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The Delicious De Campos #1
Skyrybų vakarėlis
Pirmasis trilogijos Broliai De Kampai romanas.
Į savo prabangų skyrybų vakarėlį Lilė ateina su viena mintimi galvoje: išsinešdinti iš čia kuo greičiau, ir jau be vyro! Bet sutuoktinis turi kitų planų... o pasakyti „ne“ Rikardui De Kampui labai sunku.
Priversta grįžti į spindintį paskalomis apipintą De Kampų pasaulį, kur idealumo kaina per didelė, Lilė vėl pasijunta nesaugi ir sutrikusi. Tačiau netikėti įvykiai priverčia elitinę aukštuomenės porą iš naujo įvertinti jiems suteiktą antrą šansą. Ar šią santuoką dar galima išgelbėti?
Į savo prabangų skyrybų vakarėlį Lilė ateina su viena mintimi galvoje: išsinešdinti iš čia kuo greičiau, ir jau be vyro! Bet sutuoktinis turi kitų planų... o pasakyti „ne“ Rikardui De Kampui labai sunku.
Priversta grįžti į spindintį paskalomis apipintą De Kampų pasaulį, kur idealumo kaina per didelė, Lilė vėl pasijunta nesaugi ir sutrikusi. Tačiau netikėti įvykiai priverčia elitinę aukštuomenės porą iš naujo įvertinti jiems suteiktą antrą šansą. Ar šią santuoką dar galima išgelbėti?
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
67 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hayward
279 books219 followersJennifer Hayward has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenage angst. Her career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write—always with a touch of humor.
Since her debut in 2013, as the winner of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write global writing contest, she’s written over eighteen titles and sold over two million copies of her books to readers in 31 countries, in 25 languages. A native of Canada’s East Coast, Jennifer lives in picturesque Nova Scotia with her husband and son.
Since her debut in 2013, as the winner of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write global writing contest, she’s written over eighteen titles and sold over two million copies of her books to readers in 31 countries, in 25 languages. A native of Canada’s East Coast, Jennifer lives in picturesque Nova Scotia with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 25, 2016
So this was just not my Harlequin bag.
***Spoilers***
***Spoilers***
***Spoilers***
The H?
I actually liked him a little bit...
...except for that whole kissing-another-woman-with-the-INTENT-to-sleep-with-her thing.
To, you know, PROVE to himself that the h didn't "control" him.
And because he was pouting at her "cold shoulder" instead of actually, I don't know, COMMUNICATING.
Now he doesn't actually go THROUGH with it, mind you...
...because he realizes he can't do that to the h...
But still.
Now, despite ^^^THAT massive bomb, I still managed to dislike the h even more than our marginally unfaithful Knight in Less Than Shiny Armor.
She was whiny, self-absorbed, and quite simply:
Not to mention the fact that she was apparently banging some other dude during their year-long "hiatus," while the H stayed celibate.
Now, usually that wouldn't have bothered me, especially since she thought he cheated...
But something just felt off about it to me.
Plus, the whole book was mainly them arguing.
And the heroine feeling sorry for herself for being in the "spotlight" and struggling with anorexia.
Now, I'm not knocking the anorexia struggle by any means.
As I have mentioned in other reviews, I have struggled with an eating disorder - that in previous years manifested itself as anorexia - since I was 12 years old.
So homie has empathy.
But being that the h's sister was suffering from CANCER?
And the h seemed more preoccupied with her appearance...?
Yeah, just wasn't feeling it.
Find me at:
***Spoilers***
***Spoilers***
***Spoilers***
The H?
I actually liked him a little bit...
...except for that whole kissing-another-woman-with-the-INTENT-to-sleep-with-her thing.
To, you know, PROVE to himself that the h didn't "control" him.
And because he was pouting at her "cold shoulder" instead of actually, I don't know, COMMUNICATING.
Now he doesn't actually go THROUGH with it, mind you...
...because he realizes he can't do that to the h...
But still.
Now, despite ^^^THAT massive bomb, I still managed to dislike the h even more than our marginally unfaithful Knight in Less Than Shiny Armor.
She was whiny, self-absorbed, and quite simply:
Not to mention the fact that she was apparently banging some other dude during their year-long "hiatus," while the H stayed celibate.
Now, usually that wouldn't have bothered me, especially since she thought he cheated...
But something just felt off about it to me.
Plus, the whole book was mainly them arguing.
And the heroine feeling sorry for herself for being in the "spotlight" and struggling with anorexia.
Now, I'm not knocking the anorexia struggle by any means.
As I have mentioned in other reviews, I have struggled with an eating disorder - that in previous years manifested itself as anorexia - since I was 12 years old.
So homie has empathy.
But being that the h's sister was suffering from CANCER?
And the h seemed more preoccupied with her appearance...?
Yeah, just wasn't feeling it.
Find me at:
April 12, 2015
I don't know what's wrong with these new Harlequin authors. This book has another cheating heroine and that's disgusting as far as I'm concerned.
October 14, 2013
Author did a wonderful job, the angst, the story, the history, I only had one complaint....
The book would have gotten a higher star rating as I did like it, but I had serious issues with the hero
SPOILERS (maybe)
goes to another womans apartment, kisses and fools around with her while having marital problems with the intent to sleep with her, but can't follow thru with it and yet does not think he "cheated" sorry big boy... you doing anything in a sexual manner is cheating (the whole love honor and cherish, thing means you dont kiss another woman...you dont hold her hand or anything else and you sure as heck do not go to her apartment thinking that you will complete the cheating and then find you cannot and call it a win...ARGH!) I agree the degree of cheating may not be the same but I am sorry mr president ....oral sex is SEX...and doing anything in a sexual manner...personal manner with someone other than your wife or fiance is cheating... own it and perhaps forgiveness can begin... but pretending it was not cheating is daft and sets up the scenario that it will happen again as that person doesn't consider it cheating....
The book would have gotten a higher star rating as I did like it, but I had serious issues with the hero
SPOILERS (maybe)
goes to another womans apartment, kisses and fools around with her while having marital problems with the intent to sleep with her, but can't follow thru with it and yet does not think he "cheated" sorry big boy... you doing anything in a sexual manner is cheating (the whole love honor and cherish, thing means you dont kiss another woman...you dont hold her hand or anything else and you sure as heck do not go to her apartment thinking that you will complete the cheating and then find you cannot and call it a win...ARGH!) I agree the degree of cheating may not be the same but I am sorry mr president ....oral sex is SEX...and doing anything in a sexual manner...personal manner with someone other than your wife or fiance is cheating... own it and perhaps forgiveness can begin... but pretending it was not cheating is daft and sets up the scenario that it will happen again as that person doesn't consider it cheating....
May 20, 2014
Very enjoyable "reunited lovers" romance! I really liked the New York City setting. I'm looking forward to reading Gabe and Matteo's stories!
June 27, 2015
Did I find it hard to even finish this book!!! Look, it’s not exactly awful….in fact for a debut novel it’s not that bad!!! It’s just that the whole plot and main characters were just a bit tooooo ridiculous for me!!!
So here we have Lilly Anderson, is a poor and lovely looking heroine who falls in love and marries the gorgeous and sexy and ultra zillionaire Ricardo de Campo. She feels insecure, thinks she doesn’t measure up to his lofty standards and leaves him…and oh yes, she also thinks he sleeps with everyone woman in town!!! A year later, a divorce party is set up to celebrate he getting her freedom i.e. a divorce so she can marry the new man in her life…yes this new guy is nothing exciting…he doesn’t throw sparks along her way…but he’s sooooo steady and nice and nothing like her soon to be ex-husband!!!
Now, Ricardo de Campo is still in love with the heroine and despite paying her a load of money during their separation, just knows he can’t get her back with his millions…yes, that’s right, Lilly is no gold-digger!!!! Really!!!
Anyway, Ricardo devices a plot to keep Lilly….tells her he needs her to stay married for a bit longer for his dying father and she needs money for her sick sister…and says yes!!!!!
I could not engage with these two characters. They were both so silly….how could two people actually have misunderstood each other was just beyond me!!!!
But I must admit that I will read the next book in the series…just to see where the secondary characters get up to!!!!
So here we have Lilly Anderson, is a poor and lovely looking heroine who falls in love and marries the gorgeous and sexy and ultra zillionaire Ricardo de Campo. She feels insecure, thinks she doesn’t measure up to his lofty standards and leaves him…and oh yes, she also thinks he sleeps with everyone woman in town!!! A year later, a divorce party is set up to celebrate he getting her freedom i.e. a divorce so she can marry the new man in her life…yes this new guy is nothing exciting…he doesn’t throw sparks along her way…but he’s sooooo steady and nice and nothing like her soon to be ex-husband!!!
Now, Ricardo de Campo is still in love with the heroine and despite paying her a load of money during their separation, just knows he can’t get her back with his millions…yes, that’s right, Lilly is no gold-digger!!!! Really!!!
Anyway, Ricardo devices a plot to keep Lilly….tells her he needs her to stay married for a bit longer for his dying father and she needs money for her sick sister…and says yes!!!!!
I could not engage with these two characters. They were both so silly….how could two people actually have misunderstood each other was just beyond me!!!!
But I must admit that I will read the next book in the series…just to see where the secondary characters get up to!!!!
July 15, 2020
There’s a lot to unpack with this one...
1. Lots of reviews are judging the wife... she’s a “cheater”, not so much my thoughts. They’ve been separated for a year. She’s ready to explore a relationship with someone else, someone boring and staid. I do not consider this cheating.
2. He, on the other hand, comes much closer to being a cheater. She leaves after he’s taken another woman out to dinner with the intention of sleeping with her. He only kisses her and realizes he loves his wife and can’t go through with it. But this is the final issue that pushes the wife out.
3. The POVs are well done, you’re very much aware of what each are thinking.
4. Both have baggage that wasn’t dealt with while they were together.
5. He’s a bit clueless to the fact he was a bad husband, basically ignoring her to focus on business.
6. She should have been honest about her physical and emotional issues.
7. Before they separated, both were too much in their own heads, no real communication. Both judging the other without clear understanding of what the other was thinking.
8. He should have gone back to race car driving, he was miserable running the family business and she would have supported it.
9. Babies don’t save marriages, but they can be reality checks.
10. The epilogue was a nice touch.
1. Lots of reviews are judging the wife... she’s a “cheater”, not so much my thoughts. They’ve been separated for a year. She’s ready to explore a relationship with someone else, someone boring and staid. I do not consider this cheating.
2. He, on the other hand, comes much closer to being a cheater. She leaves after he’s taken another woman out to dinner with the intention of sleeping with her. He only kisses her and realizes he loves his wife and can’t go through with it. But this is the final issue that pushes the wife out.
3. The POVs are well done, you’re very much aware of what each are thinking.
4. Both have baggage that wasn’t dealt with while they were together.
5. He’s a bit clueless to the fact he was a bad husband, basically ignoring her to focus on business.
6. She should have been honest about her physical and emotional issues.
7. Before they separated, both were too much in their own heads, no real communication. Both judging the other without clear understanding of what the other was thinking.
8. He should have gone back to race car driving, he was miserable running the family business and she would have supported it.
9. Babies don’t save marriages, but they can be reality checks.
10. The epilogue was a nice touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2017
The heroine left the hero because he was a workaholic and she thought he was cheating. The hero actually wanted to cheat, but couldn't go through with it. The heroine actually went out and got a boyfriend while still married to the hero (it's never spelled out if they had sex or not). So they both cheated in my book.
The story opens with the hero trying to get the heroine back by staging a "Divorce Party" where he announces they have reconciled. Heroine agrees because her sister needs expensive medical treatment (and she's still hot for the hero).
The H/h live together and eventually the heroine's anorexia is revealed and the pressure the hero is under from his father.
This one is a case of both sides, but the hero had more charm and he's the one who really wanted the marriage to work. So - team hero, I guess?
The story opens with the hero trying to get the heroine back by staging a "Divorce Party" where he announces they have reconciled. Heroine agrees because her sister needs expensive medical treatment (and she's still hot for the hero).
The H/h live together and eventually the heroine's anorexia is revealed and the pressure the hero is under from his father.
This one is a case of both sides, but the hero had more charm and he's the one who really wanted the marriage to work. So - team hero, I guess?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2013
THE DIVORCE PARTY is an astounding romance from a debut author. It is a well-written tale that sparkles with emotion. Jennifer Hayward introduced us to this alluring but tortured hot hero, whom we fell in love with and a strong heroine, who wouldn’t take less than her due. A must for all lovers of romance.
July 24, 2013
Falling in love with that one special person that makes you feel secure, special and like the most beautiful woman in the world is something that yes happens to most of us but it does not always last and when the feeling fades what are you left with?
Emptiness that can drive you to the lowest point of your life with no way of getting back up, and you find yourself fighting to keep your head above water all the while knowing that the only thing that can save you is the one thing you cannot have. For if it did not work the first time how will it ever?
In the debut read from Jennifer Hayward this is the life of Lilly De Campo, once a lonely overweight farm girl turned perfect trophy wife to the man of her dreams I-will-make-you-remember-my-every-burning-touch-Riccardo, she has it all until her perfect marriage falls apart and scandal hits to the point where she runs away from it all in order to survive.
But in Riccardo's books divorce is never an option and he will do whatever he needs to get his wife back into his bed and keep her there even if he needs to pry on her every weakness. Under the pretence of giving her the divorce she so badly craves he invites her to their own divorce party and puts his plan into action, and it all comes into play very nicely, only at the end of it all the questions, insecurities and anger of betrayal still remain and Lilly is ready to run yet again, the real question is will Riccardo let her go again or will he this time around be there when she needs him the most?
The character of Lilly was absolutely terrific, she has been knocked down yet she gets back up and calmly says "Life you hit like a girl and am not staying down". A real trooper and totally awesome worthy heroine, that I simply adored. I loved that the author worked into her personality the pressure that it takes to keep up the image of being the perfect trophy wife and ties that in with a problem so many woman today need to face up to, but sadly do not always survive.
The character of Riccardo was definitely the kind of hero every woman wants, he is strong, confident, sex on legs and ruthless in getting his way, now you can say you want someone far nicer but we all know deep down this is the kind of badboy we all crave to be with!
Him holding back so many emotions due to the pressure of his work and ties to his family and the duties he has to uphold made him even more attractive to me are reader, for that is the very reasoning behind his actions, and made him the kind of hero you just want to grab onto and solve all his faults. Yes, at some stage I did want to hit the man and yell "Catch a wake-up" but the deeper the author delved into his background the more clear it all became and I fell for this hero hook, line and sinker!
The backdrop settings were so perfectly incorporated by the author and described with perfection to the point where I actually thought I was at the glamorous parties. The dialogue was a very feisty one and full of passion. The confrontations between Riccardo and Lilly were all fire and ice and I was completely addicted to every word, I simply could not stop reading and wanted it to go on and on, yes it was that good!
The level of intensity used by the author for the scenes and words of confrontation and also the heat when passion hits was simply incredible and left me breathless , and when the truth revealing emotions where brought to life it left me in tears!
Not wanting to reveal it all and spoil the read I will only add that everything about this read was simply addictive, from the alcohol induced car race to get to bed to the fushia yoga pants coming off, the read had it all to keep me entertained at all times and begging for more.
I am taking away a message of the perfect image we try to uphold to the world when the pressure is on, is the one thing that can cause us to lose everything we have and you will be left with nothing, instead stand up, talk to those around you for when they love you they will understand and support you no matter the outcome of what the world thinks.
I highly recommend this read , it was a passionate, sexy, emotionally packed, sensual, romance at it's best read with a powerful message that will stay with me for as long as I live. I am 100% confident this read will go into the best sellers list within days of it's release! A little bonus for my fellow race-car drivers fans, this read has more than one and fast cars are not limited at all!
I am entranced by this author's work and will definitely be waiting with anticipation for the books on the next two De Campo brothers, Jennifer get to writing now please!
5/5 star
" Him racing to her rescue is all she ever wanted"
August 2, 2013
Reviewed by Nancy Crocker
It was very hard to believe that this is a debut novel by Jennifer. I can see why she was the winner of Harlequin's 2012 So You Think You Can Write competition.
Lilly De Campo did not walk away from her marriage to Riccardo because she stopped loving him, she walked away to save herself. Constantly being judged by high society and scandal was taking a toll on her, so she did the only thing she knew to do … Leave.
Riccardo De Campo admits he was wrong, but he never stopped loving his wife Lilly. And while he pretends to agree to a divorce, he really has a plan to get her back into his life … forever. He gets her to agree to live together for six months and having everyone think they are back together permanently is a start. But a De Campo does not divorce ever and he does not plan on being the first.
I loved both characters even though I struggled with what Riccardo had done to lose Lilly’s trust. I loved the banter between these two and the exchanges had me raising my eyebrows in a good way. And the passion was so amazing. It was learning to adapt and change for the better to keep the one you truly love. And it was learning to communicate better with each other.
Jennifer has an amazing talent and she kept this reader highly entertained. She made the story believable and never lost focus on the main story line. This was a wonderful page turner of a read. I can’t wait for the next book from this author and wish her nothing but continued success. I highly recommend this book.
5/5 star
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was very hard to believe that this is a debut novel by Jennifer. I can see why she was the winner of Harlequin's 2012 So You Think You Can Write competition.
Lilly De Campo did not walk away from her marriage to Riccardo because she stopped loving him, she walked away to save herself. Constantly being judged by high society and scandal was taking a toll on her, so she did the only thing she knew to do … Leave.
Riccardo De Campo admits he was wrong, but he never stopped loving his wife Lilly. And while he pretends to agree to a divorce, he really has a plan to get her back into his life … forever. He gets her to agree to live together for six months and having everyone think they are back together permanently is a start. But a De Campo does not divorce ever and he does not plan on being the first.
I loved both characters even though I struggled with what Riccardo had done to lose Lilly’s trust. I loved the banter between these two and the exchanges had me raising my eyebrows in a good way. And the passion was so amazing. It was learning to adapt and change for the better to keep the one you truly love. And it was learning to communicate better with each other.
Jennifer has an amazing talent and she kept this reader highly entertained. She made the story believable and never lost focus on the main story line. This was a wonderful page turner of a read. I can’t wait for the next book from this author and wish her nothing but continued success. I highly recommend this book.
5/5 star
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2014
This one missed the mark for me. I definitely did not like the fact that the heroine was with someone else while separated but still married to the hero. In a bit of a turn-around, the hero remained faithful to her. Other than asking the h is she was sure he was the father of her baby, the subject of her boyfriend was completely ignored.
August 29, 2013
Wow. Debut author JENNIFER HAYWARD proves why her submission was chosen as the winner of Harlequin’s 2012 So You Think You Can Write (SYTYCW) competition
Once I started reading THE DIVORCE PARTY, I simply could not put it down. Literally. I read this book in one day and was dying to read another by Ms Hayward.
Thank God she’s planning to write sequels about relatives of the hero and heroine
Ok. What has me so excited you ask? Everything.
***SPOILERS***
There’s the journey of two soul mates who weren’t brave enough the first time around to share all of their secrets.
The heroine, Lilly Anderson, has an eating disorder. She has reached a good place in life, where she knows what to do to avoid succumbing to this potentially fatal habit, but it can be a difficult road to travel at times.
Ricardo De Campo, meanwhile, is a former race car driver who walked away from a winning season, one where he was poised to take home the championship, to take over as CEO of his family’s business empire.
Ms Hayward brings Lilly and Ricardo to life through her deft touch with dialogue and description. You get insight into Lilly’s thoughts and motivations in one scene, then you’re given a glimpse into how Ricardo is handling things in another.
I love dual points of view. You get a much richer experience of a couple’s journey toward HEA. :)
Did I mention the sexual chemistry between these two? Smoking!
Ricardo is drool-worthy and his wife is hot too. While they share some passionate kisses early on, a level of trust and complete honesty on both their parts is required before they consummate their relationship. But boy oh boy, was it worth the wait
Looking for a great book that won’t take you forever to finish? Or perhaps that perfect gift for the Harlequin/Mills & Boon fan in your family?
Then THE DIVORCE PARTY is it.
Once I started reading THE DIVORCE PARTY, I simply could not put it down. Literally. I read this book in one day and was dying to read another by Ms Hayward.
Thank God she’s planning to write sequels about relatives of the hero and heroine
Ok. What has me so excited you ask? Everything.
***SPOILERS***
There’s the journey of two soul mates who weren’t brave enough the first time around to share all of their secrets.
The heroine, Lilly Anderson, has an eating disorder. She has reached a good place in life, where she knows what to do to avoid succumbing to this potentially fatal habit, but it can be a difficult road to travel at times.
Ricardo De Campo, meanwhile, is a former race car driver who walked away from a winning season, one where he was poised to take home the championship, to take over as CEO of his family’s business empire.
Ms Hayward brings Lilly and Ricardo to life through her deft touch with dialogue and description. You get insight into Lilly’s thoughts and motivations in one scene, then you’re given a glimpse into how Ricardo is handling things in another.
I love dual points of view. You get a much richer experience of a couple’s journey toward HEA. :)
Did I mention the sexual chemistry between these two? Smoking!
Ricardo is drool-worthy and his wife is hot too. While they share some passionate kisses early on, a level of trust and complete honesty on both their parts is required before they consummate their relationship. But boy oh boy, was it worth the wait
Looking for a great book that won’t take you forever to finish? Or perhaps that perfect gift for the Harlequin/Mills & Boon fan in your family?
Then THE DIVORCE PARTY is it.
March 20, 2014
4.5 stars When I read the first chapter of this book as part of the SYTYCW2012 competition, I knew straight away it was a winner. It had everything. When I read the entire book I was thrilled that it met my expectations. The minor changes made between competition and publication were well done and polished it off nicely.
We start at a glittering event in New York City (tick glamour) with Lilly attending her divorce party. Riccardo (tick hot hero) has said if she wants her divorce, she has to come and get it. Only it's not as simple as that she finds when face to face with Riccardo.
Their love match crashed and burned a year ago under the pressures of Riccardo's work, taking over the massive international company that is the De Campo heritage and Lilly's personal insecurities.
Now Riccardo has a deal for her and it means too much one on one time with her soon to be ex-husband. But if she wants the divorce, and the settlement that will be a lifesaver for her family, she has to play along.
The story itself is classic high stakes romance with Lilly and Riccardo circling warily around, still suffering the hurts of their failed marriage. Thrown together, they start to learn a whole lot more about each other and about what went on in the past. Things were not always what they seemed.
I absolutely loved Riccardo but at times I found Lilly's secrecy and insecurities a little frustrating which is why I couldn't quite give it the full five stars. I'm looking forward to the next in the De Campo series.
*Spoilers regarding cheating*
spoiler:
We start at a glittering event in New York City (tick glamour) with Lilly attending her divorce party. Riccardo (tick hot hero) has said if she wants her divorce, she has to come and get it. Only it's not as simple as that she finds when face to face with Riccardo.
Their love match crashed and burned a year ago under the pressures of Riccardo's work, taking over the massive international company that is the De Campo heritage and Lilly's personal insecurities.
Now Riccardo has a deal for her and it means too much one on one time with her soon to be ex-husband. But if she wants the divorce, and the settlement that will be a lifesaver for her family, she has to play along.
The story itself is classic high stakes romance with Lilly and Riccardo circling warily around, still suffering the hurts of their failed marriage. Thrown together, they start to learn a whole lot more about each other and about what went on in the past. Things were not always what they seemed.
I absolutely loved Riccardo but at times I found Lilly's secrecy and insecurities a little frustrating which is why I couldn't quite give it the full five stars. I'm looking forward to the next in the De Campo series.
*Spoilers regarding cheating*
spoiler:
April 22, 2019
I have been curious about this book for some time now. The mixed reviews didn’t help and only made me curiouser. Having read it, I think it was a good story, well written but floundered somewhat because of the h’s characterization especially as you lose patience with her towards the end.
While his cheating issue is cleared up and turns he dint go beyond kissing, her supposed reactive infidelity is never mentioned/addressed properly, just alluded to. So one can read whatever into it, whether she slept with the good doctor or not. But she went down in my eyes especially for her cop-out reactions.
Her overreacting and running off (again) was the pits. I didn't quite understand why she reacted that way. Apparently they make a pact to get back together temporarily as he needed a solid married background for his CEOship as asked by his father and she needed money for her sister’s leukemia treatment (which she doesn’t share with him). Now towards the end, her father in law reveals that his being married or not was never an issue for his becoming the CEO and the H probably just wanted her back. So instead of being happy and flattered she reacts as if she has being mortally betrayed. She is pregnant at this point and in love with him and was about to confess her love to him but instead she takes off! I just didn't get the logic of it.
The poor guy was doing all he could and more to save their relationship and marriage with zero input from her imo. I quite liked the story till that point, but just gave up on her non-issues and i-am-silently-screaming-for-attention,,even if the poor H did not.
While his cheating issue is cleared up and turns he dint go beyond kissing, her supposed reactive infidelity is never mentioned/addressed properly, just alluded to. So one can read whatever into it, whether she slept with the good doctor or not. But she went down in my eyes especially for her cop-out reactions.
Her overreacting and running off (again) was the pits. I didn't quite understand why she reacted that way. Apparently they make a pact to get back together temporarily as he needed a solid married background for his CEOship as asked by his father and she needed money for her sister’s leukemia treatment (which she doesn’t share with him). Now towards the end, her father in law reveals that his being married or not was never an issue for his becoming the CEO and the H probably just wanted her back. So instead of being happy and flattered she reacts as if she has being mortally betrayed. She is pregnant at this point and in love with him and was about to confess her love to him but instead she takes off! I just didn't get the logic of it.
The poor guy was doing all he could and more to save their relationship and marriage with zero input from her imo. I quite liked the story till that point, but just gave up on her non-issues and i-am-silently-screaming-for-attention,,even if the poor H did not.
July 23, 2013
Hayward's first outing is an absolute must-read where she takes a much-loved yet often-used trope and twists it brilliantly with unique characters and a 'Divorce Party' opening that knocks your socks off!
Punchy writing and awesome dialogue brings the characters alive until they leap from the page and then Lilly and Riccardo take you on an emotional roller coaster with such intense highs and lows, one moment you laugh out loud and in the next, your throat is thick and your heart aches for them. Even her secondaries are multi-dimensional as she creates the De Campo empire you'd love to be a part of. I guarantee you'll be rooting for the wonderfully feisty, yet vulnerable Lilly and fall in love with the delectable Riccardo, with his suave arrogance and sexy dominant streak. This guy certainly gives, 'The Divorce Party' a hot sizzle that made me instantly melt!
The cherry on the cake has to be Hayward's awesome story-telling ability that will leave you craving the next De Campo with baited breath. So I say, bring on the delicious Gabe. I'm oh-so-ready for him!
Punchy writing and awesome dialogue brings the characters alive until they leap from the page and then Lilly and Riccardo take you on an emotional roller coaster with such intense highs and lows, one moment you laugh out loud and in the next, your throat is thick and your heart aches for them. Even her secondaries are multi-dimensional as she creates the De Campo empire you'd love to be a part of. I guarantee you'll be rooting for the wonderfully feisty, yet vulnerable Lilly and fall in love with the delectable Riccardo, with his suave arrogance and sexy dominant streak. This guy certainly gives, 'The Divorce Party' a hot sizzle that made me instantly melt!
The cherry on the cake has to be Hayward's awesome story-telling ability that will leave you craving the next De Campo with baited breath. So I say, bring on the delicious Gabe. I'm oh-so-ready for him!
July 29, 2013
Great Debut for a new author!
The descriptions in regards to the couples feelings & stresses was great! I felt the stress & anguish over the lack of communication this couple had, causing a separation leading to a divorce party.
I wished there was more to the story. More could have been embellished. I think I expected more because I felt the stress so much, I wished the storyline was thicker & explained a whole lot more. It ended too soon for me, although, there was an epilogue that sorted somethings out. It was a fast read, and I liked that! It's a great beach read, or a good wait in the pick up line at school read…
DO NOT get me wrong… I liked it, I just wish there was more… AND I would read more from this author!
The descriptions in regards to the couples feelings & stresses was great! I felt the stress & anguish over the lack of communication this couple had, causing a separation leading to a divorce party.
I wished there was more to the story. More could have been embellished. I think I expected more because I felt the stress so much, I wished the storyline was thicker & explained a whole lot more. It ended too soon for me, although, there was an epilogue that sorted somethings out. It was a fast read, and I liked that! It's a great beach read, or a good wait in the pick up line at school read…
DO NOT get me wrong… I liked it, I just wish there was more… AND I would read more from this author!
December 18, 2015
So much drama llama! I loved it :D
3.5*
3.5*
September 17, 2013
There seems to be a theme going on right now of the billionaire and their estranged-not-quite-divorced wife and it's just the type of read I needed and was looking for. It has the perfect formula of uber-alpha male, bossy and possessive—Riccardo and a woman who is trying to find herself—Lilly, who used to be a small town girl thrown into the limelight of the rich and famous. I liked that Lilly had seemed to gain some backbone in the year that she was separated from her husband. She wanted a divorce and Riccardo was finally willing to give her one...or so she thought. He tricked her into another 6-months of pretend marriage so he could receive the backing of his father as CEO of their company. Lilly agreed because she needed money for unselfish reasons. The problems in their marriage could probably have been resolved by simple communication. But what would be the angst in that? I was surprised to hear about Lilly's problems and that kind of had me sympathize with why she left her marriage in the first place. Toward the last quarter of the book, we see the couple trying to make their marriage work. Riccardo becoming less bossy, and Lilly slowly trusting that she and Riccardo have a chance with their marriage. However, something happens that shatters her trust in Riccardo again, however he does prove in a big way at the end, that she is his priority.
The author's writing style was good and she managed to infuse a formulaic theme with a new spin that engages the reader.
*This copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review
The author's writing style was good and she managed to infuse a formulaic theme with a new spin that engages the reader.
*This copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review
September 21, 2013
I read this cuase it was recommended on one of the amazon threads as being a decent read but it's not my cup of tea. The h no way endeared herself to me, I just found her a complete hypocrite.
She left the H becuase she couldn't handle it, and hey the thought of the H with another woman devastated her but she was happy to hook up with someone else while seperated. Not divorced..seperated.
It just left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn't a fan of the H and while he was a cheater, by intent if not deed, at least he kept it in his pants while seperated.
She left the H becuase she couldn't handle it, and hey the thought of the H with another woman devastated her but she was happy to hook up with someone else while seperated. Not divorced..seperated.
It just left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn't a fan of the H and while he was a cheater, by intent if not deed, at least he kept it in his pants while seperated.
December 27, 2013
Heroine cheats with other man while married. I admit I did not even read it because it is a deal breaker. If this book was not a part of my HP subscription I would never have bought it.
Epic fail harlequin. I don't read your line for reality. And the title of this book had me thinking it was chick lit...which I don't read.
Sadly tossing the Divorce Party in the trash. A heroine who cheats while married is a not what I seek out in HPs.
Epic fail harlequin. I don't read your line for reality. And the title of this book had me thinking it was chick lit...which I don't read.
Sadly tossing the Divorce Party in the trash. A heroine who cheats while married is a not what I seek out in HPs.
September 3, 2016
Like the subtitle suggests (The Delicious De Campos), tales like these are all too delicious. It’s fun to focus on two passionate people sometimes. A divorce party sounds pretty tempting—a big ole send off to a marriage that never quite worked. What could go wrong? How about if the errant spouse shows up and argues for just a little more time?
There were some passages that were just irresistible like Lilly getting decked out for her divorce party.
"Lily did her best to ignore all the rail-thin women being dressed around her. But it was hard to because that was her ideal. That was what she thought she should look like."
She feels dizzy, her chest is so tight it’s “hard to breathe,” and her palms are sweaty and clammy. Clearly Lilly is not happy.
And after a party where her not-quite-ex persuasively convinces her to hang in there just a little longer, and whisks her off to Barbados for the weekend, the “worst” happens, seven weeks later.
"Seven weeks during which she’d been telling herself she could walk out when their deal was done. Then she’d walked into her doctor’s office this morning to confirm what she’d been desperate to deny. She was pregnant. Exactly seven weeks pregnant. With her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s baby. If she’d consciously set out to create a bigger disaster, she couldn’t have done so."
Now this isn’t our first rodeo: we know a baby on the way isn’t a big disaster. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fabulous ride, seeing how Riccardo convinces Lilly that they really are meant to be.
There were some passages that were just irresistible like Lilly getting decked out for her divorce party.
"Lily did her best to ignore all the rail-thin women being dressed around her. But it was hard to because that was her ideal. That was what she thought she should look like."
She feels dizzy, her chest is so tight it’s “hard to breathe,” and her palms are sweaty and clammy. Clearly Lilly is not happy.
And after a party where her not-quite-ex persuasively convinces her to hang in there just a little longer, and whisks her off to Barbados for the weekend, the “worst” happens, seven weeks later.
"Seven weeks during which she’d been telling herself she could walk out when their deal was done. Then she’d walked into her doctor’s office this morning to confirm what she’d been desperate to deny. She was pregnant. Exactly seven weeks pregnant. With her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s baby. If she’d consciously set out to create a bigger disaster, she couldn’t have done so."
Now this isn’t our first rodeo: we know a baby on the way isn’t a big disaster. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fabulous ride, seeing how Riccardo convinces Lilly that they really are meant to be.
August 28, 2013
THE DIVORCE PARTY's storyline and writing wasn't bad and I'm a complete sucker for the over-the-top Harlequin Presents plots that I can fit into a quick evening read. Unfortunately though, I found it incredibly hard to like Lilly and Riccardo, these are two of the most selfish characters that I've ever read. I guess in that aspect they are perfect for each other.
The idea of THE DIVORCE PARTY had a lot of merit--I could see this being a good twist of a theme that has been tackled before--and I usually like the uber-Alpha heroes and the heroines that struggle to find independence and not be totally overtaken by these guys. BUT on that note, it was Lilly and Riccardo's selfishness that I couldn't connect with. Each of them were so wrapped up in themselves and their own problems it's no wonder their marriage was failing. Both Lilly and Riccardo expected the other to read their mind, I found myself rolling my eyes at their misunderstandings instead of feeling sympathy for one or the other.
Because I was so miffed at their character flaws, I found it difficult to focus on the other aspects of the story. Such as, how they were going to recreate their marriage, forgive each other, and find their HEA. I know they found it at the end of the story, but I felt kind of meh about it all.
The idea of THE DIVORCE PARTY had a lot of merit--I could see this being a good twist of a theme that has been tackled before--and I usually like the uber-Alpha heroes and the heroines that struggle to find independence and not be totally overtaken by these guys. BUT on that note, it was Lilly and Riccardo's selfishness that I couldn't connect with. Each of them were so wrapped up in themselves and their own problems it's no wonder their marriage was failing. Both Lilly and Riccardo expected the other to read their mind, I found myself rolling my eyes at their misunderstandings instead of feeling sympathy for one or the other.
Because I was so miffed at their character flaws, I found it difficult to focus on the other aspects of the story. Such as, how they were going to recreate their marriage, forgive each other, and find their HEA. I know they found it at the end of the story, but I felt kind of meh about it all.
July 14, 2013
I was desperate to read this book because it sounded so good, and it didn't disappoint! Seems like the relationship had misconceptions on both sides and the book basically detailed straightening them out. Marriage has its ups and downs for everyone, and this book clearly states that. I love these small harlequin books, and the only reason I didn't give it a five star was because the book does go back and forth quite a bit, plus the whole miss a pill and get pregnant.
July 9, 2013
A BRILLIANT DEBUT Jennifer Hayward!!! Cannot wait to read more from you AND more of the TOTALLY YUMMY De Campo brothers!!!
September 13, 2021
Wow! I can't believe that this was a debut book. It's so polished and beautifully written. I was hooked from page one up to the last. I couldn't put the book down that I read in just one sitting. I won't go onto so many details about the plot because some of the great reviews here in GR already summed it nicely. And I will try my best to keep the spoilers to a minimum.
As the blurb said, Lily was on her way to the lavish divorce party with one goal in mind - to leave as quickly as possible minus a husband. But her sexy, gorgeous as sin husband has other plans. He has no plans of divorcing her. What he intended to do was to get her back into his life. And he will do whatever it takes to get her to agree. Lilly needed money for her youngest sister's treatment. Seeing no choice, she decided to play a happy, reunited couple with Riccardo for six months. And as the days went by, Lilly knew that it was a mistake because they were still haunted by problems and secrets that tear their marriage apart. But the more they spend time together, the harder it became to deny how much they still want each other. Would they be able to walk away from each other again? Or will they find what they have worth fighting for and make it last?
I LOVED IT! Lilly was such a strong heroine. She's the type of heroine that irritates me, and at the same time, I adored. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop acting like a whiny child and focus on her sexy husband so that she could see how much Riccardo loved her. And then there were times I wanted to congratulate her for standing up to Riccardo and for how she fought her eating disorder. I enjoyed Lilly's character, mostly because of her flaws. She also had a deep internal drive that allowed her to pick herself up and start over again.
What can I say about Riccardo De Campo? Well, he was one hot, sexy beast! He's your typical harlequin hero - wealthy, hot as sin, gorgeous, ruthless, possessive, protective, and more. His method of getting her wife back was expected, but I enjoyed it. It only shows how much he loves her and will do anything to get her back. And when I realized the reasons behind his actions, it only made him the kind of hero that every woman wants - me included! I loved his adoration of Lily. And adore her, he does. I love nothing more than seeing the so-called playboy/bad boy fall hard in love.
The romance was so great. The arguments, the dialogues between them well full of passion. The writing was fabulous! I can't stress that enough... I loved the confrontation between Lilly and Riccardo. And it was so lovely to see them talking about their problems and telling each other's secrets. And because of that, they learned more about each other, and we get to see them open up more to each other and grow closer. It was quite beautiful. Plus, the chemistry between these two characters was absolutely off the charts! The sexual tension was driving me insane.
I can't get enough of this book! The only reason I didn't give this a five-star was the fact that Riccardo cheated on Lilly. Kissing other women while you're in a committed relationship is still considered cheating. They were not even separated the time he kissed the other woman. I could overlook it if that happened after she left him. But I'm glad he groveled. And boy, I enjoyed it. I loved Riccardo's grand gesture that proves how much he loves Lilly and that there's nothing more important to him than Lilly.
Overall, The Divorce Party was a passionate, sexy, emotional and delightful read. Ms. Hayward can coax you into her world while you fall madly in love with her characters. And I finished the epilogue with a big, fat smile on my face. It's a must-read! I can't wait to see what else comes out of this trilogy because I will check it out for sure.
As the blurb said, Lily was on her way to the lavish divorce party with one goal in mind - to leave as quickly as possible minus a husband. But her sexy, gorgeous as sin husband has other plans. He has no plans of divorcing her. What he intended to do was to get her back into his life. And he will do whatever it takes to get her to agree. Lilly needed money for her youngest sister's treatment. Seeing no choice, she decided to play a happy, reunited couple with Riccardo for six months. And as the days went by, Lilly knew that it was a mistake because they were still haunted by problems and secrets that tear their marriage apart. But the more they spend time together, the harder it became to deny how much they still want each other. Would they be able to walk away from each other again? Or will they find what they have worth fighting for and make it last?
I LOVED IT! Lilly was such a strong heroine. She's the type of heroine that irritates me, and at the same time, I adored. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop acting like a whiny child and focus on her sexy husband so that she could see how much Riccardo loved her. And then there were times I wanted to congratulate her for standing up to Riccardo and for how she fought her eating disorder. I enjoyed Lilly's character, mostly because of her flaws. She also had a deep internal drive that allowed her to pick herself up and start over again.
What can I say about Riccardo De Campo? Well, he was one hot, sexy beast! He's your typical harlequin hero - wealthy, hot as sin, gorgeous, ruthless, possessive, protective, and more. His method of getting her wife back was expected, but I enjoyed it. It only shows how much he loves her and will do anything to get her back. And when I realized the reasons behind his actions, it only made him the kind of hero that every woman wants - me included! I loved his adoration of Lily. And adore her, he does. I love nothing more than seeing the so-called playboy/bad boy fall hard in love.
The romance was so great. The arguments, the dialogues between them well full of passion. The writing was fabulous! I can't stress that enough... I loved the confrontation between Lilly and Riccardo. And it was so lovely to see them talking about their problems and telling each other's secrets. And because of that, they learned more about each other, and we get to see them open up more to each other and grow closer. It was quite beautiful. Plus, the chemistry between these two characters was absolutely off the charts! The sexual tension was driving me insane.
I can't get enough of this book! The only reason I didn't give this a five-star was the fact that Riccardo cheated on Lilly. Kissing other women while you're in a committed relationship is still considered cheating. They were not even separated the time he kissed the other woman. I could overlook it if that happened after she left him. But I'm glad he groveled. And boy, I enjoyed it. I loved Riccardo's grand gesture that proves how much he loves Lilly and that there's nothing more important to him than Lilly.
Overall, The Divorce Party was a passionate, sexy, emotional and delightful read. Ms. Hayward can coax you into her world while you fall madly in love with her characters. And I finished the epilogue with a big, fat smile on my face. It's a must-read! I can't wait to see what else comes out of this trilogy because I will check it out for sure.
April 11, 2015
I'm literally choking at the incredible and beautiful, sensational and most amazingly intense and emotional story I have read in a long time! I'm so swept up in the story of Lilly and Riccardo that I was crying on the inside. I absolutely loved the intensiveness, the emotional upheaval both experienced and I loved the passion they both had for each other as they both fought for their marriage in their own way.
A truly unique beginning to the story - Lilly arriving at her own divorce party with her beautiful twin sister Alex. And from the second we met Riccardo I knew it was all on! Washing to be folded be damned! Beautiful sunny day out side to be forgotten, The Divorce Party was number one priority in my day.
Lilly left Riccardo a year ago. Packed her suitcase and ran. She felt her marriage was destroying her and the only way to save herself was to leave. After a year of demanding a divorce which Riccardo would not entertain, both refusing to talk, when she received a summons to attend their Divorce party she knew she had to go... the promise of attending was going to be rewarded with the divorce she so dearly wished for. Once in front of her god of a husband, she realised her mistake, feelings don't disappear. He also was not done with their marriage and asks Lilly for 6 more months, to live as husband and wife so he can finally secure the CEO position of his family company that he has spent the last three years working himself to the bone for She tells him he can stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Conceding defeat Riccardo promises the house as well as the divorce papers. Lilly battles with her inner turmoil, she needs the house, very very badly, it will help with a desperate family issue. Yes she answers.
Ex racecar driver Riccardo, now almost in charge of a multi million dollar company seizes his chance to find out why Lilly left and to fix broken bridges, but if things were that easy we wouldn't be reading a whole book about it would we? Every delicious word and every soul searching page was finely tuned into a tangle of love, misunderstandings, heartbreak and souls laid bare and I loved every second of it. I think I'd reached the end of chapter two when I knew that if the story kept rolling on the roller coaster ride I was on, The Divorce Party was undoubtly going to get 6 stars from me! Even when I reached the middle of the story and the feelings laid bare which usually happens in the last chapter, I thought what on earth could still happen for 50% more of the story? It turns out ALOT!
I'm also well and truly kicking myself because I was going thru my kindle looking for something to read and found this. Having read stories by Jennifer Hayward before and LOVING them, I'm wondering how on earth did this beauty of a book escape me for two years? The De Campo's are magnificently written brothers but I haven't read Matty's story and am going to download now. Jennifer Hayward deserved the win and in a selfish way I'm glad two years have passed since I've had The Divorce Party because it now means I can devour all her books she has since written and I haven't read yet.
If you're a fan of second chance stories and love angst and emotion and Hero's that fight for what they want till the bitter end - do not walk past this! I loved it so much I'm still a lil choked up. Why? Because I think every single one of us wants to be loved as much as Riccardo loves Lilly
A truly unique beginning to the story - Lilly arriving at her own divorce party with her beautiful twin sister Alex. And from the second we met Riccardo I knew it was all on! Washing to be folded be damned! Beautiful sunny day out side to be forgotten, The Divorce Party was number one priority in my day.
Lilly left Riccardo a year ago. Packed her suitcase and ran. She felt her marriage was destroying her and the only way to save herself was to leave. After a year of demanding a divorce which Riccardo would not entertain, both refusing to talk, when she received a summons to attend their Divorce party she knew she had to go... the promise of attending was going to be rewarded with the divorce she so dearly wished for. Once in front of her god of a husband, she realised her mistake, feelings don't disappear. He also was not done with their marriage and asks Lilly for 6 more months, to live as husband and wife so he can finally secure the CEO position of his family company that he has spent the last three years working himself to the bone for She tells him he can stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Conceding defeat Riccardo promises the house as well as the divorce papers. Lilly battles with her inner turmoil, she needs the house, very very badly, it will help with a desperate family issue. Yes she answers.
Ex racecar driver Riccardo, now almost in charge of a multi million dollar company seizes his chance to find out why Lilly left and to fix broken bridges, but if things were that easy we wouldn't be reading a whole book about it would we? Every delicious word and every soul searching page was finely tuned into a tangle of love, misunderstandings, heartbreak and souls laid bare and I loved every second of it. I think I'd reached the end of chapter two when I knew that if the story kept rolling on the roller coaster ride I was on, The Divorce Party was undoubtly going to get 6 stars from me! Even when I reached the middle of the story and the feelings laid bare which usually happens in the last chapter, I thought what on earth could still happen for 50% more of the story? It turns out ALOT!
I'm also well and truly kicking myself because I was going thru my kindle looking for something to read and found this. Having read stories by Jennifer Hayward before and LOVING them, I'm wondering how on earth did this beauty of a book escape me for two years? The De Campo's are magnificently written brothers but I haven't read Matty's story and am going to download now. Jennifer Hayward deserved the win and in a selfish way I'm glad two years have passed since I've had The Divorce Party because it now means I can devour all her books she has since written and I haven't read yet.
If you're a fan of second chance stories and love angst and emotion and Hero's that fight for what they want till the bitter end - do not walk past this! I loved it so much I'm still a lil choked up. Why? Because I think every single one of us wants to be loved as much as Riccardo loves Lilly
September 17, 2013
The author won a competion and her prize was a publishing deal. This is her debut novel. It has all the elements of a predictable mills and boon story.
Lilly left her handsome husband Riccardo De Campo a year ago after two years of marriage. Lilly has not made herself available to Riccardo to discuss their marriage so he arranges a 'Divorce Party' where he says he will sign the divorce papers. However, Riccardo has other plans and doesn't want to give up on his marriage. He asks Lilly to stay married to him for another six months so his father will be pleased and offer him the position of CEO in the family business.
The author is obviously a fan of many an established M&B author as there are many repeated plot lines within this book that I have read time and again in a M&B story. However, reconciliation is one of my favourite type of M&B stories but this one lacked something which was emotion. We get both Lilly and Riccardo's POV's but it would probably have worked better without Riccardo's POV as we find out too early how he feels about Lilly. The reason for their split may not sit well with some readers. I found myself thinking the blame became solely on Lilly's shoulders when it most definitely should have been on Riccardo's.
Lilly has kept a secret from her husband throughout their marriage. This was most definitely an original plot line from the author and well done to her for highlighting this issue.
All in all, this was a good read. A 'typical' mills and boon plot and the author definitely has potential. I would just have liked to feel a bit more emotion when reading and I wasn't very happy with Riccardo getting off scot free in my opinion!
ARC provided by Netgalley
Lilly left her handsome husband Riccardo De Campo a year ago after two years of marriage. Lilly has not made herself available to Riccardo to discuss their marriage so he arranges a 'Divorce Party' where he says he will sign the divorce papers. However, Riccardo has other plans and doesn't want to give up on his marriage. He asks Lilly to stay married to him for another six months so his father will be pleased and offer him the position of CEO in the family business.
The author is obviously a fan of many an established M&B author as there are many repeated plot lines within this book that I have read time and again in a M&B story. However, reconciliation is one of my favourite type of M&B stories but this one lacked something which was emotion. We get both Lilly and Riccardo's POV's but it would probably have worked better without Riccardo's POV as we find out too early how he feels about Lilly. The reason for their split may not sit well with some readers. I found myself thinking the blame became solely on Lilly's shoulders when it most definitely should have been on Riccardo's.
Lilly has kept a secret from her husband throughout their marriage. This was most definitely an original plot line from the author and well done to her for highlighting this issue.
All in all, this was a good read. A 'typical' mills and boon plot and the author definitely has potential. I would just have liked to feel a bit more emotion when reading and I wasn't very happy with Riccardo getting off scot free in my opinion!
ARC provided by Netgalley
January 2, 2014
When Harlequin Presents are good they can be spectacular. After reading a rather mediocre group of HPs in the last month or so it was refreshing to read this debut Presents by Jennifer Hayward. I can't wait to read the other brothers' stories, and perhaps Lisbeth's as well? Unless she ends up with Matteo? Don't know, don't really care who she ends up with, I just want her story, too.
Kudos Jennifer Hayward - this one is a keeper, and it's been many years since I've put a HP on the keeper shelf. What a way to start the new year!!!
Kudos Jennifer Hayward - this one is a keeper, and it's been many years since I've put a HP on the keeper shelf. What a way to start the new year!!!
June 21, 2015
This story is about second chances. Lilly and Antonio are heading for divorce. Antonio insists on a divorce party, then he will give Lilly the divorce she wants. Antonio doesn't want a divorce so he makes up a story that his father says they must reconcile in order for Richardo to take over the De Campo business.
Lilly is highly insecure in a world that demands perfection. Believing her husband demands the same perfection.
A recurring theme in this book is that both parties are hiding a lot. And once they finally start communicating honestly things start to improve.
Lilly is highly insecure in a world that demands perfection. Believing her husband demands the same perfection.
A recurring theme in this book is that both parties are hiding a lot. And once they finally start communicating honestly things start to improve.
July 7, 2015
i like this book. i like the character, i like the heroine and the author did a very GREAT JOB at building the problem based on what's a wife's wants in a husband, what she need, what a husband should paid attention to his own wife and not only took evrything for granted. it's not disgusting, and dont judge solely by several reviews that saying this book is bad bcoz the so called heroine is "cheating". well, bad news for ya readers, i dont find her cheating first, her husband did it first, with 100% intention, while their marriage gone down the hills. while the wife took her new relationship AFTER SHE WALK AWAY n AFTER SHE FOUND OUT THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG W/HIS HUSBAND W/THE RUMOUR OW, HER HUSBAND WANTS TO BEDDED OTHER GIRL WHILE HE & HIS WIFE STILL TOGETHER.
i dont support infedelity, girl or man. but i support an equality. you kiss another girl while we married, well boy, i can kissed other man too, but i still have moral, so i kissed my man AFTER I WALKOUT from you! that was the heroine did in this book. so, im confused as why some of the reviewers saying they hate the heroine. No, the heroine isnt selfish, or egoist. yes, she has mental problem and insecurity being in the glittering high class world that she must followed for her to become equal and not shamed her husband. dont judge 1 sided, did all of you read the book carefully? the husband was NOT paying attention at all to his wife. yes. he loves her. soo freaking much. but he didnt showed his love in the form of being a supporting husband. HE work hours of hours coz he has his own ambition to become the CEO of his father company, he even goes home only once in a month, coz he needs to travel. he only remembering his wife while he need her for sex, or when he needs her to acompany him to some social event. after that, he didnt pay any shit attention nor do he catch something was going wrong w/his own wife's mentality. HE even didn noticed that her wife's figured become thinner and thiner, he missed out seeing that his wife was anorexia bcoz she was suffering some mentality problem from her childhood, and the press was put a damn pressured to her for being perfect in appearance. and what did the husband did? he only said "dont read the gossip","if you felt fat, go to the gym". his wife basically did evrything she could to b his perfect partner, while along the way, he missed her struggling and only pay attention to his own problem. until her wife push him away, not comunicating again w/him, coz his wife think, the heck i should talk to you?after all, you didnt even put your attention to my talking all this time. so, she shut him out. and HE, ofc, playing innocent, coz that's what's man do. right? so, felt like he doesnt have any sins to his wife,he start to felt annoyed by the way his wife acted, he didnt knw why his wife shut him out,didnt knw why she speak less and less, he didnt even realize that he did that to his wife, hello to only home in a month-particular moment??
and funnily, and i guess most of you missed this out, the husband then stressed of what's bcome no longer the marriage he used to felt "normal", he felt like he was in hell, coz his wife no longer pay attention to him, so, in the name of "IM A MAN, AND YOU WOMAN SHOULD GIVE ME AFFECTION OR I CAN FIND AFFECTION IN OTHER GIRL-TAKE THAT WOMEN", he then called one of his ex to hv dinner and then he HAVE THE INTENTION TO SLEPT WITH HIS EX! But he didnt do it, coz after 1 TOUNGE KISSED in HIS EX's apartmen room, HE FELT HE DIDNT WANT THIS GIRL, HE WANT HIS WIFE!, sorry to said, but his wife already catch the smell of his "affair" even though it was from the wrong source, so she, ladies and gentlemen and readers, SHE WALK OUT!
and mind you, the WIFE DIDNT HAVE A RELATIONSHIP W/NEW MAN RIGHT AFTER SHE WALKOUT FROM HIS HUSBAND! OR WHEN SHE WAS STILL LIVING TOGETHER WITH HER HUSBAND. NO, SHE DIDNT! after he left him, she busy most of her time in work, and help many people who need her skill. until she met a famous doctor and having a relationship w/him. YES, THIS new man isnt as HOT BLOODED AND HYPER SEX AS HIS HUSBAND,or beaming a laser eyes that said "come one, i'll sexed you up!", yes, he was paled compared to his husband in that passion. BUT, this new man offered her a safe, steady, stable relationship that she craved!and she find him sweet! what's boring from that?? i dont think many of us in reality would drove away this kind of "boring" guy for a rock star who only offer the hotblooded "sex" passion. so why cant the heroine??
and no, she's not a slut! nor a cheater! she walkout from him with fully intention to divorced her husband, coz in her view, it's only her that try to work their marriage and put an effort to it, while her husband didnt. and that was proved by her still being loyal to him, while the husband want to bedded n tounge kissed his ex's the minutes he felt his marriage is having problem, coz he wants to proved that he doest need or love his wife that much, so, to solved his own marriage problem, instead of try to shake and drag his wife to talk to him, he gone to plan to hv sex w/his ex. was that honorable? no! was that disgusting? yes!!
again, i like the story, and as what's mentioned in the book, If it's the guy that have an affair, it was a jerky moment, but it's kinda "ok, acceptable, we get it, man has NEED otherwise if he didnt get his need, he'll died.so, let's said he is a jerk but let's forget"., but if it was the heroine that walkout and having other man, it's disgusting.
??? freaking, yeahh...right..!! coz GOD forbid girl to have her own NEED! *rolling eyes
i dont support infedelity, girl or man. but i support an equality. you kiss another girl while we married, well boy, i can kissed other man too, but i still have moral, so i kissed my man AFTER I WALKOUT from you! that was the heroine did in this book. so, im confused as why some of the reviewers saying they hate the heroine. No, the heroine isnt selfish, or egoist. yes, she has mental problem and insecurity being in the glittering high class world that she must followed for her to become equal and not shamed her husband. dont judge 1 sided, did all of you read the book carefully? the husband was NOT paying attention at all to his wife. yes. he loves her. soo freaking much. but he didnt showed his love in the form of being a supporting husband. HE work hours of hours coz he has his own ambition to become the CEO of his father company, he even goes home only once in a month, coz he needs to travel. he only remembering his wife while he need her for sex, or when he needs her to acompany him to some social event. after that, he didnt pay any shit attention nor do he catch something was going wrong w/his own wife's mentality. HE even didn noticed that her wife's figured become thinner and thiner, he missed out seeing that his wife was anorexia bcoz she was suffering some mentality problem from her childhood, and the press was put a damn pressured to her for being perfect in appearance. and what did the husband did? he only said "dont read the gossip","if you felt fat, go to the gym". his wife basically did evrything she could to b his perfect partner, while along the way, he missed her struggling and only pay attention to his own problem. until her wife push him away, not comunicating again w/him, coz his wife think, the heck i should talk to you?after all, you didnt even put your attention to my talking all this time. so, she shut him out. and HE, ofc, playing innocent, coz that's what's man do. right? so, felt like he doesnt have any sins to his wife,he start to felt annoyed by the way his wife acted, he didnt knw why his wife shut him out,didnt knw why she speak less and less, he didnt even realize that he did that to his wife, hello to only home in a month-particular moment??
and funnily, and i guess most of you missed this out, the husband then stressed of what's bcome no longer the marriage he used to felt "normal", he felt like he was in hell, coz his wife no longer pay attention to him, so, in the name of "IM A MAN, AND YOU WOMAN SHOULD GIVE ME AFFECTION OR I CAN FIND AFFECTION IN OTHER GIRL-TAKE THAT WOMEN", he then called one of his ex to hv dinner and then he HAVE THE INTENTION TO SLEPT WITH HIS EX! But he didnt do it, coz after 1 TOUNGE KISSED in HIS EX's apartmen room, HE FELT HE DIDNT WANT THIS GIRL, HE WANT HIS WIFE!, sorry to said, but his wife already catch the smell of his "affair" even though it was from the wrong source, so she, ladies and gentlemen and readers, SHE WALK OUT!
and mind you, the WIFE DIDNT HAVE A RELATIONSHIP W/NEW MAN RIGHT AFTER SHE WALKOUT FROM HIS HUSBAND! OR WHEN SHE WAS STILL LIVING TOGETHER WITH HER HUSBAND. NO, SHE DIDNT! after he left him, she busy most of her time in work, and help many people who need her skill. until she met a famous doctor and having a relationship w/him. YES, THIS new man isnt as HOT BLOODED AND HYPER SEX AS HIS HUSBAND,or beaming a laser eyes that said "come one, i'll sexed you up!", yes, he was paled compared to his husband in that passion. BUT, this new man offered her a safe, steady, stable relationship that she craved!and she find him sweet! what's boring from that?? i dont think many of us in reality would drove away this kind of "boring" guy for a rock star who only offer the hotblooded "sex" passion. so why cant the heroine??
and no, she's not a slut! nor a cheater! she walkout from him with fully intention to divorced her husband, coz in her view, it's only her that try to work their marriage and put an effort to it, while her husband didnt. and that was proved by her still being loyal to him, while the husband want to bedded n tounge kissed his ex's the minutes he felt his marriage is having problem, coz he wants to proved that he doest need or love his wife that much, so, to solved his own marriage problem, instead of try to shake and drag his wife to talk to him, he gone to plan to hv sex w/his ex. was that honorable? no! was that disgusting? yes!!
again, i like the story, and as what's mentioned in the book, If it's the guy that have an affair, it was a jerky moment, but it's kinda "ok, acceptable, we get it, man has NEED otherwise if he didnt get his need, he'll died.so, let's said he is a jerk but let's forget"., but if it was the heroine that walkout and having other man, it's disgusting.
??? freaking, yeahh...right..!! coz GOD forbid girl to have her own NEED! *rolling eyes
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