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Innocent Secretary...Accidentally Pregnant
Plain and prim Emma Stephenson might not look like a tycoon's assistant, but for Luca D'Amato--a playboy who likes to play-- breaking through her no-nonsense exterior is his favorite new game!Sensible Emma thought all they'd be sharing was an office--not a "bed!" But she's learning fast about what being Luca's "personal" assistant really means!
Now he's standing there offering her a promotion, and she's trying to find the words to tell him...she's pregnant!
Now he's standing there offering her a promotion, and she's trying to find the words to tell him...she's pregnant!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 28, 2010
57 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,400 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 3, 2018
This is the Sunday Dinner of HP.
The ingredients – main course:
Gorgeous, rich man whore hero with a tortured past and a miniature poodle named Pepper
Competent virgin heroine who needs the PA job with the hero so that she can pay for her crotchety father’s nursing home fees. She also has a tortured past.
Selected sides:
Head secretary trying to get pregnant with IVF
Heroine’s father who regrets being so neglectful to the heroine and bitter about the past
Hero’s family who welcome the heroine, but share a dark secret
Starter course:
Heroine’s introduction to her new job, getting to know the hero who is charming. He’s yummy and there is no hope for this heroine.
Main Course:
Hero’s sister’s wedding where the H/h finally become close and the hero pulls away in a hurtful manner. Heroine stiff upper lips it in the weeks after their break up as the hero tries to make her quit.
Delicious Angsty Dessert:
Hero’s father’s funeral and the hero declaring himself in love and then pulling back to “protect her.”
Coffee course where all the angst is savored:
Hero finds out the truth about his parentage *and* goes to counselling. Seeks out the heroine to grovel (not too much – this is a low-cal grovel). Heroine forgives.
After dinner mint:
Heroine gives birth to a girl and realizes she has the confidence to be a mother.
*happy replete sigh*
If virgin/man-who-can’t-commit-is-cruel-in-his-pain is to your taste, you’ll like this one. No slut shamming. No OWs paraded. No recriminations/blame about the pregnancy.
The ingredients – main course:
Gorgeous, rich man whore hero with a tortured past and a miniature poodle named Pepper
Competent virgin heroine who needs the PA job with the hero so that she can pay for her crotchety father’s nursing home fees. She also has a tortured past.
Selected sides:
Head secretary trying to get pregnant with IVF
Heroine’s father who regrets being so neglectful to the heroine and bitter about the past
Hero’s family who welcome the heroine, but share a dark secret
Starter course:
Heroine’s introduction to her new job, getting to know the hero who is charming. He’s yummy and there is no hope for this heroine.
Main Course:
Hero’s sister’s wedding where the H/h finally become close and the hero pulls away in a hurtful manner. Heroine stiff upper lips it in the weeks after their break up as the hero tries to make her quit.
Delicious Angsty Dessert:
Hero’s father’s funeral and the hero declaring himself in love and then pulling back to “protect her.”
Coffee course where all the angst is savored:
Hero finds out the truth about his parentage *and* goes to counselling. Seeks out the heroine to grovel (not too much – this is a low-cal grovel). Heroine forgives.
After dinner mint:
Heroine gives birth to a girl and realizes she has the confidence to be a mother.
*happy replete sigh*
If virgin/man-who-can’t-commit-is-cruel-in-his-pain is to your taste, you’ll like this one. No slut shamming. No OWs paraded. No recriminations/blame about the pregnancy.
February 6, 2016
Worst title ever. This book deserved a much better title, you know like a real novel. With so many Greek/Italian/Sicilian/Tycoons/Billionaires/Mistresses/Virgins/Pregnancy/Revenge/Contracts they all blend together. Bring back the old school titles like Sweet Harvest, Bitter Enchantment, Run for Your Love (love that one), Child of Judas. Of course, along with a great title you often had to put up with heroes that did not just verbally abuse women as so many Harlequin heroes do, but are physically abusive. Anyhoo, back to IS, AP.
Emma starts out pretty sassy and has Luca's womanizing act pegged. A deep dark secret pops out from her past and makes her reconsider her decision to stay away from Luca. Luca, on the other hand, is a callous but charming womanizer with his own deep dark secret.
Suffice to say, both characters are driven by their past as well as their desire for each other. Luca's secret However, he is so verbally abusive and cruel to our little heroine, it's hard to come back from. I, unlike other readers, felt he made the journey although, of course, more groveling could have happened. We could always read more groveling!!!
Tropey, of course, BUT, BUT I was happy to see that his family welcomed Emma when she visited rather than the usual humdrum bummery of "You are no Sicilian." plus Emma does not back down from Luca's last cruel diatribe. When she says she is done, she is done. And, stop for it, Luca actually sees a counselor for his situation rather than simply have rebound sex.
Emma starts out pretty sassy and has Luca's womanizing act pegged. A deep dark secret pops out from her past and makes her reconsider her decision to stay away from Luca. Luca, on the other hand, is a callous but charming womanizer with his own deep dark secret.
Suffice to say, both characters are driven by their past as well as their desire for each other. Luca's secret However, he is so verbally abusive and cruel to our little heroine, it's hard to come back from. I, unlike other readers, felt he made the journey although, of course, more groveling could have happened. We could always read more groveling!!!
Tropey, of course, BUT, BUT I was happy to see that his family welcomed Emma when she visited rather than the usual humdrum bummery of "You are no Sicilian." plus Emma does not back down from Luca's last cruel diatribe. When she says she is done, she is done. And, stop for it, Luca actually sees a counselor for his situation rather than simply have rebound sex.
December 6, 2018
Really well done Office Romance. Actually!
Yes, a selfish manhoe boss, a full figured virginal 'Innocent Secretary' who thinks she can resist the lure but gives in sooner than later. He warns her, others warn her but does she listen?
Gets 'Accidentally Pregnant' too. He dumps her after some awful sneering and humiliation.*Angst!*
Both have parent issues, his being much worse. Figures!
So yes, all that but still good!
Though the last push-pull and his torment gets dragged too much at the end.
So a 3.65*
Yes, a selfish manhoe boss, a full figured virginal 'Innocent Secretary' who thinks she can resist the lure but gives in sooner than later. He warns her, others warn her but does she listen?
Gets 'Accidentally Pregnant' too. He dumps her after some awful sneering and humiliation.*Angst!*
Both have parent issues, his being much worse. Figures!
So yes, all that but still good!
Though the last push-pull and his torment gets dragged too much at the end.
So a 3.65*
December 7, 2017
2.5 stars
As my friends have already good reviews, I'll just add...
The H is a manwhore, ok, I can deal with it... but I can't forgive that easily when he sleeps with his employees 🙄
As my friends have already good reviews, I'll just add...
The H is a manwhore, ok, I can deal with it... but I can't forgive that easily when he sleeps with his employees 🙄
July 5, 2017
First off, what a stupid title. So unworthy of such a wonderfully written book.
Love, love, love this heroine. She is worthy of all the titles of independent, spirited, sweetheart and best of all works hard for her money with all the struggles of the modern woman, juggling the care of an aged parent, demanding career, plus going to night school to learn the trades of her real passion: art. And of course, falling in love with her boss.
Typical alpha male hero with a hard exterior but a gooey soft centre that he can't help showing to a chosen few: mostly his dog and our sweet h. He has an abusive childhood that the writer carefully unveils. This is no typical playboy. I love how the author fleshes out his character. I almost forgot he's in a HP novel.
So many beautiful crafted moments between H and h where they both have to deal with a tainted, childhood continually intruding in the process of them falling in love and each finding a way to be there for each other. So much angst beautifully handled without resorting to token OWs or dumb melodramatic twists.
My only issue is the ending. It was such a cop-out with the doctor character. I won't give it away but I hated that so much, I almost gave it a one-star because it ruined an excellent book for me. I would have preferred the hero to have acknowledged his abusive father and go into therapy knowing he can break the abusive cycle. I'm glad I waited a couple of days to get over my disappoinment. If I can forgive asshat heros in vintage romances, I should be able to get past this minor issue!
This is one couple truly deserving a HEA. Well-worth my time spent reading.
Love, love, love this heroine. She is worthy of all the titles of independent, spirited, sweetheart and best of all works hard for her money with all the struggles of the modern woman, juggling the care of an aged parent, demanding career, plus going to night school to learn the trades of her real passion: art. And of course, falling in love with her boss.
Typical alpha male hero with a hard exterior but a gooey soft centre that he can't help showing to a chosen few: mostly his dog and our sweet h. He has an abusive childhood that the writer carefully unveils. This is no typical playboy. I love how the author fleshes out his character. I almost forgot he's in a HP novel.
So many beautiful crafted moments between H and h where they both have to deal with a tainted, childhood continually intruding in the process of them falling in love and each finding a way to be there for each other. So much angst beautifully handled without resorting to token OWs or dumb melodramatic twists.
My only issue is the ending. It was such a cop-out with the doctor character. I won't give it away but I hated that so much, I almost gave it a one-star because it ruined an excellent book for me. I would have preferred the hero to have acknowledged his abusive father and go into therapy knowing he can break the abusive cycle. I'm glad I waited a couple of days to get over my disappoinment. If I can forgive asshat heros in vintage romances, I should be able to get past this minor issue!
This is one couple truly deserving a HEA. Well-worth my time spent reading.
May 18, 2020
Dreadfully boring. The H was jumpy and inconsistent in his character. Sometimes he was alpha, other times kinda beta. Also had serious family issues. The h was needy and try hard. Didn’t like either of the mc’s. For anyone wanting to read this book, if you can bear with the first two or three chapters, the book picks up. The H gets flirty and ballsy. The h is also likeable at that point until later, when she gets weepy, needy, clingy and tbh asks the H wayyyy too many personal, uncomfortable questions.
Unfortunately I prefer my h to not act like the H’s mother. The h also had no spunk to her. First time they sleep, she’s kind of begging the H to take her. And she’s also lightly discussing how the first time is supposed to feel like. Umm either you’re bashful and nervous or you’re desperate and dying to get laid. And obv your man of choice for that first time is good looking and wealthy af. Very very convenient.
Unfortunately I prefer my h to not act like the H’s mother. The h also had no spunk to her. First time they sleep, she’s kind of begging the H to take her. And she’s also lightly discussing how the first time is supposed to feel like. Umm either you’re bashful and nervous or you’re desperate and dying to get laid. And obv your man of choice for that first time is good looking and wealthy af. Very very convenient.
March 31, 2016
Very emotional book for me. Reading about a hero who is a survivor of abuse touched me deeply. Yes he was cruel to the heroine but he had deep scars and I loved how he dealt with them. Counseling can help and I'm glad author showed that. Heroine was funny, loving and compassionate, a gem!
November 20, 2010
Hero finds himself faced with a conundrum. He is attracted to Emma, his personal assistant, but he realizes that it could complicate his work environment by seducing her. So what does he do? He seduces her anyway.
Sadly, Luc is a creep. He grew up in a dysfunctional, traumatic household and is conscious that this has emotionally delayed him and impacted how he conducts his affairs with women. I understand that his childhood was pretty rotten but I don't think it excuses his general sleazy attitude towards women, including Emma, who he claims to genuinely like. And, since it is no secret that Emma becomes "accidentally pregnant," I thought Luc's handling of the situation was downright bizarre.
Towards the end of the book I thought he crossed the line with some of the really horrid things he says to her in order to push her away. HP heroes are known for being "dismissive of their ladies feelings" but Luc is so caught up the gestalt of his misery that his actions lack the alpha grizzly possessiveness and anguish a successful, cruel HP hero needs.
Finally I didn't like the way Luc's family issues were resolved. I thought there was going to be some sort of interesting message about how children do not carry the sins of their parents. Alas the message in this book is that maybe they do?
Still, this was an enjoyable read if you are in the mood for an a$$hat hero who prefers mental games instead of forced seduction. I was in this mood when I read this book, so I enjoyed it despite the aforementioned complications.
Sadly, Luc is a creep. He grew up in a dysfunctional, traumatic household and is conscious that this has emotionally delayed him and impacted how he conducts his affairs with women. I understand that his childhood was pretty rotten but I don't think it excuses his general sleazy attitude towards women, including Emma, who he claims to genuinely like. And, since it is no secret that Emma becomes "accidentally pregnant," I thought Luc's handling of the situation was downright bizarre.
Towards the end of the book I thought he crossed the line with some of the really horrid things he says to her in order to push her away. HP heroes are known for being "dismissive of their ladies feelings" but Luc is so caught up the gestalt of his misery that his actions lack the alpha grizzly possessiveness and anguish a successful, cruel HP hero needs.
Finally I didn't like the way Luc's family issues were resolved. I thought there was going to be some sort of interesting message about how children do not carry the sins of their parents. Alas the message in this book is that maybe they do?
Still, this was an enjoyable read if you are in the mood for an a$$hat hero who prefers mental games instead of forced seduction. I was in this mood when I read this book, so I enjoyed it despite the aforementioned complications.
July 21, 2012
I was in the mood for a Harly, so I gave this one a go. They just don't make innocent virgin secretaries like they used to. Secretary manages to have a night of earth-shattering sex after a lifetime of celibacy, hero manages to be a dickwad until practically the last page of the book, and a baby manages to appear in spite of responsible birth control measures. Harly Power!
Grade: B
Grade: B
June 29, 2011
My first official translation ! !
October 27, 2017
wow wow amazing , they made me cry
so emotional.
so emotional.
avoid
December 7, 2017Self note: Fanniny’s reviews
March 18, 2016
Loved the story;
Luca is attracted to Emma from the begining - but knows he must never mix business with pleasure.
He falls in love with her after a few weeks, but is afraid to admit his feelings -
but one can understand why he does - his past is scarred by an abusive family
(his father used to abuse his mother and sister; grandfather killed grandmother; uncle killed aunt);
and this scared him to death, because he did not want to hurt Emma in any way.
except that his father really wasn't his father;
Emma is mature (based on facts that she didn't want to get close to him knowing it would hurt her, and by not playing the pregnancy trump card); but also a little silly - after he made it very clear that he didn't do long-terms, she still thought that maybe there could be a chance for her,
she should have just accepted that instead of making a big issue with it, and saying things she really didn't mean.
Luca is attracted to Emma from the begining - but knows he must never mix business with pleasure.
He falls in love with her after a few weeks, but is afraid to admit his feelings -
but one can understand why he does - his past is scarred by an abusive family
(his father used to abuse his mother and sister; grandfather killed grandmother; uncle killed aunt);
and this scared him to death, because he did not want to hurt Emma in any way.
except that his father really wasn't his father;
Emma is mature (based on facts that she didn't want to get close to him knowing it would hurt her, and by not playing the pregnancy trump card); but also a little silly - after he made it very clear that he didn't do long-terms, she still thought that maybe there could be a chance for her,
she should have just accepted that instead of making a big issue with it, and saying things she really didn't mean.
December 30, 2024
If there was more groveling, I’ d have given 5 stars.
April 20, 2011
Normally I enjoy Carol Marinelli's books but this one didn't really do much for me. One, I didn't really care for the hero. Sure he had his issues but as someone in another review stated so well, he was just a creep. The heroine also was silly. She went in completely aware that their relationship was not permanent and then got upset when Luca asked her to leave, so to speak.
There wasn't the drama I love in HP's in this one. Well, perhaps there is a bit but since I don't really care for the characters it didn't do much for me.
There wasn't the drama I love in HP's in this one. Well, perhaps there is a bit but since I don't really care for the characters it didn't do much for me.
June 19, 2017
Didn't expect much from this book because of the title. However, I was pleasantly surprised because I loved the characters and the storyline was pretty damn good too.
Emma applied for a job as an assistant PA to the gorgeous, wealthy Luca and initially got turned down. But a kindness to Luca's PA and the fact that she could resist Luca's charm got her the job.
She was doing well until she saw Luca undressed as she helped him pack for a trip and then it all went to hell in a hand basket. Ok... that may be taking it too far but once he knew she wanted him, he made up his mind to have her and it was on!
Emma and Luca were both strong, interesting characters and very likable. Emma's sassiness and lessons learned from watching her father and brothers with women helped her put Luca in his place and keep him there.
Luca found her a challenge and a change from his usual simpering, clinging girlfriends. Even so, he was so damn verbally cruel when things were getting too close for comfort. He had the power to devastate her and he used it thinking he was protecting her.
An absolute enjoyable read. Highly recommend!
Emma applied for a job as an assistant PA to the gorgeous, wealthy Luca and initially got turned down. But a kindness to Luca's PA and the fact that she could resist Luca's charm got her the job.
She was doing well until she saw Luca undressed as she helped him pack for a trip and then it all went to hell in a hand basket. Ok... that may be taking it too far but once he knew she wanted him, he made up his mind to have her and it was on!
Emma and Luca were both strong, interesting characters and very likable. Emma's sassiness and lessons learned from watching her father and brothers with women helped her put Luca in his place and keep him there.
Luca found her a challenge and a change from his usual simpering, clinging girlfriends. Even so, he was so damn verbally cruel when things were getting too close for comfort. He had the power to devastate her and he used it thinking he was protecting her.
An absolute enjoyable read. Highly recommend!
August 19, 2012
Heroine went to work for hero, hero started developing feelings for heroine even though he was a playboy, they slept together numerous times and she fell in love with the hero in turn. She got pregnant, never told him, he screwed up the relationship on untrue fact, assuming he would be an abuser like his father, only his father wasn't his father. Begged for her back, explained everything and ta da, happily ever after.
August 12, 2016
I like this one. Both h and H have serious issues and a lot happening in their personal lives during this time. The whole book is chock full with emotions.
It is quite obvious right from the beginning that the H feels more for the h than he admitted. As is often the case, it's more showing for a playboy to not want to bed someone but be just around her to show how he really feels. His POV throughout the book also helps us understand more his motive and at times, his desperate need for the h, which is totally endearing considering the fact that I really don't care for some of his actions.
Their first kiss scene is just earth shatteringly romantic and totally memorable. Actually all the love scenes are so very well done that you actually can feel the deeper connection the two have and that it's not just a lust scene, I definitely would like to read more from this author.
What I do have a quibble with is how callous the H seems to want to pursue the weekend getaway thing. I understand though that sex to him provides a mental escape from the emotional cauldron that's always bubbling close to the surface, but considering what the h has told him, I just find it very callous of him to forge ahead. He's also very mean to her not just once, but repeatedly, for her own protection in his mind, but none the less, I find I'm a harder woman to please as I'd have still kicked him to the curb at the reconciliation scene.
The h is a tough cookie that doesn't succumb easily. She's strong in shouldering all the burdens of her family, is implacable and steely when she deals with the mean antics of the H and I really do like to see more of that from Harlequin women. I find it a bit weird though that despite all the pep talk she gave herself and her experience in life, she fell for the H so easily.
All in all though, I really like this one as I can feel the connection between the pair via their everyday dealings, like just a simple look between them filled with understand or a fierce hug that makes one feel the H virtually wants to absorb h into him and never let her go. I find this more poignant and convince me more that they're meant to be together than the heated sexy smutty looks other authors often use instead.
It is quite obvious right from the beginning that the H feels more for the h than he admitted. As is often the case, it's more showing for a playboy to not want to bed someone but be just around her to show how he really feels. His POV throughout the book also helps us understand more his motive and at times, his desperate need for the h, which is totally endearing considering the fact that I really don't care for some of his actions.
Their first kiss scene is just earth shatteringly romantic and totally memorable. Actually all the love scenes are so very well done that you actually can feel the deeper connection the two have and that it's not just a lust scene, I definitely would like to read more from this author.
What I do have a quibble with is how callous the H seems to want to pursue the weekend getaway thing. I understand though that sex to him provides a mental escape from the emotional cauldron that's always bubbling close to the surface, but considering what the h has told him, I just find it very callous of him to forge ahead. He's also very mean to her not just once, but repeatedly, for her own protection in his mind, but none the less, I find I'm a harder woman to please as I'd have still kicked him to the curb at the reconciliation scene.
The h is a tough cookie that doesn't succumb easily. She's strong in shouldering all the burdens of her family, is implacable and steely when she deals with the mean antics of the H and I really do like to see more of that from Harlequin women. I find it a bit weird though that despite all the pep talk she gave herself and her experience in life, she fell for the H so easily.
All in all though, I really like this one as I can feel the connection between the pair via their everyday dealings, like just a simple look between them filled with understand or a fierce hug that makes one feel the H virtually wants to absorb h into him and never let her go. I find this more poignant and convince me more that they're meant to be together than the heated sexy smutty looks other authors often use instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2017
Leído el 06/11/2010
October 9, 2020
Heh, can't believe this story is ten years old!
December 31, 2018
3.5 Stars
October 27, 2021
At times this was a five star read for me - great writing, compelling story with intense characters, but then after finishing it I started to get that 'morning after' feeling and the stars just kept dropping off the more I thought about it.
The positives in the book - wonderful, strong, sweet, courageous heroine; a great dog, and a quite adorable interaction between hero and dog.
And now the stuff that made this a questionable read for me.
Firstly, the title (not the authors fault). Note to HP Publishers - why do you continue to insult your readers with garbage titles that treat us as if we were low IQ bimbos? You humiliate us by asking us to buy your books with titles that make us seem as if we were completely brainless and barely literate. You also degrade your writers by slapping such idiotic titles on their well written work. We readers are all intelligent women with busy lives, who just enjoy a bit of well written escapism, so treat us with respect. Let the authors chose their on titles.
So to the book. The whole issue of domestic violence / murder by an intimate partner was treated far too glibly in the book. Please authors, if you are going to integrate such complex, harrowing issues with all its implications, do it properly. No doubt there are HP readers who suffer domestic violence, so at least put in a narrative that might empower them to get help and support.
I should have felt sympathetic to the hero's mother but I ended up being disgusted by her.
Yes, I get that being subjected to domestic violence does terrible things to your perceptions and judgement, but I could not forgive her for exposing her child to her monstrous husband's violence. I hated that she allowed her son to be terrorized, and then when he was grown enough to defend her, she blamed him for her getting another beating and told him he was just like his father. What a completely despicable thing for a mother to do.
Even worse she abetted the murder of her sister-in-law. When her sister in law had arrived in the night, badly beaten, begging for help, the hero's mother turned her away, only for the SIL to be murdered within hours. How could she live with herself? But she didn't seem to have any sense of horror or responsibility. Nor was there was an epiphany that it could happen to her so she needed to save herself for her children's sake.
None of the characters in the book seemed to realise they were covering up murders that should be dealt with in the justice system. This book was written in the 21st century where there is legal help, laws, welfare systems, NGOs that are designed to address these things. It did not occur to the hero to do something about the crimes that had been committed.
Also, all the characters realised that the new wife of the uncle was also probably being beaten but no-one offered her support or rescue. Another murder on the way no doubt. Unbelievable.
I did love that the hero got counselling, which is revolutionary for HP. The heroine needed it too for her damaged childhood / abandonment issues, and I wish the epilogue had dealt with that.
The hero was not violent but he was verbally and emotionally abusive, which the heroine points out, but it is not adequately dealt with. Nor does he grovel anywhere near enough for the amount of abuse he heaped on her. It seemed like a typical abuse cycle - he's nice, then he's horrible, then he's sorry and asks for another chance, rinse and repeat.
Also hated that the idea that the cycle of violence can be broken, was sabotaged, because suddenly the hero is not genetically linked to his father. That was a real cop out for the story.
So after some thought, despite the riveting read, the story dribbled down to 1.5 stars for me.
The positives in the book - wonderful, strong, sweet, courageous heroine; a great dog, and a quite adorable interaction between hero and dog.
And now the stuff that made this a questionable read for me.
Firstly, the title (not the authors fault). Note to HP Publishers - why do you continue to insult your readers with garbage titles that treat us as if we were low IQ bimbos? You humiliate us by asking us to buy your books with titles that make us seem as if we were completely brainless and barely literate. You also degrade your writers by slapping such idiotic titles on their well written work. We readers are all intelligent women with busy lives, who just enjoy a bit of well written escapism, so treat us with respect. Let the authors chose their on titles.
So to the book. The whole issue of domestic violence / murder by an intimate partner was treated far too glibly in the book. Please authors, if you are going to integrate such complex, harrowing issues with all its implications, do it properly. No doubt there are HP readers who suffer domestic violence, so at least put in a narrative that might empower them to get help and support.
I should have felt sympathetic to the hero's mother but I ended up being disgusted by her.
Yes, I get that being subjected to domestic violence does terrible things to your perceptions and judgement, but I could not forgive her for exposing her child to her monstrous husband's violence. I hated that she allowed her son to be terrorized, and then when he was grown enough to defend her, she blamed him for her getting another beating and told him he was just like his father. What a completely despicable thing for a mother to do.
Even worse she abetted the murder of her sister-in-law. When her sister in law had arrived in the night, badly beaten, begging for help, the hero's mother turned her away, only for the SIL to be murdered within hours. How could she live with herself? But she didn't seem to have any sense of horror or responsibility. Nor was there was an epiphany that it could happen to her so she needed to save herself for her children's sake.
None of the characters in the book seemed to realise they were covering up murders that should be dealt with in the justice system. This book was written in the 21st century where there is legal help, laws, welfare systems, NGOs that are designed to address these things. It did not occur to the hero to do something about the crimes that had been committed.
Also, all the characters realised that the new wife of the uncle was also probably being beaten but no-one offered her support or rescue. Another murder on the way no doubt. Unbelievable.
I did love that the hero got counselling, which is revolutionary for HP. The heroine needed it too for her damaged childhood / abandonment issues, and I wish the epilogue had dealt with that.
The hero was not violent but he was verbally and emotionally abusive, which the heroine points out, but it is not adequately dealt with. Nor does he grovel anywhere near enough for the amount of abuse he heaped on her. It seemed like a typical abuse cycle - he's nice, then he's horrible, then he's sorry and asks for another chance, rinse and repeat.
Also hated that the idea that the cycle of violence can be broken, was sabotaged, because suddenly the hero is not genetically linked to his father. That was a real cop out for the story.
So after some thought, despite the riveting read, the story dribbled down to 1.5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
4stars
At first I thought about giving this book 3.5 stars at most bcs it could be annoying at times, the characters, the scenes. The h was great for the first few chapters. Keen on not succumb to H's charm but eventually she did. Then she get.. emotional. Started to hope. She was a bit commitment phobic like the H but not as bad as the H since he got a pretty solid reason for being like that. But after the first affair she started to hope for something that they had been sure won't happen.
She got pregnant and didn't tell the H bcs H was being a jerk and said hurtful things to her.. although he didn't mean them but yeah she didn't know that. So things happened and she accompanied him for the last time before resigning and he said he loved her then she was so scared to believe him. Later on that day he said he didn't mean the 3 lil words and he was being emotional bcs of the things that just happened. She was mad and upset and felt betrayed she lashed out then she resigned. Finally got to do sth that she really loved which was art and got to sell 3 of them and could pay for her bills and necessities from it and things just started to fall into places but he showed up.
He groveled. She believed and forgave him. Happily ever after with an epilogue with her giving birth to her daughter and has been his wife for some months.
This was pretty slow at first and I was a bit bored hence 3.5 stars at the beginning. Then it was emotional read for me.. a bit painful and for books that could actually make me feel their pain would get extra stars so.. 4 stars then.
At first I thought about giving this book 3.5 stars at most bcs it could be annoying at times, the characters, the scenes. The h was great for the first few chapters. Keen on not succumb to H's charm but eventually she did. Then she get.. emotional. Started to hope. She was a bit commitment phobic like the H but not as bad as the H since he got a pretty solid reason for being like that. But after the first affair she started to hope for something that they had been sure won't happen.
She got pregnant and didn't tell the H bcs H was being a jerk and said hurtful things to her.. although he didn't mean them but yeah she didn't know that. So things happened and she accompanied him for the last time before resigning and he said he loved her then she was so scared to believe him. Later on that day he said he didn't mean the 3 lil words and he was being emotional bcs of the things that just happened. She was mad and upset and felt betrayed she lashed out then she resigned. Finally got to do sth that she really loved which was art and got to sell 3 of them and could pay for her bills and necessities from it and things just started to fall into places but he showed up.
He groveled. She believed and forgave him. Happily ever after with an epilogue with her giving birth to her daughter and has been his wife for some months.
This was pretty slow at first and I was a bit bored hence 3.5 stars at the beginning. Then it was emotional read for me.. a bit painful and for books that could actually make me feel their pain would get extra stars so.. 4 stars then.
April 11, 2011
This book was really great. I liked it a lot. It had a lot of emotion in it, more than most HP books. It is usually the heroine swooning over the hero and pining and all that, but this one was more progressive in that and yeah the hero said some cruel things and there were issues of course, what good HP book doesn't have issues?, but there was actually feeling in this book. And I enjoyed it greatly... I laughed, I cried, I got angry, all the feely good emotions of what is supposed to be a really great romance. However, having said that, I do NOT, absolutely DO NOT agree with it being pushed that abuse is genetic. I also don't agree with it being environmental either, because Luca (the hero) grew up in an abusive household, saw his grandfather do it, his uncle, and his father, but he swore never to be in that position and he wasn't. It is a true choice. You have to choose to hit someone and no matter the excuses nothing makes it right.
April 23, 2012
Short and Sweet!
I really enjoyed this!
I loved the characters and how much depth there was to them. Emma,The Heroine, in particular I really liked and felt as if she was someone I knew--she handled situations like i would have. I personally think she picked the right desions most of the time, but I don't think I would have forgiven Luca that easily.No matter how hot he is. But knowing the extent of what he had to go through as a child-watching his mother be beaten by his father, again and again, I think the reader is more understanding because you see why he is so afraid to love and enter into a long term relationship, since he fears being like his Father. Near the end of the book we find something out which makes it all better-well, not really but you see why they can be happy.
Good Book.
4 Stars!
I really enjoyed this!
I loved the characters and how much depth there was to them. Emma,The Heroine, in particular I really liked and felt as if she was someone I knew--she handled situations like i would have. I personally think she picked the right desions most of the time, but I don't think I would have forgiven Luca that easily.No matter how hot he is. But knowing the extent of what he had to go through as a child-watching his mother be beaten by his father, again and again, I think the reader is more understanding because you see why he is so afraid to love and enter into a long term relationship, since he fears being like his Father. Near the end of the book we find something out which makes it all better-well, not really but you see why they can be happy.
Good Book.
4 Stars!
April 30, 2020
He. Needed. To. Grovel. Big-Time.
Oh, after 99% of the book with him in hot-ice cold mode, he said a few nice things, but not nearly enough to erase the horrible things he said and all the mental and emotional abuse. He was beyond self-absorbed... everything was all about him.
It was a decent office romance book, and having been better throughout the book, she shouldn’t have been *such* a doormat at the end.
It’s no secret she became pregnant, but that he so easily pushed her out of his life and her job when he knew seemed pretty harsh and thoughtless. Anything could have happened to her and he left her to fend for herself.
The only thing that helped in the book was his inner monologues, giving glimpses of a more decent and invested man. Without those, he would’ve been irredeemable.
Epilogue helped to tie up a few loose ends.
Oh, after 99% of the book with him in hot-ice cold mode, he said a few nice things, but not nearly enough to erase the horrible things he said and all the mental and emotional abuse. He was beyond self-absorbed... everything was all about him.
It was a decent office romance book, and having been better throughout the book, she shouldn’t have been *such* a doormat at the end.
It’s no secret she became pregnant, but that he so easily pushed her out of his life and her job when he knew seemed pretty harsh and thoughtless. Anything could have happened to her and he left her to fend for herself.
The only thing that helped in the book was his inner monologues, giving glimpses of a more decent and invested man. Without those, he would’ve been irredeemable.
Epilogue helped to tie up a few loose ends.
October 11, 2019
The hero is a bit spastic. Lacking in impulse control. He sleeps with everyone before the heroine is on the scene, and of course sleeps with her. His reasoning is nuts, dude your family were enabling each other’s abuse, it isn’t contagious. And him letting her go KNOWING she was pregnant...yeah that makes you a dick. All I kept thinking was why is this heroine interested in him? She is calm and hardworking and empathetic but I guess good looks and money win the day. That is getting old. I’d say skip.
August 2, 2022
Tracking through Carol Marinelli's back catalogue and discovered this one. Hate the title but loved the story. Great heroine and hero in Emma and Luca. As always, this author does great dialogue and has a beautifully developed journey to a happy ending. Lots of angst and fabulous love scenes. A really emotionally satisfying read. I would have preferred an epilogue a few years further down the line - so 4.5 stars instead of 5 but I highly recommend this one.
November 2, 2012
Very nice quick read. I liked the heroine, who didn't give a victim response to our hero's clear Jerk behaviour. The rationale for this behaviour was a little muddy with the hero misunderstanding some things and not knowing about other elements of his background. He thought he was doomed to follow in his father's footsteps.
April 8, 2015
2.5 Stars!
I had so much hope for this book. Yes, I loved the banter and witty/snarky banters between the characters but I was actually expecting more. So this book didn't really stay with me but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I did, for the record like the first few chapters.
I had so much hope for this book. Yes, I loved the banter and witty/snarky banters between the characters but I was actually expecting more. So this book didn't really stay with me but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I did, for the record like the first few chapters.
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