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The Italian's Convenient Wife
When Paolo Rainero's niece and nephew are orphaned, he arranges to marry Caroline Leighton, the twins' American aunt, to protect them. But first he must show Callie that he's changed since their affair nine years ago.
As their convenient marriage becomes real, and old desires are rekindled, Paolo can't help feeling that Caroline's hiding something. A secret involving him....
As their convenient marriage becomes real, and old desires are rekindled, Paolo can't help feeling that Caroline's hiding something. A secret involving him....
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
50 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Spencer
282 books60 followers In the past, Catherine Spencer has been an English teacher which was the springboard for her writing career. Heathcliff, Rochester, Romeo and Rhett were all responsible for her love of brooding heroes! Catherine has had the lucky honour of being a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist and has been a guest speaker at both international and local conferences and was the only Canadian chosen to appear on the television special, Harlequin goes Prime Time.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 22, 2018
This started off so well. Heroine got pregnant after a one night stand the night of her sister's wedding to the hero's brother. She was 18 at the time and had to change her plans for university. She had twins and gave them to her sister and husband to raise as their own.
Hero did such a number on her that she hasn't had sex since. Hero was a womanizer for many years, but finally grew up and is now a functioning member of society.
H/h meet again when the twin's adoptive parents are both killed. Heroine comes to Italy for the funeral and plans to bring the nine year-old twins back to the US. This does not go over well with the hero or the grandparents or the children.
At this point I began to lose patience with the heroine. She said all she cared about were the children, but she made things ten times worse by not telling the hero the truth about his status as baby daddy. Weeks go by where she could have spoken up, but she didn't.
By the time everyone had bonded and new plan had been implemented, the heroine blew it up. Worse - she ran away and the children had to chase after her from Italy to the US.
WTH? That's fine for a hero to chase down the heroine, but no child should ever have to chase after their mother or mother-figure. The ending was just so gross. The heroine sulked and caused so much new pain for those grieving kids and they had to convince her to come back to Italy. I don't know how they're ever going to feel secure with this new mommy and daddy after the crap they pulled.
The angst in this was great. Same with the writing. The romance was fine. I believed that the hero turned over a new leaf and was sincere in his feelings for the heroine. I just can't forgive the lying heroine and her sulking at the end.
Preeti has more details in her review, if you're interested.
Hero did such a number on her that she hasn't had sex since. Hero was a womanizer for many years, but finally grew up and is now a functioning member of society.
H/h meet again when the twin's adoptive parents are both killed. Heroine comes to Italy for the funeral and plans to bring the nine year-old twins back to the US. This does not go over well with the hero or the grandparents or the children.
At this point I began to lose patience with the heroine. She said all she cared about were the children, but she made things ten times worse by not telling the hero the truth about his status as baby daddy. Weeks go by where she could have spoken up, but she didn't.
By the time everyone had bonded and new plan had been implemented, the heroine blew it up. Worse - she ran away and the children had to chase after her from Italy to the US.
WTH? That's fine for a hero to chase down the heroine, but no child should ever have to chase after their mother or mother-figure. The ending was just so gross. The heroine sulked and caused so much new pain for those grieving kids and they had to convince her to come back to Italy. I don't know how they're ever going to feel secure with this new mommy and daddy after the crap they pulled.
The angst in this was great. Same with the writing. The romance was fine. I believed that the hero turned over a new leaf and was sincere in his feelings for the heroine. I just can't forgive the lying heroine and her sulking at the end.
Preeti has more details in her review, if you're interested.
May 15, 2017
It started out so well and I was so hopeful!
*With Spoilers*
A bonafide manhoeing Italian bad boy and an 18 y.o. virgin. He makes no promises while seducing his brother’s sister-in-law on the (his brother and her sister's) wedding day. She finds herself pregnant and loses out on an Ivy League education. (But why could she go to a Calif. University and not Smith’s with the bump was a mystery!) Anyways the sister and the husband adopt the twins and pass them as their own to his family.
Now nine years later, the older couple dies (but of course!) and the h travels to Italy to bring back ‘her kids’. But she gets side tracked by the H (reformed and responsible now!).
They are all chummy and practical, and agree on a moc but…
The H was suitably despicable to begin with but loses steam within a few pages, and turns tame and boring (and so did the book!).
The real problem was the h not telling the H the truth till the very end and she had NO EXCUSE for it! It would still be ok if there was a plot to amuse the reader till then but apart from them resuming their bedroom (formerly beach) activities and preparing for the wedding, nothing much happens. The kids were grumpy and cheerless, and brought out at necessary points. Can’t blame them as this h can do that to anybody. Only the disapproving father of the H causes some waves.
And sadly I felt no connection between the h/H. It was more about negotiating and doing the right thing for the children than a romance (interspersed with sex).
*With Spoilers*
A bonafide manhoeing Italian bad boy and an 18 y.o. virgin. He makes no promises while seducing his brother’s sister-in-law on the (his brother and her sister's) wedding day. She finds herself pregnant and loses out on an Ivy League education. (But why could she go to a Calif. University and not Smith’s with the bump was a mystery!) Anyways the sister and the husband adopt the twins and pass them as their own to his family.
Now nine years later, the older couple dies (but of course!) and the h travels to Italy to bring back ‘her kids’. But she gets side tracked by the H (reformed and responsible now!).
They are all chummy and practical, and agree on a moc but…
The H was suitably despicable to begin with but loses steam within a few pages, and turns tame and boring (and so did the book!).
The real problem was the h not telling the H the truth till the very end and she had NO EXCUSE for it! It would still be ok if there was a plot to amuse the reader till then but apart from them resuming their bedroom (formerly beach) activities and preparing for the wedding, nothing much happens. The kids were grumpy and cheerless, and brought out at necessary points. Can’t blame them as this h can do that to anybody. Only the disapproving father of the H causes some waves.
And sadly I felt no connection between the h/H. It was more about negotiating and doing the right thing for the children than a romance (interspersed with sex).
March 23, 2014
If you love a smitten noble flawless hero who is willing to shout his love for the heroine from the rooftops then this is the book for you!
October 9, 2013
i remember reading this one as well !dat was last year n the twins were actually paolo n caroline's ;p
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2016
4 Stars! ~ All of the pain from nine years before, is thrust once more at Caroline as she travels to Rome to claim her orphaned niece and nephew. She's braced for a fight with their Italian uncle, Paolo, a man she had given her innocence to, only to be dismissed. But Paolo today is not the callous playboy she'd known, now he is a man with a deep sense of family responsibility. Yet from their first reunion, Paolo is aware there is more grief in Caroline than that of her sister and brother-in-law's tragic death, and he finds himself wanting to protect her. Caroline's concern is for the twins, and yet, she realizes that she has never really stopped loving Paolo. The passion they once shared still burns between them. Paolo proposes they marry for the sake of the children and the promise that he will be faithful. Caroline agrees, yet continues to carry the burden of secrets from nine years before; secrets that threaten to shatter Paolo's whole family.
Very nicely written. This was rather unique because Paulo's misdeed had happened in a time before the story begins and his character has already been redeemed before their reunion. This was critical to the story, for Paolo as he had been, would not have been appealing. Caroline's character becomes the focus as she must face decisions she made when she was 19. She's tragic in many ways, haunted. Finding that Paolo has tender feelings for her, as well as a passionate desire, Caroline's scars begin to fade except for that secret she carries. A very enjoyable read!
Very nicely written. This was rather unique because Paulo's misdeed had happened in a time before the story begins and his character has already been redeemed before their reunion. This was critical to the story, for Paolo as he had been, would not have been appealing. Caroline's character becomes the focus as she must face decisions she made when she was 19. She's tragic in many ways, haunted. Finding that Paolo has tender feelings for her, as well as a passionate desire, Caroline's scars begin to fade except for that secret she carries. A very enjoyable read!
May 1, 2012
Wow...this is my first book by this author and definitely not my last.
This is an incredible love story about second chances in not only love, but life, and that sometimes we are given an incredible gift to fix our past mistakes and ultimately forgive those who have hurt us the most. This author takes you on an incredible journey into the heart and soul of Paolo and Callie where you see all their pain and human frailty.
This is so unlike any HP I have ever read. I was so wrapped up in watching how Paolo and Callie were going to come to grips with their past and put the pieces of their life back together again, that I became absolutely mesmerized. Sometimes, when I read these HP's I get angry because the hero is depicted as an arrogant macho jerk and the heroine as a spineless doormat. But in this story, I realized that people are simply human and oftentimes just make mistakes....Unfortunately those mistakes have the ability to hurt the people who matter the most.
It was an incredible read. I won't forget this story.
This is an incredible love story about second chances in not only love, but life, and that sometimes we are given an incredible gift to fix our past mistakes and ultimately forgive those who have hurt us the most. This author takes you on an incredible journey into the heart and soul of Paolo and Callie where you see all their pain and human frailty.
This is so unlike any HP I have ever read. I was so wrapped up in watching how Paolo and Callie were going to come to grips with their past and put the pieces of their life back together again, that I became absolutely mesmerized. Sometimes, when I read these HP's I get angry because the hero is depicted as an arrogant macho jerk and the heroine as a spineless doormat. But in this story, I realized that people are simply human and oftentimes just make mistakes....Unfortunately those mistakes have the ability to hurt the people who matter the most.
It was an incredible read. I won't forget this story.
Read
March 1, 2021The h was stupid because she should have taken her children away but didn't and I hated the disgusting H and his meddling old hag father. He seduced the naive virgin (H didn't know that but even if she wasn't she was young and naive, what did he, experienced playboy expect?!) h and dumped her. Later when they meet again he wonders why the h is still bitter
“Such bitterness, so long after the fact, is out of all proportion to the incident,” he said, regarding her thoughtfully.
So he means his seduction of the virgin h in love with him was no big deal and she should have got over it long time ago. WTF???!!! The H was her first love, she expected marriage an the eternal love but he broke her heart and expected she would just get over it??!!! The H is supposed to have redeemed himself and he makes such comments. He also didn't want to let the h read her sister's and his brother's last will. So where is the redemption? He would never have gone after the h if his brother hadn't died and would probably have married some bitchy high class woman and got a heir for "duty's sake".
Other reason I hated the H was what he said to the h when they had sex the first time and she faked an orgasm
"And when I am done with you, cara, you’ll never again have to pretend to come—at least, not when you’re with me.” meaning she can fake it as much she wants whe she is with other men AND meaning he doesn't care if any other man fu*ks her. Sooo he was no alpha, I would have given him the lowest rank.
When I read romance I expect a strong posessive HERO, in this one the H was a manwhore and a coward. And even if a Hero is not an alpha or has no romantic feelings towards the heroine at least I expect of him is possessiveness
Btw other thing that bothered me was that the H kept accusing the h about pretending experienced. I thought WTF, why is he, such a sex pro man so, so stupid??!! When a girl meets an older playboy guy, gets a crush on him and tries to attract him, to flirt with him on his level and gets drunk for courage is it really called "pretending" ?
There was no redemption, no real ( because I don't think he would have said "sorry" if she hadn't found out about the will before the wedding) apologizes and the H had no honour. I don't think they would have ended together if not the children. I don't believe in second chances because of coincidence, when or if one the heroes doesn't take a first step to get together a second or third or ... time of his/her own will and not because of pregnancy, children or parents or etc.
P.s I still loved this book because of the plot but I wish the H had tried to get the h back after his "redemtion" 6 years ago and apologized to her and I wish the children were more lovable, not so sulky
“Such bitterness, so long after the fact, is out of all proportion to the incident,” he said, regarding her thoughtfully.
So he means his seduction of the virgin h in love with him was no big deal and she should have got over it long time ago. WTF???!!! The H was her first love, she expected marriage an the eternal love but he broke her heart and expected she would just get over it??!!! The H is supposed to have redeemed himself and he makes such comments. He also didn't want to let the h read her sister's and his brother's last will. So where is the redemption? He would never have gone after the h if his brother hadn't died and would probably have married some bitchy high class woman and got a heir for "duty's sake".
Other reason I hated the H was what he said to the h when they had sex the first time and she faked an orgasm
"And when I am done with you, cara, you’ll never again have to pretend to come—at least, not when you’re with me.” meaning she can fake it as much she wants whe she is with other men AND meaning he doesn't care if any other man fu*ks her. Sooo he was no alpha, I would have given him the lowest rank.
When I read romance I expect a strong posessive HERO, in this one the H was a manwhore and a coward. And even if a Hero is not an alpha or has no romantic feelings towards the heroine at least I expect of him is possessiveness
Btw other thing that bothered me was that the H kept accusing the h about pretending experienced. I thought WTF, why is he, such a sex pro man so, so stupid??!! When a girl meets an older playboy guy, gets a crush on him and tries to attract him, to flirt with him on his level and gets drunk for courage is it really called "pretending" ?
There was no redemption, no real ( because I don't think he would have said "sorry" if she hadn't found out about the will before the wedding) apologizes and the H had no honour. I don't think they would have ended together if not the children. I don't believe in second chances because of coincidence, when or if one the heroes doesn't take a first step to get together a second or third or ... time of his/her own will and not because of pregnancy, children or parents or etc.
P.s I still loved this book because of the plot but I wish the H had tried to get the h back after his "redemtion" 6 years ago and apologized to her and I wish the children were more lovable, not so sulky
August 7, 2011
It started off really good. I was addicted from the start. But somehow, as it reached the end, it wasn't really very convincing to me. I dunno, but somehow the part where they quarreled wasn't impactful enough to me. And how they made up felt just too little. Like, there wasn't enough substance. In my mind, Italians are hot :P, arrogant and just not so forgiving. But instead of him really blaming her, he kinda just asked for her forgiveness?
I know I don't make a lot of sense but somehow the climax of the book just didn't do it for me. I'm someone who swoons over the declarations of love from the guy to the girl. But somehow that scene just didn't strike a chord in me.
However, I must say watching them fall in love was sweet:) however, I felt that he should have taken more time before discovering his love for her. Cliché yes. But to me, it's just so sweet and more in character for guys like this. Especially Italians.
All in all, it was a pretty good book and I did enjoy reading it. It's definitely worth a try. Perhaps you'll love it more than I did. I did love it at the beginning yes, but not the last few chpts. A pity really..
P.S. I did enjoy it, I just couldn't love it. It could just be my mood though..
<3
I know I don't make a lot of sense but somehow the climax of the book just didn't do it for me. I'm someone who swoons over the declarations of love from the guy to the girl. But somehow that scene just didn't strike a chord in me.
However, I must say watching them fall in love was sweet:) however, I felt that he should have taken more time before discovering his love for her. Cliché yes. But to me, it's just so sweet and more in character for guys like this. Especially Italians.
All in all, it was a pretty good book and I did enjoy reading it. It's definitely worth a try. Perhaps you'll love it more than I did. I did love it at the beginning yes, but not the last few chpts. A pity really..
P.S. I did enjoy it, I just couldn't love it. It could just be my mood though..
<3
November 22, 2023
Caroline's sister and her brother-in-law died in a boat explosion, leaving twin children behind. Paolo lost his brother and sister-in-law in the explosion, but at least his family still has the children. What no one in his family, including Paolo himself, knows is that Caroline has a closer tie to the children than they realize.
There was a lot of angst in this story but not over-the-top as in many stories with this plot. I thought this was well-handled and flowed through the emotions realistically. I loved that both put the children's welfare ahead of everything, and each struggled with their emotions through that filter. There were no extreme scenes except when the secret was revealed, and even in that context it made sense.
I really liked this story and would recommend it.
There was a lot of angst in this story but not over-the-top as in many stories with this plot. I thought this was well-handled and flowed through the emotions realistically. I loved that both put the children's welfare ahead of everything, and each struggled with their emotions through that filter. There were no extreme scenes except when the secret was revealed, and even in that context it made sense.
I really liked this story and would recommend it.
June 2, 2010
The plot was so far-fetched only the writing saved the book
February 3, 2018
Not too interesting considering everything that went on. The hero changed just cause. The heroine was making mistakes because she had to make choices alone. Eh. No one to really root for. Not even the dumb kids.
October 4, 2018
No really connection between the H and h nor between h and her kids ! I fell bored and I had so much relief whene I finished this book !
June 22, 2019
Nice read! Light and fluffy ! Wanted some angst and Frank Sinatra motions from hero.
September 27, 2022
Good except h is an emotional coward and put the three people she claimed to love in a horrible situation.
January 6, 2023
Very good
I enjoyed the route this book took and it kept you reading. The storyline is great and I would read it again. ENJOY
I enjoyed the route this book took and it kept you reading. The storyline is great and I would read it again. ENJOY
May 27, 2012
Really good story of a couple who met when they were young and immature, reconciled due to circumstances beyond their control when more mature and nine years older (yep that short of time can make a big difference in an arrogant - well to do - butt hat of a hero).
Tear jerker, really well written.
no typos/editing issues either!!!
Tear jerker, really well written.
no typos/editing issues either!!!
June 8, 2021
When Paolo Rainero's niece and nephew are orphaned, he arranges to marry Caroline Leighton, the twins' American aunt, to protect them. But first he must show Callie that he's changed since their affair nine years ago. As their convenient marriage becomes real, and old desires are rekindled, Paolo can't help feeling that Caroline's hiding something. A secret involving him
October 3, 2016
2.5 stars
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