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Rafael and Rico #1
Bride in a Gilded Cage
The tango is an Argentinean dance of possession and passion…and that's exactly how aristocrat Rafael Romero intends his convenient marriage to teacher Isobel will be. First he will take her as his bride. Then he'll lead her to the marriage bed, where he'll make her his.
Isobel may have no choice but to give her hand to Rafael in matrimony, yet she intends to stay as free as a bird. But her new husband will keep her caged once he discovers he's wed a virgin….
Isobel may have no choice but to give her hand to Rafael in matrimony, yet she intends to stay as free as a bird. But her new husband will keep her caged once he discovers he's wed a virgin….
192 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2010
48 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Abby Green
979 books601 followersAbby Green spent her teens reading Mills & Boon romances. She then spent many years working in the Film and TV industry as an Assistant Director. One day while standing outside an actor's trailer in the rain, she thought: "there has to be more than this". So she sent off a partial to Mills & Boon. After numerous rewrites, they accepted her first book and an author was born.
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 20, 2019
The heroine doth protest too much. That’s pretty much the whole plot of this forced marriage story.
Hero shows up at heroine’s 18th birthday party and informs her that they will marry in three years according to the terms of her grandfather’s will. Heroine protests.
Hero shows up two weeks before the heroine’s 21st birthday and reminds her that in two weeks they will marry. Heroine protests.
They have a wedding and reception. Heroine protests.
Hero buys her clothes. Heroine protests.
Hero wants to have sex. Heroine protests.
Rinse, repeat until a hot tango leads to their first time. Heroine still protests – but only during the day and not at night.
This hero had the patience of a saint. Heroine was a mewling, whiny mess for most of the story.
There is a nice epilogue and the Argentina setting was interesting, but I really came to dislike this heroine.
Hero shows up at heroine’s 18th birthday party and informs her that they will marry in three years according to the terms of her grandfather’s will. Heroine protests.
Hero shows up two weeks before the heroine’s 21st birthday and reminds her that in two weeks they will marry. Heroine protests.
They have a wedding and reception. Heroine protests.
Hero buys her clothes. Heroine protests.
Hero wants to have sex. Heroine protests.
Rinse, repeat until a hot tango leads to their first time. Heroine still protests – but only during the day and not at night.
This hero had the patience of a saint. Heroine was a mewling, whiny mess for most of the story.
There is a nice epilogue and the Argentina setting was interesting, but I really came to dislike this heroine.
January 13, 2014
I love how Abby Green incorporated tango into this book so thoroughly. I love dancing, so that hooked me instantly. Tango helps to bring Isobel and Rafael together, it builds a bridge, and provides a pathway for the expression for the passion and pain in their relationship. Just for this alone, I would give this a four star rating. I also loved Rafael's point of view. Although Isobel saw him as cold, hard, ruthless and unethical, with no desire or ability to love her the way she wanted, I could see from the beginning that Rafael was equally vulnerable to her. Just in a different way. While she had never loved or lost, he had, and it made it just that much harder to open his heart to another woman. I loved seeing the evolution of his feelings for Isobel, how he who thought he had it all figured came to realize he did not. Because love is not some equation to be balanced or dismissed. Instead love is a force.
When I read Abby Green's books, I always get emotionally involved. She incites my senses and taps at the doors of my heart. In this case, I engaged by the story of a man and a woman who fought against the realization that they couldn't keep from falling in love. They fought it, hard. It wasn't always an easy road for me. Isobel frustrated me at times, although I do understand why she struggled so. She was very young, and having the realization that your life is not your own is very, very hard to accept. She thought she was doomed to a lifelong marriage without love. I think that in the case of Rafael, I felt sympathetic to him, with the exception of not acknowledging he loved Isobel (ironically, the thing she most needed). He wanted to be a good husband, but she fought him at every turn. I guess that was good in the end, because he realized that he couldn't put her in a box and take her for granted. He had to fight for that love, and embrace that he had something very valuable to lose, his heart. In return, he could gain the love of his wife.
This was a good book. I'd recommend it to Harlequin Presents readers who enjoy a dramatic, sensual, and emotional story.
When I read Abby Green's books, I always get emotionally involved. She incites my senses and taps at the doors of my heart. In this case, I engaged by the story of a man and a woman who fought against the realization that they couldn't keep from falling in love. They fought it, hard. It wasn't always an easy road for me. Isobel frustrated me at times, although I do understand why she struggled so. She was very young, and having the realization that your life is not your own is very, very hard to accept. She thought she was doomed to a lifelong marriage without love. I think that in the case of Rafael, I felt sympathetic to him, with the exception of not acknowledging he loved Isobel (ironically, the thing she most needed). He wanted to be a good husband, but she fought him at every turn. I guess that was good in the end, because he realized that he couldn't put her in a box and take her for granted. He had to fight for that love, and embrace that he had something very valuable to lose, his heart. In return, he could gain the love of his wife.
This was a good book. I'd recommend it to Harlequin Presents readers who enjoy a dramatic, sensual, and emotional story.
April 29, 2017
I think it's about time I stop reading HPs, specially after discovering L H Cossway and Penny Reid who write about compassionate and adult heroes.
Update:29/4/17
this may have also gone something like this:
The author: I have this plot, you (to hero) Act crude, snobbish, manipulative and controlling! Then pretend she's a slut, try to seduce her, then almost seduce her without finesse, then figure out she's a virgin, then do it with care. Give me steam, that's what sells my book! I need the measurements and DETAILS before you go. YOU! (to heroine) act bratty, slap him couple of times, feel horny around him, reject him couple of times, dance tango, slap him some more, then give in and at the precise moment let him know you're a virgin, or else you WILL get it rough! And then he'll go all weepy, I don't want my macho hero to go weepy! AM I CLEAR? You tell him BEFORE, so I don't have to fix him more than I have to! I have MASSIVE plot holes, I am counting on you two cover it for me! ANY QUESTIONS!
heroine: do...Hero shuts her up by kissing.
Hero: Do I get to screw her AND get to keep her at the end?
Author: umm....that's kinda part of the condition too!
Hero: you have a deal! None of my exes will have me!
--------
Original Review:
This hero was crude, snobbish, manipulative and controlling! His sexual acts to begin with were also extremely lewd and vulgar and punishing. He justified it by laying the blame on the heroine's insinuation of experience. But my question is what if I'm an experienced woman? Does that give my newly wed husband, in this case who also has vast past sexual experience, the right to treat me as a whore? Only if I'm a virgin, am I to expect the caring sensible gesture of first love making that he has shown Isobel after learning of her virginity? I understand Isobel has pushed him to his limit with her unintentional hot-cold routine and he wanted to punish her. But how disgustingly lewd is it to treat your wife like a prostitute the first time you are making love simply because she had the gal to point out that you can't go caveman with her whenever you feel like?
And after being treated like a whore, is it possible for a woman to still be, excuse my direct question, aroused? Once you realise you can't go through it, are you sure you won't be running to the nearest toilet to empty your stomach? Does the author even know what it means to be subjected to this kind of punishment? A mere touch of tenderness in his voice because he felt the hidden tear does NOT bring back your arousal woman!
And this woman was infuriating, ffs! Do. Your. Research. If you're to insult your husband effectively, know what you're talking about. Do not hurl out insults that you'll have to swallow back and apologise for within minutes! And for fucks sake you agreed to this marriage of convenience and gained something out of it, so insult him away BUT do. Not. Jeopardise. His. Career. By getting drunk or by slapping him in public.
Update:29/4/17
this may have also gone something like this:
The author: I have this plot, you (to hero) Act crude, snobbish, manipulative and controlling! Then pretend she's a slut, try to seduce her, then almost seduce her without finesse, then figure out she's a virgin, then do it with care. Give me steam, that's what sells my book! I need the measurements and DETAILS before you go. YOU! (to heroine) act bratty, slap him couple of times, feel horny around him, reject him couple of times, dance tango, slap him some more, then give in and at the precise moment let him know you're a virgin, or else you WILL get it rough! And then he'll go all weepy, I don't want my macho hero to go weepy! AM I CLEAR? You tell him BEFORE, so I don't have to fix him more than I have to! I have MASSIVE plot holes, I am counting on you two cover it for me! ANY QUESTIONS!
heroine: do...Hero shuts her up by kissing.
Hero: Do I get to screw her AND get to keep her at the end?
Author: umm....that's kinda part of the condition too!
Hero: you have a deal! None of my exes will have me!
--------
Original Review:
This hero was crude, snobbish, manipulative and controlling! His sexual acts to begin with were also extremely lewd and vulgar and punishing. He justified it by laying the blame on the heroine's insinuation of experience. But my question is what if I'm an experienced woman? Does that give my newly wed husband, in this case who also has vast past sexual experience, the right to treat me as a whore? Only if I'm a virgin, am I to expect the caring sensible gesture of first love making that he has shown Isobel after learning of her virginity? I understand Isobel has pushed him to his limit with her unintentional hot-cold routine and he wanted to punish her. But how disgustingly lewd is it to treat your wife like a prostitute the first time you are making love simply because she had the gal to point out that you can't go caveman with her whenever you feel like?
And after being treated like a whore, is it possible for a woman to still be, excuse my direct question, aroused? Once you realise you can't go through it, are you sure you won't be running to the nearest toilet to empty your stomach? Does the author even know what it means to be subjected to this kind of punishment? A mere touch of tenderness in his voice because he felt the hidden tear does NOT bring back your arousal woman!
And this woman was infuriating, ffs! Do. Your. Research. If you're to insult your husband effectively, know what you're talking about. Do not hurl out insults that you'll have to swallow back and apologise for within minutes! And for fucks sake you agreed to this marriage of convenience and gained something out of it, so insult him away BUT do. Not. Jeopardise. His. Career. By getting drunk or by slapping him in public.
June 28, 2013
The chemistry was intense and all but the heroine was so annoying and got on my nerves like constantly. The hero was super awesome, protective and an honorable man but poor guy was a doormat. Sweet epilogue!
Read
April 24, 2017DNF, I stopped reading before the wedding reception.
I'm not in the mood for reading a h I hate and the H wasn't good enough to get me going.
The h is not a gold digger, she likes a simple life without luxury... I got it the first first time, I didn't need her to point it out every single time she opened her mouth. She was as aggressive in her indignation for the things he bought her as an HP H when he's on revenge-mode and thinks the h is the evil.
Also I expected more explosive details for their tango dance, I neede more sensuality there.
I'm not in the mood for reading a h I hate and the H wasn't good enough to get me going.
The h is not a gold digger, she likes a simple life without luxury... I got it the first first time, I didn't need her to point it out every single time she opened her mouth. She was as aggressive in her indignation for the things he bought her as an HP H when he's on revenge-mode and thinks the h is the evil.
Also I expected more explosive details for their tango dance, I neede more sensuality there.
July 30, 2017
5 stars, A++++++++++++++++
Hands down, best HP I've ever read. Gorgeous writing, super romantic, incredible sexual chemistry. The heroine was fabulous. Very sexy love scenes.
LOVED THIS BOOK!
#1 HP for me!
Hands down, best HP I've ever read. Gorgeous writing, super romantic, incredible sexual chemistry. The heroine was fabulous. Very sexy love scenes.
LOVED THIS BOOK!
#1 HP for me!
April 9, 2012
ok...not one of my favorites by this author. This is one where I actually liked the H better than the h....
April 4, 2011
Notes to self:
1. Forgettable read: Marriage of Convenience between tango instructor and businessman, both belonging to aristo class in Argentina. H demeans heroine to behave/dress properly in light of ongoing business negotiations.
2. Impalpable chemistry. To give him credit though, he didn't force her to conjugal rights asap. But for a grown man to be so moved by a kiss with an 18 yr old that two and half years later, he suddenly becomes celebate is creepy.
3. Tango as leitmotif falls short. Besides, can't imagine an alpha hero making a spectacle of himself on the dancefloor ala Dancing with the Stars.
4. Part 2 of the series is In Christofides' Keeping so I can't discard this book.
1. Forgettable read: Marriage of Convenience between tango instructor and businessman, both belonging to aristo class in Argentina. H demeans heroine to behave/dress properly in light of ongoing business negotiations.
2. Impalpable chemistry. To give him credit though, he didn't force her to conjugal rights asap. But for a grown man to be so moved by a kiss with an 18 yr old that two and half years later, he suddenly becomes celebate is creepy.
3. Tango as leitmotif falls short. Besides, can't imagine an alpha hero making a spectacle of himself on the dancefloor ala Dancing with the Stars.
4. Part 2 of the series is In Christofides' Keeping so I can't discard this book.
July 24, 2011
It was okay read,i disliked Rafeal-Isobel,their relationship lacked everything Trust,Understanding and Communication,both of them hurted each other and humiliated each other,Isobel pushing Rafael away,slapping him and jumping to conclusions about him and Rafael he has been in love and engaged with another woman Ana Perez but she left him and now he does'nt wants to make himself weak and vulnerable again so he had made these thick walls around him but he constantly keeps comparing what he felt for And and what he feels for Isobel
I felt though these two loved each other but their own insecurities,fear,lack of trust and communication made their marriage hell and these two made each other miserable then everything is sorted out and they have their HEA
Okay read
I felt though these two loved each other but their own insecurities,fear,lack of trust and communication made their marriage hell and these two made each other miserable then everything is sorted out and they have their HEA
Okay read
May 12, 2018
First of all the book cover sits on a throne of lies. the h we are told in the book on multiple occasions has uber short hair so where the flowing locks come from I've no idea!
It wasn't till I got to nearly the end of this book and I realised i'd read it before a few years ago.
It wasn't till I got to nearly the end of this book and I realised i'd read it before a few years ago.
March 20, 2012
The tango is a dance which requires two partners moving in relation to each other, sometimes in tandem, sometimes in opposition. Abby Green has taken this theme and placed her hero Rafael and the heroine Isabella into the dance. It seems right from the first that the opposition aspect of the dance dominates the relationship of these two people thrust into a marriage of convenience. Rafael grew on me as time went on. I really disliked him at first meeting as he seemed to be the stereotypical alpha so common in Modern Presents where Sexy equals sexually active rather than possessing any meaningful attributes of a great lover. When you read up to three books a day of this type the commonalities start to scream at you.
However as the story progressed and we began to understand his history I did warm to him and by the end of the book I loved him and was happy to see him with his happy ending with the woman who had led him such a dance.
However as the story progressed and we began to understand his history I did warm to him and by the end of the book I loved him and was happy to see him with his happy ending with the woman who had led him such a dance.
November 20, 2015
Agarré la novela desde el canje con muchas dudas, pero tenía poca literatura en físico y no le hice ascos al final.
Lo mejor fue que no me llevé una decepción, aunque cuando empecé a leer tuve mis reparos. Ella es de las que no-no-no-idontwantyouanymore y al rato es doitnow-f*ckmerightnow xD. Eso al prota lo vuelve loco. Y el prota es... ¡un fuego! La química entre los protagonistas es ¡di-vi-na! Él el macho argentino, paciente y que explota de a ratos, ella es inaguantable por ese jueguito de ay-sí-ay-no, pero al terminar de leer me quedé con una sensación LINDA ^^, como si en el todo terminado la historia tuviera sentido.
Habla de mi Argentina, pone lugares que existen y son tal cual están descriptos en el libro. El tango es una danza sexy que me gusta ver, así que ya girando alrededor de eso, todo es muy seductor. Realmente me gustó mucho, ya quiero leer la historia de Rico, el hermano de Rafael <3
Lo mejor fue que no me llevé una decepción, aunque cuando empecé a leer tuve mis reparos. Ella es de las que no-no-no-idontwantyouanymore y al rato es doitnow-f*ckmerightnow xD. Eso al prota lo vuelve loco. Y el prota es... ¡un fuego! La química entre los protagonistas es ¡di-vi-na! Él el macho argentino, paciente y que explota de a ratos, ella es inaguantable por ese jueguito de ay-sí-ay-no, pero al terminar de leer me quedé con una sensación LINDA ^^, como si en el todo terminado la historia tuviera sentido.
Habla de mi Argentina, pone lugares que existen y son tal cual están descriptos en el libro. El tango es una danza sexy que me gusta ver, así que ya girando alrededor de eso, todo es muy seductor. Realmente me gustó mucho, ya quiero leer la historia de Rico, el hermano de Rafael <3
July 3, 2023
قرأتها بعنوان القفص الذهبي
ترجمة روايتي
جيدة حتى الآن
ترجمة روايتي
جيدة حتى الآن
March 20, 2020
Don Rafael Ortega Romero is at the eighteenth birthday of Isobel Miller in Buenos Aires, the girl who he had been promised to since his eighteenth year. This being a deal of arranged marriage between their respective high-flying granddaddy's. Isobel always dreamed of going to Europe to pursue her passion for dancing after finishing her studies in England, she resents the stifling society of her aristocratic mother. Interestingly, her father is English, and I wondered which Harlequin's product are they. Ha! Well, Rafael orders her around that they will be marrying after three years.
It was good to know that neither of them preferred this entrapment of a marriage, meaning it was more angsty. Also meaning it took a leap of three years right at the beginning. Where Isobel is a tango instructor in Paris, nope - not someone having a high flying life, which is exactly why Rafael can think of steamrollering her.
The story had many Argentinian customs peppered throughout the text. She didn't want the marriage while he looked forward to it, to the intimacy part of it at least. I think I have got a bit jaded now, of this particular storyline/theme. Even if the title is apt. Isobel was living frugally as a tango teacher in Paris and then she became a bride in a gilded cage. Though that cage was funnily enough her own family's once upon a time owned estancia, which was now in Rafael's name. But if an alpha hero of yore is described like this, I couldn't help it but laugh out loud...
They're either secretly charmed at each other or sniping away. And while Rafael does give her space, he also knows when to ride roughshod over her. And I just don't get the deal of his housekeeper, Juanita; her cold act towards Isobel is so odd. Our heroine is a fighter, but mostly in her thoughts.
There's a surprising amount of PDA through the sensuous tango moves. And while there is clearly an age-gap between Rafael and Isobel, his age is never revealed. There's another woman too, from his past, Ana Perez. And a non-epilogue as well, four years later.
P.S. "It had looked so delicious, but now it tasted like sawdust."
Whenever I read 'sawdust', I know it's an old Harlequin or is inspired by an old one. And it's no wonder then that this one was published in 2010. I'm not currently in the mood of reading the next book - In Christofides' Keeping - which is the story of Rafael's step-brother Rico.
It was good to know that neither of them preferred this entrapment of a marriage, meaning it was more angsty. Also meaning it took a leap of three years right at the beginning. Where Isobel is a tango instructor in Paris, nope - not someone having a high flying life, which is exactly why Rafael can think of steamrollering her.
The story had many Argentinian customs peppered throughout the text. She didn't want the marriage while he looked forward to it, to the intimacy part of it at least. I think I have got a bit jaded now, of this particular storyline/theme. Even if the title is apt. Isobel was living frugally as a tango teacher in Paris and then she became a bride in a gilded cage. Though that cage was funnily enough her own family's once upon a time owned estancia, which was now in Rafael's name. But if an alpha hero of yore is described like this, I couldn't help it but laugh out loud...
Rafael, however, looked as fresh as a daisy.
They're either secretly charmed at each other or sniping away. And while Rafael does give her space, he also knows when to ride roughshod over her. And I just don't get the deal of his housekeeper, Juanita; her cold act towards Isobel is so odd. Our heroine is a fighter, but mostly in her thoughts.
He’d been unbearably snobbish, priggish and controlling.
There's a surprising amount of PDA through the sensuous tango moves. And while there is clearly an age-gap between Rafael and Isobel, his age is never revealed. There's another woman too, from his past, Ana Perez. And a non-epilogue as well, four years later.
P.S. "It had looked so delicious, but now it tasted like sawdust."
Whenever I read 'sawdust', I know it's an old Harlequin or is inspired by an old one. And it's no wonder then that this one was published in 2010. I'm not currently in the mood of reading the next book - In Christofides' Keeping - which is the story of Rafael's step-brother Rico.
January 7, 2015
this book had it's moments, but somehow I couldn't connect with the characters. The story was predictable and wasn't very interesting to me.
April 23, 2012
Read this a few years back and thought it was just average. 3 stars.
September 16, 2025
Better than average Abby Green with a great South American setting. I do wish the heroine would stop protesting so much, though. Like everything is disgusting. Give her a real reason to object to the hero's kisses and his wealth. Just saying it's disgusting doesn't really build tension.
December 24, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. It made me want to learn Tango. :)
Though I must admit that there was nothing extra ordinary about the book. Cliched plot and cliched characters. But surprisingly, it was extremely well written. It held my interest. We have a yummy Latin American hero, Rafael who gradually grew on me. I found myself attracted to him since the first page. I found him intriguing. And I was completely sold when I learned that he also knew how to Tango.
I hated the heroine, Isobel. I should sympathize with her but she came across as a very irritating,selfish, judgmental and close minded person. I felt as if she was resisting/ fighting him off just for the sake of fighting.She couldn't look beyond the end of her nose.
I took an inordinately long time to finish this book because I spent a lot of time watching videos of people performing Tango on YouTube. I was enthralled.
Overall. a very enjoyable read.
Though I must admit that there was nothing extra ordinary about the book. Cliched plot and cliched characters. But surprisingly, it was extremely well written. It held my interest. We have a yummy Latin American hero, Rafael who gradually grew on me. I found myself attracted to him since the first page. I found him intriguing. And I was completely sold when I learned that he also knew how to Tango.
I hated the heroine, Isobel. I should sympathize with her but she came across as a very irritating,selfish, judgmental and close minded person. I felt as if she was resisting/ fighting him off just for the sake of fighting.She couldn't look beyond the end of her nose.
I took an inordinately long time to finish this book because I spent a lot of time watching videos of people performing Tango on YouTube. I was enthralled.
Overall. a very enjoyable read.
May 14, 2011
a great book about Isobel who was promised to wed Rafael Romero on her 21st birthday but fights hard against that marriage but what a girl to do when a devastatingly handsome man makes her his wife therefore making her a prisoner in his own home and capture her heart ?
Isobel married Rafael for her family's sake but what to do when the playboy he is finds out she is a virgin ? and she finds out she is falling deeply in love with him ???
an interesting story .... told from both thier perspective....
that'll capture your attention ...
Isobel married Rafael for her family's sake but what to do when the playboy he is finds out she is a virgin ? and she finds out she is falling deeply in love with him ???
an interesting story .... told from both thier perspective....
that'll capture your attention ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2015
3.5 stars
A sweet love story with a sweet couple. Yes there were some misunderstanding but it was quickly solved. Both of them not afraid to owned their mistake and apologized when necessary. I loved it when they finally together, they already felt respect towards each other. All the sexual tensions made it worth the wait. And the ending just so sweet.
A sweet love story with a sweet couple. Yes there were some misunderstanding but it was quickly solved. Both of them not afraid to owned their mistake and apologized when necessary. I loved it when they finally together, they already felt respect towards each other. All the sexual tensions made it worth the wait. And the ending just so sweet.
March 23, 2022
I love this authors books normally so I’m always delighted to discover one from her back catalogue. I had read Rico’s story - so was really pleased to find this one about his brother Rafael and Isobel.
Unfortunately I took a dislike to Isobel from the very beginning - and that dislike lasted for the vast majority of the book.
She really was miserable, judgemental and thoroughly unpleasant for so much of the book. In fact I really couldn’t accept her as the same woman as she appeared in in Rico’s story.
This author writes really well and couldn’t produce a bad piece of prose or dialogue if she tried; however in this instance Isobel’s behaviour towards Rafael was so over the top, so exaggerated and so unappealing for so long that I lost interest in her. In comparison, the hero’s flaws became minuscule and quite frankly I wanted him to find someone nicer!
If ever a book needed an epilogue a little bit longer than the one we got it was this book.
Never mind, I’ll reread Rico story whenever I want to have a happier visit to Raphael and Isabel.
Unfortunately I took a dislike to Isobel from the very beginning - and that dislike lasted for the vast majority of the book.
She really was miserable, judgemental and thoroughly unpleasant for so much of the book. In fact I really couldn’t accept her as the same woman as she appeared in in Rico’s story.
This author writes really well and couldn’t produce a bad piece of prose or dialogue if she tried; however in this instance Isobel’s behaviour towards Rafael was so over the top, so exaggerated and so unappealing for so long that I lost interest in her. In comparison, the hero’s flaws became minuscule and quite frankly I wanted him to find someone nicer!
If ever a book needed an epilogue a little bit longer than the one we got it was this book.
Never mind, I’ll reread Rico story whenever I want to have a happier visit to Raphael and Isabel.
December 2, 2020
I’ve come to the conclusion that Abby Green writes utterly fabulous heroes but seems unable to create a sympathetic heroine. This story had a great premise and I loved the way Tango was incorporated into the story. So romantic and sensual. Isabel was a pain over and over again. She was judgemental - again a and again. She was unreasonable, petty, suspicious - over and over again. I adored Rafael! The brother’s book is very similar - a hero who is delicious and a heroine who I just wanted to slap for most of the book.
March 23, 2017
You lost me at **spoiler**
H couldn't even sleep with another woman in the six months before he saw her again because he was impotent from thinking of her. Of course, that means in the previous two and a half years he had no problem fu@$ing women while waiting for h to turn 21 to marry H. Nice. I skimmed to the end at that point and he TELLS her this. So romantic. gah!!!
H couldn't even sleep with another woman in the six months before he saw her again because he was impotent from thinking of her. Of course, that means in the previous two and a half years he had no problem fu@$ing women while waiting for h to turn 21 to marry H. Nice. I skimmed to the end at that point and he TELLS her this. So romantic. gah!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2013
Short story with nice angst. Quite enjoyed it, because I always love this kind of story. You know, the hero misunderstand the heroine and realized it then beg for her forgiveness. Aaw.
Okay, I think I'm going to read the other of Abby Green's books. ;)
Okay, I think I'm going to read the other of Abby Green's books. ;)
March 28, 2016
It's one of the best HP I've read !! I love Tango and I really loved the way Abby used it in the book .Five stars to the stunning Abby Green
August 21, 2023
The plot did not portray how good the actual story was. Nor did the cover picture.
This was really nice, though! Angsty. With epic grovel at the end.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
Absolutely adored both MCs, they fit each other and complement each other perfectly.
Both gorgeous and beautiful and at odds with each other.
Forced into an arranged marriage, they had to conform to the agreement set by their father / grandfather.
Too short. Ended too soon.
This was really nice, though! Angsty. With epic grovel at the end.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
Absolutely adored both MCs, they fit each other and complement each other perfectly.
Both gorgeous and beautiful and at odds with each other.
Forced into an arranged marriage, they had to conform to the agreement set by their father / grandfather.
Too short. Ended too soon.
July 13, 2018
Loved that this has a dancer in. Its so passionate and you can feel their chemistry and love so quickly even though they don't say it.
I found him hassling in terms for wanting sex and she wasn't ready. Regardless if she hadn't slept with anyone or she has slept with loads the attitude wasn't that great and thus loses a star.
I found him hassling in terms for wanting sex and she wasn't ready. Regardless if she hadn't slept with anyone or she has slept with loads the attitude wasn't that great and thus loses a star.
January 19, 2021
Ugh. What a creep he was. “You will not embarrass me...!” Seriously? And she fell in love with THAT? I don’t care how hot or rich a man is, telling a woman “you will not embarrass me” is not endearing under any circumstances.
March 11, 2017
5 Stars. I love everything about this book!
May 10, 2017
Hampir mirip dengan kisah Romeo dan Juliet, buku ini menceritakan tentang dua keluarga petani anggur yang telah bermusuhan selama beberapa generasi. Hingga kemudian Rafael bertemu dengan Isobel, diam2 mereka melakukan pertemuan di sudut tanah pertanian keluarga mereka. Ketertarikan diantara mereka begitu kuat. Sayangnya pertemuan rahasia itu ketahuan oleh para pekerja keluarga mereka. Dengan segera Isobel dikirim ke luar negeri oleh ayahnya beserta ibunya.
Beberapa tahun kemudian, ayah Isobel meninggal dan meninggalkan pertanian anggurnya dalam keadaan hampir bangkrut. Isobel berjuang untuk mempertahankan pertaniannya ketika Rafael menawarkan diri untuk membelinya, yang ditolak keras oleh Isobel. Ia berencana mencari investor bagi pertaniannya.
Karakter Rafael di sini sebenarnya baik dan perhatian, tapi karena prasangka buruknya pada Isobel membuatnya bersikap kasar. Isobel juga seharusnya tidak perlu bersikap sekeras itu, toh dia lah yang pertama menyakiti Rafael. after all ceritanya bagus, dan enak dibaca.
Beberapa tahun kemudian, ayah Isobel meninggal dan meninggalkan pertanian anggurnya dalam keadaan hampir bangkrut. Isobel berjuang untuk mempertahankan pertaniannya ketika Rafael menawarkan diri untuk membelinya, yang ditolak keras oleh Isobel. Ia berencana mencari investor bagi pertaniannya.
Karakter Rafael di sini sebenarnya baik dan perhatian, tapi karena prasangka buruknya pada Isobel membuatnya bersikap kasar. Isobel juga seharusnya tidak perlu bersikap sekeras itu, toh dia lah yang pertama menyakiti Rafael. after all ceritanya bagus, dan enak dibaca.
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