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What His Money Can't Buy #1
Cinta Sang Pria Neapolitan - A Tainted Beauty
Ciro D'Angelo pebisnis sukses yang sigap dalam melihat peluang. Salah satunya saat ia memutuskan membeli The Grange, sebuah rumah yang akan ia jadikan hotel. Itulah pertama kalinya ia melihat Lily Scot, penghuni The Grange yang justru tak tahu-menahu soal penjualan rumah tersebut. Tergerak oleh pesona Lily serta kesulitan yang menimpanya, Ciro pun bertekad memiliki wanita itu.
Namun setelah mereka menikah, nilai-nilai tradisional yang awalnya ia kira ada pada diri Lily ternyata jauh dari kenyataan. Menurutnya, istrinya itu sama saja dengan para wanita pemburu harta yang selama ini mengejar-ngejarnya. Akankah Lily dapat membuktikan ketulusan cintanya?
Namun setelah mereka menikah, nilai-nilai tradisional yang awalnya ia kira ada pada diri Lily ternyata jauh dari kenyataan. Menurutnya, istrinya itu sama saja dengan para wanita pemburu harta yang selama ini mengejar-ngejarnya. Akankah Lily dapat membuktikan ketulusan cintanya?
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2015
About the author
Sharon Kendrick
1,246 books457 followersI was told off as a child for making up stories—little did I know that one day I’d earn my living by writing them!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 26, 2018
SK takes on the Madonna/Whore dichotomy and she hasn't come to play. Her hero actually equates virginity, cooking, sewing, and modesty to goodness/worth for no particular reason. The not-virgin heroine (who cooks, sews, and sacrifices for her teenage brother) is just as surprised as this reader when on their wedding night he throws a major tantrum when she has no discomfort and is so responsive in bed.
SK tries to explain the hero's hangups about virginity since he has been pursued for his money his whole life and his mother had a lot of boyfriends when he was growing up - but none of it makes much sense. Hero comes across as a sexist throwback/hypocrite and his grovel at the end doesn't show he's come to any deep understandings about his own faults and failings.
I almost wonder if this is SK's subversive take on the casual assumption that virginity = not a golddigger found in many HPs. When you take it out and really look at it - virginity = what? Intact hymen? Not always. Money and worthiness and virginity are so often equated in HPs and it's usually the male heroes who come up with that little formula.
We readers know that's wrong - but it's a shorthand way for the dim blub alphas to finally trust the heroine. So, SK runs with that bedrock HP assumption - hero loses trust in the heroine based on her lack of hymen. And with that she wrote herself into a corner. Hero has to climb down if he wants a relationship - so he does - but it seems forced and the conflict itself seems a bit facile when it just took some time and missing the heroine for the hero to realize how ridiculous he was being.
Plus, this heroine was a wonderful person who was betrayed by her fiance. I wish she had played that up more to show the heroine was in Madonna's famous words "like a virgin."
All of this made me think that the virgin heroine is a shorthand for readers as well. When I read that a heroine is a virgin I make assumptions as an HP reader. Depending on the story, I'll assume:
A virgin heroine never had to put up with mediocre sex before finding Mr. Right.
A virgin's judgment was spot on and she found the right guy without hanging around with frogs.
A virgin has had autonomy over her own body.
A virgin heroine is strong and resourceful and wants a love story, not just sex, etc . . .
A virgin heroine has suffered a restricted life from fun and pleasure and the hero is going to improve her life.
But categories are short and the virgin heroine is going to continue to be a shorthand for alpha heroes and readers alike. I'm glad SK tackled the subject, I just wish she had done more with it philosophically, since that was the central conflict.
SK tries to explain the hero's hangups about virginity since he has been pursued for his money his whole life and his mother had a lot of boyfriends when he was growing up - but none of it makes much sense. Hero comes across as a sexist throwback/hypocrite and his grovel at the end doesn't show he's come to any deep understandings about his own faults and failings.
I almost wonder if this is SK's subversive take on the casual assumption that virginity = not a golddigger found in many HPs. When you take it out and really look at it - virginity = what? Intact hymen? Not always. Money and worthiness and virginity are so often equated in HPs and it's usually the male heroes who come up with that little formula.
We readers know that's wrong - but it's a shorthand way for the dim blub alphas to finally trust the heroine. So, SK runs with that bedrock HP assumption - hero loses trust in the heroine based on her lack of hymen. And with that she wrote herself into a corner. Hero has to climb down if he wants a relationship - so he does - but it seems forced and the conflict itself seems a bit facile when it just took some time and missing the heroine for the hero to realize how ridiculous he was being.
Plus, this heroine was a wonderful person who was betrayed by her fiance. I wish she had played that up more to show the heroine was in Madonna's famous words "like a virgin."
All of this made me think that the virgin heroine is a shorthand for readers as well. When I read that a heroine is a virgin I make assumptions as an HP reader. Depending on the story, I'll assume:
A virgin heroine never had to put up with mediocre sex before finding Mr. Right.
A virgin's judgment was spot on and she found the right guy without hanging around with frogs.
A virgin has had autonomy over her own body.
A virgin heroine is strong and resourceful and wants a love story, not just sex, etc . . .
A virgin heroine has suffered a restricted life from fun and pleasure and the hero is going to improve her life.
But categories are short and the virgin heroine is going to continue to be a shorthand for alpha heroes and readers alike. I'm glad SK tackled the subject, I just wish she had done more with it philosophically, since that was the central conflict.
March 26, 2017
Hero wants to bed heroine but she plays hard to get so in order to bed her he proposes marriage. He puts her on a pedestal, he thinks she is pure and virginal and the ideal woman for him. But Lily is not a virgin. In fact she used to be engaged. When Ciro finds out his wife is not a virgin he is convinced she married him for his money and their marriage becomes a nightmare for Lily who can't stop loving Ciro.
Wow this book has some very old fashioned morals so naturally I loved it. I loved the angst, the complexity, the emotions! I usually don't read books with non virginal heroines but this is Sharon Kendrick so I knew it would be a fantastic story and it really was. I adored Ciro and Lily! Their relationship was intense and passionate and romantic! Great read!
Wow this book has some very old fashioned morals so naturally I loved it. I loved the angst, the complexity, the emotions! I usually don't read books with non virginal heroines but this is Sharon Kendrick so I knew it would be a fantastic story and it really was. I adored Ciro and Lily! Their relationship was intense and passionate and romantic! Great read!
November 16, 2016
What a mess.
Okay, we have to admit to the anachronistic tendencies of Harlequins to place an intact hymen as a golden prize indeed. Occasionally, manwhores will shake a ...finger... at the anti-virgins, but they are a rarity. They usually rely on a third party or the h's guilty conscience.
Here we have an ex-manwhore on the prowl for a Donna Reed virgin. The H thinks he has found her when he visits the charming English estate he just bought. He meets the curvy, 50s vintage-wearing, baking, must-be-a-virgin h of the estate. Her vapid and selfish step-mum has sold the estate unbeknownst to her. I think the estate may have even belonged to the h's maternal line as did the priceless pearls the step-mum scarpers off with. Have any of these idiots EVER heard of an attorney? Pl-fricking-eeze, I think the British courts would have something to say about the inheritance even without a will.
Cutting to the chase, the H with significant mommy issues is bamboozled by the h's domestic ways, and reluctantly proposes. The h is equally bamboozled sexually plus she wants to help her little brother get into art school.
Finally taking the high road, the h leaves for England and refuses all financial support that the H JUST KNOWS is why she married him.
He does a light grovel dance. I will admit she does question him about his motives, but as well know a mild grovel is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER enough.
Okay, we have to admit to the anachronistic tendencies of Harlequins to place an intact hymen as a golden prize indeed. Occasionally, manwhores will shake a ...finger... at the anti-virgins, but they are a rarity. They usually rely on a third party or the h's guilty conscience.
Here we have an ex-manwhore on the prowl for a Donna Reed virgin. The H thinks he has found her when he visits the charming English estate he just bought. He meets the curvy, 50s vintage-wearing, baking, must-be-a-virgin h of the estate. Her vapid and selfish step-mum has sold the estate unbeknownst to her. I think the estate may have even belonged to the h's maternal line as did the priceless pearls the step-mum scarpers off with. Have any of these idiots EVER heard of an attorney? Pl-fricking-eeze, I think the British courts would have something to say about the inheritance even without a will.
Cutting to the chase, the H with significant mommy issues is bamboozled by the h's domestic ways, and reluctantly proposes. The h is equally bamboozled sexually plus she wants to help her little brother get into art school.
Finally taking the high road, the h leaves for England and refuses all financial support that the H JUST KNOWS is why she married him.
He does a light grovel dance. I will admit she does question him about his motives, but as well know a mild grovel is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER enough.
May 27, 2018
I don't know whether to be disgusted by the hero or be proud of the heroine here. I mean the bastard had the audacity to judge her because she was not a virgin. He disrespected he's newly wedded wife with most hurtful and vile words possible because she's not as "innocent" as she claimed inclining innocence and virginity are correlated. Also the hero wasn't a virgin, and he also hated his mothers active social life after his father left her. Double standard and chauvinism doesn't get any better than this. These situations are what makes me happy I'm a Muslim :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
Location: Naples, Southern Italy
Soooo... Ciro, the H meets Lily, the h and creates this fantasy of what and who she is in his mind. Granted, he’s not too far off, but created a fantasy of absolute innocence and purity that no real woman could live up to.
Lily is an old fashioned, curvy girl who can cook, clean, bake and she see’s her own clothes. Very 1950’s type dresses to fit her curves.
When Lily’s wicked stepmother sells the home that was in Lily’s father’s family for generations to Ciro, Lily and her brother finds themselves homeless. She takes an small apartment over the bakery where she works.
Feeling guilty for taking her home and being halfway in love with her, Ciro proposes to Lily. She refuses him two times but accepts on his last offer. All is well, the love is there for all to see ... until the wedding night. That’s when Ciro discovers that Lily wasn’t as pure and innocent as he thought.
His reaction to her not being a virgin was ridiculous. Although she explained who her one and only lover before meeting him was, he assumed that she lied to trick him and get his money. So to punish her, he forces her to stay with him for six horrible months where he treated her no better than a whore.
After she leaves, he learns that she sold the one thing from her mother that the evil bitch stepmother did not take. He assumed she sold it for the money to fund her new lifestyle. (She’s working at a bakery/pastry shop living her richest life. Smh) Then he learned what she actually did with the money. And then the common sense kicks in and the groveling begins.
Honestly, there wasn’t enough groveling for me. Why should the h be treated like crap because she didn’t live up to HIS fantasy of what she’s supposed to be? He should’ve been on his knees kissing her toes and other relevant bits!
Good story tho. Enough angst and drama to keep it really interesting.
Soooo... Ciro, the H meets Lily, the h and creates this fantasy of what and who she is in his mind. Granted, he’s not too far off, but created a fantasy of absolute innocence and purity that no real woman could live up to.
Lily is an old fashioned, curvy girl who can cook, clean, bake and she see’s her own clothes. Very 1950’s type dresses to fit her curves.
When Lily’s wicked stepmother sells the home that was in Lily’s father’s family for generations to Ciro, Lily and her brother finds themselves homeless. She takes an small apartment over the bakery where she works.
Feeling guilty for taking her home and being halfway in love with her, Ciro proposes to Lily. She refuses him two times but accepts on his last offer. All is well, the love is there for all to see ... until the wedding night. That’s when Ciro discovers that Lily wasn’t as pure and innocent as he thought.
His reaction to her not being a virgin was ridiculous. Although she explained who her one and only lover before meeting him was, he assumed that she lied to trick him and get his money. So to punish her, he forces her to stay with him for six horrible months where he treated her no better than a whore.
After she leaves, he learns that she sold the one thing from her mother that the evil bitch stepmother did not take. He assumed she sold it for the money to fund her new lifestyle. (She’s working at a bakery/pastry shop living her richest life. Smh) Then he learned what she actually did with the money. And then the common sense kicks in and the groveling begins.
Honestly, there wasn’t enough groveling for me. Why should the h be treated like crap because she didn’t live up to HIS fantasy of what she’s supposed to be? He should’ve been on his knees kissing her toes and other relevant bits!
Good story tho. Enough angst and drama to keep it really interesting.
July 26, 2012
I can't really say much about this novel because I barely thought it was okay. I found it be boring in a lot of aspects but most of all both hero and heroine drove me up the wall. The hero sucked up when it was good for him and the heroine was all over the place acting innocent than a total bitch, then back to loving. It was like the heroine was a bit bi-polar.
November 10, 2014
not dat bad! the one star actually reflects ciro. he was horrible after discovering his wife was not a virgin. this from a manwhore!? lily had no self-respect as she actually stayed wid the man and let him use her every night. when she eventually woke up, it was only to come back at his first beckoning. after his callous attitude, he needed payback and i wanted to see him grovel! but dat never happened, as is so common in HP. ofc, the author tried to justify ciro's behaviour and it was ridiculous. u dunt make ur wife pay bcoz ur mother had lovers while u were a kid!?
September 27, 2012
4.5 stars.
What a story!
The subject if the book is a little old fashioned but I think it is made the most of and a spectacular romance is told. The start of this book is compelling and really quite beautiful, I was hooked instantly.
Lily is a really well crafted heroine with the perfect mix of sweetness and independence. She and the hero bounce off each other perfectly; lots of sizzling tension, fun dialogue and some genuinely tender moments that made me want to sigh out loud!
I did find it a little difficult to really believe the hero’s reaction to the heroine’s lack of virginity. Too many double standards and judgement in his behaviour for my liking. It’s too much of an outdated idea for today’s world.
However, the author managed to make it work and keeps you intrigued all the way through. I liked it a lot.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
What a story!
The subject if the book is a little old fashioned but I think it is made the most of and a spectacular romance is told. The start of this book is compelling and really quite beautiful, I was hooked instantly.
Lily is a really well crafted heroine with the perfect mix of sweetness and independence. She and the hero bounce off each other perfectly; lots of sizzling tension, fun dialogue and some genuinely tender moments that made me want to sigh out loud!
I did find it a little difficult to really believe the hero’s reaction to the heroine’s lack of virginity. Too many double standards and judgement in his behaviour for my liking. It’s too much of an outdated idea for today’s world.
However, the author managed to make it work and keeps you intrigued all the way through. I liked it a lot.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
January 28, 2014
C’è sempre qualcosa di già scritto nel destino di una storia d’amore, anche di quelle che iniziano in un modo un po’ strano. La verità che si cela dietro le azioni, tra le cose non dette, non svelate, non raccontate, può diventare dolce e tenera, come la scoperta dell’amore.
Se è vero che i soldi non possono comprare tutto, nell’anima delle persone, può far breccia soltanto l’amore, il grande amore, ricco di promesse e abbracci, in grado di intenerire anche i cuori di chi è un duro, come Ciro D’Angelo. Per conquistare il suo cuore, soltanto la dolce e sfuggente Lily Scott sa come fare. Soltanto il suo modo di essere può cambiare l’indole aggressiva di lui.
È attuale e romantica, come sempre, la storia d’amore di Sharon Kendrick raccontata in UN INCANTEVOLE INGANNO.
May 18, 2014
Did I mention that I always love angsty books with misunderstanding stuff in it? Oh yes, I really do.
This book is perfect in both ways, very angsty and the misunderstanding between Hero & heroine's so thick I can taste it. Exactly what I crave from Harlequins. But at some point, I think Ciro's a bit ridiculous. I hate how he fuss over Lily's virginity. I mean, really?
