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Ravensdale Scandals #2
Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress
BOOKS
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
28 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Milburne
1,161 books392 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 20, 2016
2,5 stars
This is the 2nd book of the series "Ravensdale Scandals." by Melanie Milburne and now we have Miranda Ravensdale story.
I really liked the 1st book in this series, Ravensdale's Defiant Captive https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... so I was really looking forward to continuing delving into the Ravensdale's Secrets and Scandals!!!
Wow, this story just dragged on and on!!!
Leandro Allegretti, the hero was so surly and unengaging. And all that guilt about what happened when he was a child!!!!
Miranda Ravensdale, the heroine, was another guilt-ridden character in this story!!! Her guilt was over her ex fiancée from the past!!!!
I tried to engage with these two characters.........but no, the struggle continued until the end!
Other things that got on my nerves.......all the inner dialogue and internalisation!!! Guys....do some talking with each other please!!!
And the heroine - how many times do I want to be told how gorgeous Leandro is!!!!
I did enjoy reading more about the other Ravensdales........and the ending was better than what I was expecting.
This is the 2nd book of the series "Ravensdale Scandals." by Melanie Milburne and now we have Miranda Ravensdale story.
I really liked the 1st book in this series, Ravensdale's Defiant Captive https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... so I was really looking forward to continuing delving into the Ravensdale's Secrets and Scandals!!!
Wow, this story just dragged on and on!!!
Leandro Allegretti, the hero was so surly and unengaging. And all that guilt about what happened when he was a child!!!!
Miranda Ravensdale, the heroine, was another guilt-ridden character in this story!!! Her guilt was over her ex fiancée from the past!!!!
I tried to engage with these two characters.........but no, the struggle continued until the end!
Other things that got on my nerves.......all the inner dialogue and internalisation!!! Guys....do some talking with each other please!!!
And the heroine - how many times do I want to be told how gorgeous Leandro is!!!!
I did enjoy reading more about the other Ravensdales........and the ending was better than what I was expecting.
September 4, 2016
Did not finish, but maybe one day
Leandro is your typical tortured hero. He always felt attraction towards Miranda but didn't act on it because she's his friends's sister. And Miranda has been celibate since her childhood sweetheart died (when he died they were 16 and she promised him on his deathbed he'd be her only one).
I gave an extra star because the h was disappointed in H's previous women (specially that blasted Nicole). Yes! Finally a h openly dislikes H's empty relationships based in sex when she meets an ex-lover because he can do better, deserves better.
I hated Nicole (or whichever way it's spelled), she went directly to ask Miranda about her family's scandal ¬¬ (Miranda should have used that to cover her jealousy, I would have).
I was loving the story BUT they started maligning Mark and it broke my heart. Mark was supposed to be Miranda's best friend since childhood. I bought it when Miranda talked/thought about their love so I thought that the point was for Miranda to learn to move on with her life but keeping a spot for that love that was cut short, not for Miranda to realize she was in love with the idea of being in love with Mark and that Mark had used her to not die alone. (the italic part is something the hero thought and Miranda's memories seemed to be leading that way, I didn't get that far in my reading and maybe it doesn't happen like that)
Also I hate when a non-virging h says her previous sexual encounters were unpleasurable (does that word exist?). Poor Mark, from Prince Charming to Frog.
Leandro is your typical tortured hero. He always felt attraction towards Miranda but didn't act on it because she's his friends's sister. And Miranda has been celibate since her childhood sweetheart died (when he died they were 16 and she promised him on his deathbed he'd be her only one).
I gave an extra star because the h was disappointed in H's previous women (specially that blasted Nicole). Yes! Finally a h openly dislikes H's empty relationships based in sex when she meets an ex-lover because he can do better, deserves better.
I hated Nicole (or whichever way it's spelled), she went directly to ask Miranda about her family's scandal ¬¬ (Miranda should have used that to cover her jealousy, I would have).
I was loving the story BUT they started maligning Mark and it broke my heart. Mark was supposed to be Miranda's best friend since childhood. I bought it when Miranda talked/thought about their love so I thought that the point was for Miranda to learn to move on with her life but keeping a spot for that love that was cut short, not for Miranda to realize she was in love with the idea of being in love with Mark and that Mark had used her to not die alone. (the italic part is something the hero thought and Miranda's memories seemed to be leading that way, I didn't get that far in my reading and maybe it doesn't happen like that)
Also I hate when a non-virging h says her previous sexual encounters were unpleasurable (does that word exist?). Poor Mark, from Prince Charming to Frog.
June 23, 2017
All of the drama in this story comes from the H/h’s back stories. The heroine has kept her vow of celibacy for seven years. It was a deathbed wish of her sixteen year-old boyfriend that he would be her only one. The hero shuts himself off from intimacy (but not sex) because blames himself for his three year old sister’s disappearance when he was six years old. He feels he caused his parent’s divorce and was never welcomed into his mother’s new family. The H/h have known each other for years since the hero spent all of his holidays with her older brothers.
The story opens when the heroine is hiding from the paparazzi and the hero spies her behind a potted plant. Seems the h’s father (a famous actor?) has revealed he has a daughter the same age as the h from another woman. This is causing a media frenzy.
The hero offers the heroine a job in France. She is to go through his recently deceased father’s art collection and value it and pack it up for auction. She accepts and they stay at the dusty villa together. The hero works on getting the heroine to give up her vow of celibacy (which he has always known about) and the heroine works on helping him forgive himself for his sister’s disappearance (which she just found out about).
As you can see, both are haunted by the past and need to break out of their present patterns and their two-week interlude does just that. The heroine decides to risk love again as does the hero. It’s very sweet and both are likeable characters. I really liked the way the hero thought about the heroine. He was always respectful of her and her issues. This is part of an ongoing series so there are references to other romances and ongoing problems that sounded interesting. This is a quiet story, so be warned.
The story opens when the heroine is hiding from the paparazzi and the hero spies her behind a potted plant. Seems the h’s father (a famous actor?) has revealed he has a daughter the same age as the h from another woman. This is causing a media frenzy.
The hero offers the heroine a job in France. She is to go through his recently deceased father’s art collection and value it and pack it up for auction. She accepts and they stay at the dusty villa together. The hero works on getting the heroine to give up her vow of celibacy (which he has always known about) and the heroine works on helping him forgive himself for his sister’s disappearance (which she just found out about).
As you can see, both are haunted by the past and need to break out of their present patterns and their two-week interlude does just that. The heroine decides to risk love again as does the hero. It’s very sweet and both are likeable characters. I really liked the way the hero thought about the heroine. He was always respectful of her and her issues. This is part of an ongoing series so there are references to other romances and ongoing problems that sounded interesting. This is a quiet story, so be warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (this is for the first scene, the second one is shorter)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (there’s a shorter scene I didn’t count as a full scene)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Immediate
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily listened to an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in audiobook form
Why I chose this book: I have been listening to a lot of audio and also really liking Harlequin books so I thought I’d try this boxset on NetGalley
Mains: This is a M/F romance between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not totally necessary but you will get better family background if you read book 1 first (book 1 is the brother of this heroine)
Basic plot:
Miranda is asked by her childhood friend Leandro to his French estate to go through his father’s artwork.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- France setting
- heroine is an art restorer
- hero is French Italian
- heroine is British (? I think?)
- some unrequited longing from hero
- overcoming grief is a big point
- size difference – he’s 6’3” and she’s 5’5”
- brother’s best friend
- they’ve known each other their whole lives
- close proximity at the run down French estate
- bit of an age gap – hero is older by 10 years
- celibate heroine
- lower to medium steam – 2ish full scenes in a shorter page count – there was a shorter scene I decided not to count
Ages:
- heroine is 23, hero is 33
First line:
Miranda wouldn’t have seen him if she hadn’t been hiding from the paparazzi.
My thoughts:
Oh this was a such a difference for me than book 1! I really loved this story.
This story is a childhood friendship/brother’s best friend story filled with delicious close proximity and unrequited longing. It had so many of my favorite things in it and I really enjoyed this read.
Grief does play a central part for both Miranda and Leandro and I was drawn into their emotions and thought it had some great character depth. I loved the time Leandro took with Miranda, I loved the evolution of their friendship turn relationship. I do think the ending felt a bit rushed – it was like they were figuring the ending out and it was over – but this was such an improvement for me from how I felt about book 1.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (this is for the first scene, the second one is shorter)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (there’s a shorter scene I didn’t count as a full scene)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Immediate
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily listened to an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in audiobook form
Why I chose this book: I have been listening to a lot of audio and also really liking Harlequin books so I thought I’d try this boxset on NetGalley
Mains: This is a M/F romance between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not totally necessary but you will get better family background if you read book 1 first (book 1 is the brother of this heroine)
Basic plot:
Miranda is asked by her childhood friend Leandro to his French estate to go through his father’s artwork.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- France setting
- heroine is an art restorer
- hero is French Italian
- heroine is British (? I think?)
- some unrequited longing from hero
- overcoming grief is a big point
- size difference – he’s 6’3” and she’s 5’5”
- brother’s best friend
- they’ve known each other their whole lives
- close proximity at the run down French estate
- bit of an age gap – hero is older by 10 years
- celibate heroine
- lower to medium steam – 2ish full scenes in a shorter page count – there was a shorter scene I decided not to count
Ages:
- heroine is 23, hero is 33
First line:
Miranda wouldn’t have seen him if she hadn’t been hiding from the paparazzi.
My thoughts:
Oh this was a such a difference for me than book 1! I really loved this story.
This story is a childhood friendship/brother’s best friend story filled with delicious close proximity and unrequited longing. It had so many of my favorite things in it and I really enjoyed this read.
Grief does play a central part for both Miranda and Leandro and I was drawn into their emotions and thought it had some great character depth. I loved the time Leandro took with Miranda, I loved the evolution of their friendship turn relationship. I do think the ending felt a bit rushed – it was like they were figuring the ending out and it was over – but this was such an improvement for me from how I felt about book 1.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
January 12, 2016
This is the second story in Melanie Milburne's new mini series The Ravensdale Scandals and I was not disappointed I loved the first one and this is Miranda's story the sister who made a promise seven years before to her dying boyfriend that he would be the only one in her life and she has stuck to it but when scandal hits the family again and Miranda wants to stay out of it she accepts a position from a very close family friend Leandro Allegretti to help with paintings and antiques from his father's estate but there are very sensual sparks between this pair that will change their lives for the better.
This is a very sensual and heart-warming story both Miranda and Leandro have been through so much in their lives that have kept them from really opening up both have done well and are well respected and when they arrive at the villa in France to sort through Leandro's fathers things the sparks are flying and both are so good at opening up to one another and neither can deny the pull and passion that is arcing between them for long.
This is a story that I highly recommend MS Milburne writes such beautiful stories, stories that are filled with passion and emotion they are sensual and a joy to read don't miss this one you will be smiling at the beautiful HEA.
This is a very sensual and heart-warming story both Miranda and Leandro have been through so much in their lives that have kept them from really opening up both have done well and are well respected and when they arrive at the villa in France to sort through Leandro's fathers things the sparks are flying and both are so good at opening up to one another and neither can deny the pull and passion that is arcing between them for long.
This is a story that I highly recommend MS Milburne writes such beautiful stories, stories that are filled with passion and emotion they are sensual and a joy to read don't miss this one you will be smiling at the beautiful HEA.
November 21, 2015
The second book in the Ravendale series, but can stand alone. Ms. Milburne gives us Miranda Ravensdale and Leandro Allegretti both from wealth and both wounded by their past. Miranda lost the love of her life and had promised on his deathbed to never love again. Leonardo was hurt by a father he felt deserted him after losing his wife. Miranda needs to get away as a scandal involving her father has her hounded by the press and Leandro needs to empty out the villa his deceased father left him filled with antiques and paintings. Only logical for him to get Mirandra to catalog everything and sell it off and get her out of the area for awhile, plus will help him sell up and move on. Sounds like a plan but when Ms. Milburne writes a book there is no plan about it she takes you on a wonderful journey with her characters and from there you just go along for the ride, and what a wonderful one it is. A marvelous story wonderful characters, you will feel all the emotions that she put in the story and the only thing you wont like is that it ended. Fantastic story, wonderful writing, can't wait to read the next one. Don't miss it .
November 17, 2015
They have been on the periphery of each other's life for as long as they remember.
Lenadro, with the burden of guilt on his shoulders, prefers not to let anyone near him emotionally and Miranda has simply closed up after the death of her childhood sweetheart in her teens.
In a spur of the moment decision Leandro asks Miranda to help him with his father's collection and she agrees so as to avoid the forced spotlight on her.
A sexy tale with many Awww moments.
A story that revolves around the premise of responsibility. Of being one's own person. And of understanding the fact that whatever may happen life goes on. Anybody stuck at one point will be left behind as time does not wait for anyone and keeps on moving at its own pace.
Loved it.
Lenadro, with the burden of guilt on his shoulders, prefers not to let anyone near him emotionally and Miranda has simply closed up after the death of her childhood sweetheart in her teens.
In a spur of the moment decision Leandro asks Miranda to help him with his father's collection and she agrees so as to avoid the forced spotlight on her.
A sexy tale with many Awww moments.
A story that revolves around the premise of responsibility. Of being one's own person. And of understanding the fact that whatever may happen life goes on. Anybody stuck at one point will be left behind as time does not wait for anyone and keeps on moving at its own pace.
Loved it.
December 10, 2015
Miranda Ravensdale accepts Leandro Allegretti’s offer to catalog his late father’s art collection. So she travels to Italy but her visit reveals something. Miranda finds out about Leandro’s attraction to her. But Leandro lives a tormented life. The disappearance of his sister is bothering him and he cannot live with himself and the guilt. Miranda on the other made a promise to her dead boyfriend many years ago that she would never move on. Isn’t that too much, Miranda? Anyways, the gap between Miranda and Leandro is united when their attraction draws them together. Overall, Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress by Melanie Milburne is a good story, with likable characters that’ll keep you turning the pages.
Recommended
4 Stars
December 27, 2015
"Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress" by Melanie Milburne is her second book in the 'Ravendale series.' This book can be read alone or as part of the series. It is a quick read and I highly recommend not only this book but also the first in the series. In this story we have Miranda Ravensdale and Leandro Allegretti. Miranda made a promise to her first love on his deathbed to never love again, and until she met Leandro she wasn't tempted. Leandro hires Miranda to go through his Father's art collection upon his death.
May 31, 2016
Contains spoilers!
I am only 1/3 into the book, but I tell you, I'm getting ready to drop it! here are the reasons:
1) I HAAAAAAATE when reading a dialogue between 2 people in a book, to read one sentence, then read 2 pages of one of the characters thinking about the other, then another sentence, then another 2 or 3 pages AGAIN taking to themselves! Damn! by the time they finish one short conversation you're read 2 chapters! Hate that!
2) Not only so much inner dialogue...but repetitive thoughts...how many times does the h has to think about the H's shoulders, or stubble, or eyes, or his hair, or that he doesn't smile! COMEON!
3) So far, the h spent most of the time asking personal questions of the H, even though it's obvious he is not the chatty type and very reserved. she goes from trying to smother him to trying to play the shrink and analyze his life and relationship with his parents. I found that very intrusive...
4) The H lives his life feeling so guilty because his STUPID PARENTS had entrusted him to watch over his 3 year old sister, when he was 6 years old, while they were on the beach...really? And apparently his dad blamed him for his baby sister disappearance? Who am us leaves a 6 year old to watch over a 3 year old ON A BEACH or anywhere else for that matter?! Might as well say: son here are the keys to the car go drive your sister to school! I still dono about the mother, if she blamed him or not...but for a guy of 35 years to not recognize he should not be blamed for something an adult might not have avoided? naaaaa
Will see if I decide to finish this...
Finished...but I mostly skipped the second half... Do you only thing I was looking forward to seeing the reactions of her brothers and friend but that didn't happen...
I am only 1/3 into the book, but I tell you, I'm getting ready to drop it! here are the reasons:
1) I HAAAAAAATE when reading a dialogue between 2 people in a book, to read one sentence, then read 2 pages of one of the characters thinking about the other, then another sentence, then another 2 or 3 pages AGAIN taking to themselves! Damn! by the time they finish one short conversation you're read 2 chapters! Hate that!
2) Not only so much inner dialogue...but repetitive thoughts...how many times does the h has to think about the H's shoulders, or stubble, or eyes, or his hair, or that he doesn't smile! COMEON!
3) So far, the h spent most of the time asking personal questions of the H, even though it's obvious he is not the chatty type and very reserved. she goes from trying to smother him to trying to play the shrink and analyze his life and relationship with his parents. I found that very intrusive...
4) The H lives his life feeling so guilty because his STUPID PARENTS had entrusted him to watch over his 3 year old sister, when he was 6 years old, while they were on the beach...really? And apparently his dad blamed him for his baby sister disappearance? Who am us leaves a 6 year old to watch over a 3 year old ON A BEACH or anywhere else for that matter?! Might as well say: son here are the keys to the car go drive your sister to school! I still dono about the mother, if she blamed him or not...but for a guy of 35 years to not recognize he should not be blamed for something an adult might not have avoided? naaaaa
Will see if I decide to finish this...
Finished...but I mostly skipped the second half... Do you only thing I was looking forward to seeing the reactions of her brothers and friend but that didn't happen...
January 1, 2016
AWAKENING THE RAVENSDALE HEIRESS by author Melanie Milburne is a January 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series. This is Book 2 of The Ravensdale Scandals, a miniseries by Melanie Milburne. Book 1 is Ravensdale’s Defiant Captive.
Miranda Ravensdale lost her teenage sweetheart and closed off her heart for love but would Leandro be able to coax her now very adult feelings and sensuality to accept herself as a woman?
Leandro Allegretti was the only man to ever tempt her from her vow of celibacy that she took on her teen boyfriend’s deathbed five years ago. Could she let the temptation run her passion and life? Or would it leave her heartbroken? Dare she take the step?
AWAKENING THE RAVENSDALE HEIRESS is a sensational romance with shimmering emotions and sensuality. Author Melanie Milburne once again astounds her readers with the emotions in this romance. Miranda and Leandro seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Miranda Ravensdale lost her teenage sweetheart and closed off her heart for love but would Leandro be able to coax her now very adult feelings and sensuality to accept herself as a woman?
Leandro Allegretti was the only man to ever tempt her from her vow of celibacy that she took on her teen boyfriend’s deathbed five years ago. Could she let the temptation run her passion and life? Or would it leave her heartbroken? Dare she take the step?
AWAKENING THE RAVENSDALE HEIRESS is a sensational romance with shimmering emotions and sensuality. Author Melanie Milburne once again astounds her readers with the emotions in this romance. Miranda and Leandro seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
January 3, 2016
Miranda and Leandro use each other to help heal their past. But can it last? Will they find more than a stolen two weeks or is that just the beginning of the end to their friendship?
April 5, 2016
Melanie Milburne'in kalemini seviyorum..Hikayeleri dokunaklı oluyor...
June 5, 2022
This book doesn't make any DAMN sense. It introduces a whole plot about Leandro's missing little sister- with a time line that lines up with Kat appearing as Miranda's dad's love child and makes it SO OBVIOUS that Rosie and Kat are the same person, and then it doesn't tie it up in the plot line about them. I understand that there are two more books but if it's Leandro's story than the plot line should be tied up in his book. Also, Leandro is the least likeable love interest I've ever read. He's just a straight up asshole. He has no redeeming qualities and his sob story about his sister going missing does not make up for how awful his personality is. He spend the first 150 pages goading Miranda about her dead ex boyfriend and about how she was too young to know what she was talking about when she was in love with him- and then we're supposed to like him? what the hell? Also, just ONCE I would like a romance novel that doesn't end in a weird proposal 3 weeks after getting together/ as soon as the characters admit they love each other. Also: -1 charisma for pregnancy trope, which I usually like but in this case was just...weirdly handled.
I'm only giving this two stars and not one because the porn was good and because I was super interested in his story with Rosie- NOT that we even got to see the end of that? I read this in one sitting and I'm mad that I have to read the last two books and HOPE for some sort of tie up for the weird lose plot lines.
I'm only giving this two stars and not one because the porn was good and because I was super interested in his story with Rosie- NOT that we even got to see the end of that? I read this in one sitting and I'm mad that I have to read the last two books and HOPE for some sort of tie up for the weird lose plot lines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars. Well we are doing better than the 1st book, which was a DNF for me. Their backstory at times tiresome, as its repeated over and over, and then they are both resolved super quick. Our H esp could have used some counseling and our h really just had to admit that she was scared to love someone and lose them. Both characters were likeable. There seemed to be a little too much telling instead of showing, esp with their romance. The inner dialogue at times was repetitive and disruptive to the story flow. That being said, I was engaged through the whole story and I look forward to reading the other stories in the series.
September 29, 2017
Wow
The main character is lovely , the right balance between tough but vulnerable, an incredibly open with the female lead. The female is similar for different reasons but so glad they worked it out.
The main character is lovely , the right balance between tough but vulnerable, an incredibly open with the female lead. The female is similar for different reasons but so glad they worked it out.
July 30, 2021
Sweet
I was invested in the characters and would have loved to see more of them. Quick moving everything, due to the nature of the book. Adult content. They were cute together.
I was invested in the characters and would have loved to see more of them. Quick moving everything, due to the nature of the book. Adult content. They were cute together.
January 15, 2016
Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress (The Ravensdale Scandals) by Melanie Milburne
Miranda Ravensdale in her life had one boyfriend and he died but she promised him she would only ever love him. She stayed in touch with his parents and vowed there would never be another for her. Her father was famous and a love child had come to light and she needed something to get her out of the limelight so she could relax and not be stalked by the press.
Leandro Allergretti was a friend of hers and Miranda’s brothers. He had his own personal story from his childhood too and he was noted for one night stands or only like a month or so with the ladies. Not one of the Ravensdale’s knew his story. Just that his parents were divorced and after his father died he was left with the going through his father’s things and he wanted them all gone.
Leandro lured her to the French Riviera to catalogue his father’s art collection. During Miranda’s stay she realized what Leandro mystery was. At the young age of 6 he was told by his mother to watch his little sister on the beach while she went for ice cream. He had turned away for such a short while to look at a ship and when he turned back his sister was gone. She was never found. His life as he knew it before would never be the same.
The story was very well written by Melanie Milburne and one that really got into Miranda and Leandro stories.
Miranda Ravensdale in her life had one boyfriend and he died but she promised him she would only ever love him. She stayed in touch with his parents and vowed there would never be another for her. Her father was famous and a love child had come to light and she needed something to get her out of the limelight so she could relax and not be stalked by the press.
Leandro Allergretti was a friend of hers and Miranda’s brothers. He had his own personal story from his childhood too and he was noted for one night stands or only like a month or so with the ladies. Not one of the Ravensdale’s knew his story. Just that his parents were divorced and after his father died he was left with the going through his father’s things and he wanted them all gone.
Leandro lured her to the French Riviera to catalogue his father’s art collection. During Miranda’s stay she realized what Leandro mystery was. At the young age of 6 he was told by his mother to watch his little sister on the beach while she went for ice cream. He had turned away for such a short while to look at a ship and when he turned back his sister was gone. She was never found. His life as he knew it before would never be the same.
The story was very well written by Melanie Milburne and one that really got into Miranda and Leandro stories.
August 7, 2016
A heartfelt and captivating story that I finished before I knew it.
Miranda is the baby sister of the Ravensdale brothers. Best friend of her Reavensdale brothers, Leandro finds Miranda hiding behind a tree in a cafe and without thinking offers her a job to go through his deceased father's art collection and antiques. Finally alone together, the two who have been skating around their feelings for many years now, not only have to face up to and admit their feelings, but confront the issues that's stopping them both from living their lives.
Leandro has secrets he's not shared with anybody but somehow it feels right to share them with Miranda. Miranda has made her dying childhood boyfriend a promise and she's not sure she's ready to break that promise.
Two lovely characters who bring out the best in each other set in a beautiful villa in a beautiful country makes for a heartwarming and thoroughly engaging story. I am dying to know if Leandro's "secret" is ever found??? A beautiful compliment to book 1.
Would love to hope and wish #3 is about Jazz and Jake :D Love the chemistry set up there.
Miranda is the baby sister of the Ravensdale brothers. Best friend of her Reavensdale brothers, Leandro finds Miranda hiding behind a tree in a cafe and without thinking offers her a job to go through his deceased father's art collection and antiques. Finally alone together, the two who have been skating around their feelings for many years now, not only have to face up to and admit their feelings, but confront the issues that's stopping them both from living their lives.
Leandro has secrets he's not shared with anybody but somehow it feels right to share them with Miranda. Miranda has made her dying childhood boyfriend a promise and she's not sure she's ready to break that promise.
Two lovely characters who bring out the best in each other set in a beautiful villa in a beautiful country makes for a heartwarming and thoroughly engaging story. I am dying to know if Leandro's "secret" is ever found??? A beautiful compliment to book 1.
Would love to hope and wish #3 is about Jazz and Jake :D Love the chemistry set up there.
January 30, 2016
4 1/2 STARS!
I really enjoyed meeting the next Ravensdale sibling! I enjoyed Julius in the prior book, but his sister Miranda stole my heart even more. She's so sweet and carrying and she was just what Leandro needed!
Miranda Ravensdale is hiding out from the press after her latest family scandal when she runs into family friend Leandro Allegretti. Leandro wants to help get her out from under some of the stress, and he could also use her art expertise to catalog his art collection, so he whisks her away to the French Riviera with him for a couple of weeks.
Miranda's first taste of love and romance as a teen ended badly, so she's sworn off ever trying again. Leandro hates seeing her let life pass her by, so he sets out to razz her into coming out of her funk. When they start to see in other in a different light, will they run scared or give in to their attraction?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
I really enjoyed meeting the next Ravensdale sibling! I enjoyed Julius in the prior book, but his sister Miranda stole my heart even more. She's so sweet and carrying and she was just what Leandro needed!
Miranda Ravensdale is hiding out from the press after her latest family scandal when she runs into family friend Leandro Allegretti. Leandro wants to help get her out from under some of the stress, and he could also use her art expertise to catalog his art collection, so he whisks her away to the French Riviera with him for a couple of weeks.
Miranda's first taste of love and romance as a teen ended badly, so she's sworn off ever trying again. Leandro hates seeing her let life pass her by, so he sets out to razz her into coming out of her funk. When they start to see in other in a different light, will they run scared or give in to their attraction?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
January 5, 2016
This book had so much potential! At first i doubted myself on whether I would enjoy the story since the situations they were placed in were kind of boring but the drama both of them have was really intriguing and so deeply felt! I had to keep reading and couldn't stop. However, I must say that I was disappointed with the ending because it simply felt too rushed. Emotions were thrown quickly and the big declaration of love I highly anticipated for lasted a mere paragraph.
May 13, 2016
While this is Book 2 of the Ravensdale Scandals series, Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress by Melanie Milburne can also be read as a stand-alone. This is a quick and touching story that will tug at your heartstrings. Ms. Milburne does an amazing job of putting together a well-written story that flows so well from beginning to end.
September 13, 2020
I did not like it. It was quite tiring the constant wishy washy narrative from one paragraph to the next like the heroine saying she'll be alone forever because of a promise made to her deceased ex but then saying to hero you shouldn't sleep with Nicole and asking him "don't you want to have a family and love" (the hero was also wishy washy). Np.
January 5, 2016
A really good romance that involves older brothers childhood friend Leandro who has had a difficult up bringing and Miranda who lost her first love at a young age and made promise to stay true forever. The twist and turns make this an excellent read.
February 20, 2016
6/10. I thought too much thinking/internal dialogue. There's a lot. Didnt feel like we journeyed anywhere except inside their heads. There certainly wasnt too much speech coming from the hero in the first half of the book. This changed in the second half. Good ending though.
Read
January 1, 2016Miniseries: The Ravensdale Scandals
Read
January 1, 2016Miniseries: The Ravensdale Scandals
October 19, 2016
The past has had a large impact on both characters. It was interesting to see how their interactions affected each of them.
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