Book Description
Enrico DiRinaldi still wants a wife and children, even though an accident has left him unable to walk. So he proposes a marriage of convenience to Gianna Lakewood. Having always longed for a baby herself - and having secretly loved Rico since she was a teenager - Gianna can't say no...
The passion Rico ignites in his innocent bride leaves her breathless. But when she realizes that Rico's full recovery from his injuries is imminent, and his beautiful ex-fiancee is waiting in the wings, Gianna is sure he won't want her any more. So why is Rico so intent on keeping his convenient wife by his side?
Customer Reviews:
Loved it!.......2007-01-29
I thought this story was going to be bad, based on some of the reviews here, but I was wrong. This story was wonderful, the heroine is not a doormat, and the hero is a jerk sometimes but I have read worse. All-in-all if you want to read a sweet story, then this one is it!
Not as good as its premise sounded.......2005-06-28
Based on the recap on the back, this book had a great setup: paralyzed hero, nasty ex-fiance, adoring heroine. But I found the story disappointing. Rico's sudden sexual interest in Gianna was much too abrubt of a change and never convincing and Gianna was a bit too much of a wimp. Also, the last confrontation with Chiara was off-page, so we couldn't even enjoy Chiara's comeuppance.
Powerful, intense and prideful.......2005-03-22
Rico stole my heart. This man was such a powerful character and oozed sexual charm. Waiting, waiting was Gia whose love ran so pure and deep. This was an incredible love story, one I read more than once.
Another Winner!.......2004-12-27
Lucy Monroe has written yet another keeper! THE ITALIAN'S SUITABLE WIFE combines the best of traditional-Presents Alpha Male with a modern sensibility that lifts it above and beyond the expected. Rico and Gianna are both strong, passionate people who find love in a thoroughly satisfying novel. And Ms. Monroe isn't shy about exploring sensitive issues such as paralysis and fertility treatments, bringing a traditional storyline into the 21st century. Give this book a try and you won't be disappointed!
Suitable for marriage - but what about love?.......2004-10-12
Enrico DiRinaldi was left paralyzed after he saved a woman from being mugged. Despite his paralysis, which may be either temporary or permanent, he wants to have a family of his own. So, after playing his friend Gianna Lakewood and his fiancee Chiara off of one another, he dumps the heartless Chiara and proposes marriage to Gianna. Despite his marriage proposal, there is no love involved in this match on his part. But is that good enough for Gianna?
Gianna Lakewood has loved Rico since she was a young girl, and she rushed to his beside when he was in the hospital, unlike his fiancee. She'd love to marry him and have his children, but he had never looked at her that way. To him, she was only the daughter of his mother's best friend, a sisterly sort of girl, not a desirable woman. So when Rico proposes marriage to her, she's shocked to say the least, but she says yes because it's like a dream come true - except Rico doesn't love her. Can she be satisfied with a loveless marriage, or can she change Rico's heart?
Well, I thought this book was going to be better than it actually was. I didn't like Rico or Gianna. Rico was a complete jerk and treated Gianna like she wasn't worth hardly anything to him. Not only did he order her around constantly, ask her embarrassing questions in front of other people, act like a Neanderthal when it came to her sharing a hotel suite with his brother because she couldn't afford a hotel room of her own, but he was just plain rude. He would say and do the most hurtful things to Gianna, and then just excuse it because he was in a temper. I'm sorry, that is NOT a good excuse. And when he flirted with the flight attendant on the flight back to Italy, mere hours after marrying Gianna, because he didn't think Gianna was paying enough attention to him - it just showed what an immature jerk he was, and sad to say, he didn't do much growing up in the book at all.
Gianna was a doormat. She let Rico walk all over her in the name of her love for him. She let him say hateful things to her. She let him use her to make his fiancee jealous. She didn't stand up to either Rico or Chiara when they were accusing her of trying to break them up while Rico was in the hospital. She NEVER stood up to Chiara and just let the other woman use her as a punching bag. Gianna spent much of the book whining because Rico didn't love her, but saying that she'd rather live with him in a loveless marriage than be out of his life for good. Please. She needed to grow a backbone. Unfortunately, she never did, either. So, basically, if you like a spineless heroine and a caveman hero, this is the book for you. If you like a heroine with just an ounce of courage, read something else.
Customer Reviews:
Very Good Read.......2007-06-10
From the Back Cover:
Will he take a stranger to be his wedded wife?
Abandoned her boyfriend and family after the birth of her son, Holly Sansom collapses in the street. Rio Lombardi, M.D. of Lombardi Industries, comes to her rescue.
Rio insists that Holly stay at his luxurious home, and proceeds to lavish her and her baby with all that money can buy. But Rio's emotions are caught off guard by Holly's natural charm and indifference to his wealth. In fact, Holly would make a perfect wife...
Comments:
Holly was homeless after being abandoned by her family because of her refusal to give up her son for adoption. When she went to find the father for assistance he threatened and assaulted her leaving them with no place to go. While wondering the streets (after getting her purse stolen and leaving her temporary housing due to the landlord) in the early morning she is almost hit by Rio's Limo. Rio (a billionaire and philanthropist) is so concerned for her that he ensures that she and her child are given proper medical attention and insist that they stay at his home. He also insists on marrying her even though they have only known each other a few days.
Rio only broke up with his fiancée an hour before meeting Holly, which has her questioning his state of mind and reason for their marriage. Of course there is interference from others, his ex, her ex and the skeptical mother (can't say I blame mom for being concerned about her son's actions). Leaving a party with your ex and not informing your wife first certainly wasn't a smart thing to do, but he gets what he deserves for it.
This was a very good book, yes marrying someone just days after you meet them is a bit odd, but not that much different from other HP books. It took me a while to commit to purchasing this book because I didn't want to waste my time or money, but I'm very happy I finally did buy it. The book got me from the surprising, unexpected events in the beginning and kept me reading, which is truly what a book is supposed to do.
An Utterly Forgettable Story...........2007-05-29
I'm a big fan of LG, but I can only remember the cover picture & the bare plot of this book & nothing else bcs. this was an utterly forgettable story....
Bizarre, but not bad.......2006-07-29
Hero catches fiancee cheating on him (nasty cheating). Breaks up with her, picks up total stranger (and child) from the street and marries stranger instead. Whoa!
It's almost like someone else but Lynne Graham wrote this book. It's not bad, it's just weird. Graham's characters are usually memorable, and these two are not. The first word that comes to mind regarding the hero is "derranged", not "gorgeous". His behavior is just spooky. On the other hand, Graham's plots are usually standard, and this one is not. Heck, at long last, a Graham heroine that's not a virgin, nor persecuted by the hero!
The story is unbelievable... but so well-written you'll buy it... right to the end of the book. Of course, you might change your mind the following day and recycle the book. Give it a try.
Nice story.......2002-12-02
After leaving her hometown because her parents are embarrassed by her illegitimate child, Holly Samson travels to London to find Jeff, her child's father. Jeff promptly threatens her life and the life of little Timmie if she doesn't leave him alone. Alone and broke in London with no job skills and an infant son, Holly struggles to make it alone, but she's failing. One night, as she walks the streets of London desperate to keep her baby and find a job, she is nearly hit by a limo. She quickly pushes her son's buggy out of the way and faints to the ground.
Saverio Lombardi is stunned by the beautiful redhead he finds lying on the ground in front of his limo. Having left his apartment after catching his fiancee in a VERY comprimising situation, Rio is barely himself. He takes Holly to a private hospital where she is treated and finds himself unable, and unwilling, to let Holly out of his sight. After a night of passion, he finds himself telling the lady from Social Services he plans on marrying Holly, a statement which stuns her. They get married, but suddenly Christabel, Rio's former fiancee, reappears on the scene, determined to get Rio back. Jeff also reappears, determined to cash in on Holly newfound good luck.
Holly must now face facts and demand the answers to questions Rio would rather not answer. How much time passed between Rio's breaking up with Chrissy and his picking her up? Is their marriage based on sex or something deeper? Why does Rio refuse to talk about Chrissy? What did Ezio, Rio's bodyguard, mean when he said "Rio...well..he isn't himself."
The book is actually very very good. I was surprised at how easily I accepted the entire plot.
Another Masterpiece!.......2002-05-08
Rio's limo nearly runs Holly over and in the act to save her baby son, she pushes the buggy away and loses her balance. She blacksout for a few seconds but then remains her consciousness. Rio brings her to the hospital where she's looked over. Holly feels secure because after the abandonment act her parents and boyfriend did to her, here's a guy taking care of her.
In what Holly thought as an attempt to save her son from Social Services, Rio says they're engaged. When she finds out that he actually does plan to marry her, she's shocked. After all, they haven't known each other for more than a few days. She's not sure about her decision because she loves him but he says he can come to be fond of her. And what about that rumor? The one that said he was engaged to a supermodel up til an hour before he met Holly. Who dumped who?
I can never be disappointed at Graham's work. I love her heroines because they take action in how their future is going to happen. When the heroines do something, they do it with a bang> Her heros are good too because they're cutely obtuse and arrogant, enough to be the perfect match with the heroine.
Customer Reviews:
Good Read.......2007-04-05
I thought in the beginning our hero was the biggest jerk or all time. Come on, the way he looked down upon our heroine. But as the book progressed I liked it very much. This book is an esay read and worth your time. If you like Julia James then this book is for you.
Very touching ............2005-07-15
The hero might not very impressive at the beginning, nasty if I can call him. The way he treated his women was very insensitive, in addition to the bitterness and feud he had with his father. But the then came the heroine with all her caring caring, giving, and loving nature, despite being an orphan. She had opened the hero's eyes how love could actually existed among human beings, that also made him falling in love with the heroine, desparately in love ... All ended well and perfect!
I actually want to give 5 stars, but I still feel something missing in the whole plot, may be it's about the way Ms.James wrote the ending. I think Michelle Reid could have written a better plot and ending for the same characters and story line. Still, I love the story.
I felt sorry for her.......2005-01-20
The hero has to marry because of his father's demands. He marries the first woman he sees and she is poor, plain, and a single mother. He exploits all of these attributes and ultimately the heroine is embarassed by her new father in law, the hero feels bad and gets her a makeover. Once she is beautiful he starts to like her and once he realizes that she's still a virgin he falls in love. The first half of the book I was ready to cry for the heroine the last half I felt sorry for her that she had married such a superficial hypocritical guy. Even though he's slept with tons of women his thought processes in the book are that he wants a virginal wife. How typical. I gave it 3 stars because I had to finish it just to find out if he redeemed himself, but really it was kinda depressing.
Well-written, okay read........2005-01-18
I've never read Julia James before but the back cover sounded interesting - basically an update of Cinderella. Julia James is a capable writer and the basic premise has promise. But I cannot abide weak and powerless heroines. Not having an education or piles of money does not automatically make a woman a door-mat. I would have liked to see the heroine go nose to nose with the hero rather than just have everything happen to her. But I will keep an eye out for Julia James' future books.
Customer Reviews:
Penny, Penny, Penny.......2006-06-30
No one writes a sexy alpha male beter than Penny Jordan. Somehow she can make you love him, hate, and want to bed him all at once. This book was no exception.
I've been reading her books for years and I have yet to be disappointed.
Looking forward to her next one.
Nice!!.......2006-06-24
FROM THE BACK COVER:
"I will pay you one million pounds to become my wife for one
year. The marriage will not be consummated..."
Italian aristocrat Lorenzo, Duce di Montesavro, needs to marry, and English tourist Jodie Oliver seems the ideal candidate for this convenient arrangement--her vulnerability is especially appealing to Lorenzo. But when he unleashes a desire Jodie never knew she possessed, Lorenzo is soon regretting his no-consummation rule....
After his scheming cousin-in-law, Caterina, tricks his grandmother into changing her will so that Lorenzo would have to marry her in order to inherit his family Castillo, (unknown to Caterina, the notary changed the will a little so that it didn't say Lorenzo had to marry her, he could marry anyone), Lorenzo dicided to marry the first suitable female he comes a cross. While leaving the Castillo late at night, he meets Jodie, who is hopelessly lost, driving up the road that leads to his Castillo, he dicides that she will suit his needs just fine. He brings her to the Castillo and convinces her to marry him, she agrees after he agree to do her a favor.
After her bestfriend, Louise, stole her fiance, John, Jodie decides to go on her honeymoon to Italy alone to get away. She's understandably hurt, confused, and upset. Aside from what John and Louise did to her, she's also recovering from a car accident, from which she sustained wounds that are both physical and mental, including a slight limp which she's very self-conscious about.
Lorenzo is very patient with Jodie, and do not make her feel badly about her limp, the way her fiance did. Although he is strongly attracted to her, he does not rush her into bed because she's a virgin. He really cares about underprivileged people, and I especally like the way he told off Louise when they attended her wedding reception.
I really like this book because both Lorenzo and Jodie rescued each other, figuratively speaking. I think you will like it as well.
Up to Penny Jordan's standards.......2006-04-22
If you've read one Penny Jordan book, and enjoyed it, you will enjoy this one. Nice fantasy heart-throb hero, nice 'woman in pain' heroine, satisfying ending.
If you've read Penny Jordan's books and didn't like them, you should pass on this one.
not hot, but HOT.......2006-03-31
Penny Jordan makes this an entertaining and quick read. Outline - she gets dumped when her friend steals the fiance more than a month before the wedding. Jodie heads to Italy as the honeymoon is already paid for. She's a hunk of burnin' love who meets an Italian hunk of burnin' love. She is shy, Lorenzo tries to hold back - and after 4 tries that fail due to her or due to him, they become a united hunk of burnin' love.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read.......2007-04-27
I enjoyed reading this book; I thought the hero was a bit tough in the beginning, but that view was quickly changed as I continued to read and the interactions became laughable. I liked the way the heroine wasn't afraid to speak her mind and didn't cower down to the hero. I was bit concerned that the brother might have been using the heroine, but that was proven not to be the case. I definitely recommend this book to others.
Good!!!.......2006-08-22
FROM BACK COVER:
First his mousy housekeeper--
then his beautiful bride!
Mercy Howard's childhood was sheltered, and her job as housekeeper to sexy Italian businessman Andreo Pascali makes her realize that she needs a makeover!
A new haircut and some clothes later, Andreo discovers his housekeeper is no longer a mouse--but a fox! He wants to add mistress to Mercy's list of duties, but she's not going to settle for a no-strings affair...
Mercy Howard was happy to be offered the position of Andreo Pascali's housekeeper because the high pay would enable her to be able to pay more towards her younger brother's tuition for med school...
After an embarrassing incident, Mercy decided to get a complete makeover, changing her from a dumpy, but efficent, housekeeper to a knockout...
As a result, Andreo becomes attracted to her. Mercy is weary about getting involve with her sexy boss, because she's so different from all his previous women, and she will never fit into his world, but she can't help being attracted to him...at some points in this book, she came across more like his mother than his housekeeper...
All in all this was an ok book, that had some pretty good love scenes. It was a typical HP romance.
Customer Reviews:
Took My Breath Away.......2006-08-28
This is a wonderful story. But let me tell you, have a box of kleenex handy, you'll need it.
Very strong characters, expecially Caroline who had to walk away and gave up so much only to return to Italy and not only face the loss of her sister but be subjected to judgement by a family who didn't understand the situation.
Paulo is a strong and proud Italian but his father takes the word proud to a new level. However, Catherine Spencer has outdone herself with her character Caroline! Bravo!
Not a cliche, happily.......2006-07-14
What I like about this romance is that the characters don't fit into the usual cliche. The hero is not compeltely arrogant and controlling and the herione actually has a backbone. I love how the characters are able to work past many obstacles and lies to form a solid and happy future together. The reason that I gave this story four stars instead of five is because of the arrogant and backwards father of the hero. This man is so stuck in the past he is likely to irritate even the most mild mannered woman. I hate romances where the men are overbearing and arrogant, those are not endearing qualities. Since the father has such a small roll in the story he can't completely ruin it and the rest is a solid love story.
Great read.......2006-07-07
Another great book from Catherine Spencer, The Italian's Convenient Wife is an emotionally involving story that never falls into romance novel cliches. The main characters, as well as the supporting cast of secondary characters, are fully realised people with whom the reader can identify.
Callie and Paolo meet again after a family tragedy has orphaned their niece and nephew. Paolo quickly realises that Callie is no longer the naive young girl he met nine years before, but he is also no longer the careless playboy who broke her heart.
The story has dimensions not always seen in short romances. There is no pointless bickering masquerading as conflict. Paolo and Callie are two mature adults who work through their grief for their dead brother and sister, and try to establish a stable home for the two children, as well as caring for Paolo's aging parents.
The ending is logical, satisfying, and heartwarming. A great summer read.
Customer Reviews:
Want to read the next.......2004-05-22
'Wife by Arrangement' is the first book I have read by Lucy Gordon and will not be that last. Our Heroine Heather is a strong woman who is filled with honor and loyalty. Our Hero Renato is a typical wounded mail who has decided to never fall in love again. So he does the next best thing he pushes his brother, whom heather is dating into marrying her.
Disaster strikes when Heather is left at the alter.
Heather and Renato have to get past many of twist before they can find their love and none of the twists are bigger then Heather's huge anger.
I am anxious to read the sequel to this book 'Husband by Necessity' also by LG
I would definitely give this book a try, its well worth your time.
Customer Reviews:
No one is nice no one is truthful.......2007-02-13
I so disliked this book that I did not want to finish it.
A marriage of convenience. She gets in the family way has a miscarrage and he sends her away. Enter evil P.A. who tell all sorts of lies to wife while trying to get in the husbands pants, in including walking out of his room which he is not sharing with his wife (her choice) in the middle of the night running into said wife. Her father is a pig, the man she marries is a pig(hot , But a pig) and she is such a wimp. YUCK.
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