Paragauti meilės

by Marion Lennox, Virginija Elena Stakienė (Translator)

Apgauta mylimojo, turtų paveldėtoja Penelopė Hindmarš-Fert sprunka kuo toliau nuo miesto aukštuomenės gyvenimo ir mėgina gydyti sudaužytą širdį. Nuošaliame žemyno kampelyje ji patenka į potvynio spąstus ir ją išgelbsti gražuolis raitelis!
Patyręs skaudžią išdavystę, Metas Freizeris tapo atsiskyrėliu, bet sutikęs Penę negali atsisakyti suteikti jai prieglobstį. Paslaptingasis milijardierius nenoromis susidomi žymia aukštuomenės panele, kuri aiškiai kažką slepia...

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

Writing romance sounds fascinating. Huh?

I'm a writer. I'm boring. Day after day I sit behind a word processor making up people in my head. Why do I do it? I love it. My husband, Dave, gets up in the morning, puts on a suit and heads out into the ice and cold of Ballarat's winter. (Sadly I live in one of the tiny parts of Australia that qualifies as cold.) I make myself another cup of coffee, head up to my study, choose what music I want and sit and daydream. And I get paid for doing it. Hooray!

My first attempt at writing romance, 'Dare To Love Again', a Medical Romance, was published by Harlequin Mills and Boon in 1990. It still stands today as a monument to my family's ability to survive on cheese sandwiches and spaghetti.

Since then I've written over 80 Romances for Harlequin Mills and Boon, with more on the drawing board. (I used a pseudonym - Trisha David - for the first few Romances but suffered with a split personality and have since reverted to being Marion Lennox all the time.) In between romances, I've co-authored a non-fiction history, (I love local history) done the odd (very odd) spot of housework and done a heap of travelling - research :-)

I come from a farming community. You can probably tell this from my books. There's not a skyscraper in sight. I'm very much a pets person. Chloe and Harry were my constant canine companions for many years as I wrote, demanding walks and air freshener at frequent intervals. Sadly I lost them, and for a while I vowed not to get another. My heart was broken and my study smelled so clean! But.. The cat and I missed them so badly we weakened and bought Mitzi. Mitzi's a black and silver mini-schnauzer who makes me and the cat laugh. Expect to find her in future stories.

If you're interested in formalities, I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a teaching diploma. I have a couple of kids and a huge extended family who look on me with affectionate tolerance. Marion? The crazy one who talks to people in her head... I've had nine nominations for the Rita, winning twice, and fourteen for the Australian Book of the Year. After years of thinking of my writing as a hobby I guess I finally now qualify as a `real' writer.

Thank your for taking the trouble to check out my web page. Now try my books. We might even end up having fun together. And write to me. I show my family - `See? Real people do like the things that go in in my head.'

Reviews

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Courage to change the things that can be changed, strength to accept those things that can't be changed and the wisdom to know the difference..." - Matt

Penny is up sh&t, err I mean, her car is stuck in a creek and the water is rising fast. As she's escaping her life, she can't exactly call home for help, not that her Dad would be concerned anyway, and her engagement ended with a betrayal so her fiance, well former fiance soon-to-be-brother-in-law (yeah, did you catch that? Yikes.), is out. Maybe her new employer...

Matt, a sheep farmer, is unable to shear his stock as planned thanks to the weather, which seems to be apologizing by sending him some entertainment in the form of a blonde, a poodle, and a sports car. See, it even sounds like the beginning of a joke. Matt quickly helps her car escape the growing water levels, then informs her she won't make her destination due to the weather, as well as that she's now stuck at his place until the levels recede.

Matt realizes who Penny is, as in her billionaire father, and knows he could essentially throw her under the bus to get what he needs to complete his shearing, but he can't do it.

Penny realizes she's stuck with a stranger for two weeks, not to mention her new job surely won't be put on hold for her, and it seems as if Matt needs a cook to feed a lot of shearers. Yes, it'll be hard work feeding twenty men, but she's looking forward to feeling useful, needed, and being able to forget the betrayal she left behind.

As the days pass, Matt can't help but be impressed by Penny's skills in the kitchen, as well as attracted to the woman he's getting to know. They've shared their heartbreaking stories, something Matt isn't prone to do, and have developed a friendship. When Penny confesses that her original job offer was rescinded, and Matt knows his job ends in a few days, he finds himself doing something he never thought he would. He asks her to stay a little longer.

"The night held its breath and Matt Fraser took Penny Hindmarsh-Firth into his arms and he kissed her."

But what happens when memories of Matt's past intrude and overshadow his time with Penny? Can he separate her from his mom and ex-wife's actions? Will Penny stay after Matt inadvertently hurt her? When Matt's life suddenly changes, how will it impact his and Penny's growing relationship? Does Matt want her to? Can both Matt and Penny let go of their pasts and look to the future? If so, does it include each other and a HEA? Or are some demons too hard to overcome, regardless of the cost?

One-click now and follow along as two people meet under unusual circumstances and discover a love that can heal their broken hearts.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Penny is on the way to a new job in the Outback, escaping the heartbreak and notoriety of her broken engagement when she gets stranded by rising floodwaters. She's rescued by Matt, a sheep farmer out checking his land. He sees a blond woman with a pink car and a poodle, stuck in the stream and immediately writes her off as a ditz, but can't just leave her there. He reluctantly invites her to stay with him until the flood waters recede.

I loved their first meeting. Penny is trying to remember that she is a strong woman who doesn't need a man in her life ("I am woman. Hear me roar."), but reluctantly admits that she needs help getting out of her present predicament. Matt's mind is on the fact that he has twenty shearers ready to start work and the cook he's hired is on the wrong side of the flood. He's brusque but amused at Penny's bravado and figures he can handle a couple of weeks of company. After all, he'll be busy with the shearers and won't see much of her. When she offers to help with the cooking, he doesn't expect much from a society princess, but he'll take what he can get.

That first day was a real eye opener for Penny. Her initial offering was pitifully inadequate, and Matt's reaction was a blow to her feelings. But it was also a boot to her pride, and a challenge she couldn't resist. I loved seeing her go from slightly cowed to Iron Chef in a heartbeat. Her no nonsense instructions to Matt and the speed with which she was able to improvise was amazing. By the end of the day, Matt realized just how much he had underestimated Penny.

I loved seeing the development of their relationship. Over the next ten days, they got to know each other pretty well and formed a solid friendship. Though their days were busy, in the evenings they talked. I loved how Penny was able to share what her life had been like, the good and the bad, and begin to overcome the humiliation she had felt. Matt was more closed off at the beginning. His difficult childhood and then the disintegration of his marriage had destroyed his trust in people. I liked how Penny's willingness to share her story helped him to open up about his. By the end of the shearing time, each of them has realized that there is something more growing between them. I liked how Matt asks Penny to stay longer, using the excuse of needing help to get the house ready for a possible visit from his daughter. The attraction that has been building between them comes to the surface, and they agree to see where it takes them. But when Matt learns that his daughter will be visiting much sooner than expected, both his and Penny's fears return. Penny leaves to go back to Sydney, feeling rejected all over again.

Penny's return isn't all bad. Her time with Matt has given her the confidence to stand up to her father. I loved seeing her take this time to pursue her own dreams. She misses Matt and still hurts over the way they parted. She is in for a surprise when Matt arrives at her home in time for the dreaded family dinner. This scene is so emotional, as Penny fights her desire to lean on him and accept his help, yet has trouble trusting that he doesn't have some motive of his own. His patience and kindness, along with a bit of amusing deception were a joy to witness. He continued his gentle assault on Penny's fears the next day, as he also requests her help with his daughter Lily. But the real icing on the cake was when he and Lily arrived to take Penny and her mother to the wedding. I loved how perfect they all were together and the effect it had on Penny. Matt wasn't finished, though, and I loved the plans he had made with Lily's help and collusion. His big moment there was sweet and romantic exactly what Penny needed to push her over the edge of her fears. There was a final perfect moment on the last few pages that cemented how right they were for each other.

I loved the author's descriptions of life on the sheep farm. I could almost hear the sheep bleating and smell the atmosphere around the sheds. The rigors of shearing and the effort it takes day after day made a vivid picture. I also loved the amazing beauty and peace of the waterfall and pool, which reminded me of places I had visited in Hawaii. It has intensified my desire to visit Australia someday.

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, easy, feel-good read with an ending that left me all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s a small piece of perfect escapism and I thoroughly enjoyed it, right from the start with the flooded pink car and the grumpy rescuer. If you’re looking for something to take you away to another place and leave you with a goofy smile, this will probably do the job.

I loved Penny. She may be rich, drive a pink car and have a fluffy poodle, but there’s so much more to her than her double-barreled name. In fact her family – namely her father and awful step-sister – are horrible and despite all that wealth, all Penny wants is a chance to cook. Which is why she runs to the middle of nowhere after her rat-fink fiancé hooks up with her sister. I loved how she might not have ended up where she planned, but she still knuckles down and gets on with it, because cooking is what she’s good at and she actually has a chance to be appreciated for the first time in her life.

I really liked Matt too. Life has given him a few hard knocks in the emotional department, yet he still has enough heart so see Penny for who she is and appreciate her appropriately. She might not have been what he wanted in his life, but the pair of them are adorable together and I really wanted them to be happy.

Of course, nothing is that simple and there are several spanners loitering around, ready to jump into the works and bring it all to a crashing halt. I did really like how mature the pair of them are about everything. There are no needless dramatics here, no moments of random foolishness to ruin it all. They’re practical and caring and forge on even when their hearts are breaking. Which, for me, made the ending all the sweeter – because they thoroughly deserved all the good things.

Okay, if I’m being a bit picky, once the shearers leave the plot did sort of dally aimlessly about for a little bit before the next set of challenges came along. And I would have loved to have seen a lot more of Matt’s side of things in the second half of the story. Without it, certain moments spring out of nowhere. Yes, it helped with the romantic gestures, but I still would have liked to have seen more Matt.

Overall, though, this was lovely. The romance is sweet and clean, the characters are extremely likeable and it gave me all the good feels at the end. A perfect pick-me-up for less than great days and an excellent way to while away a damp spring night.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't be put off by the cheesy Harlequin title. This book is an absolutely FANTASTIC romance. Matt and Penny are completely adorable and I just wanted to smoosh their faces together and shout NOW KISS.

I'm thinking in foodie terms because Penny, the heroine, is a trained chef, and I reckon this book is like a lemon meringue pie; it's sweet, sugary, fluffy and delicious... and yet at the same time there's enough tart tanginess to make it interesting.

Penny has been betrayed one too many times by her overbearing father and now by the half-sister who just stole her fiancé. Taking a job as a chef at an Outback hotel, she never even gets there when flooding rains trap her on a remote sheep property... just in time to step in as cook for a team of ravenous shearers and their slightly desperate boss, Matt Fraser.

Matt never expected to be rich, but his first farm turned out to be sitting atop a gigantic bauxite deposit. He doesn't want or need a billionaire lifestyle, and stepping into that world even briefly to help Penny with her overbearing family is obviously difficult for him. It's not an easy path to love for them; Penny's got a massive case of once bitten, twice shy, and Matt's got his own ghosts in the closet.

The happy ending is never in doubt, but the way it came about was so inventive and charming, and utterly believable. I absolutely adored this book and I have no doubt I'll still be smiling about its sweet aftertaste for a while. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

content: not squeaky clean because there is sex but there are no details and it fades to black quick with no real scene.

[Kate’s Book Spot · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you pick up a Mills & Boon book you know you're going to get romance and often a bit of sexual tension thrown into the mix too. You can rely on them to provide you with a brief romantic escape from reality and this book did a cracking job of that! It was fast-paced from the start and I was quickly caught up in Penny and Matt's story.

The chemistry between the two main characters wasn't immediate which was unexpected in a good way - I prefer a gradual connection as, I think, it makes for a more entertaining read. Learning to trust again was a big part of the storyline so this would explain why their relationship moved slowly.

The author whisked me away to Australia and filled my head with romantic scenes set in the most unlikely of places. Fabulous descriptions made it easy for me to visualise everything from a pink car with a tiny poodle to a busy farm with a load of hungry workers.

This was a lovely read, one that contained a pleasant mixture of romance, fun and even a few emotional moments. A great start to my Mills & Boon Insiders experience.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely adore this book Marion has written such a beautiful book as always, was able to laugh cry and get immersed completely in the story, was able to visualise the beautiful places featured as well as feeling justice was also served ( no spoilers I promise), truly wonderful honour to read before it comes out shortly, I very much recommend it to all who like romance thank you Marion

[Paula Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit it, I like romances, all be it usually with a more adventurous story line. Usually with bullets or explosions. But of late I've gone straight to Harlequin, which I've often thought of as mass produced dribble. But dribble has its place. It's the escapism into a world where you know that in the end the girl will get her guy. There are always happy endings. It was just what I needed.

It was an escape from worrying about a dad who'd spend three weekends straight at the ER and twice admitted in sever pain. From two cat scans, one MRI, three cultures and two visits with him to the urologist, not to mention keeping track of his medication and conversation with hospital doctors to be able to regurgitate the information as needed. Ultimately it was not a urinary track infection but an abscess and at least the barge of antibiotics to treat the non-existent UTI had kept it from getting worse. Once drained, his life improved. My mum was distraught and worried that it was his cancer back.

What these puffy little romances did was to allow me to unwind, even if it was after midnight on at least two occasions. They were escapism to happy endings. What little sleep I had can be largely attributed to Harlequin.

This book in particular was sweet. I liked the characters, although I've never met a man celibate for 13 years voluntarily, unless there was something wrong with him. I guess its possible and this is fiction after all.

Bottom line, good story, like-able characters and a few hate-able ones.

[LadyAileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storia abbastanza inusuale ma semplice e lineare. Penny è un’affascinante ereditiera che dopo il tradimento del suo fidanzato con la sorellastra, una famiglia che non l’apprezza e la stampa che la perseguita, decide di trasferirsi altrove per lavorare come cuoca in un locale. Peccato che le forti piogge e i fiumi ingrossati le impediscono di arrivare a destinazione e finisce per essere salvata da Matt, un allevatore di pecore che per lo stesso problema si ritrova senza cuoco per i suoi lavoratori. Quello che inizia come un accordo di lavoro, diventerà qualcosa di più.
Matt è un solitario e vive in Australia nella sua proprietà di campagna. Nonostante la ricchezza ha sempre adorato la natura, questo gli è costato la moglie (interessata solo al suo denaro e alla vita mondana) e la figlia (che riesce a vedere solo due volte l’anno perché si è trasferita negli USA).
Rispetto ai soliti romance, qui abbiamo un milionario molto diverso. Non è un tipo arrogante e ha scelto di proposito di non frequentare donne dopo la delusione avuta con la sua ex moglie.
È una storia dolce anche se non ho apprezzato il cambio di conflitto della coppia. Inizialmente sembra essere lui a tenere a distanza la protagonista (lei ne è delusa) perché convinto che sia come sua madre o la sua ex moglie poi improvvisamente lei sembra voler prendere le distanze quando lui finalmente sembra pronto a una relazione. Secondo me, sarebbero dovuti andare di pari passo.
Piacevole ma mi aspettavo di più.

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read. It's not that faced paced, but really takes a moment to delve into what characters think and feel. I also enjoyed the fact that it takes place in the outback of Australia for the most part. And though they're both rich, they're searching for something more- a desire to belong and have a support system that they can really rely on, not just hope for. Well crafted and an easy read, it's definitely a great read for the summer.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a silly piece of fluff, yet it is totally enjoyable. Our heroine is fleeing a broken engagement. By a total coincidence, she ends up on a sheep ranch with the skills the rancher needs, when he needs them. She cooks for the shearing team! The villains are largely off stage and nobody lies or keeps secrets.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: Sweet love story; low simmer chemistry that was beautifully revealed
Rating: 4-/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Chemistry/ Intensity: +/-
Conflict/Drama: +
Humor/Wit: +/-
Family Dysfunction: +
HEA: Yes
Source: NetGalley

[Raffaella De Leonardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia carina e anche piuttosto ben costruita, ma con un finale decisamente troppo melenso per i miei gusti.
Effettive tre stelle e mezzo.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino un piacevole ascolto su audible

[Caitlyn Callery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a book by Marion Lennox before, but I certainly will be looking out for her works in future. This book was a joy. I found myself laughing out loud at Penny's antics from the beginning, and I felt Matt's disbelief as he realised a pink princess had invaded his very rugged outback terrain. I also cheered when she showed him she wasn't just a pampered socialite, but she could hold her own.

The dialogue between the two sparkled, and fitted them perfectly. I could hear the Australian accents in my head as they talked. Their relationship flowed, and brought healing to them both in a way that felt natural. Not one moment of it rankled.

I especially liked the way Matt ignored Penny's father when the man tried to belittle him. It was all the more enjoyable for us because we knew just who the man was insulting. I would have liked to see his reaction when he discovered that, but hey.

A very enjoyable read. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Hallmark movies then you must give this one a try! There is a lot of Australian slang in this one that I still don’t understand but after the first few chapters you start to figure out what everything sort of means enough to follow along. This is a great book about moving on from family drama, past relationships and embracing a new life that brings one happiness. There’s a lot that happens in this book (and it’s one of the most closed door Harlequin books I’ve read thus far) but you can’t help but want to find out how it all wraps up.

[Claire Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well written, and the scenery was described beautifully. The story focuses on Penny and Matt who both have demons to deal with, form a friendship that develops into more. The relationship didn't feel rushed which made it more realistic. When you meet Penny's family and learn more about Matt, you can fully understand why they are the way the are and I loved reading how these lost souls found themselves and each other. If a book can make you smile and feel good at the end, then it's a winner in my books. Will read more from this author

[Little Ray Of Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review | Stranded with the Secret Billionaire
Blurb
Jilted heiress Penny Hindmarsh-Firth has set her broken heart on escaping high society city life. But she’s trapped by floods in the Outback, and a handsome stranger on horseback comes to her rescue!

After a betrayal shattered his life Matt Fraser withdrew from the world—but he can’t deny Penny refuge. This secret billionaire is reluctantly intrigued as the society princess begins proving there’s more to her than meets the eye…

Review
The reason I have only given it 3 as it was okay but it just didn't grab me like the other Mills and Boon books I have read in the past. I feel I have grown up and want more out the book. I felt I want more from the characters and see more of their emotions. Doesn't mean I didn't like the plot where she was stranded with a secret billionaire Matt he seemed kind and cared for Penny's safety and respected her.

I loved how he was open he was in a relationship before and had a child with her and he was willing to change the house so hes daughter could stay. Penny brought hes emotion out more and got him fighting to see hes daughter more.

I loved how Penny didn't really care that he's a billionaire she didn't fall in love with him for hes money she just felt safe with him and she can be herself around him. I will read more Mills and Boon books and get back into them.

Check the book out for yourself.


Thanks for reading x

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the uniqueness of this story. The society girl running to the wilds of Australia and getting stuck in a river. The knight in shining armor rides up and takes her in for the duration of the flood. The characters are quite lovable. The story is one of a kind and very interesting. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Loved it. I haven't read this author before, but I would read again.

[Calysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet. I liked the characters and could believe that they fell for each other. I very much enjoyed the full resolution of all the conflicts. :D

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Enjoyed very much. A cheerful book about recovering from setbacks. Penny is the younger daughter of a very wealthy family. A domineering father always puts her older sister first. Penny hits the bottom, is publicly humiliated, and heads to the Outback to start again. She arrives during sheep shearing time. Life on the sheep farm provides the wonderful color that Marion Lennox weaves into her books. Penny pulls her life together and becomes the strong women she was meant to be. Marion Lennox is always on my must read list. This is another winner.

[Tali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stranded with the Secret Billionaire is the story of Penny, a pink princess, who leaves the city for the Outback in order to take on a new catering job after being betrayed by her ex-fiance and gets stuck at Matt's home due to the flooding. Although he doesn't know what to think of her to start off with, Matt's due to to start shearing the next day, but is short one cook. Step in Penny.
I really liked this book. Lately I've become a bit disheartened by some of the Mills and Boon books, which seem to be trying too hard to be modern and so are missing the mark when it comes to creating characters that you actually want to read and care about. Lennox has managed that completely with Penny and Matt. She has given us a couple in this book that I really wanted to root for. Although Penny initially fits the mould of 'clueless rich girl', she more than proves herself, both at having drive and confidence and at being able to disagree with Matt without it all becoming shouty and unnecessary. Throughout this book, I believed in the characters and their motivations and I believed in their chemistry - an important factor in a romance. The story itself paced along nicely and the ending was just lovely.
Lennox has created a really cracking romance with characters you want to be happy together. Loved it. 5 stars.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things Miss Bates loves about Marion Lennox’s romances is how kind her characters are and yet often hurt others. Because that’s what we do, an unkind word, a slip of the sarcastic tongue, a nay in place of, with a small giving of self, what could be a yay. But Lennox also understands and sympathetically portrays what that yay might cost, what vulnerability, uncertainty, and fear have to be overcome to reach assent. Lennox’s Stranded With the Secret Billionaire, and this review’s subject, is a book illustrative of this theme and characterization.

Penelope “Penny” Hindmarsh Firth, at 27, has run away from home. She runs from a bullying father, milk-toast mom, and selfish half-sister whose fiancé and soon-to-be-father of baby is none other than Penny’s ex-fiancé, Brett Taggart. Penny has run from urbane Sydney to NSW and, when the novel opens, is trapped in a rising creek, in her low-to-the-ground pink sports-car accompanied by Samson, her cute-as-a-button-but-useless-in-a-crisis poodle. Enter reclusive billionaire-living-as-sheep-farmer Matt Fraser astride Nugget to rescue Penny and ensure Samson’s continued spoilage.

It turns out Penny, despite her wealth, loves to cook and has taken a job at Malley’s Corner. With the waters high, and Matt’s loss of a chef for his farm’s, Jindalee’s, annual sheep-shearing, it looks like Penny’s cooking talents will be needed right here. And what better way to thank Matt for his rescue and hospitality than to make herself useful over the two intense sheep-shearing weeks. The work is hard, long, and there’s barely time to sleep, much less cook for Matt and his sheep-shearing team. Penny plunges right into the task at hand, delivering delicious, hearty fare, possible to eat by hand and quickly. And while all this is going on, Matt and Penny meet nightly, on the veranda, to share a laugh, a meal, and get to know each other, grow closer, and give in to mutual attraction.

As with all Lennox’s heroes and heroines, Matt and Penny are incredibly likeable. They’re vulnerable without being doormats. They’re funny and endearing. They take the feelings of others very seriously but never themselves. They love animals and their furry companions are as lively characters, developped and interesting, as they are. Lennox’s talents are double-fold. She creates wonderful characters and she sets them in incomparably lovely and interesting scenes. Cue a pic-nic and swimming-hole scene for Matt and Penny that is funny (involving Penny’s ancient mount, Daisy), evocative, romantic, and emotionally rich. There be many reasons to read this Lennox, as every Lennox, but read it for this one scene especially.

From the opening scene, when Matt rescues Penny from the rising creek, we have evidence of Lennox’s quirky humour:

“And you always carry a teapot?”

“They might only use tea bags.”

“You don’t like tea bags?”

“I drink lapsang souchong and it doesn’t work in tea bags. I love its smoky flavour. Don’t you?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” he asked and suddenly he grinned. “I’m Matt,” he told her. “Matt Fraser. I’m the owner of Jindalee but I hope you brought your own lapsang souchong with you. Sadly I seem to be short on essentials.”

“I have a year’s supply,” she told him and his grin widened.

“Of course you do. And you are?”

Much goes on here. Firstly, we have a lovely city slicker in the outback contrast and that’s plain fun. Add mild flirtation: a heroine whose insouciance and pluck in the face of dire straits make what is a dour hero grin. Love this, thought MissB., from the get-go.

Lennox never lets go of her ability to stay light, ruefully humorous with her characters’ surfaces and yet establishing them as seriously caring people. Though Matt is a bauxite mine owner, his life is one of hard-working farmer. He loves the land, animals, and cares for the people who work for him. Having a purpose that allows you to care is one of Lennox’s greatest themes. Like Carla Kelly, being useful is a virtue. It makes characters happy and sets them on the road to being able to open to love’s possibilities; witness Penny when she accepts Matt’s job offer to be cook for his shearing team:

“You have no idea how good that makes me feel,” she told him. “Half an hour ago I was trapped in the middle of nowhere feeling useless. Now I have a job and Internet and there’s nothing more I need in the world. Right. You’d better put those chooks to bed and gather those sheep or whatever you have to do. Leave me be, Matt. I’m about to get busy.” He’d been dismissed. She was needed!

Penny’s gently officious dismissal combines with her joy at having purpose. She gets cooking (and the food descriptions are glorious, as always, with a Lennox rom, as good as Neels). Matt, in turn, revels in having a help-meet and companion. This notion establishes the Lennox couple: if it’s joyful and convincing to you, then you will enjoy each and every Lennox rom. Because for Lennox, care, above all, is romantic:

” … you might be a squillionare, but something tells me that all the whinging I’ve just done doesn’t come close to the pain you’re hiding. Thank you for rescuing me yesterday, Matt Fraser. I just wish I could rescue you right back.”

Penny and Matt carry painful past experiences, as many of us do. Their growing love is delight, but their awakening hearts’ growing pains are just that, painful. Penny opens up to Matt about her difficult family and senses that Matt is hiding pain too. Her desire, after his care of her, is to return the emotional rescue. And romance doesn’t get better than two worthy protagonists rescuing each other.

To conclude, Miss Bates will copy word-for-word her hastily-jotted note describing her response to Lennox’s rom, about half-way through reading it: “I heart M. Lennox for believing wholeheartedly in the genre, for writing strength, vulnerability, honour, integrity, and care, affection, kindness, and still being funny as heck.” MissB’s Lennox review in a nutshell. With her reading companion, Miss Austen, Miss B. says of Stranded With the Secret Billionaire, “there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma. Nothing could be truer than “tenderness of heart” for Penny, Matt, Samson, Nugget, and Daisy.

Marion Lennox’s Stranded With the Secret Billionaire is published by Harlequin Books. It was released in April and is available at the usual places in the usual formats. Miss Bates received an e-ARC of Stranded from Harlequin, via Netgalley.