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Emerald Mistress
When Harriet's world comes crashing down, she's still able to count her blessings. Forget London, her failing career and her unfaithful fiancé--an unexpected legacy of a cottage and stables in an Irish village beckons!
Her fresh start on the Emerald Isle is soon threatened: her new neighbor is ruthless businessman Rafael Cavaliere. It was Rafael's asset-stripping activities that cost Harriet her job and now it seems he's entitled to half her inheritance.
But Rafael has a way with him: always on hand to smooth Harriet's path as she handles livestock and the locals, he oozes sex and charm. Though at risk of becoming just another notch on Rafael's bedpost, Harriet decides that she'll let him sweep her up in a heady affair….
377 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2007
41 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,763 books1,448 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 13, 2016
Adored Harriett and Rafael. She's spunky and strong, and put alpha male Rafael in his place more times than I can count. Poor guy had no idea she had him hook, line and sinker.
Hoowevver...Harriett'a sister is a slag, her ex-fiancé is a loser and her mother is a selfish, self centered shrew.
Hated those characters. Thankfully The author gave me many other wonderful characters like Una and Tolly to love.
One of my favorite Lynne Graham books.
Hoowevver...Harriett'a sister is a slag, her ex-fiancé is a loser and her mother is a selfish, self centered shrew.
Hated those characters. Thankfully The author gave me many other wonderful characters like Una and Tolly to love.
One of my favorite Lynne Graham books.
February 9, 2019
"Emerald Mistress" is the story of Harriet and Rafael.
When our h finds her long term boyfriend in bed with her stepsister at the same time when her job is jeopardy, she decides to leave the "comforts" of her modern life and move to the Irish countryside, where a relative had left her a cottage in her will.
Her peaceful life in Emerald Isle is threatened by businessman Rafael Cavalier, who has indirectly been the bane of her existence, and now wants to own her land!
They banter their way to a partnership, but the undeniable attraction soon gives in and they find themselves as lovers! That is until their past intervenes..
Average, low angst story with all the drama you can imagine- from the heroine "moaning" the OM's name in bed, to the couple being possible siblings- this book has it all. There was too much going on and I enjoyed it in parts. The h had a backbone, the hero was caring, the sex scenes were ok.
SWE
2/5
When our h finds her long term boyfriend in bed with her stepsister at the same time when her job is jeopardy, she decides to leave the "comforts" of her modern life and move to the Irish countryside, where a relative had left her a cottage in her will.
Her peaceful life in Emerald Isle is threatened by businessman Rafael Cavalier, who has indirectly been the bane of her existence, and now wants to own her land!
They banter their way to a partnership, but the undeniable attraction soon gives in and they find themselves as lovers! That is until their past intervenes..
Average, low angst story with all the drama you can imagine- from the heroine "moaning" the OM's name in bed, to the couple being possible siblings- this book has it all. There was too much going on and I enjoyed it in parts. The h had a backbone, the hero was caring, the sex scenes were ok.
SWE
2/5
March 5, 2023
Feisty, down-to-earth heroine
A rare LG book wherein the heroine does not have a secret baby or get pregnant. Only in LG do I tolerate those well-worn tropes, which is an indication of her ability to put a lot of excitement and passion in her romances. The heroine of this book is quite feisty and strong, quickly getting over the initial "ordinary world" of her backstory of years of being a doormat to her long-term boyfriend/fiance, her mother and sister, when all three betray her at the beginning of the book and set her on her unique "hero's journey."
The setting is the lush countryside of Ireland, and the heroine spends most of the book in stomp-about clothing suitable to her avocation running a stable for prime horses. She and the hero share a great love of horses but, of course, as a typical Harlequin Presents tycoon, he has buckets of money to have only the best, most expensive race horses. It's a nice change having both hero and heroine involved in a fascinating pursuit together, besides the typical HP fare of going out to dinner in fancy restaurants, heading to a private island estate, attending exclusive, rich-people gatherings, and having wild sex (though tastefully written) in lush, sybaritic bedroom suites in castle-like homes on rolling estates.
All in all, if you like LG, but you've longed for her to try something new, you'll enjoy this one.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Romance plot: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
A rare LG book wherein the heroine does not have a secret baby or get pregnant. Only in LG do I tolerate those well-worn tropes, which is an indication of her ability to put a lot of excitement and passion in her romances. The heroine of this book is quite feisty and strong, quickly getting over the initial "ordinary world" of her backstory of years of being a doormat to her long-term boyfriend/fiance, her mother and sister, when all three betray her at the beginning of the book and set her on her unique "hero's journey."
The setting is the lush countryside of Ireland, and the heroine spends most of the book in stomp-about clothing suitable to her avocation running a stable for prime horses. She and the hero share a great love of horses but, of course, as a typical Harlequin Presents tycoon, he has buckets of money to have only the best, most expensive race horses. It's a nice change having both hero and heroine involved in a fascinating pursuit together, besides the typical HP fare of going out to dinner in fancy restaurants, heading to a private island estate, attending exclusive, rich-people gatherings, and having wild sex (though tastefully written) in lush, sybaritic bedroom suites in castle-like homes on rolling estates.
All in all, if you like LG, but you've longed for her to try something new, you'll enjoy this one.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Romance plot: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
July 24, 2016
A longer LG. It was a nice book, more sweet than angsty. On the whole the hero was pretty sweet to her throughout. Enjoyed it.
September 4, 2024
FMC is a curvy beauty who had a little sister who’s petite, more beautiful than her, that she adores (but we all know how it goes, lil sis is a bitch). She has a boyfriend turned fiancée. One day she came home early and found out her fiancée has been cheating on her with her little sister, having sex on their bed.
Heartbroken, she left and went away where she met the MMC, this man is handsome, masculine, very rich and very handsome (had to reiterate) and very manhoe (it’s apparently a requirement for Lynne Graham’s MMC to have this).
MMC became instantly attracted to FMC and the seduction begins until they made love. Now the funny part is, after making love and they’re cuddling and having their soft moment, the FMC said her ex-fiancée’s name 😭😭😭 so the MMC was understably hurt and bolted out the room 😭.
Anyways, I loved this book because they were all dramatic and fun to read. It’s the MMC who’s obviously smitten and I just love when a man is down bad for their heroines.
Heartbroken, she left and went away where she met the MMC, this man is handsome, masculine, very rich and very handsome (had to reiterate) and very manhoe (it’s apparently a requirement for Lynne Graham’s MMC to have this).
MMC became instantly attracted to FMC and the seduction begins until they made love. Now the funny part is, after making love and they’re cuddling and having their soft moment, the FMC said her ex-fiancée’s name 😭😭😭 so the MMC was understably hurt and bolted out the room 😭.
Anyways, I loved this book because they were all dramatic and fun to read. It’s the MMC who’s obviously smitten and I just love when a man is down bad for their heroines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2014
First off, I should warn you that this is het. Well, it's Harlequin, so what can you expect?
The last time I read a Harlequin had to have been in the late 90s. After I discovered m/m, those silly het romances just couldn't hold my attention anymore. However, here we are, about fifteen years later, and I was in a deep funk. The blurb on this one caught my eye, and I thought, what the heck, I'd go for it.
Now if you've read one Harlequin, you've pretty much read them all. Spunky heroine, who's just gotten out of an unhappy relationship or who's been burned by men and plans to give them a wide berth, meets a wealthy (what's the point in falling for a poor man, when a rich man is just as easy to love?) Greek/Italian/Frenchman/Brit and crosses swords (words) with him. Of course he's fascinated by this woman who doesn't fall at his feet or throw herself at him, and he determines to have her in his bed. Along the way, to no one's surprise except his and the heroine's, he falls in love with her, and she, being no dummy, (see above comment about poor men vs. rich men) realizes she'd taken one look into his gorgeous brown/green/blue/gray (or since Harlequin is published in Canada, grey) eyes and loves him madly, passionately, deeply, and better than her color TV. (Thank you, Steel Magnolias!)
Granted I skimmed the few sex scenes, (and I'm seriously grateful there were only a few!) and yes, the end felt a bit rushed, but frankly, I liked Harriet, the heroine. As for Raphael, he was okay as the billionaire hero. He was quick to jump to conclusions, and he could be a macho schmuck, but this is a Harlequin, and that comes with the territory.
So, I'd say, if you're looking for a guilty pleasure, give this one a try.
The last time I read a Harlequin had to have been in the late 90s. After I discovered m/m, those silly het romances just couldn't hold my attention anymore. However, here we are, about fifteen years later, and I was in a deep funk. The blurb on this one caught my eye, and I thought, what the heck, I'd go for it.
Now if you've read one Harlequin, you've pretty much read them all. Spunky heroine, who's just gotten out of an unhappy relationship or who's been burned by men and plans to give them a wide berth, meets a wealthy (what's the point in falling for a poor man, when a rich man is just as easy to love?) Greek/Italian/Frenchman/Brit and crosses swords (words) with him. Of course he's fascinated by this woman who doesn't fall at his feet or throw herself at him, and he determines to have her in his bed. Along the way, to no one's surprise except his and the heroine's, he falls in love with her, and she, being no dummy, (see above comment about poor men vs. rich men) realizes she'd taken one look into his gorgeous brown/green/blue/gray (or since Harlequin is published in Canada, grey) eyes and loves him madly, passionately, deeply, and better than her color TV. (Thank you, Steel Magnolias!)
Granted I skimmed the few sex scenes, (and I'm seriously grateful there were only a few!) and yes, the end felt a bit rushed, but frankly, I liked Harriet, the heroine. As for Raphael, he was okay as the billionaire hero. He was quick to jump to conclusions, and he could be a macho schmuck, but this is a Harlequin, and that comes with the territory.
So, I'd say, if you're looking for a guilty pleasure, give this one a try.
May 21, 2015
Heroine loses her job and fiance all in one stroke. Decides to press the reset button on her life and flees to an inherited property in Ireland.
Her neighbor is a sexy as hell business tycoon, no points for guessing that he is attracted to her at first sight! She is one of a kind you see. Plump, honest to a fault and quite aware of the hero's raucous reputation - both in the boardroom and in the bedroom.
But he comes to her as a friend, helps her get over her past miseries, and partners in running her business. The romance catches up slowly, naturally, beautifully.
He cures her of her past misgivings. She cures him of something much more profound - his deep sense of betrayal at the hands of his father.
Both cured, both happy, one small hitch - a slightly crazy one though.
But nevertheless, I loved the heroine - she is a darling. And the hero Rafael is a rogue with a heart of gold. We love such guys dont we !
Worthy pick, breezy at times, deep at times. Good read guaranteed.
Her neighbor is a sexy as hell business tycoon, no points for guessing that he is attracted to her at first sight! She is one of a kind you see. Plump, honest to a fault and quite aware of the hero's raucous reputation - both in the boardroom and in the bedroom.
But he comes to her as a friend, helps her get over her past miseries, and partners in running her business. The romance catches up slowly, naturally, beautifully.
He cures her of her past misgivings. She cures him of something much more profound - his deep sense of betrayal at the hands of his father.
Both cured, both happy, one small hitch - a slightly crazy one though.
But nevertheless, I loved the heroine - she is a darling. And the hero Rafael is a rogue with a heart of gold. We love such guys dont we !
Worthy pick, breezy at times, deep at times. Good read guaranteed.
January 2, 2015
I have just finished reading this delightful book by Lynne Graham. It was like a breathe of fresh air. A really enjoyable read.
June 5, 2018
Rafael strolled to the back of the car and reached in to emerge again with a bottle of vintage champagne and two glasses.
"We're celebrating?" Once again, Harriet was disconcerted. She was starting to appreciate the strong streak of unpredictability that made Rafael Flynn such a powerful competitor in the business world. He was a law unto himself -he had once reacted as she'd expected.
Breaking open the champagne, Rafael sent the golden liquid foaming down into the delicate goblets. "Let's drink to mixing business with pleasure."
"But I don't ..."Tiny bubbles burst and tickled Harriet's upper lip as she sipped.
"Neither do I---usually. " Setting down his glass, Rafael moved lazily closer. "But I get a kick out of breaking rules.
A tiny twist in her stomach filled Harriet with restless heat....
"We're celebrating?" Once again, Harriet was disconcerted. She was starting to appreciate the strong streak of unpredictability that made Rafael Flynn such a powerful competitor in the business world. He was a law unto himself -he had once reacted as she'd expected.
Breaking open the champagne, Rafael sent the golden liquid foaming down into the delicate goblets. "Let's drink to mixing business with pleasure."
"But I don't ..."Tiny bubbles burst and tickled Harriet's upper lip as she sipped.
"Neither do I---usually. " Setting down his glass, Rafael moved lazily closer. "But I get a kick out of breaking rules.
A tiny twist in her stomach filled Harriet with restless heat....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2017
This is a newer Lynne Graham book. Nothing mistressy about the story so the title is misleading, Im disappointed to see that the publishers still needed to use this terminology in 2007 to sell the book. The big difference in this, from her older books is that, the hero is a basically decent guy. Nothing vengeful in his actions, nor does he blackmail her into bed, and treats her properly for the most part.
The heroine is also not a doormat despite the trials she went through in her life. I really felt myself tear up a time or two over the treatment she got from her family members, especially her mom and half sister.
The heroine is also not a doormat despite the trials she went through in her life. I really felt myself tear up a time or two over the treatment she got from her family members, especially her mom and half sister.
March 10, 2015
Good ole romance! My kind of story...strong hero and heroine. Interesting support characters including the pets. And the angst! !! The bad guys got away easy. ..Eva the mother, Alice the half sister and Luke the jerk. Awesome book!
April 29, 2024
Not one of LG’s better books. She kept throwing in plot twists until it was finally done.
August 8, 2025
Emerald Mistress by Lynne Graham is a slower-burn romance that trades her trademark whirlwind passion for a richer, more layered storytelling style, yet still delivers the emotional pull and satisfying chemistry she is well known for.
Harriet Carmichael’s glamorous London life implodes in spectacular fashion when her career crashes and her fiancé betrays her. Picking up the pieces, she seizes the chance to start fresh in rural Ireland, where an unexpected inheritance gives her a cottage and stables to rebuild her life.
But peace proves elusive when she comes face-to-face with Rafael Cavaliere Flynn, her new neighbour and the man indirectly responsible for her professional downfall. Tall, magnetic, and infuriatingly self-assured, Rafael is exactly the type of man Harriet wants to avoid. Still, his brooding charm and flashes of unexpected kindness chip away at her resolve. Harriet, at twenty-eight, is determined to guard her heart, but she cannot ignore the pull between them, especially when Rafael’s own past reveals a man far more complex than his confident exterior suggests.
Rafael is a hero marked by betrayal, his jaded outlook on relationships rooted in a failed engagement that left him wary of trust. His interactions with Harriet are laced with challenge and curiosity, his attraction complicated by their rocky first impressions. The dynamic between them unfolds gradually, the tension simmering rather than erupting, giving more space for character growth and emotional connection before the romance takes center stage.
This is not the kind of Lynne Graham romance where passion explodes from the first chapter. Instead, it is a longer, more measured build, allowing for deeper exploration of Harriet’s reinvention and Rafael’s guarded nature. While the sexual tension is present, it is more subtle than her usual fare, but no less effective in keeping the reader invested. Watching Harriet fall first, and Rafael slowly catch up, gives their romance a quiet charm that feels earned.
What I loved most was the way the Irish village setting added warmth and texture to the story, with secondary characters, especially Una, playing meaningful roles. In fact, Una’s journey was so engaging that I found myself wishing for an epilogue that showed her happy ending alongside Harriet and Rafael’s life years down the line. The absence of such a glimpse was my only real regret in an otherwise absorbing read.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy slower-burn romances with strong character arcs, small-town charm, and heroes whose emotional walls take time to crumble.
Final Verdict: Warm, heartfelt, and quietly compelling, Emerald Mistress shows a different but deeply satisfying side of Lynne Graham’s stupendous writing.
Rating = 4.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
Harriet Carmichael’s glamorous London life implodes in spectacular fashion when her career crashes and her fiancé betrays her. Picking up the pieces, she seizes the chance to start fresh in rural Ireland, where an unexpected inheritance gives her a cottage and stables to rebuild her life.
But peace proves elusive when she comes face-to-face with Rafael Cavaliere Flynn, her new neighbour and the man indirectly responsible for her professional downfall. Tall, magnetic, and infuriatingly self-assured, Rafael is exactly the type of man Harriet wants to avoid. Still, his brooding charm and flashes of unexpected kindness chip away at her resolve. Harriet, at twenty-eight, is determined to guard her heart, but she cannot ignore the pull between them, especially when Rafael’s own past reveals a man far more complex than his confident exterior suggests.
Rafael is a hero marked by betrayal, his jaded outlook on relationships rooted in a failed engagement that left him wary of trust. His interactions with Harriet are laced with challenge and curiosity, his attraction complicated by their rocky first impressions. The dynamic between them unfolds gradually, the tension simmering rather than erupting, giving more space for character growth and emotional connection before the romance takes center stage.
This is not the kind of Lynne Graham romance where passion explodes from the first chapter. Instead, it is a longer, more measured build, allowing for deeper exploration of Harriet’s reinvention and Rafael’s guarded nature. While the sexual tension is present, it is more subtle than her usual fare, but no less effective in keeping the reader invested. Watching Harriet fall first, and Rafael slowly catch up, gives their romance a quiet charm that feels earned.
What I loved most was the way the Irish village setting added warmth and texture to the story, with secondary characters, especially Una, playing meaningful roles. In fact, Una’s journey was so engaging that I found myself wishing for an epilogue that showed her happy ending alongside Harriet and Rafael’s life years down the line. The absence of such a glimpse was my only real regret in an otherwise absorbing read.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy slower-burn romances with strong character arcs, small-town charm, and heroes whose emotional walls take time to crumble.
Final Verdict: Warm, heartfelt, and quietly compelling, Emerald Mistress shows a different but deeply satisfying side of Lynne Graham’s stupendous writing.
Rating = 4.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
July 13, 2020
Original Title is Ballyflynn or Emerald Mistress. When Harriet's world comes crashing down, she's still able to count her blessings. Forget London, her failing career and her unfaithful fiance --an unexpected legacy of a cottage and stables in an Irish village beckons! Her fresh start on the Emerald Isle is soon threatened: her new neighbor is ruthless businessman Rafael Cavaliere. It was Rafael's asset-stripping activities that cost Harriet her job and now it seems he's entitled to half her inheritance.
But Rafael has a way with him: always on hand to smooth Harriet's path as she handles livestock and the locals, he oozes sex and charm. Though at risk of becoming just another notch on Rafael's bedpost, Harriet decides that she'll let him sweep her up in a heady affair... .
But Rafael has a way with him: always on hand to smooth Harriet's path as she handles livestock and the locals, he oozes sex and charm. Though at risk of becoming just another notch on Rafael's bedpost, Harriet decides that she'll let him sweep her up in a heady affair... .
January 14, 2015
ALERT!!! Not a new story! This is a digital reprint of an older title, using it's British title, Emerald Mistress. In the USA, it was titled Ballyflynn. Info NOT provided on Amazon.
"Emerald Mistress/Ballyflynn" - Harriet's decided to forget London, an unexpected legacy in Ireland calls! Her new neighbour is ruthless businessman Rafael Cavaliere; Rafael is always on hand, he oozes sex and charm. Even knowing she might be just another notch on Rafael's bedpost, Harriet lets him sweep her up in a heady affair."
As I recall, Harriet and Rafael fall in love, but they part for a while because of a misunderstanding regarding family history.
"Emerald Mistress/Ballyflynn" - Harriet's decided to forget London, an unexpected legacy in Ireland calls! Her new neighbour is ruthless businessman Rafael Cavaliere; Rafael is always on hand, he oozes sex and charm. Even knowing she might be just another notch on Rafael's bedpost, Harriet lets him sweep her up in a heady affair."
As I recall, Harriet and Rafael fall in love, but they part for a while because of a misunderstanding regarding family history.
June 8, 2016
Funny, tender story with a great cast of characters. One of the rare Graham books that doesn't have a chauvinistic hero, spineless heroine and an unwanted pregnancy. It's so I like her usual books I thought someone else had written it until I saw the author's name.
March 7, 2013
...when they get intimate in the bed, she says her ex-fiance name
...heroine is not a virgin
...heroine is not a virgin
November 4, 2019
The constant humiliation the woman experiences is grossly off-putting
December 21, 2021
One of her best
June 26, 2024
This was one longer LG and a sweet one, where the hero doesn’t actually act like a big jerk. The heroine is feisty and quite a sensible woman, not the usual dumb virgin. She’s been cheated on by her fiancé with her little sister and decides to change her lifestyle. She meets the hero who’s a billionaire manwhore, and he’s immediately smitten with her curvy body. They decide to have a fling, and this is maybe the first time in LG stories where the heroine says her ex name while she’s having sex with the hero. Indeed! The hero is obviously paralyzed. After this ahem mistake they don’t meet for some time, and her brother is mistaken for her ex so he thinks she’s back with her ex. He’s quite the cold fish, being the usual lg emotionally stunted hero, but he’s very upset that she dumped him, so when he finds out the man is her brother he’s relieved and asks her to resume their affair. They have some very hot affair, and of course the hero is smitten and in love with her even if he is still in denial, but then there is the big misunderstanding. Her bitchy mother tells her her father is the hero’s father. Cringe moments. Thank god they have a dna test and they are not related and all is well on the end. The book is entertaining and quite scary for the sister love brother thing, and quite sedated for a LG. What I hated most is that she forgave her sister basically at once, and she was not even that angry with her mother for lying to her. The reasons they gave her for betraying her and treating her like dirt were pitiful, the sister basically accused the fiancé of seducing her while she was drunk, oh, pity they kept having sex for six month even sober afterwards! And the mother lied because it was more refined to admit she had a daughter with a rich and powerful man instead of her bf husband. Yes that’s it. Cute little family she has. Thank god the hero was quite a determined and brave young man, and eventually they got married and happy together.
January 7, 2020
Mills & Boon-O-Meter : ★★★★✰
- This is what I was looking for when I started reading M& B - light-hearted entertainment that isn't the most enlightened reading but enjoyable. Although I would give it 2.5 stars normally, it's probably a 4 star M&B.
- It's tropey, but it's Graham actually making the tropes extremely entertaining and very extra
- The two tropes I do hate about M&B (1. , heroine is a very young virgin; 2. she has practically no life, career or achievements before she meets the hero) are actually absent 🙌
- Harriet loses her job and finds her fiance cheating on her with her bratty half sister lmao
- Harriet's backstory (Mum leaving her with step-dad to chase rich men) is tragic but stated with so much dryness that it's funny
- Harriet running away to Ireland to find herself. Her chasing a horse in her pyjamas. Her struggling to fit into a pair of jeans. Like in this novel, Graham really manages to mix the mundane with the plain bizarre really well
- In short, if life is stressful or boring and you need something highly entertaining to read, consider this M&B 💁♀️
- This is what I was looking for when I started reading M& B - light-hearted entertainment that isn't the most enlightened reading but enjoyable. Although I would give it 2.5 stars normally, it's probably a 4 star M&B.
- It's tropey, but it's Graham actually making the tropes extremely entertaining and very extra
- The two tropes I do hate about M&B (1. , heroine is a very young virgin; 2. she has practically no life, career or achievements before she meets the hero) are actually absent 🙌
- Harriet loses her job and finds her fiance cheating on her with her bratty half sister lmao
- Harriet's backstory (Mum leaving her with step-dad to chase rich men) is tragic but stated with so much dryness that it's funny
- Harriet running away to Ireland to find herself. Her chasing a horse in her pyjamas. Her struggling to fit into a pair of jeans. Like in this novel, Graham really manages to mix the mundane with the plain bizarre really well
- In short, if life is stressful or boring and you need something highly entertaining to read, consider this M&B 💁♀️
February 17, 2023
Si l'histoire peut paraitre un peu convenue et jouée d'avance, j'ai passé un très bon moment sur cette lecture. L'histoire se révèle un peu plus complexe qu'au premier abord, Aleth sait faire preuve de caractère face au magnétisme de Rafael, et les personnages secondaires ont leur rôle à jouer dans leur histoire, même si niveau famille, nos héros ne sont pas gâtés.
Mais la lecture s'est révélé bien sympathique, avec en fond l'Irlande et les chevaux, un peu de magie irlandaise et de charme italien. Bref, un bon moment de lecture. Seul bémol, des coquilles à plusieurs reprises qui ont gêné la lecture.
Mais la lecture s'est révélé bien sympathique, avec en fond l'Irlande et les chevaux, un peu de magie irlandaise et de charme italien. Bref, un bon moment de lecture. Seul bémol, des coquilles à plusieurs reprises qui ont gêné la lecture.
September 5, 2025
Delightful
A wonderful tangled tail of love and complicated lies from people who seemingly had secrets to hide. Entwined hearts in love threatened by those lies was just crushing. A very wealthy and determined tall dark and handsome man caboshed those lies with scientific facts and ultimately won his lady love.
I can always count on Lynn Graham for a good read to be lost in love.
A wonderful tangled tail of love and complicated lies from people who seemingly had secrets to hide. Entwined hearts in love threatened by those lies was just crushing. A very wealthy and determined tall dark and handsome man caboshed those lies with scientific facts and ultimately won his lady love.
I can always count on Lynn Graham for a good read to be lost in love.
December 16, 2025
I liked it.
Though, it starts off on the same tracks, the journey, and the end were new. In the middle of the story, I did feel as if too much is happening ---- an attempt to intimidate heroine, her love problems, her stress regarding a new career and whether that will take off, her contentious relationship with her mother, her search of her biological father, and the dilemma of resolving the relationship with her sister ---- A Lot!
But, overall, I liked it.
Though, it starts off on the same tracks, the journey, and the end were new. In the middle of the story, I did feel as if too much is happening ---- an attempt to intimidate heroine, her love problems, her stress regarding a new career and whether that will take off, her contentious relationship with her mother, her search of her biological father, and the dilemma of resolving the relationship with her sister ---- A Lot!
But, overall, I liked it.
December 28, 2017
Emerald Mistress
When her fiancee cheats on her she leaves London for Ireland. Here she has been left a cottage. She decides to reinvent herself and forget the betrayal. But her new neighbor has plans for her place and it doesn't include her. But when he needs her help with his family things change. But will it be enough to change his attitude of her?
When her fiancee cheats on her she leaves London for Ireland. Here she has been left a cottage. She decides to reinvent herself and forget the betrayal. But her new neighbor has plans for her place and it doesn't include her. But when he needs her help with his family things change. But will it be enough to change his attitude of her?
February 3, 2020
This book does not belong in this century.
October 19, 2021
Odd editing, but good with subplots.
July 29, 2023
Good characters
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book
April 11, 2025
One of my favourites. Love the hero and heroine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews