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Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife
Cormac Douglas doesn't let emotion get in the way of business. Now he needs a weekend wife to secure a prestigious contract, and biddable secretary Lizzie Chandler is the perfect candidate.
Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife...in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
904 books1,746 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 28, 2017
I hated the hero: He was cold, unfeeling, cruel, insulting to the heroine and extremely condescending. He would make disgusting comments to her like her bra size is too small for his preference and he kept putting down her wardrobe. I can't recall a single time he complimented her. He never even commended her for all the hard work she did. He was also a manipulative and opportunistic bastard who saw dollar signs everywhere and didn't care if he had to discard little things like integrity to get what he wanted.
I hated the heroine: She was the epitome of dull, stupid, spineless doormat. She let the hero walk all over her and was like a slave to an entitled spoilt brat bitch of a teen sister who was ungrateful for all the sacrifices she made. This heroine had no self esteem. She wasn't plain looking at all but seemed to think that she was the ugliest woman on earth. The hero did little to make her insecurity any better. Getting him to acknowledge how attractive she looked after her makeover was more difficult than pulling teeth from a fully awake lion. One of the worst types of heroines, in my opinion, are those who are totally reluctant to embrace an inch of their feminine power.
I hated the story line. The story line has been done many times by other authors in HP and it has been done better ! This author is, unfortunately, not for me. I think I might have read novels by her in the past but she is apparently either forgettable or unimpressive. I seriously need to pick my reading material more carefully. I REALLY should have heeded the reviews on this novel and just not bothered. Maybe it's a good thing that this author doesn't seem to be writing novels for HP at the present time. The HP line has been producing enough loser novels as it is...
I hated the heroine: She was the epitome of dull, stupid, spineless doormat. She let the hero walk all over her and was like a slave to an entitled spoilt brat bitch of a teen sister who was ungrateful for all the sacrifices she made. This heroine had no self esteem. She wasn't plain looking at all but seemed to think that she was the ugliest woman on earth. The hero did little to make her insecurity any better. Getting him to acknowledge how attractive she looked after her makeover was more difficult than pulling teeth from a fully awake lion. One of the worst types of heroines, in my opinion, are those who are totally reluctant to embrace an inch of their feminine power.
I hated the story line. The story line has been done many times by other authors in HP and it has been done better ! This author is, unfortunately, not for me. I think I might have read novels by her in the past but she is apparently either forgettable or unimpressive. I seriously need to pick my reading material more carefully. I REALLY should have heeded the reviews on this novel and just not bothered. Maybe it's a good thing that this author doesn't seem to be writing novels for HP at the present time. The HP line has been producing enough loser novels as it is...
July 28, 2016
I adore ruthless heroes and virginal heroines so I thought I would love this book. Sadly hero was an unfeeling cold bastard so he ruined the book for me.
November 21, 2020
This was awful- utterly dreadful. Cormac was the most unpleasant and revolting hero I’ve come across. A cruel, deceitful, arrogant jerk right up until the end. I kept waiting for some indication that he had even the slightest hint of humanity but no, he continued to be a piece of s..t.
The heroine was, even for Mills and Boon, the most ridiculously doormat-like woman ever. She really sickened me. Having given in to his lying, bullying blackmail so often, we’re supposed to believe she suddenly lost all control and told Jan the truth at dinner?
The trope - pretend marriage isn’t new and the author’s execution was probably the worst I have come across.
This wasn’t a romance, it was a saga of abuse and disgust. I hated it.
The heroine was, even for Mills and Boon, the most ridiculously doormat-like woman ever. She really sickened me. Having given in to his lying, bullying blackmail so often, we’re supposed to believe she suddenly lost all control and told Jan the truth at dinner?
The trope - pretend marriage isn’t new and the author’s execution was probably the worst I have come across.
This wasn’t a romance, it was a saga of abuse and disgust. I hated it.
January 29, 2016
Where to start... where, where, where?
Well... let's start with myself.
I don't trust people very easily. I don't even like people! So those I consider my friends have to go through a long process where they have to:
1. Earn my trust. (Very important)
2. Know that even though we have things in common, we all have our differences in personalities and behavior.
3. Maintain that trust.
4. Respect is highly valued.
5. Don'tfuck up, pardon me, destroy that trust. EVER!
Now, with these already stated, you can imagine how I tried to convince myself time after time to just give up reading it, but the thing is only 156 pages long. How could I?
So, I read what was left of the book only to discover that Cormac, our piece of shit of a hero was actually, truly, really, for real, honestly and sincerely in love with our heroine Lizzie. (Horrible name if you ask me.)
Like REALLY?! OMG!
But I haven't yet mentioned the important part as to why I dislike it so much. Well, that is because our dear Cormac (also a horrible name) has a tendency of manipulating and lying to people. Sociopath much? I believe yes. He has a quiet a few traits that fit perfectly. He lied and manipulated the poor Lizzie again and again. And guess what?
Our Lizzie has a tendency of being dumbas fuck. And the best part of all...
*Takes deep breath*
SHE'S A VIRGIN! SURPRISE!
So obviously, the typical lines like "I've never been desired by a man before" were present in this amazing love story.
If the love interest is supposed to be an asshole but supposedly nice and loving guy or whatever. At least it should be really believable by some point after the middle of the book. If he still being a total dick by then, then I'll dislike him for rest of the book. Cormac was a dick. Till about 95% of the book. Great author as she is, Kate Hewitt throw a few more pages of love that sparked out of Cormac's ass. I didn't buy it.
Well... let's start with myself.
I don't trust people very easily. I don't even like people! So those I consider my friends have to go through a long process where they have to:
1. Earn my trust. (Very important)
2. Know that even though we have things in common, we all have our differences in personalities and behavior.
3. Maintain that trust.
4. Respect is highly valued.
5. Don't
Now, with these already stated, you can imagine how I tried to convince myself time after time to just give up reading it, but the thing is only 156 pages long. How could I?
So, I read what was left of the book only to discover that Cormac, our piece of shit of a hero was actually, truly, really, for real, honestly and sincerely in love with our heroine Lizzie. (Horrible name if you ask me.)
Like REALLY?! OMG!
But I haven't yet mentioned the important part as to why I dislike it so much. Well, that is because our dear Cormac (also a horrible name) has a tendency of manipulating and lying to people. Sociopath much? I believe yes. He has a quiet a few traits that fit perfectly. He lied and manipulated the poor Lizzie again and again. And guess what?
Our Lizzie has a tendency of being dumb
*Takes deep breath*
SHE'S A VIRGIN! SURPRISE!
So obviously, the typical lines like "I've never been desired by a man before" were present in this amazing love story.
If the love interest is supposed to be an asshole but supposedly nice and loving guy or whatever. At least it should be really believable by some point after the middle of the book. If he still being a total dick by then, then I'll dislike him for rest of the book. Cormac was a dick. Till about 95% of the book. Great author as she is, Kate Hewitt throw a few more pages of love that sparked out of Cormac's ass. I didn't buy it.
February 6, 2011
I was originally going to give this more than three stars but then I read A Very Stylish Affair by Emma Darcy and found it unfair to give this book equal or more stars than to a better story.
I say this because the female lead of this story irritated me to no end most of the time and some really quite serious issues were sort of shrugged off after one night. I think that Cormac's turn from ruthless to loving should have been more subtle, but instead we were kept in the dark and made to feel that nothing was changing with him until the end when he had some miraculous epiphany to become a better man, which, quite frankly, I'm not buying.
I compare this book to AVSA because their basic plots are the same. The boss takes his secretary away to some wonderful island where said secretary is required to act as said boss' lover for X amount of days to achieve the ultimate goal.
Their characters and motivation couldn't be more different, which I understand, but I preferred the characters of AVSA which made all the difference.
Maybe if I hadn't have read them so close together, I would have had different views on this book. It was a good story and I did enjoy it at the time, but reading AVSA directly after kind of left a sour taste in my mouth.
If you enjoyed this book, I would recommend AVSA, just don't read them too close together because they are, when stripped to the skeleton, exactly same.
You may prefer the more tragic, needy version in this story, or the more vibrant funny version in AVSA, but ultimately, you're reading the same book twice - 'Same script, different cast' springs to mind.
I say this because the female lead of this story irritated me to no end most of the time and some really quite serious issues were sort of shrugged off after one night. I think that Cormac's turn from ruthless to loving should have been more subtle, but instead we were kept in the dark and made to feel that nothing was changing with him until the end when he had some miraculous epiphany to become a better man, which, quite frankly, I'm not buying.
I compare this book to AVSA because their basic plots are the same. The boss takes his secretary away to some wonderful island where said secretary is required to act as said boss' lover for X amount of days to achieve the ultimate goal.
Their characters and motivation couldn't be more different, which I understand, but I preferred the characters of AVSA which made all the difference.
Maybe if I hadn't have read them so close together, I would have had different views on this book. It was a good story and I did enjoy it at the time, but reading AVSA directly after kind of left a sour taste in my mouth.
If you enjoyed this book, I would recommend AVSA, just don't read them too close together because they are, when stripped to the skeleton, exactly same.
You may prefer the more tragic, needy version in this story, or the more vibrant funny version in AVSA, but ultimately, you're reading the same book twice - 'Same script, different cast' springs to mind.
December 4, 2015
Es mi primer libro de esta autora. Está escrito normal, sin sobresaltos. Es una trama fácilmente olvidable, el protagonista llega a tildar de "patética" a la heroína y no una sino varias veces, la protagonista se enamora de un día para el otro aunque antes no hubiera "registrado" demasiado a su jefe. Al comienzo me fueron graciosas las réplicas de la prota, pero al avanzar su carácter se pierde. Fue aburridísima.
Ella: soy virgen a los veintiocho años.
Él: ah, mirá qué bien. Mirame las ganas que me dan, atajate esta, ahí voy, qué emoción, iuju.
AGH.
Ella: soy virgen a los veintiocho años.
Él: ah, mirá qué bien. Mirame las ganas que me dan, atajate esta, ahí voy, qué emoción, iuju.
AGH.
June 24, 2024
I can't tell you how many times I've read this book in the past, as it's definitely one of my comfort reads! It's an old school Harlequin romance, and after reading No Romeo by Donna Alum the other week, I was reminded of this because it has a similar plot point.
Working as Cormac's assistant, who's never quite found the time to just live her own life, Lizzie is blackmailed into a fake relationship with him in order to help him with acquiring an architectural commission.
Cormac continuously shows her that he's not only callous, but will happily use whoever he needs to, to ensure he wins. He's so cutting and cruel at points, especially with how he plays her. But, one of my favourite things about this book is getting to see her emotions and the hurt during those scenes 🥺 It makes me want to protect her at all costs because she's so sheltered and out of place.
You can tell this was written almost 20 years ago though, with some of the themes lol. Nevertheless, it hooks me every time and I love reading it!
Working as Cormac's assistant, who's never quite found the time to just live her own life, Lizzie is blackmailed into a fake relationship with him in order to help him with acquiring an architectural commission.
Cormac continuously shows her that he's not only callous, but will happily use whoever he needs to, to ensure he wins. He's so cutting and cruel at points, especially with how he plays her. But, one of my favourite things about this book is getting to see her emotions and the hurt during those scenes 🥺 It makes me want to protect her at all costs because she's so sheltered and out of place.
You can tell this was written almost 20 years ago though, with some of the themes lol. Nevertheless, it hooks me every time and I love reading it!
August 18, 2023
H tops the charts for HP H manipulation. I hate that, hate seeing hs allowing themselves to be manipulated. I prefer hs who either a clue and know where they are going or want to go and who pick themselves up and keep working towards their goal. This h is not a doormat but she has put her life in idle and is just starting to realize it.
So why 4 stars?
H was blunt he was using h and everyone else
She knew he was using her and trying to manipulate and made a conscious choice to allow it, and not solely because she was physically attracted. She caught glimpses of a real person and liked that guy.
She said no and meant it.
H did fall in love and did not try to manipulate h then.
Your view will depend on whether you believe the HEA. I do.
Didn’t like needy spoilt sister who leaves dirty dishes in the sink and is a take4.
So why 4 stars?
H was blunt he was using h and everyone else
She knew he was using her and trying to manipulate and made a conscious choice to allow it, and not solely because she was physically attracted. She caught glimpses of a real person and liked that guy.
She said no and meant it.
H did fall in love and did not try to manipulate h then.
Your view will depend on whether you believe the HEA. I do.
Didn’t like needy spoilt sister who leaves dirty dishes in the sink and is a take4.
October 17, 2020
The h is a doormat. No pride, just a clingy mess. The H tells her before they have sex that it is only sex and he doesn’t have feelings for her. After making out with him she is devastated that he doesn’t have feelings for her. That is so facepalm worthy. I mean, girl, he told you!
Throughout the book the H and h keep making out, he keeeps saying it is only sex and she keeps thinking it is more than sex.
I usually like a dominant H, but this H doesn’t seem to be in love with her at all. I only like a dominant H when he is smitten and pursues the h. This H doesn’t pursue the h at all. Quite the opposite actually. He tries to push her away, except when he is in lust or when he needs her presence for a business deal.
This H and h deserve each other.
Throughout the book the H and h keep making out, he keeeps saying it is only sex and she keeps thinking it is more than sex.
I usually like a dominant H, but this H doesn’t seem to be in love with her at all. I only like a dominant H when he is smitten and pursues the h. This H doesn’t pursue the h at all. Quite the opposite actually. He tries to push her away, except when he is in lust or when he needs her presence for a business deal.
This H and h deserve each other.
February 25, 2019
I don't feel the connections between the two of them. First of all, the man is a real asshole. He's such a good liar that I hate him so much, and I didn't even believe him in the last chapter when he confessed that he loved her. Also, he's not romantic at all, I mean yeah he drew her when she was sleeping but I don't think it's so romantic at all. Second of all, the girl is very pathetic and naive. I hate that she could easily fell for a guy like that. I mean, yeah she was attracted to him but why did she suddenly so in love with him? It's so weird that it made her look so pathetic. And lastly, the plot wasn't very good, I think it's too cliche, like too much cliche.
November 14, 2008
Kate Hewitt has written such a powerful love story in Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife. It’s so intense and almost desperate and will have the reader on the edge of their seat.
The first half of the book was difficult to read because Cormac Douglas was so intense. He was one self-assured, ruthless, harsh, uncaring man and he had a plan; he was going to fake a marriage to his secretary Lizzie in order to win a prestigious bid to build a resort. The key was the family building the resort wanted a “family man” to design it and Cormac always wins! So he tells his secretary Lizzie that she needs to accompany him on a business trip and while in the air tells her she needs to pretend that they have been married for months.
Lizzie Chandler is a innocent! She’s a sweet woman who at an early age had to take responsibility for her sister Dani as their parents died in a car accident. She has worked at Cormac’s firm for a few years only seeing him once a month. She’s fully aware that he only dates beautiful women, is an extremely hard man and when he drops the bomb on her that she needs to play like they are married, she’s angry, frightened and wants no part of it. In the end, she agrees and while they’re play acting she realizes she desires him. However, in the end and through different arguments with Cormac she realizes she was only a prop to be used. It was all about power for him and as she got to know him better it was like he was tortured.
Their Charade turned dangerous for both of them. His was lust and for Lizzie she wanted it to be real, wanted him to have feelings for her……she wanted it all! Some of the chapters were difficult to read with his anger and the things he said in anger to Lizzie. However, you could read between the lines and come to some conclusions; Cormac’s past and his trust issues.
I encourage you to read Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife, its Kate Hewitt at the top of her game and this very intense and emotional love story will pull at your heart.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Cormac Douglas doesn't let emotion get in the way of business. Now he needs a weekend wife to secure a prestigious contract, and biddable secretary Lizzie Chandler is the perfect candidate.
Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife…in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
The first half of the book was difficult to read because Cormac Douglas was so intense. He was one self-assured, ruthless, harsh, uncaring man and he had a plan; he was going to fake a marriage to his secretary Lizzie in order to win a prestigious bid to build a resort. The key was the family building the resort wanted a “family man” to design it and Cormac always wins! So he tells his secretary Lizzie that she needs to accompany him on a business trip and while in the air tells her she needs to pretend that they have been married for months.
Lizzie Chandler is a innocent! She’s a sweet woman who at an early age had to take responsibility for her sister Dani as their parents died in a car accident. She has worked at Cormac’s firm for a few years only seeing him once a month. She’s fully aware that he only dates beautiful women, is an extremely hard man and when he drops the bomb on her that she needs to play like they are married, she’s angry, frightened and wants no part of it. In the end, she agrees and while they’re play acting she realizes she desires him. However, in the end and through different arguments with Cormac she realizes she was only a prop to be used. It was all about power for him and as she got to know him better it was like he was tortured.
Their Charade turned dangerous for both of them. His was lust and for Lizzie she wanted it to be real, wanted him to have feelings for her……she wanted it all! Some of the chapters were difficult to read with his anger and the things he said in anger to Lizzie. However, you could read between the lines and come to some conclusions; Cormac’s past and his trust issues.
I encourage you to read Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife, its Kate Hewitt at the top of her game and this very intense and emotional love story will pull at your heart.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Cormac Douglas doesn't let emotion get in the way of business. Now he needs a weekend wife to secure a prestigious contract, and biddable secretary Lizzie Chandler is the perfect candidate.
Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife…in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
August 7, 2014
This one started okay, with a potentially explosive situation. But I wasn't convinced by it in the end. Lizzie was kind of one-note and repetitive to me, she didn't really grow and change much. She fooled herself/got fooled by Cormac so often that she skated dangerously close to Too Stupid to Live territory eventually. And in the end when she accepts that "oh this time it IS for real" I had to wonder, how can you be sure? She didn't seem to learn her lesson from all the times he played her and used her.
I wasn't really convinced by Cormac's falling in love with her. It seemed to come from nowhere really. Maybe if more of if had been in his point of view so we could see it happening it would have helped. And it bothered me that in the end he just got away with his arrogant and deceitful behaviour. He got Lizzie, he got his commission, he faced no real consequences for the way he acted.
I also wasn't terribly enamoured of Lizzie's sister Dani, who just seemed thoughtless and ungrateful and though did get herself in trouble because of her idiotic behaviour, got out of it again with little apparent effort.
Speaking of Dani, there's also a Dan in the book, and that led to me at one point reading one of the names for the other and tripping up and having to stop in the middle of a critical scene. (I thought Cormac had told the clients to give the resort commission to Dani, which was a "what the hell? Oh wait..." moment.)
So overall I didn't find it lived up to its potential.
I wasn't really convinced by Cormac's falling in love with her. It seemed to come from nowhere really. Maybe if more of if had been in his point of view so we could see it happening it would have helped. And it bothered me that in the end he just got away with his arrogant and deceitful behaviour. He got Lizzie, he got his commission, he faced no real consequences for the way he acted.
I also wasn't terribly enamoured of Lizzie's sister Dani, who just seemed thoughtless and ungrateful and though did get herself in trouble because of her idiotic behaviour, got out of it again with little apparent effort.
Speaking of Dani, there's also a Dan in the book, and that led to me at one point reading one of the names for the other and tripping up and having to stop in the middle of a critical scene. (I thought Cormac had told the clients to give the resort commission to Dani, which was a "what the hell? Oh wait..." moment.)
So overall I didn't find it lived up to its potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, maybe because the topic is a bit of a favourite of mine. I couldn't put it down, it's taken me a day to read. Basically, it would have taken me less time if real life like sleep, housework and eating hadn't got in the way!
Basically the hero lures his secretary onto a plane to the Caribbean letting her think she's coming on business. She can't refuse on the plane, can she? To pretend to be his wife? And being a bit of a bastard has a few tricks up his sleeve so, no she can't.
He'll do anything, say anything, to get this commission. And poor old Lizzie is just there to be used.
Anyway, it might not be an overly original idea (the pretend to be my spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend concept) but I really do like how the author attacked this. There's a lot of conflict, and seriously, even the last chapter's not looking too good for a happy ending. And being Mills and Boon we know that there has to be, but the author keeps us hanging on till the very end.
This goes in my one of my best Mills and Boon. Maybe I should create a shelf :D
Basically the hero lures his secretary onto a plane to the Caribbean letting her think she's coming on business. She can't refuse on the plane, can she? To pretend to be his wife? And being a bit of a bastard has a few tricks up his sleeve so, no she can't.
He'll do anything, say anything, to get this commission. And poor old Lizzie is just there to be used.
Anyway, it might not be an overly original idea (the pretend to be my spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend concept) but I really do like how the author attacked this. There's a lot of conflict, and seriously, even the last chapter's not looking too good for a happy ending. And being Mills and Boon we know that there has to be, but the author keeps us hanging on till the very end.
This goes in my one of my best Mills and Boon. Maybe I should create a shelf :D
February 20, 2013
The heroine in this story is by far the most stupidest, most pathetic, spineless, needy, clingy and insecure numpty ever to grace the pages of a Mills & Boon book.
I usually like KH's books so I was really disappointed in this one.
The h spends most of the time lamenting the fact that he doesn't love her (he's an absolute kn*b and tells her repeatedly in the beginning that he will NEVER love anyone, yadda yadda)
He lies to her repeatedly and everytime she is totally devastated and has a mini meltdown and throws herself at his feet begging for him to love her. - She goes from indifference to gut renching love in a day -
The climax is when he tells her that she's pathetic and he thinks she stinks (not really, but you get the gist) and she runs home in tears. He then decides, actually I love her and they all live happily ever after.
Gah.
I usually like KH's books so I was really disappointed in this one.
The h spends most of the time lamenting the fact that he doesn't love her (he's an absolute kn*b and tells her repeatedly in the beginning that he will NEVER love anyone, yadda yadda)
He lies to her repeatedly and everytime she is totally devastated and has a mini meltdown and throws herself at his feet begging for him to love her. - She goes from indifference to gut renching love in a day -
The climax is when he tells her that she's pathetic and he thinks she stinks (not really, but you get the gist) and she runs home in tears. He then decides, actually I love her and they all live happily ever after.
Gah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2015
Lu en français (Le mensonge d'un séducteur) - Deuxième histoire de l'anthologie Une nuit avec un patron irrésistible
Le couple formé par Lizzie et Cormack est l'un des pires couples de romance que j'ai lus jusqu'à présent. Séparés, ils sont tout aussi pourris: elle se laissant marcher sur les pieds par sa soeur et sans beaucoup de perspective d'avenir, lui un peu taré sur les bords et utilisant des méthodes très discutables dans les affaires. Ensemble c'est encore pire: elle une vraie carpette qui se laisse faire, lui un gros manipulateur qui ne cache même pas son jeu.
Je n'ai jamais cru à leurs sentiments soi-disant profonds et cela malgré l'épilogue que l'auteur a fait pour faire croire aux lecteurs qu'ils sont plus heureux et amoureux que jamais deux ans après la super déclaration.
Histoire à éviter à tout prix.
Le couple formé par Lizzie et Cormack est l'un des pires couples de romance que j'ai lus jusqu'à présent. Séparés, ils sont tout aussi pourris: elle se laissant marcher sur les pieds par sa soeur et sans beaucoup de perspective d'avenir, lui un peu taré sur les bords et utilisant des méthodes très discutables dans les affaires. Ensemble c'est encore pire: elle une vraie carpette qui se laisse faire, lui un gros manipulateur qui ne cache même pas son jeu.
Je n'ai jamais cru à leurs sentiments soi-disant profonds et cela malgré l'épilogue que l'auteur a fait pour faire croire aux lecteurs qu'ils sont plus heureux et amoureux que jamais deux ans après la super déclaration.
Histoire à éviter à tout prix.
Read
July 27, 2011Cormac is used to doing everything in his power to achieve what he wants. Use or be used is his motto, and he is NEVER used. When he is required to present a wife and prove he is a family man, the bachelor simple blackmails his secretary in to following his plans.
Lizzie may be under duress in playing Cormac's wife. Finding out that he is using her feelings against her to win a contract is more than she can bear. Hoping that love can conquer all is a very unlikely senario.
A very touching, sweet story.
Lizzie may be under duress in playing Cormac's wife. Finding out that he is using her feelings against her to win a contract is more than she can bear. Hoping that love can conquer all is a very unlikely senario.
A very touching, sweet story.
April 15, 2014
What a train-wreck of a story. Cormac is a psychopathic jerk and Lizzie is a 28-year-old naive virgin who wants to be loved so badly that she doesn't believe that anyone else would be interested in her other than the psychopathic jerk. He humiliates her and insults her time after time. He continues to use her for his own business gains and continually lies to her. Why does she continue to put up with him? The only reason I gave this book 2 stars rather than 2 was because I was glued to the story. It certainly wasn't boring, but I hated this guy.
Did not finish
March 16, 2026Non riesco a terminarlo. Questa rilettura mi risulta ostica e indigesta. Lui finge di essere sposato con la sua segretaria, che ha praticamente costretto a seguirlo in un viaggio di lavoro. Ora lei vorrebbe tirarsi indietro, ma lui gioca l’arma della sorella per tenerla in squadra. Devono fingere di essere sposati per ottenere un contratto milionario. L’arroganza di lui e l’ingenuità di lei mi danno il voltastomaco, ugh!
September 12, 2014
This is the 3rd book I read by this author and so far the heroes are so lovely that I'm left with this incredible urge to throw them of a cliff.
The way they behave is so not attractive to me and I think you'll agree, unless you're into being hurt and humiliated by men until all that is left is emptiness.
Really, I don't know why I keep trying. Definitely not recommended.
April 7, 2015
Very emotional and slightly disturbing. The hero is a nasty piece of work for the whole book, except the last couple of pages. And they both go on about how pathetic and needy the heroine is. She really is. A lot of introspection from the heroine which I've come to expect from this author.
April 7, 2016
This was AWFUL.
I can forgive a lot in a HP title, but a hero who constantly demeans the heroine, engages in non-sexy blackmail, and then tries to seduce her to make the thing he's blackmailing her into doing look more believable is apparently a bridge too far.
AWFUL.
I can forgive a lot in a HP title, but a hero who constantly demeans the heroine, engages in non-sexy blackmail, and then tries to seduce her to make the thing he's blackmailing her into doing look more believable is apparently a bridge too far.
AWFUL.
January 14, 2011
Meh, a bit silly.
September 16, 2019
Dnf, man is an unrelenting asshole and the woman is a doormat
hq-to-read
August 14, 2018Cormac Douglas doesn't let emotion get in the way of business. Now he needs a weekend wife to secure a prestigious contract, and biddable secretary Lizzie Chandler is the perfect candidate.
Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife...in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife...in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
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