Contratto inevitabile

Marriage to a Billionaire #0.5

by Jennifer Probst, Maria Olivia Crosio (Translator)

L'ultimo capitolo della serie dei Contratti

Dopo un umiliante tradimento, Caterina fugge in Italia per ricostruirsi una vita e quando la speranza di trovare l’uomo giusto sembrava ormai smarrita, Ripley le appare una sera al Bar Brera a Milano, dove si era stabilita da un anno. Subito il suo sguardo magnetico, la sua voce profonda e quella sua aria cupa e tormentata la catturano come non le capitava da tempo. Dal canto suo, Rip resta sorpreso dalla spontaneità di Cat e dalla sua capacità di fargli perdere il controllo. Nessuna donna ha mai conosciuto il suo lato oscuro e lui pensava che nessuna sarebbe stata in grado di gestirlo, invece con lei tutto è diverso. L’intesa è perfetta, ma per poter realizzare il suo sogno Rip dovrà dimostrare a Cat di saper andare oltre l’attrazione profonda che li unisce e dimostrarle che finalmente lei può lasciarsi andare e avere fiducia in lui.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Marriage Of Convenience, Short Stories

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

Reviews

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****3.75 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


This man made her want things she’d never imagined before. She craved to delve into and explore every layer of him and open herself up again. She knew almost nothing about this man, yet her heart whispered she knew all the important things.






THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT is a prequel to the ”Marriage to a Billionaire” series. While it didn’t quite measure up to some of my favorites in this series, I still enjoyed catching up briefly with some of the well-known characters before they end up with their true loves. We learn that the Heroine, Catarina Winsor, is the first one to discover the ”Book of Spells”, and then we are able to deduce how it winds up in the other Heroines’ hands later on.




Ripley Savage is a successful businessman, who has made a name for himself all on his own. Once he went off to college, he left his painful past behind him. Rip has never felt the loving support of family until he winds up working at Winsor Winery. He helps Edward Winsor rebuild his empire that was nearly bankrupt and is treated more like a son than an employee by the Patriarch. Rip is more than disappointed when Edward tells him that he is retiring and can’t turn over the business to him unless he marries his only daughter, Catarina. He feels that he has proven himself beyond measure and that the winery is rightfully his, but it is a family owned business and Edward is bound by legalities to give the winery to a blood relative. So Rip decides to fly off to Milan to meet Catarina and see if he can win her heart but asks Edward to keep his identity and arranged marriage situation a secret from his daughter. Edward agrees but advises that he’ll only give him a week before he tells Catarina all about their plans.



Catarina has been burned by love and is not sure she'll ever be able to trust another man. Needing to get away from her home which held too many reminders of love lost, she flies off to Milan, where she has been for the past year, trying to find herself again. It’s been way too long since she’s been with a man and Catarina feels it's time to get back in the game. She takes a chance on love with the ” book of spells” she recently purchased. She can’t believe her luck when she meets a tall, dark and handsome stranger at a local café she visits often.



The two can feel something spark between them that night and it’s unnerving. Rip has also been hurt in the past and has avoided romantic entanglements ever since. He wasn’t expecting to feel such a visceral attraction to Cat and he’s also pleased that she has turned out to be far from the ”privileged princess” that he had originally pegged her to be. He knows he’s in deep trouble when his feelings grow strong for her so quickly.




How will Rip be able to win Cat’s heart once she learns his true identity and the reason for his arrival in Milan?




Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 3.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 3.5
Angst: 3.5
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4



THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT releases on May 1st!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2H4UuL1

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Spicy Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A spicy little book that is a prequel to this entire series.... it also explains the origin of the book of spells... A beautiful romance set in Milan.... filled with love, spice, food, and wine....

Kat has been licking her wounds from a bad break up in Milan...Rip has been working hard at his job at a lovely winery....Rip is devastated to find out he cannot take over the winery when the current owner retires, it is a family business... The only way... marry the owners daughter Kat... The problem Kat is nowhere close to wanting to be involved in a new relationship.... but Rip heads to Milan incognito....

I really liked both these characters... they were both a little broken and a little flawed, but I really wanted them to find their HEA... was so curious to find out Kat’s reaction to Rip’s real identity.... and would they be able to find real love, even though they both had been so very hurt? Would this be a marriage built from convenience or love?

Such a lovely romantic read.... and can I just say this book was filled with some absolutely divine food and wine, made me quite hungry!

Recommend to fans of romance, this author, this series, and wine🍷

*** many thanks to the author for my copy of this book ***

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK



This was a cute story that was easily enjoyable. I wasn't too sure what to think of Caterina at first but it became clear that she wasn't some stuck up princess and I actually ended up really liking her character. I thought it was refreshing that she was had a very open personality and shared a lot of her inner thoughts with Rip freely. He, on the other hand, was a bit more guarded. I did like his character but by the end of this novella I still didn't feel like I knew him all that well. I wish we would have gotten more of what made him tick.

Overall, this was a great prequel to this series and it actually made me want to go back and re-read the books again.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh.. I just love this series and this book is a perfect addition.
~~~~~~~~~~
The “Book of Spells” has show up again and what a way to dust off the cover! This book is part of a novella series written by many different authors and this one is an amazing addition.

As I mentioned in my intro, I love the Marriage to a Billionaire series and knowing that this story included the infamous “Book of Spells” just brought me right back to Italy. It was like we never left.

The author has crafted such as heartfelt love story. OMG – Rip is amazing. It is like his heart is bleeding and the connection he has with Cat is nothing short of electrifying.

I just do not understand how an author can string together a bunch of words that capture emotion and love in such a way that the story is branded on your brain. But that is I what I feel when I read a book by this woman. Intense, with a passion so deep, it will touch your soul.

My only problem is that this is novella length and so we did not get enough of Cat and Rip. But some is better than none! Once again Jennifer Probst has wow’ed me! I can never get enough of her books.

* full review - http://amidlifewife.com/the-marriage-...
* Copy received for review consideration

[Vale198 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Libro breve ma molto noioso, mi piaceva l’autrice ai primi libri ma devo dire che più scrive libri meno mi piace . Mi è piaciuta tantissimo nella serie del contratto ma qui proprio no poi questa fretta con cui si innamorano Ripley e Caterina non mi è piaciuta . ⭐️⭐️ stelle .

[Annuccia Palmeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 la Probst è stata davvero brava a giostrare in 150 pagine una bella storia in cui non manca nulla: conoscenza dei personaggi, descrizione dei luoghi, personaggi secondari, atmosfera passionale e romantica, dolcezza.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always amazes me how authors, Jennifer Probst in particular, can pack such a punch with these short little stories. I wasn't expecting to find such a gem in this novella, but "The Marriage Arrangement" had me hooked right from the beginning and kept me impressed to the very last page.

One star for Cat. She's not as spoiled as Rip first believed. She's classy and smart and trying to find herself in Milan, after having her self-esteem annihilated by her ex.

A second star for Rip. He's broody and sexy and ready to fight for what he wants. I almost didn't like him at first, just because he was so focused on getting the winery for himself, but things changed in a short time and I found myself falling for him almost as much as Cat did.

A third star for the setting. Milan was the perfect place for Cat and Rip to fall in love while exploring. I always love it when a book can take me to a place I've never been and make me feel like I'm right there in the action with the characters.

A fourth star for the food and wine! Oh my God, this book had my tummy rumbling with all the descriptions of complete scrumptiousness! (Hmmm, my spell checker is saying this is not a word - why the heck not?) Pasta, red wine and pastries for dessert - is this not THE perfect meal? I am having serious cravings just thinking about the descriptions in this book!

And finally, a fifth star for making me want to read all of the books in Probst's "Marriage to a Billionaire" series. I tend to stay away from any books with "billionaire" in the title - I don't know, it's just a quirk of mine, but I think I will be making an exception for this series sooner rather than later.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Rip has earned the right to be a full partner at Windsor Winery. He has single handedly save it from financial troubles and he has worked his ass off from the bottom up.  Unfortunately, Rip’s mentor has other plans. His daughter who has been away for years has first dibs to the ownership of the winery.  Rip won’t let anything get in his way though. He has worked too hard to let a dead beat daughter who could care less for the winery get what he rightfully deserves.  Of course, he doesn’t anticipate the daughter being more than what he expected.

Cat was unaware of the misfortunes that fell on their family winery, but she is back and she will not let some man take her dad’s winery away from her. .  He will be proven wrong. Unfortunately, his dad has stipulations before had hands it over.

I was excited to hear about this novella.  I followed this series from the start and loved each book. Not only that we get a new story that is touched by The Book of spells, we get to see the rest of the characters from the previous books. I adore them all.  

Rip and Cat's story is a good addition to the series., though I didn't rate it as good as the rest.  Don’t get me wrong, Marriage of Arrangement had a fun and sweet story perfect for a good for summer/weekend read.  Unfortunately, there was an instalove that I’m sure was unavoidable due to its overall sort length. Please don’t let this put you off in checking out the series I promise it would be worth your while especially if you like contemporary books.  

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Voto

“Rip abbassò la testa, cercando di dare un senso al tradimento di quell’uomo di cui si era sempre fidato. Il sole del tardo pomeriggio entrava a fiotti dai grandi bovindi, riempiendo lo studio di una luce magica e dorata. Ben diverso era l’effetto che quella conversazione aveva avuto su di lui: il vuoto e il dolore gli stavano artigliando la coscienza, cercando di venire allo scoperto, ma anni e anni di disciplina lo aiutarono a vincere la tentazione di dare sfogo alla rabbia. Per quanto furioso, però, era l’amarezza a prevalere. Era come se quell’anno di amicizia e collaborazione non avesse significato nulla per Edward. Rip non poteva prendere in mano l’azienda di famiglia perché non faceva parte della famiglia. Il lavoro, l’impegno e il sacrificio che aveva messo per salvarla dalla bancarotta non contavano nulla. Contava solo il sangue.
E così, come un’ombra che rincorre la luce sfuggente del sole, eccolo di nuovo a rincorrere un premio che restava ostinatamente fuori dalla sua portata. E ancora una volta lui ricadeva nel buio.”
.

Home / Recensione libri / Recensione: “Contratto inevitabile – Serie Marriage to a billionaire Prequel” di Jennifer Probst
Recensione: “Contratto inevitabile – Serie Marriage to a billionaire Prequel” di Jennifer Probst

Pubblicato da Veronica.Lady Shanna in Recensione libri 15/03/2019 Commenti disabilitati su Recensione: “Contratto inevitabile – Serie Marriage to a billionaire Prequel” di Jennifer Probst 9 Visite

Care Fenici, oggi Lucia ci parla di “Contratto inevitabile – Serie Marriage to a billionaire Prequel” di Jennifer Probst , buona lettura!

Dopo un umiliante tradimento, Caterina fugge in Italia per ricostruirsi una vita e quando la speranza di trovare l’uomo giusto sembrava ormai smarrita, Ripley le appare una sera al Bar Brera a Milano, dove si era stabilita da un anno. Subito il suo sguardo magnetico, la sua voce profonda e quella sua aria cupa e tormentata la catturano come non le capitava da tempo. Dal canto suo, Rip resta sorpreso dalla spontaneità di Cat e dalla sua capacità di fargli perdere il controllo. Nessuna donna ha mai conosciuto il suo lato oscuro e lui pensava che nessuna sarebbe stata in grado di gestirlo, invece con lei tutto è diverso. L’intesa è perfetta, ma per poter realizzare il suo sogno Rip dovrà dimostrare a Cat di saper andare oltre l’attrazione profonda che li unisce e dimostrarle che finalmente lei può lasciarsi andare e avere fiducia in lui.

“Rip abbassò la testa, cercando di dare un senso al tradimento di quell’uomo di cui si era sempre fidato. Il sole del tardo pomeriggio entrava a fiotti dai grandi bovindi, riempiendo lo studio di una luce magica e dorata. Ben diverso era l’effetto che quella conversazione aveva avuto su di lui: il vuoto e il dolore gli stavano artigliando la coscienza, cercando di venire allo scoperto, ma anni e anni di disciplina lo aiutarono a vincere la tentazione di dare sfogo alla rabbia. Per quanto furioso, però, era l’amarezza a prevalere. Era come se quell’anno di amicizia e collaborazione non avesse significato nulla per Edward. Rip non poteva prendere in mano l’azienda di famiglia perché non faceva parte della famiglia. Il lavoro, l’impegno e il sacrificio che aveva messo per salvarla dalla bancarotta non contavano nulla. Contava solo il sangue.

E così, come un’ombra che rincorre la luce sfuggente del sole, eccolo di nuovo a rincorrere un premio che restava ostinatamente fuori dalla sua portata. E ancora una volta lui ricadeva nel buio.”

Oggi vi parlo di un romanzo breve della talentuosa Jennifer Probst, un autrice che sa scrivere storie molto romantiche con un pizzico di erotismo, e il suo Contratto inevitabile, è sicuramente una lettura molto gradevole.

Nonostante sia considerato il capitolo 4.5 per quanto mi riguarda, non può che essere il prequel dell’intera serie, infatti nelle sue ultime pagine Caterina, la nostra protagonista, consegna il libro degli incantesimi alla sua amica Alexa McKenzie, protagonista poi del primo famoso “Contratto indecente”. Va da sé che anche se vediamo in queste pagine la famiglia Conte e la loro rinomata pasticceria, le coppie che si formeranno nei libri successivi non sono certo presenti.

Caterina ha visto finire in modo estremamente doloroso il suo fidanzamento. Fuggita per ritrovare se stessa, lascia l’azienda vinicola di famiglia, stabilendosi a Milano per decidere cosa vuole fare davvero nella vita . Nel frattempo, il padre ha assunto Ripley Savage l’uomo che con le sue idee e le sue profonde abilità ha riportato Windsor Winery in attivo, ma la sua salute non è più quella di un tempo, e lui deve passare le consegne. Ripley, che durante il tempo del suo lavoro, si è visto trattare alla stregua di un figlio, pensa di poter succedergli alla direzione, ma scopre con grande rammarico che l’azienda non può essere venduta, ma può solo essere ereditata. Edward Winsor ha un piano ben preciso, fargli sposare la figlia Caterina, da tempo lontana, e che lui desidera riavere a casa. Per Ripley è un colpo fortissimo, per lui Caterina, che è fuggita lasciando l’azienda in difficoltà, è sicuramente una donna egoista, abituata a vivere negli agi senza mai lavorare. Eppure per avere Windsor Winery, che ama moltissimo e che gli entrata nel sangue, Rip è disposto a fare un tentativo, per conoscerla e vedere se vi sia la possibilità di un rapporto sereno fra loro. Ma la ragazza che conosce sotto mentite spoglie è ben diversa da ciò che immagina. Peccato, perché dopo essere stata ingannata Caterina odi i bugiardi.

Ripley è pronto a tutto per vedere premiato il suo lavoro, ma vuole avere la possibilità di conoscere Caterina, senza rivelargli il suo nome e ciò che comporterebbe. Inizialmente sembra motivato solo dal desiderio di possedere quello che considera il frutto del suo lavoro, ma ben presto ci troveremo di fronte un uomo che è stato maltrattato dalla vita, in cerca di riscatto e di un posto da considerare suo. Vola a Milano e decide di corteggiare la giovane, tacendo tutto di sé, compreso il nome, ma Caterina lo sorprende con il suo carattere solare e il suo modo di fare diretto. Fra i due l’attrazione è potente e subitanea, la giovane è affascinata da quell’uomo che appare cupo e chiuso in sé stesso, mentre lui rimane incantato dalla capacità della donna di capire quanto dolore vi sia in lui e come il passato lo faccia soffrire. Ad ogni sua confidenza, inoltre, Caterina gli rivela qualcosa di più se stessa e il suo amore per Windsor Winery, che se pur lontana è parte di lei. Il loro rapporto è dolce e passionale ma le bugie e i sotterfugi metteranno Rip nella condizione di dover supplicare per una seconda possibilità.

Una storia dolce e romantica che si fa leggere con piacere e leggerezza, regalandoci una coppia di bei personaggi che pur in modo diverso desiderano la stessa cosa, qualcuno che li ami per ciò che sono. La scrittura della Probst è scorrevole, le scene passionali sono piccanti e sensuali, e pur se la trama non ha svolte particolari, tutto fila alla perfezione. Una lettura accattivante e leggera per animi romantici, che desiderano una storia d’amore senza drammi.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS

[Angy Potter - Collector of Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: 5 Stars

Jennifer Probst is one of the authors I will always read. Period. No matter what. I don’t need to read the synopsis of the book to know I’ll love it. And that obviously happened with The Marriage Arrangement. I preordered it when she announced it and I signed up for the blog tour as soon as it was available, and none of those times I read the synopsis. So, when I opened the book in my kindle, I found out this novella is part of a series I haven’t yet read. But then again, one of the things I love the most about Jennifer Probst’s books is that they are all standalone, so once I started reading, I could immerse immediately and easily in the story and connected with the characters, and I ended up loving it so much, that I’m checking now my calendar in order to have time to read all the books of the series.

The Marriage Arrangement has a topic that I’m enjoying so much lately: Arranged marriages. This time, Cat left the country after a humiliating break-up engagement and now she is living a new life in Italy. She’s so sure of what she wants and none of that includes going back home, but that life has other plans for her. Well… not fate but her father and sexy Rip *heart eyes*

Rip has worked for Cat’s father’s company and feels like it was his, but legally he needed to get married to a Winsor family member in order to be completely in charge of the company. So, Cat’s dad tells Rip to go to Italy and gets his daughter back and marry her if he wanted to be in charge of Winsor Winery. And that’s exactly what he does.

I loved this book from beginning to end!! I loved Cat and Rip individually and together. Especially together. I loved how their relationship shifted and grew and how they learned to trust each other. I love the romance in the story and the chemistry between the characters made this novella even better.

100% recommended.

Now I need to catch up with the series.

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Don’t fight it. Open yourself to me; give me everything you have, sweetheart. Kiss me back. I need it. I need you.”

What a complete SWOONFEST! A beautiful and sweet addition to a great series by the VERY talented Jennifer Probst! The Marriage Arrangement is a complete standalone, and will definitely be thoroughly enjoyed by die-hard fans and newbies alike. If you’re looking for a quick romantic read that will bring a big dash of light into your life, look no further! Caterina and Rip had INCREDIBLE chemistry right from the start. Even though Rip had some preconceived notions about Caterina, those were shot down rather quickly when he got to experience her in person. What once was a feeling of contempt and disdain, blossomed into something truly beautiful and special. Can love conquer under the deception and false pretenses of a man she has already given her heart to? Caterina and Rip have quite the journey to go on, but in the end, Ms. Probst gives us a happily ever after we won’t soon forget. It’s sweet, sexy, and swoony to its core! Believe me, romance junkies, you DO NOT want to miss out on this story!

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't understand why would anyone list this book as the 4.5th one in the series (that might change, but currently is #4.5). It's a prequel and none of the couples we know and love is together at the time. Alexa is a friend of Caterina's and Caterina visits the Contes. It worked quite nicely as a prequel and it got extra points for that. The story ends with Alexa getting the book and you know how that story goes

As for the characters, I feel like we learn who Caterina is from the very first few pages, but we learn who the real Rip is after he returns to the winery. I honestly wasn't sure if Rip was the man who fit all the criteria Caterina named in her spell, but once he went back where he belonged I saw that he truly was a man worthy of her. Of course, Caterina is also worthy of him. She explains early on why she left and why she never went back to her father.

Overall the story was good and I was a nice journey. After many years I revisited this series which is special to me and I am very happy that the author gave me the chance to do that. If you are familiar with the series you must read this and if you are not you can still read it and get into this world. It can be read as stand-alone so no worries. If you haven't read the series I would recommend to begin with this book.

[phoebess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marriage Arrangement was a good read. I just think those two characters deserved much longer book so the angst could be written more believably—as in, the forgiveness of heroine wouldn’t be so rushed.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For health issue, Ripley's mentor need to step down from his own company and Rip is more than ready to take over the business. But there's a catch : Winsor Winery can only be given to a family member, thanks to a clause from generations ago. Edward Winsor offer Rip what he think is the perfect solution : marrying his daughter Caterina to get the enterprise. You can guess how Rip took the news of binding his life with a woman he never even met before. But he have no family, no ties to the world, so there's no real other choice for him. But it's gonna have to go according to his rules, which is one week to get to know her and make her fall in love with him, without telling her who he is and what's his game plan.

The reason why this novella didn't work for me is obviously a question of taste. I didn't like the proposition or I should say the scheme and the blurb of the story didn't imply about the fact the hero would keep his identity a secret and it would be a case of manipulation, which I often stated is not something I enjoy in romance. I can understand how Rip became such a bitter man when I learned about his past but that doesn't mean I was okay with how heavely he misjudged the heroine based on impressions only. With the majority of the story taking place in Italy where the heroine live, we get lots of description about the locations, the architecture and the passion for food. The best way to travel without spending too much money ;p

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...


Jennifer Probst mi stupisce sempre con le sue storie d'amore ben scritte e in particolare con le brevi novelle nelle quali riesce a racchiudere tutto ciò di cui una storia ha bisogno. Contratto Inevitabile è un piccolo gioiello che incatena fin dall'inizio il lettore con il suo stile coinvolgente. Conosciamo sin dalle prime pagine Ripley Savage, un uomo d’affari di successo che si è fatto un nome con la propria determinazione e il duro lavoro. Rip è enigmatico e molto affascinante, riesce ad incatenarci al romanzo per la sua capacità di riuscire a catturare la nostra attenzione. Lo ammiriamo per il suo essere pronto a combattere per quello che vuole, per la sua perseveranza e caparbietà nel portare a termine ciò che desidera. Da questa storia apprendiamo che Caterina Winsor è la prima a scoprire il “Libro degli Incantesimi” e quindi già capiamo come si dipanerà nelle mani delle altre protagoniste femminili dei precedenti libri che abbiamo letto. Caterina è stata delusa dall’amore e non è sicura che riuscirà a fidarsi di un altro uomo. La vediamo allontanarsi dalla sua terra che racchiude troppi ricordi dell’amore perduto per andare a vivere a Milano e cercare di ritrovare se stessa. È una donna di classe e l’ho ammirata molto per aver avuto coraggio di allontanarsi dagli affetti e diventare più forte di prima. Pagina dopo pagina avvertiamo l’attrazione sempre più crescente tra i due protagonisti, vediamo come Rip non si aspetta minimamente di provare un’attrazione viscerale per Caterina e di vedere con i suoi occhi che lei non è la “principessa viziata” che aveva pensato in origine. Ho amato il modo in cui la loro attrazione si trasforma in amore e come acquistano fiducia l’uno dell’altro. Caterina e Rip sono personaggi imperfetti, hanno i loro pregi e difetti, un passato che vogliono dimenticare e delle ferite ancora aperte ma entrambi per vivere hanno bisogno dell’amore, l’amore totale e puro che rapisce anima e corpo. Ho apprezzato molto l’ambientazione della storia nella città di Milano, una delle città più romantiche e affascinanti, adoro quando un libro riesce a portarmi in un posto che non ho ancora visitato e che odora di vita…

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the first love spell was cast and Jennifer Probst introduced readers to an entire series devoted to the many perplexing ways a marriage can be arranged, Probst has taken us on spellbinding journeys - some set as far away as Italy and others in less foreign but, nonetheless, just as beautiful.

And, in her 1001 Dark Nights novella, The Marriage Arrangement, Probst brings two rather untrusting people together and makes them fight for their happily ever after, even when lies are told, because when it comes down to it, Ripley Savage and Caterina Windsor are an incredible team and amazing partners; Rip just now needs to prove to Cat that what started out as a business plan to secure his future quickly becomes a relationship that he never knew he wanted and now doesn’t want to live without…

You Are Enough!

That’s the overarching lesson that is taught through Rip and Cat’s story. Both of them were betrayed and/or put down by the people who were suppose to love them most and that has scarred them in what seems to be irreparable ways, but then what happens when Rip and Cat begin to explore their feelings for one another, they begin to feel they’re deserving of each other’s love, but the false pretenses that drove Rip to seek Cat out in Italy is something that could quite possibly destroy any hope he has getting the Winery and the girl.

It’s difficult for Rip get past not feeling good enough and feeling like he’s not a man who can be or is loved, so the original plan he constructs to get what he wants is absolutely cold and calculated but it also illustrates just how much Rip’s past has affected him, so, in some ways, I can’t blame Rip for wanting to hold onto something tangible in a world where he truly doesn’t have someone to hold onto; it doesn’t mean I condone his actions…I just understand why he goes about things the way that he does.

I really enjoyed Rip and Cat’s story; there is just something about the Italy setting that makes it the perfect spot for love, especially when Mama Conte is there to work some of her own magic;) I loved the insights about running a winery and all that it entails and I liked that neither Rip nor Cat are what they expected each other to be because it allows new expectations to develop and then grow, which is what makes a relationship last.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[HeatherP · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series of all time is The Marriage To A Billionaire series by Jennifer Probst. It's one of the first ones I started reading right after I got back into reading romance books. I fell in love with the way Jennifer can tell a story and make you care so much for her characters. This also started my love for story line theme where the couple have to marry for a certain reason and then the hero realizes he loves her and has to win her heart. The Marriage To A Billionaire series has this premise in each book and Jennifer nailed it every time. I do a lot of reading for the blog and for my own personal enjoyment but this series is one I revisit every year. I don't do that a lot and there are only a hand full of books that are on that list.

"All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time." ~ Mitch Albom

While this is the series that made me fall in love with her writing this isn't the only one that I enjoyed. She is an amazing writer and she shows with each one of her books. I hope you love this one like I did. This novella sets up the series and show the ones that already read it just how it began.

ARC in exchange for honest review

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standing on your own means more than just running away. It involves risks, heartache and growing up. To conquer demons, we have to be willing to get our feet wet, hearts broken and learn how to face fears. So let the healing begin. The Marriage Arrangement goes from a girl's worst nightmare to every woman's fantasy. Cat ran from disappointment, self-doubt and pain. Can a determined man with an agenda be the home of her dreams. Cat and Rip are a mess when it comes to matters of the heart, but their attraction burns hot. Probst delivers temptation and redemption with a flavorful cast of characters and heart.

[❀ Minesha ❀ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Falling in love in just a few days? Revealing all your secrets in a few days? ....uh no. Just no. Don't romanticize this please...in real life, this is a HUGE red flag.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

 

Oh my goodness! Sometimes when i pick up a book and get right into it, i don't pay attention on whether or not i read the previous instalments to a series. All i know is that 1) i love the author. 2) it's part of another series. 3) pretty covers!!!!

So here's my problem: 1) i still love the author (i even bought some of her books off of Book Outlet and can't wait to get my hands on them to read them, so chances are they go with part 2). 2) it's not only part of the 1001 Dark Nights (which was why i got my grubby little hands on this book), but it's also part of the Marriage To A Billionaire series. And 3) holy pretty cover, which is not surprising since it comes from the 1001 Dark Nights line up. So where is the true problem? I've never read any of the books from the Marriage To A Billionaire series!!! I can't believe i missed this entire series until now! Gah!!!

Even with all that, in true 1001 Dark Nights fashion, it didn't really impact on how i enjoyed the book. Yes i missed some of the history, and yes, some of the recurring characters were a total mystery to me, but it still made sense. It still made me curious enough to want to go back and start the series from the very beginning (hence point 1). The way that Jennifer Probst brings her characters to life makes it really interesting - there's everything that you would expect from real life: frustration, anger, humor, sadness and happiness. I can't wait to find out what else this author will be writing in the future just so that i can enjoy another story from her!

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

 

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[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

From the beautiful cover to the synopsis, Probst did an amazing job delivering a well thought out novella that will leave you wanting for more.

In The Marriage Arrangement we get to meet Rip (Ripley) Savage, a business man who was hired to save Windsor Winery from bankruptcy. It’s his relationship with the owner, Edward Windsor that slowly grows between them and they both bring success to the company once again. But when Mr. Windsor tells Rip that he wants to step down from his job, Rip expected to be given full control over the company and that’s not what happens. Turns out that the company can only be given to a family member and although Edward treats Rip like a son, they are not related. This angers Rip and he feels like an outside after having worked so hard to save the company that he loves. But Edward Windsor has other plans and that includes Rip marrying Caterina Windsor to keep the company within his family. Edward’s daughter ran out on him over a year ago and after traveling throughout Europe, she has settled down in Italy. With strict instructions to bring Caterina home, Rip has one week to woo her without revealing his identity and get her to like him for who he is. If he fails, Mr. Windsor will call her and tell her about the arrange marriage. Rip wasn’t expecting to meet his perfect match and after spending time together, he wants to keep her as his wife.

Caterina Windsor hasn’t had the best of luck in the past year, after her ex-fiancé humiliated her before the wedding, she is ready to change things in her love life. With nothing to lose, she decides to create a love spell to find her soulmate. But she ends up getting more than she bargain for the minute Ripley Savage walked into her life. Now she has no choice but to follow him back home in order to keep her dad happy. After growing up in the winery, Cat has always known that it’ll eventually get passed down to her and that scares her. Her last relationship was deeply tied to the winery and she had no choice but to let her ex make decisions for them. When she fled to Italy, things started looking out great and she had a say in her future. She discovered all the things that she now loves doing and her passion for design is one of them. Cat also got to meet people and experience what it’s like to just be her without having people recognize her last name. Nevertheless, Cat is able to trust Rip and their chemistry is instant from the very beginning. But when he reveals his identity to her, will she still trust him enough to marry him in the end?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Marriage Arrangement, it was full of sizzling chemistry and charm. Rip is a business man with a past that doesn’t allow him to get to close to people. It’s the same thing for Caterina, she doesn’t feel like people will actually like her for her and not for her famous last name. As these two strangers meet in Italy, they go on an adventure that will test their ability to let go and trust in one another. I really loved the characters that they meet in Italy, the author did an amazing job describing their interactions and the setting itself. Although the story it’s only meant to be a novella, I wish the story was longer, but it all ties really well in the end. I highly recommend checking out the book and others by the author. :)

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***

[Lettrici Impertinenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il libricino viola degli incantesimi colpisce ancora e se menzioniamo questo vademecum degli incantesimi d’amore non possiamo fare altro che parlare di Jennifer Probst. La famosa autrice di romance ci ha dato in lettura un altro romanzo, alquanto breve devo dire, della serie dei Contratti, facendoci fare un passo indietro nel tempo.

La storia è quella di Ripley e Caterina. Ovviamente belli, ovviamente intelligenti e senza dubbi di sani principi. Ripley cerca di entrare definitivamente nel mondo dei vini e Caterina è l’erede di un impero con il quale però non vorrebbe avere legami. Destino vuole, con l’aiuto di un piccolo incantesimo a Dea Natura, che i due si incontrino e si innamorino. Ripley non ha giocato proprio lealmente ma è il tipo di uomo che Caterina cerca e quindi nel rispetto delle regole del Romance, la storia non lascerà le lettrici scontente. Inoltre le lettrici italiane saranno soddisfatte dello scenario italiano di parte della storia

I due protagonisti sono due persone adulte, con carattere forte e deciso. Sono belle, il che non guasta ma sono anche persone capaci di cambiare e di capire quello che è più giusto. Ripley è determinato a perseguire il suo fine, può sembrare astuto e doppiogiochista ma la sua indole è buona. Caterina dà l’impressione di essere una ragazzina superficiale, ma una più attenta analisi ci rivela una donna che sa reinventarsi e scegliere la soluzione migliore per tutti.

La ricerca dell’amore e la forza dell’amore in tutte le sue forme è il protagonista. La lettrice appassionata dei romanzi della Prost come la sottoscritta già sa a cosa andrà incontro quando legge un ‘contratto’ e quindi non sono rimasta delusa. Mi sono fatta coinvolgere da questa storia proprio perché già immaginavo quale potesse essere il finale e sono soddisfatta.


La trama è semplice e godibile, scrittura chiara, narrazione con pov alternati quindi abbiamo una visione della storia a 360 gradi e la copertina fa sospirare. Jennifer Probst ‘sforna’ un romanzo e noi lettrici ci godiamo qualche ora di pura e semplice evasione, che in estate ci sta proprio bene.

[Izy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating ~ 3.5 stars

Caterina Windsor left her home and her family winery after finding out her fiancé was cheating on her. She moved to Italy because she no longer knew who she was or what she wanted. Rip Savage worked his ass off for the Windsor Winery just to find out that he’d have to marry a woman who left her responsibilities and her family is a shock to him.

The first few chapters even though I was constantly saying to Rip in my head, “tell her the truth” were beautiful. They were very romantic and sweet and you couldn’t help but love them together because despite himself Rip finds himself really falling for this woman who was nothing like he’d imagined. BUT who doesn’t know who he really is.

Regardless of minor issues I did enjoy the romance, the chemistry they had and Jennifer Probst did a great job of making us understand where the characters were coming from. The plot did work quite well but just a few tweaks in some areas would have made it even more enjoyable.

Quibbles:
Overall: It’s a pretty quick read with great romance, chemistry and love between the characters to make you get your own book of spells.

ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 full bodied stars for THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT!

Ripley Savage is pissed. In order to gain control of Winsor Winery as he was promised, he now has to convince spoiled brat Caterina Victoria Winsor to not only come home from Italy, but also to agree to marry him so he can legally run things. Cat left the Hudson Valley after her wedding was called off, attempting to find herself again. She didn't anticipate staying for more than a year. Meeting a dark stranger in a bar never seemed like a big deal before, but this one's different. Once she gets to know Lee, she's dangerously attracted to him, quickly wondering if he could be the man she's been waiting for. Will she be just as smitten when she finds out the truth of why he's in Italy?

THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT is a novella in the Marriage to a Billionaire series, and also a stand-alone addition to the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring sensual and erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.

I absolutely adored this book! Wine, food, sex…what's not to love? Rip was a douchebag in the beginning, and I sincerely wondered whether he'd redeem himself, and he totally did! Keeping secrets from Cat was tough to watch, but I get what he was trying to accomplish. Their connection as they found their place together at the winery was excellently written, sweet and sexy, and I can't wait for more in the Marriage to a Billionaire series by Ms. Probst!

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping with tradition, we have the trope of must marry for one reason or another, but it isn’t love … not yet ;) It’s been a minute since I’ve read this series, so my brain was a bit fuzzy about some things until it wasn’t. This little short story was much more enjoyable for me than the past books. It’s not that I didn’t like them, I was a different reader at the time and I can see from my previous reviews that the style the author wrote in was not for me, back then … That wasn’t the case today. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of past characters and I really enjoyed Rip and Cat tremendously. I enjoyed their story so much that before I knew it, it was over!

Excellent story for fans of both the 1001 Dark Nights and Marriage to a Billionaire series.

Copy provided for blog tour

[Elenasbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 heartwarming stars!

http://elenasbookblog.com/new-review-...

I love “The Marriage to a Billionaire” series by Jennifer Probst so I couldn’t leave out reading this prequel novella. This book is sweet, quick and sexy! It can be read as a standalone so it’s perfect for new and old fans.

Ripley has worked hard to succeed in the wine industry but when his mentor gives him an ultimatum to marry his daughter or lose it all, he is determined to do everything. Now he has to convince the rich, spoiled girl…

Caterina ran away from home to find herself. After a year in Italy she is ready to move on and why not find someone to love. When she meets Ripley, he is what she wants but the man hides some secrets that can destroy them.

Their relationship is sweet and the fact they are in Italy with all these colorful places and the yummy food, it makes their background even more romantic. The intimate scenes are sexy but also important for their bond.

As it’s a short story their issues and especially Ripley’s past are giving you just a taste. I would have liked to know more but it’s understandable as it’s a novella that the author couldn’t dive more into the details.

This novella is ideal for those who want to read her series and a nice touch for the fans that can go back to some of their favorite characters!

[Splendora Marinozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

La Probst è sempre top, in poche pagine è riuscita a scrivere una bellissima storia.Unica pecca, è finito subito e ne sento già la mancanza!

[JG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the latest in Jennifer Probst’s popular Book of Spells/Marriage to the Billionaire series, this novella is also a prequel to the whole Books of Spells thing and it features some favourite characters before they got their own HEA. Ripley and Cat’s love story will definitely make readers sigh and swoon. It remains true to the arranged marriage trope that is the core of the whole series but it also takes two people, who have been burned in their previous relationships, and teaches them to love and trust again.

*ARC provided all thoughts and opinions are my own*

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winsor Winery, Hudson Valley, NY
This was a family business.
The current owner, Edward Winsor, had a very competent manager who helped him get his company out of bankruptcy. It would be the ideal person to take care of his business, so he could finally retire.
But there was a clause that prevented this: the Winsor Winery could only be passed to one of the family.
In addition to the company, Edward had another major concern: his only daughter, Caterina Victoria Winsor, who after being cheated by her fiancé, fled from NY and went to live in Europe.
What if Edward managed to unite the two people he loved the most so they could - together - manage the family business?

Ripley Savage was alone in the world. His life was his job, and for some time he had the sweet illusion that he was part of Edward Winsor's world. But then came the bomb: he could not be the one who would actually manage the winery because of a damn clause. The solution? Marry Edward's spoiled daughter, who left her father in the middle of a bankruptcy and went to enjoy life traveling through Europe.
If that was the price to pay after he gave the blood for the company and got it out of bankruptcy, whatever!

Caterina loved working with her father at the winery; she had a natural talent for it.
She became engaged to the man her father had indicated... and was cheated on.
Her world turned upside down, and she chose to move away from the place that brought her the worst memories.
After making a spell - believing it would help her find Mr. Right - things really started to change.
She meets a man who fulfilled all the requirements for someone to love.

Rip wanted to have the winery, but eventually fell in love with Cat.
Cat wanted to be loved by herself, and eventually discovered, once again, being used for someone to achieve a goal.
Could two wounded souls be healing each other with a Happily Ever After?

It's not a long story, but just the right size to make you laugh and sigh.
5 stars

[Michelle]

After years of working incredibly hard and singlehandedly saving Winsor Winery, Ripley Savage expects that when the owner and his mentor steps down, Rip would inherit the company. But there’s a catch. Turns out the family run business can only be owned by a family member. Willing to do whatever it takes to get what he feels like he’s earned, Ripley seeks out Caterina, the runaway rich girl daughter of his boss. Ever since being cheated on by her fiancé, Cat has been hiding out in Milan, unwilling to return home to the life she felt boxed into. But in order to get the winery, Rip doesn’t just have to convince Cat to come home, he also has to convince her to marry him, making him a part of the family.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like Caterina, but it turned out that her character was fabulous. She had so much more depth to her character than I’d expected. In the beginning, Ripley painted her as just an awful socialite who ran away to Europe to spend her ailing father’s money. So as the story developed and we learned more about Cat’s backstory and why she has the emotional responses to situations that she does, I just grew to love her more. Sure, she didn’t always make the best decisions, but I understood her motivations and when the time came, she made smart and bold choices that I respected.

But it was absolutely the reverse of that when it came to Ripley. I really liked him at the beginning- I had a lot of respect for him working so hard and being so devoted to his adoptive father figure. And I understood his motivations for wanting to do whatever it took to obtain what he felt like he deserved from the winery. But here’s the thing. You can’t just lie and deceive someone for the vast majority of the book and have me still think you’re the good guy at the end? From the book blurb, I anticipated that Rip would track down Cat, convince her that a marriage arrangement would be mutually beneficial to both of them, and then they’d eventually both realize that they had feelings for each other. Fake dating, forced proximity, all of that is very much my cup of tea. But what really happens is that Rip basically stalks Cat and when they finally meet, his entire introduction to her is essentially a lie. He then spends most of the book falling in love with her and letting her fall in love with him, but without ever telling her the truth about his name, what he does, or that he’s only in Milan to convince her to move back home and marry him. He knew what he was doing was wrong, he constantly struggled with all the lies, but still continued to do it, even breaking his own rule of not sleeping with her until she knew the truth. He had a hundred opportunities to do the right thing, but instead everything fell apart when someone else let the truth slip. By this point, I was really rooting for Caterina and struggled to have any respect for Ripley after that.

The one thing that really held my attention and kept me reading until the end, despite my utter dislike for Ripley, was Probst’s writing style. I may not have been hooked on the characters, but I absolutely adored the setting. Probst did a great job of describing the sights, and more importantly, the tastes of Milan in a way that just made me desperately want to book a flight there and just eat all the food.