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Holiday with the Mystery Italian
Winning the ultimate prize...
Since the accident that paralyzed him, Italian tycoon Mauro Evans vowed to embrace life. So when he stars in a dating show for charity, picking prickly journalist Amber Harris as the winner to take on holiday is a challenge he can't resist!
In Amber's experience, relationships equal pain, so she s determined to ignore her attraction to charismatic Mauro. But his bravery and strength threaten to tear down her defenses, giving her a new Christmas dream--ringing in the New Year with wedding bells!
Since the accident that paralyzed him, Italian tycoon Mauro Evans vowed to embrace life. So when he stars in a dating show for charity, picking prickly journalist Amber Harris as the winner to take on holiday is a challenge he can't resist!
In Amber's experience, relationships equal pain, so she s determined to ignore her attraction to charismatic Mauro. But his bravery and strength threaten to tear down her defenses, giving her a new Christmas dream--ringing in the New Year with wedding bells!
252 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 6, 2016
8 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Darkins
137 books59 followersEllie Darkins is a writer, editor and reader of romance novels. When she's not tapping away at her keyboard she can usually be found next to the kettle, knitting *another* jumper, or in the local library sampling the coffee, cake and romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 6, 2019
The writing wasn't bad, but there were HUGE problems with this.
1) We're thrown into the middle of a dating show. No idea how the contestants got there, no characterization of anyone... just *BAM*. It doesn't work. It's irritating to the reader, to be chucked in the middle of something with no build.
2) The girl isn't consistent. She doesn't want to participate, doesn't want HIM and his rich playboy self, but when he shows her his house, she doesn't say 'Its... enormous', it's "Oh, it's SOOO beautiful". That's a Contestant #2 response. Be consistent.
3) Our hero is 'disabled', but we're never told what injury he has (L2? T8?) we have no idea of what he can feel or do. There's a lot of closeness while simultaneously having him in a chair, which makes accessibility tricky. Except the author is oblivious to any challenge. The invisible chair and knees-in-the-way thing never is an issue. It felt like the handicap was superfluous to the story. It had no place, except to keep him from taking the shortcut on Etna.
4) The deep complexity of her 'walls' were tedious. One shit boyfriend, and she's scarred for life. Da heck!? And all of the walls just drop, two-thirds through the book. It was like a cheat we couldn't get over.
I didn't feel it. I wanted to, but there wasn't chemistry. There wasn't logic. There wasn't *THE BUILD* that makes a romance good. It was just jumping from one activity/event to another. Not so good.
1) We're thrown into the middle of a dating show. No idea how the contestants got there, no characterization of anyone... just *BAM*. It doesn't work. It's irritating to the reader, to be chucked in the middle of something with no build.
2) The girl isn't consistent. She doesn't want to participate, doesn't want HIM and his rich playboy self, but when he shows her his house, she doesn't say 'Its... enormous', it's "Oh, it's SOOO beautiful". That's a Contestant #2 response. Be consistent.
3) Our hero is 'disabled', but we're never told what injury he has (L2? T8?) we have no idea of what he can feel or do. There's a lot of closeness while simultaneously having him in a chair, which makes accessibility tricky. Except the author is oblivious to any challenge. The invisible chair and knees-in-the-way thing never is an issue. It felt like the handicap was superfluous to the story. It had no place, except to keep him from taking the shortcut on Etna.
4) The deep complexity of her 'walls' were tedious. One shit boyfriend, and she's scarred for life. Da heck!? And all of the walls just drop, two-thirds through the book. It was like a cheat we couldn't get over.
I didn't feel it. I wanted to, but there wasn't chemistry. There wasn't logic. There wasn't *THE BUILD* that makes a romance good. It was just jumping from one activity/event to another. Not so good.
November 22, 2016
WOW what a fabulous story this is a first for me reading about a hero who is paralyzed and MS Darkins has done it beautifully a hero who is so gorgeous active and caring loved Mauro.
Amber Harris has been dumped and hurt by her ex and has no intention of getting into another relationship in the near future but her job is suffering and seeing as how she needs it so badly she agrees to a charity dating TV show knowing she will not win maybe but it will be life changing.
Mauro Evans is an Italian business tycoon who has never let anything stop him from doing what he wants even an accident that leaves him in a wheel chair. So when he decides on Amber as the winner on the show he goes all out to win this picky gorgeous woman let the fireworks begin at his villa in Sicily.
This really is one of those stories that you will not want to put down there is angst determination bravery denial and so many emotions in this moving story and throw in a fabulous setting Christmas and a beautiful couple that so deserve the love they find with each other yes I highly recommend this one a beautiful romance sit back and enjoy.
Amber Harris has been dumped and hurt by her ex and has no intention of getting into another relationship in the near future but her job is suffering and seeing as how she needs it so badly she agrees to a charity dating TV show knowing she will not win maybe but it will be life changing.
Mauro Evans is an Italian business tycoon who has never let anything stop him from doing what he wants even an accident that leaves him in a wheel chair. So when he decides on Amber as the winner on the show he goes all out to win this picky gorgeous woman let the fireworks begin at his villa in Sicily.
This really is one of those stories that you will not want to put down there is angst determination bravery denial and so many emotions in this moving story and throw in a fabulous setting Christmas and a beautiful couple that so deserve the love they find with each other yes I highly recommend this one a beautiful romance sit back and enjoy.
August 7, 2020
Sorry but this failed on so many levels. The author has a nice writing style but everything else disappoints! Plot, characterisation and emotional development was uninteresting, one dimensional and unbelievable.
I felt that Mauro’s disability was dealt with in such a superficial way as to be insulting. What actually happened? How much could he feel? What could he do? What couldn’t he do? What were the implications? In some ways it felt the disability was only there to provide a plot device on Etna. Amber never really showed an interest in his disability at all.
Mauro never really came to life which was a shame as overall, he came across as a nice guy.
The heroine was utterly unsympathetic. Amber’s behaviour during the week on Sicily was utterly unbelievable. Her refusal to accept compliments and in fact everything she did that week made no sense. She wanted to present a softer side to her readers but refused to acknowledge the kiss! Why? Her explanation made no sense. Nothing about this made any sense to me. I had no feeling that love was growing or that they wanted to be together. And all we got was one sensual kiss in the entire book! The one in the studio at the end was hardly explosive!
I know this line is less steamy than Modern, but seriously this was sadly lacking on the physical side. Really disappointing. I am at a loss to understand the 5 star reviews - guess we’re all different.
I felt that Mauro’s disability was dealt with in such a superficial way as to be insulting. What actually happened? How much could he feel? What could he do? What couldn’t he do? What were the implications? In some ways it felt the disability was only there to provide a plot device on Etna. Amber never really showed an interest in his disability at all.
Mauro never really came to life which was a shame as overall, he came across as a nice guy.
The heroine was utterly unsympathetic. Amber’s behaviour during the week on Sicily was utterly unbelievable. Her refusal to accept compliments and in fact everything she did that week made no sense. She wanted to present a softer side to her readers but refused to acknowledge the kiss! Why? Her explanation made no sense. Nothing about this made any sense to me. I had no feeling that love was growing or that they wanted to be together. And all we got was one sensual kiss in the entire book! The one in the studio at the end was hardly explosive!
I know this line is less steamy than Modern, but seriously this was sadly lacking on the physical side. Really disappointing. I am at a loss to understand the 5 star reviews - guess we’re all different.
November 22, 2016
It has been a long time since I have read a Harlequin Romance story, and so when I was offered the chance to read Holiday with the Mystery Italian, I thought to myself, why not? You just know that when you read a Harlequin Romance, that you will enjoy a light, romantic and fun read, and this book certainly lived up that expectation. But the great thing about this book, is that it was also a book with depth and so much more than a light romantic read. I'll try and explain why.
Firstly, we have Amber, a journalist and a woman who has vowed never to get involved with a man, ever again. Ah, I thought to myself, so she will be wooed by Mauro and succumb to his charms. But I had assumed incorrectly. This character is a lot more complex that I first expected, and I found myself enjoying her determination, witty repertoire and the fact that she loved her career. She is a strong and independent woman, with a past that she wants to keep hidden. I therefore found her very interesting and wanted to know more about her past and how it had shaped her future.
Then we have the rather lovely Italian, Mauro, a Paralympian. Now, as a leading man in a romantic novel, he was a very different kind of leading man, partly because of the fact that he is in a wheelchair. But what I really loved about this book was the way in which disability was discussed between the characters and how it was portrayed by the author. As a reader, I was not made to feel sorry for him, neither did Amber, as that would have made me stop reading immediately. I am very prickly when it comes to how disability is conveyed in books, and I feel that the issue of a leading man, who just happens to be in a wheelchair, was both refreshing and very well written.
So yes, Mauro, I have to admit that I fell a little bit in love with him. A caring, kind and very good looking man. But what I loved most about him was the fact that he could see straight through Amber's pretence and the wall that she had built up around herself. He intrigued me and I couldn't' wait to see what would happen romantically between them.
This book is perfect as a cosy Christmas read that will most certainly give you that feel good factor. If you love Harlequin Romances, but want something a little bit different, with a lot of heart and backbone to the story, you can't go far wrong with Holiday with the Mystery Italian. I loved it!
Holiday with the Mystery Italian is published on 6th December by Harlequin Romance. It is available to buy from Amazon here.
With thanks to the author and publisher for an Advanced Reader's Copy.
Firstly, we have Amber, a journalist and a woman who has vowed never to get involved with a man, ever again. Ah, I thought to myself, so she will be wooed by Mauro and succumb to his charms. But I had assumed incorrectly. This character is a lot more complex that I first expected, and I found myself enjoying her determination, witty repertoire and the fact that she loved her career. She is a strong and independent woman, with a past that she wants to keep hidden. I therefore found her very interesting and wanted to know more about her past and how it had shaped her future.
Then we have the rather lovely Italian, Mauro, a Paralympian. Now, as a leading man in a romantic novel, he was a very different kind of leading man, partly because of the fact that he is in a wheelchair. But what I really loved about this book was the way in which disability was discussed between the characters and how it was portrayed by the author. As a reader, I was not made to feel sorry for him, neither did Amber, as that would have made me stop reading immediately. I am very prickly when it comes to how disability is conveyed in books, and I feel that the issue of a leading man, who just happens to be in a wheelchair, was both refreshing and very well written.
So yes, Mauro, I have to admit that I fell a little bit in love with him. A caring, kind and very good looking man. But what I loved most about him was the fact that he could see straight through Amber's pretence and the wall that she had built up around herself. He intrigued me and I couldn't' wait to see what would happen romantically between them.
This book is perfect as a cosy Christmas read that will most certainly give you that feel good factor. If you love Harlequin Romances, but want something a little bit different, with a lot of heart and backbone to the story, you can't go far wrong with Holiday with the Mystery Italian. I loved it!
Holiday with the Mystery Italian is published on 6th December by Harlequin Romance. It is available to buy from Amazon here.
With thanks to the author and publisher for an Advanced Reader's Copy.
December 31, 2016
I remember reading Ellie Darkins first release, Frozen Heart, Melting Kiss more than two years ago. It was a lovely story but I remember commenting that it was a little uneven.
Mauro and Amber's story shows how far the author has come. It's beautifully written, the characters are intriguing and engaging and the story itself, very sweet.
Amber is a Dear Abby writer, her column gives advice to to the lovelorn and she was very good at it until a couple of years ago when her ex took her for a ride taking everything she possessed and a large part of her self esteem.
When she is seconded to a celebrity dating show, the last thing she wants is to win. Not even when she figures out the man behind the screen is paralympic swimming idol Mauro Evans. It's a definite disadvantage having strong memories of a guy who spent a good deal of his public life in Speedos.
Playboy Mauro is doing this for charity. He was supposed to pick contestant number two but something about Amber's snarky answers amused him and then intrigued him. He's the star so the show must go on. Which means Amber is going to have to spend a week with Mauro at his luxury villa in Sicily doing stuff with him in front of the cameras. This most definitely was not to include kissing him. Definitely not. A resolution surprisingly hard to keep.
The week these two spend together is enlightening for both of them. They spark against each other not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Both carry a lot of baggage, more so than even Mauro realises about himself.
It was lovely to see how they challenged each other and grew. A very nice story with a satisfying HEA. Not quite five stars as I reserve top marks in romance for making me cry.
I received a copy of this book as part of a promotion by the author.
Mauro and Amber's story shows how far the author has come. It's beautifully written, the characters are intriguing and engaging and the story itself, very sweet.
Amber is a Dear Abby writer, her column gives advice to to the lovelorn and she was very good at it until a couple of years ago when her ex took her for a ride taking everything she possessed and a large part of her self esteem.
When she is seconded to a celebrity dating show, the last thing she wants is to win. Not even when she figures out the man behind the screen is paralympic swimming idol Mauro Evans. It's a definite disadvantage having strong memories of a guy who spent a good deal of his public life in Speedos.
Playboy Mauro is doing this for charity. He was supposed to pick contestant number two but something about Amber's snarky answers amused him and then intrigued him. He's the star so the show must go on. Which means Amber is going to have to spend a week with Mauro at his luxury villa in Sicily doing stuff with him in front of the cameras. This most definitely was not to include kissing him. Definitely not. A resolution surprisingly hard to keep.
The week these two spend together is enlightening for both of them. They spark against each other not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Both carry a lot of baggage, more so than even Mauro realises about himself.
It was lovely to see how they challenged each other and grew. A very nice story with a satisfying HEA. Not quite five stars as I reserve top marks in romance for making me cry.
I received a copy of this book as part of a promotion by the author.
February 15, 2017
This is the story of Amber and Mauro. Amber is a journalist who has been badly hurt by a nasty ex.
This has had a lasting effect on Amber and its started to effect her work as a journalist.
Her boss has given her an ultimatum, appear on this celebrity dating show and show your readers you have changed. Or get fired. Amber reluctantly agrees, making sure to choose answers so she doesn't get picked. This backfires and ends up intriguing Mauro so much that he picks her.
Mauro works hard in business and play, he doesn't have the time, nor wants a relationship.
Fate has a plan for these two and it involves a happy ending.
This has had a lasting effect on Amber and its started to effect her work as a journalist.
Her boss has given her an ultimatum, appear on this celebrity dating show and show your readers you have changed. Or get fired. Amber reluctantly agrees, making sure to choose answers so she doesn't get picked. This backfires and ends up intriguing Mauro so much that he picks her.
Mauro works hard in business and play, he doesn't have the time, nor wants a relationship.
Fate has a plan for these two and it involves a happy ending.
December 8, 2016
HOLIDAY WITH THE MYSTERY ITALIAN by author Ellie Darkins is a December 2016 release by Harlequin Romance series.
Italian tycoon Mauro Evans is in a wheelchair after his accident but he is in no way any less of a person. He lives life to the full and in a live TV dating show he chose Amber Harris to be his date for a week.
Amber was burnt by betrayal and rejection so she was in no way ready for a relationships or love. Yet being with Mauro she came out of her shell and started appreciating life. Could she open her heart for love now? And would Mauro commit to Amber?
HOLIDAY WITH THE MYSTERY ITALIAN is a fun read full of unusual characters. Author Ellie Darkins has brought a different premise in this new story. It was a sweet, refreshing and captivating tale.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Italian tycoon Mauro Evans is in a wheelchair after his accident but he is in no way any less of a person. He lives life to the full and in a live TV dating show he chose Amber Harris to be his date for a week.
Amber was burnt by betrayal and rejection so she was in no way ready for a relationships or love. Yet being with Mauro she came out of her shell and started appreciating life. Could she open her heart for love now? And would Mauro commit to Amber?
HOLIDAY WITH THE MYSTERY ITALIAN is a fun read full of unusual characters. Author Ellie Darkins has brought a different premise in this new story. It was a sweet, refreshing and captivating tale.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
January 25, 2023
TV journalist Amber against all the odds, wins first prize on a dating show for charity. The prize? A week on a beautiful, secluded island in Scilly with Italian tycoon Mauro. I feel the author missed a golden opportunity to explore the physical side of a relationship of someone with a disability (Mauro has a spinal injury from a MVA and is in a wheelchair) Kudos to The author for giving us a lead character who is less than a perfect healthy physical specimen (although he is very handsome).However, his injury is pretty much brushed over and we don t learn terribly much about how a person deals with a spinal injury which is a shame. As for passion it is pretty much non-existent, a couple of kisses and that's it? Because the leading man has a disability is there not allowed to be passion in his story? Now for my other big gripe. I just couldn't t stand Amber, she has a gigantic chip on her shoulder and is distrustful of all men because she was cheated on by previous boyfriend. I mean girlfriend get over it, it happens. Have a good look at the man in front of you who is in a wheelchair and is carrying on with his life with great dignity and not an ounce of self-pity. Mauro was so warm, sweet and sympathetic to Amber who in turn was prickly, abrasive and downright rude to him at times, snapping his head off just because he paid her a compliment? She didn't deserve this lovely man who is truly inspiring with how he has overcome adversity. So, I gave it 2 stars. 1 for Mauro, who would have to be one of my favourite male characters ever, and 1 for the beautiful Sicilian location.
December 11, 2017
This was recommended to me based on my love for cheesy hallmark Christmas movies. I was excited for a fluff, chick flick holiday read however this was just alright and doesn't even mention Christmas until the epilogue. Not exactly what I had in mind.
February 13, 2021
Premisnya bagus, tentang seorang editor yang dipertemukan dengan miliarder Italia dalam acara TV amal. Mereka akan menjalani kencan bersama di Sisilia, kediaman Mauro sang miliarder. Sayangnya, ceritanya terlalu "aman" untuk Hq.
November 12, 2017
Book was in a holiday HQ Romance bundle. It really isn't a Christmas book, only peripherally.
Couldn't warm up to the whiny, bitter heroine.
Kudos for having a paralyzed hero.
Couldn't warm up to the whiny, bitter heroine.
Kudos for having a paralyzed hero.
January 4, 2019
Nice to see a make love interest in a wheelchair
December 12, 2016
An amazing holiday in the Italy was the only positive thing Amber was looking forward to after the disaster of a dating show appearance for a charity. And she didn't like Mauro, her date for the holiday because she found him all too attractive, too much of a playboy, to be comfortable around him.
As soon as Mauro sees Amber he realizes that no matter how attractive she is there's no way he could have a fling with her during the week in Italy because she isn't the type for a fling, and that's all he has to offer to any woman.
The setup for the novel is cute and humorous, the holiday destination definitely something to be dreaming about. I loved that the hero Mauro was a well functioning disabled athlete, any time the romance novels takes a side road from the cookie-cutter-perfect-people I jump and cheer. And Mauro was well functioning indeed, he had made that his life goal, like many disabled in one way or the other do, to make the most of their life with pushing the boundaries.
The attraction between Mauro and Amber is palpable, it is heavy , heady, and addictive. The first kiss was off the charts hot and worth mentioning. Mauro and Amber has a lot in common, they have an obvious connection but the week they have in Italy didn't go as well as expected.
They both have issues, past relationships they still are processing, that is still affecting their behavior and decisions. Their week at the villa is a mix of activities in the sun, long talks getting to know each other, and awkward moments when the attraction they feel pulls them too close to the fire. Amber's nearly neurotic behavior in Italy and Mauro falling for the old habits as soon as the holiday was over were setbacks in the story for me, but the author managed to pull them of the swamp with a conclusive ending that made me smile.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
As soon as Mauro sees Amber he realizes that no matter how attractive she is there's no way he could have a fling with her during the week in Italy because she isn't the type for a fling, and that's all he has to offer to any woman.
The setup for the novel is cute and humorous, the holiday destination definitely something to be dreaming about. I loved that the hero Mauro was a well functioning disabled athlete, any time the romance novels takes a side road from the cookie-cutter-perfect-people I jump and cheer. And Mauro was well functioning indeed, he had made that his life goal, like many disabled in one way or the other do, to make the most of their life with pushing the boundaries.
The attraction between Mauro and Amber is palpable, it is heavy , heady, and addictive. The first kiss was off the charts hot and worth mentioning. Mauro and Amber has a lot in common, they have an obvious connection but the week they have in Italy didn't go as well as expected.
They both have issues, past relationships they still are processing, that is still affecting their behavior and decisions. Their week at the villa is a mix of activities in the sun, long talks getting to know each other, and awkward moments when the attraction they feel pulls them too close to the fire. Amber's nearly neurotic behavior in Italy and Mauro falling for the old habits as soon as the holiday was over were setbacks in the story for me, but the author managed to pull them of the swamp with a conclusive ending that made me smile.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
November 30, 2016
Holi-Date, a charity game show is offering a lucky contestant a week’s holiday with gold medal winning, ParaGames swimmer Mauro Evans. The winner will jet off to his seven bedroom villa in Sicily for a romantic week. Held in autumn, the programme is due to be shown at Christmas when Mauro and his lucky partner will return to let everyone know how things went.
Journalist Amber Harris is sworn off men after the break up with boyfriend Ian. She has been persuaded to enter by the newspaper she works for. However, a week with a playboy like Mauro is the last thing she wants so she deliberately sabotages her chances by delivering outrageous answers to his questions. Mauro, however, is fascinated by the woman behind the screen and chooses her, much to Amber’s horror.
Mauro isn’t looking for a long term relationship. His last girlfriend left him after the accident which left him paralysed and since then his whole focus is on being the best in his sport; something that has made him very wealthy.
Despite a camera team watching their every movement and organising shoots at the villa and other locations they visit, Mauro and Amber slowly begin to learn about each other and throw off their prejudices. As they do this, the barriers gradually come down and the chemistry between them begins to take over. Is Amber willing to take a chance on Mauro? Could Mauro find room for love in his sport driven life? These are questions that are fated to remain unanswered until they return for the Christmas show.
A lovely romantic read…
Journalist Amber Harris is sworn off men after the break up with boyfriend Ian. She has been persuaded to enter by the newspaper she works for. However, a week with a playboy like Mauro is the last thing she wants so she deliberately sabotages her chances by delivering outrageous answers to his questions. Mauro, however, is fascinated by the woman behind the screen and chooses her, much to Amber’s horror.
Mauro isn’t looking for a long term relationship. His last girlfriend left him after the accident which left him paralysed and since then his whole focus is on being the best in his sport; something that has made him very wealthy.
Despite a camera team watching their every movement and organising shoots at the villa and other locations they visit, Mauro and Amber slowly begin to learn about each other and throw off their prejudices. As they do this, the barriers gradually come down and the chemistry between them begins to take over. Is Amber willing to take a chance on Mauro? Could Mauro find room for love in his sport driven life? These are questions that are fated to remain unanswered until they return for the Christmas show.
A lovely romantic read…
Read
February 10, 2017For me, this was an interesting read because the hero uses a wheelchair. He had a life-changing accident. I, also, had a life-changing accident. Fortunately, I was only in a wheelchair for about 6 months but still use one when needed. The author touched on how a person changes in these accidents in one of the hero's moments of opening up to the heroine that pretty much was spot on. Life goes on and it is up to you to make it a life you enjoy, no matter what must be overcome. I've had that moment. Needless to say, I really connected with this book. ~ Kim
December 1, 2016
This is the first book I’ve read written by Ellie Darkins. I really enjoyed this romance and was totally swept away with the storyline.
I loved the premise of the story. Paralympian Italian tycoon Mauro Evans is the prize in a charity dating show. However, Mauro goes against the producer’s advice and his usual type and chooses journalist Amber Harns to join him at his villa in Sicily for a week long date closely followed by the TV crew.
Amber was set against appearing on the show but was encouraged by her boss to show she had a softer side to her personality that had recently become guarded.
As we get to know Amber more we learn about the hurt she has felt by a past relationship.
The rather charming Mauro also hides a vulnerable heart. Since the accident that led to his disability he’s embraced life fully and the media portrays him as a playboy.
Will the idyllic setting of Mauro’s villa in Sicily bring the pair together?
Will this reality TV show bring out the truth hidden behind the smiles from the couple?
This was a charming, lovely romance with some wonderful, tender scenes mingled with some chemistry erupting from the pages.
A great story to embrace the winter season and bring a warm glow to your hearts.
I loved the premise of the story. Paralympian Italian tycoon Mauro Evans is the prize in a charity dating show. However, Mauro goes against the producer’s advice and his usual type and chooses journalist Amber Harns to join him at his villa in Sicily for a week long date closely followed by the TV crew.
Amber was set against appearing on the show but was encouraged by her boss to show she had a softer side to her personality that had recently become guarded.
As we get to know Amber more we learn about the hurt she has felt by a past relationship.
The rather charming Mauro also hides a vulnerable heart. Since the accident that led to his disability he’s embraced life fully and the media portrays him as a playboy.
Will the idyllic setting of Mauro’s villa in Sicily bring the pair together?
Will this reality TV show bring out the truth hidden behind the smiles from the couple?
This was a charming, lovely romance with some wonderful, tender scenes mingled with some chemistry erupting from the pages.
A great story to embrace the winter season and bring a warm glow to your hearts.
December 5, 2016
What a lovely story!
We meet Amber Harris, a prickly journalist and totally not on board with being part of celebrity dating show Holi-Date, which is a bit like Blind Date (yes I am old enough to remember that show!) but a charity version for the Christmas holidays. Mauro Evans is an Italian Paralympian, who, despite Amber's crazy answers to all his questions, chooses her!
As they are whisked off on holiday we start to find out all about them.
I totally fell in love with both Amber and Mauro! They have both been through some hard times and, although it proves hard at first, they slowly begin to thaw towards each other.
I devoured this in one sitting! For some who doesn't typically read a book without at least three dead bodies I was really surprised at how Ellie managed to grasp my attention so well! She writes so beautifully it's impossible not to be swept up by the emotions and passion that jump off of the pages.
I am starting to build up a really great list of to-go authors for when I need to reset the old crime/psychological shock factor and Ellie is most definitely heading on to that list!
Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in your blog tour Ellie! It was a pleasure to read and review this book for you!
We meet Amber Harris, a prickly journalist and totally not on board with being part of celebrity dating show Holi-Date, which is a bit like Blind Date (yes I am old enough to remember that show!) but a charity version for the Christmas holidays. Mauro Evans is an Italian Paralympian, who, despite Amber's crazy answers to all his questions, chooses her!
As they are whisked off on holiday we start to find out all about them.
I totally fell in love with both Amber and Mauro! They have both been through some hard times and, although it proves hard at first, they slowly begin to thaw towards each other.
I devoured this in one sitting! For some who doesn't typically read a book without at least three dead bodies I was really surprised at how Ellie managed to grasp my attention so well! She writes so beautifully it's impossible not to be swept up by the emotions and passion that jump off of the pages.
I am starting to build up a really great list of to-go authors for when I need to reset the old crime/psychological shock factor and Ellie is most definitely heading on to that list!
Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in your blog tour Ellie! It was a pleasure to read and review this book for you!
December 10, 2016
Amber Harris must participate in a dating show for charity event to save her job just what she doesn't need after being betrayed by her boyfriend. Mauro Evans is wheelchair bound since a near death accident has changed him but he has chosen to make the most of his life as it is. Put two people together than have something that happened in their life change them both physically and mentally and you have a wonderful story . Ms. Darkins has given both of them their HEA and its an incredible journey you take with them. A truly lovely warm holiday read
December 16, 2016
There is so much heart and emotion in this heartwarming tale by Ellie Darkins. The story is engaging and believable and the characters are instantly likable. I found the hero's charm to be sweet and I instantly fell in love with him. The heroine on the other hand had so much going on. Her past wasn't easy but having her move on eventually was the icing on the cake. Overall, fast paced, genuinely heartwarming and a special holiday treat.
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
November 6, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which had a super sweet ending. I love a slow burning romance which keeps you shouting at the pages for them to get it together! The chemistry between the characters was described so well it fizzes from the pages, and I really rooted for them to get together. Beautiful surroundings and a TV show make this plot very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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