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The Rich, the Ruthless, and the Really Handsome #2
The Greek Tycoon's Defiant Bride
He's discovered she's his baby's mother--so now she'll be his bride
Maribel was a shy virgin when she and handsome Leonidas Pallis shared a night of passion. She assumed he was inspired by his need for comfort, rather than lust for her. However, unbeknownst to Leonidas... Maribel conceived his child.
Now Leonidas wants what's his: his baby boy and Maribel, available 24/7. But the only way Leonidas will claim her and their son is if he takes her...as his bride
Maribel was a shy virgin when she and handsome Leonidas Pallis shared a night of passion. She assumed he was inspired by his need for comfort, rather than lust for her. However, unbeknownst to Leonidas... Maribel conceived his child.
Now Leonidas wants what's his: his baby boy and Maribel, available 24/7. But the only way Leonidas will claim her and their son is if he takes her...as his bride
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
113 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,778 books1,450 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 85 reviews
October 24, 2017
This is quintessential LG. It has the tropes we love to hate and hate to love: sweet heroine, hunky alpha Mediterrenean H that raises the levels of arrogance and duplicity to the second power, a secret baby for good reason, unknowingly besotted hero, and a quirky dog. It also has a few nicely done anti-tropes: the h is a college tutor, and when faced with the H's desire to take her child ACTUALLY CONTACTS AN ATTORNEY. Well done, tiny h.
Maribel, the h, meets up with Leonidas at her cousin's two year memorial. They had known each other for years and had a brief encounter after her cousin's funeral. At the memorial, Maribel beats feet as soon as she sees Leonidas which piques his interest as she's really the reason he came to the memorial. As this is LG and HarleyLand, their encounter left Maribel with a little something-something. In this case it wasn't that the condom broke or was useless, it simply wasn't there.
When Leonidas finds out about the baby, a son named Elias after the H and his grandfather, he is not pleased. He pulls out all the stops from seduction, coercion, to out and out manipulation to get his son.
First attempt: He thinks he has her in his evil clutches when he shows off his incredible estate (think Downton Abbey). Too bad she forces the cat out of the bag, Leonidas isn't go to live there with her and Elias. He'll come by for visits and booty calls. Does. Not. Go. Over. Well.
Second attempt: He sets the paparazzi on her so she's surrounded. She's surprised at how sympathetic he is until she susses out he's the one that let it happen. Having her cowardly custard dog and little boy cower under the kitchen table does not endear Leonidas to her. She cuts off contact since he has proved once again she can not trust him. He feels a little guilty, and once again is forced to ponder why he is so attracted to this woman who points out what slime he is. Hmmm.
Leonidas finally gets her when he proposes a quasi MOC with benefits. He'll marry her and get Elias, and he gets to keep on doing what Greek tycoons do. But no, he doesn't. Maribel says they can have a real marriage where he is faithful, or it will be a MOC with no hanky panky. Nobody is going to tell this arrogant asshat how to live, blah, blah, and a convenient business trip allows him to pout long distance.
Throughout the book, Maribel holds hard to what she wants for herself and Elias, and is not afraid to point out with specific and detailed examples how toxic Leonidas is. He had a terrible childhood and needs to learn how to love. She adores him, but NO. At every turn, he is outraged and dismayed at how well she knows his devious ways.
I highly recommend the books, and it deserves a better review, but my two stupid dogs are circling like sharks for their walk. In the rain.
Leonidas is a keeper as his arrogance and less than savory tricks are to get both the heroine and his son. Unlike the asshat in another LG, Greek Tycoon, Inexperienced Mistress, I find this H's love and transformation believable. I have to add, it's a good thing that the h has a spine of steel and is a smart cookie, 'cause it's going to take a lot to rein this one in.
Points off for Maribel's toxic family that practically disowned her when she popped up pregnant then smarmed in when Leonidas comes back.
Ugh, just spotted a stupid spelling error. Used "rain" instead of "rein".
Maribel, the h, meets up with Leonidas at her cousin's two year memorial. They had known each other for years and had a brief encounter after her cousin's funeral. At the memorial, Maribel beats feet as soon as she sees Leonidas which piques his interest as she's really the reason he came to the memorial. As this is LG and HarleyLand, their encounter left Maribel with a little something-something. In this case it wasn't that the condom broke or was useless, it simply wasn't there.
When Leonidas finds out about the baby, a son named Elias after the H and his grandfather, he is not pleased. He pulls out all the stops from seduction, coercion, to out and out manipulation to get his son.
First attempt: He thinks he has her in his evil clutches when he shows off his incredible estate (think Downton Abbey). Too bad she forces the cat out of the bag, Leonidas isn't go to live there with her and Elias. He'll come by for visits and booty calls. Does. Not. Go. Over. Well.
Second attempt: He sets the paparazzi on her so she's surrounded. She's surprised at how sympathetic he is until she susses out he's the one that let it happen. Having her cowardly custard dog and little boy cower under the kitchen table does not endear Leonidas to her. She cuts off contact since he has proved once again she can not trust him. He feels a little guilty, and once again is forced to ponder why he is so attracted to this woman who points out what slime he is. Hmmm.
Leonidas finally gets her when he proposes a quasi MOC with benefits. He'll marry her and get Elias, and he gets to keep on doing what Greek tycoons do. But no, he doesn't. Maribel says they can have a real marriage where he is faithful, or it will be a MOC with no hanky panky. Nobody is going to tell this arrogant asshat how to live, blah, blah, and a convenient business trip allows him to pout long distance.
Throughout the book, Maribel holds hard to what she wants for herself and Elias, and is not afraid to point out with specific and detailed examples how toxic Leonidas is. He had a terrible childhood and needs to learn how to love. She adores him, but NO. At every turn, he is outraged and dismayed at how well she knows his devious ways.
I highly recommend the books, and it deserves a better review, but my two stupid dogs are circling like sharks for their walk. In the rain.
Leonidas is a keeper as his arrogance and less than savory tricks are to get both the heroine and his son. Unlike the asshat in another LG, Greek Tycoon, Inexperienced Mistress, I find this H's love and transformation believable. I have to add, it's a good thing that the h has a spine of steel and is a smart cookie, 'cause it's going to take a lot to rein this one in.
Points off for Maribel's toxic family that practically disowned her when she popped up pregnant then smarmed in when Leonidas comes back.
Ugh, just spotted a stupid spelling error. Used "rain" instead of "rein".
February 24, 2018
For once, the title is correct. This heroine is defiant. She has known the hero for many years and he has been an arrogant rich alpha since he was in the cradle. She knows him and she doesn't want her secret son (conceived from a one night stand after her cousin's funeral) to grow up like him or in his atmosphere.
Hero doesn't blame the heroine for her pregnancy and is determined to have this child in his life. Heroine is equally determined to protect her son.
The hero is/was pretty awful, but the heroine is more than equal to putting him in his place - but not in a bitchy way. She does see him clearly, but then he sees her clearly, too. Once they have committed to marriage they both strive to communicate better and make it work. Their one night stand is clarified
The hero changed and grew for the better without a personality transplant. The heroine was big enough to acknowledge his growth and to revise her opinion whenever she got new information. I believed in their HEA.
There's a bonus cowardly Irish Wolfhound, named "Mouse," who hides under the table whenever strangers stop by. H/h's toddler spends time with him under the table. :)
Hero doesn't blame the heroine for her pregnancy and is determined to have this child in his life. Heroine is equally determined to protect her son.
The hero is/was pretty awful, but the heroine is more than equal to putting him in his place - but not in a bitchy way. She does see him clearly, but then he sees her clearly, too. Once they have committed to marriage they both strive to communicate better and make it work. Their one night stand is clarified
The hero changed and grew for the better without a personality transplant. The heroine was big enough to acknowledge his growth and to revise her opinion whenever she got new information. I believed in their HEA.
There's a bonus cowardly Irish Wolfhound, named "Mouse," who hides under the table whenever strangers stop by. H/h's toddler spends time with him under the table. :)
December 20, 2008
Maribel and Leonidas Pallis shared a night of passion but the following morning Maribel disappeared from Leonidas's life. He was far more hurt than he thought possible and he strove to erase her from his mind, but when he sees her again at a memorial service for her cousin he can't help but remember that night. Then someone at the service mentions that Maribel has a child and he's angry that she's been with some other man. He goes to see her, not knowing exactly what he wants from her but then he's stunned to realize that Maribel's child is his son. He's equally stunned by Maribel's passionate vow that she will never let him near her child. Leonidas is determined to use all his considerable resources to gain his rights as the father and at first Maribel fights him. She wants nothing to do with him and doesn't want her son emulating his father's careless, playboy ways. She thinks to drive him away by saying the only way that Leonidas will be allowed into their lives is if he marries her. Well, Leonidas accepts her offer and they marry. For better or worse these two tempestuous lovers need to find a compromise that will enable them to have a happily every after.
My favorite in the Rich, Ruthless and Really Handsome series. I liked Maribel and I enjoyed her evading maneuvers. At first her insistence on cutting Leonidas out of his sons life seems cold but when we learn more about that fateful morning after they had sex it becomes more apparent that she has valid reasons in protecting herself and her son. I completely sympathize with her hurt and cheered when she brought Leonidas to his knees. Who was a completely arrogant jerk. When they finally do have sex as man and wife and then he rolls off her and agrees to meet his ex girlfriend at her apartment my jaw just dropped. Grrrr. Someone get me a blowtorch and a butcher's knife! That it was completely innocent doesn't matter. He frequently tells her that she doesn't own him and that their marriage will not change him. Grrrr. I definitely enjoyed reading about Maribel bringing him down a peg or three. Normally I don't like angsty books but all these out of control emotions was a fun ride. Also it's a good thing I read this book before the first one in this series because I would have really disliked Leonidas alot more. He has an obvious disdain for women in the first book and it's still not beaten out of him by his own book but Maribel soons straightens him out and makes him into a better father and a far better husband.
My favorite in the Rich, Ruthless and Really Handsome series. I liked Maribel and I enjoyed her evading maneuvers. At first her insistence on cutting Leonidas out of his sons life seems cold but when we learn more about that fateful morning after they had sex it becomes more apparent that she has valid reasons in protecting herself and her son. I completely sympathize with her hurt and cheered when she brought Leonidas to his knees. Who was a completely arrogant jerk. When they finally do have sex as man and wife and then he rolls off her and agrees to meet his ex girlfriend at her apartment my jaw just dropped. Grrrr. Someone get me a blowtorch and a butcher's knife! That it was completely innocent doesn't matter. He frequently tells her that she doesn't own him and that their marriage will not change him. Grrrr. I definitely enjoyed reading about Maribel bringing him down a peg or three. Normally I don't like angsty books but all these out of control emotions was a fun ride. Also it's a good thing I read this book before the first one in this series because I would have really disliked Leonidas alot more. He has an obvious disdain for women in the first book and it's still not beaten out of him by his own book but Maribel soons straightens him out and makes him into a better father and a far better husband.
January 2, 2021
Surprise, surprise! Leonidas turned out to be a fair, reasonable man and not the arrogant jerkwad he'd appeared to be in book 1 of this series. I really loved how loving and playful Leonidas was with his son and, amazingly, how he didn't revert to blackmail to be with him.
The biggest disappointment was Maribel who initially annoyed me with her "defiant" and manipulative behavior, but as the story progressed my antipathy diminished once I realized her antagonism stemmed more from fear-based insecurity than any deliberate malice.
Like the first book in the series, this wasn't terribly emotional or exciting. The angst that existed came from misunderstandings. My enjoyment of the book increased after Maribel stopped fighting with Leonidas, with the section leading up to the end being the best part of the story.
This is the second Lynne Graham book I've read with a dog as a secondary character. I've noticed that the more fiery the pet, the more exciting and romantic the book. It's not exactly scientific, but I might be on to something... LOL
The biggest disappointment was Maribel who initially annoyed me with her "defiant" and manipulative behavior, but as the story progressed my antipathy diminished once I realized her antagonism stemmed more from fear-based insecurity than any deliberate malice.
Like the first book in the series, this wasn't terribly emotional or exciting. The angst that existed came from misunderstandings. My enjoyment of the book increased after Maribel stopped fighting with Leonidas, with the section leading up to the end being the best part of the story.
This is the second Lynne Graham book I've read with a dog as a secondary character. I've noticed that the more fiery the pet, the more exciting and romantic the book. It's not exactly scientific, but I might be on to something... LOL
July 8, 2020
Really enjoyed that the hero was the first one to say ILY in this enjoyable HP by Lynne Graham.
Nice epilogue and who can resist a dog named Mouse?
Nice epilogue and who can resist a dog named Mouse?
April 15, 2018
This was an okay read for me. Took me time to warm up to the main characters.
Leonidas came across as spoilt and outside his moneyed world he was a clueless man. But, I have to give him points for trying to rectify his errors and there was no doubt he was totally into Maribel. Besides, he was fantastic with his son Elias. He just didn't know how to do things without involving his wealth because that's how he grew up and he didn't think of the consequences.
But, then "I know it all" Maribel was there to put him place. Which is fine. I like spunky, strong heroine, but Maribel annoyed me with her pitiful "Woe is me" whining and manipulation. It's a mystery to me how she can even think she's in love with Leonidas when she was picking on him for everything. And, the first time Leonidas visited her on suspicion that her son has been fathered by him, her constant "I'll call the police" rankled. Besides, she tells him, "Just this once I’m asking you to think about someone other than yourself," but I felt she was the one who was thinking only about herself. Forget Leonidas' entitlement to know his child because she thought he was bad in everything, but then she didn't even think about her son's entitlement to know his father. Why? Because he didn't call her when she walked out of his apartment after the one night they had together. He didn't know she'd gone out to buy ingredients for the breakfast he'd ordered her to make and met with an accident and had a concussion. He thought she'd rejected him. Not that she'd called to tell him what really happened. Then, she demands that he marries her because she didn't trust him alone with their son. So, I wasn't really convinced that she was in love with him.
Nevertheless, things got a little better toward the end after they were married. Loved Leonidas' moments with his son. The epilogue is very sweet Overall, an okay one time read.
Leonidas came across as spoilt and outside his moneyed world he was a clueless man. But, I have to give him points for trying to rectify his errors and there was no doubt he was totally into Maribel. Besides, he was fantastic with his son Elias. He just didn't know how to do things without involving his wealth because that's how he grew up and he didn't think of the consequences.
But, then "I know it all" Maribel was there to put him place. Which is fine. I like spunky, strong heroine, but Maribel annoyed me with her pitiful "Woe is me" whining and manipulation. It's a mystery to me how she can even think she's in love with Leonidas when she was picking on him for everything. And, the first time Leonidas visited her on suspicion that her son has been fathered by him, her constant "I'll call the police" rankled. Besides, she tells him, "Just this once I’m asking you to think about someone other than yourself," but I felt she was the one who was thinking only about herself. Forget Leonidas' entitlement to know his child because she thought he was bad in everything, but then she didn't even think about her son's entitlement to know his father. Why? Because he didn't call her when she walked out of his apartment after the one night they had together. He didn't know she'd gone out to buy ingredients for the breakfast he'd ordered her to make and met with an accident and had a concussion. He thought she'd rejected him. Not that she'd called to tell him what really happened. Then, she demands that he marries her because she didn't trust him alone with their son. So, I wasn't really convinced that she was in love with him.
Nevertheless, things got a little better toward the end after they were married. Loved Leonidas' moments with his son. The epilogue is very sweet Overall, an okay one time read.
March 29, 2012
Another secret baby, innocent virgin seduced by the gorgeous, zillionaire story was my first thought when I began reading this book by Lynne Graham, one of my favorite Mills & Boon authors. But I was surprised to discover a story with such depth and incredible characters.
This is the second book in the Rich, the Ruthless and the Really Handsome series and I loved the story of Leonides Pallis, a fabulously rich and incredibly handsome, lonely alpha hero (but has a soft side that he hides) and Maribel, is smart, loving and believes that she is nothing to look at and cannot believe that someone like Leonides could ever find her beautiful…which he does….they spend one night of passion but the next day he does something that has her disappearing from his life.
He tries to forget her but when they meet again some years later at her cousin’s funeral (Maribel has always believed that he was her lover…which he wasn’t!!!), he realizes how much he feels for her.
He also discovers that she is the mother of his baby son and is determined to meet him, but Maribel is not prepared to allow this…..thinking that he would never agree to her terms – that the only way he can be part of their son’s life is if he marries her….of course he would never agree to that….he’s into beautiful women and she is certainly not even close…..and surprise surprise….he agrees!!!!!!
At first I thought Leonides was a bit of a cruel and hard guy and showed total disdain towards women in the first book of the series and the when they sleep together again, he leaves her alone to go and see another women…..i mean…yes he says it’s all innocent….but hell…I’d give him a kick in the butt!!!! But I grew to really love the guy. He truly loves her and their child. And wow did I love the way Maribel refused to be a mat…she gave as good as she got. Not a bimbo this heroine!!!!!
I read this book in one go….guess I really enjoyed it.
Synopsis:
He's discovered she's his baby's mother--so now she'll be his bride!
Maribel was a shy virgin when she and handsome Leonidas Pallis shared a night of passion. She assumed he was inspired by his need for comfort, rather than lust for her. However, unbeknownst to Leonidas... Maribel conceived his child.
Now Leonidas wants what's his: his baby boy and Maribel, available 24/7. But the only way Leonidas will claim her and their son is if he takes her...as his bride!
This is the second book in the Rich, the Ruthless and the Really Handsome series and I loved the story of Leonides Pallis, a fabulously rich and incredibly handsome, lonely alpha hero (but has a soft side that he hides) and Maribel, is smart, loving and believes that she is nothing to look at and cannot believe that someone like Leonides could ever find her beautiful…which he does….they spend one night of passion but the next day he does something that has her disappearing from his life.
He tries to forget her but when they meet again some years later at her cousin’s funeral (Maribel has always believed that he was her lover…which he wasn’t!!!), he realizes how much he feels for her.
He also discovers that she is the mother of his baby son and is determined to meet him, but Maribel is not prepared to allow this…..thinking that he would never agree to her terms – that the only way he can be part of their son’s life is if he marries her….of course he would never agree to that….he’s into beautiful women and she is certainly not even close…..and surprise surprise….he agrees!!!!!!
At first I thought Leonides was a bit of a cruel and hard guy and showed total disdain towards women in the first book of the series and the when they sleep together again, he leaves her alone to go and see another women…..i mean…yes he says it’s all innocent….but hell…I’d give him a kick in the butt!!!! But I grew to really love the guy. He truly loves her and their child. And wow did I love the way Maribel refused to be a mat…she gave as good as she got. Not a bimbo this heroine!!!!!
I read this book in one go….guess I really enjoyed it.
Synopsis:
He's discovered she's his baby's mother--so now she'll be his bride!
Maribel was a shy virgin when she and handsome Leonidas Pallis shared a night of passion. She assumed he was inspired by his need for comfort, rather than lust for her. However, unbeknownst to Leonidas... Maribel conceived his child.
Now Leonidas wants what's his: his baby boy and Maribel, available 24/7. But the only way Leonidas will claim her and their son is if he takes her...as his bride!
November 6, 2019
I amped up the stars as I have reread this several time now. I still have issues with hero unknowingly abandoning heroine. But I like these pair.
Epilogue was so cute.
Recommended.
Epilogue was so cute.
Recommended.
June 10, 2018
Wow, what a guy! He beds a virgin. Doesn't use protection and never checks on her to see if there was a consequence to their night of passion and HE is angry because she didn't contact him. He cared deeply for her from afar while he bedded any and every beautiful woman that came into his path and had multiple mistresses. What a swell guy! Let me tell you...he was an a$$. The mother of his child was strong in a way but very weak when it came to him - making her appear as a dim-witted, weak-willed woman.
Even while she was terrified he was going to steal her son she would turn into goo whenever in his presence. She was such a pushover even when she knew better. URGH!
I despise man-whores as well as women who are not portrayed as strong and confident. This is a no-go for me.
Even while she was terrified he was going to steal her son she would turn into goo whenever in his presence. She was such a pushover even when she knew better. URGH!
I despise man-whores as well as women who are not portrayed as strong and confident. This is a no-go for me.
February 9, 2025
Re-read!
It was my fav if H was celibate in two years they were apart. There was no mention that he was not but I felt like that he was manwhore as usual. I know it's unlikely but I like faithful heroes.
Re-read again and I reduced a star because I really hated H’s attitude towards the h!
It was my fav if H was celibate in two years they were apart. There was no mention that he was not but I felt like that he was manwhore as usual. I know it's unlikely but I like faithful heroes.
Re-read again and I reduced a star because I really hated H’s attitude towards the h!
May 13, 2012
Not one of my favorite Lynne Graham books. I really did not care for Leonidas. Though, I did feel sorry for him when he was blackmailed into marriage by the heroine because I actually liked her even less! She played the part of innocent victim, but her actions were cunning and manipulative. She tried to sugar coat the blackmail as being in the best interest of her child, but the logic didn't close. Her point, that the only way she could fight him was on equal footing as his wife was far from the truth. In fact once she married him, she diminished her rights to her son. Prior to marriage, the law was heavily favored towards her. If she really despised him as much as she says (which by the way was probably warranted given he was a jerk) she should have stayed single....
I can't relate to the high ratings for this book. Both H/h were losers.
However, I did like Mouse, the Irish Wolfhound. He was the best part of the book!
I can't relate to the high ratings for this book. Both H/h were losers.
However, I did like Mouse, the Irish Wolfhound. He was the best part of the book!
January 16, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars.
I read the manga adaptation of this book first and the manga is really humorous so I picked up the novel as well.
The novel itself also doesn't disappoint. The heroine is a believable, likable character with a mind of her own. The story and how the romance is handled is satisfying, though the ending does drag a little.
What amuses me the most is how much of an insensitive jackass the hero really is, it's rather hilarious, to be honest. Although the guy still has some redeemable quality in him and his bad childhood can explain why he behaves like this but if I were the heroine I honestly would issue an restraint order against him anyway. 🤣
I read the manga adaptation of this book first and the manga is really humorous so I picked up the novel as well.
The novel itself also doesn't disappoint. The heroine is a believable, likable character with a mind of her own. The story and how the romance is handled is satisfying, though the ending does drag a little.
What amuses me the most is how much of an insensitive jackass the hero really is, it's rather hilarious, to be honest. Although the guy still has some redeemable quality in him and his bad childhood can explain why he behaves like this but if I were the heroine I honestly would issue an restraint order against him anyway. 🤣
will-not-read
October 24, 2017DNF
Thanks to all the original HPs titles I thought I was going to buy The Greek tycoon's disobedient bride... something that could have been easily solved by reading the back cover but I'm lazy.
Anyways, you know I'm not fan of secret baby because H didn't love me. At first I understood her not telling him because the argument was he doesn't even like kids, he doesn't want one ever and blah blah, so I could give the book a chance. But then when he went to her house she could have gotten rid of him by telling him "Yes, I had your son. But don't worry, I know you don't want or like kids. We don't need money or anything from you so you can go ". But instead she went hysterical, which made him even more curious.
Plus, he sounded too arrogant, and the mess with her cousin is not something I'm eager to read.
And that was barely chapter two. Huge no thanks.
Thanks to all the original HPs titles I thought I was going to buy The Greek tycoon's disobedient bride... something that could have been easily solved by reading the back cover but I'm lazy.
Anyways, you know I'm not fan of secret baby because H didn't love me. At first I understood her not telling him because the argument was he doesn't even like kids, he doesn't want one ever and blah blah, so I could give the book a chance. But then when he went to her house she could have gotten rid of him by telling him "Yes, I had your son. But don't worry, I know you don't want or like kids. We don't need money or anything from you so you can go ". But instead she went hysterical, which made him even more curious.
Plus, he sounded too arrogant, and the mess with her cousin is not something I'm eager to read.
And that was barely chapter two. Huge no thanks.
May 12, 2013
This is the second book in the Rich, the Ruthless and the Really Handsome series and I liked this story but not as much as the first one. I didn't think the hero was a jerk at all quite the opposite actually. You could tell he was crazy about Maribel and their baby boy and Maribel was one fierce heroine. There were lots of misunderstandings that kept them apart but you could still tell they never got over each other.
It was also nice seeing Tilda and Rashad from the first book make an appearance!
It was also nice seeing Tilda and Rashad from the first book make an appearance!
February 25, 2024
The reviews by Vintage and StMargarets cover the plot well so just some rants...
The h actually consulted a decent attorney about her parental rights regarding their secret son... About time a heroine did that! She also had a doctorate and a good job. (Rounding up a star.)
I’m not normally a fan of the secret baby but he was such an a** it was impossible to feel sorry for his lost time. He did every manipulative thing he could (short of kidnapping the baby, thank goodness). He did seem to genuinely like the son when he was with him (those were the good scenes), but his treatment of her was pathetic for a large percentage of the book. He was thoroughly selfish, and barely likable by the Epilogue.
It took him until the *very* end to express regret that he’d missed her pregnancy and the first nine months or more of his son’s life. Even then, he never expressed interest in how she had coped, her health, how she felt, how her labor had gone... none of it. Zero interest. He was all about him from start to end.
She was aggressively argumentative for the first half, but considering his manipulative actions and power, I couldn’t fault her being fearful and cautious. She had to stand her ground with him (at times annoyingly). She did better than most HP heroines (esp for LG) but what was disappointing was the “he’s so gorgeous” inner monologues while he’s treating her like crap.
The good news is, both of them seemed to grow throughout the book.
I always find it hard to believe the “I’ve been in love with you for so long” line from the H when he has clearly been bedding anyone (everyone) he wanted all along. He wasn’t faithful after their ONS and I am not positive he was faithful the entire time after meeting up with her again. Absolutely nothing about him indicated he was respectful of her in that regard and his consistent speeches to her about never answering to any woman not only made him seem untrustworthy, it belied his so-called “love” for her. He really did nothing to make her feel secure or valued.
I know I’m supposed to believe he was suddenly a faithful, loving, committed husband, but I’m not as sold as I’d like to be. This is another story where the impression is that if there were no baby, he’d still be single partying on a yacht. Because while he claimed to have all these feelings for her, he really made no effort until he saw her again two years later at an event.
Still, there was a lot more depth to this story than most. Their interactions were always interesting and they kept moving the story forward. LG absolutely brings the heroine’s emotions to life in a way that is truly outstanding. The fact that you can reread this multiple times makes it a standout.
The h actually consulted a decent attorney about her parental rights regarding their secret son... About time a heroine did that! She also had a doctorate and a good job. (Rounding up a star.)
I’m not normally a fan of the secret baby but he was such an a** it was impossible to feel sorry for his lost time. He did every manipulative thing he could (short of kidnapping the baby, thank goodness). He did seem to genuinely like the son when he was with him (those were the good scenes), but his treatment of her was pathetic for a large percentage of the book. He was thoroughly selfish, and barely likable by the Epilogue.
It took him until the *very* end to express regret that he’d missed her pregnancy and the first nine months or more of his son’s life. Even then, he never expressed interest in how she had coped, her health, how she felt, how her labor had gone... none of it. Zero interest. He was all about him from start to end.
She was aggressively argumentative for the first half, but considering his manipulative actions and power, I couldn’t fault her being fearful and cautious. She had to stand her ground with him (at times annoyingly). She did better than most HP heroines (esp for LG) but what was disappointing was the “he’s so gorgeous” inner monologues while he’s treating her like crap.
The good news is, both of them seemed to grow throughout the book.
I always find it hard to believe the “I’ve been in love with you for so long” line from the H when he has clearly been bedding anyone (everyone) he wanted all along. He wasn’t faithful after their ONS and I am not positive he was faithful the entire time after meeting up with her again. Absolutely nothing about him indicated he was respectful of her in that regard and his consistent speeches to her about never answering to any woman not only made him seem untrustworthy, it belied his so-called “love” for her. He really did nothing to make her feel secure or valued.
I know I’m supposed to believe he was suddenly a faithful, loving, committed husband, but I’m not as sold as I’d like to be. This is another story where the impression is that if there were no baby, he’d still be single partying on a yacht. Because while he claimed to have all these feelings for her, he really made no effort until he saw her again two years later at an event.
Still, there was a lot more depth to this story than most. Their interactions were always interesting and they kept moving the story forward. LG absolutely brings the heroine’s emotions to life in a way that is truly outstanding. The fact that you can reread this multiple times makes it a standout.
November 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. Mostly I think because it was different. The hero was a jerk throughout the whole story in what I felt was a very realistic way. There are some guys out there who are so full of themselves and oblivious that they believe that they are perfectly justified in tossing a bone to the heroine occasionally and going about their merry way is acceptable. It was nice to see a hero who wasn't all "You've had my secret baby and now you MUST marry me even though I despise you. The heroine was pretty realistic to in expecting more from the hero then getting her feelings hurt as the guy back peddles away. She was still a pretty strong character though. When she realizes the hero is offering her at most a fourth a loaf she doesn't put up with it. I liked that there were moments when the hero was made to realize what a jerk he'd been. I also greatly enjoy books where the characters knew each other when they were young. No insta love here.
So if you have a tolerance for less than perfect heroes this one might work for you.
So if you have a tolerance for less than perfect heroes this one might work for you.
March 30, 2013
1.5 stars
The title is all wrong for this book. It should have been The Greek Tycoon Blackmailed into a marriage, or A Greek Tycoon father intimidated by using child visitation and his rights.
I seriously don't know who was more ruthless in this story- the lead characters or their extended families, alive or dead. I was dumbfounded by how the lead female, a PhD and supposedly a very intelligent individual, could have such a little understanding of family law or how her actions were justified. It just didn't make any sense. I also couldn't gasp why a very busy sexually promiscuous gentleman would waste over 5 years of his life being in a relationship with a very willing and beautiful super model and never have sex with her. It wasn't that he was picky based on what we read about the few weeks he stayed at their house.
The title is all wrong for this book. It should have been The Greek Tycoon Blackmailed into a marriage, or A Greek Tycoon father intimidated by using child visitation and his rights.
I seriously don't know who was more ruthless in this story- the lead characters or their extended families, alive or dead. I was dumbfounded by how the lead female, a PhD and supposedly a very intelligent individual, could have such a little understanding of family law or how her actions were justified. It just didn't make any sense. I also couldn't gasp why a very busy sexually promiscuous gentleman would waste over 5 years of his life being in a relationship with a very willing and beautiful super model and never have sex with her. It wasn't that he was picky based on what we read about the few weeks he stayed at their house.
January 10, 2017
Maribel thought that maybe she had seen a different side to playboy Leonidas Pallis when they slept together, but he shattered any hope that she might be different the next morning. Walking away was all Maribel could do, two years later Leonidas reappears and realizes that Maribel has kept their child a secret. Leonidas wants to be part of his baby's life but Maribel doesn't believe that Leonidas is parent potential and the only way that Maribel will begin to trust him is buy marrying him, however the playboy is not a man who can promise monogamy or a blissful marriage, or is he?
I never really warmed to Leonidas, he is a manipulator and while he falls for Maribel he is a tough man to like. Maribel I liked that she stuck to her guns where their child was concerned. Overall entertaining.
I never really warmed to Leonidas, he is a manipulator and while he falls for Maribel he is a tough man to like. Maribel I liked that she stuck to her guns where their child was concerned. Overall entertaining.
August 21, 2011
Enjoyable dramatic secret-baby story (not my favourite trope, but tolerable in this case). Heroine is an academic and hero is the billionaire jerk she knew back when he was also in university. Their paths have crossed a few times over the years, because of their mutual connection through her cousin Imogen. The story was enjoyable largely because she doesn't put up with a lot of his nonsense. One detail that threw me right out of the story: She began learning basic Greek just after the baby was born, 18 months previously. And she's an ancient history Ph. D.? Ridiculous. She'd have to know multiple languages, including modern Greek, to do that kind of work. I know it's petty, but that really annoyed me.
September 15, 2014
No empece con muchas ganas esta historia porque en el libro anterior no me gusto el personaje de Leonidas, pense que a pesar de ese hecho, su historia me gustaria pero no fue asi, Leonidas fue un protagonista que no me convencio y la trama me parecio un poco simple.
2 Estrellas!
2 Estrellas!
February 16, 2017
hero was too arrogant and unfeeling and the heroine had no backbone.wanted the hero to grovel more n explain his actions.I didn't believe he truly loved the heroine
January 2, 2023
One of the reasons I keep reading HPs is for the cold, cruel hero’s. And while this hero wasn’t exactly cold, he was callous and disconnected from his feelings. I would’ve loved this book, since it had no condoms and the hero was hard and it took him a while to face his feelings, but I didn’t like that he wasn’t celibate during separation. I suppose, it wouldn’t have made sense for his personality and his disconnect from his emotions to do so, but it still irked me.
I loved the heroine. She was plucky and sweet and had a good head on her shoulders and I loved that she remained faithful to the hero—unlike the hero, she was connected to her emotions and she knew she loved the hero for years. The one thing that bothered me was her insistence in keeping her son a secret from the hero. Her reasoning really didn’t make that much sense.
Besides the hero’s sliming around with skanks, this was an enjoyable story. Had that part been eliminated it would’ve been a 5 star read for me.
Not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned and he isn’t faithful during two year separation. Heroine gives hero virginity and belongs only to her hero, even tho she goes on a date with another man. Once heroine is back in hero’s life, he is faithful to her from that point on. HEA with epilogue
I loved the heroine. She was plucky and sweet and had a good head on her shoulders and I loved that she remained faithful to the hero—unlike the hero, she was connected to her emotions and she knew she loved the hero for years. The one thing that bothered me was her insistence in keeping her son a secret from the hero. Her reasoning really didn’t make that much sense.
Besides the hero’s sliming around with skanks, this was an enjoyable story. Had that part been eliminated it would’ve been a 5 star read for me.
Not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned and he isn’t faithful during two year separation. Heroine gives hero virginity and belongs only to her hero, even tho she goes on a date with another man. Once heroine is back in hero’s life, he is faithful to her from that point on. HEA with epilogue
July 10, 2017
loved it
March 4, 2013
Bu tip hikayeleri çok seviyorum..Masum bakirelerin karizmatik erkekler tarafından baştan çıkarılması ve o erkeklerin o beraberliği unutamaması..Okumaktan da asla bıkmıyorum..Zengin Yunan'lı armatör Leonidas Pallis kuzeni İmogen'in sevgilisi idi ama onunla hesapta olmayan bir beraberlik yaşayan Maribel bir daha karşılaşmayı umuyordu..Fakat 1,5 yıl sonra İmogen'in ölümü onları tekrar karşı karşıya getirir..
Hiç istemediği halde oğlunun varlığını öğrenmesi ve sorular sorması kaçınılmazdı..Leonidas Elias'ı görür görmez ailesinin genlerini taşıdığını anlaması uzun sürmez..
Bu durumda hem oğluna hem de bu unutamadığı güzel genç kadına sahip olmak için her yolu deneyecektir..
Gayri meşru doğurduğu oğlu yüzünde ailesi ve akrabaları tarafında afaroz edilen Maribel için Leonidas ile tekrar karşılaşıp birde savaşmak zorunda kalmak hiç de kolay değildir..
Hiç istemediği halde oğlunun varlığını öğrenmesi ve sorular sorması kaçınılmazdı..Leonidas Elias'ı görür görmez ailesinin genlerini taşıdığını anlaması uzun sürmez..
Bu durumda hem oğluna hem de bu unutamadığı güzel genç kadına sahip olmak için her yolu deneyecektir..
Gayri meşru doğurduğu oğlu yüzünde ailesi ve akrabaları tarafında afaroz edilen Maribel için Leonidas ile tekrar karşılaşıp birde savaşmak zorunda kalmak hiç de kolay değildir..
July 5, 2011
it was an ok read but not her best work but still readable. i would give her 3.65 for this book.
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***********************
Join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) as well as LIKE us on our fan page (Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members, who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library. Twitter @romanceJUNKIES.
March 18, 2016
Lynne Graham is always a hit or miss with me. But, I loved this book.
Her female characters are usually love-struck ediotic doormats but, Maribel is not. I loved her. I loved how she didn't take shit from the hero and gave as good as she got.
Leonidas was a typical Graham hero but, I liked him with Maribel. I also like that he had legit issues because of his mother and sister. It wasn't the typical, 'I'm a whore because I'm Greek' bull. He seemed human.
I like this story. I've read it many times.
Her female characters are usually love-struck ediotic doormats but, Maribel is not. I loved her. I loved how she didn't take shit from the hero and gave as good as she got.
Leonidas was a typical Graham hero but, I liked him with Maribel. I also like that he had legit issues because of his mother and sister. It wasn't the typical, 'I'm a whore because I'm Greek' bull. He seemed human.
I like this story. I've read it many times.
March 21, 2019
This is not typical HP story, it has elements but this heroine is honestly tough and she doesn't alow hero to walk all over her... She realy has spine... And brain too... And she is not afraid to admit that she wants him, and she's not afraid to set her own rules, and go for all or nothing..
I love them both because they look like human beings with mistakes, they are both wrong sometimes and they are also ready to reconsider their own actions and see things from different perspective... This one realy surprised me...
I love them both because they look like human beings with mistakes, they are both wrong sometimes and they are also ready to reconsider their own actions and see things from different perspective... This one realy surprised me...
June 16, 2017
Ooo! I really, really hated Leonidas! His attitude toward Maribel from the beginning was one of contempt and condescension, and when he , I was ready to quit reading at that point. He didn't get much better when he used coercion and blackmail to get what he wanted. However, this is a HQP, so I enjoyed the developing story line. The ending was a little too quick for me, but I loved the epilogue.
March 25, 2019
I find it wierd that people have rates this one as average but other of LG's works with TSTL heroines and punchable heros have rates better.
The H in this one is punchable too but the h sticks to her guns and calls him out for his bullshit at every turn. She is no milksop miss.
Really liked the face that in this one the h does not have to eat humble pie every two pages like LG generally does to her he's.
The H in this one is punchable too but the h sticks to her guns and calls him out for his bullshit at every turn. She is no milksop miss.
Really liked the face that in this one the h does not have to eat humble pie every two pages like LG generally does to her he's.
July 15, 2015
Rating: 4 stars.
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