Untamed Italian, Blackmailed Innocent

by Jacqueline Baird

No woman has ever shunned wicked Italian tycoon Zac Delucca! But sweet, studious Sally is in a world of her own, looking after her sick mother. Little does she realize her unfocused disinterest is driving Zac's fury! Especially as her father is responsible for embezzling millions from his company.There's a debt to be paid. Zac will offer Sally an ultimatum--become his mistress on demand or risk ruin! He's confident she'll make the right choice....

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Presents, Contemporary, Hqn, Steamy

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Jacqueline Baird was born on the 1st of April at home in a small village Northumbria, England, UK, where she raised. She went to the local village school, and later an all-girls' grammar school where she passed the University of Oxford General Certificate of Education in various subjects. On leaving school she joined the civil service in the then Post Office department.

She met her husband Jim, when she was only eighteen. Eight years later, after working as a hotel receptionist in a five-star hotel in Scotland and traveling abroad for a few years, she came home and married him. They still live in Northumbria and have two grown sons.

Her number one love is writing. She has always been an avid reader, and she had her first success as a writer at the age of eleven, when she won the first prize in the Nature Diary of the Year competition at school. But she always felt a little guilty because her diary was more fiction than fact. Apart from a spell as a hopeful painter in oils, when she actually did have a painting accepted for the Federation of Northern Artists' annual exhibition her real passion was for romance novels. When her sons went to school all day she thought she would try writing one. Jacqueline Baird's been writing for Mills & Boon since 1988, and she still gets a thrill every time a new book is published.

When Jacqueline is not busy writing she likes to spend her time traveling, reading and playing cards. She was a keen sailor until a knee injury ended her sailing days, but she still enjoys swimming in the sea. She visits a gym twice a week now and has made the surprising discovery that she gets some good ideas while doing the mind-numbingly boring exercises on the cycling and weight machines.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delightful breath of fresh air for the current mode of Harlequin Presents. I loved how resistant Sally was to Zac. She saw him and dismissed him on first glance because he wasn't her first priority!! How nice. She didn't become a drooling, melting pile of female flesh because of his unbelieveable appeal (rolling eyes). Yes, he was attractive, and she was attracted to him, but she kept a good head on her shoulders when it came to him, for the most part.

I like mutuality in a romance. I like seeing the hero and heroine are mutally engaged, and their affections are even on both sides. In real life, the sad thing is that one person seems to love more than the other. I realize this. So, I tend to not go for that scenario in romances.

Unfortunately, I've read way too many where the man holds all the sexual and emotional power in the relationship. It bugs me. Why should the heroine always be the one to concede, to give in, to change for love? Why shouldn't the hero have to work for her? This was a nice change for this reader.

Zac had to work hard to get Sally. He did some less than ethical things, and made some bad assumptions, and he had to eat some crow, more than once. And the great thing was that Sally wasn't out to treat him poorly or out to use and abuse him. She was just trying to deal with the bad situation she had with her ailing mother and loser, lowdown father. Yes, sometimes women do have more important things to deal with than their sex life or love life, or men.

I think Ms. Baird did a great job writing this story. She showed Sally to be a normal woman, with desires and needs. But Sally was a strong woman who had priorities, and those priorities didn't involve chasing men, casual sex, or being someone's sex toy. Zac gave her an ultimatum, and that gave her an excuse to give into him, because she was very attracted to him. But, before that, she did resist him pretty well, because she didn't want the kind of relationship he was offering. Bravo to her. She didn't give her up needs and goals for some less than satisfactory relationship with a guy who didn't love her. Some might not like that she waited so long to say, "I love you." But it completely made sense, based on the baggage she had with her parents, how her father was a serial adulterer who completely took advantage of her mother, his lovelorn wife. She'd be pretty silly to fall easily for a seemingly inconstant male with her background, in my opinion. And I liked how Zac might have been the typical Italian sex god hero, but in some ways he wasn't. He'd been celibate for almost a year, he worked hard to get what he had, he was able to realize when he was wrong, and make up and apologize for it. And he was willing to take Sally on her terms until she was emotionally able to give him more. I quite liked him for those reasons. I enjoyed their separation (I guess it's my sadistic streak), because Sally was trying to go and find out what life was like without carrying the baggage of her parents on her shoulders. I liked that Zac was the one who was pining. (Yes, I guess I am sadistic. It was so refreshing for me).

I honestly hope to see more books like this in the Harlequin Presents line. With rational, educated, independent women who are not ruled by their libido, and who won't settle for less than they deserve for some 'hot' guy who makes me as a reader question if he's worthwhile for her in the end.

This a was nice book, and such a palate cleaner after a prior Harlequin Presents, who got everything wrong with the sexual/emotional dynamic for this reader.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. A for Effort, Ms. Baird.

[AgentScully · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featuring one of the stronger heroines in the HP line - if you cringe at spineless, overly self-sacrifing heroines, you will love Sally. She doesn't dissolve into a puddle of goo when the dark, handsome billionaire casts his roving eye on her. She doesn't jump to sacrifice herself for a cold, embezzling, louse of a father. The situation with Sally's mother was sad and it was understandable that she would have issues.

I liked the hero too. It was amusing to see a HP alpha billionaire hero get ignored for a change and have to work to capture the heroine's notice. His exasperation was kind of endearing. I enjoyed his ruthless pursuit and I also enjoyed that he came to see how wrong he was. He did suffer there for a while.

This is one of the steamier HP's I've read, with well written scenes. Zac and Sally had scorching chemistry together. My one complaint? The heroine doesn't say ILY until the epilogue, one year later. That's just too late for me - she married him, she should have said the words then. Other than that, this was a great HP read.

[StMargarets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this without realizing I had read it before. So, notes to self:

This is the one where the H falls for the h as he is going to fire her father for stealing. He doesn't know her, but is instantly attracted and thinks she looks bridal.

The h hates her father because he is a womanizing pig, but she is there to convince him to visit her mother in the nursing home as she now has terminal cancer.

Hero first thinks the h is the father's mistress, then he thinks she's an experienced woman of the world, then once he coerces her into a relationship (he'll let her father keep working and he won't press charges for daddy's embezzlement if they have sex) he realizes she's a virgin. That still doesn't stop him from thinking she is pregnant from another man four months later when he finally tracks her down.

The black moment comes when the heroine goes to the hero's apartment and sees a black hairband and Dior perfume in the bathroom. She is reminded that the hero is a womanizer just like her father. So she breaks it off. Hero goes to Italy for business and doesn't contact her again. Meanwhile her mother dies and heroine is finally free of the apartment she hates. She vacations in Peru, finds out she's pregnant, buys a cottage with the proceeds of the apartment, and that's where the hero finds her.

Positive points: The heroine didn't sacrifice herself for her unworthy father, she did it for her mother. The hero has a good grovel. The heroine does not make up with her father.

Negative points: The misunderstanding and jealousy of the black moment was a little flimsy.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. It was well written. The plot made sense. All motivations were explained. The characterizations of the hero and heroine were well done. I liked the way the heroine didn't fall into a pile of mush on the floor at the sight of the hero. It was great to see a HP hero have to work to get the heroine to notice him. I particularly enjoyed the scene where he sat down and talked to himself after he found out she was not living off her father but was instead educated and employed. He's like 'what kind of idiot was I to jump to the conclusion that she was a rich bimbo without any proof?' I kind of thought that was a nod to HP readers who always mention such idiocy in reviews.

[Aou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read*3, still the same review! And I should increase the rating a star. ☺️
I really love feisty, intelligent heroines with a backbone that make arrogant, asshat jerk heroes grovel!
Sexually we are more than compatible—we are totally combustible,’ he said wryly. ‘And all marriages are a money-based transaction and I have a limitless amount. Whether I spend a fortune fighting you in court, or you marry me and gain the benefit of unlimited wealth for yourself and our child, it is up to you to decide, but either way I will win in the end. I always do.’ Sally looked searchingly at him. The tension in the room was palpable. Her decision, he had said…She either married him or consigned her as yet unborn child to growing up in the midst of a battle between two warring parents. A far from ideal scenario, she knew, but the idea of marriage terrified her. She was only four months pregnant, and no matter what Zac threatened she had plenty of time to make a decision. ‘Then I will see you in court,’ she answered spitefully.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a re-read.

What a hoot.

Sally gives some of the best smackdowns to our poor, arrogant and blackmailing sex-for-money billionaire hero as her loins quiver in longing and other lady parts expand and contract, a stunt few Harley heroines are capable of doing. Okay, yuck.

If you are sick of spineless heroines that roll over, then take a seat.

Who should die? The h's disgusting excuse of a father. Sorry, but the dweeby cancer surviving, weak heart, paraplegic mother that condones her husband's cheating should not be far behind. She's a paraplegic because after surviving cancer, she is hit by a car. That was heartless, but I really dislike enabling women even when they are fictional.

[seton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly liked this story because it's one of the those books where the heroine is oblivious to the hero while the hero had the hots for the heroine on sight.

The hero does blackmail the heroine for sex but he also soon learns the error of his ways. I liked the line that goes something like 'normally Zac is 6"4' but he felt like 2 inch tall' after an encounter with the heroine.

The sensuality level is high for a HP since the H/H engage in a lot of sex. About Miranda-Lee-level sensuality for those who read her books.

[Cecilia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heroine dislikes hero on sight, he decides she's some kind of gold-digging slut. He blackmails her into bed. She acknowledges that he is basically paying her father to have sex with her. They have sex. He says things like "Take off all your clothes or I'll take them off for you" and "You agreed to be my mistress, and the only choice you have left is the one I just gave you". Rather than revolted (my reaction), she's apparently without any qualms, and strips down and pirouettes. After stupendous sex (a 'one-way ticket to the stars'), she's saying things 'teasingly' and commenting that he's a 'magnificent lover and she only wishes she had known what she was missing, so she hadn't waited so long.' Cliches like the woman commenting on the spectacular view, and the man, gazing at her, agreeing, create glaringly obvious signposts to the romance, but instead of establishing a convincing positive relationship, they just bore.

A few romps in the sack and one dinner date after the initial blackmail conversation, and she's getting chest pains (at least, I think that's what "pain pierced like a knife in her heart" means) from a bottle of perfume and a black hairband in his medicine cabinet. Because of course she's in love. And of course he must be cheating on her. The keen intellect that got her the job as a researcher at the British Museum is thus frequently on display. /sarcasm. When she gives him a jealousy-fuelled lecture on his alley cat morals, he experiences a few moments of chagrin, but then remembers he has another woman in Milan, and shrugs it all off. Indiscriminate whoring is so hawt. But I'm too harsh, because of course he won't be able to do it with someone other than the heroine. And he'll be busy looking distracted and being insufferable to all of his underlings. He's the hero - he's got conventions to fulfill! If he doesn't do those stereotypical things, how will we know he's in looovvve?

The sex-for-money element is so blatant and dealt with as if it's not problematic at all, the characters written so completely unattractively, the dialogue so clunkily (probably not a word), that this book is just leaving me with a sour taste in my mouth. I like Harlequin Presents - I like the tendency to be melodramatic and I often even enjoy the alpha-hero-who-has-to-learn-to-not-be-a-jerk, and I can tolerate a secret baby, but this book exemplifies the worst of what can happen when a laundry list of conventions are bundled together, without well-written characters and plot.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I very rarely give a 5 star to an HP, but this book is a definite 5 star read! The author did a great job of building tension and chemistry between two very strong likable characters. I liked that the heroine was well educated, had a great career and was self sufficient. I loved that the hero was head over heels in lust and had a "take no prisoners" attitude! It was refreshing to see a relationship built from more than just sex and above all a relationship that actually grows. The author gave us enough insight into their past to justify their actions, emotions and decisions. So you never felt the need to throttle either one. (LOL) Everything just clicked.

This is my first Jacqueline Bard novel and I will search out more books from this author. It is a great, fun read!

[Melanie♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A disinterested heroine is a wonderful change of pace in this JB book.
The hero was enthralled at first sight, but the heroine had other things on her mind! The sincere grovel at the end was quite nice, too.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved heroine's spunk and integrity....for once the usually tired trope of a nearly 26 year old virgin had an explanation within the context of the plot. I star my HPs on their own scale, for me blackmail sex is not legitimate anywhere but an HP, where I love it, especially when the hero experiences real remorse (preferably because of his feelings for heroine, not because of her virginity). Story wasn't perfect (jerk of a father rather one dimensional) but had some very original elements that gave it an extra star (hero had to work for heroine's feelings, heroine did not succumb to the usual threats to marry or else lose custody). I enjoyed the hero's POV and the courtship elements to their relationship.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've never read a book by Harlequin that I don't like. There is a first time for everything. The characters were beyond annoying and horrible to each other. Was this supposed to be a love story? I don't think so.

[Melluvsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide if I loved this book or hated it. I mean, it kept me up half the night, so there's that. 🤷🏼‍♀️

On one hand, I loved that the H was a real aggressively jealous/possessive asshole, but I didn't love that he seemed to just be a possessive person in general, demanding monogamy from his women, and there's been a long line.

I liked that he seemed kinda comically idiotic when it came to understanding women, but I felt like his "cocky confidence" comes off as a little too smarmy.

I like that she stood up to him, but sometimes she was just too bitchy.

I liked the surprise virgin trope, but I didn't care for how she seemed sort of disconnected from the intimacy.

I liked that he followed through with the blackmail, but I didn't like how he didn't apologize to her when he received new information.

I liked that she kept him off balance, but i didn't like how self-destructive she was when she withheld important information.

I liked the surprise pregnancy, but I didn't like that she considered keeping it from him.

I liked that she made him sweat, but I didn't like that she married him, had babies with him, but didn't tell him she loved him for over a year. WTH?




Bottom line? I'm going with 3 stars. I think there's a lot here for other readers to like, but, while it was entertaining to me, I was left kinda *meh*. Maybe this author isn't really my flavor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️


⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - the h sees the H out with OW, and assumes he sleeps with her - he doesn't
- OM drama - the H sees the h with a couple other men, and he assumes they are love interests but they aren't
- the h is virgin
- the H is a serial monogamist - he's been celibate for a year before he meets the h
- both are celibate during their short separation
- dubcon - he blackmails her into a sexual relationship so consent is iffy, but she seems into it

[Somia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Italian tycoon Zac Delucca is used to women falling at his feet, so when Sally barely spares him a glance to say he is shocked is no understatement - and I have to say I did love that Sally caused him uncertainty at the start, the man was too cocky. With her father having embezzled, Zac threatens her father with prison if she doesn't become his mistress.

I did find it ridiculous how Zac, a smart businessman could think so badly of Sally with barely any evidence for the assumptions he was making.

I'm reading another of the author's books from the 1990s and the Casablanca reference -the hero saying he would have taken the woman he wanted rather than letting her go, pops up in both books.

An easy one time read with a OTT hero who did need a kick or two. Annoyed that nothing really seemed to happen to Sally's dad.

[Kace | The Booknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It wasn't what I expected at all, in a way, and it exceeded all the expectations that made me giddy. I mean, this book sure did get my blood pumping. I rarely give five stars to an HP, but this one surely deserved one. The book had everything that makes you enjoy reading a Harlequin. Everything OTT! OTT situations, an alpha douchebag of a hero, a misunderstood heroine, lots of angst, sex, passion, sadness, happiness, hotness, jealousy, groveling, and the list goes on. To say that this book hit all the right spots for me would be an understatement. Everything just worked. I won't go into the whole summary of the story since the blurb is pretty spot on. Instead, let me tell you why I loved this book.

Zac. An extremely broody and dominant alpha male who was very bossy and possessive. And he had a crush on Sally the moment he saw her and was certain she would marry him; after all, Ms. Paxton is nothing more than a cold-hearted, manipulative, and spoiled money-digger! And besides, every woman wants a chance to be with him, but Sally turned him down flat from the get-go. He's beyond shocked, and it completely unsettles him and has him tied in knots. It was nice to see a heroine who didn't melt and go gaga over the hero the first time she saw him. Yep, you heard it! He had to work hard to get Sally, and it was intriguing to see what he would do. He was torn from day one, which is something I love. He found himself unexpectedly jealous of her friend and boss. And it was nice to see Zac struggle to hold his defense against the woman who has, despite his best efforts, found her way into his heart.

Ms. Baird did a great job writing about the heroine, Sally. She was one of the best heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I'm a massive sucker for a feisty, smart, independent, strong woman who isn't afraid to stand up for herself, speak what's on her mind, and she embodied that sentiment perfectly. She quickly admitted how sexy and appealing Zac was. But does Sally fall for his looks, wealth, and facade? Hell no. She crushes his play. Hard. And I loved that despite her attraction to Zac, she didn't cave and give in. She held her ground and made him work for every little bit of her time because she was worth it. She wasn't perfect, though; Sally had her moments like any other female lead out there, but what made her different from them was the way she handled everything thrown at her. She never crumbles under the weight of her problems, and she faces them head-on.

EXPLOSIVE. CHAOTIC. PASSIONATE. Their relationship between Zac and Sally was all that and more. The chemistry between them was white-hot, beyond intense, and the fast-building sexual tension was completely addictive. I loved how Sally didn't cave in and almost ignored him the whole time when they went out for lunch for the first time. It was refreshing to see a hero that was so full of himself and thought that he was a god's gift to women feel ignored and stumped by a woman for the first time. I also loved the fact that she set ground rules before agreeing to be his mistress. She didn't give up her needs and goals for some less-than-satisfactory relationship with a guy who didn't love her. Zac had no qualms about blackmailing her into becoming his mistress, treated her like a gold-digging whore at times, and said some hurtful words to her, but when he finally fell? Oh goody. There's nothing hotter than a man that knows how to give a good grovel. It was a nice chance to see the hero pining for the heroine instead of the usual "heroine pining for the hero." Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the dual POV. I got to spend time in both Sally and Zac's heads. Of course, I'd rather be in Zac's than hers, but I'm glad to see things from both their perspectives.

Overall, Untamed Italian, Blackmailed Innocent was one of the best HP books I've ever read. And I loved every single word, every heartbreaking, funny, and sexy minute of it. I was genuinely happy for both of them and glad that they got their much-deserved happy-ever-after. And I would love a more extended epilogue (probably another hundred pages long). *sigh* I didn't want to let them go.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved the lead characters. Sally is the kind of leading woman I would love to see more of. She was genuine, smart, well educated, independent, compassionate, beautiful inside and out. A real shinning example of what we expect from a modern age girl.

The story had a good pace; it allowed us to get to know the characters and sympathize with them. Having read few of Baird's other stories, there could have been a bit more of the wonderful gut ranching emotions I have seen worked in other stories.

[Penny Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was delightful! The hero was totally stymied by the heroine's disinterest in him. It knocked him down a few pegs and ignited a fire. Hee hee! She was great...never cut her cheating, lying, thieving dad a break. Yay! And I loved the grovel scene at the end where the hero went on and on and on telling her how much he loved her and needed her and couldn't stop thinking about her...and she's all...meh, not interested. Hilarious!

Of course, eventually, we have HEA and baby and she FINALLY admits she loves him. But still, this is not quite the typical HP I've been reading lately, and I found it to be a breath of fresh air.

Excellent!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zac Delucca is used to getting everything he wants, rich and good looking, woman ordinarily throwing themselves at him has become part of his life. When he meets Sally Paxton, she not only ignores him but manages to put him in his place. With her father embezzling from his company, he finds a way to find leverage over her and try to convince her of becoming his mistress. Everything is going according to plan except Sally, who he just can't seem to do anything right about convincing his feelings for her.

I gave this a 3.75 had a lot of really good moments and I was captivated, but sometimes Zac was a bit too brutish.

[RomLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

No woman has ever shunned wicked Italian tycoon Zac Delucca! But sweet, studious Sally is in a world of her own, looking after her sick mother. Little does she realize her unfocused disinterest is driving Zac's fury! Especially as her father is responsible for embezzling millions from his company.There's a debt to be paid. Zac will offer Sally an ultimatum--become his mistress on demand or risk ruin! He's confident she'll make the right choice

[Cathy Norfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Presents
Author’s Website: http://www.eharlequin.com/author.html...
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: No
Steam Level: Hot

I’ve read a lot of category romances in my time. One thing that we all love is the ruthless tycoon (or prince or sheikh of course) whose arrogance and physical desire for the heroine makes him run roughshod over her, giving her a taste of incredible passion before reluctantly falling in love. Sometimes there’s amnesia, sometimes there’s blackmail, or even secret babies, but in the end, it’s the arrogance and incredible abilities as a lover that we enjoy reading about. While this does follow the “standard” formula for a HP — virgin heroine is blackmailed into being the mistress of a powerful tycoon, and of course the couple discovers incredible passion together — there are enough deviations from the standard to make this a very refreshing read.

I have to say, this is one of the most enjoyable HP’s that I’ve read, and that’s saying something. There was still deliciously hot UST and lovemaking, and enough of the HP standby’s to appeal to fans of the genre, but Sally’s power in the relationship, and the fact that Zac grovels so wonderfully in the end made all the difference for me. A very cheerful 4/5 Stars

[Nonieღserenity2bliss · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the classic case where pompous, arrogant bastard meets stubborn, mule headed dimwit. it was such a torturous read. I've never read a book by Harlequin that I don't like. The story is just all silly and ridiculous from start to finish. I wasn't impressed with the characters as they are impossible for me to like, let alone relate. Both characters are overly judgmental that there is no doubt in my mind that they do indeed belong together.

[KathyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this HP, one of the best ones I've read. Great heroine and surprisingly steamy sex scenes, it was hot. The hero is CRAZY for the heroine, I loved the chase. While it had all the usual Harlequin tropes; billionaire, virgin, mistress, blackmail, even secret baby, for me it worked. This story was a winner, I'll definitely read it again.

4+ Stars

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-Read: 9/2020

[Paula Legate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a romance. Zac was rich, powerful, and handsome. He was use to women throwing themselves at him. The first time he saw Sally he wanted her. He was irritated that she ignored him. It may not have been the best way, but he just had to find a way to be with Sally, and to have her. So he blackmailed her into being his mistress. He at first thought she was a spoiled brat that never worked. Sally did not correct him when he threw insults her way. Sally was a strong independent lady. She worked a full time job, and on the weekends took care of her mother that did not have much time left to live. There was a lot of emotion in this story, and a lot of passion. I have to say this book pulled me right in. I couldn’t put it down till I was finished.

Sample from chapter 7
A fierce tension arched in the air between them. How did he manage to affect her like this? His touch was like being stuck by lightning, igniting a flame inside her every time he came near. Mortified by her own weakness, with terrific effort of will she made herself rigid in his hold. But her control was not needed. As she watched his expression changed from primitive male aggression to one of icy control… He was every inch the hard-faced captain of industry once more.

[iamGamz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally is forced into a relationship with her father's boss, the gorgeous, wealthy Zac DeLucca. Her father has stolen a great deal of money from Zac's company and as payment Sally is forced to be his mistress.

Good story but pretty typical of Harlequin/Mills and Boon. Although I will never understand why a wealthy man would want an employee's daughter in recompense for embezzlement. How is this in any way legal?!

Anyway, an enjoyable, easy read.

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

No tenia demasiadas esperanzas con esta novela, pero me sorprendio lo mucho que me gusto, aun siendo una historia tipica de harlequin, no se me hizo tan cliche como otras, ademas la protagonista no es la tipica pusilanime e inocente que perdona a el protagonista despues de dos frases.
Una de las mejores que he leido de este estilo.

3.5 Estrellas!!

[Roub · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely awesome ! it was a 4.5 star 4 me. n the sex was mind-blowing !! =D dunt miss it

[Fanniny Moreno Zavaleta · Rating 3 out of 5]

She didn't invite Al to the wedding!?!?

[thecheezewizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly refreshing to read. I was walking past an antique shop when I saw a box full of cheap, short books, and this one caught my eye because the cover looked straight out of a Turkish novel. I bought it, and since it was 34°C outside, I abandoned all my heavy readings and took a literary break to read “Untamed Italian, Blackmailed Innocent”… I can’t lie, I burst out laughing at the title… then at the description… and then at the book itself. But honestly I had a great time. I had forgotten how fun it is to read something light and finish it in a single day.

As for the story, I have to say this feels like the pioneer of the Y/N × CEO trope ngl. The whole plot felt extremely familiar, like I had already read it somewhere before (cough cough Ana Huang), but I kind of loved that I didn’t have to think too hard, just enjoy the excessive use of flower metaphors and the dramatic mood swings of the main character.

Bonus points because it absolutely feels like the kind of book Karen Wheeler from Stranger Things would read in the bath. So yeah. I liked it, I had a great time, and for that reason alone, it gets five stars.
Xoxo, me.