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Bellagio #1
Feet First
Designing footwear is Jenny Prillaman's life, so getting the plum assignment to create a socialite's wedding shoes is a dream come true. Dealing with the heiress is another story. So is staying away from her dreamy new boss, a man too hot to deny for long, despite Jenny's best intentions of keeping her business away from his pleasure.
Making Bellagio, Inc. an international success is executive Marc Waterson's career ambition. But his life's desire is to find the right woman and settle down. Too bad Jenny would rather follow in his corporate footsteps than try on the glass slippers of a company wife.
At least Marc's got one thing going for him—the way to a woman's heart is through a really great pair of shoes!
Making Bellagio, Inc. an international success is executive Marc Waterson's career ambition. But his life's desire is to find the right woman and settle down. Too bad Jenny would rather follow in his corporate footsteps than try on the glass slippers of a company wife.
At least Marc's got one thing going for him—the way to a woman's heart is through a really great pair of shoes!
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 30, 2005
13 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Banks
520 books289 followersLeanne Banks was born on 14 May 1959 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, which she claims she can only use on fictional characters. When her first book was published in 1991, she used the money from her advance to take her family to Disney World.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 12, 2018
This was an awesome find that has aged extremely well! (originally published in 2005) I picked up the second in the series at a recent 25¢ sale and, being the completionist I am, used ILL to get at this one first. And I'm so glad I did.
Marc and Jenny were delightful and I loved seeing them come together. Jenny has been undistinguished in a family of achievers and is a bit surprised to find herself loving her job where she gets to assist a famous designer. I love that she comes pretty much out of nowhere and has all the insecurities that entails. And yet, being kind and smart and determined to help others, she takes on the problems that come her way with grace and her intelligence and empathy see her through. And when those aren't enough, she accepts the hits and continues on. I loved this about her.
But I loved even better her fit with Marc. He's buttoned down and a planner so they aren't an obvious fit. But his obsession with planning comes from a place of care for those he loves and dedication to doing the best job he can. So when he clashes with Jenny, it's clear that they want the same things, mostly, and getting through is all about achieving the best result. And I love that doing so means sometimes he bends and sometimes she does and together they're stronger and better for all their friends and the company they work for. It's a great dynamic and I loved seeing them work it out.
I only had one minor twinge and it came late in the book with a coincidence that was, well, typical of the genre but annoying to me. Banks has . But it's only the one time, so Banks isn't overusing coincidence and it's reasonable enough and the delay it caused isn't that long and the ending completely won my heart making this an outstanding and solid five-star read in the end.
A note about Production: There are clumps of really bad editing in this and that confused me. I mean, it's mostly fine, but then you get a chapter that has a lot of really simple mistakes. And once, I counted five issues in about a page. It was jarring.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes and a number of charged circumstances that put this approaching the middle of my steam tolerance. Nothing to write home about, but I do love how frank and open Jenny is about it. Her emotional courage really shines in her dealings with Marc and particularly in her open appreciation of their happy-times.
Marc and Jenny were delightful and I loved seeing them come together. Jenny has been undistinguished in a family of achievers and is a bit surprised to find herself loving her job where she gets to assist a famous designer. I love that she comes pretty much out of nowhere and has all the insecurities that entails. And yet, being kind and smart and determined to help others, she takes on the problems that come her way with grace and her intelligence and empathy see her through. And when those aren't enough, she accepts the hits and continues on. I loved this about her.
But I loved even better her fit with Marc. He's buttoned down and a planner so they aren't an obvious fit. But his obsession with planning comes from a place of care for those he loves and dedication to doing the best job he can. So when he clashes with Jenny, it's clear that they want the same things, mostly, and getting through is all about achieving the best result. And I love that doing so means sometimes he bends and sometimes she does and together they're stronger and better for all their friends and the company they work for. It's a great dynamic and I loved seeing them work it out.
I only had one minor twinge and it came late in the book with a coincidence that was, well, typical of the genre but annoying to me. Banks has . But it's only the one time, so Banks isn't overusing coincidence and it's reasonable enough and the delay it caused isn't that long and the ending completely won my heart making this an outstanding and solid five-star read in the end.
A note about Production: There are clumps of really bad editing in this and that confused me. I mean, it's mostly fine, but then you get a chapter that has a lot of really simple mistakes. And once, I counted five issues in about a page. It was jarring.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes and a number of charged circumstances that put this approaching the middle of my steam tolerance. Nothing to write home about, but I do love how frank and open Jenny is about it. Her emotional courage really shines in her dealings with Marc and particularly in her open appreciation of their happy-times.
November 15, 2017
LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
Cuore e Cioccolato è una commedia romantica, divertente, che ti lascia con le lacrime agli occhi dalle risate. Jenny Prillaman disegna scarpe da sempre. E' il suo sogno più grande e quando le offrono l'opportunità di disegnare le scarpe per il matrimonio della più nota ereditiera viziata Brooke Tarantino, Jenny non può proprio tirarsi indietro. Tutto fila liscio, tranne per un piccolo capriccio della disegnatrice di scarpe: Il suo capo. Lo vuole per una notte, una volta soltanto, per togliersi un capriccio. Jenny è un personaggio solare, divertente e gioioso. Carismatica e piena di voglia di scoprire cose nuove e sfondare nel suo sogno. Il cioccolato è la sua passione, una volta seduta alla sua scrivania, sulla strada verso casa, quando è arrabbiata. Il cioccolato è la sua salvezza.
Mark Waterson è il capo di Jenny, le scarpe prodotte dalla ragazza porteranno il nome della sua azienda e niente deve mettersi tra lui e il progetto dell'ereditiera, che gli frutterà un bel gruzzoletto. Mark farà di tutto per evitare Jenny, non mischiare lavoro e sesso, nessuna distrazione. Per la prima volta in un libro è la donna a cercare del sesso senza impegno e questo è esilarante, la scrittrice ha uno stile che ti appassiona e davvero ti lascia con il fiato sospeso...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
Cuore e Cioccolato è una commedia romantica, divertente, che ti lascia con le lacrime agli occhi dalle risate. Jenny Prillaman disegna scarpe da sempre. E' il suo sogno più grande e quando le offrono l'opportunità di disegnare le scarpe per il matrimonio della più nota ereditiera viziata Brooke Tarantino, Jenny non può proprio tirarsi indietro. Tutto fila liscio, tranne per un piccolo capriccio della disegnatrice di scarpe: Il suo capo. Lo vuole per una notte, una volta soltanto, per togliersi un capriccio. Jenny è un personaggio solare, divertente e gioioso. Carismatica e piena di voglia di scoprire cose nuove e sfondare nel suo sogno. Il cioccolato è la sua passione, una volta seduta alla sua scrivania, sulla strada verso casa, quando è arrabbiata. Il cioccolato è la sua salvezza.
Mark Waterson è il capo di Jenny, le scarpe prodotte dalla ragazza porteranno il nome della sua azienda e niente deve mettersi tra lui e il progetto dell'ereditiera, che gli frutterà un bel gruzzoletto. Mark farà di tutto per evitare Jenny, non mischiare lavoro e sesso, nessuna distrazione. Per la prima volta in un libro è la donna a cercare del sesso senza impegno e questo è esilarante, la scrittrice ha uno stile che ti appassiona e davvero ti lascia con il fiato sospeso...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
June 20, 2017
review coming
April 6, 2023
LOOOVVEEEE!
November 13, 2007
this book i about a girl who had went through a life time looking for the right job. one job offer she was accepted to was the helper of a shoe designer. she ends up working in a higher class then she expected when her boss had to check into rehab. but the two main reasons why she got into the higher job offer was because her boss lied on her job application making her seem more intelligent then she originally is. the other reason is because she was a well creative doodler. she ends up having many intimate moments with her new boss. but when her boss found out that she was a lie, he hated her. but after a while, he forgave her, and they ended up having a wonderful relationship. she was also wanted by a lot of other companies, because of her experiment, but she ended up going back to her old company with her boyfriend.
from this book i learned that jobs aren't that easy after all. the only reason the girl made it through with her life is because of luck. but not in everyday life will that happen to everyone. you just have to work harder, and take the opportunities that are given to you at that moment.
from this book i learned that jobs aren't that easy after all. the only reason the girl made it through with her life is because of luck. but not in everyday life will that happen to everyone. you just have to work harder, and take the opportunities that are given to you at that moment.
Read
January 27, 2014This was turning into a three-doughnut morning
L'incipit è veramente da manuale, ma purtroppo crea forse un po' troppe aspettative. Perchè di base la storia è ironica e frizzante, ma decisamente stereotipata (soprattutto nel finale). O fore la ragione principale del mio giudizio è che non sono riuscita ad affezionarmi a Jenny. Ho provato un po' di fastidio nel vedere come si gettava nel letto di Marc.
Piccola nota: ma come si può tradurre il titolo in italiano con Cuore e Cioccolato?? Non c'entra assolutamente nulla!
“Red shoes can take you places you want to go. Just look at what they did for Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
“She’s beautiful,” she said.
“Uh-huh,” he said in a distracted tone.
“Miss Tomato Queen, right?”
“Yeah.”
“She definitely has big tomatoes. It’s amazing what doctors can do these days, isn’t it?””
L'incipit è veramente da manuale, ma purtroppo crea forse un po' troppe aspettative. Perchè di base la storia è ironica e frizzante, ma decisamente stereotipata (soprattutto nel finale). O fore la ragione principale del mio giudizio è che non sono riuscita ad affezionarmi a Jenny. Ho provato un po' di fastidio nel vedere come si gettava nel letto di Marc.
Piccola nota: ma come si può tradurre il titolo in italiano con Cuore e Cioccolato?? Non c'entra assolutamente nulla!
“Red shoes can take you places you want to go. Just look at what they did for Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
“She’s beautiful,” she said.
“Uh-huh,” he said in a distracted tone.
“Miss Tomato Queen, right?”
“Yeah.”
“She definitely has big tomatoes. It’s amazing what doctors can do these days, isn’t it?””
July 15, 2020
La fatina del cioccolato alla menta cerca la diva che è in se!
E' come un famoso ritornello di un film altrettanto famoso: basta un poco di zucchero e la pillola va giù e tutto brillerà di più.
Se poi a brillare sono delle scarpe che male c'è? Mai un oggetto tanto comune e altrettanto masochisticamente insignificante è stato reso partecipe e motori di un racconto dolce e sincero.Un unico desiderio di una comune assistente, volere l'uomo dei propri sogni anche per una sola notte... ma se è il vicepresidente della propria azienda le cose possono essere complicate ma anche molto stuzzicanti.
La ricerca di Jenny dentro di se della propria diva è qualcosa di frivolo ma di incoraggiante per chi non apprezza a pieno se stessa a causa dei commenti altrui ma anche poco coinvolgente per come la diva riesca ad ottenere quello che sinceramente ognuno di noi spera in modo un po' impersonale. Ciò nonostante il gran cuore che lei possiede gioca una controparte altrettanto vincente tanto da riuscire a prevalicare la propria diva personale interiore, come se fosse una vocina, e a emergere dando sfogo al proprio io personale.Marc, belloccio e calcolatore programmista quale è si trova nella brutta posizione di vedere i propri piani crollare uno dopo l'altro sotto la dolce presenza di Jenny tanto da lasciare Miss X e Miss Y senza alcun interesse ma solo un cuore palpitante per un paio di occhiali rosso fuoco odiosi ma evidenti come l'anima di Jenny.
Spinta a leggere questo libro per delle ciambelle salva giornata, mi sono ritrovata a chiedermi come sia il sapore del cioccolato alla menta, un unione di impersonali gusti che assieme fanno sicuramente scintille e rappresentano a pieno i caratteri dei protagonisti.
Un grande applauso anche ai personaggi minori di ogni sessualità e carattere che hanno reso il tutto frizzoloso e vivace come doveva essere anche nei momenti tragici.Tre stelline e un qualcosa in più!
E' come un famoso ritornello di un film altrettanto famoso: basta un poco di zucchero e la pillola va giù e tutto brillerà di più.
Se poi a brillare sono delle scarpe che male c'è? Mai un oggetto tanto comune e altrettanto masochisticamente insignificante è stato reso partecipe e motori di un racconto dolce e sincero.Un unico desiderio di una comune assistente, volere l'uomo dei propri sogni anche per una sola notte... ma se è il vicepresidente della propria azienda le cose possono essere complicate ma anche molto stuzzicanti.
La ricerca di Jenny dentro di se della propria diva è qualcosa di frivolo ma di incoraggiante per chi non apprezza a pieno se stessa a causa dei commenti altrui ma anche poco coinvolgente per come la diva riesca ad ottenere quello che sinceramente ognuno di noi spera in modo un po' impersonale. Ciò nonostante il gran cuore che lei possiede gioca una controparte altrettanto vincente tanto da riuscire a prevalicare la propria diva personale interiore, come se fosse una vocina, e a emergere dando sfogo al proprio io personale.Marc, belloccio e calcolatore programmista quale è si trova nella brutta posizione di vedere i propri piani crollare uno dopo l'altro sotto la dolce presenza di Jenny tanto da lasciare Miss X e Miss Y senza alcun interesse ma solo un cuore palpitante per un paio di occhiali rosso fuoco odiosi ma evidenti come l'anima di Jenny.
Spinta a leggere questo libro per delle ciambelle salva giornata, mi sono ritrovata a chiedermi come sia il sapore del cioccolato alla menta, un unione di impersonali gusti che assieme fanno sicuramente scintille e rappresentano a pieno i caratteri dei protagonisti.
Un grande applauso anche ai personaggi minori di ogni sessualità e carattere che hanno reso il tutto frizzoloso e vivace come doveva essere anche nei momenti tragici.Tre stelline e un qualcosa in più!
November 22, 2021
Jenny Prillaman disegna scarpe o come dice lei, scarabocchia. Il suo mentore è Sal Amore, stilista di punta della Bellagio Shoes. Nell’ultimo anno Jenny si occupa dei progetti di Sal e lo copre in azienda quando va in un centro di disintossicazione.
Il grande capo, il vicepresidente dell’azienda Marc Waterson conoscendo la verità decide di affidarle un compito di prestigio: disegnare le scarpe per le nozze dell’ereditiera Brooke Tarantino.
Per Jenny è un sogno che si avvera e così può passare più tempo con Marc di cui ne è infatuata.
Primo libro della Bellagio. Qualche mese fa ho letto terzo per caso e mi sono finalmente decisa a riprendere in mano la serie.
La prima parola che mi viene in mente riguardo questo libro è “sfarzo”… tra settimana della moda a weekend a Cancun per un meeting di lavoro la nostra Jenny sembrerebbe essere completamente fuori posto. È una ragazza buona che cerca sempre di tirare fuori il meglio da chiunque e di aiutare il più possibile il prossimo.
Marc invece è il classico rigidissimo capo di azienda, vita scandita a ritmi ferrei e mai un capello fuori posto. Praticamente uno che viaggia costantemente con un palo infilato nel didietro!
Jenny ne è attratta ma lui non si ricorda nemmeno come si chiama.
Convinta dal suo migliore amico Chad, Jenny decide di cambiare un po’ look e magicamente Marc inizia a notarla.
Strano che gli uomini non notino delle belle gambe se messe in mostra *occhi al cielo*
Stile leggero e frizzante, si legge in un paio d’ore, consigliato!
Il grande capo, il vicepresidente dell’azienda Marc Waterson conoscendo la verità decide di affidarle un compito di prestigio: disegnare le scarpe per le nozze dell’ereditiera Brooke Tarantino.
Per Jenny è un sogno che si avvera e così può passare più tempo con Marc di cui ne è infatuata.
Primo libro della Bellagio. Qualche mese fa ho letto terzo per caso e mi sono finalmente decisa a riprendere in mano la serie.
La prima parola che mi viene in mente riguardo questo libro è “sfarzo”… tra settimana della moda a weekend a Cancun per un meeting di lavoro la nostra Jenny sembrerebbe essere completamente fuori posto. È una ragazza buona che cerca sempre di tirare fuori il meglio da chiunque e di aiutare il più possibile il prossimo.
Marc invece è il classico rigidissimo capo di azienda, vita scandita a ritmi ferrei e mai un capello fuori posto. Praticamente uno che viaggia costantemente con un palo infilato nel didietro!
Jenny ne è attratta ma lui non si ricorda nemmeno come si chiama.
Convinta dal suo migliore amico Chad, Jenny decide di cambiare un po’ look e magicamente Marc inizia a notarla.
Strano che gli uomini non notino delle belle gambe se messe in mostra *occhi al cielo*
Stile leggero e frizzante, si legge in un paio d’ore, consigliato!
September 18, 2017
Cute book. A girl falls for he boss. They want to make her look shy and undaring but she does some stuff only a girl with experience would do. they're trying to sell romance hard with this one that all downfalls are a big deal. 3 stars just cause it kept me entertained.
December 6, 2016
Me ha gustado mucho. Es un libro muy entretenido, ligero, atrapante, divertido... Recomendado para pasar un buen rato.
June 27, 2019
This was great! So excited about this author!
January 17, 2023
I so want to eat a peppermint patty after reading this book.
June 7, 2024
Cute read
September 25, 2024
Spicy and fun quick read
June 6, 2025
me ha encantado
July 8, 2010
Jenny Prillaman is the assistant for one of Bellagio's main shoe designers. She has a secret crush on Bellagio's Vice-President and dreams of being a real designer some day. When her boss is incapacitated by circumstances she gets her big break in designing wedding shoes for Atlanta's high society wedding of the year.
Bellagio's VP Marc Waterson is happy with his life but he does want to settle down with a wife and family. In order to find said wife he has drawn up a plan to find the perfect woman. He has a whole list of rules and requirements and Jenny certainly doesn't meet any of them.
But when Jenny and Marc are thrown together working on the big wedding, one thing leads to another. They decide to have a secret affair, but both didn't count on the affair growing into something much more than that.
Jenny and Marc are the proverbial opposites that attract.
Marc is orderly and has a plan of action for everything he does, both in business and in his personal life. He is the textbook control freak.
Jenny is the total opposite. Spontaneity rules her life and she doesn't plan. She goes through life winging it and taking it day by day.
But as different as they are, they both are attracted to the qualities in the other that they don't have.
Both Jenny and Marc are down-to-earth and lifelike characters. They have their flaws like everyone has and are very easy to identify with and relate to.
Jenny was like a fresh breeze throughout the book. She was funny, realistic, kind and compassionate. She lacks any presumptions or pretentions and I liked her best.
Marc annoyed me a bit in the beginning, for instance by constantly not remembering Jenny's name and calling her all kinds of variations to her name (Jenna, Ginger, Jerri, Jill, Gena). This was funny in an endearing way the first two times but after that it started to bother me. Fortunately it stopped after a few chapters.
And Marc's plan at the end to win Jenny's heart really salvaged his character and made up for the annoyance in the beginning.
The focus of the book was on Marc and Jenny. But there were some secondary characters that were fun to read. They supported both Marc and Jenny in their blossoming relationship but didn't poke their nose in everything.
This was an easy and light read. For me it was a nice change to some intense books I've been reading lately. It was fun and endearing with recognizable situations. Things that could happen to you and me and everyday issues we all deal with.
I did like the second half better than the first because that was where Marc stepped to the plate, let go of his find-the-perfect-wife plan and gave Jenny a real chance.
It's hard to describe why but the book didn't wow me. It's a nice book when you don't want some heavy reading and you’re in the mood for some relaxation. This was the right book to wind down with.
Nothing more and but certainly nothing less either because even if it's simple and not mind-blowing it's still a very well-developed and well-written story with believable contemporary characters whose flaws make them very likeable.
The perfect book when you want an uncomplicated and warm story to spend some pleasurable reading hours with.
Bellagio's VP Marc Waterson is happy with his life but he does want to settle down with a wife and family. In order to find said wife he has drawn up a plan to find the perfect woman. He has a whole list of rules and requirements and Jenny certainly doesn't meet any of them.
But when Jenny and Marc are thrown together working on the big wedding, one thing leads to another. They decide to have a secret affair, but both didn't count on the affair growing into something much more than that.
Jenny and Marc are the proverbial opposites that attract.
Marc is orderly and has a plan of action for everything he does, both in business and in his personal life. He is the textbook control freak.
Jenny is the total opposite. Spontaneity rules her life and she doesn't plan. She goes through life winging it and taking it day by day.
But as different as they are, they both are attracted to the qualities in the other that they don't have.
Both Jenny and Marc are down-to-earth and lifelike characters. They have their flaws like everyone has and are very easy to identify with and relate to.
Jenny was like a fresh breeze throughout the book. She was funny, realistic, kind and compassionate. She lacks any presumptions or pretentions and I liked her best.
Marc annoyed me a bit in the beginning, for instance by constantly not remembering Jenny's name and calling her all kinds of variations to her name (Jenna, Ginger, Jerri, Jill, Gena). This was funny in an endearing way the first two times but after that it started to bother me. Fortunately it stopped after a few chapters.
And Marc's plan at the end to win Jenny's heart really salvaged his character and made up for the annoyance in the beginning.
The focus of the book was on Marc and Jenny. But there were some secondary characters that were fun to read. They supported both Marc and Jenny in their blossoming relationship but didn't poke their nose in everything.
This was an easy and light read. For me it was a nice change to some intense books I've been reading lately. It was fun and endearing with recognizable situations. Things that could happen to you and me and everyday issues we all deal with.
I did like the second half better than the first because that was where Marc stepped to the plate, let go of his find-the-perfect-wife plan and gave Jenny a real chance.
It's hard to describe why but the book didn't wow me. It's a nice book when you don't want some heavy reading and you’re in the mood for some relaxation. This was the right book to wind down with.
Nothing more and but certainly nothing less either because even if it's simple and not mind-blowing it's still a very well-developed and well-written story with believable contemporary characters whose flaws make them very likeable.
The perfect book when you want an uncomplicated and warm story to spend some pleasurable reading hours with.
April 1, 2012
3.5/5 (B-)
Review: I read the two other books of the trilogy first and I just wanted to know how Jenny and Marc got together as they had some brief appearances in the two other books. It was an enjoyable read and exactly what I needed to get back my reading mojo.
Characters - The book mainly focuses on Jenny and Marc, although there's a range of secondary characters. The problem with the secondary characters is that they're just part of the scenery... Only one will get her own book (Trina) while Brooke's stories will be told over the three books. Jenny is an interesting character enough... Average woman who has two over-achiever siblings and has finally found her goal. She's nice, sociable, has good friends, no dark past... a bit carefree, but realist. I guess she's a bit typical as a character... As for Marc, well he's focus. That's the word for it. He has a plan and intends to follow it. Again, typical character...
Writing & Story - The writing was okay... I mean, seriously, the whole book was a bit typical. Man and woman attracted to each other, have sex and find it's not enough so decide to engage in an affair with a number of rules. Of course, they enjoy each other's company and slowly develop feelings for each other; however, there's a misunderstanding... but at the end, they get back together. Sorry if I spoiled the book to anyone :P So you have typical characters and a not so original plot, but it's still enjoyable - not memorable, but enjoyable. Why? The writing, the flow... It wasn't too dragging and I liked that the misunderstanding was resolved fast. Actually, the hero wasn't really bother by it, it really wasn't important for him, because he has already figured out his feelings.
The Cover - I like it. It's flimsy and the colors are nice and soft and most importantly, it fit the story.
Am I keeping it? Yes... I already have the two others and it's a cute trilogy.
Review: I read the two other books of the trilogy first and I just wanted to know how Jenny and Marc got together as they had some brief appearances in the two other books. It was an enjoyable read and exactly what I needed to get back my reading mojo.
Characters - The book mainly focuses on Jenny and Marc, although there's a range of secondary characters. The problem with the secondary characters is that they're just part of the scenery... Only one will get her own book (Trina) while Brooke's stories will be told over the three books. Jenny is an interesting character enough... Average woman who has two over-achiever siblings and has finally found her goal. She's nice, sociable, has good friends, no dark past... a bit carefree, but realist. I guess she's a bit typical as a character... As for Marc, well he's focus. That's the word for it. He has a plan and intends to follow it. Again, typical character...
Writing & Story - The writing was okay... I mean, seriously, the whole book was a bit typical. Man and woman attracted to each other, have sex and find it's not enough so decide to engage in an affair with a number of rules. Of course, they enjoy each other's company and slowly develop feelings for each other; however, there's a misunderstanding... but at the end, they get back together. Sorry if I spoiled the book to anyone :P So you have typical characters and a not so original plot, but it's still enjoyable - not memorable, but enjoyable. Why? The writing, the flow... It wasn't too dragging and I liked that the misunderstanding was resolved fast. Actually, the hero wasn't really bother by it, it really wasn't important for him, because he has already figured out his feelings.
The Cover - I like it. It's flimsy and the colors are nice and soft and most importantly, it fit the story.
Am I keeping it? Yes... I already have the two others and it's a cute trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
Ho iniziato questo libro, attratta dal titolo, avevo proprio voglia di leggere un romance dolce come i cioccolatini della protagonista.
Non ho letto nessuna recensione in proposito, cosi sono riuscita a godermelo di più!
Diciamo che non è il massimo dell'originalità, però mi è piaciuto molto. Mi ha fatto trascorrere alcune ore di spensieratezza, senza nessuna pretesa.
Jenny lavora come assistente di un stilista di scarpe, per un noto marchio. La sua passione è disegnare, ma non ha mai avuto l'opportunità di dimostrare le sue capacità, finché un giorno, per pura fortuna, si ritrova a prendere il posto del suo mentore, si ritroverà coinvolta nell'organizzazione del matrimonio di una delle ereditiere più ricche di Atlanta, Brooke Tarantino.
Sarà proprio Jenny a disegnare le scarpe della futura sposa. Durante tutta l'organizzazione del matrimonio, Jenny dovrà sopportare la vicinanza del suo capo Marc Waterson. E quell'attrazione che prova per lui. E' decisa di portarselo a letto, anche solo per una volta.
E'uomo molto sexy, ma che non ha mai notato la protagonista. Marc vuole trovare la donna perfetta, e sposarsi, ma tra tutte le donne con cui è uscito, non ha trovato quella perfetta. Continuerà a passare da una vincitrice di concorsi ad un'altra, finché il suo sguardo si posa sul nuovo look di Jenny, che lo lascia totalmente senza fiato.
Però stenta a lasciarsi andare alla passione, e cerca di resistere in tutti i modi alla corte serrata di Jenny.
Un libro molto romantico, in alcuni casi divertente, che riesce a migliorare l'umore.
Consiglio a tutte le romantiche questa storia.
Non ho letto nessuna recensione in proposito, cosi sono riuscita a godermelo di più!
Diciamo che non è il massimo dell'originalità, però mi è piaciuto molto. Mi ha fatto trascorrere alcune ore di spensieratezza, senza nessuna pretesa.
Jenny lavora come assistente di un stilista di scarpe, per un noto marchio. La sua passione è disegnare, ma non ha mai avuto l'opportunità di dimostrare le sue capacità, finché un giorno, per pura fortuna, si ritrova a prendere il posto del suo mentore, si ritroverà coinvolta nell'organizzazione del matrimonio di una delle ereditiere più ricche di Atlanta, Brooke Tarantino.
Sarà proprio Jenny a disegnare le scarpe della futura sposa. Durante tutta l'organizzazione del matrimonio, Jenny dovrà sopportare la vicinanza del suo capo Marc Waterson. E quell'attrazione che prova per lui. E' decisa di portarselo a letto, anche solo per una volta.
E'uomo molto sexy, ma che non ha mai notato la protagonista. Marc vuole trovare la donna perfetta, e sposarsi, ma tra tutte le donne con cui è uscito, non ha trovato quella perfetta. Continuerà a passare da una vincitrice di concorsi ad un'altra, finché il suo sguardo si posa sul nuovo look di Jenny, che lo lascia totalmente senza fiato.
Però stenta a lasciarsi andare alla passione, e cerca di resistere in tutti i modi alla corte serrata di Jenny.
Un libro molto romantico, in alcuni casi divertente, che riesce a migliorare l'umore.
Consiglio a tutte le romantiche questa storia.
August 7, 2015
Great story.... Jenny is a quirky girl, and by chapter 11 I thought she was funny.
Marc is a self-absorbed work alcoholic, only thinks about what he should have to make his life perfect.
Our heroine was sassy, and for the most part confident. The way the heroine’s character was written I wasn't sure if she was playing him or not. But, she was sweet and lovable. The turning point of the relationship was well developed, and I kept thinking what’s wrong with this brilliant businessman. Yeah, just common sense stupid.
I would have liked more detailed to the ending, an epilogue would have been nice. We always like to hear our happily ever after story.
Marc is a self-absorbed work alcoholic, only thinks about what he should have to make his life perfect.
Our heroine was sassy, and for the most part confident. The way the heroine’s character was written I wasn't sure if she was playing him or not. But, she was sweet and lovable. The turning point of the relationship was well developed, and I kept thinking what’s wrong with this brilliant businessman. Yeah, just common sense stupid.
I would have liked more detailed to the ending, an epilogue would have been nice. We always like to hear our happily ever after story.
June 27, 2013
Una meravigliosa favola dal profumo di cioccolato alla menta
Questo è il primo libro della serie Bellagio, ambientata dentro e intorno alla Bellagio Calzature, prestigiosissimo marchio di scarpe ed accessori di alta moda.
In occasione della ristampa da parte di Harlequin, ho deciso che era giunto il momento di leggerlo!
E che sorpresa!
Con uno stile brillante e spumeggiante, l'autrice ha saputo costruire una storia romantica, sensuale, ma allo stesso tempo spassosa, profonda e decisamente intrigante. I personaggi sono caratterizzati con cura, davvero poliedrici, sia i principali, sia secondari, che assumono ruoli di veri comprimari.
Il risultato è coinvolgente, direi trascinante, tanto che sono stata rapita dalla lettura non riuscendo a staccarmene fino a libro concluso .
Mi tuffo nella lettura del secondo, sapendo già che attenderò con ansia la pubblicazione del terzo.
Un altro punto a favore per la collana harmony romance che continua a sfornare libri e autrici davvero di ottimo livello!
Questo è il primo libro della serie Bellagio, ambientata dentro e intorno alla Bellagio Calzature, prestigiosissimo marchio di scarpe ed accessori di alta moda.
In occasione della ristampa da parte di Harlequin, ho deciso che era giunto il momento di leggerlo!
E che sorpresa!
Con uno stile brillante e spumeggiante, l'autrice ha saputo costruire una storia romantica, sensuale, ma allo stesso tempo spassosa, profonda e decisamente intrigante. I personaggi sono caratterizzati con cura, davvero poliedrici, sia i principali, sia secondari, che assumono ruoli di veri comprimari.
Il risultato è coinvolgente, direi trascinante, tanto che sono stata rapita dalla lettura non riuscendo a staccarmene fino a libro concluso .
Mi tuffo nella lettura del secondo, sapendo già che attenderò con ansia la pubblicazione del terzo.
Un altro punto a favore per la collana harmony romance che continua a sfornare libri e autrici davvero di ottimo livello!
May 18, 2010
a fun, light-weight, enjoyable read. Yes, the final obstacle the couple faced was pretty lame, and, really, the whole "friends with benefits" thing just doesn't work out like that. but I don't read books like this because they are highly logical or make me smarter. I read them because they make me feel good.
(and now I want to go back and reread the second book in the series, since I read them out of order...I think I'd appreciate/ understand the second book more now, in full context. and it was sweet too.)
(and now I want to go back and reread the second book in the series, since I read them out of order...I think I'd appreciate/ understand the second book more now, in full context. and it was sweet too.)
March 4, 2012
Fun read, though predictable - if you don't mind that, it'll be a book for you.
Jenny Prillaman is an assistant shoe designer who gets the chance of her life: Designing shoes for an it-girl wedding. Too bad her boss is good looking but so not looking at her direction... at first.
It might be obvious how this book ends, given the plot but still I enjoyed the read. I liked both main characters. Finally a book where 2 people haven't loved each other for ages and never noticed the other's feelings.
Jenny Prillaman is an assistant shoe designer who gets the chance of her life: Designing shoes for an it-girl wedding. Too bad her boss is good looking but so not looking at her direction... at first.
It might be obvious how this book ends, given the plot but still I enjoyed the read. I liked both main characters. Finally a book where 2 people haven't loved each other for ages and never noticed the other's feelings.
June 17, 2015
In realtà è una rilettura (la prima volta l'ho letto in inglese). Questo romance mi ha proprio colpito al cuore, forse perchè la protagonista, Jenny, ha un carattere davvero invidiabile e con naturalezza affronta situazioni che a me farebbero venire come minimo la tachicardia. Un'unica caduta di stile, l'uscita al ristorante con il finto appuntamento, ma la posso perdonare!
February 10, 2013
This was a fun read. I'm not a shoe aficionado (that was Mom) but it was a hoot to read about them. Marc Waterson, a VP at Bellagio shoes is looking for a wife - the wrong way. Jenny Prillaman is going smaller, looking for a hot guy to borrow for a short time. Her designs and people handling skills bring them together. A great cozy weekend book - go for it!
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August 16, 2014My first Contemporary romance read. I absolutely love this books have read it several times. I got it signed by Leanne Banks in 2012 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon. It revolves around Jenny who is design assistant at Bellagio Shoes, an Italian family owned shoe brand.
September 18, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. In fact I don't think I have ever read a book so fast. Although it does have a few pages of very explicit descriptions that not everyone will enjoy. I thought it was a great book and will enjoy reading the other two in the series.
December 16, 2016
I expected to like this book, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. This was a fun, light Summer time read. I am intrigued by the 2nd book in the series, mostly because I want to know better Walker & what happened to him after being left at the altar.
September 27, 2012
Era nella lista dei desideri, forse un po' vecchiotta e non aggiornata, così lo sto rileggendo: nessun deja vu, nessuna luce che squilli "sì, me lo ricordo!". Se un romanzo non resta impresso per niente, allora è tempo perso.
Però è carino, intrigante, quindi mi sa che lo rileggerò fino in fondo.
Però è carino, intrigante, quindi mi sa che lo rileggerò fino in fondo.
January 23, 2012
A tad predictable and I have to admit that I couldn't stand Marc. He was arrogant and rude. By the end of it I disliked Jenny too for being so besotted and for taking him back so quickly and completely.
But I liked the shoe talk.
But I liked the shoe talk.
February 20, 2013
I loved this book. It was funny and kept me wanting more. Marc and Jenny are perfect for each other but they don't seem to think so. Brooke is the crazy party girl who will lead you on a wild adventure. It was just a really good book.
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