What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal Brides #5
The Scorsolini Marriage Bargain
Principe Claudio Scorsolini's future wife must make a suitable figurehead for his people and provide him with an heir. Claudio's convenient union with Therese is hailed a his subjects have fallen in love with her and she's performed her duties in the bedroom — to Claudio's immense satisfaction.
However, Therese has secretly fallen in love with her husband. How can their marriage survive when she knows she can never give Claudio a child?
However, Therese has secretly fallen in love with her husband. How can their marriage survive when she knows she can never give Claudio a child?
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
103 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
607 books1,567 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 24, 2019
Therese has been in a marriage of convenience with Principe Claudio Scorsolini for three years. (She loves him but she thinks he married her for heirs.) She has just discovered recently that she has endometriosis and she believes her chances of having a baby now are slim. So, after a few very half-hearted attempts to tell him the problem, Therese asks Claudio for a divorce (without telling him why) convinced he will want out of this marriage...
I really disliked this book and the heroine. It was just the same thing over and over again. Therese wants a divorce (from the husband she loves?) because she thinks she can't produce heirs for Claudio, without ever telling him why she wants a divorce. Claudio thinks she found another lover because she wants a divorce. And he doesn't want to discuss it because he's jealous of the non-existent other man. Up until around page 113 it was the same thing over and over. I almost didn't finish this book and I wish I hadn't. It was hard to read Therese's endless inner thoughts of how miserable she was. I understand she had a problem, but I assume she has the best doctors in the world at her disposal. Grow up and get the surgery (which was an out-patient one in which she had a 70% chance of getting pregnant through an IVF procedure). Instead she wallowed in her own misery through the whole book. I saw more love from Claudio as this book progressed than I ever did from her.
I really disliked this book and the heroine. It was just the same thing over and over again. Therese wants a divorce (from the husband she loves?) because she thinks she can't produce heirs for Claudio, without ever telling him why she wants a divorce. Claudio thinks she found another lover because she wants a divorce. And he doesn't want to discuss it because he's jealous of the non-existent other man. Up until around page 113 it was the same thing over and over. I almost didn't finish this book and I wish I hadn't. It was hard to read Therese's endless inner thoughts of how miserable she was. I understand she had a problem, but I assume she has the best doctors in the world at her disposal. Grow up and get the surgery (which was an out-patient one in which she had a 70% chance of getting pregnant through an IVF procedure). Instead she wallowed in her own misery through the whole book. I saw more love from Claudio as this book progressed than I ever did from her.
March 23, 2019
I really did not like this book and it is mainly due to the most passive aggressive whiny ass h I have read in a long time. Basically her problem is she has endometriosis and is married to a King so infertility is a big problem as they need an heir, supposedly.
Instead of sitting down like a rational person and telling her husband she is having some physical problems, she spouts off with "We need a divorce" and refuses to say anything for seven chapters even after she felt her issues were so immediate she had to chase him down on a business trip that he would have been back from in 3 days.
But then she refuses to talk to him cause the timing did not suit her little prima donna whims. We then get another 3 chapters on how much she loves him, but he doesn't even care about her. Since she has never bothered to ask her husband anything, how the heck would she know? Her constant woe-is-me and I-am-so-taken-for-granted and-no-one-cares attitude got really old, really fast.
I think I would have been happier had the H just divorced her self pitying manipulative rear and she could have gotten over her drama queen self and maybe gotten some self respect and a backbone in the process.
Instead of sitting down like a rational person and telling her husband she is having some physical problems, she spouts off with "We need a divorce" and refuses to say anything for seven chapters even after she felt her issues were so immediate she had to chase him down on a business trip that he would have been back from in 3 days.
But then she refuses to talk to him cause the timing did not suit her little prima donna whims. We then get another 3 chapters on how much she loves him, but he doesn't even care about her. Since she has never bothered to ask her husband anything, how the heck would she know? Her constant woe-is-me and I-am-so-taken-for-granted and-no-one-cares attitude got really old, really fast.
I think I would have been happier had the H just divorced her self pitying manipulative rear and she could have gotten over her drama queen self and maybe gotten some self respect and a backbone in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2017
Everyone knows how much I love my heroines and how I hate jerk heroes and how I never see any fault in my heroines seeking divorce right? So when I want to slap this one real hard you'd agree with me that there is probably a reason? Yes?
Girl, if you are going to ask for a divorce please for the love of god explain first then tell him you want out. If you just slap him with a demand of divorce when your stupid husband thinks you're content with the marriage till that point, he no longer cares about the reason, he's already jumping the gun and thinking you're having an affair! And he's now hurt, and he WILL say stupid stuff. I'm sorry woman. But you brought this upon yourself.
Also, ummm... I want a divorce is NOT a legit attempt of informing your somewhat dense husband you have some sort of sickness. Nope, na, nada, niyet. No matter how much you have convinced yourself you have tried, you actually have not.
And lastly, make up your mind about what you TRULY want. Do you ACTUALLY want a divorce? Then do this with dignity, do not fall in the bed with him, do not play with semantics, do not correct him about his wrong assumptions, do not tell him you don't WANT it but NEED the divorce. If you feel that is the fair and right thing to do as you were only an incubator and you're failing at your job just fucking do it, it doesn't matter if he hates you afterwards.
And if you actually have a secret agenda of making him feel like monster that he has been throughout the whole marriage, so that he can know about your illness, feels horrified, coddles you, declares his undying love and grovels and tells you he doesn't want divorce because he doesn't wanna let you go? Please tell him in those exact word, because your "I don't want a divorce but we need it for your sake" was like a broken record for gods sake and how is he supposed to know what he needs to apologise for first? He fucked up EVERYTHING since the beginning of marriage!
And hero, dude, are you 50 shades of dumb? You are willing to coddle her during period but you're still failing to see why she's upset that you didn't stay with her during her flu? You're saying she didn't need you to play nursemaid then, well, newsflash moron, she still doesn't! And the frustrating part? He actually DIDN'T fucking get it! I should take all the 5 stars away for a specially dumb hero!
Also, when your wife have period and asking for pain meds DO NOT argue! Just give her the meds and go call the doctor, call a whole medical boards if you want AFTER doing what she tells you to do!
Also, stop being surprised that she believed the shit you said easily but now she's refusing to believe that you haven't meant them. Because only one can be truth and since you're trying to salvage your marriage, even if you meant those shit, would you be telling her that they were the truth?
Given all that, I actually loved this book. I probably am more of a quitter so I love books where they work on marriages like this book! It does show determination and strength of character. Also loved the fact that the hero didn't really blackmail heroine into staying in the marriage, he just explained he has the power not to divorce her which he may use as he has no wish on remarrying BECAUSE he wants to work on their marriage. And they started opening up and being honest with each other. So despite all my issues with the book, this is a 5 star read for the enjoyment!
Girl, if you are going to ask for a divorce please for the love of god explain first then tell him you want out. If you just slap him with a demand of divorce when your stupid husband thinks you're content with the marriage till that point, he no longer cares about the reason, he's already jumping the gun and thinking you're having an affair! And he's now hurt, and he WILL say stupid stuff. I'm sorry woman. But you brought this upon yourself.
Also, ummm... I want a divorce is NOT a legit attempt of informing your somewhat dense husband you have some sort of sickness. Nope, na, nada, niyet. No matter how much you have convinced yourself you have tried, you actually have not.
And lastly, make up your mind about what you TRULY want. Do you ACTUALLY want a divorce? Then do this with dignity, do not fall in the bed with him, do not play with semantics, do not correct him about his wrong assumptions, do not tell him you don't WANT it but NEED the divorce. If you feel that is the fair and right thing to do as you were only an incubator and you're failing at your job just fucking do it, it doesn't matter if he hates you afterwards.
And if you actually have a secret agenda of making him feel like monster that he has been throughout the whole marriage, so that he can know about your illness, feels horrified, coddles you, declares his undying love and grovels and tells you he doesn't want divorce because he doesn't wanna let you go? Please tell him in those exact word, because your "I don't want a divorce but we need it for your sake" was like a broken record for gods sake and how is he supposed to know what he needs to apologise for first? He fucked up EVERYTHING since the beginning of marriage!
And hero, dude, are you 50 shades of dumb? You are willing to coddle her during period but you're still failing to see why she's upset that you didn't stay with her during her flu? You're saying she didn't need you to play nursemaid then, well, newsflash moron, she still doesn't! And the frustrating part? He actually DIDN'T fucking get it! I should take all the 5 stars away for a specially dumb hero!
Also, when your wife have period and asking for pain meds DO NOT argue! Just give her the meds and go call the doctor, call a whole medical boards if you want AFTER doing what she tells you to do!
Also, stop being surprised that she believed the shit you said easily but now she's refusing to believe that you haven't meant them. Because only one can be truth and since you're trying to salvage your marriage, even if you meant those shit, would you be telling her that they were the truth?
Given all that, I actually loved this book. I probably am more of a quitter so I love books where they work on marriages like this book! It does show determination and strength of character. Also loved the fact that the hero didn't really blackmail heroine into staying in the marriage, he just explained he has the power not to divorce her which he may use as he has no wish on remarrying BECAUSE he wants to work on their marriage. And they started opening up and being honest with each other. So despite all my issues with the book, this is a 5 star read for the enjoyment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
Updated
August 1st/2020
First of all, I don't know what happened but this app is annoying, I just wanted to change a word from my last review that I wrote in 2015, and suddenly the app closed it 🤯 I hope they solve this problem soon.
On the other hand, my last review pointed out specific things I didn't like about this book, specially the main characters who didn't convince me they loved each other. I didn't feel their chemistry, it was a boring couple in my opinion.
I think I didn't try to read another book by this author after I finished this one 😬.
P.S.: Please, write comments below if you have been having problems with the Goodreads app lately. Maybe it's my cellphone, I don't know 🤷♀️
August 1st/2020
First of all, I don't know what happened but this app is annoying, I just wanted to change a word from my last review that I wrote in 2015, and suddenly the app closed it 🤯 I hope they solve this problem soon.
On the other hand, my last review pointed out specific things I didn't like about this book, specially the main characters who didn't convince me they loved each other. I didn't feel their chemistry, it was a boring couple in my opinion.
I think I didn't try to read another book by this author after I finished this one 😬.
P.S.: Please, write comments below if you have been having problems with the Goodreads app lately. Maybe it's my cellphone, I don't know 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
I love problems-in-a-marriage plots and this one dishes out the angst without over-the-top bad behavior. Just tunnel vision and not communicating too well. Really liked the heroine's stoicism and the reasons behind it.
October 12, 2017
I wonder why I keep reading these books? It must be a form of OCD syndrome, I can give no other explanation.
Heroine? Weak at best, stupid at worse.
Hero? Arrogant, couldn't see what was in front of his face.
Dialoque? The same argument in different words through-out the story. They couldn't decide which one wants the divorce and which wanted the marriage. Blahhh.
Heroine? Weak at best, stupid at worse.
Hero? Arrogant, couldn't see what was in front of his face.
Dialoque? The same argument in different words through-out the story. They couldn't decide which one wants the divorce and which wanted the marriage. Blahhh.
November 13, 2011
Absolutely wonderful heart wrenching emotional read
Claudio-Therese both are married for past 3 years,it was marriage of convenience and Therese knows exactly why Claudio choose her and she even underwent test of fertility to ensure that she will be able to provide heirs to kingdom but after marriage Claudio asks to wait before starting and Therese agrees
Therese is in love with Claudio and has now found out she has Endometriosis and she has only chance of getting pregnant and that is IVF she is really heart broken but cause she knows she can't give for what she had been choosen for she thinks the best solution will be divorce.Claudio has been seeing changes in Therese and he thinks its cause she has found someone else and is angry and when she asks for divorce he is convinced that Therese is unfaithful
He is really angry and hurt and says some very hurtful things to Therese inflicting more hurt and pain but Therese tries to tell him but he does'nt wants to listen then his father King Vincente suffers a heart attack which lets them out their differences anger behind and put up an act everything is fine but then Claudio finds out about Therese's condition and is i really ashamed of his behaviour and also guity cause he failed as a husband,his wife was in so much pain and he was too busy to notice
But then Claudio is determined to win back his love his wife and make his marriage work now he realises his marriage is indeed in trouble but for totally different reasons and he makes real efforts and Therese and Claudio really talk about what went wrong and now they understand each other much better and also accept that though it was MOC they both love each other very much and finally Claudio is able to convince Therese he really loves her and promises now on she will never doubt his love for her and they have their HEA
What i really liked was their relationship has everything respect understanding trust love but due to lack of communication a big misunderstanding becomes a wall but Claudio comes to his senses in time and he really loves Therese he thinks he is too late and has lost her love and starts to work on winning it back and grovels enough but then Therese thinks its cause of guilt but finally Claudio manages to convince her
Good read
Recommend it
Claudio-Therese both are married for past 3 years,it was marriage of convenience and Therese knows exactly why Claudio choose her and she even underwent test of fertility to ensure that she will be able to provide heirs to kingdom but after marriage Claudio asks to wait before starting and Therese agrees
Therese is in love with Claudio and has now found out she has Endometriosis and she has only chance of getting pregnant and that is IVF she is really heart broken but cause she knows she can't give for what she had been choosen for she thinks the best solution will be divorce.Claudio has been seeing changes in Therese and he thinks its cause she has found someone else and is angry and when she asks for divorce he is convinced that Therese is unfaithful
He is really angry and hurt and says some very hurtful things to Therese inflicting more hurt and pain but Therese tries to tell him but he does'nt wants to listen then his father King Vincente suffers a heart attack which lets them out their differences anger behind and put up an act everything is fine but then Claudio finds out about Therese's condition and is i really ashamed of his behaviour and also guity cause he failed as a husband,his wife was in so much pain and he was too busy to notice
But then Claudio is determined to win back his love his wife and make his marriage work now he realises his marriage is indeed in trouble but for totally different reasons and he makes real efforts and Therese and Claudio really talk about what went wrong and now they understand each other much better and also accept that though it was MOC they both love each other very much and finally Claudio is able to convince Therese he really loves her and promises now on she will never doubt his love for her and they have their HEA
What i really liked was their relationship has everything respect understanding trust love but due to lack of communication a big misunderstanding becomes a wall but Claudio comes to his senses in time and he really loves Therese he thinks he is too late and has lost her love and starts to work on winning it back and grovels enough but then Therese thinks its cause of guilt but finally Claudio manages to convince her
Good read
Recommend it
January 26, 2013
Lots of angst which I love and some intense scenes that brought tears to my eyes. I would give it 5 stars but I found the heroine's constant second guessing of her husband annoying. She was not honest with him and he was just oblivious to his own feelings and even clueless but she was extremely insecure and needy. Other than that the infertility theme is a very sensitive subject and the author handles it with real sensitivity. Emotional and angsty book just how I like them!
September 29, 2014
Good angst-filled story.
The heroine was raised by cold, calculating diplomats who trained her to be the wife of a powerful man (for their own gain). When she landed the role of princess of the man next in line to a small Sicilian kingdom, she didn't do it for the reasons her parents and her husband expected.
She was in love.
Still she played her role flawlessly and believed she meant little to the hero aside from her official role and his passion for her in bed. When she finds out she is likely infertile, she decides to take the bull by the horns and divorce the H, since he's sure to want out of a marriage to a woman who can't give him heirs and doesn't want him to feel trapped by a sense of honor when she's afraid he'll grow to resent her.
This is the point where the hero is forced to confront his true feelings for the heroine and realize his own part in making her feel like she meant little to him beyond passion and duty. Plus there are some big misunderstandings that cause him to say some very hurtful things.
He thinks she's having an affair due to her lack of sexual desire and request for a divorce. So, he says cruel things and pushes her away. To her credit, she tries to tell him the truth about her endometriosis (sp?) diagnosis but he refuses to hear her out until he is confronted head-on by the pain of her condition. After that he is adorably concerned and take-charge.
Some of the book did ring as a public service message on the condition with lots of statistics and info dumping. I usually like things handled more subtly than that, but it was a minor annoyance.
The heroine was raised by cold, calculating diplomats who trained her to be the wife of a powerful man (for their own gain). When she landed the role of princess of the man next in line to a small Sicilian kingdom, she didn't do it for the reasons her parents and her husband expected.
She was in love.
Still she played her role flawlessly and believed she meant little to the hero aside from her official role and his passion for her in bed. When she finds out she is likely infertile, she decides to take the bull by the horns and divorce the H, since he's sure to want out of a marriage to a woman who can't give him heirs and doesn't want him to feel trapped by a sense of honor when she's afraid he'll grow to resent her.
This is the point where the hero is forced to confront his true feelings for the heroine and realize his own part in making her feel like she meant little to him beyond passion and duty. Plus there are some big misunderstandings that cause him to say some very hurtful things.
He thinks she's having an affair due to her lack of sexual desire and request for a divorce. So, he says cruel things and pushes her away. To her credit, she tries to tell him the truth about her endometriosis (sp?) diagnosis but he refuses to hear her out until he is confronted head-on by the pain of her condition. After that he is adorably concerned and take-charge.
Some of the book did ring as a public service message on the condition with lots of statistics and info dumping. I usually like things handled more subtly than that, but it was a minor annoyance.
March 13, 2012
In my opinion, this was the best of the Scorsolini series. The book deals with the difficulty some women face in not being able to conceive and have children. I loved the heroine, Therese, and her selfless way of being willing to walk away from her marriage and make the ultimate sacrifice for the man she loves. LM did a great job in tackling the issue of endometriosis and how it impacts people's lives. The hero grows leaps and bounds in showing his emotions and focusing on the commitment to his marriage. A great read!
August 20, 2011
I really really love this book.
The heroine and hero are married in a convenient marriage. Really convenient marriage. She had to go through tons of tests when he was going to pick her as his wife to make sure that they were physically compatible and able to bear children together. This isn't a sex test, it's a how likely is it that we'll make heirs test.
The heroine loves the hero, the hero cares for the heroine.
So the heroine has endometriosis which is getting worse for her. She's one of the rare ones where her only real chance of having children is through IVF, and even that's really low. She knows the hero needs heirs because he's the crown prince so she's going to do the honorable thing and divorce him. She wants to do it before this comes out because she doesn't want the public to look at him unfavorably for ditching her for this disease, but she knows he needs to have children and his position demands it.
Meanwhile she's tugged around with the fact that the hero doesn't really care about her, doesn't even notice how much pain she's in, or the fact that she's so doped up from pain killers sometimes that she doesn't even remember what happened during that time.
The hero, on the other hand, has noticed the heroine spacing out, and how she doesn't really want sex with him anymore. He thinks she's got someone else and he's got a PI investigating it. When she announces that they have to get divorced he thinks she's admitting to an affair and gets pissed.
Really good misunderstandings and talkings happening. The hero had his extreme jerk moments but I really believed in their HEA.
The heroine and hero are married in a convenient marriage. Really convenient marriage. She had to go through tons of tests when he was going to pick her as his wife to make sure that they were physically compatible and able to bear children together. This isn't a sex test, it's a how likely is it that we'll make heirs test.
The heroine loves the hero, the hero cares for the heroine.
So the heroine has endometriosis which is getting worse for her. She's one of the rare ones where her only real chance of having children is through IVF, and even that's really low. She knows the hero needs heirs because he's the crown prince so she's going to do the honorable thing and divorce him. She wants to do it before this comes out because she doesn't want the public to look at him unfavorably for ditching her for this disease, but she knows he needs to have children and his position demands it.
Meanwhile she's tugged around with the fact that the hero doesn't really care about her, doesn't even notice how much pain she's in, or the fact that she's so doped up from pain killers sometimes that she doesn't even remember what happened during that time.
The hero, on the other hand, has noticed the heroine spacing out, and how she doesn't really want sex with him anymore. He thinks she's got someone else and he's got a PI investigating it. When she announces that they have to get divorced he thinks she's admitting to an affair and gets pissed.
Really good misunderstandings and talkings happening. The hero had his extreme jerk moments but I really believed in their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2019
The delicious angst in this one-SO GOOD !!!
Both of them have their own faults and imperfections. But what made this book worth the read was how they realized it and worked together to overcome all the hurdles and save their marriage. Main characters were absolute gem. The secondary story of the king also touched me.
Epilogue was in equal terms sweet and satisfying. Recommended.
Both of them have their own faults and imperfections. But what made this book worth the read was how they realized it and worked together to overcome all the hurdles and save their marriage. Main characters were absolute gem. The secondary story of the king also touched me.
Epilogue was in equal terms sweet and satisfying. Recommended.
February 26, 2019
Lucy Monroe's naval gazing, talk-talk-talk characters are at it again.
The h and H are in what she sees as a loveless MOC now doomed because her endometriosis is intensifying and may result in infertility. Her clueless husband knows nothing.
Lucy Monroe's heroines tend to have a leetle more backbone than most h's, and her heroes tend to be a little less cruel but a little slow.
Some misunderstandings occur where the H says some pretty darn mean things, but eventually we get to it.
It's a fun one as there is plenty of woe-is-me from the heroine, and the hero wallows in his cluelessness for much of the book, but the HEA is sweet.
The h and H are in what she sees as a loveless MOC now doomed because her endometriosis is intensifying and may result in infertility. Her clueless husband knows nothing.
Lucy Monroe's heroines tend to have a leetle more backbone than most h's, and her heroes tend to be a little less cruel but a little slow.
Some misunderstandings occur where the H says some pretty darn mean things, but eventually we get to it.
It's a fun one as there is plenty of woe-is-me from the heroine, and the hero wallows in his cluelessness for much of the book, but the HEA is sweet.
July 22, 2016
August 18, 2012
A 3.5 rating. I didn't like it much in the beginning, but it gets better.
Reread and edited on July 22, 2016
I don't know why I didn't appreciate the pure awesomeness of this book before. I mean, wow.
Maybe it was because I wasn't a big fan of married couple romances. Then Jenny came and changed my mind about them. Now they provide the best sort of angst. Seriously, what was wrong with me.
So I decided to reread this book after I read the brother, Tom, and his wife, Maggie's story. We see Claudio (our H) and Therese (our h) in their story and I knew it would be a good one, judging from the strained undertones of their relationship.
I so don't regret it. The rating shot from a 3.5 straight to a 5. The angst at the beginning, oh God. Made me almost cry. It was so gut wrenching and poignant and painful. I felt so much for Therese, for her pain, for her love for her husband - who didn't return it, for her amazing strength. I loved her so much. She was perfect in every way.
As for Claudio, I loved-to-hate him in the beginning, when he's being menacingly mean and angry (because he's hurt), and then he becomes so tender and caring and so full of guilt when he finds out the real reason his wife asked for a divorce - I loved loved loved that side of him! And then at the end when he oh, my heart. I read that part twice - and now I'm gonna go read it again.
Yup. I went and read it again :3 It'll never get old. Although I do wish Therese had stressed a little bit more on the fact she loves him. It was too hurried.
AND I love married couple stories. They're the best. I love you, Jenny.
I'm already looking forward to when I reread this book again. And I will - God willing.
A 3.5 rating. I didn't like it much in the beginning, but it gets better.
Reread and edited on July 22, 2016
I don't know why I didn't appreciate the pure awesomeness of this book before. I mean, wow.
Maybe it was because I wasn't a big fan of married couple romances. Then Jenny came and changed my mind about them. Now they provide the best sort of angst. Seriously, what was wrong with me.
So I decided to reread this book after I read the brother, Tom, and his wife, Maggie's story. We see Claudio (our H) and Therese (our h) in their story and I knew it would be a good one, judging from the strained undertones of their relationship.
I so don't regret it. The rating shot from a 3.5 straight to a 5. The angst at the beginning, oh God. Made me almost cry. It was so gut wrenching and poignant and painful. I felt so much for Therese, for her pain, for her love for her husband - who didn't return it, for her amazing strength. I loved her so much. She was perfect in every way.
As for Claudio, I loved-to-hate him in the beginning, when he's being menacingly mean and angry (because he's hurt), and then he becomes so tender and caring and so full of guilt when he finds out the real reason his wife asked for a divorce - I loved loved loved that side of him! And then at the end when he oh, my heart. I read that part twice - and now I'm gonna go read it again.
Yup. I went and read it again :3 It'll never get old. Although I do wish Therese had stressed a little bit more on the fact she loves him. It was too hurried.
AND I love married couple stories. They're the best. I love you, Jenny.
I'm already looking forward to when I reread this book again. And I will - God willing.
March 26, 2019
I enjoyed the angst and the overall story, but lost some interest after Therese and Claudio started endlessly discussing their problems for the entire last two chapters, all the while resolving nothing until the very end. As a consequence, both the tension and the pacing dropped dramatically.
Poor Therese garnered my sympathy—she felt so unloved(!)—yet also had me mentally shaking my head at her refusal to seek medical treatments which could help treat her endometriosis and low fertility. Therese did have valid reasons for thinking Claudio didn't love her. After all, he'd married her only after she passed several extensive tests; love hadn't consciously factored into his decision.
Claudio possessed his fears as well. Raised in a family who avoided emotional confrontations and any unpleasantness he'd deliberately kept Therese at a distance. Thankfully, once Claudio realized he loved Therese he wasted little time in making up for his cluelessness.
Poor Therese garnered my sympathy—she felt so unloved(!)—yet also had me mentally shaking my head at her refusal to seek medical treatments which could help treat her endometriosis and low fertility. Therese did have valid reasons for thinking Claudio didn't love her. After all, he'd married her only after she passed several extensive tests; love hadn't consciously factored into his decision.
Claudio possessed his fears as well. Raised in a family who avoided emotional confrontations and any unpleasantness he'd deliberately kept Therese at a distance. Thankfully, once Claudio realized he loved Therese he wasted little time in making up for his cluelessness.
June 22, 2020
Lots of drama and angst in this one. The plot is mostly The Big Misunderstanding. When they finally communicate, there’s a HEA. There wasn’t quite enough steam or chemistry to make me love the characters.
I did chuckle when he was “impaled” rather than her. There were some typos.
I did chuckle when he was “impaled” rather than her. There were some typos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
"The Scorsolini Marriage Bargain" is the story of Therese and Claudio.
In this emotionally draining read, a couple that has been married conveniently for long hit a roadblock, when the heroine receives a heartbreaking news, and tries to divorce the hero. Initially, he hits back, full of suspicions, but because he cannot let the heroine go, soon realizes her value in his life, and eventually, the truth..
A very angsty read filled with intense love, pain and passion. The h and H were both loyal and likable, but just needed to communicate in order to find their HEA. There is a second update regarding the H's father and stepmother, which also has a happy ending.
My favorite scene was when the hero eventually finds the heroine in pain, and takes care of her with so tenderness, it melted my heart.
Definitely a tearjerker.
Safe
4.25/5
In this emotionally draining read, a couple that has been married conveniently for long hit a roadblock, when the heroine receives a heartbreaking news, and tries to divorce the hero. Initially, he hits back, full of suspicions, but because he cannot let the heroine go, soon realizes her value in his life, and eventually, the truth..
A very angsty read filled with intense love, pain and passion. The h and H were both loyal and likable, but just needed to communicate in order to find their HEA. There is a second update regarding the H's father and stepmother, which also has a happy ending.
My favorite scene was when the hero eventually finds the heroine in pain, and takes care of her with so tenderness, it melted my heart.
Definitely a tearjerker.
Safe
4.25/5
February 20, 2012
I like a lot of angst in my Harlequins and I certainly cannot deny that this is full of it and had my eyes filling up quite a few times!
I thought this book was brilliant and is my all time favourite Harlequin that I will happily read time and time again even though I will remember the plotline. If I could give this more than 5 stars then I would.
I thought this book was brilliant and is my all time favourite Harlequin that I will happily read time and time again even though I will remember the plotline. If I could give this more than 5 stars then I would.
February 5, 2017
Warning: this about suffering, lots of suffering.
Some spoilers ahead...
Therese was chosen as wife by Prince Claudio because she understood duty just like him. She was thoroughly tested to make sure she was up to every task that being a princess and future queen would require. He didn't know that part of the "yes" Therese gave him was that she was in love with him.
He's so clueless as husband/man, for him his life is about being a good a Prince. So his marriage is more like business partnership and a shared bed (that is not being shared that frequently now).
The time has come to produce an heir and Therese finds out that she can't meet that requirement anymore. Her husband doesn't love her back and she can't give him what he needs so the only option she sees is divorce.
Up to the point Therese tells Clauidio they have to divorce I was all #TeamTherese, I didn't give a damn about Prince Robot, but then he showed a spark of feelings and from there he started his evolution to Prince Charming.
Therese silent suffering broke my heart and Claudio's tenderness melted it. So, I say it again, this was very emotional on the suffering side.
Some spoilers ahead...
Therese was chosen as wife by Prince Claudio because she understood duty just like him. She was thoroughly tested to make sure she was up to every task that being a princess and future queen would require. He didn't know that part of the "yes" Therese gave him was that she was in love with him.
He's so clueless as husband/man, for him his life is about being a good a Prince. So his marriage is more like business partnership and a shared bed (that is not being shared that frequently now).
The time has come to produce an heir and Therese finds out that she can't meet that requirement anymore. Her husband doesn't love her back and she can't give him what he needs so the only option she sees is divorce.
Up to the point Therese tells Clauidio they have to divorce I was all #TeamTherese, I didn't give a damn about Prince Robot, but then he showed a spark of feelings and from there he started his evolution to Prince Charming.
Therese silent suffering broke my heart and Claudio's tenderness melted it. So, I say it again, this was very emotional on the suffering side.
January 9, 2014
Therese knows that she was chosen as the wife of Principe Claudio Scorsolini because of her suitability to marry a crown prince. She agreed to the arranged marriage because she loves him, and so far they have been happy. The time has come for her to conceive an heir, but she discovers that she has endemetriosis and is infertile. How can she stay married to the crown prince if she cannot provide him with children?
This is the third book of the Scorsolini Princes (or Royal Brides) series, and is the best so far. Unfortunately that's not saying much because the previous books were pretty terrible.
Ok, let's get this infertility thing out of the way. I really hate how so many category romance characters interpret low fertility as infertility. Therese discovers that she only has a 10% chance of conceiving naturally, and a 70% chance of conceiving through IVF. She interprets this as her being infertile, and rather than tell her husband what is wrong, she tells him they have to get divorced. Claudio has noticed his wife pulling away from him, and jumps to the conclusion that she must be cheating on him which is confirmed in his mind when she asks for a divorce. She tries to explain to him why they need to break up, but he doesn't want to listen because he doesn't want to hear her tell him about her lover. This whole cheating/divorce thing was ridiculous, and I think it was only done to give Claudio a reason to be truly nasty and say very cruel things to Therese. Therese has been rejecting him sexually because it's physically painful for her. She doesn't have a problem with saying no to him, but she does have a problem with telling him why. Huh? I get that they don't have a loving relationship, but they've been happily married for three years, so it's pretty ridiculous that she can't even tell him that it's painful for her. She needs to have an operation (which doesn't even require an overnight hospital stay) but she doesn't want to arrange it because... well, I really don't know why. Considering it's only a day procedure, I don't see why she couldn't have organised to have it done secretly like all her other medical stuff. I wasn't impressed with Therese at all. She doesn't try to fight to save her marriage. She just sits around and decides a 70% chance of conceiving through IVF is not enough, so she'll have to leave. Considering money is no problem, I'd say 70% chance is acceptable. They could at least try it a couple times before giving up. Anyway, once he finds out the truth, Claudio shines. He doesn't want to let go of Therese, and he is determined to make her realise how much he loves her. He basically manages to save the story, and of course we end up with a "miracle" pregnancy with Therese conceiving on their first go at IVF.
This is the third book of the Scorsolini Princes (or Royal Brides) series, and is the best so far. Unfortunately that's not saying much because the previous books were pretty terrible.
Ok, let's get this infertility thing out of the way. I really hate how so many category romance characters interpret low fertility as infertility. Therese discovers that she only has a 10% chance of conceiving naturally, and a 70% chance of conceiving through IVF. She interprets this as her being infertile, and rather than tell her husband what is wrong, she tells him they have to get divorced. Claudio has noticed his wife pulling away from him, and jumps to the conclusion that she must be cheating on him which is confirmed in his mind when she asks for a divorce. She tries to explain to him why they need to break up, but he doesn't want to listen because he doesn't want to hear her tell him about her lover. This whole cheating/divorce thing was ridiculous, and I think it was only done to give Claudio a reason to be truly nasty and say very cruel things to Therese. Therese has been rejecting him sexually because it's physically painful for her. She doesn't have a problem with saying no to him, but she does have a problem with telling him why. Huh? I get that they don't have a loving relationship, but they've been happily married for three years, so it's pretty ridiculous that she can't even tell him that it's painful for her. She needs to have an operation (which doesn't even require an overnight hospital stay) but she doesn't want to arrange it because... well, I really don't know why. Considering it's only a day procedure, I don't see why she couldn't have organised to have it done secretly like all her other medical stuff. I wasn't impressed with Therese at all. She doesn't try to fight to save her marriage. She just sits around and decides a 70% chance of conceiving through IVF is not enough, so she'll have to leave. Considering money is no problem, I'd say 70% chance is acceptable. They could at least try it a couple times before giving up. Anyway, once he finds out the truth, Claudio shines. He doesn't want to let go of Therese, and he is determined to make her realise how much he loves her. He basically manages to save the story, and of course we end up with a "miracle" pregnancy with Therese conceiving on their first go at IVF.
December 6, 2016
warning ! don't read this book during your period
August 26, 2019
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
=====================
==> Reread July, 2019
==> Re-read march, 16 2016
==> Read september, 01 2012 (paperback)
=====================
==> Reread July, 2019
==> Re-read march, 16 2016
==> Read september, 01 2012 (paperback)
“Some days, being a princess is right up there with long-term incarceration on Alcatraz.”
She’d bought into the fairy tale only to discover that love on one side brought pain, not pleasure. The happily-ever-after was only for princesses in storybook land…or those who were loved for themselves, like the two women married to the other Scorsolini princes.
Her love had not been one of his requirements, so he had not dwelt on it too much…until it was gone.
“Even to the point of marrying a woman with all the proper qualifications. You had me investigated, tested and then tested me yourself to be sure of my fit as your principessa and future queen. I am certain you never expected me to be a source of frustration for you.”
There were days she couldn’t even remember what she’d done because she’d spent so much of her time in a fog. The shock was that Claudio had never noticed. If she needed proof that she was nothing more to him than a convenience, that was it.
She didn’t miss the fact that he’d left without bothering to wake her and kiss her goodbye, either.
They were married, but she was no more necessary to his life than any of his other many employees.
“Obviously you do not consider it so, but I do not appreciate my wife letting down her obligations and therefore me.”
I will not tolerate you dismissing your promises or your duty as my wife as easily as you did your duties as a princess this morning.”
He didn’t have time for her unless she was playing her role of princess wife to perfection or concubine in his bed.
She didn’t have a marriage. She had a business partnership where she was the junior partner all the way.
Claudio could not have made it more obvious he did not love her if he had tried.
“We have to divorce.”
But he shook her touch off with disdainful rejection. “You bitch.”
“You will not walk away from our marriage and make me the second sovereign in Scorsolini history to be divorced. Do you understand me?”
She’d been so stupid to think that she meant anything to Claudio on a personal level. His whole reason for wanting to stay married to her had to do with him not being the second Scorsolini sovereign in history to be divorced by his wife.
You left on a selfish whim and my father paid because of it. I made a huge miscalculation when I asked you to marry me,” he said in a final slash of derision.
“You are about to tell me why you want a divorce, are you not?” “Yes.” “Do not.” “But I need to.” “I do not wish to hear it.” “But—” “You can have your divorce, Therese, but not until my father’s health is stable
“You are not the only one who has grown bored with the setup, but I would have done nothing about it which I am sure you think makes me a fool for duty.”
“I never said I was bored.” “But I am.” He flicked his hand in a throwaway gesture that implied their marriage meant that little to him. “The truth is, I am only too happy to give you a divorce, but as I said…it will have to wait on my father’s health. You can live with that limitation, I imagine?”
“You are beautiful, Therese, but a man needs something more than a pretty face and impeccable table manners to ease the prospect of an entire lifetime together. Once you started turning me down in the bedroom, your stock in my life dropped dangerously low. As I said, I would have stuck it out because once I make a promise, I keep it. But I will not fight for a marriage I do not actually want.”
She had believed that nothing could be worse than learning she had endometriosis with a high chance of total infertility. She had been wrong.
“It’s not as if we have a marriage like your brothers. No one expects us to be affectionate.”
She could not remember the last time someone had acknowledged she had feelings. Had touched her to comfort her. Certainly not Claudio. He acted as if her heart was made of iron ore and twice as hard as it should be.
He’d praised her for it, but now she wondered if she had been too enthusiastic. He’d grown bored with her…because she’d been too easy?
What was wrong with her that she did not inspire love in the people who were supposed to hold affection for her?
He did not engage in public displays of affection. His dignity as future sovereign on the Scorsolini throne demanded he be circumspect in his dealings with his wife.
“Please, Claudio, listen to me.” He glared down at her. “You have nothing to say that I would want to hear.”
“I was, but that doesn’t alter the fact that you made it so easy to hide my illness from you. Why was it so easy, Claudio? Why didn’t you care enough to notice that some months it was all I could do to hold it together?”
He had chosen her not based on emotion, but because she appealed to every need he had identified in having a wife meet.
Worse than a fool, he felt like a cruel monster. It had never been his intention that Therese should be hurt by marriage to him.
He had also destroyed fragile bonds that if he did not repair were going to result in the end of his marriage.
She had married him loving him and only now, looking back, could he recognize that.
She probably thought he did not care, but she was wrong.
March 13, 2021
Hated them both.
dnf
March 25, 2023DNF 2 pages in - the h is already pretentious and self-important and I have no interest in learning about her medical condition or her marriage. 🤷🏼♀️😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
Unrequited love at it's finest!
Princess Therese Scorsolini knows that her husband Claudio, the heir to the throne, married her for convenience and that she's the best candidate to produce any heirs. She loves him enough to marry him and be a mother to their future children even though he didn't love her. But when she found out about her medical condition that might cause her infertility, she knew she had to leave him. She wanted to protect him and the inhabitants of their country. She knew that divorcing him was the only choice to accomplish that goal.
Prince Claudio wasn't aware of his wife’s health problem, but these past few months, he has noticed that something changed and has made his assumptions based on them. But when he found out about Therese's condition, he was ashamed for he failed as a husband, that he didn't even notice his wife's pain. He comes to realize just how much he loves Therese, and he's determined to save his marriage and prove his love to the one woman who was meant to be his.
Will Therese finally give up on Claudio? Will Claudio make her realize his true feelings before it's too late? Will they yet have their happy ever after?
Oh, how this book broke my heart. I was literally crying almost from the start. I was emotional wrecked after this book. My heart broke for Therese, and I can feel her disappointment, her struggles, her loss of her marriage, the loss of her hopes of motherhood, and her greatest pain that came from loving a man who did not and never would love her.
No woman should have to live with the constant knowledge that she loved where there was no reciprocating emotion to be had. It hurt too muchI wanted to hurt Claudio for not knowing about Therese's condition, for hurting her, and for not loving her. I was prepared to hate him but damn! I wasn’t prepared for how redeemable his character became by the end of the book, well, not the end, more like halfway. I didn’t think the author could change my mind about him. But she did. Claudio redeemed himself in my eyes. I ended up loving his character.
“If I decide to walk, I will walk.” She meant it, too. Maybe she didn’t descend from Sicilian pirates, but she had the blood of Romans running in her veins as well as a good dose of American assertiveness.Another thing I loved about this book was the way Ms. Lucy Monroe used/tackled real-life issues and addressing them in her books that will surely help the readers in a very positive way.
“Do not decide to walk.” The pleading in his voice was more astonishing than the fact he’d allowed his primitive streak to show so blatantly.
“What will you do?” she asked softly, trying to read his expression but not understanding what she saw there.
He was silent for several seconds, and then he sighed. “Follow you.”
Overall, The Scorsolini Marriage Bargain was powerful and emotional love story that touched my heart. Well, honestly, this wasn't the most emotional book that I've ever read but the fact that I cried like a baby... that was something!
July 22, 2012
Crown Prince Claudio Scorsolini watched his father marry, cheat on, and divorce the woman who acted as his mother for most of his life in the name of love for his first wife. If love led to such dishonorable behavior, Claudio thought it better to choose a wife by other criteria. Therese grew up with a manipulative diplomat for a father and a scheming social climber for a mother, both of whom drilled a sense of duty and the importance of appearances into her from an early age. Despite never having received love from her parents and knowing that it's not on offer from her husband, she falls in love with Claudio before their wedding. She knows that he values her ability to perform the duties of a princess with dignity, her ability to satisfy him in bed, and her ability to bear and raise his heirs. When health problems make infertility almost inevitable, Therese sees no reason why Claudio would want to stay married to her.
I can't remember the last time I cried through so much of a book. Claudio is so cruel throughout so much of the book. Yes, he's lashing out because he thinks she's cheating on him and he supposedly doesn't want to deal with his feelings for her. Yes, Therese has been trained to hide her needs and feelings from everyone around her. But, God, it was so wrenching to watch her suffer. Lucy Monroe gets high marks for engaging my emotions so much, even though it made me miserable (seriously, I had to start a new box of tissues). Claudio barely makes up for his awful behavior with utter tenderness and vulnerability at the end (although I found it hard to believe that he would really cry). This is definitely more standard Harlequin Presents material than some of her more recent offerings: The Shy Bride and The Greek's Pregnant Lover.
This is part of a larger series about royals, most closely tied to The Prince's Virgin Wife and His Royal Love-Child, which are about Claudio's brothers Tomasso and Marcello. I've enjoyed the ones I've read so far, although the connections seem pretty tenuous when we start moving into the desert... HP books require a certain mood, and when that particular need arises, Monroe handles these stories better than most.
I can't remember the last time I cried through so much of a book. Claudio is so cruel throughout so much of the book. Yes, he's lashing out because he thinks she's cheating on him and he supposedly doesn't want to deal with his feelings for her. Yes, Therese has been trained to hide her needs and feelings from everyone around her. But, God, it was so wrenching to watch her suffer. Lucy Monroe gets high marks for engaging my emotions so much, even though it made me miserable (seriously, I had to start a new box of tissues). Claudio barely makes up for his awful behavior with utter tenderness and vulnerability at the end (although I found it hard to believe that he would really cry). This is definitely more standard Harlequin Presents material than some of her more recent offerings: The Shy Bride and The Greek's Pregnant Lover.
This is part of a larger series about royals, most closely tied to The Prince's Virgin Wife and His Royal Love-Child, which are about Claudio's brothers Tomasso and Marcello. I've enjoyed the ones I've read so far, although the connections seem pretty tenuous when we start moving into the desert... HP books require a certain mood, and when that particular need arises, Monroe handles these stories better than most.
April 9, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Presents
Author’s Website: http://www.lucymonroe.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Royal Brides Series (The Scorsolini Princes)
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone.
Steam Level: Hot
I was in the mood for some melodrama and so I snagged a couple Harlequin Presents books for the next few reviews. I’m a big fan of Lucy Monroe to begin with, but fans of her historicals should be aware that this is a traditional HP read; there’s a lot of unnecessary angst, and of course a dramatic Big Misunderstanding, so be prepared.
However, for me personally, the angst and the Big Misunderstandings are always what I go seeking when I pick up a category romance, so I was in heaven with this book.
Claudio and Terese have a marriage of convenience — at least on his side. She’s loved him from the beginning, but entered into the marriage knowing that love would not play a part in their marriage. Practical reasons, including her pedigree, poise, and ability to give him an heir was the most important motivation behind their marriage. When Terese discovers that she has severe endometriosis, a condition which causes scar tissue to build up around her reproductive organs and resulting in excruciatingly painful monthly periods, she’s understandably upset. When her doctor informs her, however, that in her case the condition has rendered her infertile, she’s devastated. She knows that having children is essential to Claudio, and knows that without that ability, her marriage is doomed.
I really enjoyed all of the angst, and Terese’s insecurities. Above all though, I loved Claudio’s reaction to the truth of her condition, and everything that occurred after he learned how mistaken he’d been. There’s just something so sexy about a proud man groveling and doing everything in his power to care for his woman!
Overall, a very enjoyable, melodramatic, fast read. 4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Presents
Author’s Website: http://www.lucymonroe.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Royal Brides Series (The Scorsolini Princes)
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone.
Steam Level: Hot
I was in the mood for some melodrama and so I snagged a couple Harlequin Presents books for the next few reviews. I’m a big fan of Lucy Monroe to begin with, but fans of her historicals should be aware that this is a traditional HP read; there’s a lot of unnecessary angst, and of course a dramatic Big Misunderstanding, so be prepared.
However, for me personally, the angst and the Big Misunderstandings are always what I go seeking when I pick up a category romance, so I was in heaven with this book.
Claudio and Terese have a marriage of convenience — at least on his side. She’s loved him from the beginning, but entered into the marriage knowing that love would not play a part in their marriage. Practical reasons, including her pedigree, poise, and ability to give him an heir was the most important motivation behind their marriage. When Terese discovers that she has severe endometriosis, a condition which causes scar tissue to build up around her reproductive organs and resulting in excruciatingly painful monthly periods, she’s understandably upset. When her doctor informs her, however, that in her case the condition has rendered her infertile, she’s devastated. She knows that having children is essential to Claudio, and knows that without that ability, her marriage is doomed.
I really enjoyed all of the angst, and Terese’s insecurities. Above all though, I loved Claudio’s reaction to the truth of her condition, and everything that occurred after he learned how mistaken he’d been. There’s just something so sexy about a proud man groveling and doing everything in his power to care for his woman!
Overall, a very enjoyable, melodramatic, fast read. 4.5/5 Stars
October 23, 2011
ta-dah! OK another series to archive! I feel proud of myself! ;)
This last book was maybe the better of the whole series. Both heroine and hero were normal people (well they were princess and prince so maybe normal is not the right word! LOL) ready to sacrifice themselves, one for the love of a husband and a crown the other for the love of a wife! She was ready to take a step back because she thought that her husband deserved a fertile wife but he didn't let her. Good. Emotional and with a HEA like a fairy tale.
This last book was maybe the better of the whole series. Both heroine and hero were normal people (well they were princess and prince so maybe normal is not the right word! LOL) ready to sacrifice themselves, one for the love of a husband and a crown the other for the love of a wife! She was ready to take a step back because she thought that her husband deserved a fertile wife but he didn't let her. Good. Emotional and with a HEA like a fairy tale.
November 29, 2020
I don’t particularly like the problems-in-a-marriage trope and the h was way too whiny for a strong lady and surprisingly inarticulate for a diplomat, which she claimed she was.
December 1, 2013
It would be a 4.5 in all objectivity, given there are some small faults here and there - a brother's name mistaken for the other, some typo, some weird syntax.
However for such a short book (120 pages on my reader, 180 officially), it was indeed amazing. In a most compact format, it manages to convey deep emotions at a very key moment for the heroine. She just learnt the reasons behind her physical incomfort and increasing suffering, as well as the most probable consequences. In a word, she required surgery and would end up "infertile", in the sense that IVF would be necessary for her to get pregnant, without guarantees. Her condition, endometriosis, also hindered her ability to enjoy sex with her husband. As a consequence, she struggled through a deep personal crisis, feeling less of a woman. And I really liked the way it was described, as it seemed well spot-on.
Add to that the fact her husband asked for tests previous to their wedding to check she would be fertile enough (he's a future King in a small country) and that he is way from demonstrative and warm, and the picture of why she believed her marriage doomed.
Their interactions and the story relies a lot on discussions that do not turn out as they should have, as a result from one or the other letting pride, emotion-protection, pain or other emotions take the lead in their thinking and talking. It absolutely did not feel to me like the classic misunderstanding plot, but rather an accumulation of small misunderstandings of people hurting each other despite themselves.
Most dialogues and situations were very emotional, never too long.
A very good book, especially on this topic (even though the epilogue felt awfully cheesy and almost uncalled for in my opinion).
This author is really a complete puzzle, able to write the most emotional things (here), extremely realistic romantic suspense and also what has to be one of the worst Harlequin I read ever which was the previous book in this series.
However for such a short book (120 pages on my reader, 180 officially), it was indeed amazing. In a most compact format, it manages to convey deep emotions at a very key moment for the heroine. She just learnt the reasons behind her physical incomfort and increasing suffering, as well as the most probable consequences. In a word, she required surgery and would end up "infertile", in the sense that IVF would be necessary for her to get pregnant, without guarantees. Her condition, endometriosis, also hindered her ability to enjoy sex with her husband. As a consequence, she struggled through a deep personal crisis, feeling less of a woman. And I really liked the way it was described, as it seemed well spot-on.
Add to that the fact her husband asked for tests previous to their wedding to check she would be fertile enough (he's a future King in a small country) and that he is way from demonstrative and warm, and the picture of why she believed her marriage doomed.
Their interactions and the story relies a lot on discussions that do not turn out as they should have, as a result from one or the other letting pride, emotion-protection, pain or other emotions take the lead in their thinking and talking. It absolutely did not feel to me like the classic misunderstanding plot, but rather an accumulation of small misunderstandings of people hurting each other despite themselves.
Most dialogues and situations were very emotional, never too long.
A very good book, especially on this topic (even though the epilogue felt awfully cheesy and almost uncalled for in my opinion).
This author is really a complete puzzle, able to write the most emotional things (here), extremely realistic romantic suspense and also what has to be one of the worst Harlequin I read ever which was the previous book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews