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The Secret Billionaires #1
Di Marcello's Secret Son
The challenge: to leave your billionaire lifestyle behind for two weeks...
Italian tycoon Antonio Di Marcello relishes a challenge--but running into Sadie Parker while undercover as a mechanic rocks him to the core. Four years after their fevered fling stripped away his iron guard, he's confronted with the shocking consequences...
Sadie gave up hope on her desperate attempts to contact Antonio. Now she has to face the day she's both dreaded and longed for! Yet Antonio's claim over her and her son is hard to resist--especially because he'll use a sensual onslaught to get what he wants!
Italian tycoon Antonio Di Marcello relishes a challenge--but running into Sadie Parker while undercover as a mechanic rocks him to the core. Four years after their fevered fling stripped away his iron guard, he's confronted with the shocking consequences...
Sadie gave up hope on her desperate attempts to contact Antonio. Now she has to face the day she's both dreaded and longed for! Yet Antonio's claim over her and her son is hard to resist--especially because he'll use a sensual onslaught to get what he wants!
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
About the author
Rachael Thomas
255 books135 followersI grew up in the Midlands, but when I moved to Wales, over twenty years ago, I found a place to finally put down roots. I married into a farming family and embarked on a massive learning curve which also saw me learning Welsh when my two children were small.
Writing is something I have always wanted to do and I can still remember the thrill of one of my short stories being held up as an example to the class when I was about nine. It wasn’t until my own children were in school that I seriously started to pursue my dream. I joined a local writing group which met every Monday afternoon and being with like-minded people was the boost I needed.
Reading romance had always been my first love, and just about every short story I wrote was romance, so I decided to write my first book. During that process I also attended my first weekend writing course with Kate Walker and joined the RNA’s fabulous New Writers’ Scheme. A short time later I joined Romance Writers of Australia and learnt a lot from entering their competitions. I sought out courses and you can imagine my joy when I discovered Sharon Kendrick’s course in beautiful Tuscany.
Behind the Scandalous Façade, my So You Think You Can Write entry, is my thirteenth book and although only eight have those magic words ‘the end’ written on them the others are definitely part of the learning process I have enjoyed over the last six years.
I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
Writing is something I have always wanted to do and I can still remember the thrill of one of my short stories being held up as an example to the class when I was about nine. It wasn’t until my own children were in school that I seriously started to pursue my dream. I joined a local writing group which met every Monday afternoon and being with like-minded people was the boost I needed.
Reading romance had always been my first love, and just about every short story I wrote was romance, so I decided to write my first book. During that process I also attended my first weekend writing course with Kate Walker and joined the RNA’s fabulous New Writers’ Scheme. A short time later I joined Romance Writers of Australia and learnt a lot from entering their competitions. I sought out courses and you can imagine my joy when I discovered Sharon Kendrick’s course in beautiful Tuscany.
Behind the Scandalous Façade, my So You Think You Can Write entry, is my thirteenth book and although only eight have those magic words ‘the end’ written on them the others are definitely part of the learning process I have enjoyed over the last six years.
I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 25, 2018
The heroine Sadie was a strong young woman who didn't take shit from Antonio. I didn't like Antonio all that much because he put his "duty", to his F up parents ( who didn't even love him ) and his lesbian best friend Eloisa, before his love for Sadie. What kind of man marries a woman in order to be her "beard" ? His parents were snobbish assholes, Eloisa was a selfish c***t for wanting to have her girlfriend and also have a husband to use as a shield to hide her lesbianism from the public. I am glad that Eloisa is only mentioned and never actually makes an appearance because this would have reduced my rating. Antonio came across as a wuss and as more of a beta H because he let other people control his future even when he knew that his feelings for Sadie were stronger than anything he had experienced previously in his life. Sadie deserved better than Antonio and she was one of the few heroines who had a bit of a backbone. I was glad that she did not immediately jump right back into his bed like a dimwitted dummy. She made him wait until she was good and ready and he deserved everything he got from her because of the way he kept protecting Eloisa's secret. The secret was a huge obstacle to the MC's relationship and his decision to protect it for so long meant that he put that bitch before the heroine and his son.
May 14, 2017
3 Stars!
This was an okay read for me, there is a great story here, but it gets lost a little in the choppy writing and unclear indications as to what is happening at points. Sadie fell pregnant with Antonio’s child after one wild weekend together; he was betrothed to another, and left her after that weekend for his familial duties.
"We have a past…"
Four years on Antonio finds out he is a father, and after two weeks working incognito in the garage Sadie works at as a challenge from an old friend, he is now in a position to make Sadie his and Leo his son, will have a loving, present father, the total opposite of his own.
Lack of communication between these two didn’t help, but the author also had the penchant of having them say one thing then actually do something completely different, and although I understood Sadie’s initial unhappiness, she acted like a bit of a shrew for a lot of the book. This is Mills & Boon so as you would expect Antonio was deliciously take charge with everything, but I didn’t find myself warming to him like I do normally with the men in their books. Leo was cute though and held a lot of the story together to be honest.
ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.
