" The Earl's Pregnant Bride" is a delightfully heart-warming romance written by Christine Rimmer, it is one of Bravo Royale series. Don't be concerned if you haven't read any of the preceding books because this book stands alone. Genevra Bravo - Calabretti has always longed for one thing, to be the mistress of Hartmore from the first time she had visited at the ripe age of five. Rafael DeValery, Earl of Hartmore has only desired one thing as well, Gen Bravo-Calabretti . Even though the couple had been close friends all through their childhood, there was only one obstacle in the way. Gen believed herself to be in love with Rafe's brother, Edward, who was tragically killed in a automobile accident, which left Rafe injured and scarred as well. Gen and Rafe find comfort in each other's arms in a four day rendezvous in which neither had planned. Who knew that the condoms that were found in the back of the drawer were expired and Gen would wind up pregnant! Rafe had tried to push her away after their affair but when she came to him with the news of the baby, he did what any honorable man would do, he married her.
The things I enjoyed about Gen, she was a genuine, caring person. she had a loving relationship with Rafe's nephew, Geoffrey, even though at times she really wanted to strangle his mother, Brooke. Also, Gen was a little possessive of her man. It wasn't that she didn't trust him but the other women, who kept popping up like Melinda. Bless his heart, Rafe didn't want to listen to Gen's intuition about his old flame wanting to rekindle the spark. However, he quickly learned to listen when he got caught in the kitchen in a compromising position. I admired Gen's love for the Hartmore House, she wanted so badly to leave her mark on this home, not only because she loved it but because it gave her purpose and built her self-esteem. Gen felt that she cast a dim shadow in compassion to her larger than life sisters.
Even though Rafe had loved Gen forever, he was willing to put aside his love to let her have what she thought she wanted, his brother, until he realized that Edward would continue living his life the same way as before including Fiona, his paramour. This made Rafe take a stand in defending Gen and tragedy stuck killing his brother and leaving him with survior's guilt. Rafe didn't want to talk about the night Edward died because he wanted to spare Gen's feelings. Little did he know, that Gen had realized that it was actually Rafe that held her heart, right along with Hartmore House.
Christine Rimmer weaves a story that most of us can relate with, We all have a melodramatic family member somewhere in our family, you know the one that lives life like they are on stage. There is always an someone lurking in the shadows waiting for you to mess up so they can be the next instead of the ex. Rafe finally revealed his love for Gen and allowed himself to be free from the guilt that hung around his neck since the accident. Gen finally got what she always wanted, to be the Countess of Hartmore and her happily ever after with her loving Earl. I would highly recommend this book, it will leave you with a wide range of emotions and wanting more...