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The Combe Family Scandals #2
Escándalo en el dormitorio (Miniserie Bianca)
A long-lost billionaire…
A virgin to tame him!
Dedicated personal assistant Lauren Clarke always does as she’s asked. Her latest task? To prevent a media scandal, she needs to find reclusive Dominik James—her boss’s estranged brother—and convince him to marry her! But in Hungary’s darkest forests she discovers more than just an untamed billionaire… Dominik’s brooding masculinity awakens Lauren’s long-dormant desire. Once they’ve exchanged their convenient “I do’s,” will innocent Lauren accept that their hunger can’t be denied?
Read on…as the billionaire and his convenient bride tie the knot!
A virgin to tame him!
Dedicated personal assistant Lauren Clarke always does as she’s asked. Her latest task? To prevent a media scandal, she needs to find reclusive Dominik James—her boss’s estranged brother—and convince him to marry her! But in Hungary’s darkest forests she discovers more than just an untamed billionaire… Dominik’s brooding masculinity awakens Lauren’s long-dormant desire. Once they’ve exchanged their convenient “I do’s,” will innocent Lauren accept that their hunger can’t be denied?
Read on…as the billionaire and his convenient bride tie the knot!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
107 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Crews
1,105 books595 followersCaitlin Crews discovered her first romance novel at the age of twelve, in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates, grand adventures, a heroine with rustling skirts and a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering and masterful hero. The book (the title of which remains lost in the mists of time) made a serious impression. Caitlin was immediately smitten with romances and romance heroes, to the detriment of her middle school social life. And so began her life-long love affair with romance novels, many of which she insists on keeping near her at all times, thus creating a fire hazard of love wherever she lives.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 9, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
Rating 3.5 This would have been a 3.o rating if not for the wonderful epilogue.
Lauren is sent by her boss to find his half brother who they just learned about after the death of his Father and Mother. She's to find him and get him up to speed with all the family history and business.
Lauren ends up in Hungary walking up a dirt road, in her high heals, in the middle of a forest in pursuit of Dominik James (she comes under the illusion that he's somewhat of a hermit). She spies him on the cabin porch waiting for her. What then ensues is a play on words and some talk of fairytales. Lauren was wearing a red cape and Dominic has the grace and cunning of a wolf. The premise then is of little red and the big bad wolf. This theme and the theme of fairytales is woven throughout the story.
Lauren convinces Dominic to return to England so he can be prepped, given a make over and instructed/educated on his rich inheritance. Unbeknownst to Lauren, Dominic is a billionaire in his own right and well aquatinted of the behavior the upper crust of society. But during their interaction it's revealed that Lauren never has felt any sexual/physical desire. Dominic then assures her she is defiantly a sexual being and will prove it to her. The two then proceed to have dialogue about fairytales and sexual a lot of awareness woven into their conversation. Lauren is instructed by her boss and Dominic's brother that they should marry as it will help him handle the press. With her as his wife, she will be a buffer against the media and assist him with his transition (I found this a very weak reasoning). The two decide to marry and they decide that he'll teach her all that she's been missing out on in the physical/sexual realm. The two then spend several months together until the press finds out about his existence. He leaves and returns to his cabin. Lauren learns a lot about herself during their time together and after he leaves. She then realizes that Dominic loves him and that he needs her and she needs him. She also feels he's running from his true feelings about them and her. She quits her job and goes after her man. Each reveals their insecurities of past family issues and fear of true love and trust. And of course they find their HEA.
I have to say this was not the easiest book to read. Two thirds of the book took place the first two days of the main characters meeting. A lot of inter dialogue, which this author is known for and it normally works with exceptions here and there. This is one of those exceptions, choppy and confusing. Then the last third was all jammed into two months, which I kind of felt cheated in not seeing their love develop. I believe that is when the true foundation and basis of their relationship should have evolved and developed, and I would have loved to witness that. In fact I would have given it a 3.o rating if not for the phenomenal epilogue. It was exceptional. The epilogue was so sweet, clear and touching. Fourteen years into the future and it was the sweetest ending.
I will be looking for Mateo's book, which is before this but since this was an ARC I'm a little ahead of myself in the reading sequence. Also looking forward to Pia's story.
Rating 3.5 This would have been a 3.o rating if not for the wonderful epilogue.
Lauren is sent by her boss to find his half brother who they just learned about after the death of his Father and Mother. She's to find him and get him up to speed with all the family history and business.
Lauren ends up in Hungary walking up a dirt road, in her high heals, in the middle of a forest in pursuit of Dominik James (she comes under the illusion that he's somewhat of a hermit). She spies him on the cabin porch waiting for her. What then ensues is a play on words and some talk of fairytales. Lauren was wearing a red cape and Dominic has the grace and cunning of a wolf. The premise then is of little red and the big bad wolf. This theme and the theme of fairytales is woven throughout the story.
Lauren convinces Dominic to return to England so he can be prepped, given a make over and instructed/educated on his rich inheritance. Unbeknownst to Lauren, Dominic is a billionaire in his own right and well aquatinted of the behavior the upper crust of society. But during their interaction it's revealed that Lauren never has felt any sexual/physical desire. Dominic then assures her she is defiantly a sexual being and will prove it to her. The two then proceed to have dialogue about fairytales and sexual a lot of awareness woven into their conversation. Lauren is instructed by her boss and Dominic's brother that they should marry as it will help him handle the press. With her as his wife, she will be a buffer against the media and assist him with his transition (I found this a very weak reasoning). The two decide to marry and they decide that he'll teach her all that she's been missing out on in the physical/sexual realm. The two then spend several months together until the press finds out about his existence. He leaves and returns to his cabin. Lauren learns a lot about herself during their time together and after he leaves. She then realizes that Dominic loves him and that he needs her and she needs him. She also feels he's running from his true feelings about them and her. She quits her job and goes after her man. Each reveals their insecurities of past family issues and fear of true love and trust. And of course they find their HEA.
I have to say this was not the easiest book to read. Two thirds of the book took place the first two days of the main characters meeting. A lot of inter dialogue, which this author is known for and it normally works with exceptions here and there. This is one of those exceptions, choppy and confusing. Then the last third was all jammed into two months, which I kind of felt cheated in not seeing their love develop. I believe that is when the true foundation and basis of their relationship should have evolved and developed, and I would have loved to witness that. In fact I would have given it a 3.o rating if not for the phenomenal epilogue. It was exceptional. The epilogue was so sweet, clear and touching. Fourteen years into the future and it was the sweetest ending.
I will be looking for Mateo's book, which is before this but since this was an ARC I'm a little ahead of myself in the reading sequence. Also looking forward to Pia's story.
August 18, 2019
LOOK, I understand that a Harlequin Presents is its own special nonsense world. BUT, I think it's really troubling to have the heroine use the language of asexuality ""I'm not a sexual person..It's a spectrum isn't it? I've never understood all the fuss, to be honest."
Then let her be asexual and move on. WE know more about sexuality now. And the fact that the hero sees this as a challenge and she's going to get "fixed" by the right cock. It just goes against everything we know about how asexuality works. And that feels yucky.
Her not meeting the right guy? Her being wary of those feelings? Her never feeling those feelings before? FINE. But this felt really yucky towards asexual people and I think we can all do better.
Then let her be asexual and move on. WE know more about sexuality now. And the fact that the hero sees this as a challenge and she's going to get "fixed" by the right cock. It just goes against everything we know about how asexuality works. And that feels yucky.
Her not meeting the right guy? Her being wary of those feelings? Her never feeling those feelings before? FINE. But this felt really yucky towards asexual people and I think we can all do better.
May 20, 2019
Needed more passion and less inner dialogue, the epilogue was nice
May 7, 2020
I enjoy an extended metaphor like any English major, and CC manages to weave Little Red Riding Hood imagery throughout the story - including the epilogue 12 years later.
Heroine is called "little Red" by the hero because she showed up at his house in the deep Hungarian woods wearing a red cape. He is the predator in disguise (He presents as humble orphan when he's a self-made billionaire). Heroine has tracked down the hero for her boss, (hero of the first book in this series). Seems he's the illegitimate half brother of the big boss.
It's the heroine's job to bring him to England to claim his inheritance and place in the family. She's to teach him manners and how to dress, etc. .
There are so many plot holes and logic fails that I just couldn't buy into any of it.
First of all - how did heroine find this guy and not know he was a billionaire?
Why did the boss need to do damage control about his dead mother's scandal?
Why did the boss think marrying the heroine was going to calm a PR scandal?
Why did the heroine agree?
Why did the hero agree?
The power of love is supposed to be the answer, but come on. Heroine was major doormat to her boss and hero was intrigued by her submissiveness. Hero was smitten from the beginning, and based on his sexual banter, enjoyed power dynamics in the bedroom. He actually tells her to stop trying "to top from the bottom." So having a submissive virgin to initiate is catnip to him. The sexual dynamic was the most interesting/convincing part of the story.
This would have been a better erotic novel than an HP, imo.
Heroine is called "little Red" by the hero because she showed up at his house in the deep Hungarian woods wearing a red cape. He is the predator in disguise (He presents as humble orphan when he's a self-made billionaire). Heroine has tracked down the hero for her boss, (hero of the first book in this series). Seems he's the illegitimate half brother of the big boss.
It's the heroine's job to bring him to England to claim his inheritance and place in the family. She's to teach him manners and how to dress, etc. .
There are so many plot holes and logic fails that I just couldn't buy into any of it.
First of all - how did heroine find this guy and not know he was a billionaire?
Why did the boss need to do damage control about his dead mother's scandal?
Why did the boss think marrying the heroine was going to calm a PR scandal?
Why did the heroine agree?
Why did the hero agree?
The power of love is supposed to be the answer, but come on. Heroine was major doormat to her boss and hero was intrigued by her submissiveness. Hero was smitten from the beginning, and based on his sexual banter, enjoyed power dynamics in the bedroom. He actually tells her to stop trying "to top from the bottom." So having a submissive virgin to initiate is catnip to him. The sexual dynamic was the most interesting/convincing part of the story.
This would have been a better erotic novel than an HP, imo.
July 25, 2025
The ending clinched the extra star
It was so very sweet and 10 years in the future with children! Ivy would be excited! But.it was so.sweet with the Little Red Riding Hood theme. But.I must be honest when.he kept calling her Little Red all the time, I was tempted to throw.my.Kindle! Wait maybe I should have started a drinking game. One shot for every.little red! I'd be drunk though writing this review. I struggled through some of it on my way to that.last.chapter. i.was able to set it down and take breaks and finally finished it.today. he was of course a billionaire, self made, and the illegitimate brother of another billionaire. So unfair. My husbands a self made thousandaire, and no secret billionaire brothers. But I digress, the heroine was sweet and sassy and I definitely liked her. She tamed the big bad wolf. And they lived happily ever after!
It was so very sweet and 10 years in the future with children! Ivy would be excited! But.it was so.sweet with the Little Red Riding Hood theme. But.I must be honest when.he kept calling her Little Red all the time, I was tempted to throw.my.Kindle! Wait maybe I should have started a drinking game. One shot for every.little red! I'd be drunk though writing this review. I struggled through some of it on my way to that.last.chapter. i.was able to set it down and take breaks and finally finished it.today. he was of course a billionaire, self made, and the illegitimate brother of another billionaire. So unfair. My husbands a self made thousandaire, and no secret billionaire brothers. But I digress, the heroine was sweet and sassy and I definitely liked her. She tamed the big bad wolf. And they lived happily ever after!
May 26, 2019
Good for a modern one. I liked the fairy tale setting and the epilogue.
March 30, 2022
Once upon a time…
…a reader raced back to Caitlin Crews’ Harlequin Presents / Mills & Boon Modern because she craved a strong Presents’ voice.
Luckily for her, this one fell into her lap via NetGalley / Mills & Boon Insiders. And if she’d known this was a fairytale Presents, and the one with the big bad wolf, then let me tell you she’d have been walking through the deep, dark woods all the sooner….
My first impression of the heroine was that Lauren is strongly characterised and her voice and personality really shine through.
It’s impossible not to enter the story in her unsensible shoes. That’s even before I discovered the fairytale element—I’d also, unknowingly, been craving—from the heroine walking through a Hungarian forest alone and how my imagination was conjuring up wolves when the writer had given them nary a mention.
Hero first impression promises different, promises intelligence, promises bad boy.
I loved the sense of place and how the setting isn’t a generic, tick-list rich-man’s world. Loved the foreboding and anticipation of the first meet and discussion of fairytales.
Loved the relationship intensity of the book’s first half condensed over a few days.
I so wanted this to be a five-star read, and didn’t want to fall out of love with the heroine; but there were times reader when I really wanted her to think about how the hero was feeling. At the same time, understanding why she enthusiastically embraces her boss’s orders. I hated how she assumes she has to teach Dominik how to navigate a formal table setting, and hoped it would come back to bite her.
The motivation for the marriage doesn’t come from either character and denies them some agency. But Dominik uses the situation to his advantage whilst at the same time not to his advantage. The transaction he stipulates, and she agrees to, felt a bit...off, but that’s not the only motivator and it’s a reason to give both characters what they want….
The bits that gave me pause do have that dark fairytale vibe and he is the wolf after all.
Dominik humiliates Lauren here and I didn’t like it whatever their true motivations, and that she probably deserved it.
Beware keeping a wolf on a leash, all the better to bite you.
So they each have flawed/unheroic moments where I fell a little out of love with both of them, but never quite stayed that way. One minute I was feeling slightly disconnected from Lauren and the next I was crying for her!
The Black Moment is emotional and the Happily Ever After put a smile back on my face. I was wary that the epilogue takes place 12 years later, but I needn’t have been, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Because it’s Caitlin’s voice, because red riding hood, because wolves, because I got the San Giacamo estate in the epilogue and the epilogue is fairytale-worthy, because it’s a devour-in-one-sitting read and mostly because this feels like it’s written just for me and is most definitely a keeper. Ta da
Five fairytale Presents stars
Arc received from Mills and Boon Insiders/NetGalley for an honest review.
…a reader raced back to Caitlin Crews’ Harlequin Presents / Mills & Boon Modern because she craved a strong Presents’ voice.
Luckily for her, this one fell into her lap via NetGalley / Mills & Boon Insiders. And if she’d known this was a fairytale Presents, and the one with the big bad wolf, then let me tell you she’d have been walking through the deep, dark woods all the sooner….
My first impression of the heroine was that Lauren is strongly characterised and her voice and personality really shine through.
It’s impossible not to enter the story in her unsensible shoes. That’s even before I discovered the fairytale element—I’d also, unknowingly, been craving—from the heroine walking through a Hungarian forest alone and how my imagination was conjuring up wolves when the writer had given them nary a mention.
Hero first impression promises different, promises intelligence, promises bad boy.
I loved the sense of place and how the setting isn’t a generic, tick-list rich-man’s world. Loved the foreboding and anticipation of the first meet and discussion of fairytales.
Loved the relationship intensity of the book’s first half condensed over a few days.
I so wanted this to be a five-star read, and didn’t want to fall out of love with the heroine; but there were times reader when I really wanted her to think about how the hero was feeling. At the same time, understanding why she enthusiastically embraces her boss’s orders. I hated how she assumes she has to teach Dominik how to navigate a formal table setting, and hoped it would come back to bite her.
The motivation for the marriage doesn’t come from either character and denies them some agency. But Dominik uses the situation to his advantage whilst at the same time not to his advantage. The transaction he stipulates, and she agrees to, felt a bit...off, but that’s not the only motivator and it’s a reason to give both characters what they want….
The bits that gave me pause do have that dark fairytale vibe and he is the wolf after all.
Dominik humiliates Lauren here and I didn’t like it whatever their true motivations, and that she probably deserved it.
Beware keeping a wolf on a leash, all the better to bite you.
So they each have flawed/unheroic moments where I fell a little out of love with both of them, but never quite stayed that way. One minute I was feeling slightly disconnected from Lauren and the next I was crying for her!
The Black Moment is emotional and the Happily Ever After put a smile back on my face. I was wary that the epilogue takes place 12 years later, but I needn’t have been, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Because it’s Caitlin’s voice, because red riding hood, because wolves, because I got the San Giacamo estate in the epilogue and the epilogue is fairytale-worthy, because it’s a devour-in-one-sitting read and mostly because this feels like it’s written just for me and is most definitely a keeper. Ta da
Five fairytale Presents stars
Arc received from Mills and Boon Insiders/NetGalley for an honest review.
January 18, 2025
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית , קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תשוק...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תשוק...
May 17, 2019
*Thank you Netgalley and Mills&Boon for an e-copy!*
I adored the chemistry between this two, there is no denying that sparks are flying whenever these two are on the page. Lauren absolutely rocked my world in her high heels and no-nonsense attitude and I had a lot of respect for her, being able to stand up like that for herself. Yes, she wasn’t perfect, bending to her boss’s wishes and whims, but she wore her flaws like an armor. The image of Lauren striding through the forest in her tall heels, ignoring the pain because she does not believe in flat shoes will forever be etched in my mind, and I wish I’d be a little more like her (unfortunately I like my flats because being comfortable is my thing).
Now Dominik is just like the big bad wolf come alive from the fairy tales and she’s his little Red Riding Hood. He’s got all the attributes of my favorite heartthrob: tall, dark and handsome, but his wit and attitude are a great added bonus. Dominik is not the usual type of billionaire, he’s living a simple life in the forest, away from people until Lauren arrives at his doorstep and he is too tempted of her to resist the offer.
I lapped this story up with so much hunger it’s unreal. I swore myself a long time ago that no more reading until late at night on a work night… well, that went out of the window because I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
By no means it’s not a perfect book, I wished for the ending to be a bit more different, I wanted Dominik to be more active since he demanded so much of her, but in the end I was still happy, especially after reading that epilogue. I also reallllly loved the Red Riding Hood references and the dark vibes.
If you are a fan of romance, totally recommend this one!
I adored the chemistry between this two, there is no denying that sparks are flying whenever these two are on the page. Lauren absolutely rocked my world in her high heels and no-nonsense attitude and I had a lot of respect for her, being able to stand up like that for herself. Yes, she wasn’t perfect, bending to her boss’s wishes and whims, but she wore her flaws like an armor. The image of Lauren striding through the forest in her tall heels, ignoring the pain because she does not believe in flat shoes will forever be etched in my mind, and I wish I’d be a little more like her (unfortunately I like my flats because being comfortable is my thing).
Now Dominik is just like the big bad wolf come alive from the fairy tales and she’s his little Red Riding Hood. He’s got all the attributes of my favorite heartthrob: tall, dark and handsome, but his wit and attitude are a great added bonus. Dominik is not the usual type of billionaire, he’s living a simple life in the forest, away from people until Lauren arrives at his doorstep and he is too tempted of her to resist the offer.
I lapped this story up with so much hunger it’s unreal. I swore myself a long time ago that no more reading until late at night on a work night… well, that went out of the window because I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
By no means it’s not a perfect book, I wished for the ending to be a bit more different, I wanted Dominik to be more active since he demanded so much of her, but in the end I was still happy, especially after reading that epilogue. I also reallllly loved the Red Riding Hood references and the dark vibes.
If you are a fan of romance, totally recommend this one!
June 9, 2019
Sometimes you need a shot of pure romance and the HP delivers. I went for one of the many TBR ARC HPs I have knocking around, Caitlin Crews’s Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride and got what I was looking for; the HP recipe: eye-rolling premise and plot, standard-fare hero and heroine, and heart-tugging romance experience.
Personal assistant to billionaire Matteo Combe trudges through a Hungarian forest in high heels and red cape to lure a beast out of its lair. Said beast is Matteo’s long-lost half-brother Dominick James, the product of their mother’s foolish youth, abandoned to the miseries of an orphanage, the Italian streets and eventually the army. Though Dominick is wealthy in his own right (the ubiquitous security company having earned him $$$$$$$$), he chooses to keep his own counsel and company in this forest. When Lauren pounds on his cabin door and is granted entry, the inevitable visceral lust-response follows, “lust at first sight”. (Except for the niggling sense that neither Lauren nor Dominick has ever reacted to a man or woman this way before! *gasp*) Lauren tries to convince Dominick to return to England with her to take his place in the Combe family and claim his inheritance. In the interim, she’s going to give his wild, rough, gorgeous ways, a make-over. I must say I did get a kick out of this HP role reversal: it’s usually the heroine who gets the grooming and clothes update.
But Dominick isn’t convinced and little does Lauren know that he’s wealthy. What else could induce him to leave his forest-lair? Acceptance, family, connection? As we learn along the way, Dominick craves these, but he’s angry, resentful, and cynical about their reality/possibility. What he does know he wants is Lauren, in all her glorious prissy, high-heeled self. He strikes a bargain: he’ll come on this make-over/family reunion if she grants him kisses on demand. Lauren, in turn, has made her work for and loyalty to Matteo Combe her entire life and agrees to this Mephistophelian bargain all the better to serve her “master,” as Dominick refers to him. Except she secretly craves this hermit-looker and the lust-promises flashing in his eyes. She’s curious and physically hungry for his touch. Again, I appreciated the role reversal: workaholic heroine, devoid of any personal life and, as a result, to keep in line with HP-uber-trope, virginal! When Matteo, for “PR purposes,” tells Lauren and Dominick to “marry” for the sake of quieting the media hullabaloo, hero and heroine have the means and reason to explore their attraction, their singular attraction. You can guess the rest.
Like most HPs, Crews’s latest operates on the level of the characters’ premonition. The mood is gothic; the conceit is fairy-tale, and the characters’ spidey-sense tell us the readers and not them — YET! — what is to come. Crews plays with the Little Red Riding Hood tale and Dominick’s wolfish smile and sexy ways dominate Lauren’s world from their meeting onwards. ‘Tis true, however, that Lauren stirs the wolf as well. I enjoyed the Red Riding Hood references and the sexy banter they elicited in Crews’s protagonists. A snort-guffaw from me when Dominick looks at Lauren “as if she were a meal, not a messenger.” At times, the conceit becomes mannered and the delight it can evoke is erased. But then it returns and Crews would win me over again. I thought Dominick as Cinderella was a hoot, for example, and again the hero-heroine role reversal was clever, witty, and entertaining:
“Are you suggesting a makeover? Have I strayed into a fairy tale, after all?”
“I certainly wouldn’t call it that. A bit of tailoring and a new wardrobe, that’s all. Perhaps a lesson or two in minor comportment issues that might arise. And a haircut, definitely.” Dominick’s grin was sharp and hot.
“Why, Lauren. Be still my heart. Am I the Cinderella in this scenario? I believe that makes you my Princess Charming.”
“There’s no such thing as a Princess Charming.” She sniffed. “And anyway, I believe my role here is really more of a Fairy Godmother.”
“I do not recall Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother ever being attached at the lips,” he said silkily. “But perhaps your fairy tales are more exciting than mine ever were.”
Cleverly done, at times overdone, but if you’re going to read one HP this year, this might be it. Miss Austen and I agree that Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride speaks of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Caitlin Crews’s Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on May 21st and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
Personal assistant to billionaire Matteo Combe trudges through a Hungarian forest in high heels and red cape to lure a beast out of its lair. Said beast is Matteo’s long-lost half-brother Dominick James, the product of their mother’s foolish youth, abandoned to the miseries of an orphanage, the Italian streets and eventually the army. Though Dominick is wealthy in his own right (the ubiquitous security company having earned him $$$$$$$$), he chooses to keep his own counsel and company in this forest. When Lauren pounds on his cabin door and is granted entry, the inevitable visceral lust-response follows, “lust at first sight”. (Except for the niggling sense that neither Lauren nor Dominick has ever reacted to a man or woman this way before! *gasp*) Lauren tries to convince Dominick to return to England with her to take his place in the Combe family and claim his inheritance. In the interim, she’s going to give his wild, rough, gorgeous ways, a make-over. I must say I did get a kick out of this HP role reversal: it’s usually the heroine who gets the grooming and clothes update.
But Dominick isn’t convinced and little does Lauren know that he’s wealthy. What else could induce him to leave his forest-lair? Acceptance, family, connection? As we learn along the way, Dominick craves these, but he’s angry, resentful, and cynical about their reality/possibility. What he does know he wants is Lauren, in all her glorious prissy, high-heeled self. He strikes a bargain: he’ll come on this make-over/family reunion if she grants him kisses on demand. Lauren, in turn, has made her work for and loyalty to Matteo Combe her entire life and agrees to this Mephistophelian bargain all the better to serve her “master,” as Dominick refers to him. Except she secretly craves this hermit-looker and the lust-promises flashing in his eyes. She’s curious and physically hungry for his touch. Again, I appreciated the role reversal: workaholic heroine, devoid of any personal life and, as a result, to keep in line with HP-uber-trope, virginal! When Matteo, for “PR purposes,” tells Lauren and Dominick to “marry” for the sake of quieting the media hullabaloo, hero and heroine have the means and reason to explore their attraction, their singular attraction. You can guess the rest.
Like most HPs, Crews’s latest operates on the level of the characters’ premonition. The mood is gothic; the conceit is fairy-tale, and the characters’ spidey-sense tell us the readers and not them — YET! — what is to come. Crews plays with the Little Red Riding Hood tale and Dominick’s wolfish smile and sexy ways dominate Lauren’s world from their meeting onwards. ‘Tis true, however, that Lauren stirs the wolf as well. I enjoyed the Red Riding Hood references and the sexy banter they elicited in Crews’s protagonists. A snort-guffaw from me when Dominick looks at Lauren “as if she were a meal, not a messenger.” At times, the conceit becomes mannered and the delight it can evoke is erased. But then it returns and Crews would win me over again. I thought Dominick as Cinderella was a hoot, for example, and again the hero-heroine role reversal was clever, witty, and entertaining:
“Are you suggesting a makeover? Have I strayed into a fairy tale, after all?”
“I certainly wouldn’t call it that. A bit of tailoring and a new wardrobe, that’s all. Perhaps a lesson or two in minor comportment issues that might arise. And a haircut, definitely.” Dominick’s grin was sharp and hot.
“Why, Lauren. Be still my heart. Am I the Cinderella in this scenario? I believe that makes you my Princess Charming.”
“There’s no such thing as a Princess Charming.” She sniffed. “And anyway, I believe my role here is really more of a Fairy Godmother.”
“I do not recall Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother ever being attached at the lips,” he said silkily. “But perhaps your fairy tales are more exciting than mine ever were.”
Cleverly done, at times overdone, but if you’re going to read one HP this year, this might be it. Miss Austen and I agree that Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride speaks of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Caitlin Crews’s Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on May 21st and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
May 27, 2019
Dedicated personal assistant Lauren Clarke always does as she’s asked. Her latest task? To prevent a media scandal, she needs to find reclusive Dominik James—her boss’s estranged brother—and convince him to marry her! But in Hungary’s darkest forests she discovers more than just an untamed billionaire… Dominik’s brooding masculinity awakens Lauren’s long-dormant desire. Once they’ve exchanged their convenient “I do’s,” will innocent Lauren accept that their hunger can’t be denied?
Read on…as the billionaire and his convenient bride tie the knot!
Read on…as the billionaire and his convenient bride tie the knot!
June 1, 2019
Untamed Billionaire's Innocent Bride is the second book in The Combe Family Scandals series by Caitlin Crews.
This book gives a lot of references to fairytales, especially Little Red Riding Hood, which gives me hope that this book was written tongue in cheek as a fairytale and not to be taken too seriously. If that assumption is correct then it makes the book enjoyable rather than just unbelievable.
Lauren Clarke is a PA tasked to find her boss' half brother, Dominik, who was given up at birth, to tell him who his family are and that he is an heir to their fortune. Information that was discovered in his recently departed mother's will. She finds him in a secluded cabin in Hungary and sets about convincing him to go back to England with her. She is to prepare him for life in the media's eye and make sure he isn't an embarrassment to the family. Not that she put it that way to him.
He agrees to go with her, letting her believe that he is just a reclusive man, and doesn't let on that he is a billionaire who is just escaping the rat race. His payment, she has to let him kiss her whenever he demands it. And this is where the story just goes into a fairytale scenario for me. Lauren is a virgin, she also believes that she has no sexual urges because the men that she has kissed in her past have done nothing for her and she has even been accused of being an alien because she didn't want to have sex. Dominik kisses her and makes her realise that maybe she does have urges after all. So, they return to England with her agreeing to his terms.
Now her boss decides that she must marry Dominik so that gold diggers won't chase after him when he is announced to the world. Lauren doesn't think twice about it and tells Dominik the latest plan. He agrees because he gets more kisses and the promise of at least a proper wedding night.
So, they marry and Lauren teaches him how to behave in a rich society, and he teaches her that she is a very normal woman with very real urges that he is happy to fulfil. They have until the will is leaked, which they expect it will be, to get Dominik ready for what will happen when the press find out who he is. During that time the more time they spend together, the more they find themselves falling for each other, though neither wants to admit it not even to themselves.
When the proverbial hits the fan things don't go as planned. But I don't want to tell you what happens, that falls into spoiler territory.
As I said, I found this book to be like a fairytale, not believable in quite a lot of the plot, but it was still an OK read. The kissing and the sex scenes were well written and you could definitely believe that Dominik made Lauren realise she was a very normal woman with very normal urges. I liked the idea of Dominik being the big bad wolf, and Lauren being his little red riding hood. That was a fun, sassy part of the book. I also really enjoyed the epilogue which along with the last chapter of the book was not only a happily ever after but more believable that most of the story.
Would I recommend this story, actually, yes I would but only if you like a good fairytale!
This book gives a lot of references to fairytales, especially Little Red Riding Hood, which gives me hope that this book was written tongue in cheek as a fairytale and not to be taken too seriously. If that assumption is correct then it makes the book enjoyable rather than just unbelievable.
Lauren Clarke is a PA tasked to find her boss' half brother, Dominik, who was given up at birth, to tell him who his family are and that he is an heir to their fortune. Information that was discovered in his recently departed mother's will. She finds him in a secluded cabin in Hungary and sets about convincing him to go back to England with her. She is to prepare him for life in the media's eye and make sure he isn't an embarrassment to the family. Not that she put it that way to him.
He agrees to go with her, letting her believe that he is just a reclusive man, and doesn't let on that he is a billionaire who is just escaping the rat race. His payment, she has to let him kiss her whenever he demands it. And this is where the story just goes into a fairytale scenario for me. Lauren is a virgin, she also believes that she has no sexual urges because the men that she has kissed in her past have done nothing for her and she has even been accused of being an alien because she didn't want to have sex. Dominik kisses her and makes her realise that maybe she does have urges after all. So, they return to England with her agreeing to his terms.
Now her boss decides that she must marry Dominik so that gold diggers won't chase after him when he is announced to the world. Lauren doesn't think twice about it and tells Dominik the latest plan. He agrees because he gets more kisses and the promise of at least a proper wedding night.
So, they marry and Lauren teaches him how to behave in a rich society, and he teaches her that she is a very normal woman with very real urges that he is happy to fulfil. They have until the will is leaked, which they expect it will be, to get Dominik ready for what will happen when the press find out who he is. During that time the more time they spend together, the more they find themselves falling for each other, though neither wants to admit it not even to themselves.
When the proverbial hits the fan things don't go as planned. But I don't want to tell you what happens, that falls into spoiler territory.
As I said, I found this book to be like a fairytale, not believable in quite a lot of the plot, but it was still an OK read. The kissing and the sex scenes were well written and you could definitely believe that Dominik made Lauren realise she was a very normal woman with very normal urges. I liked the idea of Dominik being the big bad wolf, and Lauren being his little red riding hood. That was a fun, sassy part of the book. I also really enjoyed the epilogue which along with the last chapter of the book was not only a happily ever after but more believable that most of the story.
Would I recommend this story, actually, yes I would but only if you like a good fairytale!
June 3, 2019
3 ½ Stars
Locations: Hungarian Forest, London, Venice
I did not like the first book in the Combe Family Scandals trilogy, but this one more than made up for it.
I adored Dominik and Lauren and the fairytale theme.
Lauren is the personal assistant to Matteo Combe. After his father’s death he learns that his mother had a son she was forced to give away when she was 16. She left him ⅓ of her wealth in her will. His father never tried to find the child and it wasn’t until his father’s death that Matteo learned about Dominik. So he sends his PA out to a Hungarian forest to find his long lost brother.
Lauren, happy to do whatever he boss asks, treks through the forest on foot, in killer heels, to the remote cottage of her boss’s hermit brother. When she finds him, he challenges her but agrees to travel to London with her to meet the family who never wanted him. One one condition. She has to allow him to kiss her where ever, whenever, and however he wants.
Yeah. No. Buuut she agrees to his ridiculous proposition and off to London they go. Once they get there, Lauren’s boss has another ask of her. One that would have any same employee quitting on the spot. Buuut this is HPlandia so it’s all taken in stride and challenge accepted.
Lauren soon finds herself married to a man she met the day before but having tons of amazing sex with him sooo ... job perks???
What I really adored about this book is that it was so fantastical. It was meant to be reminiscent of a fairytale and it was, imho. I have always loved fairytales and still do to this day. Which explains my love of romance novels.
I am that dreamer that believes in the HEA. This book gave me that childlike feeling of joy when reading a fairytale. And it was wonderful.
Locations: Hungarian Forest, London, Venice
I did not like the first book in the Combe Family Scandals trilogy, but this one more than made up for it.
I adored Dominik and Lauren and the fairytale theme.
Lauren is the personal assistant to Matteo Combe. After his father’s death he learns that his mother had a son she was forced to give away when she was 16. She left him ⅓ of her wealth in her will. His father never tried to find the child and it wasn’t until his father’s death that Matteo learned about Dominik. So he sends his PA out to a Hungarian forest to find his long lost brother.
Lauren, happy to do whatever he boss asks, treks through the forest on foot, in killer heels, to the remote cottage of her boss’s hermit brother. When she finds him, he challenges her but agrees to travel to London with her to meet the family who never wanted him. One one condition. She has to allow him to kiss her where ever, whenever, and however he wants.
Yeah. No. Buuut she agrees to his ridiculous proposition and off to London they go. Once they get there, Lauren’s boss has another ask of her. One that would have any same employee quitting on the spot. Buuut this is HPlandia so it’s all taken in stride and challenge accepted.
Lauren soon finds herself married to a man she met the day before but having tons of amazing sex with him sooo ... job perks???
What I really adored about this book is that it was so fantastical. It was meant to be reminiscent of a fairytale and it was, imho. I have always loved fairytales and still do to this day. Which explains my love of romance novels.
I am that dreamer that believes in the HEA. This book gave me that childlike feeling of joy when reading a fairytale. And it was wonderful.
dnf
November 18, 2021DNF @ 21% - goofy as hell. I’m not really a fan of retellings anyway and this beat to death Little Red Riding Hood. 🙄😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride by Caitlin Crews is a sensual romance with a fairy tale theme for people who learn how to let love in.
Personal assistant Lauren Clarke is used to doing her boss Matteo Combe’s bidding though traipsing through the dark forests of Hungary in search of his long lost brother is definitely one of the more questionable tasks she’s had to perform. Dominik James has been named in Matteo’s mother’s will as an equal heir and half brother to Matteo. Tracking him down had been a bit of a challenge, but convincing the dangerous looking stranger to come with her to be introduced to society as a San Giacomo heir is another matter.
Dominik was perfectly fine living his reclusive lifestyle in a cabin of his own making after raising himself up from his orphan roots and making his billionaire fortune.He’s known about his true heritage for some time, but since his family hadn’t come looking for him, he hadn’t gone looking for them either. Lauren’s appearance changes that. He’s intrigued by this blond woman in her red cloak and wants to muss her straight laced exterior. Lauren’s come with an interesting proposal too – a fake marriage to get his ‘introduction’ to society out of the way with the paparazzi and then a quickie divorce. But Dominik will only agree if he gets a real wedding night. Can their unbridled passion lead to a real happy ending?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-un...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Personal assistant Lauren Clarke is used to doing her boss Matteo Combe’s bidding though traipsing through the dark forests of Hungary in search of his long lost brother is definitely one of the more questionable tasks she’s had to perform. Dominik James has been named in Matteo’s mother’s will as an equal heir and half brother to Matteo. Tracking him down had been a bit of a challenge, but convincing the dangerous looking stranger to come with her to be introduced to society as a San Giacomo heir is another matter.
Dominik was perfectly fine living his reclusive lifestyle in a cabin of his own making after raising himself up from his orphan roots and making his billionaire fortune.He’s known about his true heritage for some time, but since his family hadn’t come looking for him, he hadn’t gone looking for them either. Lauren’s appearance changes that. He’s intrigued by this blond woman in her red cloak and wants to muss her straight laced exterior. Lauren’s come with an interesting proposal too – a fake marriage to get his ‘introduction’ to society out of the way with the paparazzi and then a quickie divorce. But Dominik will only agree if he gets a real wedding night. Can their unbridled passion lead to a real happy ending?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-un...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
May 19, 2019
Sweet romance for the fairytale believers, lovely chemistry, great humour, entertaining and with plenty of touching moments , I wasn’t as happy with the ending though would have liked a little more. Lovely entertaining read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
June 25, 2019
This is only my second book by Caitlin Crews, and I really enjoy her easy and fluid writing style, there is a real fun and classic feel to her stories. This is the first Modern/Present’s of hers I have read as the last book of hers was a Dare and you can really see, that this lady has got talent, I am in awe of any author who can so easily change lines like this, to be able to jump from Dare to Modern/Presents and back again, is a real skill.
My first impression of this was “It’s Little Red Riding Hood!” which is one of my favourite Brothers Grimm stories, I love how that dark fairy tale has been given a real fresh twist.
You have innocent, sweet little Lauren walking into the woods in very insensible shoes looking for the big, bad wolf; which finds her, and literally tries to eat her from the first moment. Dominik, is very much that big, very bad wolf – oh, be still my furiously beating, bad boy loving heart, swoon!! He is more then welcome to devour me anytime 😉 Dom, when you’re ready to leave your little cabin in the woods, you know where I am…I’m happy to let you chop wood as I ogle you through the window.
Honestly, I best get on with this review, before I start lamenting about Dom’s perfectly formed rear-end and well sculptured torso….sigh, stop me, please someone! So the story opens with Lauren stomping through the Hungarian woods, in pretty heels and in a bit of a huff, as she has been sent to track down the estrange brother of her boss, she is a loyal and dedicated PA and will go above and beyond to do her job, which does include stomping about the woods looking for a wolf. She must find this brother to prevent a huge scandal, the only way to avoid scandal is for the reclusive Dominik to marry her – an odd twist on the story, but believe me once you start reading it, everything becomes clear.
Only problem with this plan is the man himself; Dominik isn’t exactly what she would have thought him to be, he is far larger, broodier, wild, fierce and he has this dangerous aura about him, that makes her want something that she has never wanted in her life, it has awakened her desire and her more baser urges and needs…in other words, she wants to tame the big bad wild wolf, preferably in bed 😉
I do love the story, I love the take on the old fairy-tale and I loved how their very intense relationship is covered over a few days, as the reader we are thrown right into their world. The sexual tensions between then is off the page, it’s hot, fierce and but not so much that the story is lost amongst sex, it’s a good balance of the two.
The only thing that I have against it is at times both Dom and Lauren can be a little off putting, Lauren can be so selfish and a little in your face, she doesn’t really take into account Dom’s feelings. Whereas Dom is so brooding and wild he can come across as a little harsh, I felt at times that he did humiliate her. But, really my personal misgivings didn’t take anything away from the story in it’s entirety, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dom and Lauren, they are as different as you can get but surprisingly once they get over their personal issues, they are a very likable couple.
Overall, a fun and quirky read, for those who have read and enjoy the Modern/Presents Line then you will have an idea of what you will expect, definitely recommended
May 28, 2019
A fairytale inspired billionaire romance with great chemistry between the couple, a refreshing role reversal in the 'Cinderella' fairytale storyline, and a sexy yet fun take on 'Red Riding Hood.
Initially, Lauren is portrayed as someone with little sense of self-worth, who is willing to cede to all her billionaire boss' demands because she believes herself in love with him. Meeting Dominik in an enchanted Hungarian forest reveals the true woman, intelligent, independent and ingenious. This strength contrast with her innocence in matters of the heart.
Dominik is not what he seems, but everything he has achieved stems from his tragic childhood. He doesn't want what Lauren has been tasked with achieving, but he does want her and is prepared to barter as only a man with a wolf nature can.
What results is a humorous, sensual adventure for Lauren and Dominik, which reveals why they are so emotionally damaged, and provides the possibility of a happy-ever-after, for them if fairytale magic really exists?
Lighthearted, and fanciful, this a modern fairytale marriage of convenience story, with strong characters and a quirky plot, perfect Summer escapist reading.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2019
It’s been a while since I cried reading an M&B but this one really got me 😍 The fairy tale allusions got a bit much after a while but not TOO much. Loved it.
August 6, 2019
I love this one. Dominic and Lauren’s story is so satisfying and the epilogue is particularly good. Caitlin Crews writes so beautifully and skilfully, with humour and passion. I love that all of her books are different. Some I don’t like so much and others are just really brilliant. This one captured me from the onset and kept my attention to the last page. A perfect romance as far as I was concerned.
March 11, 2019
Dominik likes to get a rise out of his woman, “I have always found kissing very serious business indeed. Would you like me to demonstrate?” I liked this book, I liked Dominick.
December 13, 2019
not going to repeat
August 6, 2019
Untamed Billionaire's Innocent Bride is the second book in The Combe Family Scandals series by Caitlin Crews, but it's the first book in the series that I've read, and while I'm generally not a fan of the fairy tale romance trope, this one worked for me and it gets a 4-star rating.
Lauren Clarke is the personal assistant to multi-billionaire, Matteo Combe, and at the reading of his late mother's will, Matteo is shocked to learn that he has an older half-brother, the illegitimate son born to his then 16-year old mother--a child who was given to an orphanage at birth. Apparently, giving away her firstborn son was something she regretted, but never did anything about, but instead, she willed one-third of her billions to her unclaimed son, Dominick, and Matteo tasks prim and proper Lauren with finding him (it is known that he lives in Hungary), bringing him back to London, and training him to assume his proper role as a cultured, well-groomed and well-mannered addition to the uber-rich family, in true Pygmalion fashion.
With an obvious nod to Little Red Riding Hood, Lauren, in her inappropriate, too-high heels and red cloak, sets off into the dark, foreboding Hungarian forest to find Dominick, tell him of the fortune he's about to inherit, and get him to return with her to England, and she does. To call Dominick brooding is like calling a thunderstorm wet, but he is instantly attracted to the prim and lovely blonde woman although he doesn't want to be. When he learns that Lauren is not only a virgin, but claims to have no sexual urges and no interest in kissing, sex, love or romance, it's as if she's thrown down the gauntlet, and Dominick will only agree to go to England and meet the family that threw him away under certain conditions--the main one being that Lauren will allow him to kiss her when, where and how he chooses, and she agrees to his terms.
What awaits them in England is an empty mansion. Matteo, who so wanted to meet his half-brother, isn't even there, another slap in the face for Dominick. Next, Matteo instructs Lauren about her duties regarding grooming Dominick for what will be an eventual attack by the papparazzi and mass media when they get wind of this sotry, and as if that wasn't enough, Matteo then decides that it would be helpful if Dominick was married and settled, and orders Lauren to marry the man, all for goal of keeping up appearances and making him seem like a valued and legitimate member of the family. Dominick again has conditions before accepting this latest demand--he'll marry Lauren in exchange for a real wedding night with her. Lauren is already slowly learning with each of Dominick's kisses that she does seem to have some sexual urges when it comes to him, agrees to the deal, and boy is she ever in for some surprises from this handsome alpha male. The only thing missing from this fairy tale, and it was something I expected, was that Dominick is not a shape-shifting wolf, just a very sexy, very masterful and moody man.
While this story is rather unbelievable, it is based on a fairy tale after all, I loved how deeply Ms. Crews delved into the psyches and emotions of these two main characters, giving the reader insight into their private thoughts and emotions, something I rarely see in the rather abbreviated page counts of the Harlequin Presents line, but as the story progressed, I found myself drawn into the drama, history and feelings of these characters and even though I knew there would be an HEA ending, rooting for them nonetheless.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable and heartwarming read, and I'm happy to recommend it, especially if you're a fan of fairy tale romances. Well done, Ms. Crews.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lauren Clarke is the personal assistant to multi-billionaire, Matteo Combe, and at the reading of his late mother's will, Matteo is shocked to learn that he has an older half-brother, the illegitimate son born to his then 16-year old mother--a child who was given to an orphanage at birth. Apparently, giving away her firstborn son was something she regretted, but never did anything about, but instead, she willed one-third of her billions to her unclaimed son, Dominick, and Matteo tasks prim and proper Lauren with finding him (it is known that he lives in Hungary), bringing him back to London, and training him to assume his proper role as a cultured, well-groomed and well-mannered addition to the uber-rich family, in true Pygmalion fashion.
With an obvious nod to Little Red Riding Hood, Lauren, in her inappropriate, too-high heels and red cloak, sets off into the dark, foreboding Hungarian forest to find Dominick, tell him of the fortune he's about to inherit, and get him to return with her to England, and she does. To call Dominick brooding is like calling a thunderstorm wet, but he is instantly attracted to the prim and lovely blonde woman although he doesn't want to be. When he learns that Lauren is not only a virgin, but claims to have no sexual urges and no interest in kissing, sex, love or romance, it's as if she's thrown down the gauntlet, and Dominick will only agree to go to England and meet the family that threw him away under certain conditions--the main one being that Lauren will allow him to kiss her when, where and how he chooses, and she agrees to his terms.
What awaits them in England is an empty mansion. Matteo, who so wanted to meet his half-brother, isn't even there, another slap in the face for Dominick. Next, Matteo instructs Lauren about her duties regarding grooming Dominick for what will be an eventual attack by the papparazzi and mass media when they get wind of this sotry, and as if that wasn't enough, Matteo then decides that it would be helpful if Dominick was married and settled, and orders Lauren to marry the man, all for goal of keeping up appearances and making him seem like a valued and legitimate member of the family. Dominick again has conditions before accepting this latest demand--he'll marry Lauren in exchange for a real wedding night with her. Lauren is already slowly learning with each of Dominick's kisses that she does seem to have some sexual urges when it comes to him, agrees to the deal, and boy is she ever in for some surprises from this handsome alpha male. The only thing missing from this fairy tale, and it was something I expected, was that Dominick is not a shape-shifting wolf, just a very sexy, very masterful and moody man.
While this story is rather unbelievable, it is based on a fairy tale after all, I loved how deeply Ms. Crews delved into the psyches and emotions of these two main characters, giving the reader insight into their private thoughts and emotions, something I rarely see in the rather abbreviated page counts of the Harlequin Presents line, but as the story progressed, I found myself drawn into the drama, history and feelings of these characters and even though I knew there would be an HEA ending, rooting for them nonetheless.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable and heartwarming read, and I'm happy to recommend it, especially if you're a fan of fairy tale romances. Well done, Ms. Crews.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2021
Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride is the second installment in The Combe Family Scandals. I not sure where to start in reviewing this book. I read the whole story because of course I wanted to see what happened between Lauren and Dominik because their marriage was something unconventual. When I read the synopsis, I found it interesting but once I started reading the story I couldn’t connect with the characters. I loved how the author referenced to Little Riding Hood fairy tale. Lauren was a very strong woman and I couldn’t believe that she didn’t think she was sensual and didn’t know what the big fuss was about being intimate with another person. Then there is Dominik and his story which was very sad. His mother gave him up because of her father and she never went looking for him once she became of age so in his eyes, he was thrown away just like yesterday's trash. I felt bad because he didn’t think he deserved to be loved but he did everyone deserves love. Lauren and Dominik’s journey is sensual and painful at the same time but in the end, they have their happily ever after.
October 20, 2019
The Londoner born and bred heroine wearing a red cape and impractical, fanciful shoes goes looking for the hero in a remote stretch of Hungarian forest at her boss's command. The hero had been given up by his teenager mother, who though kept track of his whereabouts, never interfered in his life or try to contact him, even when he was in lot of trouble. The mother married and had 2 other children. In her will she made provisions for her 1st born son.
Their meeting is preordained and they are made for each other as is obvious from their instant chemistry. The hero agrees to accompany her if she agrees to let the hero kiss her whenever he wishes but later, they get married just because the heroine's boss ( also the hero's stepbrother) says so.
Seriously???
It is a mystery that despite the research by the heroine, she does not know that the hero is a millionaire in his own right but the journalists find the information easily.
The ending is sweet and the epilogue is easily the best part of the book.
Their meeting is preordained and they are made for each other as is obvious from their instant chemistry. The hero agrees to accompany her if she agrees to let the hero kiss her whenever he wishes but later, they get married just because the heroine's boss ( also the hero's stepbrother) says so.
Seriously???
It is a mystery that despite the research by the heroine, she does not know that the hero is a millionaire in his own right but the journalists find the information easily.
The ending is sweet and the epilogue is easily the best part of the book.
August 11, 2019
Untamed Billionaire’s Innocent Bride is written by Caitlin Crews and published by Mills & Boon Modern. Lauren Clarke is the PA to Matteo Coombes. She has been given the task of tracking down his long lost brother in Hungary and bringing him back to London in order to avoid a PR disaster. She tracks Dominick down to the woods, where she assumes he is living hand to mouth in a shack whereas in reality he is a billionaire! In order to avoid a scandal she marries him, but will they get their HEA?
This book is based upon the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. In the opening pages Lauren is depicted as walking through the woods in her high heels and red outfit, whilst Dom is depicted as the big bad wolf. Although the imagery is cleverly done, I just found this book hard to get into and it didn’t capture or hold my attention as other Crews novels have done.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
This book is based upon the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. In the opening pages Lauren is depicted as walking through the woods in her high heels and red outfit, whilst Dom is depicted as the big bad wolf. Although the imagery is cleverly done, I just found this book hard to get into and it didn’t capture or hold my attention as other Crews novels have done.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
June 22, 2019
The Combe Family Scandals - book two. What can I say? I gave book one a brief "truly awful" rating. However, I did "simply" read it all the way through, but not this one. "Simply", too many Little Red Riding Hood parallels. Well done to Caitlin Crews for writing reaching her 50th novel milestone. I can only hope that whatever affliction that has tainted books 49 and 50, was "simply" an aberration in an otherwise stellar writing career! Oh, my review.... "Simply unreadable"
PS. CC loves to insert "simply" into all of her characters romantic interactions. "he simply pulled her into his arms and kissed her" "he simply licked his way into her" etc etc
PS. CC loves to insert "simply" into all of her characters romantic interactions. "he simply pulled her into his arms and kissed her" "he simply licked his way into her" etc etc
December 13, 2019
Lauren Clarke takes her job as personal assistant very seriously, it gives her the the feelings of being needed and wanted she lacked growing up. But now her boss has taken things a bit too off the wall. Not only is she to find and secure his long lost older brother, but marry him and keep him under wraps.
Dominik James has always been an orphan. The arrival of little red riding hood Lauren is not going to change that. Even finding he had a brother and sister he never knew brings him the peace he needs. A self-made billionaire in his own right, there is nothing they can offer him to bring him in to line. But then, there is just something about Lauren.
A nice story.
Dominik James has always been an orphan. The arrival of little red riding hood Lauren is not going to change that. Even finding he had a brother and sister he never knew brings him the peace he needs. A self-made billionaire in his own right, there is nothing they can offer him to bring him in to line. But then, there is just something about Lauren.
A nice story.
November 14, 2019
Personal assistant Lauren Clarke will do anything asked of her from her boss even marry his half brother Dominik James. She marries his half brother whom he has never met and still hasn't met him and would like her to teach him about the family which she does. The chemistry for them is off the charts and Lauren naive as she is believes that she doesn't need sex, but he soon teaches her differently. I enjoyed the book and it is worth the read.
June 2, 2019
This was a truly wonderful fairytale! I loved everything about it!
Thank you for writing such a lovely story about two flawed characters that were equally damaged yet found the wonders of each other. I need characters that I can like and root for to really enjoy a story and this one was magic Thank you ❤️
Thank you for writing such a lovely story about two flawed characters that were equally damaged yet found the wonders of each other. I need characters that I can like and root for to really enjoy a story and this one was magic Thank you ❤️
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