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International Billionaires #1
Mistress By Blackmail
A cold-hearted business tycoon. A strong-willed starving artist. A battle for each other’s heart both must win.
Determined to save her best buddy from an arranged marriage, Darcy Moran marches into Marcus La Rocca’s boardroom intent on forcing him to release his younger brother from the commitment. Yet she’s up against a formidable foe who’s not only sure the marriage should happen, but takes one look at her and wants her far away from his brother.
Blackmailed into being his pretend mistress, Darcy finds herself transported into a world of luxury and high society, something a poor artist knows nothing about. Still, she’s not a girl to be intimidated by anyone or anything, and she manages to reject all of Marc’s lures even though lust for him threatens to overcome her will.
Marcus knows women and he knows what they like. But no matter how many gifts he showers on Darcy, she refuses them all. And him. Frustrated with lust and entranced by her charms, he finds himself falling in love. An emotion he promised himself he’d never feel again.
Mistress By Blackmail is a standalone story with a happily-ever-after ending. It’s part of the sweeping International Billionaires series—books that take well-loved stories and place them in exotic locales. In this retelling of the beloved Sabrina story, you’ll visit a rich penthouse in London, a fabulous hotel in New York City, and a cozy cottage in the Tuscan hillside. Join Golden Heart winner, Caro LaFever, for the other modern fairy tales in the series listed below.
The Italians Mistress By Blackmail - available now!
Wife By Force - available now!
Baby By Accident - available now!
The Greeks A Perfect Man - available now!
A Perfect Wife - available now!
A Perfect Love - available now!
The Scots Lion of Caledonia - available March 2016!
Lord of the Isles - available April 2016!
Laird of the Highlands - available May 2016!
The Latinos Coming in fall of 2016!
The Vikings Coming in 2017!
Determined to save her best buddy from an arranged marriage, Darcy Moran marches into Marcus La Rocca’s boardroom intent on forcing him to release his younger brother from the commitment. Yet she’s up against a formidable foe who’s not only sure the marriage should happen, but takes one look at her and wants her far away from his brother.
Blackmailed into being his pretend mistress, Darcy finds herself transported into a world of luxury and high society, something a poor artist knows nothing about. Still, she’s not a girl to be intimidated by anyone or anything, and she manages to reject all of Marc’s lures even though lust for him threatens to overcome her will.
Marcus knows women and he knows what they like. But no matter how many gifts he showers on Darcy, she refuses them all. And him. Frustrated with lust and entranced by her charms, he finds himself falling in love. An emotion he promised himself he’d never feel again.
Mistress By Blackmail is a standalone story with a happily-ever-after ending. It’s part of the sweeping International Billionaires series—books that take well-loved stories and place them in exotic locales. In this retelling of the beloved Sabrina story, you’ll visit a rich penthouse in London, a fabulous hotel in New York City, and a cozy cottage in the Tuscan hillside. Join Golden Heart winner, Caro LaFever, for the other modern fairy tales in the series listed below.
The Italians Mistress By Blackmail - available now!
Wife By Force - available now!
Baby By Accident - available now!
The Greeks A Perfect Man - available now!
A Perfect Wife - available now!
A Perfect Love - available now!
The Scots Lion of Caledonia - available March 2016!
Lord of the Isles - available April 2016!
Laird of the Highlands - available May 2016!
The Latinos Coming in fall of 2016!
The Vikings Coming in 2017!
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2015
435 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 15, 2017
Nope. Really how does this book have over a 4 star rating?
Marcus is an asshole. I like alpha males. I really do, when they go all caveman-y, yum. But this guy was not that. He was an asshole. First off he blackmailed her... ok whatever I can work with that. Then he has this whole plan to make her fall for him so she forgets his brother.. I kind of can work with that. Even though she kept telling him that she never slept with his brother. He doesn't listen to anything she has to say. Like nothing. Nothing she says matters to him. And she somehow falls in love with that man? I don't buy it. Maybe someone could fall in love with the man at the end of the book but the controlling, uncaring man that Darcy fell in love with? NO. It's one thing when an alpha male is controlling but when he honestly doesn't care about the girl, I can't wrap my mind around that. We even got his POV and he didn't even care in his own head. There were a few times when he felt guilty over something evil he said, but thats not enough. I do not understand how anyone could fall for a man that purposely put her down. He said some awful things to her. Things that weren't true even though she freaking told him the truth.
And Darcy was the worst. She fell for a man who verbally abuses her. And she was weak no matter that she fought at first. The fights were childish and completely pointless. The book was one long drawn out fight. They said the same things over and over again. "You are keeping me against my will." "No I'm not. You agreed and I don't care."
The only reason I kept reading the book was because I thought the sex would be good and it was not . Like at all. So this was a kindle unlimited flop for me. Sometimes you can find some fantastic books on there and sometimes you waste your morning reading a ridiculous book with a terrible man finding love with a weak female.
Marcus is an asshole. I like alpha males. I really do, when they go all caveman-y, yum. But this guy was not that. He was an asshole. First off he blackmailed her... ok whatever I can work with that. Then he has this whole plan to make her fall for him so she forgets his brother.. I kind of can work with that. Even though she kept telling him that she never slept with his brother. He doesn't listen to anything she has to say. Like nothing. Nothing she says matters to him. And she somehow falls in love with that man? I don't buy it. Maybe someone could fall in love with the man at the end of the book but the controlling, uncaring man that Darcy fell in love with? NO. It's one thing when an alpha male is controlling but when he honestly doesn't care about the girl, I can't wrap my mind around that. We even got his POV and he didn't even care in his own head. There were a few times when he felt guilty over something evil he said, but thats not enough. I do not understand how anyone could fall for a man that purposely put her down. He said some awful things to her. Things that weren't true even though she freaking told him the truth.
And Darcy was the worst. She fell for a man who verbally abuses her. And she was weak no matter that she fought at first. The fights were childish and completely pointless. The book was one long drawn out fight. They said the same things over and over again. "You are keeping me against my will." "No I'm not. You agreed and I don't care."
The only reason I kept reading the book was because I thought the sex would be good and it was not . Like at all. So this was a kindle unlimited flop for me. Sometimes you can find some fantastic books on there and sometimes you waste your morning reading a ridiculous book with a terrible man finding love with a weak female.
August 19, 2016
I hated the "hero" of this book. I love alpha males (I mean, I'm married to one). But there is a huge difference between being in control and being controlling. He says horrible, cruel things to her, then buys her expensive gifts. He locks her in his house and has people follow her when she leaves. The author tried to make him more likable and redeem him with his tortured soul past but it didn't work for me. He's still a mentally abusive jerk. And Darcy is so desperate for someone to love her she is willing to put up with him and hope he can change as long as she loves him enough. She's supposed to be a strong independent woman but she comes across as needy and submissive instead. I gave it a second star only because the book was well written and the story was intersting. I enjoyed the premise, but I just couldn't like the main characters. I don't like that the mental and emotional abuse was excusable because they were both "damaged" by their past. Abuse is never romantic.
February 3, 2018
Heh. Troubling premise to start off with but for all that, it wasn’t half bad. Part of my Ridiculous Titles project AND my little-known authors project.
February 27, 2017
Marc
An Italian billionaire who has been hurt in love finds love in Darcy a struggling artist in trouble that finds love with this billionaire
An Italian billionaire who has been hurt in love finds love in Darcy a struggling artist in trouble that finds love with this billionaire
February 6, 2016
Mistress by Blackmail: International Billionaires 1 by Caro LaFever
Reviewed by Isha Coleman for Candid Book Reviews
Marcus and Darcy were both type A personalities. He was so used to being in control in business and family matters, she was so used to taking care of herself and the people she cared about. I am new to Caro LaFever. I received a copy of Mistress by Blackmail in exchange for an honest review. As a couple they were volatile and passionate. That combination made this story what it was. If they ever took the time to stop fighting each other, it would give them the chance to see that they agreed on what was most important but were to pigheaded to admit it. I enjoyed reading and finding a new author.
July 7, 2016
Same old, same old but entertaining enough that I liked it. I was glad that Darcy's confrontation with her past wasn't as traumatic as it could have been. I did appreciate the determination she had, to make a stand for herself and not meekly go back with him once he indicated his interest.Also, she held firm to her guns when they did get back together and didn't instantly become a doormat. As always, I like my heroes to grovel and I think Marc did a good job.
June 20, 2017
I have had this novel sitting on my kindle for a year now. It was one of those things that looked good at the time, so I downloaded it. Unfortunately, after reading it, I wish I had never bothered.
The concept of the story sounded interesting. However, it was presented in a way that was a classic definition of manipulation and Stockholm Syndrome. Sure, I expected there to be some "shady" things going on as the title is Mistress by Blackmail after all. However, Marcus goes above and beyond, doing things for Darcy just to later hold them over her head, taking his anger out on her with harsh words. Refusing to listen to her even when she repeatedly tries to tell him the truth.
All things considered, I'm sure there are people this story will still appeal to. I already had the second novel on my kindle before I read this one, so I will give this author a second chance.
The concept of the story sounded interesting. However, it was presented in a way that was a classic definition of manipulation and Stockholm Syndrome. Sure, I expected there to be some "shady" things going on as the title is Mistress by Blackmail after all. However, Marcus goes above and beyond, doing things for Darcy just to later hold them over her head, taking his anger out on her with harsh words. Refusing to listen to her even when she repeatedly tries to tell him the truth.
All things considered, I'm sure there are people this story will still appeal to. I already had the second novel on my kindle before I read this one, so I will give this author a second chance.
May 4, 2019
Good
Darcy wants to help her friend by stopping his forced arranged marriage so she confronts his brother Marcus. Marcus is a rich Italian business man whom had not rust of women and only used them for pleasure when he needs it. Thinking Darcy is to ruin his brother wedding which he arranged for business he decides to blackmail her to stay way from his brother. Little by little Darcy tries to melt the ice away from his heart but maybe he is too far gone to to be revived to a whole man with feelings.
Good book feelings and situations I think we all can relate too. While this one was not one my favorite by this author , but still a good book and characters
Darcy wants to help her friend by stopping his forced arranged marriage so she confronts his brother Marcus. Marcus is a rich Italian business man whom had not rust of women and only used them for pleasure when he needs it. Thinking Darcy is to ruin his brother wedding which he arranged for business he decides to blackmail her to stay way from his brother. Little by little Darcy tries to melt the ice away from his heart but maybe he is too far gone to to be revived to a whole man with feelings.
Good book feelings and situations I think we all can relate too. While this one was not one my favorite by this author , but still a good book and characters
June 29, 2022
Long Time Coming
I'm sorry to say it taken me so long to read this amazing author work. I want say how long because I am truly ashamed. But for anyone out there if you have this book on your Kindle don't stop until you read it. Caro LaFever takes her readers on a journey with Marcus and Darcy we want soon forget. A journey where two people are falling in love but don't know what to do about it. They have been hurt and they are still to on edge to try again. They wade into the deep waters trying to find where they both belong. Take this journey with this couple and see if you don't love this author as well as the people we are reading about.
I'm sorry to say it taken me so long to read this amazing author work. I want say how long because I am truly ashamed. But for anyone out there if you have this book on your Kindle don't stop until you read it. Caro LaFever takes her readers on a journey with Marcus and Darcy we want soon forget. A journey where two people are falling in love but don't know what to do about it. They have been hurt and they are still to on edge to try again. They wade into the deep waters trying to find where they both belong. Take this journey with this couple and see if you don't love this author as well as the people we are reading about.
December 30, 2016
Using her father's health as leverage, heartless tycoon Marcus La Rocca blackmails Darcy Moran into spending a month with him as his mistress. Marcus is determined that his younger brother, Matteo, marry the woman picked out for him, despite Darcy's efforts to help her friend escape the arranged marriage.
It was one emotion-packed moment after another, to the point that my neck muscles tightened to the point of pain. I usually hate the trope of "innocent as the victim of revenge", but this one was well-done.
It was one emotion-packed moment after another, to the point that my neck muscles tightened to the point of pain. I usually hate the trope of "innocent as the victim of revenge", but this one was well-done.
October 31, 2018
Heart Song
Caro LaRdner certainly spins an engaging tale of wounded people who will not admit they are falling in love. The Heart Song of love overcomes the cacophony of abandonment, teenage sexual assault, attempted kidnapping, and the over abundant misunderstandings and love prevails. How? Well I read this straight through to find out and enjoyed every minute. You should do the same.
This is available on Kindle Unlimited or for purchase. Your choice. Happy reading! ☺☺☺
Caro LaRdner certainly spins an engaging tale of wounded people who will not admit they are falling in love. The Heart Song of love overcomes the cacophony of abandonment, teenage sexual assault, attempted kidnapping, and the over abundant misunderstandings and love prevails. How? Well I read this straight through to find out and enjoyed every minute. You should do the same.
This is available on Kindle Unlimited or for purchase. Your choice. Happy reading! ☺☺☺
March 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good pace. A few images were a bit too repetitive or came up within both character's points of view, which struck me as odd (like shoving feelings into a box was used by both and in quick succession which somehow messes with characterization for me), but the story is well built and the tension and arch kept me engaged to the point that I didn't even want to put it down while at work, sneaking a few paragraphs in between doing my job all day. Will likely check out the next book in the series soon
July 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and the main reason is, it didn’t have pages and pages of idiotic internal dialogue. Whatever dialogue it had moved the story nicely. I love Marc, handsome, sexy and rich but an emotionally broken man. Darcy was beautiful and strong, she could have used more of a backbone but was still good. Their story has been told many times in many different way but this story didn’t disappoint. The ending was wonderful and I’d love to read the story of Matteo and Viola, he sounds sexy as hell. I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2017
Love 💘can make you whole.
This was a difficult book to read. Marc was so frustrating. His lack of the ability to love Darcy. Darcy was so brave and loving. The end was painful and frightening but very satisfying. I love rd all of the International Billionaire stories. I have to read all of Caro's books. She is such a wonderful writter.
This was a difficult book to read. Marc was so frustrating. His lack of the ability to love Darcy. Darcy was so brave and loving. The end was painful and frightening but very satisfying. I love rd all of the International Billionaire stories. I have to read all of Caro's books. She is such a wonderful writter.
August 30, 2018
Quick juicy read
Why do big brothers seem to think they can control their younger brothers lives?
A young starving artist tries to convince the older brother to stop the forced wedding on the younger brother. An agreement o Volvo get her father, forces her to concentrate on the older brother.
Why do big brothers seem to think they can control their younger brothers lives?
A young starving artist tries to convince the older brother to stop the forced wedding on the younger brother. An agreement o Volvo get her father, forces her to concentrate on the older brother.
May 27, 2023
I loved this book, it's been a while since I have found a book that had all the elements I like, such as an arrogant hero, a stubborn and fiesty heroine, also hero that realises his mistakes and fights for the woman he loves. I read it within hours and loved it, looking forward to the rest of the series!
October 18, 2018
Half yawn
Sex took too long. These guys should have been tearing into each other...and didn't. I started skimming through all the blah blah and looking for the meat of the story which was skinny.
Sex took too long. These guys should have been tearing into each other...and didn't. I started skimming through all the blah blah and looking for the meat of the story which was skinny.
March 5, 2020
Great Read
Great book from start to finish! I couldn't put the book down! I highly recommend this book. The characters were well developed. The story lines was interesting and not A typical. I can't say enough about this book can't wait to read more books by the author.
Great book from start to finish! I couldn't put the book down! I highly recommend this book. The characters were well developed. The story lines was interesting and not A typical. I can't say enough about this book can't wait to read more books by the author.
February 14, 2018
Excellent Book!
This was a great book. I felt the emotions in each word. Very well written. Couldn't put it down till I was done. Can't wait to read the others in the series.
This was a great book. I felt the emotions in each word. Very well written. Couldn't put it down till I was done. Can't wait to read the others in the series.
November 21, 2018
An easy to read, quick fix HEA.
December 25, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book. It kept my interest through out the entire book.
January 1, 2019
Steamy and exciting!!!
Lots of twists and turns. But, in the end, they always end up in bed fulfilling each other s desires.
Lots of twists and turns. But, in the end, they always end up in bed fulfilling each other s desires.
January 4, 2019
Loved it
Can’t wait to get into the second installment..kept me riveted from start to finish..I would recommend this book and author to all my friends and family.
Can’t wait to get into the second installment..kept me riveted from start to finish..I would recommend this book and author to all my friends and family.
May 1, 2019
Loved it
Great read! I almost didn’t read this one. So glad I read it! This is one that I will read again! The author did a great job on this story. I absolutely loved it!
Great read! I almost didn’t read this one. So glad I read it! This is one that I will read again! The author did a great job on this story. I absolutely loved it!
Want to read
September 28, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2022)! 🎁
October 4, 2022
Enjoyed it
I read it in one sitting. Entertaining. It kept my attention. Complicated characters with lots of emotional baggage keep the story interesting.
I read it in one sitting. Entertaining. It kept my attention. Complicated characters with lots of emotional baggage keep the story interesting.
October 7, 2022
broken souls
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story. Characters are fantastic. Storyline e is great Enjoyed this book
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story. Characters are fantastic. Storyline e is great Enjoyed this book
October 26, 2023
Absolutely loved it 💕💕💕💕
February 3, 2017
Excellent
March 9, 2017
Intense
Great characters, predictable story line but WOW. The emotions were so real, you could relate to the fear, desire, anger and bitterness. Very well done.
It would have been perfect for me if you could "feel or see" the scenes too.
Great characters, predictable story line but WOW. The emotions were so real, you could relate to the fear, desire, anger and bitterness. Very well done.
It would have been perfect for me if you could "feel or see" the scenes too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews