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The Chatsfield #11
Princess's Secret Baby
A Princess for the Playboy
The Princess of Surhaadi is desperate to escape a life lived in the shadows of her family's past. One misguided night of rebellion later and Leila's world comes crashing down thanks to two little blue lines on the pregnancy test!
When James Chatsfield—world-renowned bad boy and soon-to-be father —hears the shocking news, he knows he needs to act, and fast! He'll propose to protect his heir, but will Leila ever believe he sees her as more than just the mother of his child?
Welcome to The Chatsfield, New York!
The Princess of Surhaadi is desperate to escape a life lived in the shadows of her family's past. One misguided night of rebellion later and Leila's world comes crashing down thanks to two little blue lines on the pregnancy test!
When James Chatsfield—world-renowned bad boy and soon-to-be father —hears the shocking news, he knows he needs to act, and fast! He'll propose to protect his heir, but will Leila ever believe he sees her as more than just the mother of his child?
Welcome to The Chatsfield, New York!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
40 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,411 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 15, 2019
Unloved princess runs away with a credit card, expired birth control pills and a bad girl dress her wayward sister left behind before her untimely death. She checks into a rival hotel of the Chatsfield's and runs into the hero at the hotel bar. They talk, dance and then retire to the heroine’s suite for a one-night stand.
Hero leaves the next morning, but sends flowers five different times begging for her to call him. The hotel won’t put his calls through, so he goes on a three month European skiing jaunt. He finds out who his lover was and that she is pregnant from the tabloids.
When he returns to New York, he is beaten up by the heroine’s brother (who is now married to the journalist who broke the story). Hero is not happy about the heroine’s avoidance behavior and he wants to be a part of his child’s life. At this point the heroine's credit cards have been cut off, so she reluctantly moves to the Chatsfield hotel.
Even though the hero was whoring around during their separation, I found myself on his side when he was fighting to have contact with his child. He was also from a terrible family and this was his chance to have something in his life besides partying and playing the stock market.
The H/h do get engaged, move in together and then they start to know each other.
The story actually picked up at this point because the heroine was so LOL privileged and out of touch that we (hero and reader) understand why she never contacted him. She dialed the number but didn’t know to dial 1 for an outside line first. She never read the cards on the flowers the hero sent because the floral displays at the palace were always changed every day. She didn’t think they were from anyone. She also had no idea birth control pills were any good after 16 years, etc. . .
The hero had a lot of patience and affection for his “useless” princess. I loved that he was learning Arabic so he could talk to her father and that he never gave up on marrying her. He had many thoughtful actions and I totally believed in the HEA.
Thankfully the heroine never reconciled with her mother who was crazy and dangerous, but did reconcile with her brother.
Give this one a whirl if you like reformed rakes and clueless virginal heroines.
Hero leaves the next morning, but sends flowers five different times begging for her to call him. The hotel won’t put his calls through, so he goes on a three month European skiing jaunt. He finds out who his lover was and that she is pregnant from the tabloids.
When he returns to New York, he is beaten up by the heroine’s brother (who is now married to the journalist who broke the story). Hero is not happy about the heroine’s avoidance behavior and he wants to be a part of his child’s life. At this point the heroine's credit cards have been cut off, so she reluctantly moves to the Chatsfield hotel.
Even though the hero was whoring around during their separation, I found myself on his side when he was fighting to have contact with his child. He was also from a terrible family and this was his chance to have something in his life besides partying and playing the stock market.
The H/h do get engaged, move in together and then they start to know each other.
The story actually picked up at this point because the heroine was so LOL privileged and out of touch that we (hero and reader) understand why she never contacted him. She dialed the number but didn’t know to dial 1 for an outside line first. She never read the cards on the flowers the hero sent because the floral displays at the palace were always changed every day. She didn’t think they were from anyone. She also had no idea birth control pills were any good after 16 years, etc. . .
The hero had a lot of patience and affection for his “useless” princess. I loved that he was learning Arabic so he could talk to her father and that he never gave up on marrying her. He had many thoughtful actions and I totally believed in the HEA.
Thankfully the heroine never reconciled with her mother who was crazy and dangerous, but did reconcile with her brother.
Give this one a whirl if you like reformed rakes and clueless virginal heroines.
August 31, 2017
I actually like the little Harlequin romances. I spent many a nap-time reading them while the kids slept. They were just long enough for the two hour naps.
So, I came to this predestined to at least like it. Oh well. 😕
Couldn't figure out which character was worse. She is an unloved princess who somehow managed to be spoiled. Hmm? 🤔 And he is a playboy who seems to be enamored with the virgin until he can't get her to answer her door? (Not very hero like) Then he's jumping in the sack with other women while he tries to get over her. 😐
He finds out she's PG in the news, hops a plane from France and his latest 'blonde therapy' to confront her.
After getting beaten by her brother, who BTW let the woman he was sleeping with while he was engaged to someone else leak the news to her newspaper, Fake Hero manages to get through her door to confront her.
Now he knows his one night stand was a princess and she's PG with his kid. So, he forces her into marriage and the rest of the book is them falling in Love.
Not a great story, not very well written, characters not well developed. 👎🏻😑
So, I came to this predestined to at least like it. Oh well. 😕
Couldn't figure out which character was worse. She is an unloved princess who somehow managed to be spoiled. Hmm? 🤔 And he is a playboy who seems to be enamored with the virgin until he can't get her to answer her door? (Not very hero like) Then he's jumping in the sack with other women while he tries to get over her. 😐
He finds out she's PG in the news, hops a plane from France and his latest 'blonde therapy' to confront her.
After getting beaten by her brother, who BTW let the woman he was sleeping with while he was engaged to someone else leak the news to her newspaper, Fake Hero manages to get through her door to confront her.
Now he knows his one night stand was a princess and she's PG with his kid. So, he forces her into marriage and the rest of the book is them falling in Love.
Not a great story, not very well written, characters not well developed. 👎🏻😑
June 28, 2018
First read review:
I just love pampered princesses, they make me laugh with their craziness.
Second read review:
My princess h was happy, I'll be happy for her.
He doesn't deserve her but I think he did redeem himself from the waste of space he was. He gambled in the stock market so he'd had money to drink and have ONSs. Then he met my princess and they had their ONS, he sent her flowers and was waiting for her to call him so poor little playboy was hurt by the lack of response but remained celibate for some weeks even though he was seen with different women, according to him his magic p was not working for the OW. My pricess' brother beat him, he got angry and went to screw don't know how many women , just can be sure of one whom he called the h's name...
My pricess obviously knew about his OW and told him how she felt about it, he said he wasn't about to remain celibate in the hope she decided to reach out to him some 10 years in the future...
I'm not happy about it, but that's what happened.
I just love pampered princesses, they make me laugh with their craziness.
Second read review:
My princess h was happy, I'll be happy for her.
He doesn't deserve her but I think he did redeem himself from the waste of space he was. He gambled in the stock market so he'd had money to drink and have ONSs. Then he met my princess and they had their ONS, he sent her flowers and was waiting for her to call him so poor little playboy was hurt by the lack of response but remained celibate for some weeks even though he was seen with different women, according to him his magic p was not working for the OW. My pricess' brother beat him, he got angry and went to screw don't know how many women , just can be sure of one whom he called the h's name...
My pricess obviously knew about his OW and told him how she felt about it, he said he wasn't about to remain celibate in the hope she decided to reach out to him some 10 years in the future...
I'm not happy about it, but that's what happened.
January 3, 2019
If you're troubled when the Hero is out whoring around with multiple women after he has met and been intimate with the heroine...then don't read. I was sorely disappointed.
This book contained a major trigger for me and had I known before hand I would never have read it!
***Spoiler***
This was the first book in this series that I've read but there will be no more. If the author includes this type of behavior in her books...I'm done! It's bad enough when the guy is a man-whore before they meet but to do so afterward, yet couldn't get her off his mind, whoring is the way he chose to deal.
This book contained a major trigger for me and had I known before hand I would never have read it!
***Spoiler***
This was the first book in this series that I've read but there will be no more. If the author includes this type of behavior in her books...I'm done! It's bad enough when the guy is a man-whore before they meet but to do so afterward, yet couldn't get her off his mind, whoring is the way he chose to deal.
February 4, 2015
James and Leila are a great couple. He is handsome, rich and the ultimate playboy, Leila wants to escape her palace life and her horrible evil mother so she runs away. When in New York she meets James and after one night together she discovers she is pregnant.
Leila's parents treat Leila like shit. Her mother is insane because Leila's sister died years ago and she blames Leila for everything. Leila feels lonely, unloved and hurt. James's deep love for her and their baby heals her heart and erases the wounds of her past. I loved Leila, she was so funny, so naive and vulnerable. James was a bad boy alpha, sexy and caring! They had great chemistry and I loved their sweet HEA with their daughter!
Leila's parents treat Leila like shit. Her mother is insane because Leila's sister died years ago and she blames Leila for everything. Leila feels lonely, unloved and hurt. James's deep love for her and their baby heals her heart and erases the wounds of her past. I loved Leila, she was so funny, so naive and vulnerable. James was a bad boy alpha, sexy and caring! They had great chemistry and I loved their sweet HEA with their daughter!
March 1, 2015
Princess’s Secret Baby by Carol Marinelli was a well written and a good addition to the Chatsfield series. Leila is a very naive, sweet heroine who has her own moment of rebellion and ends up in really deep waters. She was bought up in a very sheltered and protected environment but her royal status did not guarantee her a carefree life as her past was tough on her. James is a playboy who is so not looking for any kind of commitment when Leila announces her pregnancy. I loved how he accepted his duty and took responsibility for his actions. Initially I thought he would be all flash no substance but he surprised me by being this caring hero who was sexy and so supportive. The romance was sweet, passionate and goes through a smooth transition. I just had two complaints, Leila was a little too innocent for me and some of the incidents were too unbelievable and confusing even for an Presents.
Overall, Princess’s Secret Baby by Carol Marinelli is a well written romance which was definitely enjoyable and if you exclude a few details, its a book worth reading.Read More
Overall, Princess’s Secret Baby by Carol Marinelli is a well written romance which was definitely enjoyable and if you exclude a few details, its a book worth reading.Read More
September 13, 2021
I had more fun reading this book than the last 2 books I've read in this series. I enjoyed James and Leila's characters. And as the story progressed, I was taken by their growing emotional connection with each other. I loved how sweet, caring, and supportive James was. How he tried to learn her language, to find her favorite scent, her clothes, all her likes, and dislikes... He didn’t start as the most charming fellow, but as the story progressed, his sweeter side came out until it was basically his natural state. And then there's the epilogue... *sigh*
February 26, 2017
carol marinelli has somehow mastered the art of combining romance with beautiful funny scenes.it was beautiful to watch these two fall in love.the innocent pampered princess and the reckless playboy combination was divine.I loved the scene where James shows layla the shirt he kept from their first meeting!cute book guaranteed to leave a smile on your face!
January 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
It's great getting to go back and read an author's book that I read when I was growing up. It just brings back memories and puts that warm feeling back inside. I had to see how this author was years later. I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. It was like I had never stopped reading her books. I have to say that I love to read about people from places that I've never heard of.
The Princess of Surhaadi, Leila has ran away from home after leaving her loveless home. Having a mother that wishes you were dead and your sister was still alive. Leila really doesn't know what she is doing when she decides to come to New York. She never knew that she would run into James Chatsfield and he would change her life after just one night.
James left Leila after just one night and can't stop her memory from coming to him all the time. She haunts his life until he finds out that he is going to be a father and he realizes that he was wrong about her. He should've tried harder to get in touch with her.
I just couldn't wait to see what the outcome would be to this book. I loved every single page and sometimes I really wondered how James was going to make things right for Leila. A woman that had never felt the love of a parent and just wanted someone to love her. I cried several times while reading this book and I can't wait to read another one.
It's great getting to go back and read an author's book that I read when I was growing up. It just brings back memories and puts that warm feeling back inside. I had to see how this author was years later. I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. It was like I had never stopped reading her books. I have to say that I love to read about people from places that I've never heard of.
The Princess of Surhaadi, Leila has ran away from home after leaving her loveless home. Having a mother that wishes you were dead and your sister was still alive. Leila really doesn't know what she is doing when she decides to come to New York. She never knew that she would run into James Chatsfield and he would change her life after just one night.
James left Leila after just one night and can't stop her memory from coming to him all the time. She haunts his life until he finds out that he is going to be a father and he realizes that he was wrong about her. He should've tried harder to get in touch with her.
I just couldn't wait to see what the outcome would be to this book. I loved every single page and sometimes I really wondered how James was going to make things right for Leila. A woman that had never felt the love of a parent and just wanted someone to love her. I cried several times while reading this book and I can't wait to read another one.
February 21, 2015
the Princess's Secret Baby is a decent escapist HP.
Normally romances that evolve from a hookup beginning don't always work as the instalust doesn't lead to a great story as it burns out. This time, the storytelling is interesting even after the instalust beginning.
What worked- The heroine and hero both have dysfunctional families which cause them drama and heartache. That background kept me interested in seeing how it would be resolved. The heroine was very likeable. She grew a lot during the story. I liked how it was noted how different a culture the heroine came from. Often the middle eastern culture is used as wallpaper, in the background. I liked the heroine's parents aren't redeemed. They emotionally abused the heroine and didn't deserve a hea!
What didn't work- hero was too laidback beta. Not a fan of beta heroes.
The heroine slapped the hero. They weren't in a relationship. They had a hookup and the heroine thinks she slap the hero who she never even dated!!!!
So a decent read. Not a keeper tho.
Normally romances that evolve from a hookup beginning don't always work as the instalust doesn't lead to a great story as it burns out. This time, the storytelling is interesting even after the instalust beginning.
What worked- The heroine and hero both have dysfunctional families which cause them drama and heartache. That background kept me interested in seeing how it would be resolved. The heroine was very likeable. She grew a lot during the story. I liked how it was noted how different a culture the heroine came from. Often the middle eastern culture is used as wallpaper, in the background. I liked the heroine's parents aren't redeemed. They emotionally abused the heroine and didn't deserve a hea!
What didn't work- hero was too laidback beta. Not a fan of beta heroes.
The heroine slapped the hero. They weren't in a relationship. They had a hookup and the heroine thinks she slap the hero who she never even dated!!!!
So a decent read. Not a keeper tho.
December 31, 2014
You have to give Leila props that girl is strong willed, "no, she would not marry a man who had left her bed and jumped straight into another's. No way would she marry a man who only wanted her because she was pregnant." James he's just as strong willed he's not willing to give up without a fight, "I told you, I'm taking you on a date tonight." He looked at her narrowed eyes." I liked this book two people who are set in their ways, from messed up families making it work.
January 5, 2015
DNF - This book is practically unreadable, what with the head-hopping and the too stupid to live heroine. She might have been raised in a protected environment, but she's purely an idiot if because she took a birth control pill once, she thought she was okay to have sex without worry about complications. For cripes sake...what about freaking STDs?!
January 9, 2017
Leila is desperate to leave her family and past behind her, so she takes off and enjoys one night of selfish rebellion. That one night leaves a lasting effect when Leila finds out she is pregnant by a man she has only just met, James Chatsfield. James is surprised to say the least when he finds out Leila is pregnant, but even more shocked when he finds out she is also the princess of Surhaadi. Not seeing any other option, James proposes marriage to Leila, but when his feelings for the princess begin to change, will he be able to convince her that he isn't just in it for his heir?
I flew through this book. It was a short, quick book. I was excited by the insert and idea of this book when I picked it up. Unfortunately, I found that I seemed to like the idea of the story more than the actual story. The book was well written and I found myself loving James for the most part and his comments to Leila. Leila on the other hand seemed to rub me the wrong way for most of the book. I liked her much better when we first met her and she first met James; she seemed like a totally different person then.
This was a good and well written story, some of the characters just rubbed me the wrong way and I did like the idea behind the story more than how it was carried out. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is that makes me feel this way, but I just kept feeling that I might have liked it done slightly different somehow.
I flew through this book. It was a short, quick book. I was excited by the insert and idea of this book when I picked it up. Unfortunately, I found that I seemed to like the idea of the story more than the actual story. The book was well written and I found myself loving James for the most part and his comments to Leila. Leila on the other hand seemed to rub me the wrong way for most of the book. I liked her much better when we first met her and she first met James; she seemed like a totally different person then.
This was a good and well written story, some of the characters just rubbed me the wrong way and I did like the idea behind the story more than how it was carried out. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is that makes me feel this way, but I just kept feeling that I might have liked it done slightly different somehow.
June 12, 2022
Mmm this was confusing why she never told her brother that her mother was so horrible to her! the brother was very protective?? When? De was abuse all her life, he didn’t know ? Come on! James was super irresistible then he change? I don’t believe it, she was so spoiled and even a bit stupid no my fav story
August 17, 2017
4.5 Stars.
September 9, 2018
Brilliant! Leila's story, which I've been hoping for. Well written (had much trouble putting it down). I'm quite enjoying watching these Chatsfields grow up!
December 6, 2024
A quick, easy read. Not the best so to speak but for a quiet afternoon is enjoyable.
January 21, 2015
I thought this was a good read, not as good as some of the other Chatsfield in this series but a nice one. You have a princess that has been hurt all her life by her family, she has spent all of it trying to get them to love her. Her mother hates her from birth I believe it was because she wasn’t a boy. Her old sister died young in a car accident with her lover. This is where I get a little confused princess are to be a virgin until they marry in an arranged marriage but it was ok for her sister to be wild and have sex but it wasn’t ok for her? I guess this was a case of where it is ok for the favorite daughter but not for the younger one that her mother hated…..This has a wonderful plot but at times I found it to be a little confusing.
Leila's decides enough is enough when she bring it all down around her ears as she stands up to her mother. One night was all it took for her mother to tell her she wished she had died in that accident not her sister. She decides she will show them and runs away to America. On her first night there in a hotel she meets a man takes him back to her room to be deflowered. After that night she finds out he is a playboy and will not answer his calls. When she finds out she is expecting she will do this alone, her credit cards are canceled by her mother, she has no way to make money but the hotel is letting her stay there for free. She has no skills but does find a job playing her music for a little money.
The expect father finds out he is expecting from the media, he goes to set this right but she won’t have anything to do with him. He is determined to have his way and have his child even if he has to do the one thing he promised his self he would not do that is marrying her. This is where they hit head on and he has his hands full with one hot head princess.
I am giving this a 3.5 and rounding it up to a 4 star. The book did keep my interest but it was confusing at times. The plot was outstanding I just felt it could have been written to make it more believable. I felt the story moved around to much and left some information out. Don’t get me wrong it was a great read but I am on the fence on a lot of issues in the story line. As always please do not take it from me, give it a read and see. There are a lot of people who totally loved this story, you might be one of them. As for me I am right in the middle there were parts I totally loved and others I didn’t care for. You be the judge…..
Leila's decides enough is enough when she bring it all down around her ears as she stands up to her mother. One night was all it took for her mother to tell her she wished she had died in that accident not her sister. She decides she will show them and runs away to America. On her first night there in a hotel she meets a man takes him back to her room to be deflowered. After that night she finds out he is a playboy and will not answer his calls. When she finds out she is expecting she will do this alone, her credit cards are canceled by her mother, she has no way to make money but the hotel is letting her stay there for free. She has no skills but does find a job playing her music for a little money.
The expect father finds out he is expecting from the media, he goes to set this right but she won’t have anything to do with him. He is determined to have his way and have his child even if he has to do the one thing he promised his self he would not do that is marrying her. This is where they hit head on and he has his hands full with one hot head princess.
I am giving this a 3.5 and rounding it up to a 4 star. The book did keep my interest but it was confusing at times. The plot was outstanding I just felt it could have been written to make it more believable. I felt the story moved around to much and left some information out. Don’t get me wrong it was a great read but I am on the fence on a lot of issues in the story line. As always please do not take it from me, give it a read and see. There are a lot of people who totally loved this story, you might be one of them. As for me I am right in the middle there were parts I totally loved and others I didn’t care for. You be the judge…..
March 16, 2015
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.
This book was both good and horrid.
Leila is a sheltered princess who has always lived in the shadow of her "perfect" sister and has never felt love, not even from her parents. After enduring as many years as possible with horrible these parents, she finally runs away, taking her older sister's hidden belongings with her. She takes a birth control pill (her sister's) that has been hidden away long past it's expiration date and assumes that she is okay to have sex with a handsome stranger she meets at a bar in New York. (Ummm... STDs.... (stranger danger!) yes, she's a virgin, but after reading their sex scenes... she knows more than most.)
The handsome stranger is James Chatsfield, a notorious playboy/bad boy.
James and Leila fall madly in love with each other once they have sex, Leila seeming like a pro, not a virgin at all. She even fooled James, Mr. Playboy himself! Her actions and behavior never let on that she was a virgin.
And of course, old birth control does not work well, so now we have a pregnancy.
James goes about his normal ways, constantly thinking of Leila though, until he hears that she is pregnant. His bad boy/playboy ways are suddenly over and he is madly in love with her, but of course, he doesn't tell her, and she feels the same and also won't tell him...
all through the book.
Leila is bossy and downright rude to those "below" her.
I didn't really enjoy this story much, one scene between James and Leila made me want to gag. (Go ahead and call me a prude!)
This book was both good and horrid.
Leila is a sheltered princess who has always lived in the shadow of her "perfect" sister and has never felt love, not even from her parents. After enduring as many years as possible with horrible these parents, she finally runs away, taking her older sister's hidden belongings with her. She takes a birth control pill (her sister's) that has been hidden away long past it's expiration date and assumes that she is okay to have sex with a handsome stranger she meets at a bar in New York. (Ummm... STDs.... (stranger danger!) yes, she's a virgin, but after reading their sex scenes... she knows more than most.)
The handsome stranger is James Chatsfield, a notorious playboy/bad boy.
James and Leila fall madly in love with each other once they have sex, Leila seeming like a pro, not a virgin at all. She even fooled James, Mr. Playboy himself! Her actions and behavior never let on that she was a virgin.
And of course, old birth control does not work well, so now we have a pregnancy.
James goes about his normal ways, constantly thinking of Leila though, until he hears that she is pregnant. His bad boy/playboy ways are suddenly over and he is madly in love with her, but of course, he doesn't tell her, and she feels the same and also won't tell him...
all through the book.
Leila is bossy and downright rude to those "below" her.
I didn't really enjoy this story much, one scene between James and Leila made me want to gag. (Go ahead and call me a prude!)
February 10, 2015
Have you ever met someone and had an instant connection where you felt like this person had always been an important part of your life? That’s what I imagined was happening when Leila met James. They just fit.
Leila, the Princess of Surhaadi, is absolutely adorable. She’s easy to like from the very beginning, and if anyone deserves good things to happen in her life, it’s her. She speaks English well, but she doesn’t always understand the nuances of the language, and she’s led an extremely sheltered life, so social niceties are lost on her. Still, she’s quite lovable.
Enter James Chatsfield. Like all the Chatsfields, his reputation isn’t sterling, and he has plenty of scandal in his past, but he seems like a man who has been seeking a better life for himself. James has an intuitive understanding that the rules of romance are different with Leila. He doesn’t navigate this romance perfectly, but he catches on pretty quick as he sets out to win Leila’s heart.
Their journey to a happy ending isn’t all hearts and flowers, but it is a sweet and satisfying story. I think you’ll enjoy it!
*Review notes:
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first published on my blog at http://www.lazydaybooks.com/2015/02/b...
Leila, the Princess of Surhaadi, is absolutely adorable. She’s easy to like from the very beginning, and if anyone deserves good things to happen in her life, it’s her. She speaks English well, but she doesn’t always understand the nuances of the language, and she’s led an extremely sheltered life, so social niceties are lost on her. Still, she’s quite lovable.
Enter James Chatsfield. Like all the Chatsfields, his reputation isn’t sterling, and he has plenty of scandal in his past, but he seems like a man who has been seeking a better life for himself. James has an intuitive understanding that the rules of romance are different with Leila. He doesn’t navigate this romance perfectly, but he catches on pretty quick as he sets out to win Leila’s heart.
Their journey to a happy ending isn’t all hearts and flowers, but it is a sweet and satisfying story. I think you’ll enjoy it!
*Review notes:
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first published on my blog at http://www.lazydaybooks.com/2015/02/b...
February 10, 2015
This series is such a decadent read for me. It's full of glamour and riches and all sorts of fanciness. We briefly heard about Leila's "problems" in the previous book and now we get to see them first hand. Leila is a Princess, one used to ordering servants about and having everything taken care of for her. So when she runs away to America, she's in for some serious culture shock.
I loved her culture shock. So many little things that we, as Americans, just go about doing because we always have - well, when seen from an outside point of view - don't seem so natural and obvious. In some ways, Leila was a breathe of fresh air.
James certainly sees her this way, at first. Then he has to find out via newspaper that he's going to be a father. Well, let's just say that all hell breaks loose in his life. Their's is far from a traditional romance in any sense, but that's what makes it so special. They not only have to get to know each other, but each other's culture and ways of doing things. I was so excited for both of them every time they made a small step in the right direction.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
I loved her culture shock. So many little things that we, as Americans, just go about doing because we always have - well, when seen from an outside point of view - don't seem so natural and obvious. In some ways, Leila was a breathe of fresh air.
James certainly sees her this way, at first. Then he has to find out via newspaper that he's going to be a father. Well, let's just say that all hell breaks loose in his life. Their's is far from a traditional romance in any sense, but that's what makes it so special. They not only have to get to know each other, but each other's culture and ways of doing things. I was so excited for both of them every time they made a small step in the right direction.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
December 28, 2022
Couldn’t take to either the hero or the heroine. The latter was a total contradiction. Supposedly abused by her parents and yet she behaved like a spoiled little madam. She hit the hero and that’s not on in my book. - violence is wrong on all counts. Just because it’s female on male - doesn’t make it right.
Despite his manwhoring ways, James was rather likeable and he tried hard. The heroine was awful - I totally loathed her. Such a shame because CM is one of my favourite authors. This did not work for me. Her brother’s story had been so fabulous - I was expecting more. The writing is as always, brilliant. CM has a way with words that evoke real emotion and I enjoyed lots of the book but overall, I couldn’t care about Leila.
Despite his manwhoring ways, James was rather likeable and he tried hard. The heroine was awful - I totally loathed her. Such a shame because CM is one of my favourite authors. This did not work for me. Her brother’s story had been so fabulous - I was expecting more. The writing is as always, brilliant. CM has a way with words that evoke real emotion and I enjoyed lots of the book but overall, I couldn’t care about Leila.
November 23, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this story. it was fun and romantic. From the moment James and Leila met it was love at first sight. But miscommunication keep them apart. Once James finds out that Leila is caring his child there is no stopping him. I love how the writer brought in the culture differences and how James was willing to learn her language and customs in hope to reconcile her with her family. I loved that finally Leila was able to find the love she needed. I was so sad for her. That had to have been a hard life. This book was realistic meaning when two cultures come together it's not all peaches and cream.
February 23, 2015
This was a cute romance and I really liked James. He was handsome, rich and very badboy, but the moment he discovered Leila was pregnant he made the changes necessary for a new life.
Leila's parents are a nightmare. Her mother is insane because the perfect daughter died years ago and she blames Leila, even if she had nothing to do with it.
I liked the way James really helped and made Leila realise she could have a normal life in New York and try to live without the shadow of her dead sister. This was a happy ending story, but I did shed a few tears along the way.
Leila's parents are a nightmare. Her mother is insane because the perfect daughter died years ago and she blames Leila, even if she had nothing to do with it.
I liked the way James really helped and made Leila realise she could have a normal life in New York and try to live without the shadow of her dead sister. This was a happy ending story, but I did shed a few tears along the way.
January 1, 2015
I received an ARC of Princess's Secret Baby by: Carol Marinelli for an honest review. Loved it. Carol Marinelli outdid herself. Princess's Secret Baby was a great read. Once I started this book did not want to put it down. Beautiful story of two lost souls searching for love that they have lacked all their lives. Princess Leila's story really broke my heart, due to no fault of her own she experienced neglect from the people who were supposed to love her the most. James and Leila had their issues but were meant to be. This is a must read.
November 16, 2015
The long ignored and unwanted princess decides enough and rebels. She does it big time by having a one night stand with a notorious playboy Chatsfied. Now we know the drill in this stict, male dominated Gulf states you know the women are basically powerless and all. But The Princess is very daring she gets preggers by the playboy and surprise the playboy likes her and does everything to win her. Frankly, I like the Hero I think he is too good for her. The Princess I did not care for. But it was an okay read for me . This story is part of the Chatsfield book line.
March 22, 2015
Princess’s Secret Baby by Carol Marinelli was a entertaining book. It was well written and a quick read. Leila is the heroine and is naive and really innocent, and after a night of rebellion winds up pregnant. The father, James, took responsibility for the baby when he found out but still wasn't wanting a commitment from Leila. I enjoyed their romance and would recommend the book.
I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.
I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.
March 12, 2021
The Princess of Surhaadi is desperate to escape a life lived in the shadows of her family's past. One misguided night of rebellion later and Leila's world comes crashing down thanks to two little blue lines on the pregnancy test!
When James Chatsfield—world-renowned bad boy and soon-to-be father —hears the shocking news, he knows he needs to act, and fast! He'll propose to protect his heir, but will Leila ever believe he sees her as more than just the mother of his child?
When James Chatsfield—world-renowned bad boy and soon-to-be father —hears the shocking news, he knows he needs to act, and fast! He'll propose to protect his heir, but will Leila ever believe he sees her as more than just the mother of his child?
February 19, 2015
a lovely story in the continuation of the Chatsfield. How does a princess who is unhappy at home make a new life with a man who is unsettled in his. Will have to find a way with a surprise due soon. Enjoyable.
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