What do you think?
Rate this book
A Husband's Vendetta
Luc Maccari's wife Ellen, had abandoned him when he'd needed her most -- only now she wanted him back! Suspecting his financial success was the cause of her interest, Luc decided to teach her a lesson. He'd giver her a tantalizing taste of what she'd sacrificed the day she walked out -- beginning in the bedroom. . . Unfortunately, seducing Ellen was reminding him of what he'd been missing, too. Then he uncovered her heartrending secret, her reason for leaving. And suddenly revenge was in danger of becoming a powerful reunion. . .
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Sara Wood
254 books33 followersSara Wood was born in England. She has wonderful memories of her childhood. Her parents were desperately poor but their devotion to family life gave her a feeling of great security. Sara's father was one of four fostered children and never knew his parents, hence his joy with his own family. Birthday parties were sensational her father would perform brilliantly as a Chinese magician or a clown or invent hilarious games and treasure hunts. From him she learnt that working hard brought many rewards, especially self-respect. During her degree course she met her husband, a kind, thoughtful, attentive man who is her friend and soulmate. At 21, she married and had her first son at 22. Now she has another three children. She loved teaching in Sussex which she did for twelve years.
Her switch into writing came about in a peculiar way. Richie, her elder son, had always been nuts about natural history and had a huge collection of animal skulls. At the age of fifteen he decided he'd write an information book about collecting. Heinemann and Pan, prestigious publishers, eagerly fell on the book and when it was published it won the famous Times Information Book award. Interviews, TV and magazine articles followed. Encouraged by his success, she thought she could write too and had several information books for children published. Then she saw Charlotte Lamb being wined and dined by Mills & Boon on a television programme and decided she could do Charlotte's job! But she'd rarely read fiction before, so she bought twenty books and analysed them carefully, then wrote one of her own. Amazingly it was accepted and she began writing full time.
Sara and her husband moved to a small country estate in Cornwall which was a paradise. Her sons visited often; Richie being married to Heidi and with two daughters; Simon rushing in after some danger- filled action in Alaska or Hawaii etc, protecting the environment with Greenpeace. Sara qualified as a homeopath, caring for the health of her family and friends. But Paradise is always fleeting. Sara's husband became seriously ill and it was clear that they had to move somewhere less demanding on time and effort. After a nightmare year of worrying about him, nursing and watching him like a hawk, she was relieved when they'd sold up and moved back to Sussex. Their current house is large and thatched and sits in the pretty rolling downs with wonderful walks and views all around. They live nearer to the boys (men!) and see them often. Richie and Heidi are expecting another baby, Simon has a baby son and a new, dangerous, passion flinging himself off mountains (paragliding). The three hills nearby frequently entice him down. She adores seeing her family (mother, mother-in-law too) around the table at Christmas. Sara feels fortunate that although she's had tough times and has sometimes been desperately unhappy, she is now surrounded by love and feels she can weather any storm to come.
Her switch into writing came about in a peculiar way. Richie, her elder son, had always been nuts about natural history and had a huge collection of animal skulls. At the age of fifteen he decided he'd write an information book about collecting. Heinemann and Pan, prestigious publishers, eagerly fell on the book and when it was published it won the famous Times Information Book award. Interviews, TV and magazine articles followed. Encouraged by his success, she thought she could write too and had several information books for children published. Then she saw Charlotte Lamb being wined and dined by Mills & Boon on a television programme and decided she could do Charlotte's job! But she'd rarely read fiction before, so she bought twenty books and analysed them carefully, then wrote one of her own. Amazingly it was accepted and she began writing full time.
Sara and her husband moved to a small country estate in Cornwall which was a paradise. Her sons visited often; Richie being married to Heidi and with two daughters; Simon rushing in after some danger- filled action in Alaska or Hawaii etc, protecting the environment with Greenpeace. Sara qualified as a homeopath, caring for the health of her family and friends. But Paradise is always fleeting. Sara's husband became seriously ill and it was clear that they had to move somewhere less demanding on time and effort. After a nightmare year of worrying about him, nursing and watching him like a hawk, she was relieved when they'd sold up and moved back to Sussex. Their current house is large and thatched and sits in the pretty rolling downs with wonderful walks and views all around. They live nearer to the boys (men!) and see them often. Richie and Heidi are expecting another baby, Simon has a baby son and a new, dangerous, passion flinging himself off mountains (paragliding). The three hills nearby frequently entice him down. She adores seeing her family (mother, mother-in-law too) around the table at Christmas. Sara feels fortunate that although she's had tough times and has sometimes been desperately unhappy, she is now surrounded by love and feels she can weather any storm to come.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 18, 2022
Very I usual book and I have never read it before. The wife had post partem depression and was afraid of hurting her child so she left and had major issues. Her daughter was acting out and didn't like her Mother and the hero hated her. He let her watch the child, had sex with her and then dumped her and said she'd never see her child again. He did not know why she left and he hated her alot. I think he was celibate but I don't know for sure. She followed him and found out why her little girl is so upset. It is sad. I didn't love the heroine. At all but by the end She was okay. Would not read again. Read in Scribd
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2022
Update
December 12th/2022
Original rating: 4 stars
I read this story many years ago. What I remember the most apart from the cover is that the story is sad, hero treated the heroine with resentment. I wouldn't reread it again ever!
I lowered my rating to 3 stars 🌟 Maybe 2.5 would be better 🤔
December 12th/2022
Original rating: 4 stars
I read this story many years ago. What I remember the most apart from the cover is that the story is sad, hero treated the heroine with resentment. I wouldn't reread it again ever!
I lowered my rating to 3 stars 🌟 Maybe 2.5 would be better 🤔
May 27, 2020
2-3 stars. I hate giving low ratings. 😞 I only give it to books I didn't had the push to finish.
As I scan the reviews before I read this one, I was quite confused why rates are so low, giveb it has all the potential for a wonderful plot, the angst, the attraction, and all. It was a good book from the start but when the story is coming to a conclusion, I understand why. Endings make or break a book, and this one wasn't able to deliver a conclusion that will wrap up the story perfectly. Like, all of that mess without a satisfying ending?? It was a HEA alright, but it feels forced and too quick. I felt unsatisfied and betrayed. At least maybe a good groveling will do or somethibg. Also, I might have had a high expectation for the angst, but I didn't feel any. :(
As I scan the reviews before I read this one, I was quite confused why rates are so low, giveb it has all the potential for a wonderful plot, the angst, the attraction, and all. It was a good book from the start but when the story is coming to a conclusion, I understand why. Endings make or break a book, and this one wasn't able to deliver a conclusion that will wrap up the story perfectly. Like, all of that mess without a satisfying ending?? It was a HEA alright, but it feels forced and too quick. I felt unsatisfied and betrayed. At least maybe a good groveling will do or somethibg. Also, I might have had a high expectation for the angst, but I didn't feel any. :(
October 2, 2020
I appreciate the fact that the heroine here had post-partum depression causing her to bolt from her husband and her baby, while her husband reacted basically as stupidly as you would expect a Harlequin Presents hero to react (lots of yelling). Other than that the book was at best a hot mess. Ellen is a not-very-bright doormat, Luca is a bully, and the kid's real name is evidently Plot Device. It's actually pretty unpleasant to read.
April 23, 2013
Everything about this novel had me despising it, unfortunately. The hero was an ass and not someone I'd ever dub as a hero. He was purposely rude and cruel to the heroine. It was a horrible novel.
June 3, 2021
Luc Maccari's wife Ellen, had abandoned him when he'd needed her most -- only now she wanted him back! Suspecting his financial success was the cause of her interest, Luc decided to teach her a lesson. He'd giver her a tantalizing taste of what she'd sacrificed the day she walked out -- beginning in the bedroom. . . Unfortunately, seducing Ellen was reminding him of what he'd been missing, too. Then he uncovered her heartrending secret, her reason for leaving. And suddenly revenge was in danger of becoming a powerful reunion
September 23, 2014
Gut wrenching. her explanations came too late for my satisfaction
July 22, 2024
This was an engaging story, had all the elements we want but I found the end rushed and the big climax of the story unbelievable. To some extent I understand and believe what the main female character goes through but find it a wee bit farfetched the way it happened. If I’m being confusing, my apologies as I’m trying not to give away anything.
Not sure it will be a re-read only because of the emotion between the covers of the book that made me ugly cry. ;-)
Not sure it will be a re-read only because of the emotion between the covers of the book that made me ugly cry. ;-)
July 18, 2019
I love second chance romance. Especially with married couples ,angst and revenge. This book deals with an illness in which forced the h to abandon her husband and newborn baby. I felt sorry for her and he this band when neither of them knew what was the problem. An excellent read. A vintage you must read.
March 7, 2022
⚠️⚠️WARNING: Depresión posparto, pensamientos intrusivos, depresión y bullying.⚠️⚠️
January 22, 2025
เล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องที่สองของซาร่าที่แม็กซ์ ไม่ถึงกับดีเท่าเล่มแรก แต่ก็ยังดีกว่าเพรสเซ่นที่ลอยเกลื่อนอยู่ในตลาด
Although Luc Maccari's marriage had blistered with passion, his wife had abandoned him when he needed her most. Now Ellen wanted him back. Luc decided to teach her a lesson. He'd give her a taste of what she'd sacrificed the day she walked out.
เอเลนทิ้งลุคและเจมม่าลูกสาวของเธอไปหลังจากที่คลอดเจมม่าได้ไม่นาน นั่นทำให้ลุคเจ็บจนแทบขาดใจ เขารักเอเลนมาก แต่มันก็สอนบทเรียนให้เขา เอเลนเป็นสาวน้อยที่
ถูกตามใจ เธอเป็นลูกคนรวยที่ขัดคำสั่งบิดามาแต่งงานกับคนต่างชาติจน ๆ อย่างเขา และเมื่อชีวิตมันยุ่งยาก และไม่แสนสุขอีกต่อไป เอเลนก็เก็บกระเป๋า และเดินจากเขาและลูกไป
นั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ลุครับรู้ และนั่นเป็นสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นจริง เอเลนเดินจากสามี และลูกของเธอไป แต่เมื่ออ่านได้สักบทสองบท คนอ่านก็จะรู้ว่าการกระทำของเอเลนสามารถอธิบายได้ เธอเป็นโรคซึมเศร้าหลังคลอดบุตร และไม่อาจอธิบายให้สามีที่ทำงานหนักตลอดเวลาอย่างลุคเข้าใจถึงความเจ็บปวด ทางจิตใจของเธอได้ เอเลนรู้สึกว่าไม่มีทางเลือก นอกจากเดินจากบุคคลสองคนที่เธอรักที่สุดไป เพราะรู้ว่าการอยู่ต่อจะเป็นการทำร้ายเขาทั้งคู่มากกว่า
แม็กซ์โอเคกับคำอธิบาย อย่างน้อยมันก็ดีกว่าพล็อตเข้าใจผิดที่ถูกใช้เป็นหมื่นครั้งในเพรสเซ่น ลุคมีเหตุผลที่จะเกลียดเอเลน และเอเลนมีเหตุผลที่จะหยิ่งในศักดิ์ศรี
ปัญหาของเรื่องนี้ก็คือ การยอมรับของเอเลนที่มีต่อโรคของตัวเอง จากความรู้หางอึ่งที่แม็กซ์มี และพฤติกรรมของคนระดับนางเอกโรแมนซ์ เธอไม่น่าที่จะเลิกรู้สึกผิดได้ดีขนาดนี้
นางเอกโรแมนซ์ แม้จะมีเหตุผลที่อธิบาย และเชื่อถือได้ จำเป็นต้องรู้สึกผิดสักนิดต่อการที่ตัวเองเดินจากสามีและลูกสาวผู้เป็นที่ รักของเธอไปบ้างสินะ แต่เอเลนยอมรับข้อจำกัดของตัวเองได้ดี เกินไปสักนิด
แต่อย่างน้อยตัวละครของซาร่า วู้ดก็มีสามัญสำนึก มีความเป็นมนุษย์ที่แม็กซ์เข้าใจได้ ลุคร้ายกาจกับเอเลนเพราะเขารักเธอ แต่ไม่คิดว่าเธอรักเขา และการที่ทิ้งเขาและลูกไป นั่นเป็นเหตุผลที่ใช้ได้ ไม่ใช่ว่าทำเป็นเถื่อน โหด แล้วก็ดุ แต่อีกสองหน้ามาบอกรักนี่ ม่���ยหวายค่ะ
เป็นเพรสเซ่นที่โอเค คะแนนอาจไม่สูงนัก แต่ถือว่าสูงมากสำหรับแม็กซ์ คนที่ไม่ถูกโรคกับเพรสเซ่นเอาเสียเลย ที่ 60
Although Luc Maccari's marriage had blistered with passion, his wife had abandoned him when he needed her most. Now Ellen wanted him back. Luc decided to teach her a lesson. He'd give her a taste of what she'd sacrificed the day she walked out.
เอเลนทิ้งลุคและเจมม่าลูกสาวของเธอไปหลังจากที่คลอดเจมม่าได้ไม่นาน นั่นทำให้ลุคเจ็บจนแทบขาดใจ เขารักเอเลนมาก แต่มันก็สอนบทเรียนให้เขา เอเลนเป็นสาวน้อยที่
ถูกตามใจ เธอเป็นลูกคนรวยที่ขัดคำสั่งบิดามาแต่งงานกับคนต่างชาติจน ๆ อย่างเขา และเมื่อชีวิตมันยุ่งยาก และไม่แสนสุขอีกต่อไป เอเลนก็เก็บกระเป๋า และเดินจากเขาและลูกไป
นั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ลุครับรู้ และนั่นเป็นสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นจริง เอเลนเดินจากสามี และลูกของเธอไป แต่เมื่ออ่านได้สักบทสองบท คนอ่านก็จะรู้ว่าการกระทำของเอเลนสามารถอธิบายได้ เธอเป็นโรคซึมเศร้าหลังคลอดบุตร และไม่อาจอธิบายให้สามีที่ทำงานหนักตลอดเวลาอย่างลุคเข้าใจถึงความเจ็บปวด ทางจิตใจของเธอได้ เอเลนรู้สึกว่าไม่มีทางเลือก นอกจากเดินจากบุคคลสองคนที่เธอรักที่สุดไป เพราะรู้ว่าการอยู่ต่อจะเป็นการทำร้ายเขาทั้งคู่มากกว่า
แม็กซ์โอเคกับคำอธิบาย อย่างน้อยมันก็ดีกว่าพล็อตเข้าใจผิดที่ถูกใช้เป็นหมื่นครั้งในเพรสเซ่น ลุคมีเหตุผลที่จะเกลียดเอเลน และเอเลนมีเหตุผลที่จะหยิ่งในศักดิ์ศรี
ปัญหาของเรื่องนี้ก็คือ การยอมรับของเอเลนที่มีต่อโรคของตัวเอง จากความรู้หางอึ่งที่แม็กซ์มี และพฤติกรรมของคนระดับนางเอกโรแมนซ์ เธอไม่น่าที่จะเลิกรู้สึกผิดได้ดีขนาดนี้
นางเอกโรแมนซ์ แม้จะมีเหตุผลที่อธิบาย และเชื่อถือได้ จำเป็นต้องรู้สึกผิดสักนิดต่อการที่ตัวเองเดินจากสามีและลูกสาวผู้เป็นที่ รักของเธอไปบ้างสินะ แต่เอเลนยอมรับข้อจำกัดของตัวเองได้ดี เกินไปสักนิด
แต่อย่างน้อยตัวละครของซาร่า วู้ดก็มีสามัญสำนึก มีความเป็นมนุษย์ที่แม็กซ์เข้าใจได้ ลุคร้ายกาจกับเอเลนเพราะเขารักเธอ แต่ไม่คิดว่าเธอรักเขา และการที่ทิ้งเขาและลูกไป นั่นเป็นเหตุผลที่ใช้ได้ ไม่ใช่ว่าทำเป็นเถื่อน โหด แล้วก็ดุ แต่อีกสองหน้ามาบอกรักนี่ ม่���ยหวายค่ะ
เป็นเพรสเซ่นที่โอเค คะแนนอาจไม่สูงนัก แต่ถือว่าสูงมากสำหรับแม็กซ์ คนที่ไม่ถูกโรคกับเพรสเซ่นเอาเสียเลย ที่ 60
November 15, 2024
Liked this book very much! The book explores issues like postpartum depression and the effects it has on the heroine and hero. How if undiagnosed and left untreated it can wreck havoc with the woman. Its so important that she be helped by her family. This book also talks about bullying of kids in school. How little kids can also be cruel to other kids . The scenes between the mother and daughter are so heart wrenching.
July 10, 2022
Didn’t like it, after second chapter skipped to end and it was blah too.
December 11, 2022
Checked all my boxes. Angsty goodness. Solid read!
December 18, 2022
cw: bullying, child abuse, post partum depression
A great start and plot… that was ruined by the ending. I was incredibly disappointed. The hero was hot and cold towards the finale, and the heroine had no dignity. She was all but begging him to take her back even though he was nothing but cruel and emotionally manipulative towards her. There was no grovel for it either, the hero and heroine got their abrupt happily ever after that I believe wasn’t earned.
A great start and plot… that was ruined by the ending. I was incredibly disappointed. The hero was hot and cold towards the finale, and the heroine had no dignity. She was all but begging him to take her back even though he was nothing but cruel and emotionally manipulative towards her. There was no grovel for it either, the hero and heroine got their abrupt happily ever after that I believe wasn’t earned.
December 22, 2012
This is quite possibly one of the top 10 worst HP books I have ever read. And the writing is even more terrible. Not recommended, even if they give it to you for free. To summarize this book one word: maladroit is what comes to mind.
January 29, 2013
A sweet book that brings to life the beautiful island of Capri.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews