What do you think?
Rate this book
A Bride At His Bidding
Hired by her enemy. Yet tempted to say ‘I do’…
Billionaire Andreas Samaras is nobody’s fool. And his beautiful new employee Carrie Rivers — an undercover journalist — is playing a dangerous game. He’ll keep her at his command until he can expose her deception. But when her ruse is revealed there’s only one way to protect his spotless business reputation: blackmail innocent Carrie to the altar!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
79 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Smart
710 books257 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 17, 2018
I am so glad that I gave this author a second chance after I read her debut book for the Harlequin Presents line.I didn't like the storyline and was really hesitant to try any further books by her as I felt they would be in the same vein .Well,I took another chance with other releases by her and what can I say,I really enjoyed her other releases and this one is by far my favorite book by Michelle Smart.I loved this couple together and they had such chemistry.
These two had a prior connection ,though slight through their respective relations,her thru her young sister,and his thru his young niece .They are both the legal guardians .The two young girls were the best of friends in their boarding school days,but the heroine's sister became a drug addict when she met a man at the hero's house and soon began an affair with him.This led to her drug abuse ,eventual expulsion from school,and loosing her friendship with the hero's niece,eventually going into a downward spiral as her older lover and drug enabler ditched her and was eventually beaten into a coma from her next supplier.All these events has led the heroine on a path to vengeance towards the two men who she believes destroyed her young sister's life.She becomes an investigative reporter and successfully takes down the man who led her young sister into a drug addicts life ,and now is set to take down the hero.The story takes place a few years later.
The hero becomes aware of the heroine's planned deceit when her resume comes up with a fake reference. She has applied to be his domestic PA.
He gives her the job and here the story really takes off.He whisks her away to his private island in the Schellylles to try and see what she will do
.Andreas,the hero reminded me of a hungry shark after his prey,and the heroine Carrie,a little minnow within his reach.He portrays himself as a helpless man child,spoiled billionaire who can't even pour his own water into a glass,he demands of the heroine the most simplest tasks to be done for him such as peeling his grapes for him and other trivial nonsensical tasks.He requests it all with a glint in his eyes and a charming snake smile.The heroine does it all without a blink of an eye untill she finally wakes up to the fact that the hero knows she is a fake and all comes out.He tells her that in order for her to make ammends and to avert a potential crisis for his company,she must marry him for 6 months.She agrees for the six months only.They go back to London to began their ruse and try and fool the public in an attempt to squash any rumors that the hero has been billing his company and clients.
The first few chapters were funny in how Andreas demanded the heroine do the most menial tasks as if she were his own personal slave, his cat/mouse games kept me chuckling a few times.The heroine was by no means a wimp,she gave as good as she got and kept the hero on his toes.
They made a great couple and the further you read on about them and their respective backstories,you felt for them. .The later part of the book showed the progression of their relationship and wanted their HEA.I admit to a watery eye during the scene at the register office when they each confess to loving .
Wonderful epilogue with the entire family ,the couple now six months pregnant ,renewing their vows,and the two girls now on the pathway be comming friends again.
As I said in the opener,one of the best by Michelle Smart for me and a favorite couple.
These two had a prior connection ,though slight through their respective relations,her thru her young sister,and his thru his young niece .They are both the legal guardians .The two young girls were the best of friends in their boarding school days,but the heroine's sister became a drug addict when she met a man at the hero's house and soon began an affair with him.This led to her drug abuse ,eventual expulsion from school,and loosing her friendship with the hero's niece,eventually going into a downward spiral as her older lover and drug enabler ditched her and was eventually beaten into a coma from her next supplier.All these events has led the heroine on a path to vengeance towards the two men who she believes destroyed her young sister's life.She becomes an investigative reporter and successfully takes down the man who led her young sister into a drug addicts life ,and now is set to take down the hero.The story takes place a few years later.
The hero becomes aware of the heroine's planned deceit when her resume comes up with a fake reference. She has applied to be his domestic PA.
He gives her the job and here the story really takes off.He whisks her away to his private island in the Schellylles to try and see what she will do
.Andreas,the hero reminded me of a hungry shark after his prey,and the heroine Carrie,a little minnow within his reach.He portrays himself as a helpless man child,spoiled billionaire who can't even pour his own water into a glass,he demands of the heroine the most simplest tasks to be done for him such as peeling his grapes for him and other trivial nonsensical tasks.He requests it all with a glint in his eyes and a charming snake smile.The heroine does it all without a blink of an eye untill she finally wakes up to the fact that the hero knows she is a fake and all comes out.He tells her that in order for her to make ammends and to avert a potential crisis for his company,she must marry him for 6 months.She agrees for the six months only.They go back to London to began their ruse and try and fool the public in an attempt to squash any rumors that the hero has been billing his company and clients.
The first few chapters were funny in how Andreas demanded the heroine do the most menial tasks as if she were his own personal slave, his cat/mouse games kept me chuckling a few times.The heroine was by no means a wimp,she gave as good as she got and kept the hero on his toes.
They made a great couple and the further you read on about them and their respective backstories,you felt for them. .The later part of the book showed the progression of their relationship and wanted their HEA.I admit to a watery eye during the scene at the register office when they each confess to loving .
Wonderful epilogue with the entire family ,the couple now six months pregnant ,renewing their vows,and the two girls now on the pathway be comming friends again.
As I said in the opener,one of the best by Michelle Smart for me and a favorite couple.
April 28, 2018
Four - maybe five stars on a re-read.
This one was a lot of fun - lots of drama and the H/h both improve upon acquaintance. The first part of the story concerns the revenge the investigative reporter heroine is trying to inflict on the billionaire Greek hero. (She thinks the hero was involved getting her younger sister addicted to drugs.) The hero, for his part, recognizes the heroine and his counter revenge is to treat the heroine like the servant she is pretending to be.
After two days of the heroine fetching and carrying for the hero on a secluded island in the Seychelles, the gig is up. The heroine is furious, the hero smug. Now she must marry the hero for six months to stop the whisper campaign she had started against him.
Heroine only agrees to keep her sister (now in rehab) out of the papers. Hero isn't bearing grudges and he is attracted to the virgin heroine. They embark on a sexual affair that affects both of them. Hero is very tender to her the morning after.
The rest of the story concerns the heroine realizing some home truths about her sister and the hero. The hero, for his part, realizes what he really wants in life. The ending is very touching as these two flawed people of good intentions come to their conclusions at the same time and at the same place.
Recommended. See Vashti's and Kay's reviews for more information.
This one was a lot of fun - lots of drama and the H/h both improve upon acquaintance. The first part of the story concerns the revenge the investigative reporter heroine is trying to inflict on the billionaire Greek hero. (She thinks the hero was involved getting her younger sister addicted to drugs.) The hero, for his part, recognizes the heroine and his counter revenge is to treat the heroine like the servant she is pretending to be.
After two days of the heroine fetching and carrying for the hero on a secluded island in the Seychelles, the gig is up. The heroine is furious, the hero smug. Now she must marry the hero for six months to stop the whisper campaign she had started against him.
Heroine only agrees to keep her sister (now in rehab) out of the papers. Hero isn't bearing grudges and he is attracted to the virgin heroine. They embark on a sexual affair that affects both of them. Hero is very tender to her the morning after.
The rest of the story concerns the heroine realizing some home truths about her sister and the hero. The hero, for his part, realizes what he really wants in life. The ending is very touching as these two flawed people of good intentions come to their conclusions at the same time and at the same place.
Recommended. See Vashti's and Kay's reviews for more information.
Read
January 3, 2018The author got it wrong. This book is just perfect for the Harlequin Intrigue line. When I read a Harlequin Presents I expect love and fairy tales not suspense and intrigue!
February 26, 2019
I'm not a fan of biased journalists seeking out wealthy business owner hero to destroy plot lines. This is how fake news gets published in real life. I read romance to escape real life annoyances!
November 21, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
This HP was an exceptional read. I found both characters to be mature and very likable.
Carrie is a successful journalist and her specialty is undercover work to expose crooked and illegal businesses and the rich CEO's who run them. Andreas is CEO of Samara Fund Management, he's a successful business man who runs a ethical business.
Brief synopsis of the two characters and back drop of the story, and then I want to go into why I loved these two characters and their love story.
We open with Andreas looking for a domestic PA, one has applied that catches his eye. She seems familiar and there something about this particular applicant that draws him. He does some digging and realizes that three years ago they had briefly met and under not so pleasant circumstances. Andreas niece and Carrie's sister had been friends and became involved in drugs and trouble. Andreas made sure that Carrie's sister was punished as she was the instigator. Carrie on the other hand believes two men destroyed her sister life, a life that spiraled into sex and drugs. Carrie had already exposed one man's corrupt business and life style. He had an affair with her sister and introduced her to drugs and since he was friends with Andreas (that's what Carrie was told and believed incorrectly) she believed him to live the same lifestyle. She was now going undercover, under false pretense (she lied to her boss on her reasoning for going after Andreas), to take down the second man who ruined her sisters life.
Andreas hires Carrie knowing it's under false pretense. He's determined to find out why she's after him and expose her. Andreas has Carrie with him doing menial jobs and with him at all times. Carrie senses that he's on to her and is nervous. But as the two spend time together, they find a spark and attraction that each is fighting (Carrie believing he destroyed her sister and Andreas believing she's a sneaky journalist). A little time goes by and finally Andreas confronts Carrie. Some truths are exposed and each learns things that they admire and respect of the other. Andreas's plan is to have Carrie marry him for six months so his reputation isn't damaged (she's a respected journalist so she wouldn't marry a crooked CEO). ~This is the weak part of the story and plot line, in my opinion. ~
Wow, this was a sweet, sexy and emotional romance. I loved Andreas. He was a strong Alpha, but their was a tender and loving side to him. He was portrayed a funny, fun and sweet too. And man was he sexy and romantic too. Author did an exceptional job with this hero. Carrie was also portrayed as a strong individual, who was smart and loyal, but loving and sweet. Her response and interaction with Andreas was poignant and intense/emotional. The chemistry and sexual tension was off the charts. And the emotional connection that was portrayed during their sex/lovemaking scenes was one of the best I've read in a long while.
The progression of their relationship was done very well as well as the development of their characters and relationship. The story's of their families and life experiences was poignant as well and was a nice addition.
This HP was an exceptional read. I found both characters to be mature and very likable.
Carrie is a successful journalist and her specialty is undercover work to expose crooked and illegal businesses and the rich CEO's who run them. Andreas is CEO of Samara Fund Management, he's a successful business man who runs a ethical business.
Brief synopsis of the two characters and back drop of the story, and then I want to go into why I loved these two characters and their love story.
We open with Andreas looking for a domestic PA, one has applied that catches his eye. She seems familiar and there something about this particular applicant that draws him. He does some digging and realizes that three years ago they had briefly met and under not so pleasant circumstances. Andreas niece and Carrie's sister had been friends and became involved in drugs and trouble. Andreas made sure that Carrie's sister was punished as she was the instigator. Carrie on the other hand believes two men destroyed her sister life, a life that spiraled into sex and drugs. Carrie had already exposed one man's corrupt business and life style. He had an affair with her sister and introduced her to drugs and since he was friends with Andreas (that's what Carrie was told and believed incorrectly) she believed him to live the same lifestyle. She was now going undercover, under false pretense (she lied to her boss on her reasoning for going after Andreas), to take down the second man who ruined her sisters life.
Andreas hires Carrie knowing it's under false pretense. He's determined to find out why she's after him and expose her. Andreas has Carrie with him doing menial jobs and with him at all times. Carrie senses that he's on to her and is nervous. But as the two spend time together, they find a spark and attraction that each is fighting (Carrie believing he destroyed her sister and Andreas believing she's a sneaky journalist). A little time goes by and finally Andreas confronts Carrie. Some truths are exposed and each learns things that they admire and respect of the other. Andreas's plan is to have Carrie marry him for six months so his reputation isn't damaged (she's a respected journalist so she wouldn't marry a crooked CEO). ~This is the weak part of the story and plot line, in my opinion. ~
Wow, this was a sweet, sexy and emotional romance. I loved Andreas. He was a strong Alpha, but their was a tender and loving side to him. He was portrayed a funny, fun and sweet too. And man was he sexy and romantic too. Author did an exceptional job with this hero. Carrie was also portrayed as a strong individual, who was smart and loyal, but loving and sweet. Her response and interaction with Andreas was poignant and intense/emotional. The chemistry and sexual tension was off the charts. And the emotional connection that was portrayed during their sex/lovemaking scenes was one of the best I've read in a long while.
The progression of their relationship was done very well as well as the development of their characters and relationship. The story's of their families and life experiences was poignant as well and was a nice addition.
January 16, 2018
They last met when attending a meeting with the Headteacher at the school the teenage girls in their care attended. That meeting had very different consequences for the two girls and Carrie is out for revenge! She’s now a renown undercover journalist and she’s applied - under her real name - to be the personal PA of Andreas, never believing he’ll recognise her . . . but he does and seeks revenge of his own!
This is a story packed with intrigue, lies, secrets and revelations. The main characters share a past but both experienced it in totally different ways and it is only when everything about that time is revealed that they will stand any chance of finding their HEA together, despite their mutual attraction. The story starts with a slow pace but soon speeds up and keeps the reader enthralled in wondering just what will happen next. It is well written and I found it an enjoyable read. I hadn’t read anything by this author before but I’ll certainly look out for more by her in future!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is a story packed with intrigue, lies, secrets and revelations. The main characters share a past but both experienced it in totally different ways and it is only when everything about that time is revealed that they will stand any chance of finding their HEA together, despite their mutual attraction. The story starts with a slow pace but soon speeds up and keeps the reader enthralled in wondering just what will happen next. It is well written and I found it an enjoyable read. I hadn’t read anything by this author before but I’ll certainly look out for more by her in future!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
January 31, 2021
2.5
Forse sarà che gli Harmony non hanno lo stesso sapore di quando hai sedici anni e li devi nascondere nei posti più assurdi per non farli trovare a tua madre o forse ho trovato sul mio cammino l'Harmony sbagliato. Volevo riprovare il brivido del proibito, ma mi sono solo annoiata.
Forse sarà che gli Harmony non hanno lo stesso sapore di quando hai sedici anni e li devi nascondere nei posti più assurdi per non farli trovare a tua madre o forse ho trovato sul mio cammino l'Harmony sbagliato. Volevo riprovare il brivido del proibito, ma mi sono solo annoiata.
January 22, 2018
I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Michelle Smart is becoming my favorite. Loved the last book of hers 'Buying his bride of convenience' and this one is even better than that. I like that her heroes are fierce alphas who can be tough on those who mess with them and yet be funny as well as caring. Her heroines too, are smart and feisty --without being shrewish and nasty-- and also loyal and caring. Andreas and Carrie are exactly this, which is why I loved them.
I found myself laughing the entire first part reading the kind of things Andreas got Carrie to do and the kicker was him insisting that she does it with a smile. The sexy bastard was really enjoying himself
'I need someone on hand to tend to all my personal needs—pour my drinks, prepare my clothing for me, make sure a towel is on hand if I do any physical activity, that kind of thing.’
It wasn’t a domestic PA the man wanted, Carrie thought in mute outrage as she listened to his seductive voice, it was a slave.
Then he gave her a crooked grin. It was like being smiled at by the big bad wolf the moment before he ate Grandma.
'And remember...’
A pretty brow rose cautiously. ‘Remember?’
He winked. ‘I like to be welcomed with a smile.’
As he closed the interconnecting door he smiled himself to imagine her reaction to the clothing selected for her. His fun with Carrie was only just beginning.
I could just imagine how frustrating it must have been for Carrie to bridle the temptation to attack him physically, or at least unleash a verbal diatribe at him.
‘Caroline?’
She suddenly realised that while she’d been silently fuming about his lazy, slave-driving ways, he’d been speaking to her.
She fixed the wide smile back on her face. What do you want this time? Another bowl of water set at the optimum temperature to dip your fingers into? Another napkin to dry them with or to wipe your mouth to go with the five I’ve already had to get for you?
‘Sorry, I missed what you said.’
He drained his white wine and set the glass on the table. ‘I’m ready to go in...’
About time.
‘...so I need you to run me a bath and turn my bed down.’
‘Of course. Yes. Anything else?’
‘I’ll let you know if anything comes to mind while you’re running my bath.’
I just bet you will. She got to her feet. ‘I’ll run it for you now. What temperature do you like it?’
Scalding or ice-cold? she prevented herself from asking.
He waited a beat before answering, a smile tugging on his lips. ‘Why don’t you run it to the temperature you like?’
Andreas watched Carrie walk into the house to run him a bath with amusement fizzing in his veins. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself as much as he had that day.
Liked the confrontation they had once she realized he knew who she really was. It was quite a revelation especially about the incidents leading to her sister's expulsion from school. Carrie had to face the fact that all that her sister had told her about Andreas was not true, and also had to face Andreas anger when he learns that she'd spread stories in the media that would affect his business and reputation. While he was at college in America, a rival company had done something similar to his parents business and brought it to ruins. Andreas slogged for long hours to support them and while expanding his own funding company he'd been careful to cultivate a clean reputation over the years. Now that Carrie has raised her colleagues suspicious against him, he blackmails her into marrying him which will keep his reputation in tact.
‘You should have thought of that before you began your vendetta against me. I am a good man. I am loyal to my family and my friends. I do not cheat in life or in love. But I am not a man to cross and you, matia mou, have crossed me and now you must accept the consequences.’
And, you know, I think a marriage to you could be fun.’
‘It will be hell. I’ll make sure of it.’
He laughed. ‘I’m sure you will, matia mou, but you are going to marry me.
‘There is no way I can pretend to have fallen in love with you; I hate everything about you.’
‘That is good because I hate everything about you too. Won’t that make everything much more fun?’
And, poor Carrie. No matter the insults she flung at him or her attempts to prove to him that she didn't desire him --like the kiss she gave him-- was neither working with him or with herself. Lol.
‘You are suffering from what I like to call Rich Man’s Delusion.’
He brought her hand to his lips and razed a kiss over her fingertips. ‘Oh, yes?
And what is that?’
‘It’s a syndrome only found in the ridiculously wealthy man.’ Her voice had dropped, become breathy. Seductive. It whispered through his skin and seeped into his loins. ‘It makes him think he’s irresistible. I quite understand why a man like you would suffer from it—your wealth acts as a magnet to many women, I appreciate that, but sufferers, in their arrogance, then think every woman is attracted to him. It’s beyond your concept that a woman can look at you and not want to drop her knickers.’
The knuckles holding her cup had turned white. ‘I kissed you to prove a point. It meant nothing to me.’
‘And you proved it very well. If I’d had any doubt that you desire me, your kiss dispelled it.’
‘The fact I walked away proves I felt nothing.’
Digging his knife into a pot, he slathered jam over his roll. ‘It proves that you have mastered the art of walking. For the avoidance of doubt, I am prepared to be used by you whenever you want to prove that you don’t desire me. Any time at all. Day or night.’ Then he bit into his roll.
There were some really beautiful moments between them. Like Andreas bringing roses to her as a peace-offering. The love-making scenes were very sensual and beautiful. Also, the meltdown Carrie had in Andreas' arms when she spoke about her sister.
Felt very bad for Carrie all that she had to go through in life, looking after her mother before her death while she battled for cancer and then as a nineteen year old raising a twelve year old sister. Felt bad for her sister, Violet, too. The horror she's lived through because of her addiction and Carrie's helpless plight too seeing her in that state. Her life was ruined by one scumbag. Glad Carrie avenged her and sent that man to prison. My heart broke every time Carrie was remembering her sister as a kid calling her "Cawwie." I'm glad things turned better for her as we can see in the epilogue.
Loved the scene between Andreas and Carrie at the courthouse in the end and also the epilogue. This is the best book I've read by MS. It was funny, heartwarming and emotional. It's going to be on my favorite list and Andreas will be my fav hero
I found myself laughing the entire first part reading the kind of things Andreas got Carrie to do and the kicker was him insisting that she does it with a smile. The sexy bastard was really enjoying himself
'I need someone on hand to tend to all my personal needs—pour my drinks, prepare my clothing for me, make sure a towel is on hand if I do any physical activity, that kind of thing.’
It wasn’t a domestic PA the man wanted, Carrie thought in mute outrage as she listened to his seductive voice, it was a slave.
Then he gave her a crooked grin. It was like being smiled at by the big bad wolf the moment before he ate Grandma.
'And remember...’
A pretty brow rose cautiously. ‘Remember?’
He winked. ‘I like to be welcomed with a smile.’
As he closed the interconnecting door he smiled himself to imagine her reaction to the clothing selected for her. His fun with Carrie was only just beginning.
I could just imagine how frustrating it must have been for Carrie to bridle the temptation to attack him physically, or at least unleash a verbal diatribe at him.
‘Caroline?’
She suddenly realised that while she’d been silently fuming about his lazy, slave-driving ways, he’d been speaking to her.
She fixed the wide smile back on her face. What do you want this time? Another bowl of water set at the optimum temperature to dip your fingers into? Another napkin to dry them with or to wipe your mouth to go with the five I’ve already had to get for you?
‘Sorry, I missed what you said.’
He drained his white wine and set the glass on the table. ‘I’m ready to go in...’
About time.
‘...so I need you to run me a bath and turn my bed down.’
‘Of course. Yes. Anything else?’
‘I’ll let you know if anything comes to mind while you’re running my bath.’
I just bet you will. She got to her feet. ‘I’ll run it for you now. What temperature do you like it?’
Scalding or ice-cold? she prevented herself from asking.
He waited a beat before answering, a smile tugging on his lips. ‘Why don’t you run it to the temperature you like?’
Andreas watched Carrie walk into the house to run him a bath with amusement fizzing in his veins. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself as much as he had that day.
Liked the confrontation they had once she realized he knew who she really was. It was quite a revelation especially about the incidents leading to her sister's expulsion from school. Carrie had to face the fact that all that her sister had told her about Andreas was not true, and also had to face Andreas anger when he learns that she'd spread stories in the media that would affect his business and reputation. While he was at college in America, a rival company had done something similar to his parents business and brought it to ruins. Andreas slogged for long hours to support them and while expanding his own funding company he'd been careful to cultivate a clean reputation over the years. Now that Carrie has raised her colleagues suspicious against him, he blackmails her into marrying him which will keep his reputation in tact.
‘You should have thought of that before you began your vendetta against me. I am a good man. I am loyal to my family and my friends. I do not cheat in life or in love. But I am not a man to cross and you, matia mou, have crossed me and now you must accept the consequences.’
And, you know, I think a marriage to you could be fun.’
‘It will be hell. I’ll make sure of it.’
He laughed. ‘I’m sure you will, matia mou, but you are going to marry me.
‘There is no way I can pretend to have fallen in love with you; I hate everything about you.’
‘That is good because I hate everything about you too. Won’t that make everything much more fun?’
And, poor Carrie. No matter the insults she flung at him or her attempts to prove to him that she didn't desire him --like the kiss she gave him-- was neither working with him or with herself. Lol.
‘You are suffering from what I like to call Rich Man’s Delusion.’
He brought her hand to his lips and razed a kiss over her fingertips. ‘Oh, yes?
And what is that?’
‘It’s a syndrome only found in the ridiculously wealthy man.’ Her voice had dropped, become breathy. Seductive. It whispered through his skin and seeped into his loins. ‘It makes him think he’s irresistible. I quite understand why a man like you would suffer from it—your wealth acts as a magnet to many women, I appreciate that, but sufferers, in their arrogance, then think every woman is attracted to him. It’s beyond your concept that a woman can look at you and not want to drop her knickers.’
The knuckles holding her cup had turned white. ‘I kissed you to prove a point. It meant nothing to me.’
‘And you proved it very well. If I’d had any doubt that you desire me, your kiss dispelled it.’
‘The fact I walked away proves I felt nothing.’
Digging his knife into a pot, he slathered jam over his roll. ‘It proves that you have mastered the art of walking. For the avoidance of doubt, I am prepared to be used by you whenever you want to prove that you don’t desire me. Any time at all. Day or night.’ Then he bit into his roll.
There were some really beautiful moments between them. Like Andreas bringing roses to her as a peace-offering. The love-making scenes were very sensual and beautiful. Also, the meltdown Carrie had in Andreas' arms when she spoke about her sister.
Felt very bad for Carrie all that she had to go through in life, looking after her mother before her death while she battled for cancer and then as a nineteen year old raising a twelve year old sister. Felt bad for her sister, Violet, too. The horror she's lived through because of her addiction and Carrie's helpless plight too seeing her in that state. Her life was ruined by one scumbag. Glad Carrie avenged her and sent that man to prison. My heart broke every time Carrie was remembering her sister as a kid calling her "Cawwie." I'm glad things turned better for her as we can see in the epilogue.
Loved the scene between Andreas and Carrie at the courthouse in the end and also the epilogue. This is the best book I've read by MS. It was funny, heartwarming and emotional. It's going to be on my favorite list and Andreas will be my fav hero
May 19, 2020
Superficiale, poco approfondito e scontato dalla seconda parte in poi. All'inizio poteva anche essere carino, poi è andato un po' a perdersi. La struttura non tiene per tutta la durata della storia, la trama rivela troppo a mio parere, vista la quantità di pagine. La storia non è male, la prima parte (quella che ho preferito) è anche abbastanza dinamica.
Nel complesso non lo consiglierei.
Nel complesso non lo consiglierei.
January 16, 2018
loved the hero maybe because he is a sexy thirty something year old!
didn't like the heroine
really hot sex scenes
didn't like the heroine
really hot sex scenes
June 20, 2019
Wow...I loved this book. It was a beautiful read. I consider this to be a softer read. There was not a lot of grandstanding by the hero. He was kind and understanding...after a while.
The descriptive love scenes were like poetry in motion told with a lot of emotion.
This story is about Andreas Samaras, a wealthy, Greek business man. Carrie Rivers is an undercover journalist who tries to right the wrongs of the wealthy class who are criminal. She goes undercover to work for Andreas. Her younger sister and Andreas' niece used to be close friends until they turned to drugs. When it came out Andreas used his power to have his niece's friend kicked out of school where they both attended so she would no longer negatively influence his niece and lead her astray.
But our heroine, Carrie, has been told a different story from her lying sister. One in which Andreas is described as the villiain, one where he was the one who got her hooked on drugs. Carrie was out to expose him and bring all his misdeeds to light....destroy him!
Problem was our beautiful, gorgeous (did I mention he was too beautiful for eyes to behold) hero had done no such thing. The only thing he was guilty of was having her kicked out of school and that alone sent her on a major downward spiral. She ended up close to death. Carrie thinks he should pay for his part in this mess and won't believe he had nothing to do with her sister's decline....until later.
A fascinating love story from two unlikely people who had run into each other three years ago when all of this happened with his niece and her sister.
Very sweet read! I highly recommend!
The descriptive love scenes were like poetry in motion told with a lot of emotion.
This story is about Andreas Samaras, a wealthy, Greek business man. Carrie Rivers is an undercover journalist who tries to right the wrongs of the wealthy class who are criminal. She goes undercover to work for Andreas. Her younger sister and Andreas' niece used to be close friends until they turned to drugs. When it came out Andreas used his power to have his niece's friend kicked out of school where they both attended so she would no longer negatively influence his niece and lead her astray.
But our heroine, Carrie, has been told a different story from her lying sister. One in which Andreas is described as the villiain, one where he was the one who got her hooked on drugs. Carrie was out to expose him and bring all his misdeeds to light....destroy him!
Problem was our beautiful, gorgeous (did I mention he was too beautiful for eyes to behold) hero had done no such thing. The only thing he was guilty of was having her kicked out of school and that alone sent her on a major downward spiral. She ended up close to death. Carrie thinks he should pay for his part in this mess and won't believe he had nothing to do with her sister's decline....until later.
A fascinating love story from two unlikely people who had run into each other three years ago when all of this happened with his niece and her sister.
Very sweet read! I highly recommend!
March 28, 2018
I adore Michelle Smart’s category romances. The HP is my romance-ice-cream-tub of choice, so good while I’m reading it and then, disoriented and nauseous from melodramatic hangover. My forehead-slapping reaction: “Did I really just read that?” Yes, dear reader, I read them: the romance guilty pleasure, outlandish, overblown, eye-rollingly breaking every smidgen of feministic progress the genre has made. Some HPs are out there and so badly written, they’re easy to ridicule. Some are written with elegance and humour: I’m looking at YOU, Sarah Morgan. Smart’s HPs usually elicit the latter response, but A Bride At His Bidding? Well, this is one of the strangest HPs I’ve ever read … and that’s saying a whole hell of a lot if you’re one of the category’s aficionados as I am. I’m having a hard time making up my mind whether A Bride At His Bidding is a laughable mess, or brilliant. Maybe both? All I know is that its idiosyncratic narrative and character about-faces gave me reading whiplash, goggle-eyed reactions of gasping disbelief, derision, and heart-clenching delight and enjoyment.
What is this wonder about, you rightly ask? Cray-cray premise and plotting are what it is. Self-made Greek billionaire Andreas Samaras is looking forward to a life of dissipated freedom now that his ward-niece is grown and studying medicine. Unfortunately, a “viper” enters Samaras Fund Management, an investigative journalist, masquerading as his new domestic PA. The “viper” is Carrie Rivers, one of the Daily Times‘s best reporters and a woman on a mission, Andreas in her investigative cross-hairs. Carrie isn’t driven by professional ambition. She comes seeking revenge: years ago, in a bid to protect his niece from Carrie’s drug-taking, promiscuous younger sister, Andreas had Violet, Carrie’s baby sibling, kicked out of their private school. Violet fell into the terrible hands of an older, rich guy, became a drug addict, and things went from one melodramatic bad to worse. For some reason, Andreas became associated with all the unsavory types that’d surrounded Violet … and part of Carrie’s grand revenge plan.
Carrie’s infiltrated Andreas’s life to seek a reckoning … except Andreas knows her game. He plays a gleeful cat-and-mouse game with Carrie and follows it up by blackmailing her into marrying him, ostensibly to do damage control for what she’s cost his reputation and how she’s threatened his success and livelihood. By half way, Carrie and Andreas begin experiencing the BIG-FEELS for each other: the sex is transcendent; their conversation exposes their vulnerabilities, there are many “aw, she/he’s really sweet” moments and sympathy grows as misery-fests are shared. I don’t know why HP authors feel compelled to endow their hero and heroine with lives of screaming tribulation. Is it a ploy to gain our sympathy? Why does it often end in cringing embarrassment? At one point, Andreas’s mother, amongst other hardships (financial ruin, family deaths, etc.) also suffered from NOT ONE, BUT FOUR types of cancer. There’s SO MUCH CANCER between these two that it’s a miracle either one is still standing. This did not endear either to me. I disliked them: Andreas’s smirking, eye-twinkling blackmailing heart had me screaming “cad!” and Carrie’s judgemental hysteria had me yelling “shrew!” And then, it struck me, these two are like Petruchio and Kate: Andreas enjoying bringing Carrie to heel and Carrie enjoying behaving like one.
At some mysterious heart-clenching point and because Smart is a romance-magicianette, I started to like them. And I started to see how there were redemptive qualities to the narrative, like, FINALLY, no make-over. Carrie earns her own way and Andreas’s attempts to throw his money around are rebuffed. She can’t be bought, or charmed, I LOVED that. Both narrative and characters were mercurial, but Smart’s ability to build sympathy on tenderness, humour, and connection, when they kicked in, well, it did me in. I ended up invested in these two who at first I disliked and found myself rooting for and celebrating with them. Frankly, the mutual grovel scene was GREAT, both romantic and practical! Yes, practical, listen to this from Andreas, ” ‘I need to learn patience. You know what I’m like. I want something and I want it now. You need to think things through. I have to accept our brains work differently.’ ” See what I mean about being won over? In the end, Miss Austen and I would say that Smart’s A Bride At His Bidding is “real comfort,” Emma.
Michelle Smart’s A Bride At His Bidding is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on January 16th and is available at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
What is this wonder about, you rightly ask? Cray-cray premise and plotting are what it is. Self-made Greek billionaire Andreas Samaras is looking forward to a life of dissipated freedom now that his ward-niece is grown and studying medicine. Unfortunately, a “viper” enters Samaras Fund Management, an investigative journalist, masquerading as his new domestic PA. The “viper” is Carrie Rivers, one of the Daily Times‘s best reporters and a woman on a mission, Andreas in her investigative cross-hairs. Carrie isn’t driven by professional ambition. She comes seeking revenge: years ago, in a bid to protect his niece from Carrie’s drug-taking, promiscuous younger sister, Andreas had Violet, Carrie’s baby sibling, kicked out of their private school. Violet fell into the terrible hands of an older, rich guy, became a drug addict, and things went from one melodramatic bad to worse. For some reason, Andreas became associated with all the unsavory types that’d surrounded Violet … and part of Carrie’s grand revenge plan.
Carrie’s infiltrated Andreas’s life to seek a reckoning … except Andreas knows her game. He plays a gleeful cat-and-mouse game with Carrie and follows it up by blackmailing her into marrying him, ostensibly to do damage control for what she’s cost his reputation and how she’s threatened his success and livelihood. By half way, Carrie and Andreas begin experiencing the BIG-FEELS for each other: the sex is transcendent; their conversation exposes their vulnerabilities, there are many “aw, she/he’s really sweet” moments and sympathy grows as misery-fests are shared. I don’t know why HP authors feel compelled to endow their hero and heroine with lives of screaming tribulation. Is it a ploy to gain our sympathy? Why does it often end in cringing embarrassment? At one point, Andreas’s mother, amongst other hardships (financial ruin, family deaths, etc.) also suffered from NOT ONE, BUT FOUR types of cancer. There’s SO MUCH CANCER between these two that it’s a miracle either one is still standing. This did not endear either to me. I disliked them: Andreas’s smirking, eye-twinkling blackmailing heart had me screaming “cad!” and Carrie’s judgemental hysteria had me yelling “shrew!” And then, it struck me, these two are like Petruchio and Kate: Andreas enjoying bringing Carrie to heel and Carrie enjoying behaving like one.
At some mysterious heart-clenching point and because Smart is a romance-magicianette, I started to like them. And I started to see how there were redemptive qualities to the narrative, like, FINALLY, no make-over. Carrie earns her own way and Andreas’s attempts to throw his money around are rebuffed. She can’t be bought, or charmed, I LOVED that. Both narrative and characters were mercurial, but Smart’s ability to build sympathy on tenderness, humour, and connection, when they kicked in, well, it did me in. I ended up invested in these two who at first I disliked and found myself rooting for and celebrating with them. Frankly, the mutual grovel scene was GREAT, both romantic and practical! Yes, practical, listen to this from Andreas, ” ‘I need to learn patience. You know what I’m like. I want something and I want it now. You need to think things through. I have to accept our brains work differently.’ ” See what I mean about being won over? In the end, Miss Austen and I would say that Smart’s A Bride At His Bidding is “real comfort,” Emma.
Michelle Smart’s A Bride At His Bidding is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on January 16th and is available at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
August 28, 2019
Ok. So this is the most perfect, romantic, sweet and super hilarious book I've read. Adjectives fail me atm and all my previous attempts at writing a review were rudely disrupted (thank you life).
But oh dear this book... Is f'n amazing. Other than re-reading it, I will possibly scour all other books by MS.
The best part of this book: 95% or more is interaction between the h and H. No time or pages wasted on other things. Just pure, unadulterated venomous sparring between the MCs.
Andreas is a super hot dominating, domineering, possessive Greek alpha. But. He is also beyond sexy and sweet. He hires Carrie as a personal PA and plays her to bust her identity (which is a journalist spy). And to make her crack, he gives her the most ridiculous and murder-inciting tasks like : peel my grapes.
I totally rolled over laughing and just couldn't stop reading once I'd started and finished it in one go!
As the plot indicates, Andreas thinks that Carrie is an undercover journalist planted to bring a corporate downfall of his business. Carrie blames him for some personal damage he unknowingly brought upon her family.
Carrie was super sweet and shy and Andreas was the wolf to her lamb. Their love making was so seductive and real, I had my toes curled.
As always thank you to my GR friends for this beyond amazing read showing up on my feed. Absolute favorite!
I also have to say that their HEA was just like the movies and I could almost cry! Epilogue was sweet but wish it was longer and years into their life. Gosh I need a part 2 to Andreas and Carrie!
But oh dear this book... Is f'n amazing. Other than re-reading it, I will possibly scour all other books by MS.
The best part of this book: 95% or more is interaction between the h and H. No time or pages wasted on other things. Just pure, unadulterated venomous sparring between the MCs.
Andreas is a super hot dominating, domineering, possessive Greek alpha. But. He is also beyond sexy and sweet. He hires Carrie as a personal PA and plays her to bust her identity (which is a journalist spy). And to make her crack, he gives her the most ridiculous and murder-inciting tasks like : peel my grapes.
I totally rolled over laughing and just couldn't stop reading once I'd started and finished it in one go!
As the plot indicates, Andreas thinks that Carrie is an undercover journalist planted to bring a corporate downfall of his business. Carrie blames him for some personal damage he unknowingly brought upon her family.
Carrie was super sweet and shy and Andreas was the wolf to her lamb. Their love making was so seductive and real, I had my toes curled.
As always thank you to my GR friends for this beyond amazing read showing up on my feed. Absolute favorite!
I also have to say that their HEA was just like the movies and I could almost cry! Epilogue was sweet but wish it was longer and years into their life. Gosh I need a part 2 to Andreas and Carrie!
May 24, 2020
Preso gratuito su Amazon. Per fortuna.
Avevo voglia di qualcosa di più frivolo di King, ma così è stato davvero troppo.
Se in alcuni momenti ho pensato fosse davvero carino, in altri proprio no.
La storia è anche interessante: Carrie giornalista a caccia di un altro scoop che sveli i loschi giri di affari di uomini ricchi, punta tutto su Andreas, uno dei più ricchi gestori di fondi finanziari.
Andreas alla ricerca di un nuova assistente, nel vagliare le proposte la riconosce, la assume per smascherarla e capire che cosa vuole da lui. Carrie però non si è infiltrata per uno scoop, ma per vendetta personale.
All’inizio l’ho trovato divertente, ma poi alcune scelte narrative mi hanno fatto cadere le braccia, per essere gentile.
Non mi aspettavo un libro (che poi ha poco più di 100 pagine) da premio Strega o altro, però che almeno fosse un po’ più godibile si.
Non mi è rimasto nulla. Nemmeno un momento emozionante durante la lettura.
Avete ragione, me lo sono cercata. Ma ogni tanto questi romanzi mi hanno fatto almeno sognare. Non è stato questo il caso.
Ed è un peccato, perché la storia è davvero interessante, però sviluppata malissimo.
Se proprio non avete altro da leggere questo è il libro che fa per voi.
Per carità magari vi piace, e sono io che non apprezzo. Tutto può essere.
Avevo voglia di qualcosa di più frivolo di King, ma così è stato davvero troppo.
Se in alcuni momenti ho pensato fosse davvero carino, in altri proprio no.
La storia è anche interessante: Carrie giornalista a caccia di un altro scoop che sveli i loschi giri di affari di uomini ricchi, punta tutto su Andreas, uno dei più ricchi gestori di fondi finanziari.
Andreas alla ricerca di un nuova assistente, nel vagliare le proposte la riconosce, la assume per smascherarla e capire che cosa vuole da lui. Carrie però non si è infiltrata per uno scoop, ma per vendetta personale.
All’inizio l’ho trovato divertente, ma poi alcune scelte narrative mi hanno fatto cadere le braccia, per essere gentile.
Non mi aspettavo un libro (che poi ha poco più di 100 pagine) da premio Strega o altro, però che almeno fosse un po’ più godibile si.
Non mi è rimasto nulla. Nemmeno un momento emozionante durante la lettura.
Avete ragione, me lo sono cercata. Ma ogni tanto questi romanzi mi hanno fatto almeno sognare. Non è stato questo il caso.
Ed è un peccato, perché la storia è davvero interessante, però sviluppata malissimo.
Se proprio non avete altro da leggere questo è il libro che fa per voi.
Per carità magari vi piace, e sono io che non apprezzo. Tutto può essere.
February 14, 2018
What happens when you fall for your enemy? I loved the characters, they were so great at communicating and very mature! Carrie is an undercover journalist looking to expose the shady dealings of huge companies, .Andreas is the CEO of a well respected company and prides himself of being ethical. Carrie believes that Andreas is the reason for destroying her life and she is out for revenge, Andreas hires Carrie and they begin to spend more and more time together. Carrie is conflicted with the feelings she is beginning to feel and the reason she is there in the first place.
I loved this story it was so sweet and sexy! Andreas was the cherry on top, I loved his personality and the alphaness (that's a word, right?). Carrie and Andreas had major chemistry especially during those sex scenes!!
I wold totally recommend this to everyone.
I loved this story it was so sweet and sexy! Andreas was the cherry on top, I loved his personality and the alphaness (that's a word, right?). Carrie and Andreas had major chemistry especially during those sex scenes!!
I wold totally recommend this to everyone.
November 15, 2018
This was a bittersweet Story. Despite, this book being a HP romance and every reader expects a reunion and HEA, one couldn't resist cheering on for the couple.They were suited, they were soul mates and they loved.
Andreas and Caroline met when their sisters were friends at boarding school. They even had 'slumber'parties for the girls but never had personal interaction..until the day Carrie's sister ,Violet was discovered with Natalie,Andreas's sister ,doing drugs.A day that made a strained tolerance bloomed into anger and hate, Andreas caught them and had violet expelled from school.
Both Andreas and Carrie had strong family values,loyalty, love and protective to people they love So when Violet accused Andreas of trying to seduce her and ruined her life.Carrie allowed hate to grow and planned her revenge against him.Going undercover have her the possibilities to snoop information and use it as proof to demolish Andreas empire and to destroy him. Instead she found out the truth about him and realised her sister was being untruthful and wanted her revenge for Andreas's rejection.
Carrie reluctantly accepted Andreas's suggestion for damage control by agreeing to be married for 6 month.period to alleviate the rumours she created that could cause financial trouble. In duration of their engagement, they fell in love, unknown to them.Every touch and words you read the love instead of the lust.Michelle Smart captures that deep emotion to perfection.
Their misunderstandings came about from insecurities and ignorance of the other party's love. Their ending was drama and spectacular !!!! The epilogue was sweet! I cannot wait for more stories from this author!
Andreas and Caroline met when their sisters were friends at boarding school. They even had 'slumber'parties for the girls but never had personal interaction..until the day Carrie's sister ,Violet was discovered with Natalie,Andreas's sister ,doing drugs.A day that made a strained tolerance bloomed into anger and hate, Andreas caught them and had violet expelled from school.
Both Andreas and Carrie had strong family values,loyalty, love and protective to people they love So when Violet accused Andreas of trying to seduce her and ruined her life.Carrie allowed hate to grow and planned her revenge against him.Going undercover have her the possibilities to snoop information and use it as proof to demolish Andreas empire and to destroy him. Instead she found out the truth about him and realised her sister was being untruthful and wanted her revenge for Andreas's rejection.
Carrie reluctantly accepted Andreas's suggestion for damage control by agreeing to be married for 6 month.period to alleviate the rumours she created that could cause financial trouble. In duration of their engagement, they fell in love, unknown to them.Every touch and words you read the love instead of the lust.Michelle Smart captures that deep emotion to perfection.
Their misunderstandings came about from insecurities and ignorance of the other party's love. Their ending was drama and spectacular !!!! The epilogue was sweet! I cannot wait for more stories from this author!
November 7, 2020
Carrie memutuskan untuk menyamar agar bisa mendekati Andreas dan mengumpulkan bukti-bukti keterlibatan pria itu dalam kehidupan kacau adiknya. Setelah dikeluarkan dari sekolah karena kasus narkoba, Violet adiknya kehilangan masa depan. Carrie tahu James, pria yang mengacaukan hidup adiknya dan sudah dipenjarakannya, adalah teman Andreas. Kini giliran Andreas yang akan mendapatkan balasan.
Andreas menyadari penyamaran Carrie, dan memutuskan memberikan pelajaran bagi wartawati itu. Karena Carrie melamar sebagai asisten domestik-nya, maka Andreas benar-benar memperlakukan Carrie sebagai pelayannya. Sampai kemudian penyamaran Carrie terbongkar. Sebagai balasan Andreas meminta Carrie menikah dengannya selama 6 bulan.
Bukan hanya penyamarannya yang terbongkar, tetapi juga kenyataan sebenarnya yang melibatkan adiknya. Rasa bersalah karena telah menyudutkan Andreas membuat Carrie terpaksa menerima permintaan Andreas. Semakin dalam mengenal Andreas, Carrie menyadari sosok Andreas yang sebenarnya. Andreas telah mengorbankan 15 tahun hidupnya demi keluarganya, dan akan menjalani 6 bulan bersama Carrie sebelum dirinya benar-benar bebas sesuai impiannya.
Selain jalan cerita yang lumayan menarik, karakter Carrie dan Andreas juga membuat kisahnya kuat. Andreas sosok yang spontan, sementara Carrie menjalani seluruh hidupnya dengan perhitungan. Penutup yang baik juga membuat saya memberi 4 bintang utk HQ ini.
Andreas menyadari penyamaran Carrie, dan memutuskan memberikan pelajaran bagi wartawati itu. Karena Carrie melamar sebagai asisten domestik-nya, maka Andreas benar-benar memperlakukan Carrie sebagai pelayannya. Sampai kemudian penyamaran Carrie terbongkar. Sebagai balasan Andreas meminta Carrie menikah dengannya selama 6 bulan.
Bukan hanya penyamarannya yang terbongkar, tetapi juga kenyataan sebenarnya yang melibatkan adiknya. Rasa bersalah karena telah menyudutkan Andreas membuat Carrie terpaksa menerima permintaan Andreas. Semakin dalam mengenal Andreas, Carrie menyadari sosok Andreas yang sebenarnya. Andreas telah mengorbankan 15 tahun hidupnya demi keluarganya, dan akan menjalani 6 bulan bersama Carrie sebelum dirinya benar-benar bebas sesuai impiannya.
Selain jalan cerita yang lumayan menarik, karakter Carrie dan Andreas juga membuat kisahnya kuat. Andreas sosok yang spontan, sementara Carrie menjalani seluruh hidupnya dengan perhitungan. Penutup yang baik juga membuat saya memberi 4 bintang utk HQ ini.
November 18, 2018
This book has been on my TBR list for ages. I was put off by the whole investigative journalist angle, as it's not typical of a HP. In a bid to finish up 2018 HPs, I decided to give it another go and I'm so glad I did!
The book is very well written and the MCs were fantastic. The chemistry between them was amazing and they were so explosive together, in the best possible way. There some hilarious moments in the beginning when they were keeping up their respective ruses, but it wasn't taken too far for too long so it didn't detract from the story. Both Andreas and Carrie had sad back stories and as you get more details as you can understand why they behaved the way they did. The emotions ran high in this one and you could feel all the joys and pain that they experienced throughout the book.
Gorgeous couple with a well deserved happy ending, so a gorgeous 5 stars for Michelle Smart.
The book is very well written and the MCs were fantastic. The chemistry between them was amazing and they were so explosive together, in the best possible way. There some hilarious moments in the beginning when they were keeping up their respective ruses, but it wasn't taken too far for too long so it didn't detract from the story. Both Andreas and Carrie had sad back stories and as you get more details as you can understand why they behaved the way they did. The emotions ran high in this one and you could feel all the joys and pain that they experienced throughout the book.
Gorgeous couple with a well deserved happy ending, so a gorgeous 5 stars for Michelle Smart.
May 29, 2020
Mentiras y amor
Una historia donde una mentira hace que Carrie quiera cobrar venganza contra Andreas.
Debido a esto, siendo periodista, se hace pasar por empleada doméstica para "descubrir" sus negocios ilegales sin saber que él le esta siguiendo el juego.
Los personajes tienen carácter y se comportan de acuerdo a la situación, ninguno se doblega ante el otro.
Sin embargo se puede notar el cambio que se va dando conforme se sinceran uno con el otro.
La trama es atrapante, romántica y con un toque de drama al conocer la historia de Violet.
Una historia donde una mentira hace que Carrie quiera cobrar venganza contra Andreas.
Debido a esto, siendo periodista, se hace pasar por empleada doméstica para "descubrir" sus negocios ilegales sin saber que él le esta siguiendo el juego.
Los personajes tienen carácter y se comportan de acuerdo a la situación, ninguno se doblega ante el otro.
Sin embargo se puede notar el cambio que se va dando conforme se sinceran uno con el otro.
La trama es atrapante, romántica y con un toque de drama al conocer la historia de Violet.
May 5, 2020
Per tre anni Carrie cova vendetta per un uomo di cui s'innamora, cosa sceglierà? Breve ma ben scritta.
December 11, 2017
This is a thoroughly delightful romance story and I enjoyed every moment of it. The author subverted so many tropes and specifically addressed a lot of the issues I've had in the past with romance novels, it's almost uncanny how this seems to be written specifically to please me!
Our hero and heroine are a perfectly matched couple - both are strong-willed and driven to succeed, devoted to family and have in common that they were forced to grow up too soon and take responsibility for their loved ones. Unfortunately they start off at odds as Andreas was blamed for ruining Carrie's sister's life, and given how dedicated they are to protecting their respective families, this leads directly to conflict!
The synopsis reveals that Andreas sees through Carrie's undercover ruse, but I didn't realize that he would pinpoint her as a spy right from the very start. This cast a refreshing new angle on the 'assuming a false identity to spy on the love interest' trope and allowed him to have a great deal of fun at Carrie's expense! It also meant we were spared the usual lashing out due to feelings of betrayal as he wasn't ever taken in by her guise; I always dread this confrontation, so it was a big relief to have that out of the way. That's one of the choices by this author that I really appreciated - instead of picking the safe well-trodden path, she develops the narrative in unexpected directions and keeps me guessing. ^_^
I really adored their growing fondness for one another and how playful their interactions became once the truth was out in the open, quite a few of their exchanges had me chuckling:
--
"I should have guessed that what happened to my parents would make you angry. You are a one-woman crusader against injustice."
"I'm surprised I didn't already know about it." She swallowed before giving a small, apologetic smile. "I did a lot of research on you."
---
The main thing that pleasantly surprised me was how the main couple actually behaved like the mature and responsible adults they are! I frequently nope my way out of romances where the heroine acts like a spoiled brat or the hero like an alpha asshole, but Carrie and Andreas were so likable and compelling. Even when they confront each other about the truth of what happened in the past with Carrie's sister, they still remain coolly rational while flinging vicious accusations back and forth, rather than turning on the histrionics or becoming violent.
My main litmus test for whether a romance has potential to be enjoyable or not is whether the hero is the type to 'silence a woman with his lips' and I'm so thankful that at no point did Andreas manhandle Carrie, even when he had the balance of power in their relationship. His respect for her throughout the story was one of the most attractive things about him, honestly. I skim through sex scenes most of the time, but the emotional resonance in the love-making here actually kept me reading once the relationship turned intimate because it wasn't simply a generic 'insert tab a into slot b' scene, but actually showed character growth and deepened my understanding of these characters.
---
"Don't say it. Please, don't say it."
He gave a short, sharp shake of his head. Even if she hadn't asked, he couldn't look at her and smugly say, See, I knew you wanted me.
That had been the most erotic, mind-blowing and...touching moment of his life, and he would never diminish it.
---
My heart! <3 Considering the circumstances under which their relationship began, I love how these two can show such compassion and vulnerability to each other, there are so many touching moments where each shows support to the other and it's wonderful to watch as they fall in love!
I did have a few minor quibbles that kept this from being a 5-star rating, for instance, the impetus for marriage felt rather weak and towards the end, the last couple chapters did take a turn for the cheesy and overwrought tropes that were avoided for 95% of the story, but overall, this excelled at what it aimed to achieve and was thoroughly entertaining. I'd definitely recommend to romance lovers!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy free from Harlequin Presents via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Our hero and heroine are a perfectly matched couple - both are strong-willed and driven to succeed, devoted to family and have in common that they were forced to grow up too soon and take responsibility for their loved ones. Unfortunately they start off at odds as Andreas was blamed for ruining Carrie's sister's life, and given how dedicated they are to protecting their respective families, this leads directly to conflict!
The synopsis reveals that Andreas sees through Carrie's undercover ruse, but I didn't realize that he would pinpoint her as a spy right from the very start. This cast a refreshing new angle on the 'assuming a false identity to spy on the love interest' trope and allowed him to have a great deal of fun at Carrie's expense! It also meant we were spared the usual lashing out due to feelings of betrayal as he wasn't ever taken in by her guise; I always dread this confrontation, so it was a big relief to have that out of the way. That's one of the choices by this author that I really appreciated - instead of picking the safe well-trodden path, she develops the narrative in unexpected directions and keeps me guessing. ^_^
I really adored their growing fondness for one another and how playful their interactions became once the truth was out in the open, quite a few of their exchanges had me chuckling:
--
"I should have guessed that what happened to my parents would make you angry. You are a one-woman crusader against injustice."
"I'm surprised I didn't already know about it." She swallowed before giving a small, apologetic smile. "I did a lot of research on you."
---
The main thing that pleasantly surprised me was how the main couple actually behaved like the mature and responsible adults they are! I frequently nope my way out of romances where the heroine acts like a spoiled brat or the hero like an alpha asshole, but Carrie and Andreas were so likable and compelling. Even when they confront each other about the truth of what happened in the past with Carrie's sister, they still remain coolly rational while flinging vicious accusations back and forth, rather than turning on the histrionics or becoming violent.
My main litmus test for whether a romance has potential to be enjoyable or not is whether the hero is the type to 'silence a woman with his lips' and I'm so thankful that at no point did Andreas manhandle Carrie, even when he had the balance of power in their relationship. His respect for her throughout the story was one of the most attractive things about him, honestly. I skim through sex scenes most of the time, but the emotional resonance in the love-making here actually kept me reading once the relationship turned intimate because it wasn't simply a generic 'insert tab a into slot b' scene, but actually showed character growth and deepened my understanding of these characters.
---
"Don't say it. Please, don't say it."
He gave a short, sharp shake of his head. Even if she hadn't asked, he couldn't look at her and smugly say, See, I knew you wanted me.
That had been the most erotic, mind-blowing and...touching moment of his life, and he would never diminish it.
---
My heart! <3 Considering the circumstances under which their relationship began, I love how these two can show such compassion and vulnerability to each other, there are so many touching moments where each shows support to the other and it's wonderful to watch as they fall in love!
I did have a few minor quibbles that kept this from being a 5-star rating, for instance, the impetus for marriage felt rather weak and towards the end, the last couple chapters did take a turn for the cheesy and overwrought tropes that were avoided for 95% of the story, but overall, this excelled at what it aimed to achieve and was thoroughly entertaining. I'd definitely recommend to romance lovers!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy free from Harlequin Presents via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2018
It's amazing how totally things can go awry when there's a breakdown in communications or assumptions made. I liked that we got to see what was going on through both Andreas and Carrie's eyes.
I could understand the pain, drive for vengeance and anger that Carrie has been carrying inside her heart against Andreas after she believed he made her sister a drug addict and then getting her expelled from school. It is what her sister told her happened.
Andreas, on the other hand, remembers things very differently. He read the article she wrote in which a businessman who had attempted to work with him was arrested for being involved in drugs and sex trade, and was impressed at her investigative skills.
Once he realizes who she really is, after she attempts to apply as a domestic personal assistant, he decides to have some fun at her expense before calling her on it. Watching this unfold was hilarious, the confrontation scene I could feel their anger and the arousal that stemmed from it.
As they prepare to fake a marriage through when things blow up and on, I was on a roller coaster that I didn't want to end. The author has a skill of making you really feel the emotions as if you're there. I can't wait to read more from her.
I could understand the pain, drive for vengeance and anger that Carrie has been carrying inside her heart against Andreas after she believed he made her sister a drug addict and then getting her expelled from school. It is what her sister told her happened.
Andreas, on the other hand, remembers things very differently. He read the article she wrote in which a businessman who had attempted to work with him was arrested for being involved in drugs and sex trade, and was impressed at her investigative skills.
Once he realizes who she really is, after she attempts to apply as a domestic personal assistant, he decides to have some fun at her expense before calling her on it. Watching this unfold was hilarious, the confrontation scene I could feel their anger and the arousal that stemmed from it.
As they prepare to fake a marriage through when things blow up and on, I was on a roller coaster that I didn't want to end. The author has a skill of making you really feel the emotions as if you're there. I can't wait to read more from her.
July 21, 2025
very enjoyable 3.5 stars, especially the start when both H and h are keeping secrets and pretending. She is an undercover journalist determined to reveal his dark secrets to avenge her drug-addled sister and he spots what she is up to and torments her with trips to the Seychelles and spooning his yoghurt.
The fun doesn't last long, she realises he knows what she is up to after a couple of days, and then she has to agree to marry him so that her spotless reputation as a financial journalist rubs off on him and his business isn't affected by any rumours.
Of course, the unicorns are quickly groomed, he is lovely and tender and they fall in love. She is still scared of the feelings and likely heartbreak, but while apart realises that there are no guarantees in life and she has made a mistake. Meanwhile, he is rushing back to admit he loves her (he neglected that crucial bit of info) and they both feel compelled to turn up at the registry office where they were supposed to conduct their pretendy wedding 190 pages ago. Cue lots of tears, kisses, wedding and pregnancy a year later.
The fun doesn't last long, she realises he knows what she is up to after a couple of days, and then she has to agree to marry him so that her spotless reputation as a financial journalist rubs off on him and his business isn't affected by any rumours.
Of course, the unicorns are quickly groomed, he is lovely and tender and they fall in love. She is still scared of the feelings and likely heartbreak, but while apart realises that there are no guarantees in life and she has made a mistake. Meanwhile, he is rushing back to admit he loves her (he neglected that crucial bit of info) and they both feel compelled to turn up at the registry office where they were supposed to conduct their pretendy wedding 190 pages ago. Cue lots of tears, kisses, wedding and pregnancy a year later.
January 21, 2018
A Bride at his Bidding by Michelle Smart is a sexy romance between an investigative journalist and the man whose secrets she seeks to uncover.
Carrie Rivers has never forgiven billionaire Andreas Samaras for his part in the ruination of her sister, a young woman who got involved in an affair with an acquaintance of Andreas as a teenager that led to expulsion from school and a serious drug problem. After exposing the acquaintance for running a drug and human trafficking ring, she has her sights set on Andreas. Making up a lie about possible financial crimes to her bosses at the paper, she’s able to get the go ahead to go undercover and apply for a position as Andreas’s personal assistant.
Andreas knows exactly who Carrie is, though she’s hiding under another identity. It’s not long before her ruse is revealed, (as well as the truth of what happened with her sister to set things straight) and Andreas believes he has only one option to save his reputation that she’s damaged with her ‘suspicions’ – marriage! A quick six months ought to lay to rest the rumors. Carrie reluctantly agrees, knowing that her career would be over if it was discovered that she’d made up fake sources in order to investigate Andreas. To her chagrin, Andreas isn’t the man she thought he was, and her attraction to him is equally upsetting. As Andreas and Carrie get to know each other, will they be able to put the past behind them and have a real future together?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-b...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Carrie Rivers has never forgiven billionaire Andreas Samaras for his part in the ruination of her sister, a young woman who got involved in an affair with an acquaintance of Andreas as a teenager that led to expulsion from school and a serious drug problem. After exposing the acquaintance for running a drug and human trafficking ring, she has her sights set on Andreas. Making up a lie about possible financial crimes to her bosses at the paper, she’s able to get the go ahead to go undercover and apply for a position as Andreas’s personal assistant.
Andreas knows exactly who Carrie is, though she’s hiding under another identity. It’s not long before her ruse is revealed, (as well as the truth of what happened with her sister to set things straight) and Andreas believes he has only one option to save his reputation that she’s damaged with her ‘suspicions’ – marriage! A quick six months ought to lay to rest the rumors. Carrie reluctantly agrees, knowing that her career would be over if it was discovered that she’d made up fake sources in order to investigate Andreas. To her chagrin, Andreas isn’t the man she thought he was, and her attraction to him is equally upsetting. As Andreas and Carrie get to know each other, will they be able to put the past behind them and have a real future together?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-b...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
March 23, 2018
I enjoyed "A Bride at His Bidding" more than I thought I would. It has all the elements of a stereotypical Harlequin Presents novel - rich, handsome billionaire, innocent and virginal heroine, and yet the story still worked. Michelle Smart has a lively author voice and I enjoyed the chemistry between the hero and heroine. My only real complaint was the overuse of the hero's nickname for the heroine, "matia mou." Sometimes it would appear 3-4 times over a couple of pages and it started to grate on my nerves. Cutesy nicknames used repeatedly is one of my pet peeves as a reader and hopefully no one else had any problems with it. Overall, I found the book enjoyable and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 30, 2018
A Bride at His Bidding was a good read it was a little slow but still interesting. Carrie was a wonderful woman that just wanted justice for her little sister. Her only problem was that she knew the answer all along but was to blind not to see the truth. Then there is Andreas he is a man that knows what he wants and he knows that his freedom is only a few more months away. It's not that he doesn't love his family but he has put his life on hold for so many years and he is ready to live. So Andreas knew who Carrie was and he was going to have a little bit of fun with her but in the end they both end up falling in love with each other but they are both too blind to see that.
I totally recommend this read!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
I totally recommend this read!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
February 7, 2018
Carrie Rivers applies for a job work for Andreas Samaras as is PA . What she really is doing is using her job as a journalist and going undercover to expose Andreas Samaras for what she believes he has done. Problem is Billionaire Andreas is aware from the beginning of who she is, and puts her through some smile earning things as he insists his PA serves all his needs. Ms. Smart writes such wonderful stories and this one will have you smiling and laughing out loud at parts but you will also be sighing at the love scenes. A romance readers heaven.
October 3, 2019
Andreas Samaras is wondering what undercover journalist Carrie Rivers aka Caroline Dunwoody was up to. Their last meeting three years before had not been a pleasant one, but he did not forget those eyes. A desire to punish her for daring to try and deceive him, ends with a desire to keep her.
Carrie has already brought justice for her sister by bringing one man down. Now, she goes after Andreas to find his secrets to finish out her plot for revenge. But the more she learns about Andreas, the more she learns about herself, and her sister. In the end, the only justice is them.
Nice story.
Carrie has already brought justice for her sister by bringing one man down. Now, she goes after Andreas to find his secrets to finish out her plot for revenge. But the more she learns about Andreas, the more she learns about herself, and her sister. In the end, the only justice is them.
Nice story.
February 13, 2020
Seandainya ending cerita lebih diolah lagi, pasti saya bisa kasih bintang 4. Watak Caroline sesuai sama harapan saya. Konsisten tangguhnya, punya harga diri tinggi, keras kepala, enggak gampang luluh, lebih suka dikejar daripada ngejar, teguh pendirian, dan enggak melulu disetir perasaan. Di-mix sama Andreas yang berego tinggi, berkuasa, egosentris, mereka bikin saya greget sepanjang cerita. Landasan hubungan mereka juga enggak dibuat-buat layaknya novel harlequin lainnya. Realistis pokoknya. Tentu ini jadi nilai plus buat panitia baca ulang sampe bosen macem saya.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews