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Bellagio #3
Footloose
Think working for a leading international shoe company sounds like a dream job? Not if you're Amelia Parker, an overworked, downtrodden temp working for Bellagio, Inc.'s grande dame, Lillian Bellagio. But things are looking up for Amelia. She's just been given the assignment of accompanying Ms. Bellagio to her estate in the Keys. Trading pumps for flip-flops and a cell phone for a conch shell--could be worse, right? Especially when life on the island includes her very own mystery man--one Jack "The Shark" O'Connell, dashing venture capitalist. He dares Amelia to use this time to do something wild: drink a hurricane, go skinny-dipping...have an affair with a dangerously attractive man. Now Amelia will have to decide whether to step into that glass slipper.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 29, 2006
19 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Banks
521 books290 followersLeanne Banks was born on 14 May 1959 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, which she claims she can only use on fictional characters. When her first book was published in 1991, she used the money from her advance to take her family to Disney World.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 1, 2018
This is third in a series and I think it pays to have read the others, first. Characters from those stories play important roles here and Amelia is introduced in the second book.
This has a bit of a rocky start because Amelia is such a wet goose. She's finally dumped by her idiot fiancé, for the third and final time, and finds that she has no idea what she likes because she has spent the last thirteen years squeezing herself into the very tiny box of "what Will likes". I hated all the things she'd given up to be with a loser but it reflected more poorly on her than on him, frankly. She's obviously smart and capable and it isn't like life handed her setbacks really. So the suck she's going through is pretty much by her own choice. Ugh.
And just as I started coming around on her (because she was finally stepping out of her narrow Will-box and figuring what she wants) we meet the despicable Jack. He's actively using her and since we're in his perspective for some of it, we know exactly what his intentions are (not terrible, but mean-spirited and uncaring). So what if he finds her interesting, he's still bent on something underhanded with Bellagio and using Amelia to those ends. So I spent the next section of the book coming around to Amelia and cringing that she was with this jerkwad.
And then, about mid-book, things move back to Atlanta and Banks pulls an unexplained personality shift on Jack and it was clumsy and left me off balance for the rest of the story. I kept waiting for some explanation for his jack-wagonry that would mitigate what we knew of him or some indication of what changed him to be this more-caring version but it never came. I kept waiting for some way to reconcile beginning Jack with ending Jack and it never happened. Which made it hard for me to get a read on his intentions and left me a bit tense as it threw me out of the story.
It's fortunate that by then I'd attached to Amelia. Seeing her bloom and assert herself was kind of fun and that was enough to get me to the end of the story. I never could quite give up on trying to reconcile the two Jacks so it was never entirely comfortable, but in the end I was entertained enough to keep this at three stars.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes but enough leftovers to constitute a fourth. They're pretty short so this is still the middle of my steam tolerance. My problems with the story penetrated into their special-times so the scenes didn't have the impact they might have.
This has a bit of a rocky start because Amelia is such a wet goose. She's finally dumped by her idiot fiancé, for the third and final time, and finds that she has no idea what she likes because she has spent the last thirteen years squeezing herself into the very tiny box of "what Will likes". I hated all the things she'd given up to be with a loser but it reflected more poorly on her than on him, frankly. She's obviously smart and capable and it isn't like life handed her setbacks really. So the suck she's going through is pretty much by her own choice. Ugh.
And just as I started coming around on her (because she was finally stepping out of her narrow Will-box and figuring what she wants) we meet the despicable Jack. He's actively using her and since we're in his perspective for some of it, we know exactly what his intentions are (not terrible, but mean-spirited and uncaring). So what if he finds her interesting, he's still bent on something underhanded with Bellagio and using Amelia to those ends. So I spent the next section of the book coming around to Amelia and cringing that she was with this jerkwad.
And then, about mid-book, things move back to Atlanta and Banks pulls an unexplained personality shift on Jack and it was clumsy and left me off balance for the rest of the story. I kept waiting for some explanation for his jack-wagonry that would mitigate what we knew of him or some indication of what changed him to be this more-caring version but it never came. I kept waiting for some way to reconcile beginning Jack with ending Jack and it never happened. Which made it hard for me to get a read on his intentions and left me a bit tense as it threw me out of the story.
It's fortunate that by then I'd attached to Amelia. Seeing her bloom and assert herself was kind of fun and that was enough to get me to the end of the story. I never could quite give up on trying to reconcile the two Jacks so it was never entirely comfortable, but in the end I was entertained enough to keep this at three stars.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes but enough leftovers to constitute a fourth. They're pretty short so this is still the middle of my steam tolerance. My problems with the story penetrated into their special-times so the scenes didn't have the impact they might have.
June 27, 2023
Registered on Bookcrossing - https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
Great read. I love a good romance where opposites attract.
Great read. I love a good romance where opposites attract.
July 8, 2010
They meet on the Keys where Jack O'Connell is combining a vacation with business he wants to conduct with the grand dame of Bellagio Inc., Lillian Bellagio. Amelia Parker has temporarily been sent to the Keys as Lillian's personal assistant. She uses this assignment to get over the breakup with her fiancé.
Amelia has always accommodated her ex in everything: school, career, behavior, and appearance. She constantly put his wishes first but when he breaks up with her for the second time in a few weeks and tells her he has fallen in love with someone else, something inside her breaks and she's determined to never fall in love again.
But what starts as a holiday fling, soon becomes more and they realize that they have feelings for each other that go much deeper than some holiday affair.
Jack is a self-made man. He has worked himself up to the man he is now, driven to escape his sad and difficult childhood. He yearns for a sense of belonging, even if he has a hard time acknowledging this desire.
His connection to the Bellagio family is a surprising one and one I didn't see coming until it was revealed in the plotline.
Professionally Amelia can plan and organize everything and anyone without batting an eye but arranging her own personal life proves to be more of a challenge to her. After Will she has trouble finding her own individuality and making her own choices again.