Not to mention there's no closure between Lily and her skank stepmother. I want Suzy to get what she deserves but the author didn't mention her name anymore up until the end. Very frustrating. That's why I can't give this book five stars.
But overall I enjoyed it.
This book is perfect in both ways, very angsty and the misunderstanding between Hero & heroine's so thick I can taste it. Exactly what I crave from Harlequins. But at some point, I think Ciro's a bit ridiculous. I hate how he fuss over Lily's virginity. I mean, really?
Not to mention there's no closure between Lily and her skank stepmother. I want Suzy to get what she deserves but the author didn't mention her name anymore up until the end. Very frustrating. That's why I can't give this book five stars.
But overall I enjoyed it.
January 18, 2014
This book didn't appeal much to me when I saw it because of the plot. But its SK book and I NEED to buy it! Just finished in one sitting and whoa! it moved me! I am not that open minded person when it comes to story of a heroine who is not a virgin anymore. Honestly, I don't like it. But there is something in this story that moved me, and didn't even pay attention to the negative. Anyway, Nice book it is.
June 1, 2026
2.5 * flooring jadi 2
gomenasai~
Jadi... ini cerita cinta seorang pria Italia yang masih memegang teguh nilai-nilai tradisional dan seorang gadis Inggris yang lugu.
.
.
.
.
.
Eh... tunggu dulu, kayanya ada yang kurang. Hmmmm... ini kisah tentang Ciro D'Angelo, seorang miliurder dan playboy cap karbit dari Italia yang punya impian menikah sama perawan (benar sekali: PE RA WAN) dan merasakan punya "rumah". Perawan yang bakal ngurus rumah dan nunggu Ciro di rumah. Perawan yang lugu. Dan gambaran perawan lugu itu dengan 100% dia yakini ada di diri Lily Scott, perempuan asal Inggris yang dia temui pas ngurus transaksi pembelian rumah warisan orang tuanya Lily. Agak terdengar familiar yah? Nah... sekarang tambahin kalo Lily ga pernah tau rumahnya dijual sama Ibu tirinya yang age gap-nya ga terlalu jauh sama dia. Makin terdengar familiar kan?
OK... waktunya kita bahas tentang Lily Scott. Lily adalah perempuan asal Inggris yang digambarin lugu dan tradisional tapi langsung bikin Ciro nepsong mau nyosor kaya soang di pertemuan pertama. Cewe lugu yang dipanggil dolcezza aja langsung deg-degan ga keruan padahal ga tau apa artinya. Cewe yang diliatin sama cowo Italia yang katanya seksi langsung klepek-klepek kaya ikan baru ditarik keluar dari air. Cew- ok, cukup.
Ekskalasi hubungan keduanya pun cukup cepat: pagi menjelang siang ketemuan, malem udah dinner bareng dan berakhir saling kokop-kokopan sampe lemes di parkiran. Cewe lugu kita berhasil ngerem biar ga langsung keringetan bareng di ranjang daaaaan... ini malah bikin Segnor D'Angelo makin ngebet. Puncaknya... mereka akhirnya nikah dengan asumsi masing-masing. Segnor D'Angelo dengan asumsi kalau Lily masih perawan. Lily sendiri ngerasa ga perlu ngasih tau kalau dia dah pernah keringetan bareng sama tunangannya... cuma abis itu tunangannya langsung nikah sama orang lain.
Dua-duanya salah dan pas tahu Lily udah ga perawan: Ciro jelas ngamok terus Lily ngerasa kalo Ciro juga udah ga perawan jadinya seri donk. Ga salah sich tapi yang bikin saya pengen nabokin Lily, dia sendiri bilang kira-kira: gw tau kalo si Ciro itu cowo Itali yang masih tradisional banget jadi pasti masalah gw dah ga perawan penting buat dia. Trus si Lily diem aja cuma karena ga mau ngerusak kebahagiaan (kebahagiannya tentu aja) dan pas si Ciro meledak, Lily kaya merasa sedih banget. Harusnya kan Ciro ga sekuno itu. Harusnya kan Ciro ga nganggep dirinya "pelacur" pas tau dia udah ga perawan. Harusnya Ciro ga nilai dirinya sama kaya cewe-cewe matre yang dikencani Ciro sebelumnya. Har-
Oh... pemikiran ini ga 100% salah kok tapi kan loe yang diem-diem aja Maemunah. Klo dari awal u ngaku pernah keringetan bareng sama si Tom trus ditinggal, penilaian Ciro mungkin ga minus-minus amat sama loe.
Untungnya... yes, untungnya, mereka akhirnya dadah babay alias cerai. Tapi emang dasar plot nyebelin, ujung2nya yah... gitu d. Oh... iya, saya tahu kalau seharusnya saya udah terbiasa sama alur kaya gini... tapi kok yah tetep berasa sebel banget bacanya. Mana ini bacanya sambil jagain EoM... udah, makin nambah keki ini rasanya.
gomenasai~
Jadi... ini cerita cinta seorang pria Italia yang masih memegang teguh nilai-nilai tradisional dan seorang gadis Inggris yang lugu.
.
.
.
.
.
Eh... tunggu dulu, kayanya ada yang kurang. Hmmmm... ini kisah tentang Ciro D'Angelo, seorang miliurder dan playboy cap karbit dari Italia yang punya impian menikah sama perawan (benar sekali: PE RA WAN) dan merasakan punya "rumah". Perawan yang bakal ngurus rumah dan nunggu Ciro di rumah. Perawan yang lugu. Dan gambaran perawan lugu itu dengan 100% dia yakini ada di diri Lily Scott, perempuan asal Inggris yang dia temui pas ngurus transaksi pembelian rumah warisan orang tuanya Lily. Agak terdengar familiar yah? Nah... sekarang tambahin kalo Lily ga pernah tau rumahnya dijual sama Ibu tirinya yang age gap-nya ga terlalu jauh sama dia. Makin terdengar familiar kan?
OK... waktunya kita bahas tentang Lily Scott. Lily adalah perempuan asal Inggris yang digambarin lugu dan tradisional tapi langsung bikin Ciro nepsong mau nyosor kaya soang di pertemuan pertama. Cewe lugu yang dipanggil dolcezza aja langsung deg-degan ga keruan padahal ga tau apa artinya. Cewe yang diliatin sama cowo Italia yang katanya seksi langsung klepek-klepek kaya ikan baru ditarik keluar dari air. Cew- ok, cukup.
Ekskalasi hubungan keduanya pun cukup cepat: pagi menjelang siang ketemuan, malem udah dinner bareng dan berakhir saling kokop-kokopan sampe lemes di parkiran. Cewe lugu kita berhasil ngerem biar ga langsung keringetan bareng di ranjang daaaaan... ini malah bikin Segnor D'Angelo makin ngebet. Puncaknya... mereka akhirnya nikah dengan asumsi masing-masing. Segnor D'Angelo dengan asumsi kalau Lily masih perawan. Lily sendiri ngerasa ga perlu ngasih tau kalau dia dah pernah keringetan bareng sama tunangannya... cuma abis itu tunangannya langsung nikah sama orang lain.
Dua-duanya salah dan pas tahu Lily udah ga perawan: Ciro jelas ngamok terus Lily ngerasa kalo Ciro juga udah ga perawan jadinya seri donk. Ga salah sich tapi yang bikin saya pengen nabokin Lily, dia sendiri bilang kira-kira: gw tau kalo si Ciro itu cowo Itali yang masih tradisional banget jadi pasti masalah gw dah ga perawan penting buat dia. Trus si Lily diem aja cuma karena ga mau ngerusak kebahagiaan (kebahagiannya tentu aja) dan pas si Ciro meledak, Lily kaya merasa sedih banget. Harusnya kan Ciro ga sekuno itu. Harusnya kan Ciro ga nganggep dirinya "pelacur" pas tau dia udah ga perawan. Harusnya Ciro ga nilai dirinya sama kaya cewe-cewe matre yang dikencani Ciro sebelumnya. Har-
Oh... pemikiran ini ga 100% salah kok tapi kan loe yang diem-diem aja Maemunah. Klo dari awal u ngaku pernah keringetan bareng sama si Tom trus ditinggal, penilaian Ciro mungkin ga minus-minus amat sama loe.
Untungnya... yes, untungnya, mereka akhirnya dadah babay alias cerai. Tapi emang dasar plot nyebelin, ujung2nya yah... gitu d. Oh... iya, saya tahu kalau seharusnya saya udah terbiasa sama alur kaya gini... tapi kok yah tetep berasa sebel banget bacanya. Mana ini bacanya sambil jagain EoM... udah, makin nambah keki ini rasanya.
January 2, 2026
CYKL: "WHAT HIS MONEY CAN'T BUY" (TOM 1)
Książka Sharon Kendrick to jeden z romansów z harlequinowej serii "Światowe Życie Extra". Poznajemy biznesmena Ciro D’Angelo, który po śmierci ojca kupuje angielską posiadłość. Nie wie jednak, że kobieta, którą sprzedała mu piękną rezydencję, nie poinformowała go, iż nieruchomość jest aktualnie zamieszkała przez jej pasierbicę - Lily Scott. Lily jest zdruzgotana informacją, że posiadłośc została sprzedana, wobec czego ona będzie musiała się wyprowadzić. Ciro jest zafascynowany urokiem pięknej Lily, jednak ona traktuje go sceptycznie. Wszak ten facet odebrał jej dach nad głową! Z czasem dochodzą do porozumienia i biorą ślub w Neapolu. W niedługim czasie po ślubie, Ciro odkrywa, że Lily go okłamała…
Ciekawy początek, trochę dąsania się głównej bohaterki, która przeżywa utratę luksusowej rezydencji i musi się przenieść do mieszkania w biedniejszej okolicy. Do tego przystojny Ciro, który z zafascynowaniem "wodzi wzrokiem" za Lily. Wszystko psuje się w chwilę po ślubie. Główny bohater zaczyna być irytującym facetem, którego urażona duma jest wręcz śmieszna. Para zaczyna mieć problem. Jaki? Tego nie mogę zdradzić, ale zauważam, że jest jeden temat, który Autorki tych romansów lubią wznosić do rangi problemu, który może zaważyć na całej relacji. Normalny [czytaj: zdrowy na umyśle] czytelnik na początku będzie się z tego śmiał, ale z czasem zacznie wznosić oczy ku niebu...
Cóż, trochę szkoda, bo historia zapowiadała się na całkiem dobrze i nawet czytało się ją z zaciekawieniem. Tymczasem mogę ją uznać co najwyżej jako "ujdzie w tłumie". Raczej nie polecam.
Opinia opublikowana na moim blogu:
https://literackiepodrozebooki.blogsp...
Książka Sharon Kendrick to jeden z romansów z harlequinowej serii "Światowe Życie Extra". Poznajemy biznesmena Ciro D’Angelo, który po śmierci ojca kupuje angielską posiadłość. Nie wie jednak, że kobieta, którą sprzedała mu piękną rezydencję, nie poinformowała go, iż nieruchomość jest aktualnie zamieszkała przez jej pasierbicę - Lily Scott. Lily jest zdruzgotana informacją, że posiadłośc została sprzedana, wobec czego ona będzie musiała się wyprowadzić. Ciro jest zafascynowany urokiem pięknej Lily, jednak ona traktuje go sceptycznie. Wszak ten facet odebrał jej dach nad głową! Z czasem dochodzą do porozumienia i biorą ślub w Neapolu. W niedługim czasie po ślubie, Ciro odkrywa, że Lily go okłamała…
Ciekawy początek, trochę dąsania się głównej bohaterki, która przeżywa utratę luksusowej rezydencji i musi się przenieść do mieszkania w biedniejszej okolicy. Do tego przystojny Ciro, który z zafascynowaniem "wodzi wzrokiem" za Lily. Wszystko psuje się w chwilę po ślubie. Główny bohater zaczyna być irytującym facetem, którego urażona duma jest wręcz śmieszna. Para zaczyna mieć problem. Jaki? Tego nie mogę zdradzić, ale zauważam, że jest jeden temat, który Autorki tych romansów lubią wznosić do rangi problemu, który może zaważyć na całej relacji. Normalny [czytaj: zdrowy na umyśle] czytelnik na początku będzie się z tego śmiał, ale z czasem zacznie wznosić oczy ku niebu...
Cóż, trochę szkoda, bo historia zapowiadała się na całkiem dobrze i nawet czytało się ją z zaciekawieniem. Tymczasem mogę ją uznać co najwyżej jako "ujdzie w tłumie". Raczej nie polecam.
Opinia opublikowana na moim blogu:
https://literackiepodrozebooki.blogsp...
December 4, 2017
hmmmh bacaan yg ringan untuk mengusir rasa jenuh karena sudah berhari-hari aku di rs. aku menyukai karakter
Lily, jujur karakter lily mirip denganku yang lebih suka melakukan apa pun sendiri, menjahit gaun sendiri dan yg lainnya. tp malang bagi lily yg tidak beruntung dengan cinta pertamanya. dia dicampakkan tunangannya menjelang hari pernikahan mereka. lalu datang Ciro. awalnya laki2 itu ingin melindungi lily, sampai di malam pernikahan mereka, Ciro mendapati lily bukan perawan. disini aku mulai tidak menyukai Ciro. betapa dia memasang standar ganda. sementara dia udah kelayapan kemana mana, dia berharap sesuatu yg bukan sisa orang?
sebenarnya aku berpikir betapa menjijikkannya gaya hidup barat yang mampu melakukan sesuatu yang begitu sakral karena melibatkan 2 orang yang harus saling percaya, dilakukan secara serampangan dengan sembarang orang. tak heran penyakit kelamin berasal dari sana. dan yang membuat heran haruskah seorang hero dalam novel romance mesti berpengalaman secara seksual?
well, kembali ke Ciro, jujur pengalaman masa kecilnya yang melihat ibunya berganti ganti teman pria seharusnya membuat dia berhati hati memilih wanita. tapi disini terungkap sebelum bertemu lily, dia sempat berhubungan dengan eugene, pun dengan banyak wanita lainnya. benar2 standar ganda.
yang bikin makin gak asyik, betapa pemaafnya lily.
Lily, jujur karakter lily mirip denganku yang lebih suka melakukan apa pun sendiri, menjahit gaun sendiri dan yg lainnya. tp malang bagi lily yg tidak beruntung dengan cinta pertamanya. dia dicampakkan tunangannya menjelang hari pernikahan mereka. lalu datang Ciro. awalnya laki2 itu ingin melindungi lily, sampai di malam pernikahan mereka, Ciro mendapati lily bukan perawan. disini aku mulai tidak menyukai Ciro. betapa dia memasang standar ganda. sementara dia udah kelayapan kemana mana, dia berharap sesuatu yg bukan sisa orang?
sebenarnya aku berpikir betapa menjijikkannya gaya hidup barat yang mampu melakukan sesuatu yang begitu sakral karena melibatkan 2 orang yang harus saling percaya, dilakukan secara serampangan dengan sembarang orang. tak heran penyakit kelamin berasal dari sana. dan yang membuat heran haruskah seorang hero dalam novel romance mesti berpengalaman secara seksual?
well, kembali ke Ciro, jujur pengalaman masa kecilnya yang melihat ibunya berganti ganti teman pria seharusnya membuat dia berhati hati memilih wanita. tapi disini terungkap sebelum bertemu lily, dia sempat berhubungan dengan eugene, pun dengan banyak wanita lainnya. benar2 standar ganda.
yang bikin makin gak asyik, betapa pemaafnya lily.
February 24, 2017
Lily meets Ciro at her house in England, didn't know that the house has already sold by her step-mother to that guy. When her step-mother leaves her with practically nothing -even the pearl necklace from her mother, she found herself in a flat above a cafe where she works, and in the needs of money for her younger brother school. Ciro fascinated with her innocence, she didn't like all the girls that he ever met. He even buy Lily's pearl necklace from her step-mother. When Ciro asks her to marry him, and she says yes, they soon arrange the wedding in Ciro's hometown -Napoli.
When Ciro finally knows that Lily didn't that innocence in their wedding night, Ciro furious. Then he made an arrangement about their wedding. Stays happy in public for six months and then they divorce with so much money left for Lily. After a few months Lily finally can't stand Ciro -because she loves him so much- and they divorce and then Lily came back to England without taking a penny of money given by Ciro.
And when Ciro finally admit his mistakes, would Lily still be there and come back with him?
When Ciro finally knows that Lily didn't that innocence in their wedding night, Ciro furious. Then he made an arrangement about their wedding. Stays happy in public for six months and then they divorce with so much money left for Lily. After a few months Lily finally can't stand Ciro -because she loves him so much- and they divorce and then Lily came back to England without taking a penny of money given by Ciro.
And when Ciro finally admit his mistakes, would Lily still be there and come back with him?
March 21, 2023
Reading the blurb this should totally be my Catnip.
I was bored silly for the first half of the book.
I didn't feel like the heroine (whom I did really like) deceived the hero. He just assumed and never asked.
Things picked up around the wedding night.
Then were a bore til the end.
Not Sharon's best.
This could have been an angst masterpiece. So disappointing.
I was bored silly for the first half of the book.
I didn't feel like the heroine (whom I did really like) deceived the hero. He just assumed and never asked.
Things picked up around the wedding night.
Then were a bore til the end.
Not Sharon's best.
This could have been an angst masterpiece. So disappointing.
July 13, 2020
There were some problematic things in this book for me. I like a "Presents" hero - they are pretty specific and I know what I'm getting when I open the book. But this one... I was cringing at some of it. I don't want to spoil the plot, but it was not my favorite.
September 3, 2017
Baru pertama baca novel Harlequin dan ternyata ya begini.
September 13, 2017
Loved this book great read!
December 27, 2017
A charming story of gaslighting and emotional abuse. Hateread
April 21, 2019
Fell in love with Lily and her innocence.
June 14, 2024
Mehh
A-hole H. Doormat h.
A-hole H. Doormat h.
March 12, 2020
Mills & Boon-O-Meter : ★★✰✰✰
So, I read the reviews and was surprised by the reviewers, who are (rightfully so) annoyed that Ciro was angered when he learnt that Lily was not a virgin (lol, I can't believe I'm writing this sentence in 2020).
The thing is, I've read so many Mills & Boons where the hero is angered about the heroine's virginity and her past, that I don't understand what makes this one any different from all the other shitty ones I DNFed. The difference between this one is that THE HEROINE FREAKING LEFT. It was so satisfying for me personally that after reading a lot of these M&B's where the hero treats the heroine like garbage, someone at last said 'Imma head out' to the asshat.
Of course, Ciro's mommy issues were the reason he hated women, and why he thought that they were either cheaters or gold diggers. In the end, he gets back with Lily because he thinks she's not like other women, so his misogyny and mistrust of women is never really addressed tbh. He just doesn't hate his mother and Lily at the end anymore 🙃
But seriously, I was satisfied with a heroine who left for once and didn't pine, but got on with her life. It was satisfying to read about a heroine who had her own life and skills (she was a talented baker and seamstress who earned praise for those things prior to meeting the hero). Obviously it did had some tropes, because it's Mills & Boon 💁♀️ (opportunistic and shallow step-mother, heroine being poor yet 'pure' lmao), but overall, it wasn't actually that bad. Ciro preferring a partner who likes to stay at home, look pretty, bake and pamper their family isn't the thing that makes him problematic. Ciro never actually said that all women should be like that, only that he personally wants a wife like that for himself.
It's his aforementioned hatred and mistrust of women that's problematic.
So, I read the reviews and was surprised by the reviewers, who are (rightfully so) annoyed that Ciro was angered when he learnt that Lily was not a virgin (lol, I can't believe I'm writing this sentence in 2020).
The thing is, I've read so many Mills & Boons where the hero is angered about the heroine's virginity and her past, that I don't understand what makes this one any different from all the other shitty ones I DNFed. The difference between this one is that THE HEROINE FREAKING LEFT. It was so satisfying for me personally that after reading a lot of these M&B's where the hero treats the heroine like garbage, someone at last said 'Imma head out' to the asshat.
Of course, Ciro's mommy issues were the reason he hated women, and why he thought that they were either cheaters or gold diggers. In the end, he gets back with Lily because he thinks she's not like other women, so his misogyny and mistrust of women is never really addressed tbh. He just doesn't hate his mother and Lily at the end anymore 🙃
But seriously, I was satisfied with a heroine who left for once and didn't pine, but got on with her life. It was satisfying to read about a heroine who had her own life and skills (she was a talented baker and seamstress who earned praise for those things prior to meeting the hero). Obviously it did had some tropes, because it's Mills & Boon 💁♀️ (opportunistic and shallow step-mother, heroine being poor yet 'pure' lmao), but overall, it wasn't actually that bad. Ciro preferring a partner who likes to stay at home, look pretty, bake and pamper their family isn't the thing that makes him problematic. Ciro never actually said that all women should be like that, only that he personally wants a wife like that for himself.
It's his aforementioned hatred and mistrust of women that's problematic.
November 10, 2013
A great start to the story. The heroine Lily Scott is a woman who likes to dress in 1950's type clothing, made by herself, and she loves to home cook. Her father recently died and her step-mother Suzy has inherited all financial assets her father had, because he didn't make a will. Her step-mother Suzy is too greedy to give any money to Lily. And Suzy wants to sell the home she and Lily live in. So Lily has to move out of the childhood home she once shared with her father, maternal mother and brother. In comes Ciro D'Angelo who wants to buy Lily's home and turn it into a hotel. But when they meet there is an instant attraction between them. Ciro asks her out, though she doesn't want to go out with him because of being jilted two days before due to be getting married previously. Ciro constantly persists with Lily. He has never been turned down by any woman before. Women have always said yes to him. Ciro keeps asking but she always says no. This just turns Ciro on even more. These old-fashioned woman simply didn't exist anymore to him.
A great heroine Sharon Kendrick has wrote. I love the way she dresses and her home cooking. There is nothing like home cooked food. Mostly I like where she sticks to her principles and doesn't get seduced by hero Ciro. They don't have sex till they are married. The story moves on at a good pace and with a good ending. Only thing I did not like was in the epilogue Lily starts wearing normal clothes opposed to her 1950's ones. Thought that spoiled a part of the person that she is.
This review is on my blog as well.
November 17, 2013
So I struggled with this book quite a bit. Parts of it I really liked - like the writing style and the settings - but other parts I didn't like so much. Mainly the part where the hero, Ciro, immediately decided that Lily must be a virgin just cos she didn't sleep with him on the first date. He then gets rather annoyed after their wedding when he finds out she's not that innocent. Firstly, why is this an issue in the first place? Really, the state of someone's virginity is not a deciding factor in whether they're a good person or not. Secondly? I felt like I missed something in this novel when Lily is suddenly feeling guilty that she lied about the state of her hymen - I don't remember it really coming up in conversation or an part of the story at all, so for her to then be called a liar kind of confused me. Plus, someone can be innocent without being a virgin, so I'm not sure if that was what the issue was about. It wasn't very clear anyway. Still, after just finishing the more modern The Twelve Nights of Christmas, this story seemed remarkably old fashioned by comparison.
Not my cup of tea, but a perfectly decent story. 2.5 stars.
Not my cup of tea, but a perfectly decent story. 2.5 stars.
doubtful-because-not-v
March 29, 2018He marries her thinking she is a virgin but she is not. All that glitters...
Merciless businessman Ciro D'Angelo knows an opportunity when he sees it - and Lily Scot's vulnerable sweetness and old-fashioned values are exactly what he needs in a wife. She's the complete opposite to the red-taloned gold diggers that relentlessly pursue him.
Isn't gold
But on their wedding night, Ciro realizes that Lily isn't quite the pure bride he's expected. Did her virtuous facade hide a fortune hunter as shameless as the rest? It seems their marriage is over before it's begun, yet once you're a D'Angelo wife - there's no turning back....
Merciless businessman Ciro D'Angelo knows an opportunity when he sees it - and Lily Scot's vulnerable sweetness and old-fashioned values are exactly what he needs in a wife. She's the complete opposite to the red-taloned gold diggers that relentlessly pursue him.
Isn't gold
But on their wedding night, Ciro realizes that Lily isn't quite the pure bride he's expected. Did her virtuous facade hide a fortune hunter as shameless as the rest? It seems their marriage is over before it's begun, yet once you're a D'Angelo wife - there's no turning back....
June 15, 2018
I enjoyed this novel except for the double standard the hero had concerning his new bride. Assuming she was a virgin in this day and age was really disappointing. It is what kept me from giving this title a 4 rather than the 3/5 I settled on. Do all the males in these stories have to be so sex-mad? Really? I did enjoy the story elements such as Lily's talents at baking exquisite cakes and desserts, and some of the relationship between Ciro and Lily, especially his dislike of Suzy, her step-mother. Featuring Lily's pearls was a nice touch.
October 8, 2012
I had no connection whatsoever with the characters. Ciro was too arrogant, too cold & judjemental, too cruel to be likeable. Lily was a bundle of contradictions: sweet & tart, strong & weak.
I didn't feel their love. Their relationship didn't develop beyond the physical attraction. Even their marriage wasn't built on love, Ciro was looking for her "innocence" & Lily was looking for his protection. And when Ciro discovered she was no innocent, all hell broke loose.
I didn't feel their love. Their relationship didn't develop beyond the physical attraction. Even their marriage wasn't built on love, Ciro was looking for her "innocence" & Lily was looking for his protection. And when Ciro discovered she was no innocent, all hell broke loose.
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