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Innocent Summer Brides #1
The Greek Wedding She Never Had
Reunions don’t come much more explosive than this in USA TODAY bestselling author Chantelle Shaw’s emotional marriage of convenience romance.
Twice a fiancée…
Finally his wife?
Eleanor Buchanan broke off her engagement to Jace Zagorakis a year ago. She discovered he wanted to marry her only to gain control of her family’s luxury Greek hotel—on their wedding day! Now the devastatingly handsome tycoon is back with a second proposal.
This time, innocent Eleanor must say “I do” to save the hotel from bankruptcy…knowing their chemistry has lost none of its heat. But to act on that unexplored passion as his bride, Eleanor needs to know Jace’s desire for retribution doesn’t outweigh his desire for her…
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read both of the Innocent Summer Brides books :
Book 1: The Greek Wedding She Never Had
Book 2: Nine Months to Tame the Tycoon
Twice a fiancée…
Finally his wife?
Eleanor Buchanan broke off her engagement to Jace Zagorakis a year ago. She discovered he wanted to marry her only to gain control of her family’s luxury Greek hotel—on their wedding day! Now the devastatingly handsome tycoon is back with a second proposal.
This time, innocent Eleanor must say “I do” to save the hotel from bankruptcy…knowing their chemistry has lost none of its heat. But to act on that unexplored passion as his bride, Eleanor needs to know Jace’s desire for retribution doesn’t outweigh his desire for her…
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read both of the Innocent Summer Brides books :
Book 1: The Greek Wedding She Never Had
Book 2: Nine Months to Tame the Tycoon
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 30, 2021
74 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Chantelle Shaw
659 books158 followersI grew up without a TV, let alone DVD’s, computer games etc that my kids spend so much time engrossed in, but I learned to read at an early age and from then on I was always entertained – so much so that my friends used to hide their books when I visited them because all I wanted to do was read!
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 4, 2021
3.5 stars.
Quite sweet and fluffy, for a second chance romance that's supposed to be about revenge.
I'm going out on a limb, here, with this rating because it's not an awesomely exciting book and I'm a bit of a drama queen who loves intensely romantic storytelling. But there are some positive things about it and I didn't feel like penalizing it unnecessarily.
There's some minimal, obligatory drama when the MC's are reunited after a year long separation, but not anything that's vicious, cutting and toxic. The H feels slightly guilty for using the heroine as the instrument of his revenge and so he doesn't behave in the usual callous and self righteous manner of vengeful, vintage HPlandia heroes.
Theoretically, this makes him a better man than the callous/self righteous hunks of yester year, but in reality it provides a much tamer and less exciting reading experience. It's just my opinion, but there's much less excitement in a romance novel where both MC's are trying too hard to be understanding, civil and adult.
And this is going to be a rushed review, because I'm exhausted after cleaning up after Freddie, my adorable but mischievous youngest dog, who decided that it's fun to go and roll in the sopping wet grass under the mango tree and then decorate my floors with her wet, soiled paws.
Anyway, this is second chance romance that's set about a year or so after the break up of the MC's engagement. She's still emotionally distraught over the break up, which hadn't exactly helped to boost her non existent self esteem, especially when she herself couldn't understand why a guy like the H would've chosen someone like her.
This is the H, Jace:
The H's best friend's words just made things worse.
Eleanor, the sweet but extremely insecure heroine, had overheard her fiancé ( the H ) admit to his best friend that he's only marrying her to settle an old family vendetta and right a wrong that her dead grandfather had done to his late dad.
This is the heroine, Eleanor:
Jace blackmails Eleanor into marrying him by using her loser brother's gambling debts and fraudulent activities, against him. One would expect a lot of toxic angst and/or melodrama, as a result of this situation and the circumstances of their convenient marriage.
But, to my shock, Chantelle Shaw has produced a H who revealed, early on, that he had a compassionate heart and couldn't behave in a totally merciless manner.
He went out of his way to be kind and thoughtful, after she agreed to marry him and even organized a honeymoon tour of the Serengeti ( her dream vacation ) because he wanted to please her.
This sort of behaviour threw me out of my comfort zone, and made my inner drama queen slightly disgusted, because this isn't what I'm used to seeing from vengeful heroes.
At one point, I even wondered whether there's something wrong with this man. I mean, didn't he read HPlandia's Vengeful H Playbook ™️ ?
But I guess the poor guy was a goner, after his formerly dowd queen heroine had a dramatic, sexy makeover.
While this is not my favourite HP of the month, it was sweet and romantic, with sensual love scenes. And it's so totally inoffensive, that I'd feel guilty if I gave it just 3 stars. Plus, I think that readers who love to read about possessive heroes going all out to redeem themselves, might appreciate this.
It also helps that both MC's respective backstories, were quite moving:
📍 The H having served a 2 year jail sentence for a crime he didn't commit, while trying hard to make his terminally ill mom comfortable and happy.
📍 The heroine's self esteem issues, linked to her scoliosis surgery scar and the fact that she'd always felt unworthy when compared to her more beautiful and outgoing sister.
Both MC's never allowed their respective backstory issues to turn them into hateful or bitter individuals. The H, while being slightly cynical and untrusting, doesn't quite fit into the borderline vindictive vengeful H - which, I'm ashamed to admit might've made for a more exciting reading experience. 🤦😂.
In case you're wondering what I mean, just look at the soppy thoughts that go through the mind of this supposedly vengeful H....
For those who are curious, there's a lovely epilogue set just after the birth of their daughter. And, the heroine's sister will be getting her own novel, where her H will be this H's best friend.
Safety: No OW, no OM and both MC's are celibate during their separation.
Quite sweet and fluffy, for a second chance romance that's supposed to be about revenge.
I'm going out on a limb, here, with this rating because it's not an awesomely exciting book and I'm a bit of a drama queen who loves intensely romantic storytelling. But there are some positive things about it and I didn't feel like penalizing it unnecessarily.
There's some minimal, obligatory drama when the MC's are reunited after a year long separation, but not anything that's vicious, cutting and toxic. The H feels slightly guilty for using the heroine as the instrument of his revenge and so he doesn't behave in the usual callous and self righteous manner of vengeful, vintage HPlandia heroes.
Theoretically, this makes him a better man than the callous/self righteous hunks of yester year, but in reality it provides a much tamer and less exciting reading experience. It's just my opinion, but there's much less excitement in a romance novel where both MC's are trying too hard to be understanding, civil and adult.
And this is going to be a rushed review, because I'm exhausted after cleaning up after Freddie, my adorable but mischievous youngest dog, who decided that it's fun to go and roll in the sopping wet grass under the mango tree and then decorate my floors with her wet, soiled paws.
Anyway, this is second chance romance that's set about a year or so after the break up of the MC's engagement. She's still emotionally distraught over the break up, which hadn't exactly helped to boost her non existent self esteem, especially when she herself couldn't understand why a guy like the H would've chosen someone like her.
This is the H, Jace:
The H's best friend's words just made things worse.
Eleanor, the sweet but extremely insecure heroine, had overheard her fiancé ( the H ) admit to his best friend that he's only marrying her to settle an old family vendetta and right a wrong that her dead grandfather had done to his late dad.
This is the heroine, Eleanor:
Jace blackmails Eleanor into marrying him by using her loser brother's gambling debts and fraudulent activities, against him. One would expect a lot of toxic angst and/or melodrama, as a result of this situation and the circumstances of their convenient marriage.
But, to my shock, Chantelle Shaw has produced a H who revealed, early on, that he had a compassionate heart and couldn't behave in a totally merciless manner.
He went out of his way to be kind and thoughtful, after she agreed to marry him and even organized a honeymoon tour of the Serengeti ( her dream vacation ) because he wanted to please her.
This sort of behaviour threw me out of my comfort zone, and made my inner drama queen slightly disgusted, because this isn't what I'm used to seeing from vengeful heroes.
At one point, I even wondered whether there's something wrong with this man. I mean, didn't he read HPlandia's Vengeful H Playbook ™️ ?
But I guess the poor guy was a goner, after his formerly dowd queen heroine had a dramatic, sexy makeover.
While this is not my favourite HP of the month, it was sweet and romantic, with sensual love scenes. And it's so totally inoffensive, that I'd feel guilty if I gave it just 3 stars. Plus, I think that readers who love to read about possessive heroes going all out to redeem themselves, might appreciate this.
It also helps that both MC's respective backstories, were quite moving:
📍 The H having served a 2 year jail sentence for a crime he didn't commit, while trying hard to make his terminally ill mom comfortable and happy.
📍 The heroine's self esteem issues, linked to her scoliosis surgery scar and the fact that she'd always felt unworthy when compared to her more beautiful and outgoing sister.
Both MC's never allowed their respective backstory issues to turn them into hateful or bitter individuals. The H, while being slightly cynical and untrusting, doesn't quite fit into the borderline vindictive vengeful H - which, I'm ashamed to admit might've made for a more exciting reading experience. 🤦😂.
In case you're wondering what I mean, just look at the soppy thoughts that go through the mind of this supposedly vengeful H....
For those who are curious, there's a lovely epilogue set just after the birth of their daughter. And, the heroine's sister will be getting her own novel, where her H will be this H's best friend.
Safety: No OW, no OM and both MC's are celibate during their separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
Eleanor broke off her engagement to Jace a year ago. She discovered he wanted to marry her only to gain control of her family’s luxury Greek hotel. We learn that many years ago heroine's grandfather ruined his family and hero wants back the hotel that belongs to him. Now he is back with a second proposal. If she wants her brother's freedom and to save her hotel she must marry him. It will be a loveless fake marriage that will make his ill mother happy and it will have an expiry date. Will Eleanor agree to his outrageous marriage demand?
Wow! I love a good marriage of convenience story. Loved both the hero and the heroine. Hero is alpha but also gentle and kind. He treats heroine with respect and pretty soon he does not care about the hotel or the feud. Heroine has scars but she is one strong woman. I loved how she overcame her insecurities and learned to love herself with hero's guidance. I loved their honeymoon in Africa. It was romantic and steamy. Epilogue with heroine giving birth to a baby girl was adorable! I am a big fan of this author she writes the best Harlequin Presents!
Safe: heroine is a virgin, hero is experienced, both were celibate while apart. No cheating, no other man or other woman drama though I loved hero's jealousy and possessiveness.
Wow! I love a good marriage of convenience story. Loved both the hero and the heroine. Hero is alpha but also gentle and kind. He treats heroine with respect and pretty soon he does not care about the hotel or the feud. Heroine has scars but she is one strong woman. I loved how she overcame her insecurities and learned to love herself with hero's guidance. I loved their honeymoon in Africa. It was romantic and steamy. Epilogue with heroine giving birth to a baby girl was adorable! I am a big fan of this author she writes the best Harlequin Presents!
Safe: heroine is a virgin, hero is experienced, both were celibate while apart. No cheating, no other man or other woman drama though I loved hero's jealousy and possessiveness.
March 29, 2021
Heroine never had her wedding the first time because she overheard the hero talking on the phone about why he was marrying her. (Revenge and to gain the family hotel back that she had just inherited from her evil grandfather).
Heroine is hurt and leaves her engagement ring for the hero to find.
Fast forward one year. The heroine’s gambler brother has mismanaged the hotel and has gotten himself into debt. Heroine must now work with the hero to pay off the debts, etc. . .
Hero has new respect for the heroine since she is being more assertive and has had a makeover. Over time he comes to regret what he did, but it’s not a quick turnaround, which I appreciated.
Just a solid HP. For more info, check out Ivy’s detailed review!
Note to self: this is the one where the heroine pilots hot air balloons in her spare time.
Heroine is hurt and leaves her engagement ring for the hero to find.
Fast forward one year. The heroine’s gambler brother has mismanaged the hotel and has gotten himself into debt. Heroine must now work with the hero to pay off the debts, etc. . .
Hero has new respect for the heroine since she is being more assertive and has had a makeover. Over time he comes to regret what he did, but it’s not a quick turnaround, which I appreciated.
Just a solid HP. For more info, check out Ivy’s detailed review!
Note to self: this is the one where the heroine pilots hot air balloons in her spare time.
March 16, 2021
Story was very good actually but I need more angst! 3,25 stars.
July 10, 2021
It was an average read.
Good pacing but the MC’s just never wowed me.
Good pacing but the MC’s just never wowed me.
August 7, 2023
Enjoyable
revenge to love story.
revenge to love story.
April 3, 2021
Revenge with a but... so he’s seeking revenge against her dead grandfather by marrying her to take control of a property grandpa stole from his dad (deathbed promise to dad). But, then takes her on her dream honeymoon and they fake their HEA to keep his dying mom happy.
Fake it ‘til you make it.
Fake it ‘til you make it.
August 8, 2021
Really great take on the MOC and revenge tropes. I liked both the main characters alot as they both, while flawed, were pretty decent to each other. Refreshing.
June 4, 2022
5+ stars
My god, what a book that was!
I absolutely loved it!
First off, the cover and the title don't do justice to this baby because it's NOT a typical harlequin where the heroine looks for her brain half the book and cries over the cruel hero.
The heroine here, Eleanor, was nothing like that.
She was the real shining star of this story.
From a quiet, withdrawn and rather mousy girl she turns into a beautiful and confident woman.
And what's most important, she actually has a brain. And maturity. And layers, which she peels off with each page.
I adored her. She was strong and smart, caring and compassionate but also fragile and sensitive.
Definitely a character one can relate to.
Jace, our hero, also didn't disappoint.
As a self-made billionaire whose family was wronged by Eleanor's grandfather, revenge is the only thing that keeps him occupied.
And when he meets Eleanor he decides to use her to avenge his father.
But he's also fascinated with her subtle sensuality, her integrity and her affection for him.
I'm not gonna get into details because I don't wanna spoil.
But the guilt trip trip was real, guys.
However, what I loved about him the most was that he was clearly smitten with her right from the get-go, that he didn't give up and pursued her after their separation.
What's better, he didn't sleep around since the moment he met her, no other woman held his interest even when they were apart and he was really determined to make Eleanor his wife. I adored how jealous and possessive he was of her, how she could smarten him up and how much he craved her attention.
I loved how she has put his entire world upside down and melted his hardened heart.
It did take him a while to finally admit to himself how he truly felt about her but damn that was worth the wait.
And I know there's a book about her sister so without much further ado I'm gonna dive into that one.
But this baby?
Lands on my 'favourite' shelf.
Highly recommend!!!
My god, what a book that was!
I absolutely loved it!
First off, the cover and the title don't do justice to this baby because it's NOT a typical harlequin where the heroine looks for her brain half the book and cries over the cruel hero.
The heroine here, Eleanor, was nothing like that.
She was the real shining star of this story.
From a quiet, withdrawn and rather mousy girl she turns into a beautiful and confident woman.
And what's most important, she actually has a brain. And maturity. And layers, which she peels off with each page.
I adored her. She was strong and smart, caring and compassionate but also fragile and sensitive.
Definitely a character one can relate to.
Jace, our hero, also didn't disappoint.
As a self-made billionaire whose family was wronged by Eleanor's grandfather, revenge is the only thing that keeps him occupied.
And when he meets Eleanor he decides to use her to avenge his father.
But he's also fascinated with her subtle sensuality, her integrity and her affection for him.
I'm not gonna get into details because I don't wanna spoil.
But the guilt trip trip was real, guys.
However, what I loved about him the most was that he was clearly smitten with her right from the get-go, that he didn't give up and pursued her after their separation.
What's better, he didn't sleep around since the moment he met her, no other woman held his interest even when they were apart and he was really determined to make Eleanor his wife. I adored how jealous and possessive he was of her, how she could smarten him up and how much he craved her attention.
I loved how she has put his entire world upside down and melted his hardened heart.
It did take him a while to finally admit to himself how he truly felt about her but damn that was worth the wait.
And I know there's a book about her sister so without much further ado I'm gonna dive into that one.
But this baby?
Lands on my 'favourite' shelf.
Highly recommend!!!
April 24, 2021
A nice revenge story. The hero is our usual Greek billionaire who wants back a hotel that belonged to his father and was stolen bye the heroine’s grandfather. So he decides to seduce and marry her since the property must remain in the heroine’s family. The naive h thinks he’s in love with her and accepts, but hears him talking to a friend and telling him he only marries her for the hotel. The two gentlemen (sarcastically speaking) makes unflattering remarks about her plain appearance. The heroine leaves the hero. One year later the H has planned his revenge and blackmails the h into marriage to save her brother who is heavily indebted since he’s an addiction to gambling. The heroine accepts a MOC. She has a makeover and becomes a sex bomb. The hero is besotted and horny. The very good hero also plans to have not only half the hotel back but the entire property with a further deception. What a dear. Eventually he realizes he’s in love with her and to have her back he gives her back the hotel telling her she’s the only thing he wants from life. I loved the heroine because she had a backbone. She was in love with the H and thought he was in love with her and when she found out the truth she left him and went on with her life without pining or losing 20 pounds. She’s a smart businesswoman, strong even if she’s self conscious about her appearance: she had a major surgery to correct scoliosis and has a scar which affects her self confidence. For this reason she was really hurt by the Hero’s cruel body shaming. I hated the man for this. She wasn’t a victim even if she accepted the MOC and refused to stay with the H when she found out he was going to deceive her again. She was proud and I appreciated that she always told him what she thought of him and what were her feelings. No misunderstandings here, no miscommunication. The hero was a sob but not one of the worst: he understood immediately that even if he wanted revenge for her grandfather’s actions he was wrong to deceive her and his feelings for her were deeper than he was ready to admit, he thought for most of the book that it was only sexual craving, eventually he understood but as usual he resulted not so smart especially in comparison with the very much smarter heroine. We have to settle. The heroine was never pushy and I liked that the hero was not happy with her behavior because he was already in love with her. He was celibate during their separation and this was a plus, but I really hated the body shaming in the beginning, and her hurt. I so would like a hero that was also a gentleman and a gentleman would never behave like he did. Not this time. Pity. Anyway a pleasant book.
March 22, 2021
Wow! This is the first Mills and Boon books I have read in a long while! Who knew that they were so steamy! A quick easy read with thoroughly enjoyable settings that were a delight to read. The characters were easy to feel empathy for and was all in all a pleasant read.
August 27, 2025
She is a fool and he is an arrogant opportunistic. They both deserve each other. if you like grovel and ML that actually love fl unconditionally then I will definitely not recommend it. because he married her for his mother...
May 29, 2023
I received an ARC from Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review.
This is a rather sweet and playful story with rather less angst than often occurs in Mills and Boon land. However, I really enjoyed this story of revenge gone wrong, and of betrayal transformed to one of redemption through love. Eleanor was a fabulous heroine and Jace a fascinating hero. The author created a believable premise which played out in an entertaining way. Eleanor was much stronger than she first appeared and Jace was far less of a jerk than he might first have presented as. Very enjoyable and entertaining. 4 stars.
This is a rather sweet and playful story with rather less angst than often occurs in Mills and Boon land. However, I really enjoyed this story of revenge gone wrong, and of betrayal transformed to one of redemption through love. Eleanor was a fabulous heroine and Jace a fascinating hero. The author created a believable premise which played out in an entertaining way. Eleanor was much stronger than she first appeared and Jace was far less of a jerk than he might first have presented as. Very enjoyable and entertaining. 4 stars.
May 2, 2022
The Greek Wedding She Never Had, Book 1 of the Innocent Summer Brides series, was about Eleanor Buchanan, co-owner of Gilpin Leisure and the Pangalos hotel, and Jace Zagorakis, owner of the property development company called Zagorakis Estates.
Jase's father had been friends with Eleanor's grandfather, Kostas Pangalos, more than 20 years ago. Kostas had agreed to help Dimitri Zagorakis to get the Pangalos up and running and to share it with him. According to Jase, Kostas did not honor their agreement and took the entire hotel for his own. As Jase's father lay dying, he begged his son to take back the hotel, and Jase promised him he would.
Once Kosta had also died, Jase determined to use his granddaughter, Eleanor, to fulfill his promise by tricking her into marrying him, thus allowing him to gain 50% ownership of the hotel. However, once engaged to her, he got a bit cocky and, unaware that she was able to hear his telephone conversation, admitted to one of his best friends the truth behind his engagement to her. Heartbroken, she left.
A year later, Jase showed back up, letting her know just how bad the hotel was doing financially...leaving out the crucial information that he was partly responsible for the financial fallout. Backed into a corner, she had no choice but to fall in line with his blackmail in order to save the hotel from ruin...and her brother from jail.
Once again, we have a "romance" story wrapped around the need for vengeance where the entitled "Hero" goes after...you guessed it, an innocent victim because the one he truly wanted vengeance on had died before he could follow through and take him down.
There were so many emotions that filled the pages of this story. They ranged from angst to humor, to betrayal, to hate, love, bewilderment, fear, resignation, doubt, anger...too many to list. But the fact remained it was a very heart-wrenching novella that cut deep and poured out such heartache that it was almost overwhelming.
The characters were...well, sometimes they were likable, and sometimes they were detestable...which only made them more real. At times, they were mature and full of wisdom. At other times, they were childish and full of rebellion, spite, envy, and remorse. Just like the emotions running the gamut, so did the characters. They were teenagers, living life to the fullest, then they would be elderly, wise beyond their years.
The storyline was nothing new. It was pretty much the same as all the other romance novels on the market. However, there was one thing that set it apart from many of them...it fit into the everyday life of most average human beings and breathed a life of its own. I wanted to hate the story. I don't really care for the books where one of the characters is so set on revenge that they don't care who they hurt, just so long as they win in the end. There's enough pain in the real world and when I read books, it's normally because I want to escape such cruelty. But this book was good, and it deserved to be acknowledged as such with a three-star rating.
Jase's father had been friends with Eleanor's grandfather, Kostas Pangalos, more than 20 years ago. Kostas had agreed to help Dimitri Zagorakis to get the Pangalos up and running and to share it with him. According to Jase, Kostas did not honor their agreement and took the entire hotel for his own. As Jase's father lay dying, he begged his son to take back the hotel, and Jase promised him he would.
Once Kosta had also died, Jase determined to use his granddaughter, Eleanor, to fulfill his promise by tricking her into marrying him, thus allowing him to gain 50% ownership of the hotel. However, once engaged to her, he got a bit cocky and, unaware that she was able to hear his telephone conversation, admitted to one of his best friends the truth behind his engagement to her. Heartbroken, she left.
A year later, Jase showed back up, letting her know just how bad the hotel was doing financially...leaving out the crucial information that he was partly responsible for the financial fallout. Backed into a corner, she had no choice but to fall in line with his blackmail in order to save the hotel from ruin...and her brother from jail.
Once again, we have a "romance" story wrapped around the need for vengeance where the entitled "Hero" goes after...you guessed it, an innocent victim because the one he truly wanted vengeance on had died before he could follow through and take him down.
There were so many emotions that filled the pages of this story. They ranged from angst to humor, to betrayal, to hate, love, bewilderment, fear, resignation, doubt, anger...too many to list. But the fact remained it was a very heart-wrenching novella that cut deep and poured out such heartache that it was almost overwhelming.
The characters were...well, sometimes they were likable, and sometimes they were detestable...which only made them more real. At times, they were mature and full of wisdom. At other times, they were childish and full of rebellion, spite, envy, and remorse. Just like the emotions running the gamut, so did the characters. They were teenagers, living life to the fullest, then they would be elderly, wise beyond their years.
The storyline was nothing new. It was pretty much the same as all the other romance novels on the market. However, there was one thing that set it apart from many of them...it fit into the everyday life of most average human beings and breathed a life of its own. I wanted to hate the story. I don't really care for the books where one of the characters is so set on revenge that they don't care who they hurt, just so long as they win in the end. There's enough pain in the real world and when I read books, it's normally because I want to escape such cruelty. But this book was good, and it deserved to be acknowledged as such with a three-star rating.
April 17, 2021
A very good start
This is the 1st book in the series. The H asked the h to marry him so he could get his revenge on her family especially her grandfather. The h’s grandfather had cheated the H’s father out of his share of the hotel. The h found out and ended the engagement, later they entered into a marriage of convenience which led to them falling in love. Good ending.
This is the 1st book in the series. The H asked the h to marry him so he could get his revenge on her family especially her grandfather. The h’s grandfather had cheated the H’s father out of his share of the hotel. The h found out and ended the engagement, later they entered into a marriage of convenience which led to them falling in love. Good ending.
October 18, 2021
I didn't hate it, but it just wasn't great. FMC was boring and weak, MMC was bleh. Writing was bad for even a harlequin. Honestly was inspired to create this account to track my romance novel habit so I wouldn't accidentally reread this years down the road.
Read
March 2, 2021Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Innocent Summer Brides (Book #1)
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Innocent Summer Brides (Book #1)
Read
March 2, 2021Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Innocent Summer Brides (Book #1)
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Innocent Summer Brides (Book #1)
March 16, 2021
this is okay, love that there's a movement of body positivity, she shouldn't be that insecure but I understand.
April 16, 2021
Good book
April 9, 2022
Revenge
Blackmail based on an old family feud is not a promising basis for marriage and that secrets are woven in makes for a complicated story.
Blackmail based on an old family feud is not a promising basis for marriage and that secrets are woven in makes for a complicated story.
May 13, 2022
Simple but enjoyable.
November 2, 2022
REVENGE!
March 20, 2021
This passionate romantic story has echoes Greek tragedy. Jace is driven to revenge his father's death after Eleanor's grandfather's betrayal. Eleanor discovers Jace's plans and runs, but one year on, her hotel is on the brink of bankruptcy, and Jace is the only way out.
There is undeniable chemistry between innocent Eleanor and Jace, which she thought was love. As they get to know each other, their growing emotional commitment deepens into love. Eleanor is a strong woman who values family and loyalty, something she shares with Jace. She understands his motives, and when he shares his past, she forgives him. Jace is a sexy but troubled man driven by revenge. His attraction and admiration of Eleanor let him learn to trust and realise he deserves to be happy.
This is a lovely sensual romance with likeable characters.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
There is undeniable chemistry between innocent Eleanor and Jace, which she thought was love. As they get to know each other, their growing emotional commitment deepens into love. Eleanor is a strong woman who values family and loyalty, something she shares with Jace. She understands his motives, and when he shares his past, she forgives him. Jace is a sexy but troubled man driven by revenge. His attraction and admiration of Eleanor let him learn to trust and realise he deserves to be happy.
This is a lovely sensual romance with likeable characters.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
hq-to-read
March 5, 2021wice a fiancée…
Finally his wife?
Eleanor Buchanan broke off her engagement to Jace Zagorakis a year ago. She discovered he wanted to marry her only to gain control of her family’s luxury Greek hotel—on their wedding day! Now the devastatingly handsome tycoon is back with a second proposal.
This time, innocent Eleanor must say “I do” to save the hotel from bankruptcy…knowing their chemistry has lost none of its heat. But to act on that unexplored passion as his bride, Eleanor needs to know Jace’s desire for retribution doesn’t outweigh his desire for her…
Finally his wife?
Eleanor Buchanan broke off her engagement to Jace Zagorakis a year ago. She discovered he wanted to marry her only to gain control of her family’s luxury Greek hotel—on their wedding day! Now the devastatingly handsome tycoon is back with a second proposal.
This time, innocent Eleanor must say “I do” to save the hotel from bankruptcy…knowing their chemistry has lost none of its heat. But to act on that unexplored passion as his bride, Eleanor needs to know Jace’s desire for retribution doesn’t outweigh his desire for her…
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews