary that there are readers who know what I mean.
All I am going to add is that the scene where the H accidentally gives the H a hicky is hysterical. His solution to cover it up falls under romance hero shenanigans.
All I am going to add is that the scene where the H accidentally gives the H a hicky is hysterical. His solution to cover it up falls under romance hero shenanigans.
March 30, 2012
This is the second book in Lynne Graham’s Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands and I loved it. The follow-up to Ophelia and Lysander’s book 1, this is the story of Nikolai Arlov, a gorgeous, womanizer Russian billionaire, with a connection to Ophelia (though we only discover this near the end of the story!!!) who is determined to get Abbey in his bed , after setting eyes on her at a fashion show. He cannot believe that she wants nothing to do with him and this makes him more determined than ever to seduce her. He blatantly pursues her and wow he is beyond persistent….the word no just does not exist in his world!
Abbey, whose husband died on their wedding day, wants nothing to do with any other man and never with a playboy like Nikolai. He pursues her relentlessly and when he discovers that she is having financial problems with her family company, offers to help her. Unable to resist the attraction, she eventually falls into bed with him but on her terms. He is surprised that he meets a woman who is not after his money, looks and position and worse…she keeps giving him a hard time!!!!
In the beginning I wasn’t that crazy about Nikolai…he seemed so cold, ruthless and remote…and geez…the 3 gorgeous Russian women who worked for him….there’s a risqué scene where the three offer themselves to him on a flight!!!! Wewwww…hot scene and in a Mills & Boon book!!!!! But as I read more about him I realized that there were so many reasons for the way he saw the world and people.
Some really interesting characters form part in this story which I really really liked - and hey for once a Russian alpha male…not that many stories about them around ….some good dialogue as usual from this author.
There are quite a few twists in the story which link all the three books together and the scenes where he meets Ophelia, a sister he never knew existed was really sweet and emotional…. there is a cliffhanger at the end….to find out more we will just have to read the next book about the missing sister.
Abbey, whose husband died on their wedding day, wants nothing to do with any other man and never with a playboy like Nikolai. He pursues her relentlessly and when he discovers that she is having financial problems with her family company, offers to help her. Unable to resist the attraction, she eventually falls into bed with him but on her terms. He is surprised that he meets a woman who is not after his money, looks and position and worse…she keeps giving him a hard time!!!!
In the beginning I wasn’t that crazy about Nikolai…he seemed so cold, ruthless and remote…and geez…the 3 gorgeous Russian women who worked for him….there’s a risqué scene where the three offer themselves to him on a flight!!!! Wewwww…hot scene and in a Mills & Boon book!!!!! But as I read more about him I realized that there were so many reasons for the way he saw the world and people.
Some really interesting characters form part in this story which I really really liked - and hey for once a Russian alpha male…not that many stories about them around ….some good dialogue as usual from this author.
There are quite a few twists in the story which link all the three books together and the scenes where he meets Ophelia, a sister he never knew existed was really sweet and emotional…. there is a cliffhanger at the end….to find out more we will just have to read the next book about the missing sister.
November 5, 2014
I do enjoy a feisty Lynne Graham read, although I ration them because I know she'll do anything to make the heroine a virgin, even if she was married or even is a mother, and it just gets annoying. (I rarely read all her series because what are the odds that 3 women in their mid-twenties or even 30s who have never met are all virgins...plus she often writes books with characters who have zero morality...if I have to read about a 25-35 year old virgin I'd like her to at least have some ideals about it, not be a pathetic, dysfunctional person who has no sexual feelings but falls into bed with a wild man who does threesomes and essentially treats women like prostitutes or blow-up dolls that move). So it was semi-refreshing to meet virgin widow Abbey, who was at least holding herself to her perception of an ideal love (but of course there is really no good reason articulated why she hasn't started dating nice men after six years of widowhood...she intends to wither away her whole life in fidelity to a memory of love from her age 19 who died on their wedding day, conveniently pre-consummation, which makes her pretty pathetic...I better believe the dysfunctional, abused virgin who feels so bad about herself she can't imagine undressing for a guy).
Even though hero was a womanizer and there was not much morality in his treatment of women or in heroine's giving herself to this guy just like that (basically, she's finally horny after all these years), he's the kind I can believe will change (he can't emotionally connect because his childhood damaged him...the manwhores with decent upbringings don't work for me because I can't escape the reality that they will NOT transform into faithful guys just because they come into contact with a hymen). And there is some evidence that his innate decency causes him to genuinely care about heroine after he outs her first husband as a cheater...hero can actually be seen growing to care for heroine and wanting to be worthy of her. So a bit formulaic (all a womanizer needs is a challenge for a few days and he'll fall into lifelong love and fidelity). But fun dialogue and great to see hero be a fairly decent guy who really has to work for heroine at first and deals with jealousy of her feelings for another (albeit deceased) guy.