This was an okay read for me, there is a great story here, but it gets lost a little in the choppy writing and unclear indications as to what is happening at points. Sadie fell pregnant with Antonio’s child after one wild weekend together; he was betrothed to another, and left her after that weekend for his familial duties.
"We have a past…"
Four years on Antonio finds out he is a father, and after two weeks working incognito in the garage Sadie works at as a challenge from an old friend, he is now in a position to make Sadie his and Leo his son, will have a loving, present father, the total opposite of his own.
Lack of communication between these two didn’t help, but the author also had the penchant of having them say one thing then actually do something completely different, and although I understood Sadie’s initial unhappiness, she acted like a bit of a shrew for a lot of the book. This is Mills & Boon so as you would expect Antonio was deliciously take charge with everything, but I didn’t find myself warming to him like I do normally with the men in their books. Leo was cute though and held a lot of the story together to be honest.
ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 1, 2018
I read the prologue. It underwhelmed me. I read HPs to see the heroes embrace their wealth. Seeing the hero willing to run away from his billionaire lifestyle is unacceptable. To have him do this & deceive the heroine is also unacceptable. It shows the hero isn't a ruthless alpha male. I prefer to read about ruthless alpha heroes who are ruthless about keeping the heroine in their lives.
August 28, 2018
In a word...HORRIBLE!
After being with the heroine the hero marries his best friend to be her beard so she can keep her lesbianism and girlfriend secret. The heroine tries many, many times unsuccessfully to reach the hero because she is pregnant.
This was just a train wreck. Not only did I despise the hero but he was definitely a beta...did what his parent's and best friend wanted instead of what he wanted and ended up missing out on a good chunk of his child's life!
Cannot recommend.
After being with the heroine the hero marries his best friend to be her beard so she can keep her lesbianism and girlfriend secret. The heroine tries many, many times unsuccessfully to reach the hero because she is pregnant.
This was just a train wreck. Not only did I despise the hero but he was definitely a beta...did what his parent's and best friend wanted instead of what he wanted and ended up missing out on a good chunk of his child's life!
Cannot recommend.
April 5, 2017
Heroine was cold and bitter and she held onto her grudges fiercely. Her anger and resentment towards the hero was just too much. I like my heroines sweet and vulnerable. Sadly this heroine ruined a well written book for me. Also for those who care sex scenes were lame.
April 11, 2023
This was different for a HP
The book starts off with Billionaires challenging each other to live without their comforts for two weeks. In this story, the Hero Anotnio has to work as a mechanic! He is reunited of course with his ONS/Whirlwind lover, Sadie. He discovers there is a child and from there these two are constantly in a push-pull, battle of wills until the very end.
First time reading this author and I would definitely check out more. Antonio at least was way more stern than heroes have been of late. I really liked his character as well as the setup for the series. This first book was sexy but sometimes got so repetitive that I wanted to shake the characters!
The book starts off with Billionaires challenging each other to live without their comforts for two weeks. In this story, the Hero Anotnio has to work as a mechanic! He is reunited of course with his ONS/Whirlwind lover, Sadie. He discovers there is a child and from there these two are constantly in a push-pull, battle of wills until the very end.
First time reading this author and I would definitely check out more. Antonio at least was way more stern than heroes have been of late. I really liked his character as well as the setup for the series. This first book was sexy but sometimes got so repetitive that I wanted to shake the characters!
April 30, 2017
Di Marcello’s Secret Son by Rachael Thomas is one of a series involving four men, members of an extreme sports club, of whom one of their number has already found his match and wishes to see his friends happy as well. That man, Sebastien, dares his equally wealthy and powerful friends Antonio, Stavros and Alejandro to live incognito for two weeks without revealing their true identities. If they all succeed, he’s promised to fund a search and rescue foundation, dear to all their hearts after an avalanche incident hit too close to home.
Antonio Di Marcello’s task is to pose as an auto mechanic for two weeks in Milan. As a car enthusiast, he’s got the skills to fake the position, one Sebastian has arranged for him as well as his new identity. He’s willing to go through with the ruse, especially when he discovers that his old lover Sadie works at the garage. He’d been forced to break things off with her and marry an old childhood friend, his duty and family honor on the line. His marriage had ended in divorce though the reasons had been kept away from the public eye. What he soon discovers is that he’s just as attracted to Sadie now as he was then. And when he finds out that she has a son, one who is the right age to be his, he can’t wait for the challenge to be over so he can reveal to her his true identity.
For her part, Sadie comes to confide in ‘Tony’, who reminds her of her old love Antonio. She’d wanted to tell Antonio about her pregnancy, but had been thwarted at every turn by Antonio’s mother, and believed that he wanted nothing to do with her or her son. When Antonio’s two weeks of disguise are up, he doesn’t hesitate to reveal his true self to Sadie – and that he is ready to claim his son. He’s not above blackmailing Sadie to get what he wants. But can a marriage of convenience to give their son a chance to know both his parents lead to a real commitment and a rekindling of the passion they once shared?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-di-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Antonio Di Marcello’s task is to pose as an auto mechanic for two weeks in Milan. As a car enthusiast, he’s got the skills to fake the position, one Sebastian has arranged for him as well as his new identity. He’s willing to go through with the ruse, especially when he discovers that his old lover Sadie works at the garage. He’d been forced to break things off with her and marry an old childhood friend, his duty and family honor on the line. His marriage had ended in divorce though the reasons had been kept away from the public eye. What he soon discovers is that he’s just as attracted to Sadie now as he was then. And when he finds out that she has a son, one who is the right age to be his, he can’t wait for the challenge to be over so he can reveal to her his true identity.
