From lovers to sworn enemies…and back again? A dramatic Dynasties tale from USA TODAY bestselling author Michelle Celmer!
Wealthy private investigator Roman Slater has never forgiven himself for hurting former flame Grace Winchester. And Grace has never forgiven him, either! When she discovers that he now has her family in his sights, she puts up a fight.
But where Roman is concerned, she can't help it: she's a lover not a fighter. Despite herself, she's back in the millionaire's bed just like that. But is Grace setting herself up for a replay of past betrayals? Or will Roman prove that he's one of the good guys this time around?
Michelle Celmer was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA, where she grew up. She wanted to be cosmetologist, but after three months at cosmetology school, she decided to left it. She married at 19, and within five years had three kids. She read voraciously, and decided writing. She signed up for a composition course at her local community college. After various manuscripts, her mother gave her "Tell Me Lies" by Jennifer Crusie, and she discovered the romance novels. She decided writing her own romance novel and on 2004, her firts book was published.
Michelle continued linving in southeastern Michigan with her husband, their three children, two dogs and two cats. When she's not writing or busy being a mom, you can find her in the garden or curled up with a romance novel. And if you twist her arm real hard you can usually persuade her into a day of power shopping.
She loves to hear from readers. Write her at P.O Box 300, Clawson, MI 48017.
Back in the Enemy's Bed is a sexy second chance romance, part of the Dynasties: The Newports series that features the Winchesters and the Newports, and their fractious relationship upon the discovery that Sutton Winchester, a crotchety but wealthy older man now sick with cancer had fathered an illegitimate child, Carson Newport. Carson's claim to the inheritance that the Winchester girls Eve, Nora and Grace expected to be theirs has caused all sorts of family fallout – complicated by Eve having hooked up with Carson's brother Graham Newport and expecting a baby. Now it's Grace's turn in the spotlight though, when her ex boyfriend private investigator Roman Slater is back in the picture. He betrayed their family, and her, back when he was convinced that doing the right thing meant bringing his suspicions of the Winchester family's involvement in organized crime to the attention of the authorities – a suspicion that turned out to be unfounded but ruined the relationship and trust between Roman and Grace. But Roman wants to prove to Grace that he's sorry for the mistakes he made and is worthy of a second chance. The attraction between them is as strong as ever – but will Grace be willing to take a risk with her heart again?
I'm really enjoying this series by different authors, all centered on the same family drama, and this one is right on par with the rest of the ones I've read. With each story there has been a little more of the overall story arc revealed, some mysteries coming to light, but each is easily read as a standalone with a complete couple romance. Even if you've missed some it's easy to catch up as the continuity of the series flows well.
Grace has pretty strong reasons for not trusting Roman after the debacle he made of their relationship the first time and her hurt feelings over his betrayal. She can't understand why her father would want him to have anything to do with their family, let alone be involved with gathering information about the background of the Newport brothers. Grace and her father have an interesting relationship, though it's clear he's always been the one in charge and now that he is in poor health she gives in easily to his requests (including sitting in on his meetings with Roman when he knows what happened in their past). In fact, it angers Roman that she lets herself be pushed around by her father, even though it's to his benefit as he won't get to convince her that he's sorry about what happened before if he never gets to see her. Once they are in the same proximity the attraction between them flares up and leads to some sensual love scenes, even as Grace is determined to guard her heart. But there are some more secrets that come into play, ones that could cause another rift between them when they come out. It's up to Grace to decide whether she believes in the relationship she and Roman have now. In the end we get a lovely happy ending for this couple, with a story of love and forgiveness, and some hints of what is still to come in the series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author, and to see what is next for the Newports and Winchesters!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
The h loves H so much that she would and does forgive him despite his asking for forgiveness after 7 years! The chapters and statements the character utter contradict one another constantly. There is mention of Chicago royalty but there are no bodyguards hired by her father considering he is already aware of the situation brewing with the corrupt senator? There is mention of a competing royalty with Newports. Considering they have no clue about their lineage and that's the only distinguishing feature of royals (since most are cash poor and can only boast about ancestry) how are Newports even considered Royalty? Plot holes and timelines between the first and second betrayals blur and not clearly narrated as there is mention of 7 years but the second betrayal happens when they aren't together? Considering the 'feminist' h is just 27 and a huge success in fashion and volunteers for political campaigns as a hobby and gets betrayed by the H twice, nothing makes sense except in Harlequin world where it all translates to unnecessary angst, all powerful love, generous forgiveness and sex!
From lovers to sworn enemies…and back again? Wealthy (private investigator) Roman Slater has never forgiven himself for hurting former flame (fashion designer) Grace Winchester believing her to be involved in her dad’s underhanded, illegal, schemes. And Grace has never forgiven him, either! When she discovers that he now has her family in his sights, she puts up a fight. But where Roman is concerned, she can't help it: she's a lover not a fighter. Despite herself, she's back in the millionaire's bed just like that. But is Grace setting herself up for a replay of past betrayals? Or will Roman prove that he's one of the good guys this time around? He saves her by making a deal with the FBI, but how will she see his actions
Finally things are making sense. Sutton is finally showing he is human and opens up to his daughters and enemies. Grace and Roman finally clear the air but almost lose each other again. . A little lie to save Grace’s life almost ruins their future because of a past break in trust I am anxious to see how the last book ties everything together and tells Brooks story as well asGraham and his father
I have never read an legitimate Harlequin Romance Novel ™ before now and I honestly want to take back all I've said about these books. Yes, they are trashy and stuff, but it is actually really refreshing to read.
Back in the Enemy's Bed is supposedly the fifth in a series, but reads on its own. The characters weren't super layered but were still really sweet and relatable. The plot was decent enough to string the romance together with the right ups and downs, and damn was that quite the steamy romance.
It's hard to write a professional sounding review since I mostly just enjoyed being able to sit back and read a love story. Michelle Celmer did a great job and I hope she has the instructions on how to find a guy like Roman.
What will she do when her father forces her into a meeting with the one man she vowed to never set eyes on again. Will it tear her apart or will she refuse to see him or talk to the man who crushed her and deceived her family 7 years ago.