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One Night in My Rival's Bed
Scandal awaits in this enemies-to-lovers romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Milburne.
He’s forbidden to me
So why can’t I resist him?
Grayson Barlowe has always been my enemy. We were taught by our warring families to compete on the business battlefield. But everything changes when we’re forced to work together!
I have never been immune to his devilish good looks. But as I learn about the pain that Grayson keeps hidden from the world, it becomes obvious he’s not just a playboy. Yet a truce seems impossible, until I find myself in the place I vowed I’d never between my enemy’s sheets!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
He’s forbidden to me
So why can’t I resist him?
Grayson Barlowe has always been my enemy. We were taught by our warring families to compete on the business battlefield. But everything changes when we’re forced to work together!
I have never been immune to his devilish good looks. But as I learn about the pain that Grayson keeps hidden from the world, it becomes obvious he’s not just a playboy. Yet a truce seems impossible, until I find myself in the place I vowed I’d never between my enemy’s sheets!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
About the author
Melanie Milburne
927 books396 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 22, 2023
They have been rivals for as long as Ash can remember, both architects and very good at what they do, but Grayson will always be the enemy, but when both Ash and Grayson step up to try and change the minds of their disabled brother and sister this brings them together like they never thought could be.
Spending time together is opening up a new world for them both after one kiss they are torn but Grayson is a one night stand guy and Ash is not going there, but soon the spark between them is way too hard to ignore and maybe a fling is what they both need and the sparks fly in the bedroom, the office anywhere they are, will they be able to control themselves and end it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it is sizzling and sensual as walls are broken down, I loved seeing them both open up and talk and I loved Ethan and Niamh as much as I loved Grayson and Ash and highly recommend this one to any romance reader it is sure to leave you smiling. Melanie Milburne is a favourite author of mine and I never miss her stories.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Spending time together is opening up a new world for them both after one kiss they are torn but Grayson is a one night stand guy and Ash is not going there, but soon the spark between them is way too hard to ignore and maybe a fling is what they both need and the sparks fly in the bedroom, the office anywhere they are, will they be able to control themselves and end it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it is sizzling and sensual as walls are broken down, I loved seeing them both open up and talk and I loved Ethan and Niamh as much as I loved Grayson and Ash and highly recommend this one to any romance reader it is sure to leave you smiling. Melanie Milburne is a favourite author of mine and I never miss her stories.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Read
January 13, 2025REVIEW FOR FUTURE ME WHEN I FORGET THAT I EVEN READ THIS BOOK:
I lost count of all the stars I deducted but I think we’re at approximately negative 42. Your first and last Mills & Boon, sorry Liz.
The quote that lost the first star: “I know my sister is stop-the-traffic stunning, but it was insulting that Grayson couldn't see past Niamh's looks to her sweet, gentle and caring nature. “Ahem, it's the twenty-first century. Women don't need a man to take care of them.” Call me a hypocrite but, feminist though I am, I sometimes fantasise about a man taking care of me.”
I lost count of all the stars I deducted but I think we’re at approximately negative 42. Your first and last Mills & Boon, sorry Liz.
The quote that lost the first star: “I know my sister is stop-the-traffic stunning, but it was insulting that Grayson couldn't see past Niamh's looks to her sweet, gentle and caring nature. “Ahem, it's the twenty-first century. Women don't need a man to take care of them.” Call me a hypocrite but, feminist though I am, I sometimes fantasise about a man taking care of me.”
January 10, 2024
The story is not about black-mail or coercion. That being clarified the premise is actually sweet.
The FMC's sister is disabled. She's physically fit and well but mentally underdeveloped since she suffered from a severe brain injury at the age of 7.
FMC blames herself (because she's the bigger more responsible sister) She dedicated her life to care for her younger sister.
So does the MMC with his brother who is intelligent but handicapped on a wheelchair. (Also blames himself for the accident)
FMC and MMC meet when their siblings announce that they are in love (after secretly dating for 6 weeks) and they want to get married ASAP.
Both MCs are against their relationship. FMC is scared her sister is too innocent and mentally incapable of feeling adult love.
MMC thinks women flock to his handicapped brother to take advantage of his trust fund.
FMC and MMC quarrel a lot about what should they do to stop their siblings from getting married. But along the way they have a fling and end up falling in love themselves.
Although the story was engaging, I was put off by some elements.
I was not really convinced that the FMC's sister is mentally challenged. The writing style of her dialogue was posh (like the rest of the British dialogue)
The chemistry between MCs was usually physical. The generic sentences of "I felt a deep connection to you. I love you because you speak to my soul" were not pertinent.
Frankly the only 2 common things between MCs were: having disabled siblings and being both architects.
Loving your job and your sibling does not make a strong suite for a relationship.
Honestly I felt more attached to the disabled siblings than the MCs. At least their love was more genuine.
The FMC's sister is disabled. She's physically fit and well but mentally underdeveloped since she suffered from a severe brain injury at the age of 7.
FMC blames herself (because she's the bigger more responsible sister) She dedicated her life to care for her younger sister.
So does the MMC with his brother who is intelligent but handicapped on a wheelchair. (Also blames himself for the accident)
FMC and MMC meet when their siblings announce that they are in love (after secretly dating for 6 weeks) and they want to get married ASAP.
Both MCs are against their relationship. FMC is scared her sister is too innocent and mentally incapable of feeling adult love.
MMC thinks women flock to his handicapped brother to take advantage of his trust fund.
FMC and MMC quarrel a lot about what should they do to stop their siblings from getting married. But along the way they have a fling and end up falling in love themselves.
Although the story was engaging, I was put off by some elements.
I was not really convinced that the FMC's sister is mentally challenged. The writing style of her dialogue was posh (like the rest of the British dialogue)
The chemistry between MCs was usually physical. The generic sentences of "I felt a deep connection to you. I love you because you speak to my soul" were not pertinent.
Frankly the only 2 common things between MCs were: having disabled siblings and being both architects.
Loving your job and your sibling does not make a strong suite for a relationship.
Honestly I felt more attached to the disabled siblings than the MCs. At least their love was more genuine.
June 17, 2023
Rivals Grayson and Ashley find out that they young siblings are engaged. They are shocked because they didn’t know they were dating anyone. They’re very protective of the special needs siblings. How can they stop the wedding? Grayson and Ash blame themselves for their siblings accidents. Grayson’s brother was in a car accident and they didn’t know if he would live. Now he’s in a wheelchair but can take a few steps at a time. Grayson is also worried about gold diggers since they are very wealthy. Ash’s sister fell of a swing when she was a little girl. Had brain damage. Ash doesn’t think she mature enough and is very innocent. Now Grayson and Ash work together to stop the wedding. Will they succeed? Will they make a mistake stopping them? As they work together they realize that they have hot chemistry. Can they resist each other? Grayson only wants a one night stand. He’s adamant about that. Once he has Ash can he stay away? This couple has so much guilt that they can’t seem to let it go. All they do is work and take care of their siblings. Will they finally forgive themselves, so they can move forward in life? It’s all about forgiveness, letting go of the past and finding true love. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness. I loved the characters and their struggles . Worth the read.
May 5, 2023
Lovers to enemy... Whoever loves will show his love even if he is destroyed just to show his purpose, he will do anything. Love has no choice because we all have a beating heart. Sometimes, because of the difference in the level of the two lovers, many object. This saying indicates that if a person really loves you, he will make a way for you to stay together. Any test that comes in your relationship you will overcome in the name of love. This saying indicates that if a person really loves you, he will make a way for you to stay together. Any test that comes in your relationship you will overcome in the name of love.
"IN LOVE EVERYONE WILL BE DESPISED YOU JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART!"
"IN LOVE EVERYONE WILL BE DESPISED YOU JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART!"
June 22, 2023
Sentimental and heartfelt! I was quickly invested in the characters of this story, and though there was a lacking of development for the main couple, I felt the inclusion of their sibling's romance added a sweet touch to the storyline and left me feeling warm towards them. I wanted more, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed them!
I recommend this book to fans of a quick and fast paced romance that finds a happily ever after for all involved.
I recommend this book to fans of a quick and fast paced romance that finds a happily ever after for all involved.
May 25, 2026
This book was an easy spicy romance about two characters starting as flings and one wanting more. It deals with their relationships with their siblings and learning to let go of parenting them and allowing them a marriage that makes them happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
Decent read. Heroine was funny and hero was sex on legs! Hot couple but it was more about lust than love.
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August 10, 2023<3 Hidden side to the hero, one of my favorite types. ~Kim
December 21, 2023
3 stars is generous.. the proposal at the end was a bit much😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2024
I didn't like it. I could not stand that it was written in first person POV and that it was only from heroine's perspective nothing from the hero's. Np.
September 8, 2024
I received an ARC from Mills and Boon and NetGalley.
I found this story distinctly odd. Not least the fact that though it was set in London - much of the first person narrative and dialogue sounded American.
Firstly, it’s first person. I don’t like first person. I much prefer third person, dual POV. I want to be in the hero’s head as well as the heroine’s.
To make things worse, the author has Ash speak to the reader. It was weird and threw me out of the story. I find that distinctly jarring.
Niamh is supposed to have suffered brain damage and it is supposed to have affected her so badly she has a part time support worker and the rest of the time, her sister Ash takes care of everything for her. . However, from the moment we meet her, there is nothing to suggest this is the case. She seems perfectly articulate and able to talk and act for herself. It was as if ‘disabled sister’ was selected as a plot device and then promptly forgotten about. At every turn, Niamh behaves and talks like a woman who has no support problems at all. She’s able to track her sister’s movements using an app on her phone. She notices a stubble rash on Ash’s chin and questions Ash’s explanation that it’s the preservatives in the champagne. She is sharp, observant and full functioning. I think MM had started with the intention of her being ‘disabled.’ That contradiction kept throwing me out of the story.
The heroine veered from being unpleasant to her supposed enemy, to having sex on a desk, on the floor and harbouring dreams of happy ever after with the speed of lightning. I found her a strangely unsympathetic character.
The hero kept insisting he couldn’t do more than a ONS but then chased her and declared he was obsessed with her, but it was just sex. It didn’t make sense!
This was oddly written and it didn’t sound like a MM book. Clunky dialogue and strangely worded prose. Did MM actually write it? There were times when there were odd American twinges - in the dialogue particularly. It didn’t feel like a British story. And I kept pausing to try and figure out why I wasn’t enjoying it.
I found this story distinctly odd. Not least the fact that though it was set in London - much of the first person narrative and dialogue sounded American.
Firstly, it’s first person. I don’t like first person. I much prefer third person, dual POV. I want to be in the hero’s head as well as the heroine’s.
To make things worse, the author has Ash speak to the reader. It was weird and threw me out of the story. I find that distinctly jarring.
Niamh is supposed to have suffered brain damage and it is supposed to have affected her so badly she has a part time support worker and the rest of the time, her sister Ash takes care of everything for her. . However, from the moment we meet her, there is nothing to suggest this is the case. She seems perfectly articulate and able to talk and act for herself. It was as if ‘disabled sister’ was selected as a plot device and then promptly forgotten about. At every turn, Niamh behaves and talks like a woman who has no support problems at all. She’s able to track her sister’s movements using an app on her phone. She notices a stubble rash on Ash’s chin and questions Ash’s explanation that it’s the preservatives in the champagne. She is sharp, observant and full functioning. I think MM had started with the intention of her being ‘disabled.’ That contradiction kept throwing me out of the story.
The heroine veered from being unpleasant to her supposed enemy, to having sex on a desk, on the floor and harbouring dreams of happy ever after with the speed of lightning. I found her a strangely unsympathetic character.
The hero kept insisting he couldn’t do more than a ONS but then chased her and declared he was obsessed with her, but it was just sex. It didn’t make sense!
This was oddly written and it didn’t sound like a MM book. Clunky dialogue and strangely worded prose. Did MM actually write it? There were times when there were odd American twinges - in the dialogue particularly. It didn’t feel like a British story. And I kept pausing to try and figure out why I wasn’t enjoying it.
May 24, 2023
My review will be live on donnasbookblog on 1st June 2023 - publication day!
I thought that this book had a good storyline and was really enjoyable
The characters were well developed and they worked really well together with some great interaction – it was another great read from Melanie Milburne and Mills & Boon
The author had a lovely writing style and the book had a great flow. It was a book that I read in an afternoon – it had a happy ending and was romantic and sexy
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
I thought that this book had a good storyline and was really enjoyable
The characters were well developed and they worked really well together with some great interaction – it was another great read from Melanie Milburne and Mills & Boon
The author had a lovely writing style and the book had a great flow. It was a book that I read in an afternoon – it had a happy ending and was romantic and sexy
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
June 15, 2023
A passionate enemy-to-lovers romance with sizzling chemistry and a forbidden romance vibe. Told from a first-person point of view, it gives the reader a good insight into the female protagonist's feelings but only her perceptions of how the male protagonist feels. I like this story's humour, passion, and belief that love can conquer adversity.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews