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995 reviews
Proud Revenge, Passionate Wedlock by Janette Kenny
4.0
This is my first read by [a:Janette Kenny|200022|Janette Kenny|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1401315302p2/200022.jpg]. And first Harlequin based in Mexico. Proud Revenge, Passionate Wedlock is a story about Allegra Vandohrn and Miguel Gutierrez. Allegra's back in Cancún, to seek closure. Her one-month-old baby girl - Cristobel - died, and her husband blames her for it. In her beach house, where she met Miguel for the first time two years back and came to the decision not to go ahead with her marriage to the English doctor. So soon after the accident she and her daughter were in, which killed her daughter, she has a gap in her memory and - doctors orders - she isn't strong enough to face it all, face the grief. But she wants closure. Enters Miguel, seeing Allegra after six long months, burning with rage and a thirst for revenge. Revenge for deserting him and for the death of his daughter by running away with her lover - the bodyguard he had hired for her.
The book starts on a bleak but angtsy note. The author brings out the emotions of the characters perfectly. Her Uncle Loring and his madre, who's out of the picture till much later, seem to be the culprit, feeding fake stories spiced with gossip about each to the other. While Miguel believes she was with her lover, she was actually in a private sanitarium, recovering from the accident. And from the trauma of losing her child and the ability to conceive. He has many other charges against her, and hence the passionate hate. While her select memories are yet to come back, Miguel's mother lashes out at her behind his back. Miguel, on the other hand, continues to judge Allegra based on his past and prejudices. They come together again, share the sadness, anger, pain at what they couldn't prevent and what all they lost, of what could have been.
When his heritage, his lineage was revealed at the end, it was quite the surprise, and I wasn't expecting that. This is a romance, and I was expecting something very sinister, more than what the author showed here. Ha! For all the wrongs that were listed, where's the justice? The ending left too much to be desired.
The book starts on a bleak but angtsy note. The author brings out the emotions of the characters perfectly. Her Uncle Loring and his madre, who's out of the picture till much later, seem to be the culprit, feeding fake stories spiced with gossip about each to the other. While Miguel believes she was with her lover, she was actually in a private sanitarium, recovering from the accident. And from the trauma of losing her child and the ability to conceive. He has many other charges against her, and hence the passionate hate. While her select memories are yet to come back, Miguel's mother lashes out at her behind his back. Miguel, on the other hand, continues to judge Allegra based on his past and prejudices. They come together again, share the sadness, anger, pain at what they couldn't prevent and what all they lost, of what could have been.
When his heritage, his lineage was revealed at the end, it was quite the surprise, and I wasn't expecting that. This is a romance, and I was expecting something very sinister, more than what the author showed here. Ha! For all the wrongs that were listed, where's the justice? The ending left too much to be desired.
The Venetian's Midnight Mistress by Yuko Ichiju, Carole Mortimer
4.0
[a:Carole Mortimer|86756|Carole Mortimer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432738666p2/86756.jpg] has published more than 140 novels, and here I am, reading only the fourth. But I am glad that finally I have come across one of her books that I loved.
Dani, short for Daniella Bell, comes to know Niccolo D’Alessandro through her school friend and his younger sister, Eleni. It's obvious he doesn't have very high regards for her. It has been ten years since then, and at present Dani is busy preparing Brad and Eleni's new home, where they will stay post their marriage.
Dani shares the contents of the will of her very much alive and tyrant of a grandfather. Married once, she doesn't have any intention to repeat that mistake but it may result in her parents losing their home, if there's no heir till her grandfather's alive. Niccolo's thirty-seven to her twenty-four, and they can't stand the sight of each other. Though she had a crush on him and is still infatuated with him.
Much stress has been put on being either a English or a Venetian in this book. The story starts eight months later after the prologue, at a masquerade party thrown by Eleni.
So much for irritating the hell out of him, it's funny how enchanted Niccolo becomes with Dani when he doesn't know her identity. And Dani, on the other hand, is enamoured with his pirate avatar and wants to forget her sad life and her disastrous marriage. But it's beyond me as to how they didn't recognise each other's voices! And when Niccolo reveals himself, Dani just escapes from there with her identity intact.
When she comes to know about her pregnancy, which is halfway into the book, and goes to Venice to tell Niccolo about it, the days that follow are wonderful! The way Niccolo eases her into intimacy, which she didn't have with her ex, was adorable. Her grandfather is a real nasty piece of work, so high-handed, so arrogant. It's such a beautiful and fitting end, with Niccolo bullying Grandpa for a change! And a sweet epilogue. Though I would have loved a friendly scene with Eleni too, in the end. She is his sister and her best friend, after all.
P.S. This is the second book whose Harlequin Manga I have read as well, and equally loved the depiction of all the characters.
Dani, short for Daniella Bell, comes to know Niccolo D’Alessandro through her school friend and his younger sister, Eleni. It's obvious he doesn't have very high regards for her. It has been ten years since then, and at present Dani is busy preparing Brad and Eleni's new home, where they will stay post their marriage.
Dani shares the contents of the will of her very much alive and tyrant of a grandfather. Married once, she doesn't have any intention to repeat that mistake but it may result in her parents losing their home, if there's no heir till her grandfather's alive. Niccolo's thirty-seven to her twenty-four, and they can't stand the sight of each other. Though she had a crush on him and is still infatuated with him.
Much stress has been put on being either a English or a Venetian in this book. The story starts eight months later after the prologue, at a masquerade party thrown by Eleni.
So much for irritating the hell out of him, it's funny how enchanted Niccolo becomes with Dani when he doesn't know her identity. And Dani, on the other hand, is enamoured with his pirate avatar and wants to forget her sad life and her disastrous marriage. But it's beyond me as to how they didn't recognise each other's voices! And when Niccolo reveals himself, Dani just escapes from there with her identity intact.
When she comes to know about her pregnancy, which is halfway into the book, and goes to Venice to tell Niccolo about it, the days that follow are wonderful! The way Niccolo eases her into intimacy, which she didn't have with her ex, was adorable. Her grandfather is a real nasty piece of work, so high-handed, so arrogant. It's such a beautiful and fitting end, with Niccolo bullying Grandpa for a change! And a sweet epilogue. Though I would have loved a friendly scene with Eleni too, in the end. She is his sister and her best friend, after all.
P.S. This is the second book whose Harlequin Manga I have read as well, and equally loved the depiction of all the characters.
Untouched Until Her Ultra-Rich Husband by Dani Collins
3.0
I paused my M&B TBR and (yes, I have a separate one for it) picked up this one. Dani Collins' latest! She is one of my favourite authors and after reading the excerpt she shared in her newsletter, I was eagerly waiting for its release.
The first thing I would like to appreciate would be her sharing the inspiration behind the heroine's name. Luli, short for Lucrecia, a Venezuelan (what a beautiful name!).
Gabriel Dean just receives a cryptic message from Luli and comes to know that his grandmother, Mae Chen, has suffered from a stroke and is very ill. The pair of them don't possess a single sentimental bone in their bodies, grandma and grandson. When he reaches Singapore where his grandma and her empire is based, he's introduced to Lucrecia Cruz, or Luli.
The blurb reveals the basic premise of the story, how Luli blackmailed Gabriel and took an extreme step against Chen Enterprises, due to the threat of bring deported back to Venezuela.
A hero boasting of Singaporean heritage, there's always a firstin Harlequin books. And the title is apt. He's filthy rich. Because of a name he hadn't heard before, it was hilarious when Gabriel mistook Luli for an AI. Gabriel shares an estranged relationship with his Grandma, so he wasn't aware of her employee. Another first is Luli being a coder, not only that, she is an all-rounder too, apparently, learnt from the late lioness herself, working since she was fourteen, and it's been eight years now. She's quite devious in the way she tries to secure her life and her living in front of Gabriel, I like her. And I like the thirty-one-year-old Gabriel who's in the same league as Luli as far as their professional mojo goes.
When little-by-little Luli's past is revealed, it made me so sad for her, and grateful that she was kinda rescued by Mae Chen, though not on very good terms. And then Mae's truthful face comes forward, and it's disgusting, actually. Ugh... Though a set up by Mae, seeing Luli's reaction to marriage with Gabriel left me in splits! It was really adorable, after a paper marriage, the protectiveness Gabriel felt towards her.
This is one great hero. He takes her with him to the office. And she's getting there, into her own zone. Their carefree camaraderie, their easy jokes, everything drew me to them. I love the way [a:Dani Collins|6572063|Dani Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1505087522p2/6572063.jpg] has shaped this heroine. She can take care of herself and Gabriel admits as much.
I can't help but share this, and the reason why I so love her writing:
It's a slow burn romance where the scene builds up pretty late because the hero and heroine meet for the first time after quite a few pages into the book. And then when it feels they should come together, there's the fear of becoming like his father in Gabriel and the sadness of never receiving anyone's love in Luli that results in more time for them to grow close.
Well, the buildup takes so much of the story, that the ending felt punctured. I think it could have been better had it been a two part story. It tries to compensate with a cute epilogue but it's too little, too late.
P.S. I have read nine of her books till now and she's an absolute favourite.
The first thing I would like to appreciate would be her sharing the inspiration behind the heroine's name. Luli, short for Lucrecia, a Venezuelan (what a beautiful name!).
Gabriel Dean just receives a cryptic message from Luli and comes to know that his grandmother, Mae Chen, has suffered from a stroke and is very ill. The pair of them don't possess a single sentimental bone in their bodies, grandma and grandson. When he reaches Singapore where his grandma and her empire is based, he's introduced to Lucrecia Cruz, or Luli.
The blurb reveals the basic premise of the story, how Luli blackmailed Gabriel and took an extreme step against Chen Enterprises, due to the threat of bring deported back to Venezuela.
A hero boasting of Singaporean heritage, there's always a firstin Harlequin books. And the title is apt. He's filthy rich. Because of a name he hadn't heard before, it was hilarious when Gabriel mistook Luli for an AI. Gabriel shares an estranged relationship with his Grandma, so he wasn't aware of her employee. Another first is Luli being a coder, not only that, she is an all-rounder too, apparently, learnt from the late lioness herself, working since she was fourteen, and it's been eight years now. She's quite devious in the way she tries to secure her life and her living in front of Gabriel, I like her. And I like the thirty-one-year-old Gabriel who's in the same league as Luli as far as their professional mojo goes.
When little-by-little Luli's past is revealed, it made me so sad for her, and grateful that she was kinda rescued by Mae Chen, though not on very good terms. And then Mae's truthful face comes forward, and it's disgusting, actually. Ugh... Though a set up by Mae, seeing Luli's reaction to marriage with Gabriel left me in splits! It was really adorable, after a paper marriage, the protectiveness Gabriel felt towards her.
This is one great hero. He takes her with him to the office. And she's getting there, into her own zone. Their carefree camaraderie, their easy jokes, everything drew me to them. I love the way [a:Dani Collins|6572063|Dani Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1505087522p2/6572063.jpg] has shaped this heroine. She can take care of herself and Gabriel admits as much.
I can't help but share this, and the reason why I so love her writing:
The walls he kept so impermeable around himself were weakening. The first knock had come when she had locked him out of his own software. Sections of mortar between the bricks had disintegrated under the tears she had shed against his chest that night in Paris. The winds of Africa had eroded those bricks further, as her joy at the beauty of the earth and earthly pleasures had reminded him that this world was more than greed and users and privilege. Now she had rocked his foundation with such power he could feel the fissures extending through him. Because she had wanted to know what it would feel like if someone loved her.
It's a slow burn romance where the scene builds up pretty late because the hero and heroine meet for the first time after quite a few pages into the book. And then when it feels they should come together, there's the fear of becoming like his father in Gabriel and the sadness of never receiving anyone's love in Luli that results in more time for them to grow close.
Well, the buildup takes so much of the story, that the ending felt punctured. I think it could have been better had it been a two part story. It tries to compensate with a cute epilogue but it's too little, too late.
P.S. I have read nine of her books till now and she's an absolute favourite.
The Spanish Husband by Michelle Reid
4.0
My twelfth read by [a:Michelle Reid|81218|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1260580903p2/81218.jpg], the story opens on an agitated Caroline Newbury, anxiously waiting for her father to get back to their room from his evening stroll. Putting up at a hotel in Puerto Banús in Marbella, where she had faced humiliation and suffered a broken heart seven years ago at the hands of one Luiz Vazquez. The same one who now owned the hotel they were staying in, which means we are in for one hell of a revengeful, angtsy ride.
Luiz has a dirty proposition to let go of all her father's debts, that they continue from where they left off seven years ago. And that he marry her. Though Caroline agrees to everything, for her gambler of a father, she couldn't not forget Luiz's betrayal all those years ago.
There is one surprise after another in this second chance story. Where earlier it was mostly the two of them, with the exception of her father, there is now Luiz's big Spanish family, a family who loves to hate him. But there's another shocker in store, Luiz's father's diary, which the padre of the local church hands over to Caroline. And their little hidey-hole was so charming, their secret place. And quite thrilling at the end. Though the reality of Luiz's family was really sad, what happened all those years ago.
P.S. This seems to be becoming a popular place in Harlequin books. I remember reading [b:The Playboy of Puerto Banús|17738179|The Playboy of Puerto Banús|Carol Marinelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372089719s/17738179.jpg|24817679] by [a:Carol Marinelli|4990|Carol Marinelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1356217416p2/4990.jpg], and that name instantly clicked.
Luiz has a dirty proposition to let go of all her father's debts, that they continue from where they left off seven years ago. And that he marry her. Though Caroline agrees to everything, for her gambler of a father, she couldn't not forget Luiz's betrayal all those years ago.
There is one surprise after another in this second chance story. Where earlier it was mostly the two of them, with the exception of her father, there is now Luiz's big Spanish family, a family who loves to hate him. But there's another shocker in store, Luiz's father's diary, which the padre of the local church hands over to Caroline. And their little hidey-hole was so charming, their secret place. And quite thrilling at the end. Though the reality of Luiz's family was really sad, what happened all those years ago.
P.S. This seems to be becoming a popular place in Harlequin books. I remember reading [b:The Playboy of Puerto Banús|17738179|The Playboy of Puerto Banús|Carol Marinelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372089719s/17738179.jpg|24817679] by [a:Carol Marinelli|4990|Carol Marinelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1356217416p2/4990.jpg], and that name instantly clicked.
The Bellini Bride by Michelle Reid
5.0
A first for me, a Harlequin that starts with the hero, Marco Bellini, calling Antonia Carson his woman, and where they are already together. I almost mistook it for a Harlequin Dare, such hotness. The cover does justice to it, and the title too. After all, Marco has to settle down, and Antonia is someone he desires, but love? She has a not so perfect past, where she was a nude model for a painter, Stefan Kranst, and those paintings are hot property. But Antonia is as fiery as she's beautiful, and not one of your regular demure heroines. While Marco is heir to the Bellini fortune, Antonia came from nothing. She loves him too much, and it hurts her when Marco brings up her past with pointed barbs. Marco is jealous of Stefan and the relationship Antonia had/still has with him.
This one delighted me to no end. A hero-heroine on equal footing in HPLand! She always puts him in his place. But a beginning as smooth as this one means that a storm is brewing. Because Antonia has a secret of her own, or two. However crass Marco acts, I can't help but love him. Because he realises he has hurt Antonia and is ready to grovel, always.
I loved Marco and Antonia, because they are always together. Even if they fight, and don't make up, and there are those threats of leaving each other, they are still together! Weathering the storm of life in their own way. There are quite many surprises about her past along the way.
As dramatic as the final three chapters of the book were, it was so interesting. Love, love, love, Marco and Antonia. Her biggest secret at the end was ... Boom! While not anything else, I can give out one spoiler, he says I Love You first, out loud. 5 Hot Stars for the perfect ending. First time I loved a Harlequin so much without pregnancy and babies. Phew!
P.S. This is my eleventh read by Michelle Reid and another five starrer. She's my favourite, especially [b:The Mistress Bride|3090876|The Mistress Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1329072873s/3090876.jpg|3121978], [b:The Tycoon's Bride|3202227|The Tycoon's Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1267855100s/3202227.jpg|3304493], [b:The Purchased Wife|2722472|The Purchased Wife|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1267053743s/2722472.jpg|2748072], and [b:The Price of a Bride|792832|The Price of a Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387703932s/792832.jpg|778815] are my favourite books by her.
This one delighted me to no end. A hero-heroine on equal footing in HPLand! She always puts him in his place. But a beginning as smooth as this one means that a storm is brewing. Because Antonia has a secret of her own, or two. However crass Marco acts, I can't help but love him. Because he realises he has hurt Antonia and is ready to grovel, always.
I loved Marco and Antonia, because they are always together. Even if they fight, and don't make up, and there are those threats of leaving each other, they are still together! Weathering the storm of life in their own way. There are quite many surprises about her past along the way.
As dramatic as the final three chapters of the book were, it was so interesting. Love, love, love, Marco and Antonia. Her biggest secret at the end was ... Boom! While not anything else, I can give out one spoiler, he says I Love You first, out loud. 5 Hot Stars for the perfect ending. First time I loved a Harlequin so much without pregnancy and babies. Phew!
P.S. This is my eleventh read by Michelle Reid and another five starrer. She's my favourite, especially [b:The Mistress Bride|3090876|The Mistress Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1329072873s/3090876.jpg|3121978], [b:The Tycoon's Bride|3202227|The Tycoon's Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1267855100s/3202227.jpg|3304493], [b:The Purchased Wife|2722472|The Purchased Wife|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1267053743s/2722472.jpg|2748072], and [b:The Price of a Bride|792832|The Price of a Bride|Michelle Reid|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387703932s/792832.jpg|778815] are my favourite books by her.
Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child
3.0
Jenna Baker is on board Falcon's Pride, one of Nick Falco's cruise liners, to tell him something important. She used to work as an assistant cruise director for Nick before she fell for him and spent one glorious week in his arms. On coming to know about her being his employee, he was quick to fire her.
When Jenna couldn't reach him with the news that she gave birth to his twins, what an interesting way she found out to finally get it across. In spite of operating her own business, she needs child support for the babies.
Nick's reaction to the babies picture was funny. But the dampener was the missing babies. Missing, as in, they don't make an appearance till almost the very end. In fact, the story being carried out on the ship for most of the time made it a little boring. And add to it little of Jenna and Nick's past as well as a hurried ending, it just was a little too bland. And Nick behaved like a prick most of the times, his conscience was good but his dialogues - always on the negative.
P.S. The cover is really funny, as many reviewers have already mentioned. There seems to be a story in the making though. Jenna's sister Maxie and Darius Stone.
I have read four books by [a:Maureen Child|8715|Maureen Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1266447701p2/8715.jpg] till now and among them, [b:His Unexpected Heir|34019016|His Unexpected Heir (Little Secrets #1)|Maureen Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494318187s/34019016.jpg|55016513] has stood out.
When Jenna couldn't reach him with the news that she gave birth to his twins, what an interesting way she found out to finally get it across. In spite of operating her own business, she needs child support for the babies.
Nick's reaction to the babies picture was funny. But the dampener was the missing babies. Missing, as in, they don't make an appearance till almost the very end. In fact, the story being carried out on the ship for most of the time made it a little boring. And add to it little of Jenna and Nick's past as well as a hurried ending, it just was a little too bland. And Nick behaved like a prick most of the times, his conscience was good but his dialogues - always on the negative.
P.S. The cover is really funny, as many reviewers have already mentioned. There seems to be a story in the making though. Jenna's sister Maxie and Darius Stone.
I have read four books by [a:Maureen Child|8715|Maureen Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1266447701p2/8715.jpg] till now and among them, [b:His Unexpected Heir|34019016|His Unexpected Heir (Little Secrets #1)|Maureen Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494318187s/34019016.jpg|55016513] has stood out.
Castelli's Virgin Widow by Caitlin Crews
4.0
Book Two of The Castelli Brothers Series starts with Rafael and Luca heatedly discussing Kathryn Merchant, their deceased father's twenty-three-years-old widow (who had been his sixth wife and found specific mention in his will). The story opens about three years after the incidents of the first book.
Kathryn and Luca have a standoffish beginning. A beginning which started two years back when Kathryn married Gianni Castelli. Luca doesn't miss any chance to taunt her or sneer at her and call her stepmother. Kathryn has been a disappointment for her mother her whole life in spite of trying to be the best version of herself. And it hurt her so much that she went along with her mother's brilliant plan of her marrying Castelli Senior with the condition that after they separate she would be doing a job at their corporate offices.
I just couldn't wrap my head around Kathyn's agenda. I mean, really, just to prove her mother otherwise, she had to marry Gianni so that she could get a job in a large corporation to prove her mother wrong! Umm...who does that? When gradually Kathryn's mother's story was revealed, I did feel sad for her but she shouldn't have treated her child the way she did, she shouldn't have practically pushed her to do something so strange. Though I must say, Luca and Kathryn hit it off from the start. In all that hatred, there's a passion so intense that it burns the pages (in my case, my Kindle!). But Luca is anything but merciful. He sends her straight to the gallows as soon as she steps foot in his office.
And Luca is an entirely different story. At first, it's not clear why he hates Kathryn so much. But then, isn't hatred a strong emotion which sometimes speaks of hidden love, or attraction, maybe. And Kathryn is funny.
Also, Luca has had a neglected childhood. It doesn't justify his later meanness but, well, he is a character after all.
I read many reviews where Luca is painted all black for insulting Kathryn so much. But I really enjoyed reading this story, because Kathryn almost always gave back what she got. And it was total fun to read them bickering.
Like I said in the review of Book One - sordid.
Not related by blood, but one brother romancing stepsister and the other their stepmother is definitely sordid.
All I can say is: Read at your own risk!
P.S. I loved the parts that Rafael and Lily, from Book One - [b:Unwrapping the Castelli Secret|25494264|Unwrapping the Castelli Secret (The Castelli Brothers #1)|Caitlin Crews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526000283s/25494264.jpg|45269339], had in this one.
Kathryn and Luca have a standoffish beginning. A beginning which started two years back when Kathryn married Gianni Castelli. Luca doesn't miss any chance to taunt her or sneer at her and call her stepmother. Kathryn has been a disappointment for her mother her whole life in spite of trying to be the best version of herself. And it hurt her so much that she went along with her mother's brilliant plan of her marrying Castelli Senior with the condition that after they separate she would be doing a job at their corporate offices.
I just couldn't wrap my head around Kathyn's agenda. I mean, really, just to prove her mother otherwise, she had to marry Gianni so that she could get a job in a large corporation to prove her mother wrong! Umm...who does that? When gradually Kathryn's mother's story was revealed, I did feel sad for her but she shouldn't have treated her child the way she did, she shouldn't have practically pushed her to do something so strange. Though I must say, Luca and Kathryn hit it off from the start. In all that hatred, there's a passion so intense that it burns the pages (in my case, my Kindle!). But Luca is anything but merciful. He sends her straight to the gallows as soon as she steps foot in his office.
And Luca is an entirely different story. At first, it's not clear why he hates Kathryn so much. But then, isn't hatred a strong emotion which sometimes speaks of hidden love, or attraction, maybe. And Kathryn is funny.
She told herself she was starting to find that scowl on his face almost charming. Like a love song from an ogre.
Also, Luca has had a neglected childhood. It doesn't justify his later meanness but, well, he is a character after all.
I read many reviews where Luca is painted all black for insulting Kathryn so much. But I really enjoyed reading this story, because Kathryn almost always gave back what she got. And it was total fun to read them bickering.
Like I said in the review of Book One - sordid.
Luca wasn’t sure he found his latest stepmother’s obvious manipulation of the press to be in the same realm as the stories Rafael and his wife, Lily—who also happened to be their former stepsister, because the Castelli family tree was nothing if not tangled and bent back on itself—had told to explain the fact she’d been thought dead for five years.
Not related by blood, but one brother romancing stepsister and the other their stepmother is definitely sordid.
All I can say is: Read at your own risk!
P.S. I loved the parts that Rafael and Lily, from Book One - [b:Unwrapping the Castelli Secret|25494264|Unwrapping the Castelli Secret (The Castelli Brothers #1)|Caitlin Crews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526000283s/25494264.jpg|45269339], had in this one.
Unwrapping the Castelli Secret by Caitlin Crews
4.0
Book One of The Castelli Brothers Series, this is the story of the older one, Rafael. The story opens with Rafael Castelli regretting the day he lost his stepsister Lily in a car crash. It's been five years, and he hasn't got closure since the body had not been found. He blames his selfishness for the status of their relationship even before the crash. Now in Charlottesville, Virginia to scout for some vineyards to add to his family's historic wine business, away from his native Italy, he spots her again. Lily was the daughter of his father's fourth wife, and they had been having a secret affair which Rafael didn't want to be made public, and thus the self-blame. He finally finds her, Lily Holloway, his Lily, now all of twenty-four. But she refuses that name and instead introduces herself as Alison Herbert. What a smashing introduction it is!
Why do they have to say, stepsister? It sounds so damn sordid! Luca (of [b:Castelli's Virgin Widow|25897417|Castelli's Virgin Widow (The Castelli Brothers #2)|Caitlin Crews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444077757s/25897417.jpg|45780389] - the younger brother) and Rafael, both are there and both recognise Lily. And when he discovers Lily has a son - his son! (Arlo) - they all have to become a family, though Lily still maintains she is Alison. And Rafael can't seem to fathom why she's still denying everything. The make-believe and the pretend in the story is so funny. The author provides humour in spades in this one.
It was senseless, the way both Rafael and Lily trying to hurt each other. And this was the first M&B I read where the heroine does something this drastic as to make the hero believe she's dead, and living with another identity. Ugh... in the end, it makes sense why Lily would want to hurt him. The reason made me cringe, yuck!
There's something in the book, finally, that I agree with. Though definitely not under the circumstances.
The cover is just perfect. As is the ending. A whole chapter is given to it.
Why do they have to say, stepsister? It sounds so damn sordid! Luca (of [b:Castelli's Virgin Widow|25897417|Castelli's Virgin Widow (The Castelli Brothers #2)|Caitlin Crews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444077757s/25897417.jpg|45780389] - the younger brother) and Rafael, both are there and both recognise Lily. And when he discovers Lily has a son - his son! (Arlo) - they all have to become a family, though Lily still maintains she is Alison. And Rafael can't seem to fathom why she's still denying everything. The make-believe and the pretend in the story is so funny. The author provides humour in spades in this one.
It was senseless, the way both Rafael and Lily trying to hurt each other. And this was the first M&B I read where the heroine does something this drastic as to make the hero believe she's dead, and living with another identity. Ugh... in the end, it makes sense why Lily would want to hurt him. The reason made me cringe, yuck!
Books and dogs and absolute and total freedom. What could be better?
There's something in the book, finally, that I agree with. Though definitely not under the circumstances.
The cover is just perfect. As is the ending. A whole chapter is given to it.
A Single Kiss by W. Winters
5.0
***e-ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Series: Irresistible Attraction #2
Synopsis:
The second book in the Irresistible Attraction Trilogy continues with the story of the youngest Cross brother. It starts with a prologue where Jase Cross remembers his earliest encounter with Marcus - the enemy - and all that his brother, Carter, had warned about. And now that Marcus has strong leverage against Jase, he will go after Marcus to protect what's his. Since this story continues from the first book, you'll have to read A Single Glance first.
Review:
The author creates such an atmosphere of suspense. You can taste the fear. And the cliff-hanger that the first book ended on, it's still there. A question of - "Is she alive? Is she dead?" There is no surety, no sense of calm. The emotions of Jase and Bethany are depicted beautifully. It's so heart-breaking to read Bethany's indecisiveness. Having lost her sister, she wants to trust someone, to fall back on someone, that someone being Jase. And yet she can't, she cannot fully trust him yet. She defies him, fights him every which way.
Jase is too intuitive for his own good. Also, the self-recrimination is something I believe makes me love his character more, in spite of the dark layers. The writing, oh, the writing! I wonder from where does the author bring about such richness in the language.
Also, I am warming up to Seth too. I don't know why I didn't notice him in the first book that much but, he has a calm presence in the storm that is Jase-Bethany's relationship. I wonder if he gets his own story?
What!?! Halfway through the book, new characters are finally introduced, characters whom we have been only hearing about since the first book. I so want to share but that will give away the surprise. And did I say how much I love the book within a book concept? The Coverless Book is just it! It's still a mystery but I surely want to have a copy of that book!
I want a friend like Laura too, how sweet is she to Beth! Jase and Bethany's relationship is a slow and sweet build-up, throughout Book One and now Book two. The uncertainties, the sweetness, the hotness. The author does justice to their melancholic state with her stellar writing. You just feel it in your bones. Fourth of June come fast, I can't wait to read the conclusion to this trilogy. Oh Jase and Bethany, I heart you!
Trigger Warning: The book has violence and erotic scenes, some of which can be disturbing. If you're not comfortable with either, it's better to avoid this Trilogy.
P.S. Is Jase the youngest Cross Brother? I am a little confused. There are four Cross brothers, Carter, Jase, Daniel, and Declan. And there's a fifth honorary brother Sebastian. I think I have to read the following books first to determine the exact familial relations and connections. Hehe! The books along with their publication date are as follows:
Sinful Obsessions Series
It's Our Secret (Dean Warren and Allison's story) – 23/01/2018
Possessive (Daniel Cross and Addison Fawn's story – Ooh! Bethany Fawn, are you related?) – 13/03/2018
A Kiss to Tell (Sebastian Black and Chloe Rose's story) – 12/08/2018
Merciless Series Carter Cross and Aria Talvery's story
Merciless – 15/05/2018
Heartless – 17/07/2018
Breathless – 04/09/2018
Endless – 13/11/2018
Irresistible Attraction Trilogy Jase Cross and Bethany Fawn's story
A Single Glance – 03/02/2019
A Single Kiss – 09/04/2019
A Single Touch – 04/06/2019
It means Declan's story is yet to arrive…*Excited*
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/a-single-kiss-by-willow-winters/
Series: Irresistible Attraction #2
Synopsis:
The second book in the Irresistible Attraction Trilogy continues with the story of the youngest Cross brother. It starts with a prologue where Jase Cross remembers his earliest encounter with Marcus - the enemy - and all that his brother, Carter, had warned about. And now that Marcus has strong leverage against Jase, he will go after Marcus to protect what's his. Since this story continues from the first book, you'll have to read A Single Glance first.
Review:
The author creates such an atmosphere of suspense. You can taste the fear. And the cliff-hanger that the first book ended on, it's still there. A question of - "Is she alive? Is she dead?" There is no surety, no sense of calm. The emotions of Jase and Bethany are depicted beautifully. It's so heart-breaking to read Bethany's indecisiveness. Having lost her sister, she wants to trust someone, to fall back on someone, that someone being Jase. And yet she can't, she cannot fully trust him yet. She defies him, fights him every which way.
Jase is too intuitive for his own good. Also, the self-recrimination is something I believe makes me love his character more, in spite of the dark layers. The writing, oh, the writing! I wonder from where does the author bring about such richness in the language.
Her hazel eyes swirl with a mix of emotions. Complicated and in broken disarray, the amber colours bleeding into one another, but each still visible and adding to the beauty of her gaze.
Also, I am warming up to Seth too. I don't know why I didn't notice him in the first book that much but, he has a calm presence in the storm that is Jase-Bethany's relationship. I wonder if he gets his own story?
What!?! Halfway through the book, new characters are finally introduced, characters whom we have been only hearing about since the first book. I so want to share but that will give away the surprise. And did I say how much I love the book within a book concept? The Coverless Book is just it! It's still a mystery but I surely want to have a copy of that book!
I want a friend like Laura too, how sweet is she to Beth! Jase and Bethany's relationship is a slow and sweet build-up, throughout Book One and now Book two. The uncertainties, the sweetness, the hotness. The author does justice to their melancholic state with her stellar writing. You just feel it in your bones. Fourth of June come fast, I can't wait to read the conclusion to this trilogy. Oh Jase and Bethany, I heart you!
Trigger Warning: The book has violence and erotic scenes, some of which can be disturbing. If you're not comfortable with either, it's better to avoid this Trilogy.
P.S. Is Jase the youngest Cross Brother? I am a little confused. There are four Cross brothers, Carter, Jase, Daniel, and Declan. And there's a fifth honorary brother Sebastian. I think I have to read the following books first to determine the exact familial relations and connections. Hehe! The books along with their publication date are as follows:
Sinful Obsessions Series
It's Our Secret (Dean Warren and Allison's story) – 23/01/2018
Possessive (Daniel Cross and Addison Fawn's story – Ooh! Bethany Fawn, are you related?) – 13/03/2018
A Kiss to Tell (Sebastian Black and Chloe Rose's story) – 12/08/2018
Merciless Series Carter Cross and Aria Talvery's story
Merciless – 15/05/2018
Heartless – 17/07/2018
Breathless – 04/09/2018
Endless – 13/11/2018
Irresistible Attraction Trilogy Jase Cross and Bethany Fawn's story
A Single Glance – 03/02/2019
A Single Kiss – 09/04/2019
A Single Touch – 04/06/2019
It means Declan's story is yet to arrive…*Excited*
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/a-single-kiss-by-willow-winters/
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami
Synopsis:
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is a collection of twenty-four, some short, some – a little – long stories.
The stories are as follows:
1. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (translated by Philip Gabriel)
2. Birthday Girl (translated by Jay Rubin)
3. New York Mining Disaster (translated by Philip Gabriel)
4. Airplane" Or, How He Talked to Himself as If Reciting Poetry (translated by Jay Rubin)
5. The Mirror (translated by Philip Gabriel)
6. A Folklore for My Generation: A Pre-History of Late Stage Capitalism (translated by Philip Gabriel)
7. Hunting Knife (translated by Philip Gabriel)
8. A Perfect Day for Kangaroos (translated by Philip Gabriel)
9. Dabchick (translated by Jay Rubin)
10. Man-Eating Cats (translated by Philip Gabriel)
11. A "Poor Aunt" Story (translated by Jay Rubin)
12. Nausea (translated by Jay Rubin)
13. The Seventh Man (translated by Jay Rubin)
14. The Year of Spaghetti (translated by Philip Gabriel)
15. Tony Takitani (translated by Jay Rubin)
16. The Rise and Fall of Sharpie Cakes (translated by Jay Rubin)
17. The Ice Man (translated by Philip Gabriel)
18. Crabs (translated by Philip Gabriel)
19. Firefly (translated by Philip Gabriel)
20. Chance Traveler (translated by Philip Gabriel)
21. Hanalei Bay (translated by Jay Rubin)
22. Where I'm Likely to Find It (translated by Philip Gabriel)
23. The Kidney-Shaped Stone That Moves Every Day (translated by Jay Rubin)
24. A Shinagawa Monkey (translated by Philip Gabriel)
Review:
The Introduction itself captivated me, as Murakami delved into the 'behind-the-scenes' of his journey of writing both novels and short stories.
And then I dove into the first story, title the same as that of the collection. When I started reading the book – my first read of Murakami's works – all I could say was, okay, it's a bit strange, a little mystic, bordering on absurdity, and much more.
Now, let me come to the 'much more' part. As the first story came to an end, I was like "What the hell did I just read?" A narration which shows the delicacy of human relations and the goings-on of everyday life. Reading Murakami's works is not an exercise in reading, but an experience, and a damn good one! Have you heard of an earlobe compared with a freshly-baked goodie? Well, it does get whacky sometimes.
The characters and characterisations can be weird. And some of the nameless, faceless characters can get to you, with their profound ordinariness. There is a reality of life and death, a sense of both loneliness and aloofness.
My favourite story out of the twenty-four is 'Where I'm Likely to Find It'. I could connect to it the most. Maybe because I am also searching for something.
Some books do that to you, as if a phenomenal, an elemental change has occurred, a change of such magnitude which you're not able to put into words. The writing has meaning, a meaning you have to find out for yourself. It can have many different interpretations.
I read this book for Delhi Fam Book Club's (https://www.instagram.com/delhifambookclub/) January Book of the Month in which we had to pick any book by Murakami (what with January being his birth month). This was the only book available in the library and it was a great introduction to his writing for me.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/04/27/blind-willow-sleeping-woman-by-haruki-murakami/
5.0
"Your work should be an act of love, not a marriage of convenience.
Synopsis:
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is a collection of twenty-four, some short, some – a little – long stories.
The stories are as follows:
1. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (translated by Philip Gabriel)
2. Birthday Girl (translated by Jay Rubin)
3. New York Mining Disaster (translated by Philip Gabriel)
4. Airplane" Or, How He Talked to Himself as If Reciting Poetry (translated by Jay Rubin)
5. The Mirror (translated by Philip Gabriel)
6. A Folklore for My Generation: A Pre-History of Late Stage Capitalism (translated by Philip Gabriel)
7. Hunting Knife (translated by Philip Gabriel)
8. A Perfect Day for Kangaroos (translated by Philip Gabriel)
9. Dabchick (translated by Jay Rubin)
10. Man-Eating Cats (translated by Philip Gabriel)
11. A "Poor Aunt" Story (translated by Jay Rubin)
12. Nausea (translated by Jay Rubin)
13. The Seventh Man (translated by Jay Rubin)
14. The Year of Spaghetti (translated by Philip Gabriel)
15. Tony Takitani (translated by Jay Rubin)
16. The Rise and Fall of Sharpie Cakes (translated by Jay Rubin)
17. The Ice Man (translated by Philip Gabriel)
18. Crabs (translated by Philip Gabriel)
19. Firefly (translated by Philip Gabriel)
20. Chance Traveler (translated by Philip Gabriel)
21. Hanalei Bay (translated by Jay Rubin)
22. Where I'm Likely to Find It (translated by Philip Gabriel)
23. The Kidney-Shaped Stone That Moves Every Day (translated by Jay Rubin)
24. A Shinagawa Monkey (translated by Philip Gabriel)
Review:
If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden.
The Introduction itself captivated me, as Murakami delved into the 'behind-the-scenes' of his journey of writing both novels and short stories.
You can create a short story out of the smallest details – it's like jazz improvisation, with the story taking me where it wants to.
And then I dove into the first story, title the same as that of the collection. When I started reading the book – my first read of Murakami's works – all I could say was, okay, it's a bit strange, a little mystic, bordering on absurdity, and much more.
Now, let me come to the 'much more' part. As the first story came to an end, I was like "What the hell did I just read?" A narration which shows the delicacy of human relations and the goings-on of everyday life. Reading Murakami's works is not an exercise in reading, but an experience, and a damn good one! Have you heard of an earlobe compared with a freshly-baked goodie? Well, it does get whacky sometimes.
No matter how far they go, people can never be anything but themselves.
The characters and characterisations can be weird. And some of the nameless, faceless characters can get to you, with their profound ordinariness. There is a reality of life and death, a sense of both loneliness and aloofness.
Cats and dogs are your run-of-the-mill type animals. Nobody's going to pay money to see them. Just look around you – they're everywhere. Same thing with people.
My favourite story out of the twenty-four is 'Where I'm Likely to Find It'. I could connect to it the most. Maybe because I am also searching for something.
Like mist in the breeze, his memories changed shape, and with each change they grew fainter.
Some books do that to you, as if a phenomenal, an elemental change has occurred, a change of such magnitude which you're not able to put into words. The writing has meaning, a meaning you have to find out for yourself. It can have many different interpretations.
My stories are like soft shadows I've set out in the world, faint footprints I've left behind.
I read this book for Delhi Fam Book Club's (https://www.instagram.com/delhifambookclub/) January Book of the Month in which we had to pick any book by Murakami (what with January being his birth month). This was the only book available in the library and it was a great introduction to his writing for me.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/04/27/blind-willow-sleeping-woman-by-haruki-murakami/