For her part, Sadie comes to confide in ‘Tony’, who reminds her of her old love Antonio. She’d wanted to tell Antonio about her pregnancy, but had been thwarted at every turn by Antonio’s mother, and believed that he wanted nothing to do with her or her son. When Antonio’s two weeks of disguise are up, he doesn’t hesitate to reveal his true self to Sadie – and that he is ready to claim his son. He’s not above blackmailing Sadie to get what he wants. But can a marriage of convenience to give their son a chance to know both his parents lead to a real commitment and a rekindling of the passion they once shared?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-di-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
November 10, 2017
Rachael Thomas is not an author that I am familiar with, but I will remember her work after this book.
It was a great “secret baby”, “unrequited love”, “alpha-a**hole” story. The H is a billionaire who is challenged to live for two weeks as a regular guy. He take a job as a mechanic in Milan and on his first day see’s the one woman he regretted walking away from. She see’s him but doesn’t recognize him in his disguise of a beard, a hat and some dirty work clothes.
He soon learns that she is still single and is the mother of a 3 year old son. His son. After his challenge is complete he comes back as himself an bullies her into marriage for the sake of his son. Things, as they offer do in the HP world, do not go as planned and the H finds himself with a lot of complications.
How she didn’t recognize him baffles me. He was an ass. Truly. His loyalty was in all the wrong places and he made her miserable. She was naive and just wanted his love. Of course as soon as she wised up...bingo!
It was a good read. Entertaining. The characters made me take sides and that’s always fun. ;D
It was a great “secret baby”, “unrequited love”, “alpha-a**hole” story. The H is a billionaire who is challenged to live for two weeks as a regular guy. He take a job as a mechanic in Milan and on his first day see’s the one woman he regretted walking away from. She see’s him but doesn’t recognize him in his disguise of a beard, a hat and some dirty work clothes.
He soon learns that she is still single and is the mother of a 3 year old son. His son. After his challenge is complete he comes back as himself an bullies her into marriage for the sake of his son. Things, as they offer do in the HP world, do not go as planned and the H finds himself with a lot of complications.
How she didn’t recognize him baffles me. He was an ass. Truly. His loyalty was in all the wrong places and he made her miserable. She was naive and just wanted his love. Of course as soon as she wised up...bingo!
It was a good read. Entertaining. The characters made me take sides and that’s always fun. ;D
November 15, 2017
Adult romance novels are a guilty pleasure of mine. I now that there are problems with some of them and that most contain love at first sight (which I usually hate), but there's just something about these novels that is so addicting.
I enjoy romance novels where the girl is hard to get throughout at least half of the novel and it seems more realistic instead of falling for the guy the minute you see him. Does that even happen in real life, is that even possible? Also, I've noticed that the couples in many of these romance novels, can barely handle being in the same room without wanting to touch each other. I've never been in love or lust, but I don't think that's how love and attraction works. It just seems stupid when people say or act like that they can't control themselves is a good excuse, it's not, it just seems stupid. But then again, these are romance novels, so of course they are going to have this kind of stuff in them, it's just hard to tolerate them sometimes, especially when they keep repeating that stuff over and over and over.
Overall, this book was ok, but Sadie did annoy me at times, like when she didn't think that Antonio loved her until he said it. You don't need to say I love you too show that you love someone, they should be able to see it from your actions. I've seen couples in my family (my parents, sister, cousins), they rarely say I love you to their partners, but they can tell that the other person loves them, there's no need for words. After all, people can easily say I love you and sound like they mean it, but they might actually not. Their actions are more important. I guess Sadie hasn't heard of, "actions speak louder than words."
After reading the last few chapters of this book, I want to read the other two books in this series even more. But I'm still on hold for them in the library, so I have to wait.
I'm not sure if I will write more of my thoughts on the book later or if I'll just leave it like this.
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
My twitter account: @NazishTVDSwift
My Instagram accounts: @nazishreads, @nrcharmed01, @nrdisney, and @nazishcosplay
I enjoy romance novels where the girl is hard to get throughout at least half of the novel and it seems more realistic instead of falling for the guy the minute you see him. Does that even happen in real life, is that even possible? Also, I've noticed that the couples in many of these romance novels, can barely handle being in the same room without wanting to touch each other. I've never been in love or lust, but I don't think that's how love and attraction works. It just seems stupid when people say or act like that they can't control themselves is a good excuse, it's not, it just seems stupid. But then again, these are romance novels, so of course they are going to have this kind of stuff in them, it's just hard to tolerate them sometimes, especially when they keep repeating that stuff over and over and over.
Overall, this book was ok, but Sadie did annoy me at times, like when she didn't think that Antonio loved her until he said it. You don't need to say I love you too show that you love someone, they should be able to see it from your actions. I've seen couples in my family (my parents, sister, cousins), they rarely say I love you to their partners, but they can tell that the other person loves them, there's no need for words. After all, people can easily say I love you and sound like they mean it, but they might actually not. Their actions are more important. I guess Sadie hasn't heard of, "actions speak louder than words."
After reading the last few chapters of this book, I want to read the other two books in this series even more. But I'm still on hold for them in the library, so I have to wait.
I'm not sure if I will write more of my thoughts on the book later or if I'll just leave it like this.
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
My twitter account: @NazishTVDSwift
My Instagram accounts: @nazishreads, @nrcharmed01, @nrdisney, and @nazishcosplay
May 9, 2017
This is a story of friends, friends who are billionaires they are set a challenge from another friend and this challenge sends them on a journey to perhaps find happiness and love and first of we have Antonio Di Marcello he is going to be undercover working in a garage in Milan, this brings him back in contact with the only woman English girl Sadie Parker, that he has ever felt anything for, this journey is going to take him and Sadie on an up and down sensual ride that will keep you turning the pages.
Antonio has grown up in a loveless family an only child and heir to an old established family in Milan when he has a passionate and sensual weekend with English girl Sadie Parker but he is not capable of love and is forced into marriage to another an old family friend it is his duty. Although he moves on from Sadie he never forgets her and when his marriage breaks down after only 6 months there are secrets that must be kept and he moves back to his playboy ways that is until he meets Sadie again and learns of his son Leo, Antonio will do what he can to ensure that Sadie marries him for Leo’s sake.
Sadie did all she could to get in touch with Antonio when she found out she was pregnant and when that failed she carried on and has worked hard at being a single mother so when Antonio steps back into her life angry and determined that she marry him she does her best to stop this but in the end cannot. She really does want Leo to know his father but can she stop the feelings of the past those sensual emotional strings that are pulling her towards Antonio again.
This is a fabulous story there is so much emotion and such a sensual spark between them and Antonio is so sure he cannot love and Sadie tries so hard to not want to feel the way she does but in the end neither can deny this pull it is not just lust but love. This one left me smiling with such a beautiful HEA thank you MS Thomas for another awesome story, oh and I do look forward to the other two stories in this series.
Antonio has grown up in a loveless family an only child and heir to an old established family in Milan when he has a passionate and sensual weekend with English girl Sadie Parker but he is not capable of love and is forced into marriage to another an old family friend it is his duty. Although he moves on from Sadie he never forgets her and when his marriage breaks down after only 6 months there are secrets that must be kept and he moves back to his playboy ways that is until he meets Sadie again and learns of his son Leo, Antonio will do what he can to ensure that Sadie marries him for Leo’s sake.
Sadie did all she could to get in touch with Antonio when she found out she was pregnant and when that failed she carried on and has worked hard at being a single mother so when Antonio steps back into her life angry and determined that she marry him she does her best to stop this but in the end cannot. She really does want Leo to know his father but can she stop the feelings of the past those sensual emotional strings that are pulling her towards Antonio again.
This is a fabulous story there is so much emotion and such a sensual spark between them and Antonio is so sure he cannot love and Sadie tries so hard to not want to feel the way she does but in the end neither can deny this pull it is not just lust but love. This one left me smiling with such a beautiful HEA thank you MS Thomas for another awesome story, oh and I do look forward to the other two stories in this series.
April 20, 2017
Di Marcello's Secret Son (The Secret Billionaires #1) by Rachael Thomas
Antonio Di Marcello loves a good challenge and when presented with one that means he leaves his billionaire lifestyle behind, his credit cards, and his name behind for 2 weeks he does it. He walks into what will be his home for 2 weeks and finds different clothes, an older styled cell phone with a few preset phone numbers and what his job will be for the time frame.
He shows up with his new look and starts are the mechanic which since he grew up helping on cars will be a breeze for him. Until he looks up and realizes that his past is also working there. Sadie Parker is working in the office of the garage.
Sadie and Antonio have a past and Sadie was left with a son as a result. She tried to contact Antonio however, his mother never gives him the message or the letter or info so he has no idea he has a son.
After the two weeks is over Antonio shows up at Sadie’s place and wants to be a father, a husband to Sadie and have his life he should have had.
This is the first in this series and cannot wait to read the others. They will follow the challenges of three friends each to go undercover for two weeks leaving behind everything and take on new physically look and identity with name.
Antonio Di Marcello loves a good challenge and when presented with one that means he leaves his billionaire lifestyle behind, his credit cards, and his name behind for 2 weeks he does it. He walks into what will be his home for 2 weeks and finds different clothes, an older styled cell phone with a few preset phone numbers and what his job will be for the time frame.
He shows up with his new look and starts are the mechanic which since he grew up helping on cars will be a breeze for him. Until he looks up and realizes that his past is also working there. Sadie Parker is working in the office of the garage.
Sadie and Antonio have a past and Sadie was left with a son as a result. She tried to contact Antonio however, his mother never gives him the message or the letter or info so he has no idea he has a son.
After the two weeks is over Antonio shows up at Sadie’s place and wants to be a father, a husband to Sadie and have his life he should have had.
This is the first in this series and cannot wait to read the others. They will follow the challenges of three friends each to go undercover for two weeks leaving behind everything and take on new physically look and identity with name.
April 21, 2017
First book of what I believe will be an amazing series. The Secret Billionaire's a trilogy about best friends who love the life of extremes. All billionaires in their own right and all up to any challenge . Antonio is the first of the friends that is presented with a challenge to leave behind his billionaires life style for 2 weeks,a life without credit cards and all the trappings of wealth he is given a different name and changes his appearance. First day on the job as a mechanic he meets his past lover that he really never forgot. Sadie has no idea this mechanic is Antonio and as they are drawn together a big secret comes out. He finds that his family had part in this secret . A fantastic book by Ms. Thomas and loved it from page one also has me eager to read the rest of this series. I loved the story line for the series and originality of it. Looking forward to the others
April 20, 2017
Di Marcello’s Secret Son by Rachael Thomas is the first in The Secret Billionaires series. In this series, three friends are challenged by their group’s founder to go undercover for two weeks. Giving up their names, credit cards and power they must go where Sebastien sends them or lose their favourite toys.
This book kicks it off with a bang! When Antonio Di Marcello is sent undercover, he discovers that the challenge is not as simple as it seems. He encounters a previous lover, one he has never forgotten and it seems she is keeping a big secret herself.
I liked the story line of the series, it is fun and original. The characters had a lot of resentment and fear to work through before they were able to find love and happiness, but it was all worth it in the end.
This book kicks it off with a bang! When Antonio Di Marcello is sent undercover, he discovers that the challenge is not as simple as it seems. He encounters a previous lover, one he has never forgotten and it seems she is keeping a big secret herself.
I liked the story line of the series, it is fun and original. The characters had a lot of resentment and fear to work through before they were able to find love and happiness, but it was all worth it in the end.
April 16, 2017
Antonio Di Marcello accepts the challenge of his friend Sebastian. To leave his life, wealth, and the rich trappings he is used to behind or two weeks. To find what money can not buy. Undercover as Toni Adessi, he gets to get down and dirty working on cars and engines. Not the normal pastime of a billionaire, but a task he intends to succeed at. Until he discovers that the brief weekend fling he had just before he married is working at the same garage. And she has a son. One with his eyes.
Sadie Parker had tried all she could think of to let Antonio know he was going to be a father. Turned away from his family home, she watched as he married and divorced another woman. The constant spotlight on him and his women, while she struggled to raise their son alone. And Leo is her world. Until Antonio comes back.
An OK story. They both have issues that are difficult to resolve, and puts them both in fear of love. Finding it and giving it.
Sadie Parker had tried all she could think of to let Antonio know he was going to be a father. Turned away from his family home, she watched as he married and divorced another woman. The constant spotlight on him and his women, while she struggled to raise their son alone. And Leo is her world. Until Antonio comes back.
An OK story. They both have issues that are difficult to resolve, and puts them both in fear of love. Finding it and giving it.
April 29, 2017
SUPRISE !!!!!!
THIS is my first book of RACHEL THOMAS ' ! I found this very explosive in emotions of two people that had once shared something very intimate and gained something so precious out of it. Antonio Di Marcello was one of three friends that were quite the Charmer and very very rich. So, the three got together and made a choice to give it all up for 2 weeks. No money, no credit cards, and NO NOTHING.
Toni Adessi, aka. Antonio changed his name to fit his new lifestyle only to find out the place where he now works is owned by the one and only SADIE PARKER, the woman he tried to forget.
Now, Sadie, has her own secrets she is now hiding from him, because she thought he never cared.
But, NOW these 2 people collide together to find out, that things aren't what they appear..,,
Can Toni win her over to claim what is rightfully his or will she let him go forever..
I personally Loved this book from RACHEL THOMAS, it's exciting, and packed with all kinds of emotions to boot.
thanks Rachel Thomas , you have made my day, and I certainly will be on my way to reading your next BILLIONAIRE SECRET.
THIS is my first book of RACHEL THOMAS ' ! I found this very explosive in emotions of two people that had once shared something very intimate and gained something so precious out of it. Antonio Di Marcello was one of three friends that were quite the Charmer and very very rich. So, the three got together and made a choice to give it all up for 2 weeks. No money, no credit cards, and NO NOTHING.
Toni Adessi, aka. Antonio changed his name to fit his new lifestyle only to find out the place where he now works is owned by the one and only SADIE PARKER, the woman he tried to forget.
Now, Sadie, has her own secrets she is now hiding from him, because she thought he never cared.
But, NOW these 2 people collide together to find out, that things aren't what they appear..,,
Can Toni win her over to claim what is rightfully his or will she let him go forever..
I personally Loved this book from RACHEL THOMAS, it's exciting, and packed with all kinds of emotions to boot.
thanks Rachel Thomas , you have made my day, and I certainly will be on my way to reading your next BILLIONAIRE SECRET.
April 6, 2017
it was o.k.
March 26, 2018
This M&B ‘Trilogy’ consists of the following books:
1. Di Marcello’s Secret Son by Rachael Thomas
2. Xenakis’s Convenient Bride by Dani Collins
3. Salazar’s One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward
But can this be called a trilogy? Not really, if you go by the very detailed prologues appearing in all three of the books about four ‘as thick as thieves’ friends. At the recurring mention of the fourth friend, I did a quick search, and found out that the fourth friend, or should I say the first one, has a book of his own, which should ideally have been at the top of the ‘The Secret Billionaires Series’ (even if he was not a secret billionaire, the book should find a mention with the other three.)
And I can’t review the above-mentioned book as I failed to find it on Amazon India, ‘the book’ being:
The Secret Billionaire’s Mistress by Dani Collins (this is where it all starts!)
(Edit: The link mentioned on The Secret Billionaire's Mistress takes us to the book which is a part of Harlequin's Online Reads - a 30 minute read, consisting of three chapters, this one; which, silly me, didn't see earlier, and only found out when the author pointed me in the right direction. Though this book was written after the Trilogy, I would recommend everyone to read it before starting the trilogy as it does make much more sense, and brings out the flavor of the characters. I wish I had.)
This series is about four friends – Sebastien Atkinson, Antonio Di Marcello, Stavros Xenakis, and Alejandro Salazar – who engage in extreme sports to keep their mind and body engaged. The trilogy is about fulfilling Sebastien’s challenge – by the Italian tycoon, Greek magnate, and Belgian tycoon, respectively – about going for two weeks without their billionaire fortune. How they go about their challenges and lead their lives post-the-challenge is what forms the rest of their stories.
What I loved about this trilogy was the fresh approach, the plot twists, and the inherent bond between the four friends.
This is what I thought:
Antonio and Sadie don’t jump at each other the first chance they get. (Hee, hee, which seems to happen in almost all the M&B’s in spite of all the angst/anger between the male and female protagonists!) They bite each other’s head off for the major part of the story and considering their history, that is what should happen.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
1. Di Marcello’s Secret Son by Rachael Thomas
2. Xenakis’s Convenient Bride by Dani Collins
3. Salazar’s One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward
But can this be called a trilogy? Not really, if you go by the very detailed prologues appearing in all three of the books about four ‘as thick as thieves’ friends. At the recurring mention of the fourth friend, I did a quick search, and found out that the fourth friend, or should I say the first one, has a book of his own, which should ideally have been at the top of the ‘The Secret Billionaires Series’ (even if he was not a secret billionaire, the book should find a mention with the other three.)
And I can’t review the above-mentioned book as I failed to find it on Amazon India, ‘the book’ being:
The Secret Billionaire’s Mistress by Dani Collins (this is where it all starts!)
(Edit: The link mentioned on The Secret Billionaire's Mistress takes us to the book which is a part of Harlequin's Online Reads - a 30 minute read, consisting of three chapters, this one; which, silly me, didn't see earlier, and only found out when the author pointed me in the right direction. Though this book was written after the Trilogy, I would recommend everyone to read it before starting the trilogy as it does make much more sense, and brings out the flavor of the characters. I wish I had.)
This series is about four friends – Sebastien Atkinson, Antonio Di Marcello, Stavros Xenakis, and Alejandro Salazar – who engage in extreme sports to keep their mind and body engaged. The trilogy is about fulfilling Sebastien’s challenge – by the Italian tycoon, Greek magnate, and Belgian tycoon, respectively – about going for two weeks without their billionaire fortune. How they go about their challenges and lead their lives post-the-challenge is what forms the rest of their stories.
What I loved about this trilogy was the fresh approach, the plot twists, and the inherent bond between the four friends.
This is what I thought:
Antonio and Sadie don’t jump at each other the first chance they get. (Hee, hee, which seems to happen in almost all the M&B’s in spite of all the angst/anger between the male and female protagonists!) They bite each other’s head off for the major part of the story and considering their history, that is what should happen.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
May 18, 2017
Di Marcello's Secret Son, Rachael Thomas
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
So, every now and then I want a dip back to an old fashioned, easy to read romance, usually after reading several intense contemporary romances or a string of fantasy/paranormal.
Its kind of like palate cleansing between courses, something fairly innocuous to clear the taste. This was just too innocuous though, too bland. I felt I was reading the same scenes over and over again.
Sadie would bear a grudge, then give in to Antonio, then something would be said and its grudge time again.
Antonio would be bitter about being kept away from Leo, then they'd get hot and heavy and everything would be wonderful for a short time, sometimes a very short time, just minutes. Something would be said and its Cold Wars all over again.
TBH I didn't feel any connection between the two, found it hard to believe that undercover persona worked so well, and as for the Secret he's holding about his first marriage. Yeah, that was pretty easy to guess.
Sadly not one for me, but everyone is different, its could be perfect for you - you chose.
Stars: Two, its me not the story, some will love it, I didn't.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
So, every now and then I want a dip back to an old fashioned, easy to read romance, usually after reading several intense contemporary romances or a string of fantasy/paranormal.
Its kind of like palate cleansing between courses, something fairly innocuous to clear the taste. This was just too innocuous though, too bland. I felt I was reading the same scenes over and over again.
Sadie would bear a grudge, then give in to Antonio, then something would be said and its grudge time again.
Antonio would be bitter about being kept away from Leo, then they'd get hot and heavy and everything would be wonderful for a short time, sometimes a very short time, just minutes. Something would be said and its Cold Wars all over again.
TBH I didn't feel any connection between the two, found it hard to believe that undercover persona worked so well, and as for the Secret he's holding about his first marriage. Yeah, that was pretty easy to guess.
Sadly not one for me, but everyone is different, its could be perfect for you - you chose.
Stars: Two, its me not the story, some will love it, I didn't.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
September 7, 2022
The disguise story was not believable to me. He was a selfish B for leaving her and marrying a lesbian to be her beard..this was the first book in the trilogy of adventurous friends Antonio (Milan) Stavros (Greece) and Alejandro (Kentucky)
Read
May 1, 2017Miniseries: The Secret Billionaires
Read
May 1, 2017Miniseries: The Secret Billionaires
November 16, 2018
Muy bonita historia, me gustó mucho todo lo que hace Antonio para hacer lo correcto, no la tuvo fácil. La recomiendo
May 5, 2017
I love the concept behind Di Marcello’s Secret Son by Rachael Thomas, the first book in The Secret Billionaire series. It is a fresh, satisfying story and the entertainment level will leave you awed...in a good way! The author leads you on a riveting journey from chapter one with picturesque prose and scintillating passion simmering between the pages. Of the two main characters, I found the hero to be my favorite. Antonio Di Marcello charmed me the moment he took up the ‘challenge’ which set him to live a life without his wealth. There were moments which I found hilarious and moments when he grated on my nerves. Yet all in all, he proved himself to be strong, bold and commanding—everything I adore in a Presents hero. Sadie Parker is a smart, sexy woman and having Antonio back in her life meant she has a choice to tell him the secret she has been keeping from him. I found Sadie’s attitude towards Antonio to be tense but the real issue lies with the deep, emotional conflict boiling between them. Of course the fire which burned between Antonio and Sadie in the past has never died and the lick of flames which engulf them now is hotter than ever!
Overall, Di Marcello’s Secret Son is a compelling and deeply satisfying read. And I can’t wait to devour the other stories!
Recommended
4 Stars
August 12, 2017
Sebastien ,a self-made man, was almost lost in an avalanche in the Himalayas.His 3 friends- Antonio, Alejandro and Stavros, rescued him.Now happily married to Monika, he challenges the three men ,who have inherited their wealth.Sebastien dares them to live for two weeks without credit cards, smartphones, laptops etc and do a regular job.If they forfeit ,they are to part with something dear to them,if they win-Sebastien donates a huge sum to global search and rescue program.
Antonio is the first.He has to live for two weeks in his hometown, Milan (his estranged parents live there),he is Toni, a mechanic in a garage ,with only 200 euros .He can contact only Sebastien and his two friends.
At the garage "Toni" is shocked to see Sadie (23), a British girl he met 4 years ago.At the time, he was supposed to get married soon, to the family friend Eloise.They are long divorced.
"Toni" reminds Sadie of her son's father.He even meets little Leo (3).In my opinion, there are too few scenes showing how "Toni" lives and manages.Too soon he is back to his previous life, rich and pampered.He whisks Sadie and Leo to Rome, marries her , and brings her to meet his friends.Sadie feels like fish out of water,not belonging to his world.
Looking forward to the next installation.
Antonio is the first.He has to live for two weeks in his hometown, Milan (his estranged parents live there),he is Toni, a mechanic in a garage ,with only 200 euros .He can contact only Sebastien and his two friends.
At the garage "Toni" is shocked to see Sadie (23), a British girl he met 4 years ago.At the time, he was supposed to get married soon, to the family friend Eloise.They are long divorced.
"Toni" reminds Sadie of her son's father.He even meets little Leo (3).In my opinion, there are too few scenes showing how "Toni" lives and manages.Too soon he is back to his previous life, rich and pampered.He whisks Sadie and Leo to Rome, marries her , and brings her to meet his friends.Sadie feels like fish out of water,not belonging to his world.
Looking forward to the next installation.
April 19, 2019
Oh this was quite painful.
What is it with all these bloody secret children in M&B Land - no one ever heard of condoms? Sigh. I know the authors are trying to convey that he/she are so smitten with each other that they don't stop to consider their or their partner's health - but really it this the best concept that they can come up with? I chucked about 10 of these books away today unread into the charity bag because they were ALL about secret babies. I guess there are no new ideas out there (my Mum buys one of these each week and is always passing them my way - so the supply seems to be endless.
Apart from that, the lead female character was boring and constantly nagging and self-righteous (felt like telling the male lead to run a mile), but then he was no better in terms of the whole parent/ex-wife thing (that story line was such a trainwreck - seriously....). Lastly, the dialogue (the thing I love the most in books) was so wooden. Painfully wooden. Sigh.
The premise though of the four friends each meeting a challenge was a nice hook - but this was not for me at all.
What is it with all these bloody secret children in M&B Land - no one ever heard of condoms? Sigh. I know the authors are trying to convey that he/she are so smitten with each other that they don't stop to consider their or their partner's health - but really it this the best concept that they can come up with? I chucked about 10 of these books away today unread into the charity bag because they were ALL about secret babies. I guess there are no new ideas out there (my Mum buys one of these each week and is always passing them my way - so the supply seems to be endless.
Apart from that, the lead female character was boring and constantly nagging and self-righteous (felt like telling the male lead to run a mile), but then he was no better in terms of the whole parent/ex-wife thing (that story line was such a trainwreck - seriously....). Lastly, the dialogue (the thing I love the most in books) was so wooden. Painfully wooden. Sigh.
The premise though of the four friends each meeting a challenge was a nice hook - but this was not for me at all.
September 6, 2018
There wasn't even chemistry between the h/H to save this book. The entire spending his time incognito as a mechanic could have been the saving of this book in terms of plot but even that opportunity was lost as the H doesn't use that 2 weeks wisely. The h doesn't even recognize him in the guise and H doesn't even take advantage to get to know her or his own child! Their subsequent marriage was just as bloodless n lacking in passion or even some basic emotion. I will definitely advise y'all to give this book a miss. Its been 8 chapters n they only have shared a tepid kiss n this is where I give up. From what I have read of their insipid two dimensional cardboard characters they dont have any hope for redeeming their characters or having any sort of deep human like emotions let alone love. In the whole book it was a toss up on whose characterization was the lamest. Even their child didn't have any shining moments in this book.
August 1, 2017
DI MARCELLO’S SECRET SON by author Rachael Thomas is a May 2017 release by Harlequin Present series.
Antonio Di Marcello took the challenge thrown by his friends and took a job as undercover mechanic. What he hadn’t envisioned was coming face-to-face with Sadie Parker, with whom he’d had a scorching fling four years earlier.
But now Sadie has a son. Would Antonio be able to recognize his own son? And what would Sadie say? Would she agree to letting Antonio meet her son? After all she had tried to contact Antonio before but he’d been unavailable. Would Sadie let Antonio claim her and her son...once again?
DI MARCELLO’S SECRET SON is a heart touching story. I love reading Author Rachael Thomas’ stories and she did not disappoint with this new book.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Antonio Di Marcello took the challenge thrown by his friends and took a job as undercover mechanic. What he hadn’t envisioned was coming face-to-face with Sadie Parker, with whom he’d had a scorching fling four years earlier.
But now Sadie has a son. Would Antonio be able to recognize his own son? And what would Sadie say? Would she agree to letting Antonio meet her son? After all she had tried to contact Antonio before but he’d been unavailable. Would Sadie let Antonio claim her and her son...once again?
DI MARCELLO’S SECRET SON is a heart touching story. I love reading Author Rachael Thomas’ stories and she did not disappoint with this new book.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
August 1, 2018
A stunningly good read!!
Rachael Thomas has demonstrated once again why she is one of MODERN[S] series most popular authors, with this first installment in a well conceived trilogy from the MODERN editors. Antonio
Di Marcello' proves to be a difficult hero to like at certain parts in the book, however the Italian
city and lush island settings along with the later chapters in the English countryside added to the enjoyment of a fluid and well paced story, showcasing the talents of a highly accomplished author.
MODERN fans who have come to devour Rachael Thomas[s] work will continue to do so and those new to her books will undoubtedly return to her on the strength of this FIVE STAR MODERN.
Rachael Thomas has demonstrated once again why she is one of MODERN[S] series most popular authors, with this first installment in a well conceived trilogy from the MODERN editors. Antonio
Di Marcello' proves to be a difficult hero to like at certain parts in the book, however the Italian
city and lush island settings along with the later chapters in the English countryside added to the enjoyment of a fluid and well paced story, showcasing the talents of a highly accomplished author.
MODERN fans who have come to devour Rachael Thomas[s] work will continue to do so and those new to her books will undoubtedly return to her on the strength of this FIVE STAR MODERN.
March 24, 2020
Going into this, I knew that this wasn't necessarily going to be a 'serious' novel, if only based on previous experiences with HP. *By serious, I mean a story with "meat and potatoes" so-to-speak - not just a bunch of fluff.
Despite the above (or, perhaps, because of it), I was still greatly annoyed with the main characters' lack of depth and were, in my opinion, unlikeable as a whole. I get that it's 'just' a book, but I find it aggravating when characters "fall in love" after knowing/spending time together for 2-3 days.
If you can get it for free, it might be worth the read - depending on your level tolerance for stupidity. Otherwise, save your money.
Despite the above (or, perhaps, because of it), I was still greatly annoyed with the main characters' lack of depth and were, in my opinion, unlikeable as a whole. I get that it's 'just' a book, but I find it aggravating when characters "fall in love" after knowing/spending time together for 2-3 days.
If you can get it for free, it might be worth the read - depending on your level tolerance for stupidity. Otherwise, save your money.
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