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Ruthless Russians #1
An Heiress for His Empire
The story: innocent debutante Madison Archer has hit the headlines for a scandal not of her making. Now, marriage to the unscrupulous Viktor Beck is the only way to save what’s left of her reputation! The contract: Maddie has always featured in Viktor’s plans to take over her father’s company and expand his empire. The intense attraction between them only sweetens the deal he’s offered… The secret: though love doesn’t beat in Viktor’s heart, he’ll show Maddie just how hot their chemistry can be. But this corporate shark is in for a shock – his wild socialite is still a virgin! Discover more at www.millsandboon.co.uk/lucymonroe
Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Lucy Monroe
633 books1,604 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 14, 2021
-have my nails done
- have my hair done
- check the cats litter
- choose a dress for tomorrow night’s party
These are my thoughts while I was reading this book.
Man, what a chore to finish this one.
It was really boring.
All about a man who plans to marry his boss’s daughter to have his company, but no, stop, it’s not true, he loved her for six years, really.
Pity he played the field until he lost his legs while she was as celibate as a nun.
We have:
- double standard
- weird ways to lose one’s virginity
- much talking about their plans and their jobs (really, who cares?)
-she telling him he loves her ( really??)
- daddy issues
-Russian folklore
- some hot sex scenes
- usual stupid excuses of the hero for rejecting the heroine when she was 18. The truth is that his lil one had to taste some more cherries before settling down with only one.
The second book of this series is definitely better.
As you may have understood I didn’t like it.
And now I have to check my cats litter, seriously.
- have my hair done
- check the cats litter
- choose a dress for tomorrow night’s party
These are my thoughts while I was reading this book.
Man, what a chore to finish this one.
It was really boring.
All about a man who plans to marry his boss’s daughter to have his company, but no, stop, it’s not true, he loved her for six years, really.
Pity he played the field until he lost his legs while she was as celibate as a nun.
We have:
- double standard
- weird ways to lose one’s virginity
- much talking about their plans and their jobs (really, who cares?)
-she telling him he loves her ( really??)
- daddy issues
-Russian folklore
- some hot sex scenes
- usual stupid excuses of the hero for rejecting the heroine when she was 18. The truth is that his lil one had to taste some more cherries before settling down with only one.
The second book of this series is definitely better.
As you may have understood I didn’t like it.
And now I have to check my cats litter, seriously.
September 6, 2014
4 1/2 stars!! Super romantic marriage of convenience story. Unlike other authors Lucy Monroe doesn't make her socialite heroine slutty or immature. She is a humanitarian who devotes her life to good causes and helping children. She is innocent, a sweetheart and a warm and caring woman.
She has been in love with hero since forever but he rejected her once and she never got over him. Hero is dreamy, alpha, romantic, honorable a true gem! Gotta love a Russian hero!
Their chemistry is amazing cause they both wear their hearts on their sleeves and they treat each other with so much love and respect. I would have given this 5 stars but an epilogue with no babies is a big letdown for me!
She has been in love with hero since forever but he rejected her once and she never got over him. Hero is dreamy, alpha, romantic, honorable a true gem! Gotta love a Russian hero!
Their chemistry is amazing cause they both wear their hearts on their sleeves and they treat each other with so much love and respect. I would have given this 5 stars but an epilogue with no babies is a big letdown for me!
December 14, 2019
"An Heiress for His Empire" is the story of Maddie and Vik.
When famous heiress and socialite Madison Archer is betrayed by her best friend, her image ruined by the scandalous tabloids, she is left to fend off the wolves. The biggest one is her ruthless and uncaring father, who plans to marry her off to one of his men- the most notorious and unscrupulous being Viktor Beck- the man Maddie has always had a crush on. However, instead of being the damsel in this situation, Maddie decides to take reins of her own life and pave her own path..and Viktor, the determined man vows to help her do the same, in exchange for her hand in marriage! What happens next forms the crux of the plot.
A WONDERFUL story with a strong and independent heroine, an ambitious and caring hero, betrayals, testaments, passion and a heartwarming HEA. Her father was a grey character, and I liked that the author decides to explore their complex relationship by various confrontations. The hero is likable and obsessive, the heroine sweet and vulnerable, and their lovemaking is scorching.
Very enjoyable!
SWE
4.5/5
When famous heiress and socialite Madison Archer is betrayed by her best friend, her image ruined by the scandalous tabloids, she is left to fend off the wolves. The biggest one is her ruthless and uncaring father, who plans to marry her off to one of his men- the most notorious and unscrupulous being Viktor Beck- the man Maddie has always had a crush on. However, instead of being the damsel in this situation, Maddie decides to take reins of her own life and pave her own path..and Viktor, the determined man vows to help her do the same, in exchange for her hand in marriage! What happens next forms the crux of the plot.
A WONDERFUL story with a strong and independent heroine, an ambitious and caring hero, betrayals, testaments, passion and a heartwarming HEA. Her father was a grey character, and I liked that the author decides to explore their complex relationship by various confrontations. The hero is likable and obsessive, the heroine sweet and vulnerable, and their lovemaking is scorching.
Very enjoyable!
SWE
4.5/5
January 16, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this one. One of my new favorite HPs!
Very sexy hero--I have a weakness for Russian heroes. Gah!
And I also loved the way the heroine got all bad-ass when she confronted her father at the beginning of the book. You don't see that too often in a HP. Loved that scene.
Grade: A
Very sexy hero--I have a weakness for Russian heroes. Gah!
And I also loved the way the heroine got all bad-ass when she confronted her father at the beginning of the book. You don't see that too often in a HP. Loved that scene.
Grade: A
October 13, 2017
I loved this couple and the story was quite interesting.
July 6, 2015
A well-written book but almost zero tension. Everytime I thought the author had managed to build an angle for HP-style tension, it was quickly diffused. I feel that there was a lot of potential here. Tough-minded executive hero of Russian heritage, poor little rich girl with daddy issues, forced marriage scenario. But it turns out where everyone is really nice to each other, and even though Viktor blew off Madison years ago and they weren't friends in the interim, it takes a short discussion to clear all that up. A slightly longer discussion has them agreeing to get married. Sex works out perfectly, and while Viktor has sowed his wild oats, Madison has kept her aged hymenal status for an incredible to believe twenty-four years. I'm being a bit sarcastic, but that was a big irritating that such a huge deal was made about her being a virgin so long. Yeah, I know that most people aren't virgins into their twenties, I think that way too much of a deal was made of it. And I found it irritating that while Madison couldn't feel that way about other men, Viktor was able to have his share of sexual attachments in the interim. When asked why he didn't take her up on her offer at eighteen, his answer is too glib for my tastes. "It's marriage or nothing with you." But I guess women who aren't Madison can be used to slake his sexual urges with no emotional entanglement. *Rolls eyes." I'm all for virginity. I like virgin heroines. But I really hate that double standard for men. It sticks in my craw. Your mileage my vary. Of course after marriage, declarations of love occur equally smoothly. It's all too smooth for me.
Yeah, that's the problem. Everything felt too copacetic in this book. I guess that would be fine if you were looking for an easygoing romance where everything is assured, despite a sticky beginning. I wasn't.
I did like the descriptions of Viktor's grandparents Russian marriage customs, and the family drama aspect almost created more tension, almost.
I think this is a perfectly fine book if you're in that headspace where you don't want too much drama and tension. But usually, I reach for a Harlequin Presents because that's exactly what I'm looking for. So it failed to meet my needs.
I would say that this is worthy of 3.5 stars. I took off a star and a half because there's practically no tension and the obnoxious virginity hype/double standard was irritating.
Not bad, just not very exciting.
Yeah, that's the problem. Everything felt too copacetic in this book. I guess that would be fine if you were looking for an easygoing romance where everything is assured, despite a sticky beginning. I wasn't.
I did like the descriptions of Viktor's grandparents Russian marriage customs, and the family drama aspect almost created more tension, almost.
I think this is a perfectly fine book if you're in that headspace where you don't want too much drama and tension. But usually, I reach for a Harlequin Presents because that's exactly what I'm looking for. So it failed to meet my needs.
I would say that this is worthy of 3.5 stars. I took off a star and a half because there's practically no tension and the obnoxious virginity hype/double standard was irritating.
Not bad, just not very exciting.
August 12, 2014
It’s been a long time since I read a book in one extended sitting, but from the first line I was swept into the world of Madison “Maddie” Archer and Viktor Beck.
Vik has always been Maddie’s only love. From her first teenage crush to adulthood, Vik is the only man Maddie’s ever truly wanted, despite her denials to herself and friends. When betrayal precipitates a chain of events she could never have imagined, Madison finds herself being swept into marriage with the man of her dreams–whether she wants it or not.
Lucy Monroe has a knack for creating heroes who are pure Alpha, but who embody the romance and passion that defines the entire genre. Viktor Beck is no exception–a driven man who is ruthless, passionate, and steeped in his old world heritage, while being thoroughly modern. Maddie is equally strong, intelligent, and possesses her own brand of ruthless characteristics. They are a well matched couple, and one of the beauties of this book lies in the fact that the entire story is NOT them denying their need for each other.
The plot is tightly woven, populated with a wonderfully drawn cast of diverse characters who are flawed, loyal, and relatable. Lucy’s writing is smooth, romantic, and delightful–her trademark style of taking larger than life situations and making them live in the reader’s heart is all over this book. If you want a story that will make you smile long after you turn the last page – you can’t miss with An Heiress for His Empire. It shines – another jewel in the Queen of Romance’s crown!
Vik has always been Maddie’s only love. From her first teenage crush to adulthood, Vik is the only man Maddie’s ever truly wanted, despite her denials to herself and friends. When betrayal precipitates a chain of events she could never have imagined, Madison finds herself being swept into marriage with the man of her dreams–whether she wants it or not.
Lucy Monroe has a knack for creating heroes who are pure Alpha, but who embody the romance and passion that defines the entire genre. Viktor Beck is no exception–a driven man who is ruthless, passionate, and steeped in his old world heritage, while being thoroughly modern. Maddie is equally strong, intelligent, and possesses her own brand of ruthless characteristics. They are a well matched couple, and one of the beauties of this book lies in the fact that the entire story is NOT them denying their need for each other.
The plot is tightly woven, populated with a wonderfully drawn cast of diverse characters who are flawed, loyal, and relatable. Lucy’s writing is smooth, romantic, and delightful–her trademark style of taking larger than life situations and making them live in the reader’s heart is all over this book. If you want a story that will make you smile long after you turn the last page – you can’t miss with An Heiress for His Empire. It shines – another jewel in the Queen of Romance’s crown!
March 23, 2021
I liked this one, very low angst—surprising in an HP. Both characters are very likable—antagonists: a scurvy OM and her father. I find Lucy Monroe does dialogue consistently well.
January 6, 2017
This one just didn't work for me! I just can't stand books that has heroine staying virgin for heroes, yet the hero of course doesn't stay celibate, even thoug he claims that she is the one he's been desiring all these times.
Another thing threw me off completely, when he said he rejected heroine previously because it was marriage or nothing for her. I have more than one issue with that, first being, HE made that decision FOR her. He DOESN'T know if that's how she feels. Secondly, how does he know it isn't exactly the same for the other women he has been with? They might not have said it to him, but how does he know how they felt?
Thirdly, if he knows that she is all or nothing and if he knew that he wants her, the least he could do was stay celibate. TRUST me, it's not that hard. You just need to keep your pants on.
And my last piece of whinge, WHY the hell she needed a knight in shining armour for? I understand she needed the PR help to clear her image as it was important for her charity, but the whole pinning for protection and attention thing was SO annoying!
Another thing threw me off completely, when he said he rejected heroine previously because it was marriage or nothing for her. I have more than one issue with that, first being, HE made that decision FOR her. He DOESN'T know if that's how she feels. Secondly, how does he know it isn't exactly the same for the other women he has been with? They might not have said it to him, but how does he know how they felt?
Thirdly, if he knows that she is all or nothing and if he knew that he wants her, the least he could do was stay celibate. TRUST me, it's not that hard. You just need to keep your pants on.
And my last piece of whinge, WHY the hell she needed a knight in shining armour for? I understand she needed the PR help to clear her image as it was important for her charity, but the whole pinning for protection and attention thing was SO annoying!
July 10, 2023
Another downgrade!
June 22, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
August 19, 2014
I LOVED this book Soooooooooo much. It was very different than I thought it would be but it ws so good. Good enough to be a novel and not Harlequinn. The story starts with our heroine Maddie, who was a fun and super fun character. Her mother died several years ago and she was wealthy and an adrenaline junkie. She died riding a boat and crashing. Madison, had the same adrenaline junkie in her and a few years ago had a sky diving accident, after that she changed. However, she hid that she changed from her father and the world and her fathers right hand man Viktor, the hero in this story.
Years before, Madison fell for Vik. But Vik thought she was too young. However, now her father is sick of her tabloid stories and demands she marry. Vik wants to be that man. This book is the story of how how he gets Madison to marry him and brings father and daughter together.
The only I am sorry about is that the book ended and I cannot wait for book 2 about Madison's friend Romi and Max, Vik's friend.
Years before, Madison fell for Vik. But Vik thought she was too young. However, now her father is sick of her tabloid stories and demands she marry. Vik wants to be that man. This book is the story of how how he gets Madison to marry him and brings father and daughter together.
The only I am sorry about is that the book ended and I cannot wait for book 2 about Madison's friend Romi and Max, Vik's friend.
September 18, 2014
My first mistake was I read this after I'd finished one of Linda Howard's books.
The second was I knew I wasn't in the right mood. My last mistake was I kept hoping as I turned the page that something would happen. Something big, you know. But nope. Naught. Nada. I should have known better before exceeding my expectation.
The story, while as standard as it is in Presents line, is flat. There's no climax, there's no intrigue, well, all I see was a saint heroine and beta hero. It's 2 stars at best.
The second was I knew I wasn't in the right mood. My last mistake was I kept hoping as I turned the page that something would happen. Something big, you know. But nope. Naught. Nada. I should have known better before exceeding my expectation.
The story, while as standard as it is in Presents line, is flat. There's no climax, there's no intrigue, well, all I see was a saint heroine and beta hero. It's 2 stars at best.
January 23, 2015
This was an ok book. There was a lot of dialogue between the two main characters. Normally I love this aspect but this time I found it a bit tedious. The first half of the book took place in less than 24 hours. Yet nothing of importance really transpired. There was no real conflict - just a lot of discussion about what was happening. The relationship between the h and her father was more interesting than the romance between the h and H. Still, I read the entire book but if it was a paperback novel instead of an ebook, I would donate it to the library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2017
Probably one of Lucy Monroe's better books, IMO. Except..... she is sticking to her preferred deflowering method (by hand), which she uses in nearly all of her books. Why the hell is that? None the less, this book - set in USA presents a strong, wealthy heroine who goes into the marriage with her eyes wide open. No sitting duck for overbearing hero. I also enjoyed the other book of the pair, A Virgin for his Prize.
August 10, 2014
5 golden stars!!! I simply loved this romance. The story, the characters, the chemistry was perfect in every way. I was glued to the pages from the start. Vik and Maddie were made for each other.
Now, I am so looking forward to Romi and Maxwell's story. Woo hoo!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
Now, I am so looking forward to Romi and Maxwell's story. Woo hoo!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
September 29, 2014
I usually like LM's HPs. Not this one. I did not feel any of the angst or drama that makes the HP line work for me. Disappointing.
December 1, 2019
Protagonistas: Madison & Viktor
Profesiones: Empresario & Profesora
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Empresario & Profesora
Pais: USA
May 24, 2015
I probably enjoyed this book more than I've enjoyed the last few Lucy Monroe HP books I've read, but honestly, that isn't saying much. "Madcap" Maddie Archer is an heiress with a heart of gold. Her dream is to teach children and to open up a charter school for underprivileged kids. When a man she thought of as a friend betrays her, spreading salacious stories about her to the tabloids, her asshat father demands that Maddie marry a man of his choosing. (Overreact much?) But this plays right into the hands of Viktor Beck, her father's right-hand man, who has been intending to court Maddie to cement his future with her father's company all along. His intentions are surprisingly honorable, even if they don't include love, which is a rarity in HP books.
Ultimately, this book was pretty "meh". I was intrigued by an offer made by Maxwell Black (the hero of the next book in this duo) to Maddie that their marriage be in-name-only, and I thought if Maddie had considered that offer, it might have added some drama to the proceedings (and stuck in her odious father's craw). As it was, I was more entertained than I have been in my last few forays into what was once the pretty awesome territory of Lucy Monroe, but ultimately, I don't think I'd ever want to read this one again. As I've said plenty of times in my reviews, maturity and communication skills make for a refreshing change, but they also make a fairly boring romance novel. By the end, I was more interested in Maddie's relationship with her father (what a douche he was and I never felt like he got his proper comeuppance) than I was with her and Viktor.
As much as I liked Max and Romi showed promise, I'll probably skip the second book in the series because it pretty much looks like more of the same, right down to the virginal heroine.
Ultimately, this book was pretty "meh". I was intrigued by an offer made by Maxwell Black (the hero of the next book in this duo) to Maddie that their marriage be in-name-only, and I thought if Maddie had considered that offer, it might have added some drama to the proceedings (and stuck in her odious father's craw). As it was, I was more entertained than I have been in my last few forays into what was once the pretty awesome territory of Lucy Monroe, but ultimately, I don't think I'd ever want to read this one again. As I've said plenty of times in my reviews, maturity and communication skills make for a refreshing change, but they also make a fairly boring romance novel. By the end, I was more interested in Maddie's relationship with her father (what a douche he was and I never felt like he got his proper comeuppance) than I was with her and Viktor.
As much as I liked Max and Romi showed promise, I'll probably skip the second book in the series because it pretty much looks like more of the same, right down to the virginal heroine.
September 2, 2014
3 1/2*
There are some things we can always count on Lucy Monroe for... an innocent woman and an intense, take charge, alpha man.
This book is no exception.
Poor little rich girl, Madison has been estranged from her cold father since the death of her fast living mother. She trusts very few people as they have all let her down. Even Viktor, the handsome, powerful, businessman protege of her father.
Six years ago when Maddie confessed her young love for Vik he turned her away due to her age.
Things have changed and when Maddie finds herself the victim of a horrible public lie, Vik comes to her rescue. A rescue that is seemingly part of a coldhearted business agreement arranged by her father, but in reality in completely in Vik's control.
This is a very quick but mostly fulfilling story detailing Maddie and Vik coming together.
Maddie is not what everyone thinks she is and it is enjoyable seeing them both peel back the layers of self protection built up as a result of the lives they have led.
Maddie's relationship with her father was not enjoyable for me. Understandably, there must be some sort of bad guy to propel the plot, but his behavior was horrid and I absolutely did not buy the very quick resolution with him at the end.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have others by Monroe, regardless, this book is a nice way to spend an hour or so and I certainly didn't regret reading it. I am very much looking forward to the next story in this series. The two friends that were introduced sound very intriguing.
There are some things we can always count on Lucy Monroe for... an innocent woman and an intense, take charge, alpha man.
This book is no exception.
Poor little rich girl, Madison has been estranged from her cold father since the death of her fast living mother. She trusts very few people as they have all let her down. Even Viktor, the handsome, powerful, businessman protege of her father.
Six years ago when Maddie confessed her young love for Vik he turned her away due to her age.
Things have changed and when Maddie finds herself the victim of a horrible public lie, Vik comes to her rescue. A rescue that is seemingly part of a coldhearted business agreement arranged by her father, but in reality in completely in Vik's control.
This is a very quick but mostly fulfilling story detailing Maddie and Vik coming together.
Maddie is not what everyone thinks she is and it is enjoyable seeing them both peel back the layers of self protection built up as a result of the lives they have led.
Maddie's relationship with her father was not enjoyable for me. Understandably, there must be some sort of bad guy to propel the plot, but his behavior was horrid and I absolutely did not buy the very quick resolution with him at the end.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have others by Monroe, regardless, this book is a nice way to spend an hour or so and I certainly didn't regret reading it. I am very much looking forward to the next story in this series. The two friends that were introduced sound very intriguing.
October 30, 2014
An Heiress for His Empire by Lucy Monroe is a well written medium paced romance with the right amount of both physical and emotional intimacy. Maddie is a a caring, sweet, innocent heroine but with a rebellion streak. She has rebelled due to her father’s constant negative opinions and her need to win his approval. Behind her wild heiress cum socialite persona is a warm and caring woman. Viktor Beck is a ruthless, power driven, passionate Russian hero who wants to be on the top. I liked him overall because though he was an alpha hero, he did not try to over dominate Maddie and her choices. The main characters have known each other for almost a decade and were good friends before.Therefore, their romance is believable due to their history together. The secondary characters were well integrated in the story and held their own without taking away the spotlight from the main characters.
The story flows in a smooth manner without any drastic or major conflict. There is not enough tension between the main characters for my liking and I would have preferred if there was some angst or clashes between them.
Overall, An Heiress for His Empire by Lucy Monroe is a must read story for every Lucy Monroe fan.Read More
The story flows in a smooth manner without any drastic or major conflict. There is not enough tension between the main characters for my liking and I would have preferred if there was some angst or clashes between them.
Overall, An Heiress for His Empire by Lucy Monroe is a must read story for every Lucy Monroe fan.Read More
September 4, 2016
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.
Blackmail is the name of the game in An Heiress for His Empire. Maddy's best guy friend" tries to get her to give him money and then when she refuses sells ugly lies about her to the tabloids. Maddy tries to "blackmail" her Dad into loving her with her pretend terrible behavior. Dad blackmails Maddy into doing what he wants by threatening her friends. Viktor helps Daddy do the blackmailing and then blackmails Maddy into marrying him. Ouch! Harlequin Presents characters are not known for their great communication skills, but this one has to take the cake for lack of communication.
Grandma and Grandpa Beck to the rescue. These two, they've got it going on. They know how to communicate, how to love, and how to take care of a family. Thank goodness Viktor loves them and brings Maddy to them. With some help from the grands, things look a whole lot better.
The added bonus is the clear indicator of the second book with Max (the alternate groom prospect) and Romi (the best friend). Leave it to the supporting cast to save the day.
I've liked Lucy Monroe books in the past and I'll like other books by her in the future. This one just didn't do it for me."
Blackmail is the name of the game in An Heiress for His Empire. Maddy's best guy friend" tries to get her to give him money and then when she refuses sells ugly lies about her to the tabloids. Maddy tries to "blackmail" her Dad into loving her with her pretend terrible behavior. Dad blackmails Maddy into doing what he wants by threatening her friends. Viktor helps Daddy do the blackmailing and then blackmails Maddy into marrying him. Ouch! Harlequin Presents characters are not known for their great communication skills, but this one has to take the cake for lack of communication.
Grandma and Grandpa Beck to the rescue. These two, they've got it going on. They know how to communicate, how to love, and how to take care of a family. Thank goodness Viktor loves them and brings Maddy to them. With some help from the grands, things look a whole lot better.
The added bonus is the clear indicator of the second book with Max (the alternate groom prospect) and Romi (the best friend). Leave it to the supporting cast to save the day.
I've liked Lucy Monroe books in the past and I'll like other books by her in the future. This one just didn't do it for me."
November 24, 2014
I won a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway.
I give this 3, maybe it's because I'm really not use to reading such short books. 187 pages was just a tease to me.
The book had potential. I guess I was expecting more drama and more in the to it in the romance department. I think I just like the angst.
Maddie's "best friend" Perry wants her to give him more money for his next business venture, and she refuses. Perry sells a story to a tabloid that she's in to BDSM. Which is kind of impossible since she's a virgin. Her rich, estranged father forces her to marry to expel these rumors.She ends up with Vik, her first and only love, and her father's business partner. Maddie thinks its just a business deal with Vik and that his only reason in marriage is to gain her father's company. Vik is super hot but slightly dull, in my opinion. Maybe if this book was bulkier I might have enjoyed it more. It wasn't horrible but it really was lacking something.
I give this 3, maybe it's because I'm really not use to reading such short books. 187 pages was just a tease to me.
The book had potential. I guess I was expecting more drama and more in the to it in the romance department. I think I just like the angst.
Maddie's "best friend" Perry wants her to give him more money for his next business venture, and she refuses. Perry sells a story to a tabloid that she's in to BDSM. Which is kind of impossible since she's a virgin. Her rich, estranged father forces her to marry to expel these rumors.She ends up with Vik, her first and only love, and her father's business partner. Maddie thinks its just a business deal with Vik and that his only reason in marriage is to gain her father's company. Vik is super hot but slightly dull, in my opinion. Maybe if this book was bulkier I might have enjoyed it more. It wasn't horrible but it really was lacking something.
August 19, 2014
Maddie has loved Viktor almost from the moment she met him. When she was just 18 she acted on that love and was rejected. Now six years later she is being given the choice to marry the only man she has ever loved. But can she risk her heart again to Viktor with the chance of never having that love reciprocated.
Viktor has worked 10 years for Madison's father and now that he is ready to achieve his goal he is forced to move quicker than he wants to. He has already decided that Maddie is the woman for him, but in order to save her reputation he must also convince her of that as well.
Great characters and a touching story. I will look forward to the next installment of the Ruthless Russians, as we only got a glimpse of both Romi and Maxwell.
Viktor has worked 10 years for Madison's father and now that he is ready to achieve his goal he is forced to move quicker than he wants to. He has already decided that Maddie is the woman for him, but in order to save her reputation he must also convince her of that as well.
Great characters and a touching story. I will look forward to the next installment of the Ruthless Russians, as we only got a glimpse of both Romi and Maxwell.
August 22, 2014
The story of Madcap Maddie and Vic was full-bodied and gripping. I did not want this story to end. The way Ms. Monroe weaves her stories pulls the reader in to experience the emotions of the individual characters. I was able to become one with the heroine as she relived every painful moment of her past, the devastation of betrayal and the joy of finding love with the man she has always loved. The story within a story involving lovers, friends, and family was more than expected. I laughed, I cried, and I could not put it down and I was sad when it was over. I can't wait to read the follow-up story of Romi, Madison's Sister-by-Choice and best friend. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all Lucy Monroe lovers and those yet to discover her magic of words.
August 14, 2014
What a wonderful romance.
Madison Archer is a woman who isn't just a glitz and glory type of woman. She loves children and has a big dream of helping them. Until a "friend" almost crushes her dream with lies and accusations.
Enter Viktor Beck. A man unlike any other for Maddie. A man who used to hold her heart, but that was 6 years ago. When she was young and foolish....but guess who's been waiting for Maddie to grow up?
A truly great love story from beginning to end. I love Lucy Monroe's books. I can always count on one of her books to entertain and give me a great couple of hours of escape from real life.
This one didn't disappoint!
YOU won't be sorry with this one!
Madison Archer is a woman who isn't just a glitz and glory type of woman. She loves children and has a big dream of helping them. Until a "friend" almost crushes her dream with lies and accusations.
Enter Viktor Beck. A man unlike any other for Maddie. A man who used to hold her heart, but that was 6 years ago. When she was young and foolish....but guess who's been waiting for Maddie to grow up?
A truly great love story from beginning to end. I love Lucy Monroe's books. I can always count on one of her books to entertain and give me a great couple of hours of escape from real life.
This one didn't disappoint!
YOU won't be sorry with this one!
June 25, 2020
Contemporary romance with unprotected sex (they're in a committed relationship). Book 1 in a series.
This is a typical LM. Usually I like everything she writes. This one was Ok, but a little dull. I do appreciate the lack of dumb misunderstandings & pointless drama for drama's sake. Maddie is a spunky heroine. Vik is hot, but acts like a piece of wood most of the time. I'm hoping Romie, Maddie's friend has a more interesting story.
This is a typical LM. Usually I like everything she writes. This one was Ok, but a little dull. I do appreciate the lack of dumb misunderstandings & pointless drama for drama's sake. Maddie is a spunky heroine. Vik is hot, but acts like a piece of wood most of the time. I'm hoping Romie, Maddie's friend has a more interesting story.
July 3, 2014
*3.5 stars*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Harlequin*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Harlequin*
July 27, 2014
4 1/2 stars!!
March 19, 2016
Gostei da série! Recomendo!
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