Jack challenges and inspires Amelia to come out of her comfort zone and do things she normally wouldn't. I loved the chemistry between Jack and Amelia. They were perfect together. They both start a little on the negative side because Jack is using Amelia for information on Bellagio. Jack's motives for chatting up to Amelia aren’t quite without ulterior (business) motives when he finds out she works for Bellagio. And Amelia is a little bit too hung up on her ex. But throughout the story they redeemed themselves magnificently. They both grew emotionally during the book.
The dynamics were a bit different than I’m used in the romance novels I read. For a change it was Jack who is first to realize that his feelings for Amelia were more than some vacation fling. Usually it's the heroine who is aware of this first and tries to make more of the relationship but Amelia was determined at first to see Jack as her guilty pleasure to get over Will and nothing more than a passionate past-time during her stay on the Keys. Even when they continue their affair at home she wants to keep it under wraps and doesn’t want other people, especially her colleagues at Bellagio, to know they are an item.
The supporting cast is a mix of previous main couples and recurring secondary characters from the two previous books in the trilogy. But a few new secondary characters also make an appearance. I liked Amelia's mother and sisters and there's a scene concerning Amelia's sister's bachelorette party that's really hilarious.
There are slightly bigger secondary roles for Marc Waterson (hero book 1) and Brooke Tarantino (the runaway bride from book 1). We get acquainted with Brooke again and she is still the quintessential spoiled, selfish and irresponsible brat. She is used to getting what she wants and attracts trouble like a magnet.
I'm sad that the trilogy has ended because I enjoyed the Bellagio books and would have been happy to see more stories in this setting.
But I'll have to make do with Leanne Banks' other books, which will hopefully provide as delightful reading as these ones did.
I can't decide which book I liked better, this one or book 2. They were both wonderful reads with many laughs but also heart in the throat-moments. Each couple and their story is unique and a combination of fun and emotions. This book was a bit more sensual than the previous two. I think this was because of Jack's character. He was a different hero than Walker and definitely different from Marc. He was more spontaneous and less inhibited. He really brought out Amelia's sensual side too.
I haven't read much contemporary romance but I know Leanne Banks is going to be one of my favorites. Every book has its own vibe and feel. The connecting factor is the Bellagio shoe company. In this trilogy she combines fun, emotions and every-day situations into fast-paced and enjoyable books.
Amelia has always accommodated her ex in everything: school, career, behavior, and appearance. She constantly put his wishes first but when he breaks up with her for the second time in a few weeks and tells her he has fallen in love with someone else, something inside her breaks and she's determined to never fall in love again.
But what starts as a holiday fling, soon becomes more and they realize that they have feelings for each other that go much deeper than some holiday affair.
Jack is a self-made man. He has worked himself up to the man he is now, driven to escape his sad and difficult childhood. He yearns for a sense of belonging, even if he has a hard time acknowledging this desire.
His connection to the Bellagio family is a surprising one and one I didn't see coming until it was revealed in the plotline.
Professionally Amelia can plan and organize everything and anyone without batting an eye but arranging her own personal life proves to be more of a challenge to her. After Will she has trouble finding her own individuality and making her own choices again.
Jack challenges and inspires Amelia to come out of her comfort zone and do things she normally wouldn't. I loved the chemistry between Jack and Amelia. They were perfect together. They both start a little on the negative side because Jack is using Amelia for information on Bellagio. Jack's motives for chatting up to Amelia aren’t quite without ulterior (business) motives when he finds out she works for Bellagio. And Amelia is a little bit too hung up on her ex. But throughout the story they redeemed themselves magnificently. They both grew emotionally during the book.
The dynamics were a bit different than I’m used in the romance novels I read. For a change it was Jack who is first to realize that his feelings for Amelia were more than some vacation fling. Usually it's the heroine who is aware of this first and tries to make more of the relationship but Amelia was determined at first to see Jack as her guilty pleasure to get over Will and nothing more than a passionate past-time during her stay on the Keys. Even when they continue their affair at home she wants to keep it under wraps and doesn’t want other people, especially her colleagues at Bellagio, to know they are an item.
The supporting cast is a mix of previous main couples and recurring secondary characters from the two previous books in the trilogy. But a few new secondary characters also make an appearance. I liked Amelia's mother and sisters and there's a scene concerning Amelia's sister's bachelorette party that's really hilarious.
There are slightly bigger secondary roles for Marc Waterson (hero book 1) and Brooke Tarantino (the runaway bride from book 1). We get acquainted with Brooke again and she is still the quintessential spoiled, selfish and irresponsible brat. She is used to getting what she wants and attracts trouble like a magnet.
I'm sad that the trilogy has ended because I enjoyed the Bellagio books and would have been happy to see more stories in this setting.
But I'll have to make do with Leanne Banks' other books, which will hopefully provide as delightful reading as these ones did.
I can't decide which book I liked better, this one or book 2. They were both wonderful reads with many laughs but also heart in the throat-moments. Each couple and their story is unique and a combination of fun and emotions. This book was a bit more sensual than the previous two. I think this was because of Jack's character. He was a different hero than Walker and definitely different from Marc. He was more spontaneous and less inhibited. He really brought out Amelia's sensual side too.
I haven't read much contemporary romance but I know Leanne Banks is going to be one of my favorites. Every book has its own vibe and feel. The connecting factor is the Bellagio shoe company. In this trilogy she combines fun, emotions and every-day situations into fast-paced and enjoyable books.
April 3, 2013
This comes as a surprise.
I picked this book at my usual thriftstore, because the summary seemed ok and the average rating was rather good, but I did not expect much of it, as I'm often disappointed by the uber-lightness of the Harlequin blooms.
This one did not start out well, as Amelia seems to be a goody two shoes, boring as a day of drizzle rain and way too perfect. Jack, whom she just met, is however far from being this perfect and managed to keep my interest high.
And then something started to happen: both characters brought out the best or at least some unexpected reactions and behaviors from the other and everything just unfolds very nicely.
There's no climatic moment, it's not what I call a rollercoaster romance. But in the light contemporary romantic comedy category, it's highly enjoyable. It's also nicely written and the dialogues were indeed witty and often fun.
I'll look for other books of this author.
I picked this book at my usual thriftstore, because the summary seemed ok and the average rating was rather good, but I did not expect much of it, as I'm often disappointed by the uber-lightness of the Harlequin blooms.
This one did not start out well, as Amelia seems to be a goody two shoes, boring as a day of drizzle rain and way too perfect. Jack, whom she just met, is however far from being this perfect and managed to keep my interest high.
And then something started to happen: both characters brought out the best or at least some unexpected reactions and behaviors from the other and everything just unfolds very nicely.
There's no climatic moment, it's not what I call a rollercoaster romance. But in the light contemporary romantic comedy category, it's highly enjoyable. It's also nicely written and the dialogues were indeed witty and often fun.
I'll look for other books of this author.
September 17, 2021
Amelia Parker lavora per la Bellagio Calzature ed è l’impiegata che tutti vogliono e che tutti si contendono: è leale, affidabile, si fa in quattro per svolgere bene il suo lavoro e soprattutto ha una abilità mostruosa di problem solving.
Quando viene lasciata per la terza volta dal suo fidanzato storico, decide di accettare l’incarico temporaneo come assistente personale della signora Bellagio in persona. Decide che è il momento giusto per cambiare aria e lasciare Atlanta per l’assolata e tranquilla Florida dove Madam Lillian risiede.
Dall’altra parte abbiamo Jack O’Connel, lo “Squalo” che appena la vede non riesce a togliersi dalla testa questa bellezza del sud.
Presto scopriamo che Jack è un investitore, pronto a prendersi il posto che gli aspetta nel consiglio di amministrazione della Bellagio e che è figlio illegittimo di Dario Bellagio. Ovviamente Amelia non ne sa di niente e tra un cocktail e l’altro non si fa problemi a parlare del suo lavoro, tutte informazioni che sono manna dal cielo per Jack. Sembrava un’avventura ma quando Amelia se lo ritrova in ufficio va su tutte le furie. Riuscirà Jack nel suo intento e soprattutto a riottenere la fiducia di Amelia?
Questo libro è totalmente nella mia confort zone, nessun dramma e con un finale non romantico, di più! Letto in un paio d’ore, mai noioso e prevedibile. Abbiamo una protagonista che decide di riprendere in mano la sua vita, quando stava con il suo ex faceva di tutto per compiacerlo: si vestiva e pettinava e addirittura si comportava come voleva lui. Dopo la rottura si è messa a stilare una lista, una sorta di To do list con tutto quello che voleva fare… una bellissima idea! Devo prendere spunto.
Jack invece dopo tutti i drammi che ha passato ha un cuore d’oro anche se non lo vuole ammettere, mi è piaciuto tantissimo.
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Quando viene lasciata per la terza volta dal suo fidanzato storico, decide di accettare l’incarico temporaneo come assistente personale della signora Bellagio in persona. Decide che è il momento giusto per cambiare aria e lasciare Atlanta per l’assolata e tranquilla Florida dove Madam Lillian risiede.
Dall’altra parte abbiamo Jack O’Connel, lo “Squalo” che appena la vede non riesce a togliersi dalla testa questa bellezza del sud.
Presto scopriamo che Jack è un investitore, pronto a prendersi il posto che gli aspetta nel consiglio di amministrazione della Bellagio e che è figlio illegittimo di Dario Bellagio. Ovviamente Amelia non ne sa di niente e tra un cocktail e l’altro non si fa problemi a parlare del suo lavoro, tutte informazioni che sono manna dal cielo per Jack. Sembrava un’avventura ma quando Amelia se lo ritrova in ufficio va su tutte le furie. Riuscirà Jack nel suo intento e soprattutto a riottenere la fiducia di Amelia?
Questo libro è totalmente nella mia confort zone, nessun dramma e con un finale non romantico, di più! Letto in un paio d’ore, mai noioso e prevedibile. Abbiamo una protagonista che decide di riprendere in mano la sua vita, quando stava con il suo ex faceva di tutto per compiacerlo: si vestiva e pettinava e addirittura si comportava come voleva lui. Dopo la rottura si è messa a stilare una lista, una sorta di To do list con tutto quello che voleva fare… una bellissima idea! Devo prendere spunto.
Jack invece dopo tutti i drammi che ha passato ha un cuore d’oro anche se non lo vuole ammettere, mi è piaciuto tantissimo.
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
January 3, 2021
Our heroine, Amelia, is one of those weird characters. She is smart, capable and savvy in the work place, but on a personal front? Seriously, she tied herself to a guy at school and then let him groom her into some Stepford girlfriend, from the cut and colour of her hair, the music she listened to and from the sound of it her whole personality. So of course now the boyfriend is bored with his perfect doll and Amelia has to discover who she is, what she likes etc on her own.
Yeah - I found that premise alone a bit tired but this book is well written and the story zips along. Suddenly Amelia is creating a list of things she wants to experience and Jack just happens to sit down next to her at a bar, liking the fact that she is atypical of the women there and wearing layers and more clothes (?????)
Their dating was done well, and Jack comes across as a nice-ish guy, but the author gave him an agenda that clashed with that personality - failing to gel.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series so when the action moves to Atlanta and we meet a whole host of other characters I had no background - one the of main dudes was a complete jerk, if he had his own book I'd be shocked.
the book began to meander at this point big time. Amelia's character is all over the place, suddenly jack is the misunderstood not-so bad guy that tries to win her back.
readable, but with very messy characters that changed to suit the author.
Yeah - I found that premise alone a bit tired but this book is well written and the story zips along. Suddenly Amelia is creating a list of things she wants to experience and Jack just happens to sit down next to her at a bar, liking the fact that she is atypical of the women there and wearing layers and more clothes (?????)
Their dating was done well, and Jack comes across as a nice-ish guy, but the author gave him an agenda that clashed with that personality - failing to gel.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series so when the action moves to Atlanta and we meet a whole host of other characters I had no background - one the of main dudes was a complete jerk, if he had his own book I'd be shocked.
the book began to meander at this point big time. Amelia's character is all over the place, suddenly jack is the misunderstood not-so bad guy that tries to win her back.
readable, but with very messy characters that changed to suit the author.
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed this installment of the Bellagio shoe family. Jack and Amelia were both likeable leads and well-suited . I felt the story lost it's way near the end which almost encouraged me to skip to the epilogue. The hen's night out was a bit unnecessary and it did diminish Amelia a little in my eyes - but otherwise a good read.
October 29, 2017
110% predictable.
February 23, 2021
Another good read by Leanne Banks!
I've enjoyed all the books by this author I have read thus far. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
I've enjoyed all the books by this author I have read thus far. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 31, 2022
Beach read.
June 10, 2025
Se ha hecho muy pesado este libro, los 2 anteriores genial, este no
June 6, 2014
Da http://leggerefantastico.blogspot.it
Amelia Parker, dopo essere stata scaricata per ben tre volte dal suo storico fidanzato Harry, decide di accettare l' incarico come assistente di Lillian Bellagio alle Florda Keys, un luogo affascinante e solare in cui poter assemblare nuovamente i cocci del suo cuore spezzato. Jack O' Donnel è un uomo cresciuto senza legami, se non quello con la madre tossicodipendente. Tenuto separato dal padre per tutta la vita, Jack ha imparato a cavarsela da solo in ogni situazione, diventando ben presto un ottimo investitore con il fiuto per gli affari. Quando gli si presenta l' occasione di entrare a far parte della Bellagio, decide di sfruttare qualunque appiglio per stravolgere quella società a lui così familiare. Anche se quel qualcuno è una splendida ragazza, dalle buona maniere, timida e con il cuore spezzato come Amelia Parker. Peccato che frequentare una donna come Amelia, riuscirà a scatenare in lui delle emozioni mai provate finora.
Tacco 12, Addio! è il terzo volume della trilogia Bellagio scritta da Leanne Banks, una serie romance in cui tutte le storie d' amore prendono vita e si sviluppano tra le mura della Bellagio Shoes, l' azienda di scarpe più amata d' America. Devo ammettere spudoratamente di non aver letto i primi due volumi e devo altrettanto confessare che, sebbene aiuti conoscere certe dinamiche passate, non è strettamente necessario aver letto i precedenti per poter comprendere e adorare Tacco 12, Addio! E' vero, in questo romanzo, troveremo i protagonisti che hanno occupato le pagine di Cuore e Cioccolato e La Felicità A Piccoli Passi, ma credetemi che non è obbligatorio averli letti per poter apprezzare quest' ultimo libro della trilogia. Questo romanzo è davvero ben scritto, con scene simpatiche, talvolta divertenti condite dal solito travolgente romanticismo, ed è un ottima lettura per chi ama le storie d' amore semplici, eternamente a lieto fine. Ciò che più ho apprezzato nella storia, oltre ovviamente all' amore che sboccia tra i due protagonisti, è il carattere e la crescita psicologica di Amelia. All' inizio, non è esattamente il tipo di donna che crede in modo completo in se stessa. Spesso lascia trasparire piccole increspature che la storia con Harry le ha inciso nel proprio modo d' essere e di relazionarsi con gli altri. Ma l' acquisto di maggior consapevolezza e di grinta, anche semplicemente nel rapporto con gli uomini, la rende una protagonista vera, semplice e senza noiose forzature. Dal canto suo, Jack è un vero portento, un uomo che non ha mai chiesto nulla a nessuno e si è dovuto costruire un futuro con le proprie mani, cementando un passato complicato e doloroso con un futuro di rosee aspettative. Jack, tra l' altro, nasconde un segreto che Amelia scoprirà ben presto. E vi posso dire che questo piccolo segreto causerà scompiglio tra i vertici Bellagio, ma soprattutto nel cuore e nella fiducia, già fragili, di Amelia. Il romanzo non è una lettura con particolari colpi di scena, però si legge scorrevolmente e senza intoppi fino alla fine. E' un libro dall' andatura piuttosto prevedibile, ma che riserva molto spazio all' amore, che noi lettrici romantiche tanto adoriamo. Tacco 12, Addio! mi ha instillato il desiderio di leggere anche i primi due volumi, sperando di poter trovare in loro, quell' atmosfera magica che ho lietamente incontrato in questo.
Amelia Parker, dopo essere stata scaricata per ben tre volte dal suo storico fidanzato Harry, decide di accettare l' incarico come assistente di Lillian Bellagio alle Florda Keys, un luogo affascinante e solare in cui poter assemblare nuovamente i cocci del suo cuore spezzato. Jack O' Donnel è un uomo cresciuto senza legami, se non quello con la madre tossicodipendente. Tenuto separato dal padre per tutta la vita, Jack ha imparato a cavarsela da solo in ogni situazione, diventando ben presto un ottimo investitore con il fiuto per gli affari. Quando gli si presenta l' occasione di entrare a far parte della Bellagio, decide di sfruttare qualunque appiglio per stravolgere quella società a lui così familiare. Anche se quel qualcuno è una splendida ragazza, dalle buona maniere, timida e con il cuore spezzato come Amelia Parker. Peccato che frequentare una donna come Amelia, riuscirà a scatenare in lui delle emozioni mai provate finora.
Tacco 12, Addio! è il terzo volume della trilogia Bellagio scritta da Leanne Banks, una serie romance in cui tutte le storie d' amore prendono vita e si sviluppano tra le mura della Bellagio Shoes, l' azienda di scarpe più amata d' America. Devo ammettere spudoratamente di non aver letto i primi due volumi e devo altrettanto confessare che, sebbene aiuti conoscere certe dinamiche passate, non è strettamente necessario aver letto i precedenti per poter comprendere e adorare Tacco 12, Addio! E' vero, in questo romanzo, troveremo i protagonisti che hanno occupato le pagine di Cuore e Cioccolato e La Felicità A Piccoli Passi, ma credetemi che non è obbligatorio averli letti per poter apprezzare quest' ultimo libro della trilogia. Questo romanzo è davvero ben scritto, con scene simpatiche, talvolta divertenti condite dal solito travolgente romanticismo, ed è un ottima lettura per chi ama le storie d' amore semplici, eternamente a lieto fine. Ciò che più ho apprezzato nella storia, oltre ovviamente all' amore che sboccia tra i due protagonisti, è il carattere e la crescita psicologica di Amelia. All' inizio, non è esattamente il tipo di donna che crede in modo completo in se stessa. Spesso lascia trasparire piccole increspature che la storia con Harry le ha inciso nel proprio modo d' essere e di relazionarsi con gli altri. Ma l' acquisto di maggior consapevolezza e di grinta, anche semplicemente nel rapporto con gli uomini, la rende una protagonista vera, semplice e senza noiose forzature. Dal canto suo, Jack è un vero portento, un uomo che non ha mai chiesto nulla a nessuno e si è dovuto costruire un futuro con le proprie mani, cementando un passato complicato e doloroso con un futuro di rosee aspettative. Jack, tra l' altro, nasconde un segreto che Amelia scoprirà ben presto. E vi posso dire che questo piccolo segreto causerà scompiglio tra i vertici Bellagio, ma soprattutto nel cuore e nella fiducia, già fragili, di Amelia. Il romanzo non è una lettura con particolari colpi di scena, però si legge scorrevolmente e senza intoppi fino alla fine. E' un libro dall' andatura piuttosto prevedibile, ma che riserva molto spazio all' amore, che noi lettrici romantiche tanto adoriamo. Tacco 12, Addio! mi ha instillato il desiderio di leggere anche i primi due volumi, sperando di poter trovare in loro, quell' atmosfera magica che ho lietamente incontrato in questo.
October 12, 2014
3 e 1/2
"«A volte mi sono chiesto se ti ho sognata tanto da farti comparire, ma non avrei mai avuto il coraggio di essere così sincero nei miei desideri.»"
"Cuore e cioccolato" mi era piaciuto molto ed ho iniziato con grande aspettative questo terzo capitolo della Bellagio (saltando il secondo senza nemmeno accorgermene tra l'altro XD) Ma devo dire che non sono rimasta granché soddisfatta, sopratutto per colpa di Amelia, dal carattere a dir poco arrendevole XD Jack infatti si presenta come un personaggio abbastanza "classico" del genere, l'affascinante playboy e uomo d'affari che si è fatto da sé, usando l'intelligenza e l'astuzia per emergere da un'infanzia povera e difficile. Il fascino non gli manca (a differenza degli scrupoli, questo è poco ma sicuro XD) e quando incontra la fragile Amelia gli sembra quasi un segno del destino. Amelia è appena stata mollata (per la terza e definitiva volta XD) dal suo storico fidanzato e ora sta cercando di ritrovare la vera sé stessa....un incipit interessante che però viene stroncato sul nascere perché dall'incontro con Jack in poi sembra che il suo viaggio emotivo diventi più che altro un viaggio tra le lenzuola XD L'impressione è che Amelia sia passata dal dominio dell'ex a quello di Jack, e sebbene certo quest'ultimo sia più piacevole e ben meno repressivo, fatto sta che questa ragazza viene sempre guidata dagli uomini della sua vita e non ha la minima autonomia come personaggio. Perfino nel momento della rivelazione, quando scoperto l'inganno di Jack avrebbe dovuto dargli un bel calcione (e inutile dirlo io aspettavo che qui mostrasse finalmente carattere) e farlo strisciare un po', in realtà la sua arrabbiatura dura molto poco e quasi ci manca che sia lei a scusarsi! O.o quando poi scopre la vera identità di Jack (e quindi la seconda menzogna) neanche finge di arrabbiarsi ma si limita ad un'occhiataccia stile "bambino cattivo, non farlo più!" XD Che delusione! Amelia a parte, la storia non è male anche se un po' scialba, ma molto scorrevole e con personaggi secondari interessanti, tra cui la viziata Brooke e la rockstar Ian, che inaspettatamente cadranno vittima di cupido (ma l'autrice li segue ben poco purtroppo), e tutti i protagonisti dei libri precedenti tra cui i miei amati Marc (qui in versione isterica XD) e Jenny *ç* Ora devo solo recuperare la seconda storia e spero sia meglio di questa XD
"«A volte mi sono chiesto se ti ho sognata tanto da farti comparire, ma non avrei mai avuto il coraggio di essere così sincero nei miei desideri.»"
"Cuore e cioccolato" mi era piaciuto molto ed ho iniziato con grande aspettative questo terzo capitolo della Bellagio (saltando il secondo senza nemmeno accorgermene tra l'altro XD) Ma devo dire che non sono rimasta granché soddisfatta, sopratutto per colpa di Amelia, dal carattere a dir poco arrendevole XD Jack infatti si presenta come un personaggio abbastanza "classico" del genere, l'affascinante playboy e uomo d'affari che si è fatto da sé, usando l'intelligenza e l'astuzia per emergere da un'infanzia povera e difficile. Il fascino non gli manca (a differenza degli scrupoli, questo è poco ma sicuro XD) e quando incontra la fragile Amelia gli sembra quasi un segno del destino. Amelia è appena stata mollata (per la terza e definitiva volta XD) dal suo storico fidanzato e ora sta cercando di ritrovare la vera sé stessa....un incipit interessante che però viene stroncato sul nascere perché dall'incontro con Jack in poi sembra che il suo viaggio emotivo diventi più che altro un viaggio tra le lenzuola XD L'impressione è che Amelia sia passata dal dominio dell'ex a quello di Jack, e sebbene certo quest'ultimo sia più piacevole e ben meno repressivo, fatto sta che questa ragazza viene sempre guidata dagli uomini della sua vita e non ha la minima autonomia come personaggio. Perfino nel momento della rivelazione, quando scoperto l'inganno di Jack avrebbe dovuto dargli un bel calcione (e inutile dirlo io aspettavo che qui mostrasse finalmente carattere) e farlo strisciare un po', in realtà la sua arrabbiatura dura molto poco e quasi ci manca che sia lei a scusarsi! O.o quando poi scopre la vera identità di Jack (e quindi la seconda menzogna) neanche finge di arrabbiarsi ma si limita ad un'occhiataccia stile "bambino cattivo, non farlo più!" XD Che delusione! Amelia a parte, la storia non è male anche se un po' scialba, ma molto scorrevole e con personaggi secondari interessanti, tra cui la viziata Brooke e la rockstar Ian, che inaspettatamente cadranno vittima di cupido (ma l'autrice li segue ben poco purtroppo), e tutti i protagonisti dei libri precedenti tra cui i miei amati Marc (qui in versione isterica XD) e Jenny *ç* Ora devo solo recuperare la seconda storia e spero sia meglio di questa XD
October 31, 2014
Amelia è una giovane donna impiegata presso la Bellagio calzature, famosa azienda produttrice di scarpe di lusso. Bella e dai modi gentili, dopo essere stata lasciata per la terza volta dal suo fidanzato, decide di seguire la signora Lillian, proporietaria dell’azienda, nel suo resort in Florida come assistente personale. E’ proprio in questo paese marittimo, respirando clima leggero, che, mentre Amelia è seduta al bar intenta a compilare una lista di nuove esperienze da vivere, conosce Jack, il classico bello e dannato pronto a estorcerle informazioni riservate sull’azienda in cambio di sorrisini e attenzioni. Tra i due nasce una profonda intesa sessuale che continua anche quando si ritrovaranno ad Atlanta.
“A volte mi sono chiesto se ti ho sognata tanto da farti comparire, ma non avrei mai avuto il coraggio di essere così sincero nei miei desideri.”
Il romanzo sviluppa una trama molto di moda in quest’ultimo periodo: lei, ingenua e tanto brava ragazza, e lui, lupo cattivo pronto a deviarne la buona condotta.
L’opera è di piacevole lettura, l’ideale per evadere da questa nostra grigia realtà, ma al di là dell’intreccio appassionante non vi è altro.
L’autrice narra le vicende in terza persona e questo, di per sè, crea nel lettore un certo distacco che aumenta se si uniscono i bruschi passaggi narrativi da una situazione all’altra.
Ciò che lascia davvero perplessi è la caratterizzazione dei personaggi principali. Amelia appare totalmente succube e dipendente dalla figura maschile che le è accanto. Incapace di sviluppare una sua personalità, anche quando cerca di rimanere ferma sui suoi precetti ecco che, poco dopo, cede divenendo anche leggermente ridicola. Da brava bambina educata è capace di trasformarsi in una dea del sesso (raccapricciante!). Jack dal passato difficile, dai tanti problemi e dall’identità più o meno ignota, colui che perde la testa per la dolce Amelia fa venire la pelle d’oca. Il grande ragazzaccio mette la testa apposto e lo fa con un finale da favola.
Insomma, questo romanzo è un ottimo mezzo per impiegare del tempo libero, poiché si tratta di una lettura agevole e senza grandi pretese.
“A volte mi sono chiesto se ti ho sognata tanto da farti comparire, ma non avrei mai avuto il coraggio di essere così sincero nei miei desideri.”
Il romanzo sviluppa una trama molto di moda in quest’ultimo periodo: lei, ingenua e tanto brava ragazza, e lui, lupo cattivo pronto a deviarne la buona condotta.
L’opera è di piacevole lettura, l’ideale per evadere da questa nostra grigia realtà, ma al di là dell’intreccio appassionante non vi è altro.
L’autrice narra le vicende in terza persona e questo, di per sè, crea nel lettore un certo distacco che aumenta se si uniscono i bruschi passaggi narrativi da una situazione all’altra.
Ciò che lascia davvero perplessi è la caratterizzazione dei personaggi principali. Amelia appare totalmente succube e dipendente dalla figura maschile che le è accanto. Incapace di sviluppare una sua personalità, anche quando cerca di rimanere ferma sui suoi precetti ecco che, poco dopo, cede divenendo anche leggermente ridicola. Da brava bambina educata è capace di trasformarsi in una dea del sesso (raccapricciante!). Jack dal passato difficile, dai tanti problemi e dall’identità più o meno ignota, colui che perde la testa per la dolce Amelia fa venire la pelle d’oca. Il grande ragazzaccio mette la testa apposto e lo fa con un finale da favola.
Insomma, questo romanzo è un ottimo mezzo per impiegare del tempo libero, poiché si tratta di una lettura agevole e senza grandi pretese.
July 8, 2015
Recensione del blog Le passioni di Brully
☼Summer Reading Challenge☼
Questo romanzo rappresenta il primo obbiettivo della Challenge:
1 - Un libro che ti ricorda l'estate.
L'avevo scelto per la copertina super estiva, con questi colori sgargianti.
Sono proprio soddisfatta di questa prima lettura, un romance che mi ha fatta rilassare.
Di cosa parla?
La protagonista è Magnolia... ups, Amelia (scusate, ma Jack la chiama talmente spesso Magnolia che ormai mi ci sono abituata.)
Dopo una deludente conclusione della sua relazione con una specie di scimmia preistorica, che la costringeva a vestirsi e comportarsi da donna casta, Amelia viene chiamata a lavorare per Lillian Bellagio, della Bellagio calzature.
Un colpo di fortuna questo temporaneo trasferimento in Florida. Ottimo per lasciarsi il passato alle spalle e cercare di ricominciare.
Una lista è la cosa migliore per farlo, sfogarsi e scrivere tutte le cose (pazze e non) che si vogliono fare!
Il problema di Amelia... è che non aveva messo in programma l'incontro con Jack.
Oddio Jack! Io l'ho amato fin da subito, nonostante avesse messo in chiaro di essere un bastardo (in tutti i sensi!)
È sexy, provocante... estremamente provocante. Scombussola quel filo di tranquillità che ha sempre avvolto Amelia, inserendo simpatici punti all'interno della sua lista (molti dei quali finiscono con la parola "nuda") che volete farci... è Jack!
L'ho amato perché non cambia mai il suo modo di essere, nonostante Amelia, col trascorrere della vicenda, diventi stranamente importante per lui.
E che combinerà Amelia? Si lascerà andare a queste nuove emozioni, sapendo che Jack fin dall'inizio aveva detto che se ne sarebbe andato dalla Florida dopo poco tempo?
Abbandonarsi o dar retta alla ragione?
Un romanzo che dovete assolutamente leggere!
☼Summer Reading Challenge☼
Questo romanzo rappresenta il primo obbiettivo della Challenge:
1 - Un libro che ti ricorda l'estate.
L'avevo scelto per la copertina super estiva, con questi colori sgargianti.
Sono proprio soddisfatta di questa prima lettura, un romance che mi ha fatta rilassare.
Di cosa parla?
La protagonista è Magnolia... ups, Amelia (scusate, ma Jack la chiama talmente spesso Magnolia che ormai mi ci sono abituata.)
Dopo una deludente conclusione della sua relazione con una specie di scimmia preistorica, che la costringeva a vestirsi e comportarsi da donna casta, Amelia viene chiamata a lavorare per Lillian Bellagio, della Bellagio calzature.
Un colpo di fortuna questo temporaneo trasferimento in Florida. Ottimo per lasciarsi il passato alle spalle e cercare di ricominciare.
Una lista è la cosa migliore per farlo, sfogarsi e scrivere tutte le cose (pazze e non) che si vogliono fare!
Il problema di Amelia... è che non aveva messo in programma l'incontro con Jack.
Oddio Jack! Io l'ho amato fin da subito, nonostante avesse messo in chiaro di essere un bastardo (in tutti i sensi!)
È sexy, provocante... estremamente provocante. Scombussola quel filo di tranquillità che ha sempre avvolto Amelia, inserendo simpatici punti all'interno della sua lista (molti dei quali finiscono con la parola "nuda") che volete farci... è Jack!
L'ho amato perché non cambia mai il suo modo di essere, nonostante Amelia, col trascorrere della vicenda, diventi stranamente importante per lui.
E che combinerà Amelia? Si lascerà andare a queste nuove emozioni, sapendo che Jack fin dall'inizio aveva detto che se ne sarebbe andato dalla Florida dopo poco tempo?
Abbandonarsi o dar retta alla ragione?
Un romanzo che dovete assolutamente leggere!
March 31, 2012
3.5/5 (B-)
Amelia just got dump by what was supposed to be the love of her life, William... She's been with him since elementary school, has made so much sacrifices for him, has live the way he liked and now, he has dumped her. Apparently, he outgrew her. How dare him? So, following advice from the shrink, Amelia has to discover herself, learn who she really is. In order to do so, she writes up list of things to do and try to do them.
For the past few years, Amelia has been working as a temp at Bellagio, designer shoes manufacturer and is loved by everyone. She's the temp that the cie will assign in every difficult situation and now, she's been assigned to LillianBellagio, one of the founder's widow, in Keys. There, she meets Jack O'Connell. Jack is a venture capitalist and the bastard son of Dario Bellagio, i.e. Lillian Bellagio's stepson. However, Lillian has long paid off Jack's mother and so, Jack never really had the opportunity to meet his father. Nonetheless, he'd like to be part of Bellagio, but on his terms and due to his abilities. That day has almost come as Bellagio needs money and Jack is happy to provide, only if he can becomes a board member. Anyway, Jack and Amelia meet in Keys where Jack helps Amelia to discover herself, gets some on Bellagio from her and become lovers. Of course, when she realized that Jack used her, she's not very happy and is reluctant to forgive him...
Anyway, this was a good book and I really enjoyed it. I liked Jack a lot and Amelia was a nice heroine too. The story went smoothly and was good. However, I wished we've seen a showdown between Amelia, Jack and Will... I mean, the author did reunite them, but nothing really happened. Also, I thought that the jail scene was unnecessary.
Amelia just got dump by what was supposed to be the love of her life, William... She's been with him since elementary school, has made so much sacrifices for him, has live the way he liked and now, he has dumped her. Apparently, he outgrew her. How dare him? So, following advice from the shrink, Amelia has to discover herself, learn who she really is. In order to do so, she writes up list of things to do and try to do them.
For the past few years, Amelia has been working as a temp at Bellagio, designer shoes manufacturer and is loved by everyone. She's the temp that the cie will assign in every difficult situation and now, she's been assigned to LillianBellagio, one of the founder's widow, in Keys. There, she meets Jack O'Connell. Jack is a venture capitalist and the bastard son of Dario Bellagio, i.e. Lillian Bellagio's stepson. However, Lillian has long paid off Jack's mother and so, Jack never really had the opportunity to meet his father. Nonetheless, he'd like to be part of Bellagio, but on his terms and due to his abilities. That day has almost come as Bellagio needs money and Jack is happy to provide, only if he can becomes a board member. Anyway, Jack and Amelia meet in Keys where Jack helps Amelia to discover herself, gets some on Bellagio from her and become lovers. Of course, when she realized that Jack used her, she's not very happy and is reluctant to forgive him...
Anyway, this was a good book and I really enjoyed it. I liked Jack a lot and Amelia was a nice heroine too. The story went smoothly and was good. However, I wished we've seen a showdown between Amelia, Jack and Will... I mean, the author did reunite them, but nothing really happened. Also, I thought that the jail scene was unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2011
This is a fun little novel about a good girl going just a little bad. Amelia is a small-town girl with a heart of gold, and she's been in love with her fiance since grade school. When he dumps her, she's devastated - and even more upset when she realizes she doesn't really know who she is or what she likes. She's spent her entire young adulthood trying to please her ex, and now it's time to find out how to please herself.
An organizational whiz for the Bellagio shoe company, Amelia takes a temporary assignment in Florida and meets mysterious Jack. He helps her round out her "things to try" life list. She shows him what it means to have someone care about you. Naturally, sparks fly. Once they're back to real life in Atlanta, though, things get rocky, and Amelia and Jack have to figure out how to merge their private relationship into their workaday lives. To complicate things, Jack's not quite who he seems, and Amelia's younger sister is getting married - with Amelia's ex standing as the groom's best man. Nice depiction of a relationship where two people get to know each other, warts and all, and move ahead by encouraging each other's best traits to grow.
An organizational whiz for the Bellagio shoe company, Amelia takes a temporary assignment in Florida and meets mysterious Jack. He helps her round out her "things to try" life list. She shows him what it means to have someone care about you. Naturally, sparks fly. Once they're back to real life in Atlanta, though, things get rocky, and Amelia and Jack have to figure out how to merge their private relationship into their workaday lives. To complicate things, Jack's not quite who he seems, and Amelia's younger sister is getting married - with Amelia's ex standing as the groom's best man. Nice depiction of a relationship where two people get to know each other, warts and all, and move ahead by encouraging each other's best traits to grow.
February 22, 2011
"Footloose" is the 3rd in the Bellagio Shoes Series. The first "Feet First" and the second "Under Foot" were entertaining and witty with likable characters.
Amelia Parker works for Bellagio and gets sent on assignment to a tropical location. Once there she meets Jack O'Connell who is mysterious and sexy (although sometimes come off as arrogant). Jack keeps his true identity from Amelia, along with a big secret not revealed to the reader until halfway through the book. Needless to say, his secretive ways come back to bite him in the butt and therefor doesn't make a whole lot of friends at Bellagio, Amelia included. But readers won't be able to help but sympathize with poor Jack, who is all but isolated at work. He comes off as a ruthless bastard (in the corporate world) but I fell in love with him anyway, as does Amelia.
Ms. Banks is one of my favorite authors who pens feel-good, quirky romances. She creates characters well suited for each other and relate-able to readers. With each book, I read she leaves me wanting more.
Erin Kern
author of Looking For Trouble
Amelia Parker works for Bellagio and gets sent on assignment to a tropical location. Once there she meets Jack O'Connell who is mysterious and sexy (although sometimes come off as arrogant). Jack keeps his true identity from Amelia, along with a big secret not revealed to the reader until halfway through the book. Needless to say, his secretive ways come back to bite him in the butt and therefor doesn't make a whole lot of friends at Bellagio, Amelia included. But readers won't be able to help but sympathize with poor Jack, who is all but isolated at work. He comes off as a ruthless bastard (in the corporate world) but I fell in love with him anyway, as does Amelia.
Ms. Banks is one of my favorite authors who pens feel-good, quirky romances. She creates characters well suited for each other and relate-able to readers. With each book, I read she leaves me wanting more.
Erin Kern
author of Looking For Trouble
June 11, 2009
I'm embarrassed that I enjoyed this as much as I did. there were so many awkwardly written moments--parts where I had to read out loud to my husband, to share how bad they were. He just rolled his eyes and asked why I read it. I think it's because the characters are likable enough and the situtations enjoyable enough that it overcomes the cheesy writing. a lot of the sex scenes are especially awkwardly written, and the end was a little odd for a romance novel. and yet, I don't know; I just liked it.
July 4, 2014
Sicuramente questa è una lettura perfetta per l’estate, sotto l’ombrellone, mentre il cuore svolazza leggero al ritmo delle parole di Leanne Banks.
Un romanzo allegro e romantico che riesce ad emozionare con semplicità; una fabbrica di buon umore e sospiri, ingredienti obbligatori sotto un sole estivo; un ottimo compagno di relax, mai noioso o pesante.
Recensione completa qui:
http://libridilo.blogspot.it/2014/07/...
Un romanzo allegro e romantico che riesce ad emozionare con semplicità; una fabbrica di buon umore e sospiri, ingredienti obbligatori sotto un sole estivo; un ottimo compagno di relax, mai noioso o pesante.
Recensione completa qui:
http://libridilo.blogspot.it/2014/07/...
July 26, 2010
Love it this book, couldn't put it down! The main character Amelia works for a major leading international shoe company. Oh YES, a dream job to be around shoe designers and good Italian leather all day......what a dream come true. Amelia is quite the"FIXER" she takes care of everything and everyone.........there's a way too good looking bad boy to mess with her ways. This was a goodread!
October 15, 2012
My mom passed this book on to me. I only finished it to get it out of the house (I'm trying to read through all the books I think I don't want before I get rid of them, just to be sure I don't want them). The writing wasn't terribly creative, and I was incredibly tempted after the first couple chapters to just give up and move on to a better book.
July 29, 2015
Sweet Story. I started off thinking our hero was going to be a bad guy. I thought the story looked predictable, but I was wrong. Jack O’Connell was a charming delightful man. Amelia was so sweet, and innocent in Book 2, but she wasn’t this time. I just loved this simple lovely story. Good read.
June 17, 2009
This book had such good potential. Interesting characters, good storyline, chemistry between the two main characters, but there was still something missing. I just can't put my finger on what was missing.
May 4, 2010
Although the language is extremely easy (very reminiscent of YA), it was a fun and easy read. I liked the characters, and the plot wasn't too cheesy. The book is definately a beach read, I got through it in less than five hours.
August 17, 2013
Footloose: Leanne Banks
This is a good read, I would have to rate it 4.5 stars.
Great plot, interesting characters, and Loved the ending! It helps to read the other books in this series, which I have, but this can also be a stand alone book...
This is a good read, I would have to rate it 4.5 stars.
Great plot, interesting characters, and Loved the ending! It helps to read the other books in this series, which I have, but this can also be a stand alone book...
June 28, 2014
Un libro perfetto per la spiaggia, divertente, romantico, frizzante e passionale allo stesso tempo. Qui la mia recensione completa http://lettereinliberta.blogspot.it/2...
June 8, 2015
This is a good beach reading book. It is part of a trilogy, but can be read alone. It would probably be better to read these in order. Then you get a better feel for all the characters, the company, and the female lead in this story.
I enjoyed all three of the stories and would recommend them.
I enjoyed all three of the stories and would recommend them.
June 13, 2007
It was a cute story, although a little on the predicable side.
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