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Leonetti's Housekeeper Bride
His Innocent Wife…
The last thing Gaetano Leonetti wants is to be shackled in marriage, but to become CEO of his family's bank, his grandfather has decreed Gaetano must find a nice, ordinary woman to wed.
Convinced his grandfather is mad, Gaetano sets about proving him wrong with housekeeper Poppy Arnold. With her outspoken nature and unusual dress sense, she's definitely not wife material!
But it's not long before hardworking, self-sacrificing Poppy charms his grandfather and Gaetano's stuck with a union he didn't want and a bride he sinfully craves! Having set her up to fail, can he really take the precious gift of her virginity?
The last thing Gaetano Leonetti wants is to be shackled in marriage, but to become CEO of his family's bank, his grandfather has decreed Gaetano must find a nice, ordinary woman to wed.
Convinced his grandfather is mad, Gaetano sets about proving him wrong with housekeeper Poppy Arnold. With her outspoken nature and unusual dress sense, she's definitely not wife material!
But it's not long before hardworking, self-sacrificing Poppy charms his grandfather and Gaetano's stuck with a union he didn't want and a bride he sinfully craves! Having set her up to fail, can he really take the precious gift of her virginity?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 14, 2016
98 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,763 books1,448 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 14, 2016
In Leonetti’s Housekeeper Bride by Lynne Graham, we meet Gaetano Leonetti, a high-powered and ambitious and handsome banker, determined to becoming CEO of the family bank.
But he has a huge obstacle standing in his way to reaching that goal – his grandfather had give him an ultimatum……marry a nice, good and loving i.e. ordinary woman or else that golden position will be filled by someone else.
Gaetano is in a bit of a pickle!!! He doesn’t do people….or women. He doesn’t want to get close to anyone……he does very well on his own!! No emotions….no clinging…..no love you or ever…..
Poppy is hardworking, loyal and will do anything to help her mother’s struggle with alcoholism and her wayward brother. She has secretly taken over her mother’s duties at the Leonetti’s home to ensure that her family will keep their home in the estate. She’s such a delightful and endearing character that you can’t resist falling in love with her.
He will definitely see that she’s not the right wife material…..thus giving Gaetano the perfect opportunity to avoid the marriage trap whilst obtaining his CEO dream job!!
So Gaetano makes Polly an offer she can’t refuse…….in exchange to pretending to be his fiancée, he will help her family.
Wow, this guy is pretty anal!!!! He even draws up a contract with rules and regulations that Poppy has to uphold…..the most important rule being Poppy’s behavior and dress “sense” ……………
But things have a way of not going the way Gaetano expected!!!!
The chemistry between the two soon becomes pretty explosive…..and despite both being hard-headed and both trying to keep things between them on a “professional” manner…..it can’t stop the sexual tension build-up. They were interesting and good together.
Loved the epilogue……and one of my favorite parts….the wedding shoes Gaetano buys Poppy!!!!!!
This was a sweet romantic love story, which I really enjoyed reading.
But he has a huge obstacle standing in his way to reaching that goal – his grandfather had give him an ultimatum……marry a nice, good and loving i.e. ordinary woman or else that golden position will be filled by someone else.
Gaetano is in a bit of a pickle!!! He doesn’t do people….or women. He doesn’t want to get close to anyone……he does very well on his own!! No emotions….no clinging…..no love you or ever…..
During an unplanned visit to the family’s country home, he meets up again with one of his childhood friends…..Poppy Arnold, the housekeeper’s daughter….and he sees a way to solve the “problem” of finding the suitable wife his grandfather has ordered.
Poppy is hardworking, loyal and will do anything to help her mother’s struggle with alcoholism and her wayward brother. She has secretly taken over her mother’s duties at the Leonetti’s home to ensure that her family will keep their home in the estate. She’s such a delightful and endearing character that you can’t resist falling in love with her.
Gaetano’s devious plan is to introduce the future wife to his grandfather that will be the total opposite of what he expects…..Poppy is not a polished, elegant stylish kind of woman…for heaven’s sake….she has a leaning towards a Goth style…black…and black…..just wait until his grandfather takes a look at her………..
He will definitely see that she’s not the right wife material…..thus giving Gaetano the perfect opportunity to avoid the marriage trap whilst obtaining his CEO dream job!!
So Gaetano makes Polly an offer she can’t refuse…….in exchange to pretending to be his fiancée, he will help her family.
Wow, this guy is pretty anal!!!! He even draws up a contract with rules and regulations that Poppy has to uphold…..the most important rule being Poppy’s behavior and dress “sense” ……………
But things have a way of not going the way Gaetano expected!!!!
The chemistry between the two soon becomes pretty explosive…..and despite both being hard-headed and both trying to keep things between them on a “professional” manner…..it can’t stop the sexual tension build-up. They were interesting and good together.
Loved the epilogue……and one of my favorite parts….the wedding shoes Gaetano buys Poppy!!!!!!
This was a sweet romantic love story, which I really enjoyed reading.
January 11, 2016
Well,this was more like a 4.5 ** read for me.There was one thing that kept on bugging me and I must admit that it did pull me out of this story a few times.The hero is of Italian heritage,with said Italian name.He was born and raised in England with his family home in England dating hundreds of years back,17/18 century when the Leonetti clan came and settled.He speaks with a faint accent( Italian ,I presume) and is not knowledgle of current slang words as the Italian mother tongue was spoken in his home.So,for hundreds of years,this family spoke Italian at home even though they had resided in England all that time! I found this so hard to believe.And a couple of hundred years later,they still speak it fluently with the hero throwing out endearments in Italian and speaking to his bodyguards in Italian.Is this a moot point?proably,but it irked me.
So,enough of that,let's get to the story......I did enjoy this couple very much.This couple complimeted each other and I loved how the heroine did not put up with the hero's highhanded ways.This was classic LG who is one of my all time fav HP authors.I love her epilogues which shows the family they created and updates on the minor characters.
So,with the exception of the above mention,really liked this one. One more thingthe steam factor was definetly high in this one.
So,enough of that,let's get to the story......I did enjoy this couple very much.This couple complimeted each other and I loved how the heroine did not put up with the hero's highhanded ways.This was classic LG who is one of my all time fav HP authors.I love her epilogues which shows the family they created and updates on the minor characters.
So,with the exception of the above mention,really liked this one. One more thingthe steam factor was definetly high in this one.
September 8, 2016
This was adorable and very much a Lynne Graham novel with an out-of-touch-with-my-emotions hero, a quirky, warm virgin heroine, her family in dire straits and his old relative who wants the hero to marry and be happy.
Heroine has known the hero and his family since she was a little girl. She is now working as the housekeeper on their estate to cover for her alcoholic mother. Hero's grandfather won't promote him in the bank unless he's married. He sees our "goth" heroine and decides she's perfect for an engagement of convenience since the grandfather will reject her and forget the whole idea. He bribes her with treatment for her mother.
This is a low-angst, feel good story.
Heroine has known the hero and his family since she was a little girl. She is now working as the housekeeper on their estate to cover for her alcoholic mother. Hero's grandfather won't promote him in the bank unless he's married. He sees our "goth" heroine and decides she's perfect for an engagement of convenience since the grandfather will reject her and forget the whole idea. He bribes her with treatment for her mother.
This is a low-angst, feel good story.
April 28, 2021
Solid 4 star LG. This feels more like her earlier work, but with a light-hearted undertone, but still plenty of drama and a touch of angst.
“I really, really love you.’
‘Even though I don’t have a single loveable trait?’ he quoted back at her quick as a flash.
‘You grew on me like mould,’ Poppy told him deadpan.
Gaetano burst out laughing and sprang upright, pulling her up into the circle of his arms. ‘Like mould?’ he queried.”
September 6, 2016
Plot and comments to come later, but the heroine just got the flu after one night of MOC honeymoon sex where the H (side eye at that misnomer) had sex "bareback" (his term NOT mine) and we all know what that means. Probably.
Yep, I was right.
Plot:
The H's grandfather has laid down the law so if the H wants the CEO position he needs to marry a "nice girl". The H is in a quandary as he does not know any nice girls primarily because he is a manwhore.
Turns out that despite being Italian, the H grew up with an English gardener's daughter (Poppy) at an English estate. Fine, I wasn't paying attention. Poppy, poor thing, has had a crush on his golden lusciousness all her life. She is currently trying to hold it all together as her mother turned into an alcoholic once the dad died and her brother's not much help either.
Although the H loves his grandfather and not only wants to make him happy as well as get the CEO position, does not want to stay married. He picks Poppy, the heroine, as a possible fiancee because he knows grandpa will not approve of her goth way of dressing or her lowly social status. Circumstances lead her to falling in with the H's blackmail proposition. Jokes on him as Poppy learned how to bake from the grandmother, and the GD adores her from the start.
The H strong arms the h up one side and down the other. The fact she is a virgin intrigues him, but he does not candy coat anything for the h. He wants her to establish his position with the company as well as wants her in his bed even of it's for a short while. They have sex on the honeymoon ONCE and, yep, the birth control/flu trope dropped.
The wound up was pretty quick. It was enjoyable, but LG has done better.
Yep, I was right.
Plot:
The H's grandfather has laid down the law so if the H wants the CEO position he needs to marry a "nice girl". The H is in a quandary as he does not know any nice girls primarily because he is a manwhore.
Turns out that despite being Italian, the H grew up with an English gardener's daughter (Poppy) at an English estate. Fine, I wasn't paying attention. Poppy, poor thing, has had a crush on his golden lusciousness all her life. She is currently trying to hold it all together as her mother turned into an alcoholic once the dad died and her brother's not much help either.
Although the H loves his grandfather and not only wants to make him happy as well as get the CEO position, does not want to stay married. He picks Poppy, the heroine, as a possible fiancee because he knows grandpa will not approve of her goth way of dressing or her lowly social status. Circumstances lead her to falling in with the H's blackmail proposition. Jokes on him as Poppy learned how to bake from the grandmother, and the GD adores her from the start.
The H strong arms the h up one side and down the other. The fact she is a virgin intrigues him, but he does not candy coat anything for the h. He wants her to establish his position with the company as well as wants her in his bed even of it's for a short while. They have sex on the honeymoon ONCE and, yep, the birth control/flu trope dropped.
The wound up was pretty quick. It was enjoyable, but LG has done better.
February 9, 2016
Lynne Graham nos acostumbró a buenas historias, buenos personajes y una buena historia de amor. Esto es, precisamente, lo que nos entrega en esta novela. Pareciera que sus últimos baches ya quedaron atrás y vuelve a ser lo de siempre, aunque aggiornada a esta época y casi dándole un giro gracioso al tema de las fotos porno que últimamente aparecen tanto en Harlequin.
Lo que sí: esta es una heroína atípica pero que a mí me gustó mucho. Me la pasé genial leyendo los intercambios entre Poppy y Gaetano, eso sin mencionar la escena de la seducción, fue muy buena y la química entre ambos explotó en el kindle al punto de que tenía miedo de quemarme las manos :P
Muy recomendable.
Lo que sí: esta es una heroína atípica pero que a mí me gustó mucho. Me la pasé genial leyendo los intercambios entre Poppy y Gaetano, eso sin mencionar la escena de la seducción, fue muy buena y la química entre ambos explotó en el kindle al punto de que tenía miedo de quemarme las manos :P
Muy recomendable.
July 3, 2017
A typical HP.
Surprisingly, I liked this one.
A good Lynne Graham’s book with low angst.
I liked the heroine very much. The hero was the manipulative one, but he redeemed himself later.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
Surprisingly, I liked this one.
A good Lynne Graham’s book with low angst.
I liked the heroine very much. The hero was the manipulative one, but he redeemed himself later.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
February 5, 2016
Lynne Graham is one of my few auto buy authors. I enjoyed this one. The heroine, Poppy, is pretty spunky and verbally puts the hero in his place. You can see the hero falling for her. He was kind of assy but it was like he really didn't know any better and he was continually schooled by her sheer sweetness and intelligence. Seriously though is LG recycling her heroine's names? I know I've read another one of hers where the heroine's name is Poppy and I'm pretty sure I've read a couple of different ones where the heroine is called Billie. I think she is trying to convey a sense of the heroine's spunk with these names but come on there's got to be other suitable names.
September 4, 2016
4.5 Because I just didn't love Gaetano BUT Poppy, oh Poppy.
I don't think there was a thing I didn't love about Poppy. I specially LOVED how she made fun of Gaetano.
“Poppy thought about faking a posh accent like his and abandoned the idea because Gaetano would be slow to see the joke, if he saw one at all.”
I'm not in the mood for writing so check Alex is The Romance Fox, Vashti, Caro or Emona's reviews. You'll get the idea of how I felt about this book from their reviews.
I don't think there was a thing I didn't love about Poppy. I specially LOVED how she made fun of Gaetano.
“Poppy thought about faking a posh accent like his and abandoned the idea because Gaetano would be slow to see the joke, if he saw one at all.”
I'm not in the mood for writing so check Alex is The Romance Fox, Vashti, Caro or Emona's reviews. You'll get the idea of how I felt about this book from their reviews.
January 30, 2021
3 Stars
This story is between Poppy and Gaetano. Poppy who surprisingly knew how to put the hero in his place multiple times but also was the usual martyr who had to take care of her family because they can't be responsible for their actions. Gaetano as usual had a past that made his heart a rock that only the heroine could soften. I did like the heroine, but I disliked the hero bc he attacked the heroine at times by saying somethings about her teenage actions. I still need more from this story to believe Gaetano love because it was not convincing, especially since they spent most of the time before their wedding separated so his emotions weren't believable to me.
Also, I was not a fan of what got the hero final admit his emotions, it was a big disappointment for me.
This story is between Poppy and Gaetano. Poppy who surprisingly knew how to put the hero in his place multiple times but also was the usual martyr who had to take care of her family because they can't be responsible for their actions. Gaetano as usual had a past that made his heart a rock that only the heroine could soften. I did like the heroine, but I disliked the hero bc he attacked the heroine at times by saying somethings about her teenage actions. I still need more from this story to believe Gaetano love because it was not convincing, especially since they spent most of the time before their wedding separated so his emotions weren't believable to me.
Also, I was not a fan of what got the hero final admit his emotions, it was a big disappointment for me.
September 3, 2016
Both are likeable.....in the end!
I was actually angered with the way Gaetano first treated Poppy,
but he made it up to her.
Unknowingly he fell in love with her; and though, caught off-guard with the pregnancy, he instantly adapted to the facts.
Truthfully, his concern really got me hooked to the book (which was first shown when she fell unconscious) - it was the first time the reader experiences his heart changing course.
Poppy is free-spirited, honest, loveable and downright stubborn towards doing the right thing.
She puts family first, and challenges Gaetano's motives, reasons, thinking, intentions, and character.
I was actually angered with the way Gaetano first treated Poppy,
but he made it up to her.
Unknowingly he fell in love with her; and though, caught off-guard with the pregnancy, he instantly adapted to the facts.
Truthfully, his concern really got me hooked to the book (which was first shown when she fell unconscious) - it was the first time the reader experiences his heart changing course.
Poppy is free-spirited, honest, loveable and downright stubborn towards doing the right thing.
She puts family first, and challenges Gaetano's motives, reasons, thinking, intentions, and character.
January 15, 2016
3 Morticia-like Stars
“Only a fake fiancée can become a fake bride”
While not Lynn Graham’s best work, I enjoyed Leonetti’s Housekeeper Bride.
To be given the position of CEO of his family’s company that he has earned, Gaetano grandfather is forcing him to settle down. He decides to find a completely inappropriate woman to pose as his fiancée to make his grandfather back down. Until things go out of control and he finds himself marrying the one woman he thought would make his grandfather happy to forget all about marriage.
Poppy’s alcoholic mother has just sold risqué pictures and details about her boss, Gaetano. He has every intention of firing her causing them to lose their home. In a last ditch effort to save their home she goes to see Gaetano to beg for leniency. Instead of throwing her out he offers her a position as his fake fiancée. In exchange, he would help her family relocate and pay for her mom’s rehab. Poppy has no choice and has to make a decision that will ultimately make her very unhappy.
I loved Poppy. She was a little edgy, although not really Goth like the author would have you believe. She had a strong personality and stood up to Gaetano’s nonsense. I also enjoyed the chemistry between them. They made for an interesting couple, the edgy Goth chick and the staid banker. Gaetano’s acceptance and respect of Poppy’s true self was evident when he bought her wedding shoes. I knew then and there that he was really a good guy. This isn’t a “fabulous, change your life” kinda book, but it is an enjoyable read.
“Only a fake fiancée can become a fake bride”
While not Lynn Graham’s best work, I enjoyed Leonetti’s Housekeeper Bride.
To be given the position of CEO of his family’s company that he has earned, Gaetano grandfather is forcing him to settle down. He decides to find a completely inappropriate woman to pose as his fiancée to make his grandfather back down. Until things go out of control and he finds himself marrying the one woman he thought would make his grandfather happy to forget all about marriage.
Poppy’s alcoholic mother has just sold risqué pictures and details about her boss, Gaetano. He has every intention of firing her causing them to lose their home. In a last ditch effort to save their home she goes to see Gaetano to beg for leniency. Instead of throwing her out he offers her a position as his fake fiancée. In exchange, he would help her family relocate and pay for her mom’s rehab. Poppy has no choice and has to make a decision that will ultimately make her very unhappy.
I loved Poppy. She was a little edgy, although not really Goth like the author would have you believe. She had a strong personality and stood up to Gaetano’s nonsense. I also enjoyed the chemistry between them. They made for an interesting couple, the edgy Goth chick and the staid banker. Gaetano’s acceptance and respect of Poppy’s true self was evident when he bought her wedding shoes. I knew then and there that he was really a good guy. This isn’t a “fabulous, change your life” kinda book, but it is an enjoyable read.
February 2, 2016
Omg this one redeemed the whole harlequin presents series for me. I was so discouraged lately with all this arm candy free sex in any position with light to hard bondage!!! I can't stand when a series changes its formula that its reputation has been founded on. I need to find more books like this. Love this! Read again for sure.
July 1, 2022
Literally NOTHING happened. Petition to bring back the old Harlequin style with great titles and OTT scenarios and characters😭.
June 12, 2016
'I hate it when women fall for me and make me feel that it's my fault.'
'Its probably your money they're falling for,' she suggested in a tone of saccharine sweetness. 'You have yet to show me a single lovable trait.'
This was a pretty great read. I really liked the well developed, strong characters, especially the heroine who wasn't thankfully a doormat! She gave as good as she got and knocked the Hero off balance at every turn.
Gaetano, who never, ever did PDAs with women, was horribly aware of his bodyguards standing by staring as if a little Martian had taken his place. In short Gaetano was in shock.
'Its probably your money they're falling for,' she suggested in a tone of saccharine sweetness. 'You have yet to show me a single lovable trait.'
This was a pretty great read. I really liked the well developed, strong characters, especially the heroine who wasn't thankfully a doormat! She gave as good as she got and knocked the Hero off balance at every turn.
Gaetano, who never, ever did PDAs with women, was horribly aware of his bodyguards standing by staring as if a little Martian had taken his place. In short Gaetano was in shock.
February 25, 2016
4.5 stars.
Once again another great read by Lynne Graham. The story was engaging and kept me interested from the first word to the last one. It was worth the wait.
There were not too many glaring negatives about this story and I pretty like how story flowed and the characters within the story. I wasn't totally in love, but there was nothing I hated or disliked about the story. I don't know what was missing that would have given me that more loving feeling, but there was something.
I did throughly enjoy the characters of Gaetano and Poppy, and I thought they fit really well together as a couple, but I liked them separately as well. I really did love Poppy with her bit of spunk and quirkiness that made her unique, and I loved how loyal she was to her family and was willing to do anything for them. And I mean anything. She was a selfless heroine and more than deserved to be spoiled.
Gaetano was a piece of work and had some nerve at times, but he still managed to pull of likable at the same time. Don't get me wrong I wanted to shake him a lot of the time because he was so unbelievable, but I didn't hate the guy. It was entertaining to see him try to deal with his control when he was around Poppy. And he more than made up for his wrong doings by book's end with the perfect amount of grovelling that was very sweet and loving and very genuinely coming from the heart.
The chemistry/passion between them was good. It wasn't over the top or overwhelming, which considering for most of the book their relationship's focus was their lust and lust alone. The passion between them was hot, but not as sizzling as I have read in the past, but that didn't make it less entertaining. It was just different than I was used to.
The love scenes were good. It took awhile to get there but it was worth it in the end with the first time scene. It was very passionate and beautifully written. I wish Poppy was't sick at the time because it kind of detracted from the importance of the moment, but it was satisfying. The second scene was more passionate and had that rush of adrenaline to it to get the pulse racing
I wish that the romantic moments were shown more than just summarized in a paragraph than it would have shown them falling in love on their tour around Italy. I think it would have shown some beautiful moments between them. I just wanted more details and see them on that journey together. But they did have their moments throughout the book. Can't have it all, I guess.
The angst could have been upped a hair for my liking but overall it was good. I liked they had a history together and she had crush on him for all these years. I could feel the hurt and pain from his previous rejection, which created that rawness in their relationship. The emotions flew there. Plus when she learned the truth of his motives it caused even more angst. It hurt me as she hurt as his words went through her like knife in the chest. Lots of yummy goodness I enjoy there.
Overall it was good story with enjoyable characters. Another great story by Lynne Graham.
Once again another great read by Lynne Graham. The story was engaging and kept me interested from the first word to the last one. It was worth the wait.
There were not too many glaring negatives about this story and I pretty like how story flowed and the characters within the story. I wasn't totally in love, but there was nothing I hated or disliked about the story. I don't know what was missing that would have given me that more loving feeling, but there was something.
I did throughly enjoy the characters of Gaetano and Poppy, and I thought they fit really well together as a couple, but I liked them separately as well. I really did love Poppy with her bit of spunk and quirkiness that made her unique, and I loved how loyal she was to her family and was willing to do anything for them. And I mean anything. She was a selfless heroine and more than deserved to be spoiled.
Gaetano was a piece of work and had some nerve at times, but he still managed to pull of likable at the same time. Don't get me wrong I wanted to shake him a lot of the time because he was so unbelievable, but I didn't hate the guy. It was entertaining to see him try to deal with his control when he was around Poppy. And he more than made up for his wrong doings by book's end with the perfect amount of grovelling that was very sweet and loving and very genuinely coming from the heart.
The chemistry/passion between them was good. It wasn't over the top or overwhelming, which considering for most of the book their relationship's focus was their lust and lust alone. The passion between them was hot, but not as sizzling as I have read in the past, but that didn't make it less entertaining. It was just different than I was used to.
The love scenes were good. It took awhile to get there but it was worth it in the end with the first time scene. It was very passionate and beautifully written. I wish Poppy was't sick at the time because it kind of detracted from the importance of the moment, but it was satisfying. The second scene was more passionate and had that rush of adrenaline to it to get the pulse racing
I wish that the romantic moments were shown more than just summarized in a paragraph than it would have shown them falling in love on their tour around Italy. I think it would have shown some beautiful moments between them. I just wanted more details and see them on that journey together. But they did have their moments throughout the book. Can't have it all, I guess.
The angst could have been upped a hair for my liking but overall it was good. I liked they had a history together and she had crush on him for all these years. I could feel the hurt and pain from his previous rejection, which created that rawness in their relationship. The emotions flew there. Plus when she learned the truth of his motives it caused even more angst. It hurt me as she hurt as his words went through her like knife in the chest. Lots of yummy goodness I enjoy there.
Overall it was good story with enjoyable characters. Another great story by Lynne Graham.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Take a hard-working, family oriented, ambitious ginger (Poppy) and pit her against her childhood crush/nemesis who is a sexist, narcissistic, snobbish/entitled, over-achieving bastard (Gaetano), and what do you have? Another LG Harlequin Presents!
Except this one, this one has something extra-
A heroine who challenges and tells off the H!
Yes, she did sacrifice herself for her pathetic family.
Of course, she carried a torch for the H that crippled her self-esteem and emotionally made it impossible for her to have a relationship with a man.
But in the end, Poppy gets caught up, hitched, and realizes her feelings are still there. Gaetano (what a weird name!) is forced to grovel and tell the hard vicious truth.
This is worth reading to enjoy Poppy's set-downs and comebacks on her would-be lover/enemy.
There is no abuse (except of the verbal sort) and the OW will make you say "Ewww".
Otherwise, one of LG's better efforts.
Except this one, this one has something extra-
A heroine who challenges and tells off the H!
Yes, she did sacrifice herself for her pathetic family.
Of course, she carried a torch for the H that crippled her self-esteem and emotionally made it impossible for her to have a relationship with a man.
But in the end, Poppy gets caught up, hitched, and realizes her feelings are still there. Gaetano (what a weird name!) is forced to grovel and tell the hard vicious truth.
This is worth reading to enjoy Poppy's set-downs and comebacks on her would-be lover/enemy.
There is no abuse (except of the verbal sort) and the OW will make you say "Ewww".
Otherwise, one of LG's better efforts.
January 7, 2016
LG is back with another bang!
Aww.... This is such a sweet and lovely and simple story. Fell absolutely in love with Poppy and Gaetano, who BTW were a really cute couple. I was rooting for them throughout the book and was happy when they got their HEA. Had pretty good LOL moments, especially the one with the engagement ring.
AMAZING and Harlequin just the way I love it. That's why the five stars :)
Aww.... This is such a sweet and lovely and simple story. Fell absolutely in love with Poppy and Gaetano, who BTW were a really cute couple. I was rooting for them throughout the book and was happy when they got their HEA. Had pretty good LOL moments, especially the one with the engagement ring.
AMAZING and Harlequin just the way I love it. That's why the five stars :)
August 20, 2019
I really love this one...😍
Read
June 21, 2022She eats dry cereal (without milk) with her hands, out of a bowl.
I imagined sitting at a table with a handsome, sexy man that I’ve just met. And then he would suddenly start grabbing the dry cereal in his bowl and eat it with his hands. I’m probably shallow, but that would be such a turn-off. Why not just use a spoon?
No rating.
I imagined sitting at a table with a handsome, sexy man that I’ve just met. And then he would suddenly start grabbing the dry cereal in his bowl and eat it with his hands. I’m probably shallow, but that would be such a turn-off. Why not just use a spoon?
No rating.
February 4, 2016
This was an audio read (part of a double-set with Helios Crowns His Mistress, but I skipped that one because I read some reviews that put me off). Gaetano needs a fiancee, but a fiancee that will be such an abominable choice that it will get his grandfather, who keeps insisting that he find an "ordinary" girl, off his back for a while when Gaetano "has" to break off the engagement due to her unsuitability. Enter Poppy, the daughter of Gaetano's housekeeper (so yes, the title is kind of a lie -- although Poppy does work as Gaetano's housekeeper prior to the start of the story, but it is unofficial). Back in the day, Poppy was goth, blunt, used liberal swear words, was tubby, and dressed in funky clothes. In the present day, pretty much the only thing that hasn't changed is Poppy's bluntness and her clothes, but Gaetano still believes she's the answer to his fiancee problem. It isn't long, of course, before Poppy wins over the grandfather and the two are pressured into a marriage of convenience. (Personally, I love MOC tropes.)
It started out pretty promising -- I liked Poppy in the first half and there were some inferences that she was not going to be the typical virginal, submissive HP heroine. She was pretty forthright in her mannerisms and she really didn't let Gaetano get away with much. For example, there was a cute little text conversation between she and Gaetano, where he claims he likes his women independent, and she calls him out on all the clingy blond bimbos he dates. Gaetano is a pretty incredible snob and Poppy frequently calls him out on this too.
About the time they got married, however, this started to devolve into normal HP tropes. I thought the book was strong enough to stand on its own without a lot of the usual tropes.
I will say, however, that when Poppy finds out Gaetano's true motivation for selecting her as his fake fiancee (in essence, he wanted to set her up to fail), he is made to grovel. It doesn't last long, really, but it was the nature of the grovel that satisfied me Sometimes it isn't the length but the quality of the grovel, and this behavior in the proud alpha HP cookie cutter mold actually made me believe in his character change. It might not be enough for some, but it worked for me.
All in all, this was a good book that really could have been great on its own if Graham hadn't decided to fall back on the tried and true HP tropes . I'm not sure how much I'll queue this up for a re-listen, but I am not sorry this one is in my personal library.
It started out pretty promising -- I liked Poppy in the first half and there were some inferences that she was not going to be the typical virginal, submissive HP heroine. She was pretty forthright in her mannerisms and she really didn't let Gaetano get away with much. For example, there was a cute little text conversation between she and Gaetano, where he claims he likes his women independent, and she calls him out on all the clingy blond bimbos he dates. Gaetano is a pretty incredible snob and Poppy frequently calls him out on this too.
About the time they got married, however, this started to devolve into normal HP tropes. I thought the book was strong enough to stand on its own without a lot of the usual tropes.
I will say, however, that when Poppy finds out Gaetano's true motivation for selecting her as his fake fiancee (in essence, he wanted to set her up to fail), he is made to grovel. It doesn't last long, really, but it was the nature of the grovel that satisfied me Sometimes it isn't the length but the quality of the grovel, and this behavior in the proud alpha HP cookie cutter mold actually made me believe in his character change. It might not be enough for some, but it worked for me.
All in all, this was a good book that really could have been great on its own if Graham hadn't decided to fall back on the tried and true HP tropes . I'm not sure how much I'll queue this up for a re-listen, but I am not sorry this one is in my personal library.
June 8, 2021
The last thing Gaetano Leonetti wants is to be shackled in marriage, but to become CEO of his family's bank, his grandfather has decreed Gaetano must find a nice, ordinary woman to wed.
Convinced his grandfather is mad, Gaetano sets about proving him wrong with housekeeper Poppy Arnold. With her outspoken nature and unusual dress sense, she's definitely not wife material!
But it's not long before hardworking, self-sacrificing Poppy charms his grandfather and Gaetano's stuck with a union he didn't want and a bride he sinfully craves! Having set her up to fail, can he really take the precious gift of her virginity?
Convinced his grandfather is mad, Gaetano sets about proving him wrong with housekeeper Poppy Arnold. With her outspoken nature and unusual dress sense, she's definitely not wife material!
But it's not long before hardworking, self-sacrificing Poppy charms his grandfather and Gaetano's stuck with a union he didn't want and a bride he sinfully craves! Having set her up to fail, can he really take the precious gift of her virginity?
July 27, 2018
I like the heroine! Sassy
October 29, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though one or two scenes I recognized from LG's earlier books for example h yelling for H to suddenly stop the car in the middle of the road to rescue an injured dog and take it to the vet was also in Ruthless Magnate Convenient (my fav). Not that I minded it. I liked Muffin here as much as I liked Mattie in that book. Moreover, there was more of the exchange with the vet here that what was there in that book.
Loved Gaetano and Poppy. Their chemistry was off the charts. Gaetano was a total idiot... an adorable idiot. Poor guy, didn't know how to handle someone as feisty as Poppy. She just threw him off-balance.
Like in his own words - ‘Because sometimes silence is golden and honesty can be the wrong way to go,’ he framed grudgingly. ‘And knowing my luck, I’ll say the wrong thing again.
Poppy was a lovable heroine. At first, I thought she was going to be a preachy, tarty woman after the way she spoke to Gaetano, telling him he should give her mum her job back-- her mum was his housekeeper, who breaches her employment contract when she sold pictures of his private party to the tabloids plunging him into a scandal--- and when he refused went on to call him argumentative and all sort of stuff. But, I was so wrong. She was really a nice, caring, family-oriented person. I liked the sweet relationship she built with Gaetano's grandfather, whom I liked a lot too. And, I enjoyed her digs at Gaetano.
'I hate it when women fall for me and make me feel that it’s my fault.’
Well, that was frank, and forewarned was forearmed, Poppy told herself squarely. ‘It’s probably your money they’re falling for,’ she suggested in a tone of saccharine sweetness. ‘You have yet to show me a single loveable trait.’
‘Yes, you’re beautiful but, no, I’m not tempted,’ Gaetano declared with stubborn conviction. ‘When I say fake engagement I mean fake in every way. I will not be touching you.’ Poppy rolled her eyes. ‘I wouldn’t let you. I’m very, very picky, Gaetano.’
‘And what’s your downside?’ Poppy asked with interest.
‘Celibacy,’ Gaetano intoned very drily. ‘I can’t risk being seen or associated with any other woman while I’m supposed to be engaged to you.’
‘Oh, dear...’ Poppy commented without an atom of sympathy. ‘From what I’ve read about your usual pursuits in the press, that will be a character-building challenge for you.’
And the best was:
‘I really, really love you.’
‘Even though I don’t have a single loveable trait?’ he quoted back at her quick as a flash.
‘You grew on me like mould,’ Poppy told him deadpan.
Gaetano burst out laughing and sprang upright, pulling her up into the circle of his arms. ‘Like mould?’ he queried.
Poppy looked up into his beautiful eyes and her heart did a happy dance inside her. ‘I like cheese,’ she proclaimed defensively
Their witty quips and scenes had me laughing a lot. Imagine arguing when texting too! Like the time Poppy was going through the prompt sheets Gaetano had prepared for her to know all about him just in case his grandfather asked.
It was like a CV written for a job: qualifications listed, sports pursuits outlined, not a single reference to any memorable moments. He just had no idea of the sort of things that a woman in love would want to know about him, Poppy reflected ruefully. When was his birthday? What was his favourite colour? She texted him to ask.
Gaetano suppressed a groan when his phone buzzed yet again and lifted it to see what the latest irrelevant question was.
Who was the first woman you fell in love with?
He had never been in love and he was proud of it.
What do you value most in a woman?
Independence, he texted back.
As Poppy walked round the supermarket with her shopping list she raised her brows. If he liked independent women why did he always date clingy airheads? So, she asked that too and they began to argue by text until she was laughing.
It was so good to finally find a thoroughly enjoyable read after the kind of dry runs I've been having with HPs of late.
Should not to be missed.
Edited. The dog scene was from Ruthless Magnate Convenient Wife not Cozakis Bride. Both books being my favorite I mixed up the names.
Loved Gaetano and Poppy. Their chemistry was off the charts. Gaetano was a total idiot... an adorable idiot. Poor guy, didn't know how to handle someone as feisty as Poppy. She just threw him off-balance.
Like in his own words - ‘Because sometimes silence is golden and honesty can be the wrong way to go,’ he framed grudgingly. ‘And knowing my luck, I’ll say the wrong thing again.
Poppy was a lovable heroine. At first, I thought she was going to be a preachy, tarty woman after the way she spoke to Gaetano, telling him he should give her mum her job back-- her mum was his housekeeper, who breaches her employment contract when she sold pictures of his private party to the tabloids plunging him into a scandal--- and when he refused went on to call him argumentative and all sort of stuff. But, I was so wrong. She was really a nice, caring, family-oriented person. I liked the sweet relationship she built with Gaetano's grandfather, whom I liked a lot too. And, I enjoyed her digs at Gaetano.
'I hate it when women fall for me and make me feel that it’s my fault.’
Well, that was frank, and forewarned was forearmed, Poppy told herself squarely. ‘It’s probably your money they’re falling for,’ she suggested in a tone of saccharine sweetness. ‘You have yet to show me a single loveable trait.’
‘Yes, you’re beautiful but, no, I’m not tempted,’ Gaetano declared with stubborn conviction. ‘When I say fake engagement I mean fake in every way. I will not be touching you.’ Poppy rolled her eyes. ‘I wouldn’t let you. I’m very, very picky, Gaetano.’
‘And what’s your downside?’ Poppy asked with interest.
‘Celibacy,’ Gaetano intoned very drily. ‘I can’t risk being seen or associated with any other woman while I’m supposed to be engaged to you.’
‘Oh, dear...’ Poppy commented without an atom of sympathy. ‘From what I’ve read about your usual pursuits in the press, that will be a character-building challenge for you.’
And the best was:
‘I really, really love you.’
‘Even though I don’t have a single loveable trait?’ he quoted back at her quick as a flash.
‘You grew on me like mould,’ Poppy told him deadpan.
Gaetano burst out laughing and sprang upright, pulling her up into the circle of his arms. ‘Like mould?’ he queried.
Poppy looked up into his beautiful eyes and her heart did a happy dance inside her. ‘I like cheese,’ she proclaimed defensively
Their witty quips and scenes had me laughing a lot. Imagine arguing when texting too! Like the time Poppy was going through the prompt sheets Gaetano had prepared for her to know all about him just in case his grandfather asked.
It was like a CV written for a job: qualifications listed, sports pursuits outlined, not a single reference to any memorable moments. He just had no idea of the sort of things that a woman in love would want to know about him, Poppy reflected ruefully. When was his birthday? What was his favourite colour? She texted him to ask.
Gaetano suppressed a groan when his phone buzzed yet again and lifted it to see what the latest irrelevant question was.
Who was the first woman you fell in love with?
He had never been in love and he was proud of it.
What do you value most in a woman?
Independence, he texted back.
As Poppy walked round the supermarket with her shopping list she raised her brows. If he liked independent women why did he always date clingy airheads? So, she asked that too and they began to argue by text until she was laughing.
It was so good to finally find a thoroughly enjoyable read after the kind of dry runs I've been having with HPs of late.
Should not to be missed.
Edited. The dog scene was from Ruthless Magnate Convenient Wife not Cozakis Bride. Both books being my favorite I mixed up the names.
March 17, 2021
Quite an enjoyable but perhaps a little forgettable. So 3.5 rounded up!
Poppy has had a crush on Gaetano since they were kids. She made a pass at him when she was 16 but he crushed her ruthlessly. And it wasn't that he was pushing her away for her own good. No.
He truly was never attracted to her till he sees her again in the present.
Poppy's parents were caretaker's to one of his estates. Then stuff happens and now her family is falling apart and her only hope it to beg Gaetano not to fire her mother.
But Poppy's style of begging leaves a lot to be desired. And it falls on stony ground anyways.
Gaetano has systematically cut himself off from his feelings over the years. The usual mommy daddy issues. But he had loving grandparents so what's the problem really?
Anyways, his Grandpa wants him to marry before he will turn the family business over to him. And it has to be a 'nice normal girl'. But Gaetano thinks Poppy will be perfect not only because she is 'normal' but because he thinks she will rub his grandpa the wrong way. Then dear old grandpa will give up on the marriage angle.
He's remembering what he thought of Poppy when she was 16 and dressed weird and swore a lot.
Of course she is a woman now. She still dresses with an edgy style though.
So Gaetano's plan backfires and grandpa wants them to marry sooner rather than later.
There's also an evil OW that people think Gaetano was going to marry years ago. She is now divorced and keeps turning up like the proverbial bad penny. She was truly awful but only where Poppy could hear her venom. I think she is the reason I only gave 3 stars. I hate it when authors build up the OW and then conveniently they vanish when they are no longer needed in the story. No comeuppance, no Gaetano telling her to back off. At least he doesn't pay her much attention. But he just sits there while she insinuates. Grrrr.
But the real pathos of the story was when Poppy learns what Gaetano really thought of her before they married.
The ending was sweetly satisfying and there's a wonderful little epilogue set several years in the future.
Despite the OW tackiness, the safety is very good
I listened to the audiobook and the reader was fine.
Poppy has had a crush on Gaetano since they were kids. She made a pass at him when she was 16 but he crushed her ruthlessly. And it wasn't that he was pushing her away for her own good. No.
He truly was never attracted to her till he sees her again in the present.
Poppy's parents were caretaker's to one of his estates. Then stuff happens and now her family is falling apart and her only hope it to beg Gaetano not to fire her mother.
But Poppy's style of begging leaves a lot to be desired. And it falls on stony ground anyways.
Gaetano has systematically cut himself off from his feelings over the years. The usual mommy daddy issues. But he had loving grandparents so what's the problem really?
Anyways, his Grandpa wants him to marry before he will turn the family business over to him. And it has to be a 'nice normal girl'. But Gaetano thinks Poppy will be perfect not only because she is 'normal' but because he thinks she will rub his grandpa the wrong way. Then dear old grandpa will give up on the marriage angle.
He's remembering what he thought of Poppy when she was 16 and dressed weird and swore a lot.
Of course she is a woman now. She still dresses with an edgy style though.
So Gaetano's plan backfires and grandpa wants them to marry sooner rather than later.
There's also an evil OW that people think Gaetano was going to marry years ago. She is now divorced and keeps turning up like the proverbial bad penny. She was truly awful but only where Poppy could hear her venom. I think she is the reason I only gave 3 stars. I hate it when authors build up the OW and then conveniently they vanish when they are no longer needed in the story. No comeuppance, no Gaetano telling her to back off. At least he doesn't pay her much attention. But he just sits there while she insinuates. Grrrr.
But the real pathos of the story was when Poppy learns what Gaetano really thought of her before they married.
The ending was sweetly satisfying and there's a wonderful little epilogue set several years in the future.
Despite the OW tackiness, the safety is very good
I listened to the audiobook and the reader was fine.
January 20, 2016
My first book of the year... And I love it!!
This is pure texbook, how a real HP should be written. Story well developed, exciting characters (love the heroine's gotic fashion!!), a chemistry that burns pages and interesting scenes is the cocktail LG brings with this book. Ms. Graham started the year strong and better than ever!!
This is pure texbook, how a real HP should be written. Story well developed, exciting characters (love the heroine's gotic fashion!!), a chemistry that burns pages and interesting scenes is the cocktail LG brings with this book. Ms. Graham started the year strong and better than ever!!
April 15, 2024
It's ok. It would have been better if they'd had sex more than once.
Poppy (cute name) and her family have worked for Leonetti family for all of her life. After her dad dies, Poppy's mom turns to alcohol. To keep her family afloat, she takes over the housekeeping role that her mother was supposed to be doing. Something happens and Gaetano Leonetti (dumb name) decides to fire her. When his grandfather tells him the only way he'll get to take control of the family company is if he gets married, he decides to make Poppy his fake fiancé instead. He's a real jerk most of the time. Eventually there's some love.
One thing that irritated me - she's begging to keep her job for him because she needs the money - he tells her no, he won't re-hire her but he will give her a good severance package. She then tells him no, that she doesn't want his money. Make it make sense!!
Poppy (cute name) and her family have worked for Leonetti family for all of her life. After her dad dies, Poppy's mom turns to alcohol. To keep her family afloat, she takes over the housekeeping role that her mother was supposed to be doing. Something happens and Gaetano Leonetti (dumb name) decides to fire her. When his grandfather tells him the only way he'll get to take control of the family company is if he gets married, he decides to make Poppy his fake fiancé instead. He's a real jerk most of the time. Eventually there's some love.
One thing that irritated me - she's begging to keep her job for him because she needs the money - he tells her no, he won't re-hire her but he will give her a good severance package. She then tells him no, that she doesn't want his money. Make it make sense!!
March 5, 2017
Gaetano Leonetti can only become CEO of the bank if he submits to his grandfather's old-fashioned mandate that he find a wife and settle down! He picks his housekeeper's daughter Poppy Arnold because he believes she's so unsuitable that his grandfather will see the folly of trying to force a marriage. However, circumstances see them getting married, and of course, sparks begin to fly!
Off the bat, I liked the fact this book addressed the trope of someone being forced to marry because of a family member's instructions in order to inherit or get something. Gaetano thinks his grandfather needs to step out of the 1950s! Most romances don't even acknowledge their plot is a bit outdated and dusty. It provided some genre awareness despite the book taking itself seriously. Secondly, it was refreshing to have Gaetano's motivation being to prove his grandfather wrong, as opposed to wanting to humiliate Poppy (although he often inadvertently does). I find the Mills & Boon Sexy line to often be a bit offensive when it involves the heroine being blackmailed into sex!
Gaetano was a good hero. He wasn't a petty poor-little-rich-boy like so many of the heroes in this line! His attitude towards love and marriage made sense in light of his past, but he didn't moan about it endlessly. He simply got on with life, and acknowledged constantly if he had gotten something wrong. Similarly, I really liked Poppy because she wasn't the hopeless wet rag so many of the heroines in this line are! She's headstrong, proud and motivated. Two adults mostly behaving like adults! Who would have thought? There was some other-woman nonsense (which I thought Mills & Boon didn't encourage anymore), but it was easy to gloss over.
Finally, on a shallow note - the man on the cover is several levels of handsome! I sure didn't mind picturing him as the virile hero of this story!
Off the bat, I liked the fact this book addressed the trope of someone being forced to marry because of a family member's instructions in order to inherit or get something. Gaetano thinks his grandfather needs to step out of the 1950s! Most romances don't even acknowledge their plot is a bit outdated and dusty. It provided some genre awareness despite the book taking itself seriously. Secondly, it was refreshing to have Gaetano's motivation being to prove his grandfather wrong, as opposed to wanting to humiliate Poppy (although he often inadvertently does). I find the Mills & Boon Sexy line to often be a bit offensive when it involves the heroine being blackmailed into sex!
Gaetano was a good hero. He wasn't a petty poor-little-rich-boy like so many of the heroes in this line! His attitude towards love and marriage made sense in light of his past, but he didn't moan about it endlessly. He simply got on with life, and acknowledged constantly if he had gotten something wrong. Similarly, I really liked Poppy because she wasn't the hopeless wet rag so many of the heroines in this line are! She's headstrong, proud and motivated. Two adults mostly behaving like adults! Who would have thought? There was some other-woman nonsense (which I thought Mills & Boon didn't encourage anymore), but it was easy to gloss over.
Finally, on a shallow note - the man on the cover is several levels of handsome! I sure didn't mind picturing him as the virile hero of this story!
March 2, 2018
I read this last evening in a one sitting. Unfortunately, it was such a disappointment. I will tell you all right up front that I despise a story that subjects me to OW and OM drama (especially OW because they can be so blasted evil) and this had an evil ex-girlfriend who decided she wanted the hero for herself on his wedding day! She had dated and bedded the hero in college but he broke it off because he didn't do love due to his family of origin. His parents were unable to love each other their children. After the breakup the ex quickly up and married his best friend where he stood as the best man. This was her plan (whether revenge or to make our hero jealous-but it didn't work)....it apparently was not a love match and they are now divorced.
The story, itself, moved so slowly that I thought about a DNF several times but hung with it. I wish I had not. It left me frustrated. The grovel was okay but, in my opinion, not as good as some claimed...at least not for this reader.
If other woman (ex-girlfriend) drama doesn't bother you, then read away. If it does, I suggest you skip this one. It seemed to me to be a story that lack emotion and love. I just never really felt the feelings the hero had. We heard about them but didn't see them.
The story, itself, moved so slowly that I thought about a DNF several times but hung with it. I wish I had not. It left me frustrated. The grovel was okay but, in my opinion, not as good as some claimed...at least not for this reader.
If other woman (ex-girlfriend) drama doesn't bother you, then read away. If it does, I suggest you skip this one. It seemed to me to be a story that lack emotion and love. I just never really felt the feelings the hero had. We heard about them but didn't see them.
January 6, 2016
And LG is back! Similar plot, characters from her previous ones. But I LOVE it! Nobody does it better than her. Heck, she can recycle one of her old books and I'd still give it 5 stars!
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