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Billionaires & One-Night Heirs #1
The Innocent's Secret Baby
A ruthless billionaire...
When Sicilian tycoon Raul Di Savo meets Lydia Hayward, it's not only her cool elegance he desires--seducing Lydia will also deny his lifelong rival's bid for her body...
An innocent in peril...
Desperate to escape being sold to a stranger, Lydia turns to Raul--he promises her only one night, but his expert touch awakens her to pleasure she cannot resist!
A nine-month consequence!
Discovering she's a pawn in Raul's game of revenge, Lydia leaves...until she realizes an unexpected consequence will bind her to Raul forever!
When Sicilian tycoon Raul Di Savo meets Lydia Hayward, it's not only her cool elegance he desires--seducing Lydia will also deny his lifelong rival's bid for her body...
An innocent in peril...
Desperate to escape being sold to a stranger, Lydia turns to Raul--he promises her only one night, but his expert touch awakens her to pleasure she cannot resist!
A nine-month consequence!
Discovering she's a pawn in Raul's game of revenge, Lydia leaves...until she realizes an unexpected consequence will bind her to Raul forever!
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 21, 2017
183 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,400 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 23, 2019
Sweet story of a virgin, stiff-upper-lip heroine who is being railroaded by her stepfather to “play nice” with the Hero’s enemy. Hero decides to seduce the heroine by taking her out for the day in Rome to find out what his enemy is up to, instead he ends up falling for her.
They do not have a ONS the first night because the hero doesn’t “do” virgins. But when he invites her to his home in Venice and then arranges a private meeting with a master glass blower, the two succumb to their passion.
When hero dashes out in morning for pastries, the heroine checks her phone and finds out about the connection to the hero’s seduction and his need for revenge.
She leaves with cold words and the priceless crystal statue of a lover’s first kiss.
Three months later the hero is looking for the heroine and even contacts his enemy to find out her name. With that encounter with his enemy in Sicily, he is able to put his parent’s marriage and his mother’s behavior into context. Revenge is now over.
Heroine contacts him the same day to tell him about her pregnancy.
The hero tries to be business-like, but within two days together they have sorted out their differences for an HEA.
I really liked this one. Hero was awful because it had been a habit so long. Same with heroine and her cold demeanor. Their times together showed their growing love and understanding of each other – not just sex scenes. The Italian settings were wonderful.
Just a nice HP all around.
They do not have a ONS the first night because the hero doesn’t “do” virgins. But when he invites her to his home in Venice and then arranges a private meeting with a master glass blower, the two succumb to their passion.
When hero dashes out in morning for pastries, the heroine checks her phone and finds out about the connection to the hero’s seduction and his need for revenge.
She leaves with cold words and the priceless crystal statue of a lover’s first kiss.
Three months later the hero is looking for the heroine and even contacts his enemy to find out her name. With that encounter with his enemy in Sicily, he is able to put his parent’s marriage and his mother’s behavior into context. Revenge is now over.
Heroine contacts him the same day to tell him about her pregnancy.
The hero tries to be business-like, but within two days together they have sorted out their differences for an HEA.
I really liked this one. Hero was awful because it had been a habit so long. Same with heroine and her cold demeanor. Their times together showed their growing love and understanding of each other – not just sex scenes. The Italian settings were wonderful.
Just a nice HP all around.
February 7, 2017
Do I even dare attempt to read this authors book.
ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin for an honest review.
Well I need to start off by saying this Author surprised me and in a good way.
We open with our hero, Raul DiSavo at the funeral of his Mother. It's a scene filled with angst, heart ache and anger. His father was not in attendance but his mother's suppose "lover" was. And that only added to the drama and angst as it was Raul's best friend growing up. The two families were suppose to be rivals but the forged a friendship. But the betrayal was too much for Raul and when he learns Bastiano was in attendance Raul could not contain his anger or hurt any longer. Raul and Bastiano come to blows with some physical as well as emotional scars they will carry for life.
Years later we find Raul at a Hotel Restaurant having breakfast. He is considering purchasing the five star Hotel when he observes an older, obnoxious man sitting a couple tables away. He's disgusted by the man treatment of the waiter and staff. And then in walks a beautiful and regal young woman that Raul notices and is drawn too immediately. Unfortunately she sits down to breakfast with the obnoxious man and Raul dismisses her as he's revolted by her company. But a name in their conversations catches Raul's attention, Bastiano.
Lydia is having breakfast with her step-father and put off by is request. She can't believe he's manipulating her to have dinner with this wealthy playboy. And Lydia is picking up on some underlining message that her step-father is requesting, surly he's not suggesting she sleep with this playboy if need be to save the family home???
Lydia is a strong young women who's tried to help her mother and step-father with their business of event planning at the castle/home. She is somewhat of a people pleaser and seeks her mothers love and approval, but yet tries to be independent and her own person. But lately she's been dissatisfied with where her life is going and where it's been, she's ready to step out on her own.
When Lydia stepped into the restaurant for breakfast with her stepfather she couldn't help but notice the very handsome man sitting a couple tables away. Lydia refuses her stepfathers request that she have dinner with Bastiano and leaves the restaurant. When she steps outside she's halted by the handsome gentleman, he was concerned because she seemed upset as he over heard some of her conversation with her stepfather. He asks if she would like to go to breakfast and she left so hastily and missed the meal and she decided to accept his invitation.
And as you probably guessed or surmised Raul wants revenge and Lydia might just be the key or avenue to Bastiano. Lydia is ready for an new start or a different path and Raul might just be her start down that road.
And so begins their love story. I have to say these two characters had depth, were multiply layered and they had some major chemistry too boot. I find them both very likable and strong. Lydia had back bone but yet came across and sweet too. Raul was a alpha male with some angst added on to make a very likable hero. As their relationship seems physically at first it does blossom into a emotional one with a heart. Their secrets that become revealed, past hurst each is carrying, as well a trust issues that need to be overcome/revealed. This story had it all for sure, angst, chemistry, sexual tension, revenge and redemption, pregnancy and finally love and romance.
ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin for an honest review.
Well I need to start off by saying this Author surprised me and in a good way.
We open with our hero, Raul DiSavo at the funeral of his Mother. It's a scene filled with angst, heart ache and anger. His father was not in attendance but his mother's suppose "lover" was. And that only added to the drama and angst as it was Raul's best friend growing up. The two families were suppose to be rivals but the forged a friendship. But the betrayal was too much for Raul and when he learns Bastiano was in attendance Raul could not contain his anger or hurt any longer. Raul and Bastiano come to blows with some physical as well as emotional scars they will carry for life.
Years later we find Raul at a Hotel Restaurant having breakfast. He is considering purchasing the five star Hotel when he observes an older, obnoxious man sitting a couple tables away. He's disgusted by the man treatment of the waiter and staff. And then in walks a beautiful and regal young woman that Raul notices and is drawn too immediately. Unfortunately she sits down to breakfast with the obnoxious man and Raul dismisses her as he's revolted by her company. But a name in their conversations catches Raul's attention, Bastiano.
Lydia is having breakfast with her step-father and put off by is request. She can't believe he's manipulating her to have dinner with this wealthy playboy. And Lydia is picking up on some underlining message that her step-father is requesting, surly he's not suggesting she sleep with this playboy if need be to save the family home???
Lydia is a strong young women who's tried to help her mother and step-father with their business of event planning at the castle/home. She is somewhat of a people pleaser and seeks her mothers love and approval, but yet tries to be independent and her own person. But lately she's been dissatisfied with where her life is going and where it's been, she's ready to step out on her own.
When Lydia stepped into the restaurant for breakfast with her stepfather she couldn't help but notice the very handsome man sitting a couple tables away. Lydia refuses her stepfathers request that she have dinner with Bastiano and leaves the restaurant. When she steps outside she's halted by the handsome gentleman, he was concerned because she seemed upset as he over heard some of her conversation with her stepfather. He asks if she would like to go to breakfast and she left so hastily and missed the meal and she decided to accept his invitation.
And as you probably guessed or surmised Raul wants revenge and Lydia might just be the key or avenue to Bastiano. Lydia is ready for an new start or a different path and Raul might just be her start down that road.
And so begins their love story. I have to say these two characters had depth, were multiply layered and they had some major chemistry too boot. I find them both very likable and strong. Lydia had back bone but yet came across and sweet too. Raul was a alpha male with some angst added on to make a very likable hero. As their relationship seems physically at first it does blossom into a emotional one with a heart. Their secrets that become revealed, past hurst each is carrying, as well a trust issues that need to be overcome/revealed. This story had it all for sure, angst, chemistry, sexual tension, revenge and redemption, pregnancy and finally love and romance.
March 1, 2018
There was potencial for this to become a 5-star read but no, still I enjoyed it a lot.
I don't think it influences my takes on Harleyland but I'm practicing myalcohol resistance for the coming carnival in my home town (starts tomorrow). Anyway...
Where to start? Well, what Esther said.
I'll just adda couple of some things. Firstly, how poor is my-step-father-is-trying-to-pimp-me in Harleyland? I mean, she claims through the book that she's been slaving herself at the castle and she has no actual salary, plus her sad story of the posh school trip and having to go to the slum school after that and blah blah. Again I ask, how poor is poor for her? Because she went shopping and to the salon to have her hair done in Rome... and I don't think she went to the favela's equivalent, right? It's not fair she earns more with her not-a-salary than I do with my salary 😔
My envy aside... I really really liked his romantic gestures so his using her for revenge didn't feel as bad as it could have.
After the bomb exploded, she knew how to hurt him but sadly she didn't, not even a little bit. Yes, he was miserable without her but that was HIS doing, not hers.
About his throwing lawyery threats at her... I felt it more like a tantrum than real threats but you know I'm more forgiving, plus I could have recommended her my dad if he kept on with that for a second day.
On another note, the H's previous liaisons were always ONS, but from the moment he met the h he had eyes for no-one else. THAT is what makes me forgive his piggy past. But...
I don't think it influences my takes on Harleyland but I'm practicing my
Where to start? Well, what Esther said.
I'll just add
My envy aside... I really really liked his romantic gestures so his using her for revenge didn't feel as bad as it could have.
After the bomb exploded, she knew how to hurt him but sadly she didn't, not even a little bit. Yes, he was miserable without her but that was HIS doing, not hers.
About his throwing lawyery threats at her... I felt it more like a tantrum than real threats but you know I'm more forgiving, plus I could have recommended her my dad if he kept on with that for a second day.
On another note, the H's previous liaisons were always ONS, but from the moment he met the h he had eyes for no-one else. THAT is what makes me forgive his piggy past. But...
April 23, 2017
1. THERE WAS NO SECRET BABY!
2. The way he acted when he learned about the baby went through chills down my spine. He was an ex spouse from horror movies. What nightmares are made of. He was cruel and calculative. He flaunted money and lawyers and fro the word go he implicated he was there for the baby and not her and he'd have a life without her so she's not welcome at his place when the baby's with him. Way to kick a woman when she's hormonal. She may have appeared as a gold digger. But she at no point asked for money, rather she asked him not to give any. He was desperately looking for her yet when she found him he decided to do a 180, yeah that sat SO WELL with me that I felt sick!
3. Very convenient that AFTER HIS lies are revealed HE decides to forgive her and decides everything should be peachy and wants her in his life and suddenly he was looking for her all along FOR herself. NOT for the baby. Even though the notion was there, he killed it with all the threats of lawyer and all the notions of OWs and I don't trust him anymore, pity she decided to at the end.
4. He didn't forgive HER, yet he decided he's forgiven on her behalf for his lies when it was reveal. It was like he was relieved. Oh it's not her fault, it's mine. So now we can be together, because if it was her fault there was no way in hell I would've forgiven the bitch and taken her back in my life but now that it's my fault what other option does she have? Of course she'll forgive me. I'll force, coerce and manipulate just like before. I only followed her because of revenge. I took interest in her because of revenge. I slept with her because of revenge and partly because she was a virgin and I only want her because of the baby. But all this should translate to her that I love her because I bought her the statue dammit. And I have done nothing to redeem myself other than drag her halfway across the world and threaten her with lawyers, but I deserve the forgiveness because I am an alpha male, but if it was her, she would not have deserved the forgiveness! Misogyny at it's best. Seriously this was basically it. The HEA only happened because he realised HE screwed up not HER. Until that point there was NO notion of HEA. While he thought SHE was guilty he was determined of getting the baby's custody. The moment he realised she was innocent but HE has fucked up big time the whole thing change and he didn't even pause to think she might just want joint custody and just like he was thinking she has a right not to forgive him? Pursue her ALL you want, but acknowledge that you don't deserve it for at least for a second?
Sorry, but no. This was not a love story. This was a one night stand. Shit happens. Move on woman. And keep that shit away from your baby. Blackmail, threaten, manipulate, do whatever you want to. But that scum, doesn't deserve to be a father. Run for your fucking life and grow some backbone!
2. The way he acted when he learned about the baby went through chills down my spine. He was an ex spouse from horror movies. What nightmares are made of. He was cruel and calculative. He flaunted money and lawyers and fro the word go he implicated he was there for the baby and not her and he'd have a life without her so she's not welcome at his place when the baby's with him. Way to kick a woman when she's hormonal. She may have appeared as a gold digger. But she at no point asked for money, rather she asked him not to give any. He was desperately looking for her yet when she found him he decided to do a 180, yeah that sat SO WELL with me that I felt sick!
3. Very convenient that AFTER HIS lies are revealed HE decides to forgive her and decides everything should be peachy and wants her in his life and suddenly he was looking for her all along FOR herself. NOT for the baby. Even though the notion was there, he killed it with all the threats of lawyer and all the notions of OWs and I don't trust him anymore, pity she decided to at the end.
4. He didn't forgive HER, yet he decided he's forgiven on her behalf for his lies when it was reveal. It was like he was relieved. Oh it's not her fault, it's mine. So now we can be together, because if it was her fault there was no way in hell I would've forgiven the bitch and taken her back in my life but now that it's my fault what other option does she have? Of course she'll forgive me. I'll force, coerce and manipulate just like before. I only followed her because of revenge. I took interest in her because of revenge. I slept with her because of revenge and partly because she was a virgin and I only want her because of the baby. But all this should translate to her that I love her because I bought her the statue dammit. And I have done nothing to redeem myself other than drag her halfway across the world and threaten her with lawyers, but I deserve the forgiveness because I am an alpha male, but if it was her, she would not have deserved the forgiveness! Misogyny at it's best. Seriously this was basically it. The HEA only happened because he realised HE screwed up not HER. Until that point there was NO notion of HEA. While he thought SHE was guilty he was determined of getting the baby's custody. The moment he realised she was innocent but HE has fucked up big time the whole thing change and he didn't even pause to think she might just want joint custody and just like he was thinking she has a right not to forgive him? Pursue her ALL you want, but acknowledge that you don't deserve it for at least for a second?
Sorry, but no. This was not a love story. This was a one night stand. Shit happens. Move on woman. And keep that shit away from your baby. Blackmail, threaten, manipulate, do whatever you want to. But that scum, doesn't deserve to be a father. Run for your fucking life and grow some backbone!
May 25, 2022
***4.5 Stars***
I read this again today 5-8-19 and loved it even more than the first time. Loved the secret baby trope and loved it even more that he loved her for who she was and not for the baby.
This is the best book so far in the 'Billionaires & One-Night Heirs' series and I have read three to date. When I read them in 2017 they weren't marked as part of a series so I do wish I had known so I could have read them in order.
This book is about Raul who had a rough childhood. His mother went from one affair to another and she taught him how to lie effectively so his father wouldn't find out what she was doing during the day while he was at work. His father was physically abusive and Raul had a back covered in scars to show for it. Bastiano was Raul's childhood friend and they were close like brothers. While Raul was away at school his mother seduced his best friend and thus the beginning of an illicit affair. Raul was furious when he found out and now thinks about getting revenge on Bastiano.
Raul has done extremely well for himself and has amassed a fortune well over a billion dollars. He is a major playboy but when he runs into a beautiful woman at the hotel where he's staying he is drawn to her and she to him. His eyes are closed to other women throughout the rest of the story. It was her and only her. Lydia is a lovely woman but is used terribly by her family. Because of her father's mismanagement of the castle they own she was a laughing stock all throughout her schooling years. No one liked her for herself. They bullied her something awful. Her mother and step-father only loved her when she would do as she was told. Her father passed away and now her step-father is trying to sell her off to Bastiano.
Raul has a few rules in his life:
1. Never fall in love!
2. Never get married!
3. Never have children!
4. And finally, never ask a woman to stay more than one-night.
His hook-ups were always clear-cut one-night stands, he tells us...and that's all he would do. Period!
But he began to feel differently about Lydia after a day and night together and she stayed a second night, as well. While Raul went to pick up breakfast he did some thinking and decided to ask her to stay awhile. But while he was away her step-father called to tell her that Raul was only with her to use her to exact his revenge against Bastaino since Bastiano wanted Lydia, too. So, as soon as he returns he notices a distinct change in her and she quickly fled with a broken heart. Little did either of them know that Lydia left with a little bundle tucked safely inside. It has bugged him to death that she had fled the way she did because now he was sure something had happened but had no idea what. He's been trying to find her. Unfortunately, he doesn't know her surname but alas he begins to figure out where she may be.
I loved this story and I really like Raul as a hero. Thank goodness we didn't have to hear any details about his prior sexual conquests or his brief affair with his Personal Assistant who he continued to employ as his PA. It helped that she was now happily married but I would not have been thrilled if my significant other still employed a former lover as his personal assistant. They worked closely together, often. One night they didn't close out the day until after midnight but there seemed to be no hanky-panky going on.
The first half of the story movied slowly, but it picks up the pace at 50%. I definitely recommend this book.
I read this again today 5-8-19 and loved it even more than the first time. Loved the secret baby trope and loved it even more that he loved her for who she was and not for the baby.
This is the best book so far in the 'Billionaires & One-Night Heirs' series and I have read three to date. When I read them in 2017 they weren't marked as part of a series so I do wish I had known so I could have read them in order.
This book is about Raul who had a rough childhood. His mother went from one affair to another and she taught him how to lie effectively so his father wouldn't find out what she was doing during the day while he was at work. His father was physically abusive and Raul had a back covered in scars to show for it. Bastiano was Raul's childhood friend and they were close like brothers. While Raul was away at school his mother seduced his best friend and thus the beginning of an illicit affair. Raul was furious when he found out and now thinks about getting revenge on Bastiano.
Raul has done extremely well for himself and has amassed a fortune well over a billion dollars. He is a major playboy but when he runs into a beautiful woman at the hotel where he's staying he is drawn to her and she to him. His eyes are closed to other women throughout the rest of the story. It was her and only her. Lydia is a lovely woman but is used terribly by her family. Because of her father's mismanagement of the castle they own she was a laughing stock all throughout her schooling years. No one liked her for herself. They bullied her something awful. Her mother and step-father only loved her when she would do as she was told. Her father passed away and now her step-father is trying to sell her off to Bastiano.
Raul has a few rules in his life:
1. Never fall in love!
2. Never get married!
3. Never have children!
4. And finally, never ask a woman to stay more than one-night.
His hook-ups were always clear-cut one-night stands, he tells us...and that's all he would do. Period!
But he began to feel differently about Lydia after a day and night together and she stayed a second night, as well. While Raul went to pick up breakfast he did some thinking and decided to ask her to stay awhile. But while he was away her step-father called to tell her that Raul was only with her to use her to exact his revenge against Bastaino since Bastiano wanted Lydia, too. So, as soon as he returns he notices a distinct change in her and she quickly fled with a broken heart. Little did either of them know that Lydia left with a little bundle tucked safely inside. It has bugged him to death that she had fled the way she did because now he was sure something had happened but had no idea what. He's been trying to find her. Unfortunately, he doesn't know her surname but alas he begins to figure out where she may be.
I loved this story and I really like Raul as a hero. Thank goodness we didn't have to hear any details about his prior sexual conquests or his brief affair with his Personal Assistant who he continued to employ as his PA. It helped that she was now happily married but I would not have been thrilled if my significant other still employed a former lover as his personal assistant. They worked closely together, often. One night they didn't close out the day until after midnight but there seemed to be no hanky-panky going on.
The first half of the story movied slowly, but it picks up the pace at 50%. I definitely recommend this book.
February 10, 2017
I am not a fan of this author but I liked this story. It had all my favorite Harlequin Presents tropes. Virginal strong heroine, playboy rich hero, hero using heroine for revenge and an unexpected pregnancy. I loved Lydia. She was a sweetheart. She was innocent but she was strong and she always tried to please her mother and her asshole stepfather even though they didn't deserve her. Raul is a man-whore. He doesn't do relationships nor does he want marriage or kids. He is a cynical alpha hero. But of course in the epilogue he becomes a doting adoring father. Lydia and his baby daughter totally melted his heart and mine. This is what I crave when I read a Harlequin Presents. A sweet romantic read!
September 25, 2017
Yawn. This storyline had so much potential but the execution of it left me bored. The author included my fav tropes like hot hero and virginal heroine but I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. Raul was such a fucked up little momma's boy, who couldn't see that his dead slut mother was a big old cunt who seduced his best friend. Btw, the 'baby' in the title wasn't even relevant for the first three quarters of the novel 😐
March 3, 2017
This is wicked romantic. Swooooooooony! Loved the romantic Italian setting...Marinelli really made the most of this setting, especially with the glass-blowing in Venice. I loved the super intense and emotional black moment, the resolution, and the epilogue. All perfection.
Very well done.
Very well done.
December 4, 2017
The Innocent's Secret Baby was just ok. This was a hookup trope romance which didn't have a convincing turn into true romance mainly because the hero wasn't ruthless in getting and keeping the heroine. He let her go! So I didn't buy the sudden love when the heroine and hero reconnected.
July 22, 2019
"The Innocent's Secret Baby" is the story of Lydia and Raul.
Low angst romance between a scarred hero and a neglected heroine. There is instant attraction, romantic nights in Rome, sweet deflowering, revelation drama, unexpected pregnancy, jealousy, groveling and HEA.
It was a good one time read.
Safe
3/5
Low angst romance between a scarred hero and a neglected heroine. There is instant attraction, romantic nights in Rome, sweet deflowering, revelation drama, unexpected pregnancy, jealousy, groveling and HEA.
It was a good one time read.
Safe
3/5
March 26, 2018
it's boring, no secret baby, and the story a little bit forced
March 18, 2017
Gorgeous romance – emotional and evocative keeper!
The intense hero and heroine interaction of the first half–together with the intense conflict–held my attention and I didn’t want to put it down even then. Raul, the tortured hero, is gorgeous and yummy and I fell for him the same way Lydia did. The heroine, Lydia, is lovely and easy to identify with and root for.
Oh, and Rome!
Marinelli’s gorgeous voice is showcased to perfection; from how the love scenes are un-skippable and unique to the characters, and how they’re interwoven with emotion, conflict and characterisation; from the deep emotion and how the universal emotions experienced have to resonate at some level with the reader; and her unique take on conflict, and…
One of my pet peeves is where the hero and heroine are about to do or say something important. And are only prevented from doing so by interruption of the phone or another character arriving at a vital moment. I think heroes and heroines should decide to stop or not stop etc without the decision conveniently taken out of their hands to serve the dictates of plot. So I LOVED it when the telephone wasn’t allowed to interruptus and how Marinelli played with it and then when it did, it didn’t get in the way of their decisions/motivations.
Oh, and the Venice scenes sigh are romance personified. Atmospheric Venice, Murano glass, gondolas. Lydia and Raul’s romance matched the romance and sensuality and atmosphere of the setting and the one enhanced the other.
One of only a couple of slight blips for me was
But this, and suspending my disbelief everso slightly over another crucial plot point, didn’t tarnish any of the stars of this five star plus read. Even when Lydia and Raul are apart it doesn’t affect the perfect pacing or fail to hold my attention, which was riveted on how they would be able to remake something so precious, their relationship beautifully embodied in the work of art that . If I haven’t already mentioned, I adored the deep emotion, characterisation and the uniqueness of their romance, and cried as Raul confronted his past, because of Lydia, and when they were mending their relationship.
Received from NetGalley & Harlequin , but I’m going to buy my own print copy for my keeper shelves once I’ve tracked down if Gabi and Salim get their own story. And what about Bastiano – who my heart has already broken a little bit for.
http://suechild.co.uk/post/1576946156...
The intense hero and heroine interaction of the first half–together with the intense conflict–held my attention and I didn’t want to put it down even then. Raul, the tortured hero, is gorgeous and yummy and I fell for him the same way Lydia did. The heroine, Lydia, is lovely and easy to identify with and root for.
Oh, and Rome!
Marinelli’s gorgeous voice is showcased to perfection; from how the love scenes are un-skippable and unique to the characters, and how they’re interwoven with emotion, conflict and characterisation; from the deep emotion and how the universal emotions experienced have to resonate at some level with the reader; and her unique take on conflict, and…
One of my pet peeves is where the hero and heroine are about to do or say something important. And are only prevented from doing so by interruption of the phone or another character arriving at a vital moment. I think heroes and heroines should decide to stop or not stop etc without the decision conveniently taken out of their hands to serve the dictates of plot. So I LOVED it when the telephone wasn’t allowed to interruptus and how Marinelli played with it and then when it did, it didn’t get in the way of their decisions/motivations.
Oh, and the Venice scenes sigh are romance personified. Atmospheric Venice, Murano glass, gondolas. Lydia and Raul’s romance matched the romance and sensuality and atmosphere of the setting and the one enhanced the other.
One of only a couple of slight blips for me was
But this, and suspending my disbelief everso slightly over another crucial plot point, didn’t tarnish any of the stars of this five star plus read. Even when Lydia and Raul are apart it doesn’t affect the perfect pacing or fail to hold my attention, which was riveted on how they would be able to remake something so precious, their relationship beautifully embodied in the work of art that . If I haven’t already mentioned, I adored the deep emotion, characterisation and the uniqueness of their romance, and cried as Raul confronted his past, because of Lydia, and when they were mending their relationship.
Received from NetGalley & Harlequin , but I’m going to buy my own print copy for my keeper shelves once I’ve tracked down if Gabi and Salim get their own story. And what about Bastiano – who my heart has already broken a little bit for.
http://suechild.co.uk/post/1576946156...
January 17, 2019
When this author is good I really like her stories. This one was lovely. There was your usual OTT HP melodrama and misunderstandings and such. But for me it had a little something different. The way the hero responded to the heroine's pregnancy was different. He didn't immediately jump to the "whelp you'll have to marry me" stance that is common for this trope. I liked the heroine. She was a poor little rich (or ex rich) girl who was way more naïve than she should have been. All in all I liked it and will continue to search out this author's gems.
March 10, 2017
I absolutely love Carol Marinelli's writing! Lydia and and Raul's story was perfect!
September 17, 2021
A ruthless billionaire...
When Sicilian tycoon Raul Di Savo meets Lydia Hayward, it's not only her cool elegance he desires--seducing Lydia will also deny his lifelong rival's bid for her body...
An innocent in peril...
Desperate to escape being sold to a stranger, Lydia turns to Raul--he promises her only one night, but his expert touch awakens her to pleasure she cannot resist!
A nine-month consequence!
Discovering she's a pawn in Raul's game of revenge, Lydia leaves...until she realizes an unexpected consequence will bind her to Raul forever! (less)
When Sicilian tycoon Raul Di Savo meets Lydia Hayward, it's not only her cool elegance he desires--seducing Lydia will also deny his lifelong rival's bid for her body...
An innocent in peril...
Desperate to escape being sold to a stranger, Lydia turns to Raul--he promises her only one night, but his expert touch awakens her to pleasure she cannot resist!
A nine-month consequence!
Discovering she's a pawn in Raul's game of revenge, Lydia leaves...until she realizes an unexpected consequence will bind her to Raul forever! (less)
April 24, 2024
could’ve been better
I really REALLY love secret baby trope and it’s one of the only reasons that I will continue to read hp romances (it certainly isn’t for the tepid, lackluster, bland smexy times which are always ruined by condoms)
So when I saw this on sale, I grabbed it. And I feel like it could’ve been a 5 star read (for an HP) IF the author hadn’t woken up and chosen stupidity.
Like—
The totally gross and unnecessary OW sliminess. The hero has a female PA and it’s said he slept with her once, ages ago. I’m sorry, I don’t care if it’s a hundred years ago, I don’t want my heroes being in close daily proximity with sleazy skanks they once rutted. And I found it particularly loathsome and offensive that the heroine is inflicted with the presence of her man’s discarded cum dump. Noooooo, absolutely not!! The heroine should never be insulted by having to be faced with a woman who has seen her man naked. Truly disgusting and grotesque and for this alone I knocked off two stars.
I also didn’t like that it wasn’t explicitly stated that the hero has been faithful to heroine since separation (3 months). Nothing is mentioned at all if he’s kept his dick out of other women and this uncertainty left me with the ick.
I loved the heroine in this one; she was classy and dignified and despite the constant emotional beatings she got, she kept her head held high. It’s for her alone that I’m giving this 3 stars.
Also this wasn’t exactly a “secret” baby. It’s more accidental, and the heroine tells the hero almost right away she’s preggers.
Not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned ad nauseum to the point I was nauseous. Faithfulness during separation unknown. Sleazy discarded cum dump OW works for hero and heroine is subjected to her presence. Very minor OM. No abuse or sharing. HEA with epilogue a few months out.
I really REALLY love secret baby trope and it’s one of the only reasons that I will continue to read hp romances (it certainly isn’t for the tepid, lackluster, bland smexy times which are always ruined by condoms)
So when I saw this on sale, I grabbed it. And I feel like it could’ve been a 5 star read (for an HP) IF the author hadn’t woken up and chosen stupidity.
Like—
The totally gross and unnecessary OW sliminess. The hero has a female PA and it’s said he slept with her once, ages ago. I’m sorry, I don’t care if it’s a hundred years ago, I don’t want my heroes being in close daily proximity with sleazy skanks they once rutted. And I found it particularly loathsome and offensive that the heroine is inflicted with the presence of her man’s discarded cum dump. Noooooo, absolutely not!! The heroine should never be insulted by having to be faced with a woman who has seen her man naked. Truly disgusting and grotesque and for this alone I knocked off two stars.
I also didn’t like that it wasn’t explicitly stated that the hero has been faithful to heroine since separation (3 months). Nothing is mentioned at all if he’s kept his dick out of other women and this uncertainty left me with the ick.
I loved the heroine in this one; she was classy and dignified and despite the constant emotional beatings she got, she kept her head held high. It’s for her alone that I’m giving this 3 stars.
Also this wasn’t exactly a “secret” baby. It’s more accidental, and the heroine tells the hero almost right away she’s preggers.
Not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned ad nauseum to the point I was nauseous. Faithfulness during separation unknown. Sleazy discarded cum dump OW works for hero and heroine is subjected to her presence. Very minor OM. No abuse or sharing. HEA with epilogue a few months out.
March 17, 2017
I was surprised but in a good way! !! Ioved this , loved the heroine's innocence and strength .The hero was sexy ,alpha and damaged .
March 31, 2017
Venice and a billionaire. What more could you want?
Oh wow fantasy is alive and well in my reading room tonight! Moonlight ride in a gondola, the bridge of sighs, handsome billionaire and a virgin!!! Romance romance romance. There is a scene in this book where the main characters were watching a glass maker in Murano and it was hot!!!! Carol Marinelli described it so beautifully that I felt it. It was better than the sex scenes and they were hot too but I just loved that scene. It was erotic and so unusual I loved it. I love secret babies but really it wasn't like the normal ones. He finds out from her before the baby is even born. He was a good Hero too. He had some a$$hat moments but really he was hot. He made it good at the end. Very romantic story. Now I want to read about the Sheik and Bastiano. They both need their own book for sure. Please?
Oh wow fantasy is alive and well in my reading room tonight! Moonlight ride in a gondola, the bridge of sighs, handsome billionaire and a virgin!!! Romance romance romance. There is a scene in this book where the main characters were watching a glass maker in Murano and it was hot!!!! Carol Marinelli described it so beautifully that I felt it. It was better than the sex scenes and they were hot too but I just loved that scene. It was erotic and so unusual I loved it. I love secret babies but really it wasn't like the normal ones. He finds out from her before the baby is even born. He was a good Hero too. He had some a$$hat moments but really he was hot. He made it good at the end. Very romantic story. Now I want to read about the Sheik and Bastiano. They both need their own book for sure. Please?
May 11, 2017
Read in one sitting, I couldn't put Raul and Lydia's story down for a variety of reasons.
The story was intense and had me on the edge of my seat. The locations and setting was beautiful and the storytelling was unique. It was written differently to what I was used to and I think this is what made the story intense for me. Raul was quite intense and Lydia was like a flower starting to bloom, Raul being her sunlight.
Throw in a good mixture of revenge and I was hooked! I loved the glassblowing and I really liked the stubborn side of Raul because it made the read all the more interesting.
Hearty congrats to Carol Marinelli for reaching 100, I'm a long time fan and enjoy every read!
Thank you Netgalley
The story was intense and had me on the edge of my seat. The locations and setting was beautiful and the storytelling was unique. It was written differently to what I was used to and I think this is what made the story intense for me. Raul was quite intense and Lydia was like a flower starting to bloom, Raul being her sunlight.
Throw in a good mixture of revenge and I was hooked! I loved the glassblowing and I really liked the stubborn side of Raul because it made the read all the more interesting.
Hearty congrats to Carol Marinelli for reaching 100, I'm a long time fan and enjoy every read!
Thank you Netgalley
March 11, 2017
Woohoo what a doozy of a story this one is I loved the setting and the chemistry between Sicilian Tycoon Raul Di Savo and innocent Britain Lydia Hayward this one is a one sitting read and the hero and heroine light up the pages with passion and a vulnerability that will have you turning the pages.
Lydia is in Rome to help her mother and step father with saving the family castle in England and she is being pushed towards a very handsome man but Lydia is not keen at all to help she is not drawn to Bastiano, but caring and doing what is expected of her is all she has done her whole life but that is going to change when she meets the strong gorgeous Raul whom she is so drawn to sparks are going to fly in more ways than one.
Raul has led his life with revenge in the background always trying to do one better than his nemesis and when by chance over hearing a conversation he goes after the prize and what a prize she is beautiful innocent and he is so drawn to her he is the one night stand type of guy nothing serious for him but this time his heart has fallen big time to this woman who is not going to be walked all over.
This is a fabulous story as these two people come to realize that love is what they need and that a passionate night together leaves a consequence that will bring them back together for the best HEA. This one is a sensual moving and emotional journey that had me smiling and tearing up I loved Lydia the strength that she shows and Raul is just the best when he gives in to love. Woohoo MS Marinelli on your 100th book and one that I can highly recommend way to go.
Lydia is in Rome to help her mother and step father with saving the family castle in England and she is being pushed towards a very handsome man but Lydia is not keen at all to help she is not drawn to Bastiano, but caring and doing what is expected of her is all she has done her whole life but that is going to change when she meets the strong gorgeous Raul whom she is so drawn to sparks are going to fly in more ways than one.
Raul has led his life with revenge in the background always trying to do one better than his nemesis and when by chance over hearing a conversation he goes after the prize and what a prize she is beautiful innocent and he is so drawn to her he is the one night stand type of guy nothing serious for him but this time his heart has fallen big time to this woman who is not going to be walked all over.
This is a fabulous story as these two people come to realize that love is what they need and that a passionate night together leaves a consequence that will bring them back together for the best HEA. This one is a sensual moving and emotional journey that had me smiling and tearing up I loved Lydia the strength that she shows and Raul is just the best when he gives in to love. Woohoo MS Marinelli on your 100th book and one that I can highly recommend way to go.
July 8, 2017
It's an interesting and entertaining book if not taken too seriously.
The reason why it can't be taken seriously is because the hero (Raul) is seeking after revenge over an issue which doesn't make sense. When you get to know the reason of the revenge you'd think whose fault was it? Who should take responsibility? Without giving away much courts of law would have a different view one- since a minor (under 18), the other a married adult. So it's very silly Raul thinks the way he does, and claims for revenge. However in the end he does come round. Sort of.
I'm interested to know if Bastiano's story will be told. He seems he'll be a much cooler and collected hero. Maybe even the Sultan with Gabi the wedding planner. So plenty of little gems for new stories in this book.
The reason why it can't be taken seriously is because the hero (Raul) is seeking after revenge over an issue which doesn't make sense. When you get to know the reason of the revenge you'd think whose fault was it? Who should take responsibility? Without giving away much courts of law would have a different view one- since a minor (under 18), the other a married adult. So it's very silly Raul thinks the way he does, and claims for revenge. However in the end he does come round. Sort of.
I'm interested to know if Bastiano's story will be told. He seems he'll be a much cooler and collected hero. Maybe even the Sultan with Gabi the wedding planner. So plenty of little gems for new stories in this book.
April 23, 2017
3.5 stars
The last third of the book made worth reading this book and even made me debate whether to give it a four stars. If the emotional intensity, angst, and tension was present throughout and weaved more through the book then I would have given this book a different. The last third of the book was just so good and I really started getting into it. It was just really good. There were just so many feels going on. I hurt for her and just all that pain that she experienced and tried to hide from Raul and how much it hurt her that she thought he used her for his gain. I was so glad that was explored, and was really a punch to the gut.
Really the story picked up when Raul and Lydia went to Venice together. Their romance really build and grew from that. And it was so romantic and beautiful. I could see them growing to care about one another and starting to fall in love. It was just really nice to see him romance her. I really liked that. And the setting was just beautiful so it was hard not to go along with the romance with them.
The problem that I had for a majority of the book was that I wasn't interested nor was I invested in the story. It was kind of boring and fell flat for me. The pieces were there but the execution was not. It had a lot of a potential but didn't deliver. It could have been really emotional and intense especially with the setup, but it wasn't. I kind of skimmed through a lot of it. Just I didn't connect with the characters or their story early on. There was just something missing for me.
The love scenes they had though were passionate and were definitely the highlight of the story. That was really the only place I saw their connection to one another even though it was just a physical one. It made me believe that they had something going on between them. I wish there were a couple more detailed scenes just to show their connection and how it grew over time, but I did enjoy their first time together. That was where for the first time I felt their connection and bond together. It was a nice moment between them, and I wanted more of those type of scenes between them.
Even though I did enjoy the love scenes, some of it was hard to follow with how it was written. I understand that the author was using metaphors and trying not to explicit by toning down the language, but it was hard to tell some of the action that was going on. Generally I knew what was happening and what was going on, but at the same time I didn't know who was touching who and where they were touching. It was a bunch of euphemisms going on. I didn't need overly explicit where it was bordering on erotica, but I needed a bit more than I got. The Presents style of passionate scenes. I wanted a picture in my head of the scene, but it was a little difficult.
I wish more of the last third of the book was expanded to the rest of the book. What I mean I wish they had their Venice trip happen early with his intent to romance her in the name of revenge then she found out the truth then the book could have taken off from there. They would have reunited with lots of messy and complicated emotions going on as they both came to terms with their feelings and their relationship. A lot of that could have been explored and been the crux of the story. Then it would have been much, much better. I would have been more intrigued and interested in that story. The other two thirds of this book could have been skipped or condensed so it could get to the meat of it. I get it was all about the setup and getting to know the characters, but it just needed to be more interesting and less flat, and it was.
Also I felt that the ending was really rushed. All the conflict that they had between them was resolved with a snap of fingers. It was like if I blinked it was over. I wasn't totally convinced that he was in love with her quite yet. Did Raul care deeply for her? Absolutely. But love I am not so sure. There was just a lack of exploration on the emotional front where it made it believable. I needed more of that. I wanted to feel more in that front. I needed it.
With that being said the last third was the best part. And even though the ending was a little too rushed for my taste I did enjoy that more than the first half, which was flat. There wasn't a lot going on emotionally to back up this love story. It was there but only in a cursory way. There was no digging deep beneath the surface and this book desperately needed that. There just needed to be more. More angst. More intensity. Just more emotionally. Then it would have been so much better. When I was really getting into it, I felt was just scratching the surface and needed to go farther and be the majority part of the story instead of what was there.
I will say what I was more curious about was the secondary characters because there was much potential there. Salim and Gabi really have me intrigued as does Raul's rival. They just feel like they are books in the making. I wonder if they have books because there seems to be stories to be told there.
The last third of the book made worth reading this book and even made me debate whether to give it a four stars. If the emotional intensity, angst, and tension was present throughout and weaved more through the book then I would have given this book a different. The last third of the book was just so good and I really started getting into it. It was just really good. There were just so many feels going on. I hurt for her and just all that pain that she experienced and tried to hide from Raul and how much it hurt her that she thought he used her for his gain. I was so glad that was explored, and was really a punch to the gut.
Really the story picked up when Raul and Lydia went to Venice together. Their romance really build and grew from that. And it was so romantic and beautiful. I could see them growing to care about one another and starting to fall in love. It was just really nice to see him romance her. I really liked that. And the setting was just beautiful so it was hard not to go along with the romance with them.
The problem that I had for a majority of the book was that I wasn't interested nor was I invested in the story. It was kind of boring and fell flat for me. The pieces were there but the execution was not. It had a lot of a potential but didn't deliver. It could have been really emotional and intense especially with the setup, but it wasn't. I kind of skimmed through a lot of it. Just I didn't connect with the characters or their story early on. There was just something missing for me.
The love scenes they had though were passionate and were definitely the highlight of the story. That was really the only place I saw their connection to one another even though it was just a physical one. It made me believe that they had something going on between them. I wish there were a couple more detailed scenes just to show their connection and how it grew over time, but I did enjoy their first time together. That was where for the first time I felt their connection and bond together. It was a nice moment between them, and I wanted more of those type of scenes between them.
Even though I did enjoy the love scenes, some of it was hard to follow with how it was written. I understand that the author was using metaphors and trying not to explicit by toning down the language, but it was hard to tell some of the action that was going on. Generally I knew what was happening and what was going on, but at the same time I didn't know who was touching who and where they were touching. It was a bunch of euphemisms going on. I didn't need overly explicit where it was bordering on erotica, but I needed a bit more than I got. The Presents style of passionate scenes. I wanted a picture in my head of the scene, but it was a little difficult.
I wish more of the last third of the book was expanded to the rest of the book. What I mean I wish they had their Venice trip happen early with his intent to romance her in the name of revenge then she found out the truth then the book could have taken off from there. They would have reunited with lots of messy and complicated emotions going on as they both came to terms with their feelings and their relationship. A lot of that could have been explored and been the crux of the story. Then it would have been much, much better. I would have been more intrigued and interested in that story. The other two thirds of this book could have been skipped or condensed so it could get to the meat of it. I get it was all about the setup and getting to know the characters, but it just needed to be more interesting and less flat, and it was.
Also I felt that the ending was really rushed. All the conflict that they had between them was resolved with a snap of fingers. It was like if I blinked it was over. I wasn't totally convinced that he was in love with her quite yet. Did Raul care deeply for her? Absolutely. But love I am not so sure. There was just a lack of exploration on the emotional front where it made it believable. I needed more of that. I wanted to feel more in that front. I needed it.
With that being said the last third was the best part. And even though the ending was a little too rushed for my taste I did enjoy that more than the first half, which was flat. There wasn't a lot going on emotionally to back up this love story. It was there but only in a cursory way. There was no digging deep beneath the surface and this book desperately needed that. There just needed to be more. More angst. More intensity. Just more emotionally. Then it would have been so much better. When I was really getting into it, I felt was just scratching the surface and needed to go farther and be the majority part of the story instead of what was there.
I will say what I was more curious about was the secondary characters because there was much potential there. Salim and Gabi really have me intrigued as does Raul's rival. They just feel like they are books in the making. I wonder if they have books because there seems to be stories to be told there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 12, 2022When the war start betwen dem and rep in us and war betwen boten and uokrania.And war in all the world what i want just shut all down and read billianor romance novel.Thes not about revange or love or hotel.Its about lovley italy places and all come around
February 17, 2017
This is apparently the author's 100th book for Harlequin. That is a HELL of a lot of words any way you cut it. Knowing that most category romances run around the 40,000 word mark, that makes it over 4 million published words for Carol Marinelli.
And in those 4 million words, she has absolutely perfected the art of romantic storytelling.
I've read a fair few secret baby books, and the story always seems to start off the same way - with the heroine agonizing guiltily over how she's going to tell the hero, or worse, with him finding out and storming in on her to autocratically take over her life and generally act like a gigantic ass. This one changes all that by starting in the right place... at the very beginning, before the hero and heroine even meet.
We get to know Raul and his reasoning for wanting to take Lydia away from her potential suitor before the two of them even speak, and that makes his motivations much more understandable, his entire position much more reasonable, than if his Tragic Past had been slowly revealed over the course of the book. Instead, we're rooting for him to find happiness right from the beginning, hoping for him to be able to open his heart to Lydia.
Of course, the book's title gives away what's coming, but I still found myself wincing as Lydia found herself in a situation with no easy way out. Or rather, there was an easy way out - I won't spoiler the story by telling you what - but she chose not to take it, and to fight for what she wanted.
Carol Marinelli does a great job of flipping a tired trope on its head and giving it a fresh new story, and I absolutely recommend you give The Innocent's Secret Baby a try. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
And in those 4 million words, she has absolutely perfected the art of romantic storytelling.
I've read a fair few secret baby books, and the story always seems to start off the same way - with the heroine agonizing guiltily over how she's going to tell the hero, or worse, with him finding out and storming in on her to autocratically take over her life and generally act like a gigantic ass. This one changes all that by starting in the right place... at the very beginning, before the hero and heroine even meet.
We get to know Raul and his reasoning for wanting to take Lydia away from her potential suitor before the two of them even speak, and that makes his motivations much more understandable, his entire position much more reasonable, than if his Tragic Past had been slowly revealed over the course of the book. Instead, we're rooting for him to find happiness right from the beginning, hoping for him to be able to open his heart to Lydia.
Of course, the book's title gives away what's coming, but I still found myself wincing as Lydia found herself in a situation with no easy way out. Or rather, there was an easy way out - I won't spoiler the story by telling you what - but she chose not to take it, and to fight for what she wanted.
Carol Marinelli does a great job of flipping a tired trope on its head and giving it a fresh new story, and I absolutely recommend you give The Innocent's Secret Baby a try. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 29, 2017
This sensual romance set in England and Italy is the tale of a billionaire who finds himself captivated by an English rose. Sicilian tycoon Raul di Savo has been looking for ways to get revenge on rival hotelier Bastiano, an ex-childhood friend. When he overhears Lydia Hayward speaking with her stepfather in a hotel restaurant about meeting the man he once called a friend, he is determined to learn more. His method – to turn the spark of attraction that flickered between him and Lydia at first glance into a passionate encounter, with an eye to claiming her and thwarting his rival.
Lydia is flattered by the attention from Raul, but not naive. She knows, and he makes it clear, that he’s interested in one night with her and that he doesn’t do relationships. With her previous memories of Italy from a school trip not very pleasant, it’s impossible to resist the handsome man who sweeps her off her feet and into his bed. When Raul finds out she’s a virgin, he pulls away at first. But he can’t deny that she intrigues him and convinces her to come with him to Venice. One night turns into more – but when Lydia finds out Raul’s secrets, and discovers she is pregnant with his child, will it be an abrupt end to their happiness?
First of all, congratulations are in order for the author, as this story is her 100th Harlequin romance, a fantastic feat! Clearly she has the right formula for engaging readers and making them return to her books again and again.
The story takes place with a few flashbacks into the past as it delves into the history of Raul and Bastiano to explain the animosity between them. It’s quickly revealed in a prologue that Bastiano, at 17, had an affair with Raul’s mother (in her mid-30s). When Raul’s father found out, Raul’s mother died in a car accident while escaping a nasty scene. Since then Raul has blamed Bastiano for his mother’s death. While for plot purposes I can see why this storyline works, personally I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of a 17 year old teenage boy having an affair with his best friend’s mother. There are more revelations that come out over the course of the story though, and help to put a bit more context into Raul’s mother’s character and decisions.
I quite liked Raul as the hero in this story, despite a few character flaws. He’s arrogant, and has high expectations of those around him. Early in the story, when he first meets Lydia, he has a family removed from a restaurant due to their crying child. This sets him up as not the most generous of characters, but is meant to show his feelings about children, distinctly making his discovery later in the story of Lydia’s pregnancy one that will cause extra conflict between them. Fortunately he is redeemed by being a rather good listener to Lydia and coming to her defense when needed. He’s a skilled and patient lover too. They share some sensual scenes together and his seduction of Lydia is definitely a high point of the story. Of course, he mucks things up later on, but gets the chance to grovel on the way to a happy ending. Lydia comes across as quiet and composed, but shows a backbone when needed. She too makes some mistakes and isn’t blameless in the conflict between them, but I enjoyed seeing how they worked through their issues. The epilogue is sweet and satisfying. Ms. Marinelli’s fans will be pleased that with 100 books under her belt, her writing still feels fresh and inventive.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Lydia is flattered by the attention from Raul, but not naive. She knows, and he makes it clear, that he’s interested in one night with her and that he doesn’t do relationships. With her previous memories of Italy from a school trip not very pleasant, it’s impossible to resist the handsome man who sweeps her off her feet and into his bed. When Raul finds out she’s a virgin, he pulls away at first. But he can’t deny that she intrigues him and convinces her to come with him to Venice. One night turns into more – but when Lydia finds out Raul’s secrets, and discovers she is pregnant with his child, will it be an abrupt end to their happiness?
First of all, congratulations are in order for the author, as this story is her 100th Harlequin romance, a fantastic feat! Clearly she has the right formula for engaging readers and making them return to her books again and again.
The story takes place with a few flashbacks into the past as it delves into the history of Raul and Bastiano to explain the animosity between them. It’s quickly revealed in a prologue that Bastiano, at 17, had an affair with Raul’s mother (in her mid-30s). When Raul’s father found out, Raul’s mother died in a car accident while escaping a nasty scene. Since then Raul has blamed Bastiano for his mother’s death. While for plot purposes I can see why this storyline works, personally I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of a 17 year old teenage boy having an affair with his best friend’s mother. There are more revelations that come out over the course of the story though, and help to put a bit more context into Raul’s mother’s character and decisions.
I quite liked Raul as the hero in this story, despite a few character flaws. He’s arrogant, and has high expectations of those around him. Early in the story, when he first meets Lydia, he has a family removed from a restaurant due to their crying child. This sets him up as not the most generous of characters, but is meant to show his feelings about children, distinctly making his discovery later in the story of Lydia’s pregnancy one that will cause extra conflict between them. Fortunately he is redeemed by being a rather good listener to Lydia and coming to her defense when needed. He’s a skilled and patient lover too. They share some sensual scenes together and his seduction of Lydia is definitely a high point of the story. Of course, he mucks things up later on, but gets the chance to grovel on the way to a happy ending. Lydia comes across as quiet and composed, but shows a backbone when needed. She too makes some mistakes and isn’t blameless in the conflict between them, but I enjoyed seeing how they worked through their issues. The epilogue is sweet and satisfying. Ms. Marinelli’s fans will be pleased that with 100 books under her belt, her writing still feels fresh and inventive.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
November 4, 2017
I didn’t think I would like this book when I first started it. The writing seemed so disjointed. The sentences were short and choppy. I adjusted to this new CM style of writing and soon found myself actually focusing on the story.
While not CM’s best work, The Innocent’s Secret Baby was a decent read. I never really got the feeling that these two would have a strong relationship. They were both too aloof. But CM made it work and the book got more interesting as I read it.
I am hoping the the other books in the series are an improvement, cause I’m off to read the next installment.
While not CM’s best work, The Innocent’s Secret Baby was a decent read. I never really got the feeling that these two would have a strong relationship. They were both too aloof. But CM made it work and the book got more interesting as I read it.
I am hoping the the other books in the series are an improvement, cause I’m off to read the next installment.
May 9, 2021
¿Dónde está mi epílogo?
February 28, 2017
A buy buy buy book. Okay, I readily admit this is NOT one of the authors I normally like or read. However, I was totally surprised by this book. I was captivated in the story. It opens from the first with pathos and betrayal of friendship as well as deep hurt and infamy of relationships. It continues as it matures with characters that are bold as well as likable. Life in all its quirks were brought out with passion, and lust and romance. Relationships of past and understanding of mistakes as well as rectifying for the future caught my imagination and attention. The author does a superb work with this book. I was perhaps a little disappointed at the end but when I thought on it, how else could it be really with that type of story. It has suspense, life, passion, weakness, strength, lust and most of all love. A great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
February 23, 2017
What a most wonderful, exciting, explosive read. Congrats Carol on your hundredth book and it couldn't be a better choice. It was invigorating, beautifully written and so emotional. Raul and Lydia two lost souls finding each other without realising it. It started out with revenge in his heart, yet was also drawn to her; she was turning his controlled world upside down. She's so cool and collected finally busting free like a caterpillar into this beautiful butterfly. I could not put this book down. Set in Italy, Rome, Venice and Sicily. Taught at a very young age Raul learnt to lie, to protect his mother and himself and he was very good at it to get what he needed, wanted, then there has to come a time when one can't lie and the truth is laid bare at your feet and one starts picking up the pieces. Loved this story from the first page to the end. I laughed, loved, and cried. Held my breath, felt the pain. It's very fast packed writing, which made it really work for this story. There is one amazing scene with a glassblower. Just brilliant. Thank you Carol for this amazing ride of emotions and still wiping the tears.
May 28, 2018
Adult romance novels are a guilty pleasure of mine. I now that there are problems with some of them and that most contain love at first sight (which I usually hate), but there's just something about these novels that is so addicting. I have read many Harlequin Presents and some other adult romance novels and while I enjoy some, I also understand that there are many flaws with these and usually I don't mind them as much.
I enjoy romance novels where the girl is hard to get throughout at least half of the novel and it seems more realistic instead of falling for the guy the minute you see him. Does that even happen in real life, is that even possible?
This is the first book in the Billionaires & One Night Heirs trilogy. I had read book 2 last year before I knew that it was book 2 in a series. So I already know what's going on with Gabi (who is the heroine in book 2).
Lydia (heroine) and Raul (hero) are really complex characters compared to some others from romance novels. On the surface, Lydia is cold and detached from people and places, but deep down, she's just afraid of trusting people and letting them get close to her because of people using her her whole life and because of what happened when she was seventeen. She doesn't take pictures and she doesn't keep momentos because some memories are too painful (never read about a character like this, interesting). When in her head, I ended up thinking that she is a very emotional and kind of relatable person considering her feelings. Although, unlike me, she rarely shows her anger, usually she becomes ice cold when she's angry. Raul is pretty serious at times and a liar (which has to do with his messed up parents). Like many romance heroes, he doesn't like emotions because they're too painful. But despite that, there are some things that are different about him from other romance heroes, like the fact that he realized that he was in love with the heroine before the last two chapters, I think he realized it when about 60% of the book was over. There are a few other things different about him, but I don't want to spoil anything.
The only problem I had with this book is that, she fell in love with Raul way too easily, which was kind of ridiculous. But this is an adult romance novel, so I try not to take some things like this too seriously. I had another smaller problem too, but it's not a big deal.
Still, this was pretty enjoyable.
(I'm not sure if I will write more of my thoughts on the book later or if I'll just leave it like this).
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
My twitter account: @NazishTVDSwift
My Instagram accounts: @nazishreads, @nrcharmed01, @nrdisney, and @nazishcosplay
I enjoy romance novels where the girl is hard to get throughout at least half of the novel and it seems more realistic instead of falling for the guy the minute you see him. Does that even happen in real life, is that even possible?
This is the first book in the Billionaires & One Night Heirs trilogy. I had read book 2 last year before I knew that it was book 2 in a series. So I already know what's going on with Gabi (who is the heroine in book 2).
Lydia (heroine) and Raul (hero) are really complex characters compared to some others from romance novels. On the surface, Lydia is cold and detached from people and places, but deep down, she's just afraid of trusting people and letting them get close to her because of people using her her whole life and because of what happened when she was seventeen. She doesn't take pictures and she doesn't keep momentos because some memories are too painful (never read about a character like this, interesting). When in her head, I ended up thinking that she is a very emotional and kind of relatable person considering her feelings. Although, unlike me, she rarely shows her anger, usually she becomes ice cold when she's angry. Raul is pretty serious at times and a liar (which has to do with his messed up parents). Like many romance heroes, he doesn't like emotions because they're too painful. But despite that, there are some things that are different about him from other romance heroes, like the fact that he realized that he was in love with the heroine before the last two chapters, I think he realized it when about 60% of the book was over. There are a few other things different about him, but I don't want to spoil anything.
The only problem I had with this book is that, she fell in love with Raul way too easily, which was kind of ridiculous. But this is an adult romance novel, so I try not to take some things like this too seriously. I had another smaller problem too, but it's not a big deal.
Still, this was pretty enjoyable.
(I'm not sure if I will write more of my thoughts on the book later or if I'll just leave it like this).
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
My twitter account: @NazishTVDSwift
My Instagram accounts: @nazishreads, @nrcharmed01, @nrdisney, and @nazishcosplay
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