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Princesse et rebelle
Toute sa vie, Catalina a joué son rôle de princesse à la perfection, bridant ses envies et ses désirs pour plaire à chacun. Pourtant, il a suffi qu’elle s’abandonne une seule et unique nuit entre les bras de Nathaniel Giroud pour que ses efforts soient balayés et que sa vie bascule définitivement. Car aujourd’hui, la voilà enceinte et en fuite, prête à tout pour protéger son enfant à naître. À tout, même à s’opposer à l’impitoyable et irrésistible milliardaire qui est à sa recherche…
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
68 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Smart
704 books258 followersMichelle Smart is a Publishers Weekly bestselling romance author with a slight-to-severe coffee addiction. With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Michelle is now embracing the indie book world to write the passionate romance books she knows her readers love whilst continuing to write for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She is also the author of Butterflies, a standalone romantic and humorous time travel novel set in the 1990s.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 11, 2018
After the disaster that was Helios Crowns His Mistress Michelle Smart makes it up the jilted fiancé of the hero. The “nice” princess is set to be married off to an aging Duke, when the hero seduces her into a one night stand the night of her former fiancé’s wedding. The heroine had never felt attracted to any man before and this was her last chance at experiencing some sort of passion before she married the duke.
Instead she is pregnant (it’s known within a half hour throughout the palace because her father has her watched) and her evil brother and father have concocted a blackmail scheme to have the hotel owner hero marry her. They will pull the hero’s permits for a resort he is building in their country and never allow him back in, plus they will disown the heroine, not permit her to leave the country and she and his child will live in poverty. Nice guys – right?
Hero is not happy about this, but he feels guilt for seducing the heroine. They marry, but the heroine is miserable because the hero is keeping his distance. (He doesn’t want to fall in love with anyone ever because he saw his whole family die in an avalanche and )
Heroine steals money and runs away to a cabin in the Pyrenees. Hero tracks her down after ten days. He is freaked at seeing snow and mountains again and thinks the heroine did it deliberately to hurt him. They start to drive, but a snowstorm strands them in a modest hotel that has one room left. Kay, in her excellent review, pointed out how this was a nod to the Nativity story with the pregnant couple needing a room and being provided for. It’s a first for this very sad couple who have all the wealth and privilege of the world, but have not experienced the milk of human kindness.
It is at the hotel that hero’s story comes out and the heroine opens up about her mother and her lifebehind bars in the palace. The H/h plan to work together against her father and to keep their child safe from the influence of the palace. They will be “Bonnie and Clyde.”
There are a few other misunderstandings along the way, and the hero has to go it alone for a few months, but there is a lovely epilogue and a depiction of their new life with clear boundaries for the heroine’s family.
Some reviewers have felt there wasn't much chemistry between these two. I'm not a good judge of that since I tend to skim sex scenes unless they are so compelling or so intregal to the story that I have to read every word.
I thought that with such self-contained characters that the conventional gestures/words would have been out of character. When the heroine tells the hero to "have faith" that they will find a room at the inn - or when she explains the difference between a sexual affair and love affair in light of a woman who risked everything, it shows a depth of feeling for that particular character in those particular circumstances. I thought the author set up the reveals for this H/h very well and their progression from ONS to forced temporary marriage to partners to parents was well done.
Instead she is pregnant (it’s known within a half hour throughout the palace because her father has her watched) and her evil brother and father have concocted a blackmail scheme to have the hotel owner hero marry her. They will pull the hero’s permits for a resort he is building in their country and never allow him back in, plus they will disown the heroine, not permit her to leave the country and she and his child will live in poverty. Nice guys – right?
Hero is not happy about this, but he feels guilt for seducing the heroine. They marry, but the heroine is miserable because the hero is keeping his distance. (He doesn’t want to fall in love with anyone ever because he saw his whole family die in an avalanche and )
Heroine steals money and runs away to a cabin in the Pyrenees. Hero tracks her down after ten days. He is freaked at seeing snow and mountains again and thinks the heroine did it deliberately to hurt him. They start to drive, but a snowstorm strands them in a modest hotel that has one room left. Kay, in her excellent review, pointed out how this was a nod to the Nativity story with the pregnant couple needing a room and being provided for. It’s a first for this very sad couple who have all the wealth and privilege of the world, but have not experienced the milk of human kindness.
It is at the hotel that hero’s story comes out and the heroine opens up about her mother and her life
There are a few other misunderstandings along the way, and the hero has to go it alone for a few months, but there is a lovely epilogue and a depiction of their new life with clear boundaries for the heroine’s family.
Some reviewers have felt there wasn't much chemistry between these two. I'm not a good judge of that since I tend to skim sex scenes unless they are so compelling or so intregal to the story that I have to read every word.
I thought that with such self-contained characters that the conventional gestures/words would have been out of character. When the heroine tells the hero to "have faith" that they will find a room at the inn - or when she explains the difference between a sexual affair and love affair in light of a woman who risked everything, it shows a depth of feeling for that particular character in those particular circumstances. I thought the author set up the reveals for this H/h very well and their progression from ONS to forced temporary marriage to partners to parents was well done.
September 3, 2016
ARC provided by Harlequin and Netgalley for honest review.
4.5 Rating. Emotional, full of sexual tension and wonderful epilogue!!
Be warned it starts with the hero not being quite the gentleman (actually he's not very likeable). But towards the end it's made clear.
So dear Nathaniel is doing all he can to bed Princess Catalina. They are at the celebrations of her ex fiance's wedding to another women and Nathaniel is doing all he can to seduce Catalina. He knows she's innocent but the chemistry between the two was explosive and he wanted her.
Princess Catalina always did what she was told, for the sake of her country. She has always been very attracted to Nathaniel but knew he was a renowned playboy. Plus she knew there would be someone else her brother and father would have lined up for her to marry. But maybe just this once she would do something for herself and fulfill the desire shes had for Nathaniel for years.
Catalina finds herself pregnant weeks later. Her lovely *sarcasm* brother finds out it's Nathaniel and threatens him. He will marry Catalina or his lovely development won't happen in his country. The two embark on a marriage that is shaky at best.
Catalina and Nathaniel have a lot of hurts and deep scars. Catalina has lived under the emotional abuse of her brother and Nathaniel the loss of his family and some guilt of poor choices.
These two rutter through the workings of marriage and the development of feelings/relationships. At times it's not pretty but yet revealing and enlightening. Each begins to accept that they are developing feelings for the other. Catalina is working through who she is, what she wants and who she wants to be. Nathanial has to deal with the past and learn to forgive himself. These two find the love, acceptance and healing in each other.
This was an emotional, angst filled read. Lots of sexual tension and passion. These two characters developed and evolved into deep and caring individuals. Nathaniel was redeemed in the end, but be warned he's not real likeable at the beginning. On a side note, I didn't like the book at all about Catalina's fiance, Helios.
4.5 Rating. Emotional, full of sexual tension and wonderful epilogue!!
Be warned it starts with the hero not being quite the gentleman (actually he's not very likeable). But towards the end it's made clear.
So dear Nathaniel is doing all he can to bed Princess Catalina. They are at the celebrations of her ex fiance's wedding to another women and Nathaniel is doing all he can to seduce Catalina. He knows she's innocent but the chemistry between the two was explosive and he wanted her.
Princess Catalina always did what she was told, for the sake of her country. She has always been very attracted to Nathaniel but knew he was a renowned playboy. Plus she knew there would be someone else her brother and father would have lined up for her to marry. But maybe just this once she would do something for herself and fulfill the desire shes had for Nathaniel for years.
Catalina finds herself pregnant weeks later. Her lovely *sarcasm* brother finds out it's Nathaniel and threatens him. He will marry Catalina or his lovely development won't happen in his country. The two embark on a marriage that is shaky at best.
Catalina and Nathaniel have a lot of hurts and deep scars. Catalina has lived under the emotional abuse of her brother and Nathaniel the loss of his family and some guilt of poor choices.
These two rutter through the workings of marriage and the development of feelings/relationships. At times it's not pretty but yet revealing and enlightening. Each begins to accept that they are developing feelings for the other. Catalina is working through who she is, what she wants and who she wants to be. Nathanial has to deal with the past and learn to forgive himself. These two find the love, acceptance and healing in each other.
This was an emotional, angst filled read. Lots of sexual tension and passion. These two characters developed and evolved into deep and caring individuals. Nathaniel was redeemed in the end, but be warned he's not real likeable at the beginning. On a side note, I didn't like the book at all about Catalina's fiance, Helios.
October 6, 2016
Emotional and romantic love story. Heroine's abuse was heartbreaking but I loved how she escaped her crazy family and got her happy ending with Nathaniel! Epilogue was cute as well!
November 18, 2016
So so
I couldn't get into this book. The H was just blah to me. If I didn't really even like him until the end. Loved the Princess though. She was great. I loved that she wanted to experience life and her reactions to mundane things like toiletries, brushing hair, etc was cute. The scene in the airport tore me apart but again the H did not deliver there for me. He did in the end but too late for me.
I couldn't get into this book. The H was just blah to me. If I didn't really even like him until the end. Loved the Princess though. She was great. I loved that she wanted to experience life and her reactions to mundane things like toiletries, brushing hair, etc was cute. The scene in the airport tore me apart but again the H did not deliver there for me. He did in the end but too late for me.
January 6, 2017
I began liking Claiming his Christmas Consequence but the problems began almost immediately.
First, no chemistry. I was told there was attraction however it never came alive in the story. The sex scenes the build up to them felt clinical.
Finally the Hero ruined the book. He was willing to let the heroine go for much of this book. He was ruthless with everything but the heroine.
I gave this 2 stars cause the story was told well it's the romance which failed to be told well.
First, no chemistry. I was told there was attraction however it never came alive in the story. The sex scenes the build up to them felt clinical.
Finally the Hero ruined the book. He was willing to let the heroine go for much of this book. He was ruthless with everything but the heroine.
I gave this 2 stars cause the story was told well it's the romance which failed to be told well.
March 14, 2017
The poor princess h has grown up with two evil governors (a King that only cared for the Royal family name and a Prince that likes to party and torture one of his sisters). Duty and bearing her insufferable brother is her life. The only night she rebels her reward is a pregnancy that will double or triple her suffering, the feud between her despicable brother and the H didn't help at all. So I needed her to run away practically since chapter one to a place she would never be found by her awful family.
The H lost tragically his family when he was a child, went to boarding school and befriended the 3 Princes of Agon (from the Killiakis crown series) which started the war with the h's scum brother. The thing is that he had known the h, but didn't really approach her until Helio's wedding (he was the crowned Prince of Agon and had been the h's fiancé) and he deliberately seduced the h. I have to admit I was a bit suspicious about his motives, I thought it had something to do with revenge but no, it was pure wanting.
So, H and h had their night together resulting in pregnancy and all the drama and suffering (for the h) begins. She lived in hell in the palace, living with the H was less bad but he was mean though.
You may have noticed my hate for the h's the good-for-nothing brother... And and to the list the cousin, that bitch Marion deserved something painful >.<
The H lost tragically his family when he was a child, went to boarding school and befriended the 3 Princes of Agon (from the Killiakis crown series) which started the war with the h's scum brother. The thing is that he had known the h, but didn't really approach her until Helio's wedding (he was the crowned Prince of Agon and had been the h's fiancé) and he deliberately seduced the h. I have to admit I was a bit suspicious about his motives, I thought it had something to do with revenge but no, it was pure wanting.
So, H and h had their night together resulting in pregnancy and all the drama and suffering (for the h) begins. She lived in hell in the palace, living with the H was less bad but he was mean though.
You may have noticed my hate for the h's the good-for-nothing brother... And and to the list the cousin, that bitch Marion deserved something painful >.<
Read
January 12, 2018Not my favorite Michelle Smart book. Will not be re-reading this one.
I loved the series where Catalina was introduced, and I was really hoping she would get her own book and happy ending. Unfortunately, this story felt very plot-driven with little real character development/emotion/romance. Wasn't feeling the love between them.
TALOS CLAIMS HIS VIRGIN is one of my favorite re-reads...in fact, I cried reading it this past week! It is so emotional and romantic. But this book was lacking in the romance and emotion department.
I loved the series where Catalina was introduced, and I was really hoping she would get her own book and happy ending. Unfortunately, this story felt very plot-driven with little real character development/emotion/romance. Wasn't feeling the love between them.
TALOS CLAIMS HIS VIRGIN is one of my favorite re-reads...in fact, I cried reading it this past week! It is so emotional and romantic. But this book was lacking in the romance and emotion department.
December 22, 2016
Wow! Smart is writing amazing romance: clever, tongue-in-cheek trope-twisting romance. Yet, she still manages to move me and make me care about her characters. Catalina and Nathaniel are caught in Cat's machinating father's dirty-political hands. How they extricate themselves to create a haven of love is Smart's nod to the genre and it's pretty wonderful. Her other achievement is how she writes Catalina's growth from cowed and silent to a voice that is heard, a heart that never grows cynical, and a personality that loves and respects herself and others. A lovely cadeau de Noël from Smart! If you'd like to read a more extensive review, please follow the link:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC of Claiming His Christmas Consequence from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC of Claiming His Christmas Consequence from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
October 10, 2016
Princess Catalina of the House of Fernandez, the ruling royal family of Monte Cleure knows her duty – to remain pure, and acquiesce to a marriage of her father The King and her brother Prince Dominic’s choosing. Her one night of passion with wealthy businessman Nathaniel Giroud was meant to remain a secret forever. But when she becomes pregnant, the secret is out. Now Nathaniel has agreed to a one year marriage, to legitimize the birth of their child, but only because he’s being blackmailed into it. The lovemaking they shared seems far away in the cold light of their arranged marriage. Can a marriage of convenience become a partnership of love?
Catalina’s life living at the palace is definitely no picnic. She has an abusive older brother, sly servants and a father who doesn’t listen to her. It’s no wonder that she would want to spend a few hours with Nathaniel forgetting about her circumstances! But because of how their marriage comes about, it takes time for this couple to become comfortable with the situation they find themselves in. Nathaniel has always been known as a commitment free playboy, and his feelings about the marriage are unclear at first, other than that he will not shirk his duty towards their child. The positive part of their predicament is that Catalina will finally be able to live somewhere else, and with a man who will at least treat her better than what she’s used to. I felt sorry for her, and the difficulty in general of being brought up in a cold royal household. But nothing is as she expects it to be, even in her new marriage, and she finds instead the backbone she needs to take charge of her own future. I really liked seeing her gain strength and assurance in herself. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns that quite delighted me and though it took a little while, Nathaniel eventually comes to his senses and realizes what a treasure he could lose if he doesn’t own up to his real feelings for Catalina. They share some sensual love scenes and in the end, get the happy ending they deserve though not without a little drama! It’s an enjoyable and entertaining royal romance.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-cla...
Catalina’s life living at the palace is definitely no picnic. She has an abusive older brother, sly servants and a father who doesn’t listen to her. It’s no wonder that she would want to spend a few hours with Nathaniel forgetting about her circumstances! But because of how their marriage comes about, it takes time for this couple to become comfortable with the situation they find themselves in. Nathaniel has always been known as a commitment free playboy, and his feelings about the marriage are unclear at first, other than that he will not shirk his duty towards their child. The positive part of their predicament is that Catalina will finally be able to live somewhere else, and with a man who will at least treat her better than what she’s used to. I felt sorry for her, and the difficulty in general of being brought up in a cold royal household. But nothing is as she expects it to be, even in her new marriage, and she finds instead the backbone she needs to take charge of her own future. I really liked seeing her gain strength and assurance in herself. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns that quite delighted me and though it took a little while, Nathaniel eventually comes to his senses and realizes what a treasure he could lose if he doesn’t own up to his real feelings for Catalina. They share some sensual love scenes and in the end, get the happy ending they deserve though not without a little drama! It’s an enjoyable and entertaining royal romance.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-cla...
October 18, 2016
3.5 stars. Be sure to read the prequel - An Unexpected Christmas Proposal, a novella which is a free online read. I read it after, which filled in the gaps where Isabella was mentioned - I would only rate it 1.5 stars though. The three part Kalliakis Crown series was published between these two stories.
September 5, 2017
3,5 stars.. As a first impression i loved it..Catalina and Nathaniel could have been quite a pair if only there where time..the chemestry is there.. they have potential. The key to love this story is to remain at the first impression once you start to think about it the plot holes will keep coming ...lol
PS. the epiloque is the cutest
PS. the epiloque is the cutest
January 21, 2017
Rating: 4.5/5 :)
November 27, 2016
I was shocked how this book began. It jumped right in, which I loved because I was right in the action and such right in the story, but also thought I missed something too. I guess that comes from having yet to read the previous installments that included the storyline for Catalina. I caught up with what happened with Helios and stuff, but I wasn't clear about the Nathanial part. Was he involved in the previous installments like Catalina? I wasn't quite clear on that or if there were interaction between himself and Catalina? It felt like. I just felt like there was a gap there or something. But the story did begin with a bang.
I was kind of disappointed that the first time scene wasn't in shown because for Catalina that was a huge decision on her part. And I would have liked to see the emotions and feelings she was going through during that pivotal time. It was a huge risk and I just though it needed to be shown. And that was the catalyst for everything that happened in the rest of the story.
Once her pregnancy was made known after her night of passion with Nathanial, everything hit the fan. It showed the years of abuse at the hands of her father and her brother. They were beyond terrible. I felt so bad for her. All the pain. All the hurt. All that she suffered just broke my heart for her. It was just so intense that it gutted me.
And the intensity didn't stop there even once she married Nathanial. In fact at first she faced going from one prison to the next. It was still a painful environment because how neglectful he was towards her. My heart really broke for her even more. Like she wasn't scarred before. Just all she had to endure. I just felt so much when reading her story. It was clear that she was in love with him and she suffered for him.
I liked that she developed a backbone and stood up to him in the end. She said she wasn't going to take I anymore and fought him. I really loved her journey.
When they finally got together and gave into passions again, there was a lack of emotion bonding I thought. Their love scenes were rushed and were over in a blink. And though it solidified her feelings for him, I wasn't sure if it was more than lust for him. It was disappointing and didn't pack that touching, heartfelt moment that I was expecting during their lovemaking.
What I did enjoy near the end was the adrenaline punch that was infused. I was on the edge of my seat. My heart pounded, and I honestly I was a bit nervous for the safety of each of them. So it brought some life to the story.
Even though this story was supposed to be a Christmas romance. It didn't feel very Christmassy. It was in in the epilogue where it was most present.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the emotional intensity and angst that surrounded the plot. There was lots of rawness. Lots of pain. Lots of hurt. I just felt so much while reading about Catalina's journey. I hurt so badly for her. I had a few tears that gathered at the corner of my eyes. Sometimes it was hard to watch and so gut wrenching and that's what made it so good. The romance was okay. I think it could have gone into a little deeper in the bedroom being stage. The romance was a little rushed for me to make me believe it. The rest of the story was really good. Her emotional journey was really good I just wish it carried over to the romance.
I was kind of disappointed that the first time scene wasn't in shown because for Catalina that was a huge decision on her part. And I would have liked to see the emotions and feelings she was going through during that pivotal time. It was a huge risk and I just though it needed to be shown. And that was the catalyst for everything that happened in the rest of the story.
Once her pregnancy was made known after her night of passion with Nathanial, everything hit the fan. It showed the years of abuse at the hands of her father and her brother. They were beyond terrible. I felt so bad for her. All the pain. All the hurt. All that she suffered just broke my heart for her. It was just so intense that it gutted me.
And the intensity didn't stop there even once she married Nathanial. In fact at first she faced going from one prison to the next. It was still a painful environment because how neglectful he was towards her. My heart really broke for her even more. Like she wasn't scarred before. Just all she had to endure. I just felt so much when reading her story. It was clear that she was in love with him and she suffered for him.
I liked that she developed a backbone and stood up to him in the end. She said she wasn't going to take I anymore and fought him. I really loved her journey.
When they finally got together and gave into passions again, there was a lack of emotion bonding I thought. Their love scenes were rushed and were over in a blink. And though it solidified her feelings for him, I wasn't sure if it was more than lust for him. It was disappointing and didn't pack that touching, heartfelt moment that I was expecting during their lovemaking.
What I did enjoy near the end was the adrenaline punch that was infused. I was on the edge of my seat. My heart pounded, and I honestly I was a bit nervous for the safety of each of them. So it brought some life to the story.
Even though this story was supposed to be a Christmas romance. It didn't feel very Christmassy. It was in in the epilogue where it was most present.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the emotional intensity and angst that surrounded the plot. There was lots of rawness. Lots of pain. Lots of hurt. I just felt so much while reading about Catalina's journey. I hurt so badly for her. I had a few tears that gathered at the corner of my eyes. Sometimes it was hard to watch and so gut wrenching and that's what made it so good. The romance was okay. I think it could have gone into a little deeper in the bedroom being stage. The romance was a little rushed for me to make me believe it. The rest of the story was really good. Her emotional journey was really good I just wish it carried over to the romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2016
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Harlequin Presents line has long been something of a guilty pleasure for me. Yes, the heroes often go beyond alpha into overbearing jerk territory, and the melodrama is often off the charts. However, there’s an escapist quality to reading about life among the rich, powerful and occasionally whackadoodle set that appeals to me. And so it was with Claiming His Christmas Consequence. At its best moments, it’s a story with a retro, fairytale feel. However, at times the antics of the characters wore thin.
As with many HP novels, this one is set in an imaginary European kingdom – Monte Cleure in this case. Situated somewhere between France and Spain, this kingdom appears to be a small one ruled by what must be the only absolute monarch left on the continent. Throughout the story, it becomes readily obvious that the king hasn’t caught up with the twentieth century yet, let alone the twenty-first. Heck, even the nineteenth would be up for debate.
The king’s daughter, Princess Catalina, is twenty-five and as required by her family, is remaining a virgin until marriage. This changes when she attends the wedding of her ex-fiance and decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a night of passion with the handsome Nathaniel Giroud. After their night together, the two will part and no one will be the wiser.
If you’ve read any Presents novels, you’ll know what happens next. Catalina gets pregnant. And of course, the news is all over the palace right away since Catalina’s overbearing bully of a brother has spies in every corner. Catalina can’t go out on her own, so when one of her companions buys a pregnancy test, the bully prince gets the tipoff and Catalina gets an ultimatum: marry her lover long enough to have the baby and subdue gossip, then divorce him and marry the elderly Swedish duke her father has picked out or be cut off from the family without a penny.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
As with many HP novels, this one is set in an imaginary European kingdom – Monte Cleure in this case. Situated somewhere between France and Spain, this kingdom appears to be a small one ruled by what must be the only absolute monarch left on the continent. Throughout the story, it becomes readily obvious that the king hasn’t caught up with the twentieth century yet, let alone the twenty-first. Heck, even the nineteenth would be up for debate.
The king’s daughter, Princess Catalina, is twenty-five and as required by her family, is remaining a virgin until marriage. This changes when she attends the wedding of her ex-fiance and decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a night of passion with the handsome Nathaniel Giroud. After their night together, the two will part and no one will be the wiser.
If you’ve read any Presents novels, you’ll know what happens next. Catalina gets pregnant. And of course, the news is all over the palace right away since Catalina’s overbearing bully of a brother has spies in every corner. Catalina can’t go out on her own, so when one of her companions buys a pregnancy test, the bully prince gets the tipoff and Catalina gets an ultimatum: marry her lover long enough to have the baby and subdue gossip, then divorce him and marry the elderly Swedish duke her father has picked out or be cut off from the family without a penny.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
December 19, 2016
Another wonderful, wonderful, wonderful tale told by Michelle Smart which features all the elements I love of a HP... an un-likeable but you want to like hero, a heroine who has just had enough of what everyone wants her to be and takes a chance, an evil character somewhere trying to derail everyone, angst, passion and shattered dreams which make me emotional and woven together so awesomely that each page is flicked thru as quickly as possible because I cant wait to see how it all works out.
Catalina was jilted back in "Helio Crowns His Mistress" and it's really good to see what's become of Catalina and I love behind the scenes so to speak. Hard to go into detail without spoilers.
I adore Michelle Smart's words becasue she creates a world so different to mine and yet I feel like i'm right there. I love how intense and emotional the story was and I was sorry to reach the end, no matter how much I loved the epilogue!
Catalina was jilted back in "Helio Crowns His Mistress" and it's really good to see what's become of Catalina and I love behind the scenes so to speak. Hard to go into detail without spoilers.
I adore Michelle Smart's words becasue she creates a world so different to mine and yet I feel like i'm right there. I love how intense and emotional the story was and I was sorry to reach the end, no matter how much I loved the epilogue!
November 13, 2016
Wow, this book is simply beautiful. It hooks you instantly and the emotional journey of the characters takes you by storm. You are drawn into the world author Michelle Smart has created, experiencing every dramatic scene as if you're an invisible person in the story where all the action unfolds. The characters were likable and flawed but they were strong, vibrant and full of life. I especially loved how Nathaniel and Catalina explore their attraction towards each other. Their romance is dreamy and though they have bumps along the way always find themselves back to each other no matter what. So with a storyline that is unique and attention grabbing, to a plot which progresses in a steady pace and engaging dialogue that draws you further into the story, I must conclude that this is now my most favourite Michelle Smart book! Loved it from start to finish.
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
October 9, 2016
The Hero was temptation himself, he was also the means to 'freedom'. The heroine secretly adored him since 15 years old. She wants the 'forbidden' despite being the most obedient among the lot. Having a one night stand made her pregnant.The Hero had issues with loving ppl because he did want to hurt or hurt ppl. He was a cold husband, his avoidance with his wife was to prevent temptation. The sexual tension was raw and high.Wow!! The heroine was abused by her brother, but being with her husband she found strength to fight against it. In the end they found each other in freedom
October 3, 2016
This story was intense, from start to finish. It was action-packed, dramatic, and extremely romantic. I loved it! Nathaniel and Catalina connected in such a way that what they had could not or rather would not be denied. Their coming together was beautiful. Well done!
NetGalley
NetGalley
December 30, 2019
Emotional story and wonderful epilogue
May 13, 2017
This is a spin-off of the Kalliakis Crown trilogy.
Princess Catalina,the elder daughter of the king of Monte Cleur,is used to being waited on.She was supposed to marry a Kalliakis prince (there were three) ,but her fiancee Helios chose another as his bride.Now her father wants her to marry a Swedish duke.Catalina goes to Helios and Amy's wedding and meets Nathaniel, a French businessman.The result- she is pregnant.
The king is dictatorial, autocratic and very unmodern.Women are the property of their fathers/ husbands.His younger daughter Isabelle got lucky and married for love.The Crown Prince,Dominic,went to the same school as Nathaniel and the Kalliakis princes,hates the Frenchman.
Now Nathaniel MUST marry Catalina or lose his holdings in the country.Dominic is cruel, abusive,and dislikes his sister.He isn't married.Nathaniel agrees to marry the princess and divorce her later, so she could remarry.
Then she is practically cut off by her father, who won't let take many of her possessions from the palace upon her marriage.She is spied on by her companion/ cousin at the palace.Her husband ignores her and Catalina runs away to the Pyrenees.Suddenly she has to learn many things, such as the value of money, fend for herself, be an ordinary person...
Helios is mentioned several times in the book, as being Nathaniel's friend and ready to ban Monte Cleure products if necessary.
Princess Catalina,the elder daughter of the king of Monte Cleur,is used to being waited on.She was supposed to marry a Kalliakis prince (there were three) ,but her fiancee Helios chose another as his bride.Now her father wants her to marry a Swedish duke.Catalina goes to Helios and Amy's wedding and meets Nathaniel, a French businessman.The result- she is pregnant.
The king is dictatorial, autocratic and very unmodern.Women are the property of their fathers/ husbands.His younger daughter Isabelle got lucky and married for love.The Crown Prince,Dominic,went to the same school as Nathaniel and the Kalliakis princes,hates the Frenchman.
Now Nathaniel MUST marry Catalina or lose his holdings in the country.Dominic is cruel, abusive,and dislikes his sister.He isn't married.Nathaniel agrees to marry the princess and divorce her later, so she could remarry.
Then she is practically cut off by her father, who won't let take many of her possessions from the palace upon her marriage.She is spied on by her companion/ cousin at the palace.Her husband ignores her and Catalina runs away to the Pyrenees.Suddenly she has to learn many things, such as the value of money, fend for herself, be an ordinary person...
Helios is mentioned several times in the book, as being Nathaniel's friend and ready to ban Monte Cleure products if necessary.
July 23, 2023
It was ok. I liked the heroine, I enjoyed her discovering how to do things on her own and realizing she didn't have to do whatever her father demanded of her.
I however disliked the hero, he was perfectly fine (for the majority of the book) for their marriage to end after a year and then for heroine to marry another man. All he was concerned about was his wants and desires.
I wanted heroine to meet a good guy when she ran away and tried to get freedom for her and her baby. It was sad when hero forced her back to her her country. She had to beg for him to agree to stay married to her so she wouldn't be forced to marry another man.
As for if they would have been together if not for the baby, I would say they would not. Three weeks after sleeping together he was not at all thinking about going after her or interested in reconnecting, he had to be forced to marry her.
He may have thought about her frequently since they slept together, but he did for years before they hooked up as well and he had no problem sleeping with tons of other women and putting heroine out of his mind. P
I however disliked the hero, he was perfectly fine (for the majority of the book) for their marriage to end after a year and then for heroine to marry another man. All he was concerned about was his wants and desires.
I wanted heroine to meet a good guy when she ran away and tried to get freedom for her and her baby. It was sad when hero forced her back to her her country. She had to beg for him to agree to stay married to her so she wouldn't be forced to marry another man.
As for if they would have been together if not for the baby, I would say they would not. Three weeks after sleeping together he was not at all thinking about going after her or interested in reconnecting, he had to be forced to marry her.
He may have thought about her frequently since they slept together, but he did for years before they hooked up as well and he had no problem sleeping with tons of other women and putting heroine out of his mind. P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
After her engagement with a neighboring prince was called off, Princess Catalina had a one-night-stand with French billionaire Nathanial Giroud that results in an unexpected "consequence". Her abusive royal father and brother insist that she marry Nathanial to avoid "bringing shame" on the royal family and don't hesitate to use blackmail, physical threats and abuse to get what they want- complete control of Catalina, Nathanial and the baby she carries.
Very, very intense. It's hard to believe that anyone could be as evil as her father and brother, but there it is. The secrets that are peeled away just add layer upon layer in the terror that Catalina goes through.
Question: Why does her father hate her, yet has always spoiled her younger sister?
Very, very intense. It's hard to believe that anyone could be as evil as her father and brother, but there it is. The secrets that are peeled away just add layer upon layer in the terror that Catalina goes through.
Question: Why does her father hate her, yet has always spoiled her younger sister?
February 7, 2025
Something Is Rotten In Monte Cleure
So glad I don't live in Monte Cleure. Princess Catalina has lived her entire life knowing that she was expected to be obedient, loyal, and perfect. But she makes a reckless decision one glorious night that changes her life forever. Now the pregnant princess has to make smart decisions if she's to have her hearts desire...Nathaniel, the man she desires and her baby's daddy. Join Catalina and Nathaniel as they try to outwit their enemies. Enjoy!
So glad I don't live in Monte Cleure. Princess Catalina has lived her entire life knowing that she was expected to be obedient, loyal, and perfect. But she makes a reckless decision one glorious night that changes her life forever. Now the pregnant princess has to make smart decisions if she's to have her hearts desire...Nathaniel, the man she desires and her baby's daddy. Join Catalina and Nathaniel as they try to outwit their enemies. Enjoy!
September 14, 2017
This was my keep in the car for appointments book. It only made it for two days. I enjoyed this story, it gave me a different take on the life of a princess and how hard it could be. When Catalina took a chance for one night of pleasure with billionaire Nathanial. . . . . Let's just say I didn't see that coming.
February 19, 2023
Intriguing
Loved the storyline. It was full of drama and suspense. Loved the main characters. A well written book.
Choice of words and description lend credibility to the storyline. I loved it
Loved the storyline. It was full of drama and suspense. Loved the main characters. A well written book.
Choice of words and description lend credibility to the storyline. I loved it
February 19, 2017
This story was so touching. Two people who gave up on love, but found love with each other. They both must learn to fight for their love and to be together. A quick, good feeling story.
July 9, 2017
Catalina had never stepped out of line, until one stolen Christmas night of irresistible passion with French billionaire Nathanial Giroud changed her life forever
September 12, 2021
A very convoluted and weird plot with a spineless and brainless h who doesn’t understand how to speak up and stand up for herself despite being in a position of influence and power.
December 20, 2021
That one had depth. I liked it
April 19, 2023
Skimmed.
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