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The Sauveterre Siblings #4
El secreto de la doncella (Miniserie Bianca nº 177)
Se había sabido el secreto...¡pero faltaba por llegar el escándalo! Maggie Taggart, una tímida empleada doméstica, se consideraba inmune a los hombres ricos y poderosos porque su padre, un adinerado magnate, la había rechazado antes de que naciera y eso le había enseñado a eludirlos a toda costa. Hasta que conoció a Nikos Marchetti, un enigmático multimillonario, ¡y quedó hechizada por su irresistible virilidad! El placer que encontraba entre sus brazos era indescriptible y las consecuencias... Cuando Nikos supo su secreto y su atracción se reavivó otra vez, quedó claro que había asuntos pendientes... El mejor regalo para San Valentín, una novela de amor de Harlequin
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
185 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Abby Green
979 books601 followersAbby Green spent her teens reading Mills & Boon romances. She then spent many years working in the Film and TV industry as an Assistant Director. One day while standing outside an actor's trailer in the rain, she thought: "there has to be more than this". So she sent off a partial to Mills & Boon. After numerous rewrites, they accepted her first book and an author was born.
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 13, 2018
Brrrr. This was one frosty romance. Neither character is very likeable, the romance is sterile, but the story is compelling. I'm tempted to rate it 4 stars for avoiding tropey pitfalls, but I'm not much of an angst junky so nope. However, if you like angst, give this one a try as Dani Collins manages to make most of it very believable.
Warning right now, they are definite triggers for rape and child sexual abuse. Dani Collins doesn’t pull any punches regarding the kidnappers treatment of Trella. It's heartbreaking and provides context to why she is so fragile. I was losing patience with her drama and fragility then when her story comes out, yikes, it's the kind of trauma that does life long damage.
Trella and Xavier have a pretty sleazy one night stand with, yuck, both of their guards standing outside their hotel room. That’s a conversation I’d like to read.
Xavier is the prince of some kingdom and to say he’s a little shutdown and unemotional is an understatement. He’s engaged to a boring stick back in Neverland and Trella is his last hurrah. They part and she pops up pregnant in a tabloid photo. The H strong-arms Trella into a very temporary MOC. In fact the wedding announcement actually states the end date of the marriage.
Dani Collins ups the ante on shoddy treatment of the heroine. The wedding is so private the H is surprised that the Trella’s mother showed up; the heroine is moved into the Dowager’s section of the palace as a precursor to kicking her out of the palace. Prince X is not responsible for it, his evil grandmother - the Ice Queen, is, but he’s pretty much a whooped grandmama’s boy in a lot of ways.
The Ice Queen is truly awful and manipulative and has shoved everyone out of the hero’s life including both of his parents. In fact he comes from a pretty awful family.
His great-grandmother had taken up with one of Hitler’s top advisors to keep the Nazi invasion at occupation rather than annihilation.
And when the hero expresses concern for his pregnant isolated bride, his grandmother’s response is…
“You’re being manipulated.”
“By whom?” He held her gaze, turning one of her best weapons—barely disguised derision—against her.
The couple struggle through some major angst, and Xavier kvetches about his duty, his duty, HIS DUTY despite his attraction to the heroine.
It takes a while, but we get to a HEA eventually. I was disappointed that neither of his parents or the blandly appropriate fiancee showed up, but we do have a nice moment where the heroine throws down with the Ice Queen.
Worst epilogue ever.
Warning right now, they are definite triggers for rape and child sexual abuse. Dani Collins doesn’t pull any punches regarding the kidnappers treatment of Trella. It's heartbreaking and provides context to why she is so fragile. I was losing patience with her drama and fragility then when her story comes out, yikes, it's the kind of trauma that does life long damage.
Trella and Xavier have a pretty sleazy one night stand with, yuck, both of their guards standing outside their hotel room. That’s a conversation I’d like to read.
Xavier is the prince of some kingdom and to say he’s a little shutdown and unemotional is an understatement. He’s engaged to a boring stick back in Neverland and Trella is his last hurrah. They part and she pops up pregnant in a tabloid photo. The H strong-arms Trella into a very temporary MOC. In fact the wedding announcement actually states the end date of the marriage.
Dani Collins ups the ante on shoddy treatment of the heroine. The wedding is so private the H is surprised that the Trella’s mother showed up; the heroine is moved into the Dowager’s section of the palace as a precursor to kicking her out of the palace. Prince X is not responsible for it, his evil grandmother - the Ice Queen, is, but he’s pretty much a whooped grandmama’s boy in a lot of ways.
The Ice Queen is truly awful and manipulative and has shoved everyone out of the hero’s life including both of his parents. In fact he comes from a pretty awful family.
His great-grandmother had taken up with one of Hitler’s top advisors to keep the Nazi invasion at occupation rather than annihilation.
And when the hero expresses concern for his pregnant isolated bride, his grandmother’s response is…
“You’re being manipulated.”
“By whom?” He held her gaze, turning one of her best weapons—barely disguised derision—against her.
The couple struggle through some major angst, and Xavier kvetches about his duty, his duty, HIS DUTY despite his attraction to the heroine.
It takes a while, but we get to a HEA eventually. I was disappointed that neither of his parents or the blandly appropriate fiancee showed up, but we do have a nice moment where the heroine throws down with the Ice Queen.
Worst epilogue ever.
December 11, 2017
I love this series and I am so excited that I won this in a giveaway. I haven't won that many and Dani Collins is one of my all time favorites and this series has been amazing. Unfortunately, while I think the book is excellent, the H has to be one of my all time UN-favorites. What a jerk! It really took a long time for him to come around and I just wasn't buying his change of heart. I hated the Queen, his Grandmother. If I had someone like that in my life, I'd euthanize her. She was barely human. And his background with not seeing his parents, or caring for that matter bugged me too. And then there is the one night he hooked up with her, I felt her disappointment with him and herself, when she came out of the 'sensual' coma she was in, and realized he did this all the time and she wasn't any different. I felt sick to my stomach at his thoughts during the whole seduction and then the aftermath. He was truly a pig. I think I related to her more than him simply because I had Agoraphobia and terrible panic attacks for many years. Her reactions were spot on and I felt her pain. They are awful. That was very well done. He was good to her during them but I just couldn't buy into his love. Especially because he was still going to divorce her and marry the OW even after they started having sex and sleeping together. In like a month. I was like what? And the press knew about it too. He put out a press release about it. Just hated that whole premise. I did enjoy the book since I was raised on the evil men of HP's and I will reread this book because I love the series and I will reread that. I know I am an oxy-MORON!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
Intense is a good word to describe this one-night-stand-leads-to-pregnancy story. I really, really didn't like the heroine at the beginning and I didn't like the hero in the middle so they canceled out each other. :)
Heroine is the panic attack-prone recluse whom her brothers and sister from the other books in the series orbit. She decides to go AWOL and impersonate her twin and have a one night stand with the prince of a mythical country, our hero. Then she never answers his texts and doesn't tell him she's pregnant - even when it's all over the tabloids.
He has to kidnap her in order to find out if he has an heir to the throne in the wings and this triggers her to have another panic attack. Meanwhile, she tries to escape and I don't know what she was thinking - I was fed up with her drama and had a lot of sympathy for the hero at this point.
Then the hero moves into the limelight of bad behavior when he proposes a marriage of convenience so his heir will be legitimate. Then he'll divorce the heroine so he can marry a friend who is more suitable to be his future queen. His grandmother, an evil spider in her web, is the queen now and she is horrible. Truly.
It all works out when the hero realizes how he feels and finally stands up to his grandmother.
There were so many dodgy areas in this story:
The first is how the author handled the heroine's past trauma and her ongoing panic attacks. Drugs are portrayed as being "bad" even though they give relief to many anxiety sufferers. The heroine didn't seem to understand what triggers her or how she can take care of herself. Anxiety is manageable - yes, there are bad days - but her co- dependence was alarming as was her shunning of counselling and medication.
Then there was the high risk pregnancy with the heroine running around like a fool. The baby was premature, but able to travel to Spain for a wedding within two weeks? The heroine almost died, but she was well enough to travel to Spain as well? And then she was able to have hot, monkey sex not long after? Spare me.
And finally, the weird epilogue was weird. Only in HPlandia, people.
Still, I went with it. It's an intense story and the H/h were both horrible in their own way so they deserve each other. Poor baby, though. He's got an evil great-grandmother and a bunch of aunts and uncles who have never heard of boundaries.
Read if dysfunctional families are interesting to you.
Triggers: Heroine was raped as a child during her kidnapping and that is part of her trauma.
Heroine is the panic attack-prone recluse whom her brothers and sister from the other books in the series orbit. She decides to go AWOL and impersonate her twin and have a one night stand with the prince of a mythical country, our hero. Then she never answers his texts and doesn't tell him she's pregnant - even when it's all over the tabloids.
He has to kidnap her in order to find out if he has an heir to the throne in the wings and this triggers her to have another panic attack. Meanwhile, she tries to escape and I don't know what she was thinking - I was fed up with her drama and had a lot of sympathy for the hero at this point.
Then the hero moves into the limelight of bad behavior when he proposes a marriage of convenience so his heir will be legitimate. Then he'll divorce the heroine so he can marry a friend who is more suitable to be his future queen. His grandmother, an evil spider in her web, is the queen now and she is horrible. Truly.
It all works out when the hero realizes how he feels and finally stands up to his grandmother.
There were so many dodgy areas in this story:
The first is how the author handled the heroine's past trauma and her ongoing panic attacks. Drugs are portrayed as being "bad" even though they give relief to many anxiety sufferers. The heroine didn't seem to understand what triggers her or how she can take care of herself. Anxiety is manageable - yes, there are bad days - but her co- dependence was alarming as was her shunning of counselling and medication.
Then there was the high risk pregnancy with the heroine running around like a fool. The baby was premature, but able to travel to Spain for a wedding within two weeks? The heroine almost died, but she was well enough to travel to Spain as well? And then she was able to have hot, monkey sex not long after? Spare me.
And finally, the weird epilogue was weird. Only in HPlandia, people.
Still, I went with it. It's an intense story and the H/h were both horrible in their own way so they deserve each other. Poor baby, though. He's got an evil great-grandmother and a bunch of aunts and uncles who have never heard of boundaries.
Read if dysfunctional families are interesting to you.
Triggers: Heroine was raped as a child during her kidnapping and that is part of her trauma.
December 3, 2017
Heroine not a virgin no thanks! I can't accept that when I read a Harlequin Presents.
March 2, 2022
Overall, I would rate Collins' The Sauveterre Siblings series 4 stars. She thoughtfully plotted overlapping timelines, seeding scenes in earlier books that would be fully developed in later books and cementing the worldbuilding for the double doublemint twins' family-centric universe while still successfully providing each individual romance its full share of tropey drama. I subtract a star because
1) in all four books, it is the hero who has the "I cannot commit/love" gene. It's predictably sexist that the female Sauveterre twins (who experienced the same or greater trauma as their brothers) put their hearts on the line only to have them kicked back. The men embrace their damage as an excuse to remain uninvolved, while the women think their own fears about commitment are a thing to be overcome.
*and*
2) Collins failed to stick the landing in this, book four of the series. And how a series ends leaves a mark.
Our heroine is a reclusive heiress who has struggled with anxiety issues (an eating disorder, panic attacks) in the wake of her traumatic kidnapping and assault when she was 9 years old. Wanting to break free of her fears, she assumes her twin's identity for a night out that leads to a one night stand with the heir to the throne of a fictional European country bordering Austria (I think).
Our hero is an entitled jerk who (to borrow boogenhagen's terminology) wants one last trip to the lovely lady buffet before he settles down in a tidy, emotionless marriage to make heirs with a tidy, emotionless princess from a Mediterranean principality. (Yes, I get a bit obsessive about how we warp the map of Europe to accommodate HP's endless fictional royalty needs.)
The condom breaks, the heroine turns up pregnant in the tabloids, and the prince kidnaps her (because that isn't going to be at all triggering...smooth move, your royal jerkitude). Once paternity has been confirmed, he demands a brief marriage to legitimize the birth, to be followed by a swift divorce so that he can then return to plan A and marry his temporarily unbetrothed princess because she will make him a suitable queen. Also, they will share custody of this baby, who will be his heir, and the heroine will have to uproot her entire life to move to his country. (So she's going to be exposed to constant media coverage of his future marriage and children while, presumably, being expected to live a scandal-free life and be excoriated in the press for any future romantic attachments she might form. Sweet. What a prince this prince is.)
His treatment of the heroine is horrible and shows a complete lack of human feeling. First, there's the kidnapping. Then the revelation about the stop-gap marriage and the real fiancée waiting in the wings. Then he tells the heroine, who will need to go on bed rest for the third trimester to protect her high-risk pregnancy, that "until you deliver a healthy baby, many aspects of this situation remain fluid" (OMG). Then he marries her in a ceremony so down-low that only her mother is in attendance and his best man is his grandmother's private secretary instead of a friend. Then he wants to resume a sexual relationship after the birth even as the clock ticks down on their six-month marriage. In a final move, pressured by his grandmother the queen because he's starting to prioritize his new family over his royal duties, he tells the heroine they should end their sexual relationship and she should move to her House of Partial Exile a couple of weeks before the divorce deadline.
The heroine pleads/argues with him to reconsider. She faces down the evil queen to plead/argue with her to reconsider. Pushed to her limit by all the rejection, she has a panic attack and voilà, the prince becomes a real man at last and stands up to granny.
He gave her six months of emotional torture and no grovel. As a bonus, the epilogue is deservedly controversial.
1) in all four books, it is the hero who has the "I cannot commit/love" gene. It's predictably sexist that the female Sauveterre twins (who experienced the same or greater trauma as their brothers) put their hearts on the line only to have them kicked back. The men embrace their damage as an excuse to remain uninvolved, while the women think their own fears about commitment are a thing to be overcome.
*and*
2) Collins failed to stick the landing in this, book four of the series. And how a series ends leaves a mark.
Our heroine is a reclusive heiress who has struggled with anxiety issues (an eating disorder, panic attacks) in the wake of her traumatic kidnapping and assault when she was 9 years old. Wanting to break free of her fears, she assumes her twin's identity for a night out that leads to a one night stand with the heir to the throne of a fictional European country bordering Austria (I think).
Our hero is an entitled jerk who (to borrow boogenhagen's terminology) wants one last trip to the lovely lady buffet before he settles down in a tidy, emotionless marriage to make heirs with a tidy, emotionless princess from a Mediterranean principality. (Yes, I get a bit obsessive about how we warp the map of Europe to accommodate HP's endless fictional royalty needs.)
The condom breaks, the heroine turns up pregnant in the tabloids, and the prince kidnaps her (because that isn't going to be at all triggering...smooth move, your royal jerkitude). Once paternity has been confirmed, he demands a brief marriage to legitimize the birth, to be followed by a swift divorce so that he can then return to plan A and marry his temporarily unbetrothed princess because she will make him a suitable queen. Also, they will share custody of this baby, who will be his heir, and the heroine will have to uproot her entire life to move to his country. (So she's going to be exposed to constant media coverage of his future marriage and children while, presumably, being expected to live a scandal-free life and be excoriated in the press for any future romantic attachments she might form. Sweet. What a prince this prince is.)
His treatment of the heroine is horrible and shows a complete lack of human feeling. First, there's the kidnapping. Then the revelation about the stop-gap marriage and the real fiancée waiting in the wings. Then he tells the heroine, who will need to go on bed rest for the third trimester to protect her high-risk pregnancy, that "until you deliver a healthy baby, many aspects of this situation remain fluid" (OMG). Then he marries her in a ceremony so down-low that only her mother is in attendance and his best man is his grandmother's private secretary instead of a friend. Then he wants to resume a sexual relationship after the birth even as the clock ticks down on their six-month marriage. In a final move, pressured by his grandmother the queen because he's starting to prioritize his new family over his royal duties, he tells the heroine they should end their sexual relationship and she should move to her House of Partial Exile a couple of weeks before the divorce deadline.
The heroine pleads/argues with him to reconsider. She faces down the evil queen to plead/argue with her to reconsider. Pushed to her limit by all the rejection, she has a panic attack and voilà, the prince becomes a real man at last and stands up to granny.
He gave her six months of emotional torture and no grovel. As a bonus, the epilogue is deservedly controversial.
July 22, 2020
We have seen Trella through all the three books from her siblings' perspectives. Now it is time for her own story. It all starts six months ago when Trella Sauveterre goes to a party hosted by Aleksy and Clair Dmitriev (from The Russian's Acquisition) and identifies herself as her identical twin, Angelique, from Pursued by the Desert Prince.
Where Trella was the more outgoing one to the shy Angelique, it all changed when the former was kidnapped at the young age of nine. Since then, Trella feels herself being a burden on her family. For whom everyone has to stay on their toes, even when they perhaps don't want to.
She meets the Crown Prince of Elazar, Xavier Deunoro, at the party. And it's an instant attraction followed by a one-night-stand. Which results in a pregnancy which she was sure she could never be, due to the physical scars from her sexual assault all those years ago. Trella is forcibly taken to his palace by Xavier, which triggers her. She is reminded of her kidnapping and the horrible things that followed. She suffers from debilitating panic attacks. And yet, behind her vulnerability lies an inherent strength. This book can be very triggering.
It was jarring and painful to read about Trella's past, which is revealed by her. Due to the assault, she has to take extra care and total bed rest if she is to have any hope of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. I was expecting a more hands-on approach from Xavier and was very disappointed. Especially because of Trella's emotional vulnerability.
But what was crazier was how Xavier and Trella seemed toxic right before the happy ending. Being a Prince, he couldn't marry a commoner. But they still had sexual relations counting down to the days they divorced and till he eventually married a princess. Then, when Trella wanted to be a hands-on mother, she was being denied her son in some instances because he was now royalty while she was not. I was expecting something else entirely and this put me off to no end.
I wished, wanted Xavier to be more supportive and he was anything but. He left her to the Wolves, oh pardon, the heartless Queen. Due to all this, the ending seemed quite rushed. But the epilogue was a sweet surprise though. And what made me rate it a five. Or maybe I'm biased because it's a Dani Collins! It all started with two pairs of twins and ended with another unique but unusual pair of twins.
P.S. What a journey it was to read this quartet! I'm glad that I finished reading it but also sad that it ended.
My review of the books in The Sauveterre Siblings Series is as follows:
Pursued by the Desert Prince
His Mistress with Two Secrets
Bound by the Millionaire's Ring
Prince's Son of Scandal
Where Trella was the more outgoing one to the shy Angelique, it all changed when the former was kidnapped at the young age of nine. Since then, Trella feels herself being a burden on her family. For whom everyone has to stay on their toes, even when they perhaps don't want to.
She meets the Crown Prince of Elazar, Xavier Deunoro, at the party. And it's an instant attraction followed by a one-night-stand. Which results in a pregnancy which she was sure she could never be, due to the physical scars from her sexual assault all those years ago. Trella is forcibly taken to his palace by Xavier, which triggers her. She is reminded of her kidnapping and the horrible things that followed. She suffers from debilitating panic attacks. And yet, behind her vulnerability lies an inherent strength. This book can be very triggering.
It was jarring and painful to read about Trella's past, which is revealed by her. Due to the assault, she has to take extra care and total bed rest if she is to have any hope of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. I was expecting a more hands-on approach from Xavier and was very disappointed. Especially because of Trella's emotional vulnerability.
But what was crazier was how Xavier and Trella seemed toxic right before the happy ending. Being a Prince, he couldn't marry a commoner. But they still had sexual relations counting down to the days they divorced and till he eventually married a princess. Then, when Trella wanted to be a hands-on mother, she was being denied her son in some instances because he was now royalty while she was not. I was expecting something else entirely and this put me off to no end.
I wished, wanted Xavier to be more supportive and he was anything but. He left her to the Wolves, oh pardon, the heartless Queen. Due to all this, the ending seemed quite rushed. But the epilogue was a sweet surprise though. And what made me rate it a five. Or maybe I'm biased because it's a Dani Collins! It all started with two pairs of twins and ended with another unique but unusual pair of twins.
P.S. What a journey it was to read this quartet! I'm glad that I finished reading it but also sad that it ended.
My review of the books in The Sauveterre Siblings Series is as follows:
Pursued by the Desert Prince
His Mistress with Two Secrets
Bound by the Millionaire's Ring
Prince's Son of Scandal
December 31, 2017
Normally I wait for a whole series to be available so I can read them together. In this case, I read the first three and then had to wait 6 weeks for the final instalment. Although this book can be read as standalone, I doubt whether the character connection (two sets of twins and their relationships) would resonate without reading "their" stories first.
Prior to reading this book, I read some of the reviews. A big mistake, that I won't make again. Some folks can be very picky with their Harlequins. One of these "critiques" in particular, stunned me. Why rip this book to shreds, because the heroine is not "virgo intacta"? Christ, Trella wasn't a virgin because she was raped at nine years old!
Prince's Son of Scandal - IMO, both characters were incredibly intense. Trella, due to her kidnapping and assault when she was nine, continues to suffer panic attacks. Xavier was raised by his stern grandmother (the Queen), to put his country first. Xavier and Trella meet at a ball in Paris and share a one night stand, which results in her pregnancy. What's good about it - Trella is the star of this book. She is gutsy and not afraid to fight for what she believes in. What's not so good? Xavier for 75% of the book appears to have been born, sans balls. Fortunately for the final 25%, he delivered the goods. Loved the HEA and the short and sweet epilogue.
Dani Collins has produced a memorable quartet. For me, book 3 probably the "runt" of the set, books 2 and 4, the best.
Prior to reading this book, I read some of the reviews. A big mistake, that I won't make again. Some folks can be very picky with their Harlequins. One of these "critiques" in particular, stunned me. Why rip this book to shreds, because the heroine is not "virgo intacta"? Christ, Trella wasn't a virgin because she was raped at nine years old!
Prince's Son of Scandal - IMO, both characters were incredibly intense. Trella, due to her kidnapping and assault when she was nine, continues to suffer panic attacks. Xavier was raised by his stern grandmother (the Queen), to put his country first. Xavier and Trella meet at a ball in Paris and share a one night stand, which results in her pregnancy. What's good about it - Trella is the star of this book. She is gutsy and not afraid to fight for what she believes in. What's not so good? Xavier for 75% of the book appears to have been born, sans balls. Fortunately for the final 25%, he delivered the goods. Loved the HEA and the short and sweet epilogue.
Dani Collins has produced a memorable quartet. For me, book 3 probably the "runt" of the set, books 2 and 4, the best.
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January 1, 2018This was not a good way to start the new year. So disappointed in this story. I have really loved the other books in this series, and Trella deserved a wonderful romance and happy ending.
Here's the thing...when you have a character who has suffered through a lot of trauma, HEALING should be one of the most important themes in their story. The reader needs to see emotional healing, not just sex. The hero in this book was god-awful for most of the story...cold and unemotional. And flat-out cruel. When I saw the press release he had put out--that his marriage was short-term so that the child was legitimate, and that he already had a divorce date set--I was done. Trella deserved kindness and love and someone to help her heal. And sorry...that last couple of pages of a loving declaration didn't ring true to me. Not even close to enough.
And the epilogue is absolutely ridiculous.
I still re-read the other books in this series, especially HIS MISTRESS WITH TWO SECRETS--adore this book!--quite often. But Trella's book has to be one of the most unromantic romance novels I've ever read. Not a good way to end this series.
Here's the thing...when you have a character who has suffered through a lot of trauma, HEALING should be one of the most important themes in their story. The reader needs to see emotional healing, not just sex. The hero in this book was god-awful for most of the story...cold and unemotional. And flat-out cruel. When I saw the press release he had put out--that his marriage was short-term so that the child was legitimate, and that he already had a divorce date set--I was done. Trella deserved kindness and love and someone to help her heal. And sorry...that last couple of pages of a loving declaration didn't ring true to me. Not even close to enough.
And the epilogue is absolutely ridiculous.
I still re-read the other books in this series, especially HIS MISTRESS WITH TWO SECRETS--adore this book!--quite often. But Trella's book has to be one of the most unromantic romance novels I've ever read. Not a good way to end this series.
July 25, 2022
This has a big trigger.
The heroine was kidnapped and raped as a child, she was so horribly abused that she can’t have children.
Or so she thinks.
Since we’re in hpland all is possible and everything you know is not true.
She’s been sheltered and she doesn’t go out often, but one night her identical twin asks her to go in her place to a function.
The book is part of a series of four books regarding four brothers that are accidentally two couples of identical twins.
It’s a rich and very famous family so they are all vips.
There she meets a handsome prince and decides for once to be a lil reckless.
Because she’s tired of staying at home while all her family worries about her.
They have a ons and then she leaves the morning after.
This hero/ prince knows this would be probably his last glory night because he’s getting engaged with a woman with a proper pedigree.
But things go differently.
Because the condom broke and even if the heroine thinks she can’t get pregnant she does.
But our hero doesn’t know she’s pregnant and in the following months he’s become engaged as provided to a proper woman and is about to marry her when on the tabloids he sees his former ons heavily pregnant.
The good prince them kidnaps the traumatized pregnant woman and basically forces her to marry.
And this is where things become interesting.
Because the poor heroine suffers from severe PTSD and panic attacks that leaves her shattered for hours.
And of course being kidnapped is a trigger and she has one of those attacks.
There’s a very weird thing that happens because her siblings are always available every time she calls because they feel all terribly guilty and so there’s this strange co dependance that all four have.
And so the prince who only wanted one last night of sex without worries, finds himself in a very delicate situation with a pregnant woman who also has PTSD and a fiancée who now is no more his fiancée.
Hero and heroine get married but only for one year.
He can’t stay married to her because he has to have at least two children and after the first traumatic birth the heroine can’t have any more children.
And since his grandmother is the one with the balls and she has decided that he has to divorce the heroine and remarry to have other babies the hero who is the most beta of betas, accepts meekly his destiny.
Ok, in the end he refuses to divorce the heroine and there’s a very original ending with another child that his identical twin carried for her. Jeez if this isn’t kinky.
I can’t say that the book wasn’t original.
The heroine was sweet and traumatized.
It was very angsty that she had to suffer all those things when she was a child then suffer again when she was adult. I find her ability to love and move on really amazing. She deserved better and even a better hero.
The hero is a pussy. He is mama’s boy and I didn’t like that he was ready to give her up without a fight because grandmama said so.
A reference to some real prince? Ehem?
Eventually all is well but in this case I really didn’t feel his love for the heroine.
The heroine was kidnapped and raped as a child, she was so horribly abused that she can’t have children.
Or so she thinks.
Since we’re in hpland all is possible and everything you know is not true.
She’s been sheltered and she doesn’t go out often, but one night her identical twin asks her to go in her place to a function.
The book is part of a series of four books regarding four brothers that are accidentally two couples of identical twins.
It’s a rich and very famous family so they are all vips.
There she meets a handsome prince and decides for once to be a lil reckless.
Because she’s tired of staying at home while all her family worries about her.
They have a ons and then she leaves the morning after.
This hero/ prince knows this would be probably his last glory night because he’s getting engaged with a woman with a proper pedigree.
But things go differently.
Because the condom broke and even if the heroine thinks she can’t get pregnant she does.
But our hero doesn’t know she’s pregnant and in the following months he’s become engaged as provided to a proper woman and is about to marry her when on the tabloids he sees his former ons heavily pregnant.
The good prince them kidnaps the traumatized pregnant woman and basically forces her to marry.
And this is where things become interesting.
Because the poor heroine suffers from severe PTSD and panic attacks that leaves her shattered for hours.
And of course being kidnapped is a trigger and she has one of those attacks.
There’s a very weird thing that happens because her siblings are always available every time she calls because they feel all terribly guilty and so there’s this strange co dependance that all four have.
And so the prince who only wanted one last night of sex without worries, finds himself in a very delicate situation with a pregnant woman who also has PTSD and a fiancée who now is no more his fiancée.
Hero and heroine get married but only for one year.
He can’t stay married to her because he has to have at least two children and after the first traumatic birth the heroine can’t have any more children.
And since his grandmother is the one with the balls and she has decided that he has to divorce the heroine and remarry to have other babies the hero who is the most beta of betas, accepts meekly his destiny.
Ok, in the end he refuses to divorce the heroine and there’s a very original ending with another child that his identical twin carried for her. Jeez if this isn’t kinky.
I can’t say that the book wasn’t original.
The heroine was sweet and traumatized.
It was very angsty that she had to suffer all those things when she was a child then suffer again when she was adult. I find her ability to love and move on really amazing. She deserved better and even a better hero.
The hero is a pussy. He is mama’s boy and I didn’t like that he was ready to give her up without a fight because grandmama said so.
A reference to some real prince? Ehem?
Eventually all is well but in this case I really didn’t feel his love for the heroine.
January 3, 2018
This book has been a long time coming and has kept me waiting. I probably wanted this book as soon as I finished Cinna and Henri's, book two in this quartet, which I read first before book one. I really was interested in Trella's story and wanted to immediately dig in because I knew it was going to be some deep stuff especially dealing with her kidnapping was going to come into play. I knew it was going to be tough one, but I was ready for it.
And it definitely did pull at the heartstrings let me tell you. I thought I knew what I was getting into but I didn't. This gave me major feels both good as I was reading it.
First off just all the trauma that Trella went through both in her past and present was a doozy. When she was explaining to Xavier all that she went through, just was really emotionally impactful. It punched me in the gut. I could feel her pain over the devastating event that took her innocence. It was rough. It was brutal. And even though it might not have been explicit, it was enough to get the full picture and understand why she remained hidden for all though years and why the siblings were so protective her. This gave the full picture of things while she lingered in the background.
Another thing that was really illuminated in this story was that a couple times it was shown what it was like when she was having a panic attack. I was really in her mind and felt her panic like it was my mind. I was in her mind. It really showed what she had to deal with in her life and that she probably would be for the rest of her life. It was raw and not water down at all.
What I really enjoyed about this quartet was the siblings relationship and how close of a bond they had. They had such love and devotion to each other to see. It was also nice to see them each finding love and getting their happily ever after. I loved how they all rallied around Trella and how she loved them for it yet at the same time she wanted to stand on her own two feet and live again while knowing she had their unending support.
And that was how Trella's story began. It was funny because after reading the previous books in there were certain things I knew like for example that Trella was pregnant and Prince Xavier was the father after a passionate night together. So I wasn't sure where this story would begin since there were little glimpses of Trella here and there. So I was happy it started from the beginning where Trella met Xavier, pretending to be her twin, and the passionate, hot night the shared. This was her first time to go out there on her own and meet a man that she was attracted to and just feel what it was like to want and be wanted and it be mutual. This was the first time she explored her sexuality.
And boy was that a hot scene that was just full of meaning. For the first time she actually felt pleasure for the first time. She felt a bond and trust with someone that wasn't a part of her family. To her this was living. What made it doubly hot was that Xavier felt the same fiery connection as she did. There was something more between them than just lust. It was steamy. And I loved seeing them act on their attraction. It was a special moment between them.
Once the clear picture of what happened in the past, the story focused on the present and caught me up to the current story line of Trella being pregnant with Prince Xavier's baby and all the issues that along with that to go with a tension filled relationship. It wasn't just her issues they were dealing but his to of not believing in love and duty to his country while attraction bubbled beneath the surface. The game had begun.
Some of my favorite moments where definitely the emotional intense stuff that gave the feels. I loved seeing him being with her and comforted her during her panic attack. I loved seeing him learning about her and understanding her because of what he learned. I loved seeing him fight his feelings for her and doing his best to protect her by keeping his distance. I loved his broken moments he had when he believed that he lost Trella. Just the feels kept on coming. I'll admit that a marked up a majority of the book with my favorite scenes. And there were a lot. A lot gut wrenching and punch in the stomach feels.
Because it was such an emotionally intense book, it was accompanied with some delicious angst between them. The frisson between them was very real and every time they got closer something would definitely happen and pull them away. It was a journey that just got deeper and deeper as the book progressed. It was so good. I was just hooked and didn't want to let go.
There was just so much to love about this book. It was all consuming and beautiful and heartbreaking and emotional and just a really engaging story that I didn't want to put down. I didn't realize how much I was going to love this book but I did. I knew this was going to be painful but I didn't realize how painful until witnessing those heartbreaking moments. I got chills. I got all the feels. And I really understood why the needed each other in order to have happy ending. They just had this connection that showed off the true meaning of what loved be really was. It was real. It was raw as it was powerful but in the end it was really beautiful. I really adored Trella and Xavier and knew the belonged together. This definitely touched my heart. The pain was all worth it in the end.
I will be reading this over multiple times again as will I do so with the rest of this quartet because it was such an amazing series. It's hard to choose a favorite couple here. I loved it so much.
Highly recommend this book for fans of Harlequin Presents but also for people that like heartbreaking circumstances that change to uplifting and beautiful ones once they find love with that very special person.
And it definitely did pull at the heartstrings let me tell you. I thought I knew what I was getting into but I didn't. This gave me major feels both good as I was reading it.
First off just all the trauma that Trella went through both in her past and present was a doozy. When she was explaining to Xavier all that she went through, just was really emotionally impactful. It punched me in the gut. I could feel her pain over the devastating event that took her innocence. It was rough. It was brutal. And even though it might not have been explicit, it was enough to get the full picture and understand why she remained hidden for all though years and why the siblings were so protective her. This gave the full picture of things while she lingered in the background.
Another thing that was really illuminated in this story was that a couple times it was shown what it was like when she was having a panic attack. I was really in her mind and felt her panic like it was my mind. I was in her mind. It really showed what she had to deal with in her life and that she probably would be for the rest of her life. It was raw and not water down at all.
What I really enjoyed about this quartet was the siblings relationship and how close of a bond they had. They had such love and devotion to each other to see. It was also nice to see them each finding love and getting their happily ever after. I loved how they all rallied around Trella and how she loved them for it yet at the same time she wanted to stand on her own two feet and live again while knowing she had their unending support.
And that was how Trella's story began. It was funny because after reading the previous books in there were certain things I knew like for example that Trella was pregnant and Prince Xavier was the father after a passionate night together. So I wasn't sure where this story would begin since there were little glimpses of Trella here and there. So I was happy it started from the beginning where Trella met Xavier, pretending to be her twin, and the passionate, hot night the shared. This was her first time to go out there on her own and meet a man that she was attracted to and just feel what it was like to want and be wanted and it be mutual. This was the first time she explored her sexuality.
And boy was that a hot scene that was just full of meaning. For the first time she actually felt pleasure for the first time. She felt a bond and trust with someone that wasn't a part of her family. To her this was living. What made it doubly hot was that Xavier felt the same fiery connection as she did. There was something more between them than just lust. It was steamy. And I loved seeing them act on their attraction. It was a special moment between them.
Once the clear picture of what happened in the past, the story focused on the present and caught me up to the current story line of Trella being pregnant with Prince Xavier's baby and all the issues that along with that to go with a tension filled relationship. It wasn't just her issues they were dealing but his to of not believing in love and duty to his country while attraction bubbled beneath the surface. The game had begun.
Some of my favorite moments where definitely the emotional intense stuff that gave the feels. I loved seeing him being with her and comforted her during her panic attack. I loved seeing him learning about her and understanding her because of what he learned. I loved seeing him fight his feelings for her and doing his best to protect her by keeping his distance. I loved his broken moments he had when he believed that he lost Trella. Just the feels kept on coming. I'll admit that a marked up a majority of the book with my favorite scenes. And there were a lot. A lot gut wrenching and punch in the stomach feels.
Because it was such an emotionally intense book, it was accompanied with some delicious angst between them. The frisson between them was very real and every time they got closer something would definitely happen and pull them away. It was a journey that just got deeper and deeper as the book progressed. It was so good. I was just hooked and didn't want to let go.
There was just so much to love about this book. It was all consuming and beautiful and heartbreaking and emotional and just a really engaging story that I didn't want to put down. I didn't realize how much I was going to love this book but I did. I knew this was going to be painful but I didn't realize how painful until witnessing those heartbreaking moments. I got chills. I got all the feels. And I really understood why the needed each other in order to have happy ending. They just had this connection that showed off the true meaning of what loved be really was. It was real. It was raw as it was powerful but in the end it was really beautiful. I really adored Trella and Xavier and knew the belonged together. This definitely touched my heart. The pain was all worth it in the end.
I will be reading this over multiple times again as will I do so with the rest of this quartet because it was such an amazing series. It's hard to choose a favorite couple here. I loved it so much.
Highly recommend this book for fans of Harlequin Presents but also for people that like heartbreaking circumstances that change to uplifting and beautiful ones once they find love with that very special person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
I give Dani Collins credit creating this series. It's very unusual for HP to go into this level of physical and emotional trauma. The heroine in this book's backstory and current "relationship" overarches through each of her sibling's relationships.
This book needs trigger warnings.
Her backstory is horrifying, sad, brutal, heartbreaking--it makes her a character you root for--hoping she finds peace and a happy life. And, because of this, I'm not sure the HP format gave it enough time and word count to make the story work. The ending is rushed--it takes too long for the hero to defrost, initially he's not likable and this drags through 3/4 of the book.
Add in the hero kidnaps the heroine with the knowledge she had been kidnapped as a child--with no real idea or understanding what level of trauma this may cause her, leaves him an unforgivable character for a reader.
3 could have been better stars
This book needs trigger warnings.
Her backstory is horrifying, sad, brutal, heartbreaking--it makes her a character you root for--hoping she finds peace and a happy life. And, because of this, I'm not sure the HP format gave it enough time and word count to make the story work. The ending is rushed--it takes too long for the hero to defrost, initially he's not likable and this drags through 3/4 of the book.
Add in the hero kidnaps the heroine with the knowledge she had been kidnapped as a child--with no real idea or understanding what level of trauma this may cause her, leaves him an unforgivable character for a reader.
3 could have been better stars
August 12, 2019
Rating 2.0 - 2.5 Stars
Honesly, I didn't care much for the Sauveterre Sibling's books. The series just didn't float my boat and they struggled to be barely average. In this final book of the series I really felt very unkind things for the Prince who impregnates Trella, the sister who had been kidnapped and abused. We do find out in this final writing what all happened to Trella at the age of nine while she was kidnapped and be prepared because it is worse than I thought it would be. I was so hoping it wouldn't go there but it did!
I know that Trella had been through a horrible experience but I had trouble understanding why she didn't seem much better off emotionally and mentally through the years and years of therapy. Every person in the family felt responsible for her sometimes putting their life on hold for her. I know the trauma stays with you for a lifetime but hers just seemed over the top. Her family treated her as though she was going to have an attack every second of every day. It was like they were sitting around waiting for it so they could hold her hand through it...no joke...that's what her sister did as she constantly told her she was safe like a mantra. She kept a cell phone in her bra for close access and wore a necklace that would alert them when she needed help or needed to be rescued. They tracked everyone in the family by them wearing a tracking device on their person.
The Princely hero was a man-whore and his one night with Trella was his last hurrah before becoming engaged to a platonic friend of his, the woman his grandmother, the Queen, knew would be the perfect new queen for him. He and grandma were so nasty that Trella was not even allowed to take his last name when they married. She had to keep the Sauveterre name as her last name...different from her baby's.
This book was my biggest disappointment of the series. The Prince hung on every word and demand of his grandmother's. How he was determined, prepared and ready to divorce his shock baby mama (whom he only married to legitimize his baby) until the very last chapter and was going to force her to live in his kingdom along with him and his new wife-to-be so he could marry the woman granny wanted him to. He was also taking the newborn 3.5 days a week...you do not take a nursing newborn from his mother! Gag! I viewed him as a weakling! A Real weak link! A Chink in the armor! It seemed he couldn't think for himself! All I saw was weakness! A beta for sure. Granny's word was his rule to live by. She had convinced him love was not a real thing. She rid him of his parents because they weren't proper enough and kept him all to herself yet refused to love him brainwashing him that love was not a real thing! That if you loved it only brought heartbreak and pain!!! Whatever she said he did and at one point he commented on how she guided him (every step he made if you ask me.) But, yet, the ending made it somewhat better but it sure took him long enough to grow a pair. The epilogue was one of the first ones epis that I did not like in the least! It was just too weird!
Maybe you should decide for yourself.
Honesly, I didn't care much for the Sauveterre Sibling's books. The series just didn't float my boat and they struggled to be barely average. In this final book of the series I really felt very unkind things for the Prince who impregnates Trella, the sister who had been kidnapped and abused. We do find out in this final writing what all happened to Trella at the age of nine while she was kidnapped and be prepared because it is worse than I thought it would be. I was so hoping it wouldn't go there but it did!
I know that Trella had been through a horrible experience but I had trouble understanding why she didn't seem much better off emotionally and mentally through the years and years of therapy. Every person in the family felt responsible for her sometimes putting their life on hold for her. I know the trauma stays with you for a lifetime but hers just seemed over the top. Her family treated her as though she was going to have an attack every second of every day. It was like they were sitting around waiting for it so they could hold her hand through it...no joke...that's what her sister did as she constantly told her she was safe like a mantra. She kept a cell phone in her bra for close access and wore a necklace that would alert them when she needed help or needed to be rescued. They tracked everyone in the family by them wearing a tracking device on their person.
The Princely hero was a man-whore and his one night with Trella was his last hurrah before becoming engaged to a platonic friend of his, the woman his grandmother, the Queen, knew would be the perfect new queen for him. He and grandma were so nasty that Trella was not even allowed to take his last name when they married. She had to keep the Sauveterre name as her last name...different from her baby's.
This book was my biggest disappointment of the series. The Prince hung on every word and demand of his grandmother's. How he was determined, prepared and ready to divorce his shock baby mama (whom he only married to legitimize his baby) until the very last chapter and was going to force her to live in his kingdom along with him and his new wife-to-be so he could marry the woman granny wanted him to. He was also taking the newborn 3.5 days a week...you do not take a nursing newborn from his mother! Gag! I viewed him as a weakling! A Real weak link! A Chink in the armor! It seemed he couldn't think for himself! All I saw was weakness! A beta for sure. Granny's word was his rule to live by. She had convinced him love was not a real thing. She rid him of his parents because they weren't proper enough and kept him all to herself yet refused to love him brainwashing him that love was not a real thing! That if you loved it only brought heartbreak and pain!!! Whatever she said he did and at one point he commented on how she guided him (every step he made if you ask me.) But, yet, the ending made it somewhat better but it sure took him long enough to grow a pair. The epilogue was one of the first ones epis that I did not like in the least! It was just too weird!
Maybe you should decide for yourself.
January 6, 2018
He intends to marry a suitable woman with connections that will benefit his country.
He has a night of sex with our heroine as a farewell before announcing his engagement.
He discovers that she has become pregnant and proposes a marriage of convenience with short duration to legitimize the heir and after the divorce he will marry the woman he intended to marry from the beginning.
I liked the heroine but the hero did not win my sympathy. Only in the last pages did he improve his behavior. I wanted more grovel.
He has a night of sex with our heroine as a farewell before announcing his engagement.
He discovers that she has become pregnant and proposes a marriage of convenience with short duration to legitimize the heir and after the divorce he will marry the woman he intended to marry from the beginning.
I liked the heroine but the hero did not win my sympathy. Only in the last pages did he improve his behavior. I wanted more grovel.
December 17, 2017
poor heroine she is been through alot glad she found happiness and peace ♡
February 14, 2019
Arrrrgh!
I hated Xavier. With a passion. His cruelty to Trella, knowing her childhood trauma, he kidnaps her and then proceeds to traumatize her all over again.
He is cold, and unfeeling. Believing that his duty to the crown is the most important thing. And with a witch of a grandmother like the one he has, is no surprise. That woman is in need of some serious therapy.
All my sympathies were with Trella. With what she survived and was able to overcome, she can do whatever the hell she wants. Yes, she refused Xavier’s calls and texts once he realized she was pregnant, but she was protecting herself. She knew what to expect the moment she confirmed that the baby was his. And she was proven right.
This was such an intense story. I’m still wound up over the cold, cruel way they treated Trella. So glad to see her family still there for her. Fighting for her.
Good read. Sweet epilogue.
I hated Xavier. With a passion. His cruelty to Trella, knowing her childhood trauma, he kidnaps her and then proceeds to traumatize her all over again.
He is cold, and unfeeling. Believing that his duty to the crown is the most important thing. And with a witch of a grandmother like the one he has, is no surprise. That woman is in need of some serious therapy.
All my sympathies were with Trella. With what she survived and was able to overcome, she can do whatever the hell she wants. Yes, she refused Xavier’s calls and texts once he realized she was pregnant, but she was protecting herself. She knew what to expect the moment she confirmed that the baby was his. And she was proven right.
This was such an intense story. I’m still wound up over the cold, cruel way they treated Trella. So glad to see her family still there for her. Fighting for her.
Good read. Sweet epilogue.
November 21, 2017
The final book in "The Sauveterre siblings" series and wow what a story. Ms. Collins has taken romance readers on a fantastic journey with the Sauveterre's from book one to 4 and this final one is amazing. Trella has had more happen in her life than anyone should have to bear but she is a truly amazing women. Having been kidnapped as a child the last thing she needs is for her to experience it happening again. However Crown Prince Xavier of Elazar has no other choice as he knows she is carrying his unborn child and heir, and she wants nothing to do with him. Her past has effected Trella and she has panic attacks so bad that at one time she was never left alone. Being prince and a future king he wants his son but not necessarily Trella as he has someone picked out to be his queen. Add Xavier's grandmother the queen who doesn't want Trella to be future Queen Ms. Collins pulls out all stops with this book and everything comes together to an amazing conclusion. If you haven't read any of these grab them because they are truly incredible.
November 29, 2017
Having read all previous books in this series, I was very much looking forward to Trella's story as she was a character that showed up in all the other books. However, I just couldn't stand the H, Xavier. He was just too loathsome for me. The way he treated h and the fact that he still wanted to marry OW after sleeping with h? Nope. I just didn't buy into their romance.
October 28, 2017
Xavier is very protective of what's his, “I’m locking us in. Leave sandwiches in my lounge. If I need anything else, I’ll text. No one comes in here. No one.” I liked this book, Xavier was a hardheaded man.
February 4, 2019
So, I have already read his mistress with two secrets in the series which is far better than this one. First of all, I don't get the author's obsession of showing celebrity status as curse and exaggerating it to such an extreme to have them sworn not to have any future children. DUDE, reality check- celebs live in this world as normal as they could and they know the price the pay for fame, get over it really.
Now, let's come to trella's story - she was kidnapped when she was 9 and yes raped and that defined her life which is understandable but there are personality clashes shown by the author, at one side she is intelligent and bold while on the other stupid and ignorant. She uses her twin's name for her one night of rendezvous with a prince and ends up pregnant. Now, what I don't understand is that this so called rich, independent, famous girl required the douchebag prince to marry her in a setup for four months to legitimate their child,then marry his current fiance and end the marriage if she lost the baby. Ugghhhh, dude it's 21st century, u can tell him to fuck off and crawl back to his hole for treating u like a breeding machine or maybe lower, I would have understood if heroine was without resources like money, family support but I just don't get it. I feel the whole plot was absurd to say the least....
The above review was based only on half read novel. This is full version - OMG I want to kill Trella if I can do away with it, I mean how can she be a complete doormat with absolute 0 self respect and even love that kind of a pig of a husband, Duty above all states u honour ur vows which states till death do us apart, I mean I wish there are hate stars available here. Please do not read this book if you dislike doormat, insecure, pathetic females and pig headed, hypocritic, selfish, bastard hero's.
Now, let's come to trella's story - she was kidnapped when she was 9 and yes raped and that defined her life which is understandable but there are personality clashes shown by the author, at one side she is intelligent and bold while on the other stupid and ignorant. She uses her twin's name for her one night of rendezvous with a prince and ends up pregnant. Now, what I don't understand is that this so called rich, independent, famous girl required the douchebag prince to marry her in a setup for four months to legitimate their child,then marry his current fiance and end the marriage if she lost the baby. Ugghhhh, dude it's 21st century, u can tell him to fuck off and crawl back to his hole for treating u like a breeding machine or maybe lower, I would have understood if heroine was without resources like money, family support but I just don't get it. I feel the whole plot was absurd to say the least....
The above review was based only on half read novel. This is full version - OMG I want to kill Trella if I can do away with it, I mean how can she be a complete doormat with absolute 0 self respect and even love that kind of a pig of a husband, Duty above all states u honour ur vows which states till death do us apart, I mean I wish there are hate stars available here. Please do not read this book if you dislike doormat, insecure, pathetic females and pig headed, hypocritic, selfish, bastard hero's.
January 4, 2018
Prince’s Son of Scandal by Dani Collins is the fourth book in her Sauveterre Siblings series. It’s about two sets of twins – Henri and Ramon, and Angelique and Trella – who come from a mixed Spanish and French heritage. Internationally renowned, wealthy and successful, everyone but Trella has found a partner. But that all changes when she meets the sensually seductive Xavier, Crown Prince of Elazar.
When Trella was nine, she was kidnapped and sexually molested before being tracked down and rescued. As a result, she’s spent the ensuing years dealing with panic attacks and other symptoms of PTSD. Her family has been very supportive of her in her recovery and she shares a special almost psychic bond with her twin sister Angelique. Determined not to be held captive by her fears, she occasionally goes out pretending to be Angelique. On one such occasion she meets Xavier and spends a night of passion in his arms. It wasn’t intended to be anything more than a one night stand, one which helped Trella realize that it might be possible for her to have a real relationship one day.
But that all changes when tabloid photos of a kiss they shared on their night together combine with more recent pictures showing Trella pregnant! Xavier is determined to find out the truth, and when he finds out the child is his, he insists on a marriage of convenience, just long enough to make his heir legitimate. Trella’s struggles to overcome her mental challenges are eclipsed only by her fierce devotion to her child. Their desire for each other is unmatched, but will it lead to a real marriage after all?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-pri...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
When Trella was nine, she was kidnapped and sexually molested before being tracked down and rescued. As a result, she’s spent the ensuing years dealing with panic attacks and other symptoms of PTSD. Her family has been very supportive of her in her recovery and she shares a special almost psychic bond with her twin sister Angelique. Determined not to be held captive by her fears, she occasionally goes out pretending to be Angelique. On one such occasion she meets Xavier and spends a night of passion in his arms. It wasn’t intended to be anything more than a one night stand, one which helped Trella realize that it might be possible for her to have a real relationship one day.
But that all changes when tabloid photos of a kiss they shared on their night together combine with more recent pictures showing Trella pregnant! Xavier is determined to find out the truth, and when he finds out the child is his, he insists on a marriage of convenience, just long enough to make his heir legitimate. Trella’s struggles to overcome her mental challenges are eclipsed only by her fierce devotion to her child. Their desire for each other is unmatched, but will it lead to a real marriage after all?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-pri...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
January 6, 2018
The last of the quartet series. At nine years old, the heroine was kidnapped and held for five days. She became a hermit and rarely left their house, staying hidden away from media who was always looking for the next update on her and her siblings. She decides back in book 1 to impersonate her twin sister and attend a party. There she meets the hero but gives him her sister's name. She has a one-night stand with him and then goes home the next day. Six months later the media finds out she's pregnant and it's not long before the hero is contacting her and her siblings, wanting to speak to her. She kept putting him off and he finally kidnapped her one day, after getting tired of getting the run around by her. He's now engaged to another woman at this time and tells her that he wants a DNA test to prove the baby she's carrying is his and if it is his, they'll marry so the baby is his legitimate heir because he (the hero) is next in line to become king. Their marriage will last only a few months, then they'll divorce and he can go ahead and marry the lady he was already engaged to. He was all about duty and following his grandmother's rules and it wasn't until the very end that he stood up to his grandmother and told her that he loved his wife and son and he was not going to send them away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2018
This was the culmination of the series and dealing as it does with Trella’s story I really expected it to be a more emotional read.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a good story, but given the tragedy of her childhood experiences, the health issues and psychological struggles it had the potential to be a real weepy.
I totally blame Prince Xavier for dampening down the emotional impact.
He had his own challenges but even though aware of Trella’s past, he was absurdly unsympathetic to her and I was overtly unsympathetic to him.
The story itself was hinted at in the other books. Trella pretends to be her sister in order to avoid media attention and has a one night stand with Xavier. He is on the verge of making a political marriage with a princess so this is his final fling.
We fast forward several months and the revelation of her pregnancy and her true identity.
Xavier is not happy. His family don’t do illegitimate. They also don’t do marriage to media tarts. He is still going to need an heir and a spare, only one of which Trella can supply.
Xavier took a long, long, loooong time to wake up to himself and prove himself worthy of being a king or Trella’s husband. He did make it eventually and the epilogue, which linked nicely with the one in book 2, was cute.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a good story, but given the tragedy of her childhood experiences, the health issues and psychological struggles it had the potential to be a real weepy.
I totally blame Prince Xavier for dampening down the emotional impact.
He had his own challenges but even though aware of Trella’s past, he was absurdly unsympathetic to her and I was overtly unsympathetic to him.
The story itself was hinted at in the other books. Trella pretends to be her sister in order to avoid media attention and has a one night stand with Xavier. He is on the verge of making a political marriage with a princess so this is his final fling.
We fast forward several months and the revelation of her pregnancy and her true identity.
Xavier is not happy. His family don’t do illegitimate. They also don’t do marriage to media tarts. He is still going to need an heir and a spare, only one of which Trella can supply.
Xavier took a long, long, loooong time to wake up to himself and prove himself worthy of being a king or Trella’s husband. He did make it eventually and the epilogue, which linked nicely with the one in book 2, was cute.
January 9, 2018
In the final instalment of the Sauveterre siblings. This time we meet Trella and Xavier. When Trella was younger she was abducted and had terrible things inflicted on her. This has left her a recluse too scared to live her life. Trella decides to test the waters and go to a party as her twin sister. While at the party she meets Xavier, the chemistry is hot. When Xavier suggests taking things somewhere more private. Trella decides to throw caution to the wind. They have one passionate night, neither are in a position for anything else. When Trella finds out she is pregnant she decides to keep who the father is a secret. Until a photo of a kiss shared between them surfaces. Then Xavier finds out he was with Trella and not Angelique. Xavier's grandmother the queen was a piece of work. I felt for Xavier, he couldn't help the way he was, because that's how he was brought up. My heart broke for Trella, I thought the author did a fantastic job in how she wrote about Trella's panic attacks. I loved how close the siblings were. Both Trella and Xavier deserved their happy ending. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary and second chance romance.
February 3, 2018
Dani Collins doesn't disappoint in her latest Presents romance. Prince's Son of Scandal is a breathtaking and utterly captivating story. At last we meet Trella on a personal level and wow, her emotion-packed back-story grips your heart. The author projects her with such realism that you're compelled to root for her regardless of the flaws she possesses. To say Crown Prince Xavier is the perfect hero for her is an understatement. This alpha male might get his way with things at some point but no way does he come off as a jerk. But the strong connections these two protagonists share run deeper than attraction. Trella is the yin to Xavier’s yang—these two complete each other. They are perfect together and I savored each time they waltzed onto the page. The scandal, the passion, the sophisticated flair of this story is entertainment overdrive. Overall, Prince’s Son of Scandal by Dani Collins is a vibrant, beautifully composed romance with a rewarding and satisfactory ending and makes the author’s Sauveterre Siblings quartet a sigh-worthy experience.
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
January 25, 2018
I knew this, the fourth of the series, was going to be the hardest to read. Trella had been kidnapped as a child and was rescued, but not until she had undergone terrible abuse. Over the years, she has battled with extreme PTSD, but decides it's time to overcome her issues and learn to live outside her safe world again. As introduced in the first book, she takes her sister's identity at a charity ball and meets a prince, falling into bed with him with expected results.
This was intense because there are triggers for her, not only because of Xavier's actions, but also because of his grandmother's actions. The descriptions of her panic attacks were very vivid, and then the birth.....! To be honest, I didn't see how they could have their HEA and they had a lot to overcome!
I keep using the word "intense", but it really was!
Note: I have this on my phone so I can re-read it as often as I want.
This was intense because there are triggers for her, not only because of Xavier's actions, but also because of his grandmother's actions. The descriptions of her panic attacks were very vivid, and then the birth.....! To be honest, I didn't see how they could have their HEA and they had a lot to overcome!
I keep using the word "intense", but it really was!
Note: I have this on my phone so I can re-read it as often as I want.
November 6, 2018
OMG! Dani Collins I enjoyed the Suaveterre Siblings series,this one is definitely a keeper and a reread. A trial of love torn between duty and family. I adored the love shared among the Sauveterre family. The emotional telepathic connection between Angelique and Trella was remarkable and binding. It's amazing they both became queens in their own way and taught their Kings to love and give. Trella's trauma affected them terribly and each sibling become a shield and protector of her. Trella is a unique heroine and definitely needed a hero to match her. Xavier (Love this name ) was hardcore, regal and disciplined he was a hero loyal to duty and country. His Grandmother was the Queen 👑 a real bitch but I'm the end Trella won over her husband and the Queen abided by their love. I highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2021
This was one of those stories about good-enough-for-great-sex heroine but not-good-enough-for-marrying-the Prince because reasons until hey f-k reasons (actually, they had a baby and had to marry so the little baby is legitimate but then they plan to divorce so he can marry a good enough wife. No, it makes no sense. The anguish that heroine was put through by awful hero, grandmother and circumstances!).
Until hero comes to his senses. Gives hope to all future HP heroines whose heroes are holding off.
Unusual because of the dark elements in heroine’s backstory.
3 stars.
Until hero comes to his senses. Gives hope to all future HP heroines whose heroes are holding off.
Unusual because of the dark elements in heroine’s backstory.
3 stars.
January 19, 2018
Trella Sauveterre was kidnapped when she was nine. She was sexually assaulted by one of her kidnappers. She has never been on a date and hasn’t has a sexual relationship with anyone before. This in my eyes makes her a virgin.
The book opens up with Trella pretending to be her twin sister at a charity auction. It really is a changing point in her life as it is the first time she is out in public alone without her siblings. She meets Crown Prince Xavier of Elazar and she spends the night with him which results in her pregnancy. Fast forward six months and Xavier has kidnapped her. I felt what Trella was feeling with her panic attacks and how strong she fought to overcome them.
I really wanted Trella to end up with someone who would appreciate her, be kind and protective to her and love her. Xavier doesn’t know what love is. He was raised by his Queen grandmother in a cold environment. He is cruel but not as cruel as Ramon Sauveterre. Xavier asks Trella to marry him but stills wants to marry another ‘suitable’ woman so he proposes they marry for a short while till their child is born and the year ends.
“Is this room a time machine, by the way? I feel we’ve gone back to your 1700s shameful you’re sweeping under the rug.” “It isn’t about hiding you.” He showed the barest hint of discomfort by dropping his hands to the footboard and pushing to stand. “I’m acknowledging you and the heir you’re providing me, but it would be helpful if your role was downplayed, so as not to overshadow Patrizia.” “You’re still engaged?”
Xavier really comes across are heartless at times.
“Gender isn’t an issue in Elazar. First born is first in line, but...”He seemed to debate whether she could handle his next words before he said, without emotion, “Until you deliver a healthy baby, many aspects of this situation remain fluid.” Trella sucked in a gasp so sharp it went down the back of her throat like a spear, sticking in her heart and pinning her motionless. She tried telling herself the shivery clamp around her was anger, but it was anguish. Dark, blood-red betrayal. “How dare you give someone hope that I’ll lose our baby.” “It’s not hope.” He strode away from the foot of the bed in a sudden rush, making her jerk back another step and keep him in her line of sight. “It’s caution. You said this will be your only pregnancy. There is a reason for an heir and a spare.”
But in the end, he learns how to love and what love is. He does love his wife and child.
“If I can’t give the woman I love what she needs, how the hell can I give our country what it needs? She makes me whole. Stronger. I want to be a better man for her. That can only make me a better leader. A better king.”
I am so happy Trella got her showdown with the cold Queen who didn’t let her have a wedding that all of her siblings could attend and who didn’t allow Trella to be photographed with her child at his christening.
“You know nothing about me and what I can endure. Do not confuse my capacity for love as an inability to stand and fight. In fact, love is my weapon. You want to go to war with me? Gird your loins. You might rule this country, but I rule the online world. I’m beloved by billions. You want to protect what’s taken five hundred years to build? I belong to something that’s lasted millennia. Family. When you die, do you think duty will squeeze a single tear from Xavier’s eye?” The Queen went white.
The book opens up with Trella pretending to be her twin sister at a charity auction. It really is a changing point in her life as it is the first time she is out in public alone without her siblings. She meets Crown Prince Xavier of Elazar and she spends the night with him which results in her pregnancy. Fast forward six months and Xavier has kidnapped her. I felt what Trella was feeling with her panic attacks and how strong she fought to overcome them.
I really wanted Trella to end up with someone who would appreciate her, be kind and protective to her and love her. Xavier doesn’t know what love is. He was raised by his Queen grandmother in a cold environment. He is cruel but not as cruel as Ramon Sauveterre. Xavier asks Trella to marry him but stills wants to marry another ‘suitable’ woman so he proposes they marry for a short while till their child is born and the year ends.
“Is this room a time machine, by the way? I feel we’ve gone back to your 1700s shameful you’re sweeping under the rug.” “It isn’t about hiding you.” He showed the barest hint of discomfort by dropping his hands to the footboard and pushing to stand. “I’m acknowledging you and the heir you’re providing me, but it would be helpful if your role was downplayed, so as not to overshadow Patrizia.” “You’re still engaged?”
Xavier really comes across are heartless at times.
“Gender isn’t an issue in Elazar. First born is first in line, but...”He seemed to debate whether she could handle his next words before he said, without emotion, “Until you deliver a healthy baby, many aspects of this situation remain fluid.” Trella sucked in a gasp so sharp it went down the back of her throat like a spear, sticking in her heart and pinning her motionless. She tried telling herself the shivery clamp around her was anger, but it was anguish. Dark, blood-red betrayal. “How dare you give someone hope that I’ll lose our baby.” “It’s not hope.” He strode away from the foot of the bed in a sudden rush, making her jerk back another step and keep him in her line of sight. “It’s caution. You said this will be your only pregnancy. There is a reason for an heir and a spare.”
But in the end, he learns how to love and what love is. He does love his wife and child.
“If I can’t give the woman I love what she needs, how the hell can I give our country what it needs? She makes me whole. Stronger. I want to be a better man for her. That can only make me a better leader. A better king.”
I am so happy Trella got her showdown with the cold Queen who didn’t let her have a wedding that all of her siblings could attend and who didn’t allow Trella to be photographed with her child at his christening.
“You know nothing about me and what I can endure. Do not confuse my capacity for love as an inability to stand and fight. In fact, love is my weapon. You want to go to war with me? Gird your loins. You might rule this country, but I rule the online world. I’m beloved by billions. You want to protect what’s taken five hundred years to build? I belong to something that’s lasted millennia. Family. When you die, do you think duty will squeeze a single tear from Xavier’s eye?” The Queen went white.
December 8, 2017
If you want to feel while reading this book is for you. Dani Collins knows just how to tug those heart strings and feel what her characters are going through, and boy has Trella been through a lot.
She was kidnapped as a kid, which coupled with the trials and bullying often associated with youth, the media's endless fascination with her family and the amazing success of her clothing design business has caused a few panic attacks over the years.
But, Trella's trying to overcome all that. Little by little. She's grown her hair out and worked to make herself once again look just like her twin, and is making small excursions in public as Angelique.
She's so successful that for the first time in years, she's attracted to and draws the attention of a hunky prince. When things quickly heat up, she allows herself some one amazing night with him.
Xavier had promised himself one last night of fun before he officially becomes engaged. The match will be a good political alliance to the future king. But, he can't forget the woman he meets at a charity event. He's not sure what she's done to him but he's compelled to contact her again.
Too bad she doesn't remember him. Or acts like it. In fact, the genuine woman now seems to have played the game as well as he, since she has another man.
She seems a stranger, but he can't let go completely, and keeps trying to talk to her.
Trella in the meantime has found out she's pregnant, something she was lead to believe could never happen thanks to her past trauma. She's excited but scared to death of miscarriage. So, when her prince tries to reach her, she dodges. Why cause a panic if she loses the baby? Besides, he thought she was her sister that night.
Despite her fabulous clothing design, at 6 months it's hard to hide a baby bump. And Xavier's grandmother the queen insists he find out if that kid is his, after all Angelique's future MIL had now told the world Trella impersonated Angelique that night.
Xavier won't let her refuse, determined to get a blood test and to talk to her. He snatches her as she trues to leave a public place. Of course, Trella is determined not to be a kidnap victim again, fights back, thinks fast and almost escapes.
In the end Xavier stops her, triggering a panic attack. Once he's sure the baby is his, he devises a plan to claim the kid: marry Trella for as ling as she's pregnant or til the end of the year, whichever occurs first. Then, go ahead with his plan ti marry the other woman.
The heat between Trella and Xavier could still consume a small country, however. And Trella's never forgotten the prince from the event, but he doesn't believe in any kind of love, only duty. Can she break through his frozen heart? Can a child?
The months following are emotionally charge, fabulous, heartbreaking and difficult to say the least.
Collins makes you experience every second of it with this unlikely pair. Be sure to grab a box of tissues a d get ready for a rollercoaster of emotional ride as this pair sail uncharted waters. Hang on to the end. The destination is worth it.
Thanks Dani Collins for a Netgalley ARC. Honestly easy to recommend this awesome read.
She was kidnapped as a kid, which coupled with the trials and bullying often associated with youth, the media's endless fascination with her family and the amazing success of her clothing design business has caused a few panic attacks over the years.
But, Trella's trying to overcome all that. Little by little. She's grown her hair out and worked to make herself once again look just like her twin, and is making small excursions in public as Angelique.
She's so successful that for the first time in years, she's attracted to and draws the attention of a hunky prince. When things quickly heat up, she allows herself some one amazing night with him.
Xavier had promised himself one last night of fun before he officially becomes engaged. The match will be a good political alliance to the future king. But, he can't forget the woman he meets at a charity event. He's not sure what she's done to him but he's compelled to contact her again.
Too bad she doesn't remember him. Or acts like it. In fact, the genuine woman now seems to have played the game as well as he, since she has another man.
She seems a stranger, but he can't let go completely, and keeps trying to talk to her.
Trella in the meantime has found out she's pregnant, something she was lead to believe could never happen thanks to her past trauma. She's excited but scared to death of miscarriage. So, when her prince tries to reach her, she dodges. Why cause a panic if she loses the baby? Besides, he thought she was her sister that night.
Despite her fabulous clothing design, at 6 months it's hard to hide a baby bump. And Xavier's grandmother the queen insists he find out if that kid is his, after all Angelique's future MIL had now told the world Trella impersonated Angelique that night.
Xavier won't let her refuse, determined to get a blood test and to talk to her. He snatches her as she trues to leave a public place. Of course, Trella is determined not to be a kidnap victim again, fights back, thinks fast and almost escapes.
In the end Xavier stops her, triggering a panic attack. Once he's sure the baby is his, he devises a plan to claim the kid: marry Trella for as ling as she's pregnant or til the end of the year, whichever occurs first. Then, go ahead with his plan ti marry the other woman.
The heat between Trella and Xavier could still consume a small country, however. And Trella's never forgotten the prince from the event, but he doesn't believe in any kind of love, only duty. Can she break through his frozen heart? Can a child?
The months following are emotionally charge, fabulous, heartbreaking and difficult to say the least.
Collins makes you experience every second of it with this unlikely pair. Be sure to grab a box of tissues a d get ready for a rollercoaster of emotional ride as this pair sail uncharted waters. Hang on to the end. The destination is worth it.
Thanks Dani Collins for a Netgalley ARC. Honestly easy to recommend this awesome read.
December 31, 2017
WOW I have been waiting for this story and I was not disappointed I just about inhaled it, this is the fourth and last book in the stories of two sets of identical twins and what they go through to find love and happiness and the last is Trella’s story can a heroine who feels broken find love with a hero who has been bought up not to love or show any emotion, duty is what he is all about until Trella.
Trella has decided it is time to get out on her own she has come a long way since her kidnapping years before and so she throws the reclusive Trella out and ends up at a charity ball and meets a man that causes her heart to jump but not in fear this time it sizzles with a sensual pull and this leads to a night of passion unknown to Trella before, but there are consequences that she keeps to herself for some time.
Crown Prince Xavier of Elazar is drawn to the beautiful Sauveteere twin on their first meeting Xavier is about to settle down and due his duty and marry so one night of sensual passion will be his last but maybe not, he does not forget the beauty that he shared a night with and when he finds out through the press that she is pregnant with his heir he must do what he has to, to make his son the true heir.
I loved this story Trella who shows such strength and passion even with her fears where Xavier is concerned, but Xavier is so against love and emotion it takes a bit to convince him what love is but when he does, oh my the joy the beauty the heartfelt emotion that flows from the pages, this really is a fabulous ending to the series. MS Collins you rock you made my day with this book there were tears of joy and smiles all round wow, thank you a book that should not be missed.
Trella has decided it is time to get out on her own she has come a long way since her kidnapping years before and so she throws the reclusive Trella out and ends up at a charity ball and meets a man that causes her heart to jump but not in fear this time it sizzles with a sensual pull and this leads to a night of passion unknown to Trella before, but there are consequences that she keeps to herself for some time.
Crown Prince Xavier of Elazar is drawn to the beautiful Sauveteere twin on their first meeting Xavier is about to settle down and due his duty and marry so one night of sensual passion will be his last but maybe not, he does not forget the beauty that he shared a night with and when he finds out through the press that she is pregnant with his heir he must do what he has to, to make his son the true heir.
I loved this story Trella who shows such strength and passion even with her fears where Xavier is concerned, but Xavier is so against love and emotion it takes a bit to convince him what love is but when he does, oh my the joy the beauty the heartfelt emotion that flows from the pages, this really is a fabulous ending to the series. MS Collins you rock you made my day with this book there were tears of joy and smiles all round wow, thank you a book that should not be missed.
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