Seducing His Enemy's Daughter

by Annie West

Just a pawn in Salazar's game?

Donato Salazar can't forget his tragic past and he has no intention of forgiving the man responsible. Jilting his enemy's daughter will be the icing on the cake of his revenge, and beautiful Ella Sanderson is certainly sweet enough.

Except Ella isn't the vacuous socialite he expected and she refuses to marry him! Her rebelliousness only makes Donato want her more, so he'll have to persuade her…touch by breathtaking touch. But soon Donato finds himself enthralled by their magnetic connection.

As their fake wedding day approaches, one question weighs heavily on Donato's to love, honor…and betray?

Genres: Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Revenge, Romance, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!

You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com

I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.

Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.

Reviews

[StMargarets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes that this would be a forced marriage/revenge story. Instead it turned out to be an engagement of convenience story that both the H/h agreed to in order to distract the heroine's father.

The hero needed the smokescreen of the engagement so the h's father would be distracted while he went in for the kill to bankrupt him. (He initially wanted to jilt the bride at the altar, to further embarrass the father, but changed that after meeting the heroine.) The heroine needed the smokescreen of the engagement so that her brother could get the money their father had taken from his trust fund.

So there were no big surprises for the black moment - just the hero thinking he wasn't worthy of the heroine because his mother was a prostitute (that the h's father trafficked - that's why he wants revenge) and the heroine doesn't think *she* is worthy because her father made his fortune in sex trafficking and gambling, etc. . . Ugh. A revenge scenario isn't about worthiness - it's about that fine line between love and hate, redemption and justice. All the actual revenge takes place off the page. As well as the hero's revengeful thoughts, etc . . .

So this was a tame story, with low angst (H/h go antique shopping and abseiling in between sexy times during their fake engagement). Not what I was looking for.

Thankfully, the brother gets his money and the heroine's father loses everything. H/h don't look back in mercy or pity - so that's good.

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEDUCING HIS ENEMY’S DAUGHTER by author Annie West is October 2015 release by Harlequin Presents series.

Donato Salazar just wanted revenge and agreed to marry his enemy’s daughter. But he hadn’t counted on actually marrying her, his plan was to reject and jilt her.

Yet, Ella Sanderson was not the person he thought she would be. She was not interested in marrying him at all. And all his wealth made no difference to her. Could Donato persuade her to marry him? She wanted distance from him as it was her only defense against the feeling Donato was taking over her world. Could she let him in her heart? Ever?

Because as her man logic told her not to trust Donato, he was the one man who was protective of her. And as Donato found it was far easier to lose himself in passion rather than analyzing all the feelings he developed for Ella.

SEDUCING HIS ENEMY’S DAUGHTER is a romance with high emotional tension and intensity. Yet it has some sweet and tender moments as well. Author Annie West brought this shimmering and sensational story filled with enough chemistry and tension to satisfy a reader and make her escape.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a pawn or rather finding out you’re nothing but a pawn in someone else’s game is enough to make any person’s blood boil. Heck I would think that I would most likely go more than a little nuts, and afterwards not get blamed for losing my cool. But what I was thinking when I started this read, is that I wonder if the pawn ever stops afterwards to really think about why they were the pawn in the first place?
I know there is naturally always a reason, but how does that person see it as justified? Of course I will never know, but I will say that the author certainly sent my mind into overdrive. Now onwards to the story.
We meet Donato Salazar, he cannot forget his tragic past and he has not intension of ever forgiving the man responsible either, he is so intent on making the man pay that jilting his enemy’s daughter will be more like icing on the cake then blood in the water, and besides beautiful Ella Sanderson is a treat he will certainly enjoy.
But there is a little hiccup in his plan, you see Ella isn’t the vacuous socialite he expected, and she straight out refuses to marry him! This refusal in turn only makes Donato more determined to have her, so out comes the charm, the promises and the seduction of a life time. Soon he finds himself completely enthralled by their magnetic connection and his game of pawns for revenge becomes one of surviving love without falling.
And as time goes on and their wedding day approaches, it comes down to love, honor or betray?
This was one of those classic romance reads that sucked me in and once there I could not escape not even if you paid me a billion dollars would have stopped reading! It was that good!!
It starts as a super sexy revenge fueled romance but became so much more. It’s a story of forgiveness, trust, understanding and realization of there is more to life then fighting your enemy till you have it all. And life is about fighting your way to top ,pulling yourself out from the slumps of hell, but not at the expense of someone else’s happiness, even if that person is the very reason you were in hell in the first place , stop and ask yourself if it’s really worth it. So you had to fight to get to the top, you might have done things no human ever wants to do, but what will you gain from revenge? Happiness or hatred from those you thought you to be a better person?
I loved the characters, I will admit that Donato was my favorite, yes I know he’s an evil no good set on revenge idiot, but there’s a reason for it all, sure he takes all the wrong reasons into account but he also learns , he learns to see the light through the eyes of Ella.
Tremendously great story, fantastic, mesmerizing and one for the record books! I highly recommend this one for all fans that want romance with the ultimate kick of pure delight!
5/5 star review
“ Revenge turns into romance, but will it end that way?”

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story from a sinfully sensual seduction for revenge to such a beautiful moving HEA this is a story not to be missed.

Donato Salazar has had such a sad and tragic past he has been through so much, things that would break another man but not Donato if anything it has made him stronger in some ways but there is a lot that he keeps well locked in a corner in his mind, that is until he meets the one person that he is planning on jilting with his plans of revenge for her father. Can he open up and learn to love that one special person.

Ella Sanderson is the rebellious child in this family she has walked away from her over bearing and selfish father but when she is summoned home and all but blackmailed into doing something to save her brother and sister she does what is needed with no intention of going through with the plans. But when she meets the man that her father is setting her up with there is an instant spark of electricity that could light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and this starts journey to opening up and honesty as they bring out the best in each other.

This is a beautiful moving and yes very sensual journey as both Donato and Ella open up to each other and Ella becomes more confident in herself and Donato learns to love again and they learn that they have so much in common as well as such a deep and joyous love for each other, this is a story that I could hardly put down and wanted to get to the end but when I did I wanted more. Another of MS West's to add to the keeper shelf I do highly recommend this one.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really truly don't know where to start with this novel. It completely floored me, holding me captive from the very first page to the very last, with the closing of the book forcing me back into reality once again - one I should add that I didn't even realise I was missing from.

Seducing His Enemy's Daughter is Annie West's 25th novel. As you'd expect from such a prolific writer it reads effortlessly and is superbly written, with well rounded characters and a fantastic plot. But it's also a whole lot more than that. Seducing His Enemy's Daughter is an emotional roller-coaster ride that I really really desperately want to line back up for and jump back in. It's simply that good. The characters, their conflicts and their emotions are not only tangible, but they are larger than life and I dare anyone not to be upset for these two characters at THAT instance in the book (no I'm not going to tell you which particular instance it is, but you'll know when you read it).

Seducing His Enemy's Daughter is a marriage of convenience story, which is perhaps not surprisingly one of my all time favourite romance tropes. It's the store of Ella Sanderson, the daughter of a well known Sydney socialite who is offered by her father (Reg Sanderson) to marry Donato Salazar in exchange for a business deal and money. Ella has fought to live a life she made for herself away from her father's shallow eyes and disinterest, and naturally is less then impressed when she is called in as a stand-in for her sister at the 11th hour. Even more so when it appears that her less than impressed attitude has Donato chasing the impending marriage more than running from the hills like she'd planned. But Donato has his own secrets, and he has to make this deal with Reg Sanderson to ensure his own end goals are meet, and while he might feel guilty for ensnaring the beautiful and wholly unexpected Ella Sanderson in his net, is her gentle and kind nature enough to overthrow his own business needs? What ensures is a poignant reminder of family and love, as the two opposites fight for what they each believe in and whether love can really transcend all boundaries.

I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and despite reading it one sitting, I still find myself at a loss of words to express just how magical and romantic it really is. This book is nothing short of inspiring; packing a pretty brutal emotional punch of both the fiery demand of the Sexy line but also a the soft and gentle caress of a sweet romance that blossoms into something more worldly and all encompassing than one could every imagine. I'm just still in awe of it in many ways. The emotion and conflict (both internal and external) floored me with this narrative. Not only was I there vividly with these characters, but I was feeling every ounce of emotion they were: guilt, shame, anger, elation, passion, desperation, pain, gut wrenching sorrow and lastly love.

As one might expect from the likes of Annie West, this narrative has some amazing imagery and fresh and vivid descriptions that see you tumbling head first into the characters world, and frankly, their lives. There wasn't a second of this story that I wasn't there in the moment with the characters, feeling their every emotion, their every desire and secret. But more than that, I felt like I knew them, that I could picture exactly the type of people they were and the places they visited. In particular there is one scene that stands out so strongly even now for me, and that's the heart shattering moment when Ella is in the dress. My hands were physically shaking with emotion as I raced through the scene desperate for my fears to be unfounded and the moment to be delayed. I just... it still gives me chills. The sheer power that Annie West has over the written word (particularly in this instance) is nothing short of astounding... it also wants me to track down the rest of her back list (that I don't already own) ASAP so that I can bear witness to more of this empowering natural born storyteller and her wonderful imagination.

Seducing His Enemy's Daughter is a sizzling quick read that packs a heavy emotional punch. While my emotions are still reeling from the 192 paged roller-coaster, I am forever glad that I picked this book up on a whim, because it was so so worth every word written on the page. In fact, it's worth more.

This review first appeared on The Never Ending Bookshelf on Saturday 12th February 2016: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-LR

[Diana Tidlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Annie West's Seducing His Enemy's Daughter arrived in the mail the other day I was just going to take a peek and go back and read it later when I was in a better frame of mind (I had gotten a phone call that my aunt had passed away less than an hour before and In my mind was not in the mood to read a romance.)
So I cracked it open for the peek and couldn't put it down. Annie's terrific writing skill and her characters Donato Salazar and Ella Sanderson helped me escape real life and take me to another time and place. I became so wrapped up in what was going on in their lives that I couldn't wait to see what was gonna happen as I excitedly turned the pages.
What would happen? Would they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way and find love and happiness together or would the past that had nothing to do with them but shaped them all the same interfere and tear them apart? Can a fake wedding turn into a real one?
I loved Ella's sweet nature and her ability to love her siblings enough to do whatever she had to in order to ensure their happiness (and break out of her shell of feeling like the ugly duckling compared to her beautiful sister) but the real heart stealer in this romance for me was Donato and his overcoming the obstacles of his childhood in order to go from a prostitutes son to an orphan to finally an enthralling man whose smile alone could captivate. Yes he still had a grudge that left him with a score to settle but who could blame him? Deep down you could see and feel how truly wonderful he was and couldn't stop hoping that somehow he and Ella would find a way to overcome the past and face the future together! I hoped so because he already had honor and love in his corner whether he admitted it to himself (and ultimately Ella) or not.
I laughed and smiled more often than not and can honestly say that if you don't get yourself a copy of Seducing His Enemy's Daughter you will not only be missing out on am exceptionally well written romance but you will also be missing out on an author that belongs on your auto buy list, not because I say so but because her writing proves so!
They only allow me to give up to 5 stars for a book buy in my opinion it deserves more and I would have gladly given it!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie West is one of those extremely talented writers that you can just trust. You trust that they will never steer you wrong. It has come to the point where I don't need a blurb, synopsis, excerpt, or teaser for one of her books. If Annie West writes it, I will read it. No questions asked. Seducing His Enemy’s Daughter is just another example of that. An excellent, fiery romance for sure!

Ella Sanderson has always been disparaged by her rogue businessman father and found that staying out of his life to be a wise strategy. She has a huge protective streak for her siblings though and when her Father threatens to financially and socially ruin them, Ella reluctantly agrees to meet with the debonair Donato Salazar.
I loved Ella, as she definitely held her own against Donato. Their relationship grew into something beautiful and complimenting. They both knew that the other was hiding something, but that didn't deter them from falling hard for one another. Ella’s love for antique furniture is a key to this absorbing story.

Donato and Ella are really great characters. You have a sexy as sin businessman with great street smarts. You have a beautiful, sweet, and witty nurse who knows her stuff. Separately, they are really strong characters, but together they are explosive. Donato is gorgeous as he is so protective of Ella during the fallout with her tyrannical father and she in turn loves Donato, as he deserves.

This was quite a beautiful journey Ms. West took us on. One that is sure to stay in the reader's hearts for a while. I can't wait to dive back into another beautiful world that Ms. West creates. Very wonderfully done!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie West knows just how to draw her readers into her stories. SEDUCING HIS ENEMY'S DAUGHTER is deliciously wicked and devastatingly hot! Donato and Ella felt so real you just want to meet them!

All Donato Salazar had on his mind when he agreed to marry his enemy's daughter was revenge. His intention had been to jilt his bride-to-be at the altar. But when Ella Sanderson refuses his proposal, Donato sets out to show her every reason why she should say yes, one touch at a time. He truly wants her.

Ella could see right through Donato Salazar's guise. She knows what he is capable of so no wonder she refused his marriage proposal. However, when she starts to find pleasure in spending time with this super sexy man, Ella discards her rebellious nature by falling helplessly for Donato’s seduction. She knows she shouldn't want him yet…her heart and body yearns for him like no other and accepting his proposal doesn't seem like a big deal just then!

The chemistry between Donato and Ella bursts off the pages, making this story an entertaining and fun read!

Highly Recommended
5/5 Stars

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I pick up an Annie West novel, I have high expectations of strong characters, deep-seated conflicts, powerful attraction and explosive sensual tension. And once again, my expectations were met in every way. I love her characters, conflicts, and settings. This one is in sunny Sydney.

Donato Salazar and Ella Sanderson strike sparks off one another from the moment they meet. Their chemistry is like New Year's Eve fireworks, stunning and brilliant. Ella is a strong woman, quiet and composed, except when Donato touches her. Donato is guarded, self-contained and in total control, except when Ella touches him. And it's not only physical touching but a meeting of two souls who complete one another.
In typical Annie West fashion, she creates powerful conflicts and you wonder how on earth they can possibly find a happy-ever-after. Then, she delivers with finesse. I recommend this story if you love high stakes and intense love stories.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Seducing His Enemy's Daughter" by Annie West is one of those books that is classic romance written in a way that I didn't want to put the story down once I started reading it. Ella Sanderson used to let her father control her actions, but one day she walks away from her controlling father to make a life for herself. Donato Salazar is doing well now but he's fighting the demons of his past. The spark between these two is much more than either wants to admit to at first. Will the scheme to get Ella to the altar backfire? Read this for yourself and find out.

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, Annie West pulls you in and has you wanting the happy ever after for two very believable characters who tug at your heart strings.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

awww

[Maddy Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donato Salazar was rich, handsome and sexy as hell but attending the Sanderson party to meet his future bride was all about revenge. When Donato met Ella it was hot hot hot! The sparring between these two characters was deliciously sexy. I loved that this book had very little internal dialogue from their head, I hate that. The book was good even though I hate the name Donato! I recommend this book, very nice read.

[Mudpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't quite get into the story...I lost interest about a third into the book. The insta lust was totally unbelievable and awkward! Heroine was a nurse but we never saw her in action...I liked their Blue Mountains weekend getaway when he showed her his favourite abseiling, while she brought him antiquing. Both got to see deeper into each other.

My first book by this author.

[Calysta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The woman was relatable and the guy wasn't horrible at all. I liked that the author took the time to show why these two would want to be in a relationship outside of just great sexual chemistry. I liked that a lot.

the included novela, Christmas at the Castello was nice too

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wanted to give this one another star but the villain dad is just easily dealt with no scene or anything. Plus his involvement needed to be with why the hero went to prison. Just not enough for what the plot was demanding.

[Super*BETA*Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as Harlequin romances go, this one was sweet. I liked both characters and the story was well written.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with some intense smoking hot chemistry between Donato and Ella. I also loved the mystery surrounding Donato. It kept me on edge to know the motive for his destruction of Ella's father.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Annie West’s romance novels. So much so that I’ll blindly buy any new release by her. This book escaped my notice last year because I was already focused on her other novel “A Vow to Secure His Legacy”, but I had been burning to read it. I did so yesterday, and devoured it in one go, as it usually happens with her books.

I can’t even say what I loved most about this gem that sparkles and shines despite the cracks the characters show. Donato is incredibly appealing. His mix of business savviness, pure masculine strength, iron will, surprising charm, dark past and alluring physique had me fall for him hook, line and sinker. I love alpha males who exude just the right amount of danger and power without seeming overwhelming, brutal or artificial. Discovering what shaped this enigmatic man was intriguing and made a lot of sense. The heroine, Ella, captured and captivated me just as much. I love women who are strong and sensible with a streak of mischief, who are vulnerable and feminine just as they are intelligent and resilient. Her character portrayal also seemed very genuine, considering the circumstances that have shaped her life. She’s the perfect sparring partner and love interest for Donato, and I loved hating her father alongside them.

The chemistry between the leading pair all but leaped off the pages, burning a whole into my computer. But there was so much more. The shifting dynamics, the tell-tale little signs that lust was turning into love, the outings they shared, the glimpses of the tortured past… I couldn’t put this book down, and I’d have happily read another 100 pages with these two.

[Jeannie Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me smiling!
2 disclaimers-1) I received a pre release copy of this book from the author with hopes I'd leave a review, however the author (Annie West) has not persuaded a favorable review.
2) I gave this book 4 stars- translated to a 'grade'- that would be an 'A'- pretty much the best grade I give ANY book.

I'll probably never pronounce the name 'Ella' the same again. I was lifted away with the multi faceted layers of this story and its characters. 'Bad boy' Donato and Ella share a relationship known as 'it's complicated'.
If it were a fairy tale, it might be characterized as 'Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast'
So often in generic romance novels, the characters and settings are unbelievable - but in Seducing his Enemy's Daughter, Ella is about as real as one can be, and while Donato started out ( to me anyway) to be a romance book prototype- he changed my mind fairly quickly.
I like the way this author shows us the insides of the characters- the character development and progression of the storyline were smooth and unnoticeable- the way it should be.

There's enough hot and steamy mixed in with 'everyday' to keep it real.
I found myself smiling through much of the book, as well as feeling the wretchedness of the heartaches.
Good job Annie West- I'm ready for another.

[Cheryl Steckling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seducing His Enemy's Daughter by Annie West
Donato Salazar did not have the best of life. His mom was a prostitute who had no idea who his father was. The man who came into their life loved his mom but accepted him. He did a stint in prison and so now he tried to rectify the past for his mom and for himself.
Reg Sanderson had 2 daughters and 1 son. Lost his wife years ago. His daughter Felicity was the right look and dressed in the right clothes. But one complication she was in love and wanted to prove to herself and others she was not just the look. Ella his other daughter was not known for looks and her favorite outfit was what she wore to go to the patient’s visits in their home and what she wore as she redid furniture. But now her dad wanted her to become involved with Donato. Reg needed money and lots of it to fix his cash flow issues. He borrowed from his son’s inheritance and that money was needed to finish up a resort he was involved with.
Donato made Reg an offer he could not resist. Since Donato had a score to settle and he was going to make Reg pay!
Marriage to one of Reg’s daughters. But who was not with someone else was none other than Ella.
You will have to read to see how Annie West tells this story and find out what happens between Donato and Ella. You will not be disappointed.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has been estranged from her manipulative father for years. She's independent and proud of her accomplishments. Suddenly she's dragged back home by her father. He needs her to charm and marry Donato Salazar who is extremely rich and powerful. Ella is blackmailed into helping. She wants to protect her siblings. Once she meets Donato, she's stunned. Their chemistry is amazing. He can't believe that this amazing woman is his enemy's daughter. He still plans to exact his revenge on Reg Sanderson but he is sad that he will hurt this kind woman. Can love rise from the ashes of deceit? I felt sympathy for Donato. His life has been filled with pain and loss. He may be successful now but his heart still hurts. I was sorry that he was using Ella as his weapon. He was much better than that. Ella needs love. She knows the pain of rejection. It was wonderful to see how loving Donato made her glow. I hoped that he would realize that he cared and not hurt her. It broke my heart when he told her the truth. Annie West wrote an emotional story that touched me. I cared for Ella and Donato and wanted them to be happy. The glamour setting highlighted that money can't give you love and happiness. I enjoy Annie West's writing. She writes with intensity and passion and this book is no exception.

[Eli Yanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done.

1 thing for sure I can proudly say that Annie's never fail to make me fall in love with her book, I always love and enjoy reading her book and so happy when she is willing to send me this book whereas the shipping cost is expensive, wish i lived in the same country with her, lol.

Especially I love about enemy-lover story, when their first intend is to make revenge but finally being attached, and it's hurt them both and they have to deal with it, to forget about the revenge or to forget their love.

Recommend to all of you to read Annie's book and hopefully any publisher in Indonesia who is willing to publish Annie's book


Happy Reading

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book to read and write an honest review, which I have done.
From the fast, full-impact start to the very last page this story is a winner for the reader, one I can whole heartedly recommend to all readers.
Annie's terrific descriptions make you feel like you the characters more intimately, including the evil Reg!
Words flow so smoothly in this story that you realise are so into the story you want a lot more of Donato and Ella.
Annie is a true wordsmith.
A true love story you won't want to miss!

[❤SanaReads❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure whether to give this book 5 or 4 stars so I ended up giving it 4,5.
It was a good story of revenge one of my favorite themes in HP books I really felt sorry for the hero "what a difficult childhood he had to live" but still he could be a descent man, caring, generous and loving. I enjoyed reading this book though I was tired.

[Meetu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book I enjoyed it thoroughly. Nice story strong characters and well wrtten.

[Tigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I would not like this one, but once I forced myself to start reading it I was caught up in it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a contest. I have to say the author has become one of my favs. Two thumbs up. An awesome read.

[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5/5

[Lena Papanikolaou · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5/5