I found the idea of juxtaposing a virgin heroine with an offer by 3 women to be used by him at once to be...gross, not hot. I hate when Lynne Graham and other HP authors insist on a heroine with no prior sexuality but include hot scenes for a manwhore hero with other women...don't they realize they are just underscoring that no such "hotness" will ever happen with the virgin heroine. Men who indulge in such things DO NOT become faithful husbands. They are the married guys hitting on girls at a bar....I see them all the time :). Sounds like he didn't indulge but still, that was sad for those bright, accomplished women and a jarring note in the book. I liked heroine's connection to the talented PAs and the way she shared credit...hate that he has to get rid of them because he couldn't create an appropriate working environment. Tired of the sexed up PA lacking in professionalism...it's just a way to demonize all non-virgins (they must be whores).
Even though hero was a womanizer and there was not much morality in his treatment of women or in heroine's giving herself to this guy just like that (basically, she's finally horny after all these years), he's the kind I can believe will change (he can't emotionally connect because his childhood damaged him...the manwhores with decent upbringings don't work for me because I can't escape the reality that they will NOT transform into faithful guys just because they come into contact with a hymen). And there is some evidence that his innate decency causes him to genuinely care about heroine after he outs her first husband as a cheater...hero can actually be seen growing to care for heroine and wanting to be worthy of her. So a bit formulaic (all a womanizer needs is a challenge for a few days and he'll fall into lifelong love and fidelity). But fun dialogue and great to see hero be a fairly decent guy who really has to work for heroine at first and deals with jealousy of her feelings for another (albeit deceased) guy.
I found the idea of juxtaposing a virgin heroine with an offer by 3 women to be used by him at once to be...gross, not hot. I hate when Lynne Graham and other HP authors insist on a heroine with no prior sexuality but include hot scenes for a manwhore hero with other women...don't they realize they are just underscoring that no such "hotness" will ever happen with the virgin heroine. Men who indulge in such things DO NOT become faithful husbands. They are the married guys hitting on girls at a bar....I see them all the time :). Sounds like he didn't indulge but still, that was sad for those bright, accomplished women and a jarring note in the book. I liked heroine's connection to the talented PAs and the way she shared credit...hate that he has to get rid of them because he couldn't create an appropriate working environment. Tired of the sexed up PA lacking in professionalism...it's just a way to demonize all non-virgins (they must be whores).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2009
It was refreshing to see a hero in a Harlequin Presents who was not Italian, Greek, or Latin for once. And since I am on a Russian kick, it was a double whammy for me. Nothing new was established with this one, but it was entertaining. Nikolai was a womanizer, which I am heartily sick of. I just wish there could be an alpha HP hero who was celibate before the heroine for once. If you know of one, please let me know. I liked that Abbey was pretty tough and didn't immediately fall into Nikolai's bed, well sort of. I liked this book because I find HP books entertaining, although I wouldn't say it rocked my world or anything. I look forward to reading the two other books in the series about Nikolai's sisters (Ophelia and Molly).
February 1, 2025
What can I do! I'm a devoted fun of Ms. Graham. 😉
Re-read btw!
Re-read btw!
October 1, 2025
Sexy Russian hero
Nikolai is a 30-year-old Russian oil baron (in an alternate-universe Russia that is nothing like Russia of the real world), and Abbey is a 25-year-old widow, whose husband died in a car accident six years ago on their wedding day. She is still a virgin, because they could not consummate their marriage. Nikolai is a gorgeous womanizer, who is knocked flat from the first moment he encounters beautiful, voluptuous Abbey, who has been pressed into a last-minute substitution for a professional model, at a fundraising fashion show for her favorite charity. He has never wanted any woman as much as he wants Abbey, and he pulls out all the stops to bring her into his life.
This is one of only a handful of LG novels in which the hero is a Russian billionaire. Abbey is a strong, forceful, independent heroine. She is also quite tall, which is something else that's very unusual for an LG novel. In addition, there is no unplanned pregnancy, which is only the case in a small percentage of LG's 130 novels.
I have read this novel multiple times, and it is one of my favorite LG romances. Both Nikolai and Abbey are highly sympathetic protagonists, and there is enthrallingly passionate intensity between them.
Nikolai is a 30-year-old Russian oil baron (in an alternate-universe Russia that is nothing like Russia of the real world), and Abbey is a 25-year-old widow, whose husband died in a car accident six years ago on their wedding day. She is still a virgin, because they could not consummate their marriage. Nikolai is a gorgeous womanizer, who is knocked flat from the first moment he encounters beautiful, voluptuous Abbey, who has been pressed into a last-minute substitution for a professional model, at a fundraising fashion show for her favorite charity. He has never wanted any woman as much as he wants Abbey, and he pulls out all the stops to bring her into his life.
This is one of only a handful of LG novels in which the hero is a Russian billionaire. Abbey is a strong, forceful, independent heroine. She is also quite tall, which is something else that's very unusual for an LG novel. In addition, there is no unplanned pregnancy, which is only the case in a small percentage of LG's 130 novels.
I have read this novel multiple times, and it is one of my favorite LG romances. Both Nikolai and Abbey are highly sympathetic protagonists, and there is enthrallingly passionate intensity between them.
August 14, 2018
"The Ruthless Magnate's Virgin Mistress" is the story of Nikolai and Abbey.
When the elusive Billionaire and Russian tycoon Nikolai Arlov spots the curvaceous beauty Abbey on a charity fashion show, he immediately wants her and proceeds to relentlessly pursue her.
Abbey on the other hand is still mourning the death of her childhood sweetheart and husband, and not impressed by the overzealous courting of a tomcat.
As they are pushed together by circumstance, they finally give into their carnal lust and embark on a sexual relationship.
But Abbey still keeps her ex in her heart, and has difficulty trusting Nikolai due to his promiscuous past- can they overcome all difficulties and find their HEA?
Another great addition to this series with an obsessed hero, a strong virgin heroine, hot sex, drama, angst, jealousy and HEA.
I really loved the way the hero was focused on the heroine, and did everything to make her his. He comes off as cocky in the first half but by second we know that he is seriously attached to her.
My only two complaints are
-Why the SIL being an ass was not addressed
-If he never slept with his 3 secretaries, what was the scene at the end of first chapter about
That being said, another fab read.
Safe
3.75/5
When the elusive Billionaire and Russian tycoon Nikolai Arlov spots the curvaceous beauty Abbey on a charity fashion show, he immediately wants her and proceeds to relentlessly pursue her.
Abbey on the other hand is still mourning the death of her childhood sweetheart and husband, and not impressed by the overzealous courting of a tomcat.
As they are pushed together by circumstance, they finally give into their carnal lust and embark on a sexual relationship.
But Abbey still keeps her ex in her heart, and has difficulty trusting Nikolai due to his promiscuous past- can they overcome all difficulties and find their HEA?
Another great addition to this series with an obsessed hero, a strong virgin heroine, hot sex, drama, angst, jealousy and HEA.
I really loved the way the hero was focused on the heroine, and did everything to make her his. He comes off as cocky in the first half but by second we know that he is seriously attached to her.
My only two complaints are
-Why the SIL being an ass was not addressed
-If he never slept with his 3 secretaries, what was the scene at the end of first chapter about
That being said, another fab read.
Safe
3.75/5
April 16, 2013
Extremely feisty widow heroine and playboy Russian tycoon meet at a charity fashion show. Nikolai wants Abbey in his bed but she is still in love and obsessed with her dead husband so she wants nothing to do with Nikolai, which of-course makes Nikolai even more determined to win her heart.
I liked the hero, he was a very sexy Russian alpha male but not mean or cold. The heroine was so annoying and whiny I wanted to slap her.
This is the second book in Lynne Graham’s Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands Trilogy. I thought the first one was amazing but the other two left me cold.
I liked the hero, he was a very sexy Russian alpha male but not mean or cold. The heroine was so annoying and whiny I wanted to slap her.
This is the second book in Lynne Graham’s Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands Trilogy. I thought the first one was amazing but the other two left me cold.
December 2, 2018
3.5
Meet the girl
Cautious, cute, clueless redhead
Meet the boy
Dashing, determined, devious billionaire
Meet the ex
A case of wrong product delivered
What you see? Intelligent, confident, warm family man. Paragon husband.
What you get ? A cheater, a liar who took advantage of the girl's teenage attraction.
They got married when she was 19. Child bride alert!!
The Grim Reaper took pity on the girl. He intervened and pulled the ex out of the picture.
Now he is a ghost or expired goods.
The one person who I hate - Caroline.
She is a sister in law on 2 levels. Married to Abbey's brother and Abbey's slimy husband's sister.
She knows about the cheating ex and decides to keep Abbey in the dark.
Even after having a front row seat to Abbey's growing obsession for her deceased spouse.
Even after 6 years of Abbey not moving on.
HATE CAROLINE.
You don't do that to people.
Her brother is a defensive, waste of space. He gambled the company funds and doesn't share this with anyone. Lies and forgery also involved.
The only time Drew is useful - The night he is beaten up is an eventful one. Nikolai realizes that he is eager to make a commitment to Abbey.
Abbey realizes that she is jealous and does not want to share Nikolai.
Plus her brother and sister in law really didn't care for Abbey.
When Abbey wont date Nikolai - You should date him. He is a valuable business contact. Think of it as networking.
When Abbey and Nikolai are getting closer and have reached an understanding - Nikolai is out of your league.
When Abbey wants to obsess over her husband - You can’t mourn my brother for ever.
When Abbey and Nikolai are dating - It’s hard to credit that only a week or so ago you were heartbroken about Jeffrey and Jane Dalkeith.
It boils down to your needs don't matter. Be my tormented puppet.
I've taken a star off because there was no showdown with Caroline. It was necessary because this is an extremely toxic, manipulative relationship.
Caroline suggests that Abbey treat Nikolai like an open wallet.
Abbey refuses, Drew is beaten up by loan sharks.
Caroline blames Abbey for Drew's condition.
Favourite scenes
1 Post Love bite Panic
Do you have vampires in Russia? Are you in training?’ Abbey demanded. ‘I can’t go out with a love bite on my neck! People will laugh at me.
2 Abbey has a miniature doll house with two Siamese cats, a mother and plenty of children. But there is no man in the dollhouse.
Nikolai notices this and makes some improvements.
3 He gets her a Siamese kitten as a present. His initial gifts of jewellery received the response of tepid tea. But the kitten makes Abbey ecstatic.
4 The first package produced a miniature horse that was dressed in medieval war tack. The second item she unwrapped was a doll’s house doll, a distinctly handsome black-haired male dressed like a Crusader knight about to go into battle and armed to the teeth with little metal weapons.
‘There’s no man in your doll’s house. Someone must have fathered the tribe of kids in the attic.’
This was a fun, entertaining romance with a stubborn couple. I wish we got more miniature dollhouse and pet scenes instead of the toxic family.
Meet the girl
Cautious, cute, clueless redhead
Meet the boy
Dashing, determined, devious billionaire
Meet the ex
A case of wrong product delivered
What you see? Intelligent, confident, warm family man. Paragon husband.
What you get ? A cheater, a liar who took advantage of the girl's teenage attraction.
They got married when she was 19. Child bride alert!!
The Grim Reaper took pity on the girl. He intervened and pulled the ex out of the picture.
Now he is a ghost or expired goods.
The one person who I hate - Caroline.
She is a sister in law on 2 levels. Married to Abbey's brother and Abbey's slimy husband's sister.
She knows about the cheating ex and decides to keep Abbey in the dark.
Even after having a front row seat to Abbey's growing obsession for her deceased spouse.
Even after 6 years of Abbey not moving on.
HATE CAROLINE.
You don't do that to people.
Her brother is a defensive, waste of space. He gambled the company funds and doesn't share this with anyone. Lies and forgery also involved.
The only time Drew is useful - The night he is beaten up is an eventful one. Nikolai realizes that he is eager to make a commitment to Abbey.
Abbey realizes that she is jealous and does not want to share Nikolai.
Plus her brother and sister in law really didn't care for Abbey.
When Abbey wont date Nikolai - You should date him. He is a valuable business contact. Think of it as networking.
When Abbey and Nikolai are getting closer and have reached an understanding - Nikolai is out of your league.
When Abbey wants to obsess over her husband - You can’t mourn my brother for ever.
When Abbey and Nikolai are dating - It’s hard to credit that only a week or so ago you were heartbroken about Jeffrey and Jane Dalkeith.
It boils down to your needs don't matter. Be my tormented puppet.
I've taken a star off because there was no showdown with Caroline. It was necessary because this is an extremely toxic, manipulative relationship.
Caroline suggests that Abbey treat Nikolai like an open wallet.
Abbey refuses, Drew is beaten up by loan sharks.
Caroline blames Abbey for Drew's condition.
Favourite scenes
1 Post Love bite Panic
Do you have vampires in Russia? Are you in training?’ Abbey demanded. ‘I can’t go out with a love bite on my neck! People will laugh at me.
2 Abbey has a miniature doll house with two Siamese cats, a mother and plenty of children. But there is no man in the dollhouse.
Nikolai notices this and makes some improvements.
3 He gets her a Siamese kitten as a present. His initial gifts of jewellery received the response of tepid tea. But the kitten makes Abbey ecstatic.
4 The first package produced a miniature horse that was dressed in medieval war tack. The second item she unwrapped was a doll’s house doll, a distinctly handsome black-haired male dressed like a Crusader knight about to go into battle and armed to the teeth with little metal weapons.
‘There’s no man in your doll’s house. Someone must have fathered the tribe of kids in the attic.’
This was a fun, entertaining romance with a stubborn couple. I wish we got more miniature dollhouse and pet scenes instead of the toxic family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2020
After a bizarre and unnecessary scene in the Prologue, I really enjoyed this story.
The h, Abbey, was a bit annoying at times... she did blow hot/cold as the H finally pointed out, but considering both his reputation and her past, it was understandable.
The five stars are pretty much all for the H, Nikolai. He’s one of my favorite heroes ever.
(I wish LG always got it as right as Nikolai and Sergei.)
The SIL certainly didn’t seem to care much about what was good for Abbey.
Nice to see the characters from the first book in the series. Good Epilogue.
The h, Abbey, was a bit annoying at times... she did blow hot/cold as the H finally pointed out, but considering both his reputation and her past, it was understandable.
The five stars are pretty much all for the H, Nikolai. He’s one of my favorite heroes ever.
(I wish LG always got it as right as Nikolai and Sergei.)
The SIL certainly didn’t seem to care much about what was good for Abbey.
Nice to see the characters from the first book in the series. Good Epilogue.
September 13, 2021
After reading Greek Tycoon's Disobedient Bride, I immediately started with book 2, with our Russian hero Nikolai Arlov
Abbey Carmichael is a young widower who was still mourning her dead husband when she met the Russian Billionaire Nikolai Arlov, whose vigorous sex life always gives the tabloids headlines. She was surprised and annoyed when he showed an interest and asked her out, so she immediately turned him down and walked away.
Nikolai Arlov wanted Abbey the moment he saw her. So it made him furious, frustrated, and felt challenged when she walked out on him. He was direct about what he wanted. And he wanted Abbey more than anything else. He will do anything to have her in his bed and his life.
I say that the chemistry between Nikolai and Abbey was off the charts. It practically oozes when they meet. The witty banter and snappy/antagonistic dialogues between them were actually funny.
After reading the prologue with Nikolai's secretaries offering themselves, I was prepared not to like him, I mean, c'mon, I know he's a playboy with a very healthy appetite for sex, but that was too much. But to my surprised, I ended up liking him. I loved the way he relentlessly and blatantly pursued Abbey, and I actually envied her for having someone like Nikolai who would willingly do everything for her.
Lynne Graham really does have the flare for to-die-for dialogues from the hero.
The Ruthless Magnate's Virgin Mistress was an okay read, and I enjoyed it nonetheless. In fact, I enjoyed it a lot more than the first book. And I'm going to give the third book a try to learn more about their other half-sibling Molly.
August 7, 2023
قراءتها بعنوان مشاعر من نار ترجمة منتدى روايتي
October 6, 2025
This could have been utterly brilliant and 5 stars. But.....
A potentially fabulous story but ruined for me by poor plot points.
Firstly, The sexual invitation by Nikolai’s 3 assistants to him in the beginning is left hanging without resolution at the start of the book and it’s only at the end that Nikolai says he never slept with any of them. I believe him but I have no idea what purpose the first scene was intended to serve by the author.
The idea of a M&B hero having sex with three woman makes me want to vomit and it totally ruined this book for me. All the time I was thinking that he could be a fabulous hero, I had that horrid scene in my mind.
Abby didn’t know about the invitation - only we (the readers) did - so why was it there? It left a question mark over Nikolai who I otherwise adored! Was that the intention - a red herring to make us feel anti-Nikolai from the start?
I was so annoyed when I got to the end and realised I had actually had no need to worry! It ruined the book for me as I kept thinking what a an unbelievably damaged and horrid guy he was to have sex with 3 employees (and at the same time) Yuck!
Secondly - we find out the truth about Abbey’s revolting dead husband that she had idolised for so many years - and worse, the sister in law knew all the time and said nothing? Just allowed her to carry on martyring herself? And then had the audacity to get angry because Abbey wouldn’t ask Nikolai for money? Seriously with relatives like these - who needs enemies? If I’d been Abby I would have cut them both off - but especially the s-I-l.
3. The heroine. I hated her. The way she treated Nikolai was beyond juvenile. After having sex with him, she treated him like dirt and quite frankly I wanted him to ditch her and leave her, her company and the slimy brother and sister in law disappear into a mountain of debt.
The back story with the idolised dead husband was so full of ridiculous plot holes that even I knew what a jerk the first husband had been before Nikolai told Abbey.
Abby got on my nerves for being such a stupid idiot for falling for the douchebag in the first place and then for refusing to see what was on offer with Nikolai who I really liked (apart from the possibility he was getting it on with his 3 employees).
It took Nikolai exposing the truth for the scales to fall from her eyes and the rest of the book for her to realise what a catch she had in Nikolai.
It’s a shame because those plot issues ruined the story for me. Big shame! LG is such a brilliant writeron so many occasions.
Having said that I read and enjoyed most of this, even while biting my lip with disgust when Abbey’s superior attitude was on the page. I loathe her. I loved Nikolai. One of LG’s best heroes!
A potentially fabulous story but ruined for me by poor plot points.
Firstly, The sexual invitation by Nikolai’s 3 assistants to him in the beginning is left hanging without resolution at the start of the book and it’s only at the end that Nikolai says he never slept with any of them. I believe him but I have no idea what purpose the first scene was intended to serve by the author.
The idea of a M&B hero having sex with three woman makes me want to vomit and it totally ruined this book for me. All the time I was thinking that he could be a fabulous hero, I had that horrid scene in my mind.
Abby didn’t know about the invitation - only we (the readers) did - so why was it there? It left a question mark over Nikolai who I otherwise adored! Was that the intention - a red herring to make us feel anti-Nikolai from the start?
I was so annoyed when I got to the end and realised I had actually had no need to worry! It ruined the book for me as I kept thinking what a an unbelievably damaged and horrid guy he was to have sex with 3 employees (and at the same time) Yuck!
Secondly - we find out the truth about Abbey’s revolting dead husband that she had idolised for so many years - and worse, the sister in law knew all the time and said nothing? Just allowed her to carry on martyring herself? And then had the audacity to get angry because Abbey wouldn’t ask Nikolai for money? Seriously with relatives like these - who needs enemies? If I’d been Abby I would have cut them both off - but especially the s-I-l.
3. The heroine. I hated her. The way she treated Nikolai was beyond juvenile. After having sex with him, she treated him like dirt and quite frankly I wanted him to ditch her and leave her, her company and the slimy brother and sister in law disappear into a mountain of debt.
The back story with the idolised dead husband was so full of ridiculous plot holes that even I knew what a jerk the first husband had been before Nikolai told Abbey.
Abby got on my nerves for being such a stupid idiot for falling for the douchebag in the first place and then for refusing to see what was on offer with Nikolai who I really liked (apart from the possibility he was getting it on with his 3 employees).
It took Nikolai exposing the truth for the scales to fall from her eyes and the rest of the book for her to realise what a catch she had in Nikolai.
It’s a shame because those plot issues ruined the story for me. Big shame! LG is such a brilliant writeron so many occasions.
Having said that I read and enjoyed most of this, even while biting my lip with disgust when Abbey’s superior attitude was on the page. I loathe her. I loved Nikolai. One of LG’s best heroes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2014
The alpha hero who was not an ass. I liked Nikolai a lot. He was totally besotted with Abbey, the heroine. I can understand her grieving for her husband. It is sometimes difficult to move on. But I disliked her immensely for insulting Nikolai constantly without any cause or provocation. I thought she was being bitchy at times. She slept with him yet she turned the tables on him and blamed him for getting her into the bed with him.
I really admired Nikolai for trying to resist her attempts of seducing her when she was at her lowest and needed someone to comfort her, make her feel wanted. I felt that the heroine tied to manipulate the hero according to her whims, completely oblivious to the needs of the hero. She refused to see the good in him even though he really gave her plenty of opportunities to witness his wonderful character. He was honest and upfront and never ever played any games with the heroine. And he never, ever humiliated her or tried to put her down. He always tried to protect her, shield her be it from the paparazzi or the harsh reality of the husband she held in great esteem.
Nikolai in spite of being a cold, calculating, ruthless business tycoon showed a lot of restraint, patience and understanding, and not to mention sensitivity. He cared for Abbey even though he wasn't really aware of it. The little things he observed about her, the way he interpreted her secret longings by observing her doll's house. He gifted her a Siamese cat because he knew she was no gold digger and she couldn't be bought with any amount of money.
Nikolai is definitely one of those wonderful heroes we rarely come across in a HP. He is among one of my favorite heroes now. Though I can't say the same for the heroine, Abbey.
This is rather inconsequential but I wish the author had not painted the OM, here the dead husband in such a bad light. I would really love to read a hero who fights another decent man and wins because he is the better man.
Thanks Roub for the recommendation. I am glad I waited for the right frame of mind before reading this. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I really admired Nikolai for trying to resist her attempts of seducing her when she was at her lowest and needed someone to comfort her, make her feel wanted. I felt that the heroine tied to manipulate the hero according to her whims, completely oblivious to the needs of the hero. She refused to see the good in him even though he really gave her plenty of opportunities to witness his wonderful character. He was honest and upfront and never ever played any games with the heroine. And he never, ever humiliated her or tried to put her down. He always tried to protect her, shield her be it from the paparazzi or the harsh reality of the husband she held in great esteem.
Nikolai in spite of being a cold, calculating, ruthless business tycoon showed a lot of restraint, patience and understanding, and not to mention sensitivity. He cared for Abbey even though he wasn't really aware of it. The little things he observed about her, the way he interpreted her secret longings by observing her doll's house. He gifted her a Siamese cat because he knew she was no gold digger and she couldn't be bought with any amount of money.
Nikolai is definitely one of those wonderful heroes we rarely come across in a HP. He is among one of my favorite heroes now. Though I can't say the same for the heroine, Abbey.
This is rather inconsequential but I wish the author had not painted the OM, here the dead husband in such a bad light. I would really love to read a hero who fights another decent man and wins because he is the better man.
Thanks Roub for the recommendation. I am glad I waited for the right frame of mind before reading this. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
August 14, 2016
Otra re-re-re-etc relectura.
No sé cómo pude darle cinco estrellas; debió ser por Nikholai Arlov, que se lleva las palmas y no por la protagonista insufrible. Él definitivamente salva el libro, ella me pareció mezquina y llena de contradicciones, siempre dispuesta a rebajarlo con comentarios hirientes y gratuitos. No estoy de ánimos para aguantar heroínas tan pagadas de sí mismas cuando en la realidad es tan difícil encontrar hombres que valgan la pena como para que esta se haga tanto la exquisita XDD.
No sé cómo pude darle cinco estrellas; debió ser por Nikholai Arlov, que se lleva las palmas y no por la protagonista insufrible. Él definitivamente salva el libro, ella me pareció mezquina y llena de contradicciones, siempre dispuesta a rebajarlo con comentarios hirientes y gratuitos. No estoy de ánimos para aguantar heroínas tan pagadas de sí mismas cuando en la realidad es tan difícil encontrar hombres que valgan la pena como para que esta se haga tanto la exquisita XDD.
July 16, 2017
I H A T E D the heroine , God she is horrible .
March 28, 2023
This was one of my least favorites by this author. The hero was persistent, but not exactly cruel or cold to the heroine. Maybe a tad ruthless in getting her into his bed, but still it felt way below LGs usual heroes.
I also didn’t like the missing secret baby/accidental pregnancy trope which adds so many layers of angst and emotion and thrills to these books. It just felt like a huge piece was missing.
And then there were the 3 assistants to the hero, supposedly ruthless sharks just like him, but in female form. The book opens with them offering themselves to the hero. Later in the book, the hero says he’s never slept with them. Ummm, ok. The scene was totally unnecessary and gross. Thankfully the heroine made sure the hero relocated them because they obviously wanted to get their talons into him.
Even tho this was a pretty safe read, it just felt lackluster, and that combined with the trio of sharky skanks, is why I’m giving it 2 stars.
Safe-ish. Hero is a manwhore, but there’s no separation and once hero sees heroine, she’s it for him. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. Some OW drama, but no sex with them, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue
I also didn’t like the missing secret baby/accidental pregnancy trope which adds so many layers of angst and emotion and thrills to these books. It just felt like a huge piece was missing.
And then there were the 3 assistants to the hero, supposedly ruthless sharks just like him, but in female form. The book opens with them offering themselves to the hero. Later in the book, the hero says he’s never slept with them. Ummm, ok. The scene was totally unnecessary and gross. Thankfully the heroine made sure the hero relocated them because they obviously wanted to get their talons into him.
Even tho this was a pretty safe read, it just felt lackluster, and that combined with the trio of sharky skanks, is why I’m giving it 2 stars.
Safe-ish. Hero is a manwhore, but there’s no separation and once hero sees heroine, she’s it for him. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. Some OW drama, but no sex with them, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue
May 13, 2016
Neither good nor bad, but Lynne usually writes much better!
Abbey and Nikolai shared a fierce attraction the first time they met.
Nikolai was a handsome billionaire who didn't do relationships.
He didn't know why he felt this strong force drawing him to Abbey. She had gorgeous red hair. She said what was on her mind. I think the two really enjoyed fighting.
Nikolai was use to everyone falling over themselves to please him. He was stunned when the beautiful red head told him she didn't want to see him.
Abbey's family business was in trouble. She had no choice but to work for Nikolai.
The meeting for the contract was entertaining. She didn't hold back on telling him how she felt about him. The more time he spent about Abbey, the more she intrigued him.
She was the only one he had ever dated that was not impressed with his money. She could not be bought by diamonds, apparently, he had to find other ways to grasp her attention.
Of course, the drawback here is this is a more of a fairy tale. Some of the content to the plot, was unbelievable to me. If you enjoy a good romance fairy tale, then you may enjoy this one.
Abbey and Nikolai shared a fierce attraction the first time they met.
Nikolai was a handsome billionaire who didn't do relationships.
He didn't know why he felt this strong force drawing him to Abbey. She had gorgeous red hair. She said what was on her mind. I think the two really enjoyed fighting.
Nikolai was use to everyone falling over themselves to please him. He was stunned when the beautiful red head told him she didn't want to see him.
Abbey's family business was in trouble. She had no choice but to work for Nikolai.
The meeting for the contract was entertaining. She didn't hold back on telling him how she felt about him. The more time he spent about Abbey, the more she intrigued him.
She was the only one he had ever dated that was not impressed with his money. She could not be bought by diamonds, apparently, he had to find other ways to grasp her attention.
Of course, the drawback here is this is a more of a fairy tale. Some of the content to the plot, was unbelievable to me. If you enjoy a good romance fairy tale, then you may enjoy this one.
February 6, 2011
It is what i would expect from a Lynne Graham book. It was a good read and i enjoy it this is the second book in the series the other 2 books are
1.The Greek tycoons disobedient bride
3.The Spanish billionaires pregnant wife
Loved it.
1.The Greek tycoons disobedient bride
3.The Spanish billionaires pregnant wife
Loved it.
September 14, 2021
So, I’ve come to the conclusion that Harlequin 2000’s “I’m the MoSt InDePeNdent” heroines (shrews) are a major buzz kill. 🥸
Turns out my reading preferences have way more in common with the attitude of the misogynistic Russian billionaire. 🤷🏼♀️🙈 😈🤡 #badfeminist
I’ll just mosey on back to the 90’s and earlier. 😅
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- light OW drama - we see the H have intentions to enter into a 3-some with his assistants (btw- that past sexual relationship is NEVER addressed even tho the h is well aware he had a sexual relationship with the women he works closely with and expects HER to work closely with… 👀 I dunno if that’s supposed to be some sort of woke attitude or something, but it’s a full-on HELL NO from me. 🤷🏼♀️)
- the h is a virgin widow - still grieving her dead spouse
- the H is a manwhore
Turns out my reading preferences have way more in common with the attitude of the misogynistic Russian billionaire. 🤷🏼♀️🙈 😈🤡 #badfeminist
I’ll just mosey on back to the 90’s and earlier. 😅
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- light OW drama - we see the H have intentions to enter into a 3-some with his assistants (btw- that past sexual relationship is NEVER addressed even tho the h is well aware he had a sexual relationship with the women he works closely with and expects HER to work closely with… 👀 I dunno if that’s supposed to be some sort of woke attitude or something, but it’s a full-on HELL NO from me. 🤷🏼♀️)
- the h is a virgin widow - still grieving her dead spouse
- the H is a manwhore
September 23, 2017
LOVED this book so much!
October 2, 2019
Almost DNF. Hateful h. Alright H. No romance that I could feel building up. I am intrigued to read further on to find out what the h's brother was upto but maybe when it's the last book on my DNF to re-try. Not today.
October 28, 2024
Fake relationship trope
Not as much angst as I expected but it has a strong FMC who isn't a doormat even when she does have BBS.
Not as much angst as I expected but it has a strong FMC who isn't a doormat even when she does have BBS.
June 5, 2014
Abbey and Nikolai shared a fierce attraction to one another the first time they met. Nikolai was a handsome billionaire. He didn't do relationships, he was a love um and leave kind of man. He didn't know why he felt this strong force drawing him to Abbey. She had gorgeous red hair. She said what was on her mind. I think the two enjoyed fighting. Nikolai was use to everyone falling over themselves to please him. He was stunned when the beautiful red head told him she didn't want to see him. Abbey's family business was in trouble. She had no choice but to work for Nikolai. The meeting for the contract was entertaining. She didn't hold back on telling him how she felt about him. The more time he spent about Abbey, the more she intrigued him. For she was the only one he had ever dated that was not impressed with his money. She could not be bought by diamonds. He had to find other ways to grasp her attention. This is a fairy tale. Some of the content to the plot, was unbelievable to me. If you enjoy a good romance fairy tale, then you may enjoy this one.
December 29, 2009
I liked this story right off the bat! Heroine Abbey was more than just another Harlequin Presents doormat and she wasn't overly spunky where she bit off everyone's head just to appear strong. Nikolai was the generic Harlequin Presents hero but I like how Ms. Graham gave him a reason for his coldness. The story started out pretty promising but took a quick turn down to the usual generic HP storyline and ultimate ending. I liked seeing the subplot with the heroine's brother fighting a gambling addiction. This was a nice enjoyable book to pass the time but I probably won't be adding it to my keeper shelf.
June 26, 2013
Very unlikable, drama-queen, higher than you heroine and unreasonable, spoiled hero. In fact, all characters were annoying to me at some point or another. Also, very repetitive in the description department... I mean, seriously, how many times do I have to read how dark his brows or how brown his fingers are? The story was just okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews