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Unwrapped By Her Italian Boss
Can she resist his snowbound seduction?
After a rocky first impression, innocent Meredith’s got a lot to prove to her new billionaire boss Giovanni! He’s trusting her to make his opulent train’s maiden voyage a success. Trusting herself around him? That's another challenge entirely…
After a rocky first impression, innocent Meredith’s got a lot to prove to her new billionaire boss Giovanni! He’s trusting her to make his opulent train’s maiden voyage a success. Trusting herself around him? That's another challenge entirely…
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
About the author
Michelle Smart
870 books261 followersMichelle Smart is a Publishers Weekly bestselling romance author with a slight-to-severe coffee addiction. With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Michelle is now embracing the indie book world to write the passionate romance books she knows her readers love whilst continuing to write for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She is also the author of Butterflies, a standalone romantic and humorous time travel novel set in the 1990s.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 3, 2021
Heroine Merry Ingles works at the Hotel Haensli in the Swiss Alps. She is suddenly asked to accompany hero Giovanni Cannavaro (a close friend of the hotel owner) to be his assistant on his luxurious train, the Meravaro Odyssey. The train is ready for its maiden voyage to all the wonderful cities of Europe, and Giovanni wants it to be a huge success. Though, once the trip begins, will Merry and Giovanni be able to deny their attraction to each other?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were so many things I liked about it. The settings, the hotel, the glamorous train. The snow, the trees, the festive Christmas season. The heroine Merry, who was sweet and adorable and super-efficient. The hero Giovanni, who had a really charming and appealing way about him.
A wonderful Christmas romance by Michelle Smart that left me with a smile on my face.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were so many things I liked about it. The settings, the hotel, the glamorous train. The snow, the trees, the festive Christmas season. The heroine Merry, who was sweet and adorable and super-efficient. The hero Giovanni, who had a really charming and appealing way about him.
A wonderful Christmas romance by Michelle Smart that left me with a smile on my face.
October 12, 2021
It was even little bit angsty at the end. 4,5 stars.
May 23, 2022
I wrote a review and it disappeared...
October 29, 2021
A light hearted holiday read that is fast paced and doesn’t weigh down with monologues despite being quite angsty. MS has given me several indulging romances and I can’t complain about this one either.
Merry works for a snazzy Swiss hotel right in the alps. One fine day her boss introduces her to to his protege, who’s in town looking for a last-minute replacement for his assistant at a very special timely project.
With everyone being busy at the holiday season, the only suitable replacement is Merry who suddenly finds herself in close quarters with Giovanni. Merry is totally knocked off by how hot he is and tries to develop a rather playful camaraderie in their new work role as boss and lowly employee. Anything else and her secret would be out: that she’s a total nut and weak in the knees for her hot boss.
I really liked this background to a holiday plot. The H is about to launch his new project of a high class train that takes discerning wealthy guests through Europe. (A rocky mountaineer of sorts). Merry is his assistant to help through a seamless opening experience. They work in close quarters and try their darnedest to maintain a professional relationship.
Merry I found was just right for this story. She maybe a little much of many things but MS has rightfully put her in a holiday book which needed a jovial Merry who talked much and wasn’t exactly mousy or impersonal. She also loved wearing ugly holiday sweaters and all.
The H is alpha thanks to his deep pockets but was pretty modern for my preferred HP standards. He talks in less than perfect English which I’ve to say was remarkable! Giovanni not only has an accent but his English is also slightly off, rightfully so.
The h and H have excellent chemistry and they both play it super safe without giving an inch to the heat rising between them. The h isn’t too needy and the H is refined and much in control of his mind over matter protocol.
It is only after their ONS that I felt a slight reversal of usual gender roles. I totally hated how the h would ask the H if ‘he’ was doing okay post their having a go at it. Each time it’s Merry checking up on Giovanni. I leave that to the man...
There isn’t any tlc follow up or even a mention of the priced v card. They’re both back at their work roles and eventually this holiday dream of 4 days comes to an end for Merry. True to his self, the H is reserved but not cruel, far from it. Like I said the H was too urbane for my liking but I liked him as a perfect fit for this story.
They have an extremely quick end to this work role and an even quicker reunion to their HEA. There aren’t any regrets and miserable wallowing or time wasted at that. The epilogue could be longer but can’t complain.
There’s a bit of a crying bit that I don’t want to bring up. But I could see that the HP standards are going kinda easy.. Glad to have picked it up!
Merry works for a snazzy Swiss hotel right in the alps. One fine day her boss introduces her to to his protege, who’s in town looking for a last-minute replacement for his assistant at a very special timely project.
With everyone being busy at the holiday season, the only suitable replacement is Merry who suddenly finds herself in close quarters with Giovanni. Merry is totally knocked off by how hot he is and tries to develop a rather playful camaraderie in their new work role as boss and lowly employee. Anything else and her secret would be out: that she’s a total nut and weak in the knees for her hot boss.
I really liked this background to a holiday plot. The H is about to launch his new project of a high class train that takes discerning wealthy guests through Europe. (A rocky mountaineer of sorts). Merry is his assistant to help through a seamless opening experience. They work in close quarters and try their darnedest to maintain a professional relationship.
Merry I found was just right for this story. She maybe a little much of many things but MS has rightfully put her in a holiday book which needed a jovial Merry who talked much and wasn’t exactly mousy or impersonal. She also loved wearing ugly holiday sweaters and all.
The H is alpha thanks to his deep pockets but was pretty modern for my preferred HP standards. He talks in less than perfect English which I’ve to say was remarkable! Giovanni not only has an accent but his English is also slightly off, rightfully so.
The h and H have excellent chemistry and they both play it super safe without giving an inch to the heat rising between them. The h isn’t too needy and the H is refined and much in control of his mind over matter protocol.
It is only after their ONS that I felt a slight reversal of usual gender roles. I totally hated how the h would ask the H if ‘he’ was doing okay post their having a go at it. Each time it’s Merry checking up on Giovanni. I leave that to the man...
There isn’t any tlc follow up or even a mention of the priced v card. They’re both back at their work roles and eventually this holiday dream of 4 days comes to an end for Merry. True to his self, the H is reserved but not cruel, far from it. Like I said the H was too urbane for my liking but I liked him as a perfect fit for this story.
They have an extremely quick end to this work role and an even quicker reunion to their HEA. There aren’t any regrets and miserable wallowing or time wasted at that. The epilogue could be longer but can’t complain.
There’s a bit of a crying bit that I don’t want to bring up. But I could see that the HP standards are going kinda easy.. Glad to have picked it up!
December 11, 2024
3.5 stars Snowy train ride through Europe was lovely and so was the Christmas market. A little more work on the romance and reunion would’ve bumped this up higher.
October 21, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Mills and Boon in return for an honest review.
I always enjoy Michelle Smart's books. She creates a wonderfully escapist world of fantasy, romance, and abundant wealth with an engaging hero/heroine, whose story pulls you right in.
Giovanni and Merry are another great couple, and their journey to a happy ending is emotional and entertaining. I loved the idea of the luxury train and the insight into how the other half live!
Whilst I liked the way Giovanni talked as it conveyed his foreign background, I found his use of the term 'lady' somewhat irritating. It sounded very clumsy for such a sophisticated man.
A lovely read.
I always enjoy Michelle Smart's books. She creates a wonderfully escapist world of fantasy, romance, and abundant wealth with an engaging hero/heroine, whose story pulls you right in.
Giovanni and Merry are another great couple, and their journey to a happy ending is emotional and entertaining. I loved the idea of the luxury train and the insight into how the other half live!
Whilst I liked the way Giovanni talked as it conveyed his foreign background, I found his use of the term 'lady' somewhat irritating. It sounded very clumsy for such a sophisticated man.
A lovely read.
October 28, 2021
Unwrapped by Her Italian Boss is a warm and appealing story which calls on the Christmas spirit with the sass and emotion that I love Michelle Smart for.
The Christmas scene is set straight away when Merry manages to knock over her new boss with a Christmas Tree. Life is a funny ole thing tho. Next moment Merry's being summonsed into Giovanni's office. She's not being fired, she's asked to accompany him on his luxury as his assistant and despite their clumsy firs meeting, he's trusting her ability to pull off the event so it's memorable and successful.
Christmas has a way of bringing out the worst in families and highlighting personal grief. Both of these factors influence Merry and Giovani's thoughts of the festive season. Michelle Smart weaves this perfectly amongst with emotions, passion and adventure. The story, the train ride, the banter, the seriousness, the white Christmas (which we don't get in the Southern Hemisphere), the passion, I felt it all.
The high point for me was the closing chapters where Michelle Smart's mastery in writing shines through. TI really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the second instalment in this mini-series.
The Christmas scene is set straight away when Merry manages to knock over her new boss with a Christmas Tree. Life is a funny ole thing tho. Next moment Merry's being summonsed into Giovanni's office. She's not being fired, she's asked to accompany him on his luxury as his assistant and despite their clumsy firs meeting, he's trusting her ability to pull off the event so it's memorable and successful.
Christmas has a way of bringing out the worst in families and highlighting personal grief. Both of these factors influence Merry and Giovani's thoughts of the festive season. Michelle Smart weaves this perfectly amongst with emotions, passion and adventure. The story, the train ride, the banter, the seriousness, the white Christmas (which we don't get in the Southern Hemisphere), the passion, I felt it all.
The high point for me was the closing chapters where Michelle Smart's mastery in writing shines through. TI really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the second instalment in this mini-series.
November 8, 2021
I really, really wanted to like this book but the hero was too cold for me to "warm" to. Calling the heroine Lady (seemed demeaning?) from beginning to end; it drove me nuts. Having read every one of Michelle Smart's books IMO, this was her worst. 2.5 stars for the setting
October 21, 2021
This is a festive story set in Switzerland, Paris and across the Alps. Part of the story takes place on a luxury train, and this well-described setting makes this a vivid read. Merry is innocent and career-driven, running away from her dysfunctional family. Giovanni is a self-made billionaire, Merry's temporary boss who hates Christmas because of a personal tragedy. There are elements of humour and poignant moments which draw the reader's empathy.
The chemistry between the two is well-written with sparkly romance. Giovanni has old fashioned manners and speech that fit perfectly with the festive old-world setting. There is angst, reconciliation, self-realisation and a lovely romantic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The chemistry between the two is well-written with sparkly romance. Giovanni has old fashioned manners and speech that fit perfectly with the festive old-world setting. There is angst, reconciliation, self-realisation and a lovely romantic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 8, 2021
this is cute. the heroine became like the hero's assistant for the Christmas season, and their chemistry was undeniable. they both had a rough past and became each other's healer.
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December 22, 2023The Smut Report team is participating in Wendy the Super Librarian's #TBRChallenge 2023. Our goal: to dust off our TBRs once a month and talk about the book we read.
Read our full TBR Challenge update at The Smut Report
It’s a Harlequin—the verbiage might be a little recycled, but it’s a reliable romantic story.
I actually only made it halfway through this book. Merry is an assistant at a prestigious chalet in the Alps when she’s tasked with assisting the wealthy and demanding owner of a travel company with executing a new endeavor for rich people to enjoy the holidays. Giovanni is an emotionally-wounded business owner who started from the ground up.
It’s kind of what you’d expect—Merry is an ugly duckling who wears bright pom pom hats and glasses and “cleans up” for these wealthy holiday events, so Giovanni kind of swoops in and “reveals” her beauty and they can’t resist each other. Giovanni is sort of rude and demanding, and Merry doesn’t really play that game so Giovanni is immediately intrigued because she’s not like the other girls.
The main reason I stopped reading was that I fell asleep and when I woke up I just wasn’t engaged enough to keep going—the plot was cute but it was just very predictable and lacked tension. Do I think a beginner romance reader would like it? Probably. The writing is good and the descriptions are lush. It’s probably worth a try, I just didn’t really fall in love with it myself.
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Read our full TBR Challenge update at The Smut Report
It’s a Harlequin—the verbiage might be a little recycled, but it’s a reliable romantic story.
I actually only made it halfway through this book. Merry is an assistant at a prestigious chalet in the Alps when she’s tasked with assisting the wealthy and demanding owner of a travel company with executing a new endeavor for rich people to enjoy the holidays. Giovanni is an emotionally-wounded business owner who started from the ground up.
It’s kind of what you’d expect—Merry is an ugly duckling who wears bright pom pom hats and glasses and “cleans up” for these wealthy holiday events, so Giovanni kind of swoops in and “reveals” her beauty and they can’t resist each other. Giovanni is sort of rude and demanding, and Merry doesn’t really play that game so Giovanni is immediately intrigued because she’s not like the other girls.
The main reason I stopped reading was that I fell asleep and when I woke up I just wasn’t engaged enough to keep going—the plot was cute but it was just very predictable and lacked tension. Do I think a beginner romance reader would like it? Probably. The writing is good and the descriptions are lush. It’s probably worth a try, I just didn’t really fall in love with it myself.
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October 29, 2021
Michelle Smart is unmistakably one of my favourite HP authors. She doesn't include endless info dumps at the beginning of the story like what seems to be the trend with other HP authors, and her characters feel authentic and real, with humour, witty banter and some angst thrown in for good measure.
This is a good Christmas-story. Heroine--aptly named Merry--was smart and capable, and the hero alpha without venturing into a-hole territory. This was a good story. The hero's dialogue felt a bit wonky at times (I suppose because he was Italian), and the ending was a bit rushed, with the epilogue not really adding much to the story other than 'naming the kids'. Since strained family ties were a theme in the story, I think it would've been better to include an epilogue with Merry and Gio's parents and siblings. But it's a minor blip in what I felt was an exceptionally enjoyable Christmas romance.
I definitely hope Smart will transition to writer longer stories, much like Sarah Morgan did. She surely has the skills for it!
This is a good Christmas-story. Heroine--aptly named Merry--was smart and capable, and the hero alpha without venturing into a-hole territory. This was a good story. The hero's dialogue felt a bit wonky at times (I suppose because he was Italian), and the ending was a bit rushed, with the epilogue not really adding much to the story other than 'naming the kids'. Since strained family ties were a theme in the story, I think it would've been better to include an epilogue with Merry and Gio's parents and siblings. But it's a minor blip in what I felt was an exceptionally enjoyable Christmas romance.
I definitely hope Smart will transition to writer longer stories, much like Sarah Morgan did. She surely has the skills for it!
October 9, 2025
Note to self: this is the one that takes place at Christmas in Switzerland and on a train. H/h are both in hospitality and there are lots of work related details and work related problems. (Which stressed me out)
But this is a sweet story of two characters who are trying to outrun grief. Hero's fiance died at Christmas. Heroine's mother died at Christmas. They're both happy to work rather than deal with their feelings.
Since my father died at Christmas when I was a teenager, I understood the angst, but it left me feeling vaguely depressed rather than swept away by the romance.
Well written - and not boring - with a sweet H/h. Lots of nice Christmas details, if that is your thing.
But this is a sweet story of two characters who are trying to outrun grief. Hero's fiance died at Christmas. Heroine's mother died at Christmas. They're both happy to work rather than deal with their feelings.
Since my father died at Christmas when I was a teenager, I understood the angst, but it left me feeling vaguely depressed rather than swept away by the romance.
Well written - and not boring - with a sweet H/h. Lots of nice Christmas details, if that is your thing.
January 12, 2022
I liked it, the hero and heroines connection felt very real and it didn't even feel like they had only known each other for a few days by the end. I loved the heroine's personality and how her goodness didn't feel forced. I liked the hero but I don't love that he was previously in love. I really liked that his accent felt real, how he would say stuff felt so authentic (my grandmother's first language wasn't English). I liked the ending and how he apologized to heroine, his feelings for her really came through the pages. P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2022
3 stars
The deceased ex fiancé haunting the MCs' relationship was never my kind of trope. The H was still hung up on his ex and was still trying to move on from her although it had been years since the accident happen. So it wasn't very enjoyable for me but overall it was pretty good. I finished it and the ending was cute.
The deceased ex fiancé haunting the MCs' relationship was never my kind of trope. The H was still hung up on his ex and was still trying to move on from her although it had been years since the accident happen. So it wasn't very enjoyable for me but overall it was pretty good. I finished it and the ending was cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
This was part of a 4-novel combo book I bought while waiting for my train in Austria with no battery. And the story was surprisingly better than expected! Of course, you know what’s going to happen, the story is quite flat and the heroine has a highly non-realistic job but hey that’s why we occasionally read this genre, right? 😀
December 17, 2022
Unwrapped by Her Italian Boss: A winter Romance (Christmas Aithne Billionaire Book 1)
The love story of Meredith (Merry) and Giovanni. Merry was planning to go home for Christmas but her plan when change when her boss she must take the places other hosted when he becomes sick. Will she stay and keep het job or will she go home? Great story.
The love story of Meredith (Merry) and Giovanni. Merry was planning to go home for Christmas but her plan when change when her boss she must take the places other hosted when he becomes sick. Will she stay and keep het job or will she go home? Great story.
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November 15, 2021Great feel good Christmas romance
This was a sweet and sentimental romance. The setting was beautiful got me in the Christmas spirit. Only thing I didn't like was the authors attempt to write the hero an accent. Just came off weird.
This was a sweet and sentimental romance. The setting was beautiful got me in the Christmas spirit. Only thing I didn't like was the authors attempt to write the hero an accent. Just came off weird.
January 11, 2026
Realmente traté pero ninguno de los personajes logró interesarme. Además qué millonario querría viajar en tren por muy apoteósico que sea, suena aburrido y sin glamour. Como esta novela. No puedo seguir leyéndola. La vida es demasiado corta.
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October 2, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Romance, Holiday Romance
Miniseries
Christmas with a Billionaire (Book #1)
Contemporary Romance, Romance, Holiday Romance
Miniseries
Christmas with a Billionaire (Book #1)
Read
October 2, 2021Categories
Contemporary Romance, Romance, Holiday Romance
Miniseries
Christmas with a Billionaire (Book #1)
Contemporary Romance, Romance, Holiday Romance
Miniseries
Christmas with a Billionaire (Book #1)
October 21, 2021
This is a festive story set in Switzerland, Paris and across the Alps. Part of the story takes place on a luxury train, and this well-described setting makes this a vivid read. Merry is innocent and career-driven, running away from her dysfunctional family. Giovanni is a self-made billionaire, Merry's temporary boss who hates Christmas because of a personal tragedy. There are elements of humour and poignant moments which draw the reader's empathy.
The chemistry between the two is well-written with sparkly romance. Giovanni has old fashioned manners and speech that fit perfectly with the festive old-world setting. There is angst, reconciliation, self-realisation and a lovely romantic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The chemistry between the two is well-written with sparkly romance. Giovanni has old fashioned manners and speech that fit perfectly with the festive old-world setting. There is angst, reconciliation, self-realisation and a lovely romantic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2021
**Actually a 3.75-rating**
February 18, 2022
Cute Christmas story, with an adorable heroine and a smouldering hero. With just the right amount of angst thrown in, it made for a great read.
March 17, 2022
Love it
January 3, 2023
Really enjoyed....will be checking out more books by this author
January 24, 2023
Good book and good series I enjoyed both friends stories.
April 9, 2023
Just love cheekbones. THE MOST MAGICAL THINGS CAN HAPPEN AT CHRISTMAS. Great read.
October 16, 2021
4.25 stars
Meredith works in hospitality and is forced to accompany Giovanni and his luxurious travel company's maiden Yuletide train voyage through Europe. She cancels to her plans to travel home to England where she ran away because of her fractured family and focuses on doing her job well. Giovanni is also running away from his past by throwing himself into business and distancing himself from intimate relationships. This was a fun, easy read and I like that the main couple laughed together. Giovanni is probably the best modern HP version of an Italian male lead I've read in a long time. He seemed a little more realistic compared to the usual cookie cutter characters we're used to seeing in HP Landia.
One facet I appreciate about this book is that Meredith is excellent at her job. Oftentimes these "she falls in love with her boss" tropes don't allow the women to be competent and serious about their careers as if the job is just an excuse to meet the boss man male character.
Overall, I recommend this one. It made me smile and I enjoyed the leads.
Meredith works in hospitality and is forced to accompany Giovanni and his luxurious travel company's maiden Yuletide train voyage through Europe. She cancels to her plans to travel home to England where she ran away because of her fractured family and focuses on doing her job well. Giovanni is also running away from his past by throwing himself into business and distancing himself from intimate relationships. This was a fun, easy read and I like that the main couple laughed together. Giovanni is probably the best modern HP version of an Italian male lead I've read in a long time. He seemed a little more realistic compared to the usual cookie cutter characters we're used to seeing in HP Landia.
One facet I appreciate about this book is that Meredith is excellent at her job. Oftentimes these "she falls in love with her boss" tropes don't allow the women to be competent and serious about their careers as if the job is just an excuse to meet the boss man male character.
Overall, I recommend this one. It made me smile and I enjoyed the leads.
Read
December 23, 2021In one of the best moves my mom has ever made she gifted me three Christmas-themed harlequin romance novels for Christmas. I was laughing so hard while opening them I almost cried. I then proceeded to pack all 3 of them in my backpack for a family vacation and decided the airport (a PUBLIC place) was the best place to start this one because I simply do not care what the people in the airport think of me.
My thoughts while reading this book:
- I hope the guy next to me is not reading this over my shoulder
- Why is everything so aggressively Christmas themed
- I think I’m going to have an aneurism reading Giovanni’s lines
- This plot is so bad and so predictable but I can’t stop
- I really really hope the guy next to me is not reading over my shoulder
Reading this book felt like if a hallmark movie was more poorly written and also was rated R. I can’t be mad at it because that’s the genre, but it was just a little painful to read.
My thoughts while reading this book:
- I hope the guy next to me is not reading this over my shoulder
- Why is everything so aggressively Christmas themed
- I think I’m going to have an aneurism reading Giovanni’s lines
- This plot is so bad and so predictable but I can’t stop
- I really really hope the guy next to me is not reading over my shoulder
Reading this book felt like if a hallmark movie was more poorly written and also was rated R. I can’t be mad at it because that’s the genre, but it was just a little painful to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews