What do you think?
Rate this book
His Merciless Marriage Bargain
The Italian’s shock heir…
Raising her sister’s child has left Rachel Bern penniless and desperate. Since her orphaned nephew’s family has ignored her attempts at contact, she has no choice but to bring him to the Marcellos’ Venetian door.
Losing his brother devastated Giovanni Marcello. Rachel’s news is another bombshell, and he can’t believe that she doesn’t have an ulterior motive. One kiss should unravel her deception, until their smoldering chemistry has Gio reconsidering…
Gio exacts a high price for acknowledging his heir, but Rachel cannot help but succumb to his outrageous demands. Even if it means walking down the aisle!
Raising her sister’s child has left Rachel Bern penniless and desperate. Since her orphaned nephew’s family has ignored her attempts at contact, she has no choice but to bring him to the Marcellos’ Venetian door.
Losing his brother devastated Giovanni Marcello. Rachel’s news is another bombshell, and he can’t believe that she doesn’t have an ulterior motive. One kiss should unravel her deception, until their smoldering chemistry has Gio reconsidering…
Gio exacts a high price for acknowledging his heir, but Rachel cannot help but succumb to his outrageous demands. Even if it means walking down the aisle!
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 19, 2017
121 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
550 books2,053 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 28, 2017
4.5 STARS....
Well,well,this Jane Porter romance has got to be one of the best harlequin presents that I read this year.At first the hero was a complete tool,but by book's end,he completely won me over.The 3rd character of this romance was the beautiful decaying island of Venice.Wow,the author did a stunning job of giving me a beautiful vision of this romantic place.Her descriptions put me front and center in the hero's office with the detailed descriptions,and also the visual imagery of the world famous piazza with the barricaded sea walls.
The hero even gave the heroine punishing kisses every chance he got!
Enjoyed this one very much!
Well,well,this Jane Porter romance has got to be one of the best harlequin presents that I read this year.At first the hero was a complete tool,but by book's end,he completely won me over.The 3rd character of this romance was the beautiful decaying island of Venice.Wow,the author did a stunning job of giving me a beautiful vision of this romantic place.Her descriptions put me front and center in the hero's office with the detailed descriptions,and also the visual imagery of the world famous piazza with the barricaded sea walls.
The hero even gave the heroine punishing kisses every chance he got!
Enjoyed this one very much!
April 26, 2018
This guardians-of-children story started out nicely with the heroine bringing her dead sister's baby to the hero's villa in Venice. Seems the hero's brother died before the baby was born and the family shunned the heroine's sister. Heroine's sister swallowed pills and died after a bad bout of postpartum depression and heroine has taken care of the baby ever since. She's out of vacation days from work and can't afford a nanny, hence her desperate trip to Venice where she will leave the baby and wait for the hero to contact her. She alerted the press so that the hero will have to treat the baby well or suffer bad publicity.
Hero is not happy and is quite insulting about the heroine's sister and the heroine being golddiggers. However, he keeps her at the villa and the two begin their dance of attraction/mistrust.
I enjoyed all of the conflict and the beautiful descriptions of Venice, the food and the wines. I had to drop a star because the "black moment" interfered with their wedding day and the resolution was too quick for me to adjust to the abrupt change in the heroine's thinking. She was so full of insecurities, angst, guilt, hopelessness that I needed a scene with her happy and confident in the hero's love and her new life. The epilogue
The hero was quite cruel at the beginning, but was a besotted fool by the time he arranged their first date. (He also planned the wedding and picked out her dress because the heroine was too guilty/angsty/hopeless/insecure to do it herself.)
I think hero will be the optimist in the family. Here's hoping some of it wears off on the heroine.
Hero is not happy and is quite insulting about the heroine's sister and the heroine being golddiggers. However, he keeps her at the villa and the two begin their dance of attraction/mistrust.
I enjoyed all of the conflict and the beautiful descriptions of Venice, the food and the wines. I had to drop a star because the "black moment" interfered with their wedding day and the resolution was too quick for me to adjust to the abrupt change in the heroine's thinking. She was so full of insecurities, angst, guilt, hopelessness that I needed a scene with her happy and confident in the hero's love and her new life. The epilogue
The hero was quite cruel at the beginning, but was a besotted fool by the time he arranged their first date. (He also planned the wedding and picked out her dress because the heroine was too guilty/angsty/hopeless/insecure to do it herself.)
I think hero will be the optimist in the family. Here's hoping some of it wears off on the heroine.
December 29, 2017
This was ok. The heroine was handed a bag full of burdens after her sister died and the H had refused to acknowledge his nephew until the heroine took drastic actions. It started off really well but then it kinda became a bit dull in parts, with too much focus being placed on the baby's dead parents rather than on the MC's. The H was not hateful towards the heroine though. At first he was tough and a bit condescending but when he accepted that the baby was his nephew he did start to treat the heroine fairly. The MC's didn't exactly engage me all that much and I confess to becoming very annoyed with the heroine's continual whining inner monologues about how plain she thought she was when compared to her dead sister. I am not exactly the biggest fan of a pitiful plain Jane heroine so maybe that angle soured me a lot - especially when the H's POV showed that he actually thought her very pretty. Call me superficial but I do not deal well with heroines who are that lacking in self esteem that they fail to see how pretty they are...
December 7, 2017
I liked it. Heroine was virginal. Hero was ruthless and sexy and the story was interesting. Sweet epilogue! It needed more passion though.
January 3, 2018
Enjoyable romance.
Liked the strong character of the heroine and her love for her nephew.
Hero took a little for me to warm up to but he redeemed himself.
Good romance and nice chemistry.
Liked the strong character of the heroine and her love for her nephew.
Hero took a little for me to warm up to but he redeemed himself.
Good romance and nice chemistry.
January 18, 2018
I bought this after reading the fab beginning on the M&B website.
Strong, empathisable-with heroine, Venice, unique set up, promise of ruthless alpha.
Loved that the heroine called the paparazzi….
I’m in.
The first third delivers lots of intense hero/heroine interaction/dialogue, lovely palazzo setting. It’s very easy to continue empathising with Rachel. It felt classic Presents, very conflict-driven. The hero and heroine’s internal conflicts haven't really surfaced yet, but there’s the promise that they’re there.
Yes, it's very easy to slip into this Presents’ world and Jane Porter’s voice makes the experience immersible.
Around the halfway mark - still a page turner, still holding my attention; lots of internalisation from the heroine and characterisation. There’s also a lot of universal emotion in Rachel’s deep point of view, feelings which are really easy for the reader to share. A bit too easy. And the emotions a bit too real. Maybe it’s just too much all at once? Maybe I read it on a grey January day at home on antibiotics, and wanted more escapism than the too-close-for-comfort emotion in winter-set Venice.
I loved Gio. He’s classic Presents, and has that lovely Italian, sophisticated hero thing going on. I loved the continuing dialogue and interaction and the promise of more glitz and glam to come with the engagement party. The gondola scene is beautiful and I liked how Gio makes Rachel laugh and draws her (and me) out of her shadows.
The love scene leads to some upbeat emotion from Rachel and I could have done with it to last a bit longer, the upbeat emotion that is. The hero’s mother having dementia is a tragedy too far for this couple (and me) who already have a lot of conflict and plot circling towards the emotionally satisfying epilogue.
Gilded rich man's world frames the lovely relationship intensity and dialogue. But the hero's brother, heroine's sister, and their baby are a bit too strongly in the foreground. And melancholy-hued Venice is touched with a little too much tragedy.
3.75 classic Presents stars
Strong, empathisable-with heroine, Venice, unique set up, promise of ruthless alpha.
Loved that the heroine called the paparazzi….
I’m in.
The first third delivers lots of intense hero/heroine interaction/dialogue, lovely palazzo setting. It’s very easy to continue empathising with Rachel. It felt classic Presents, very conflict-driven. The hero and heroine’s internal conflicts haven't really surfaced yet, but there’s the promise that they’re there.
Yes, it's very easy to slip into this Presents’ world and Jane Porter’s voice makes the experience immersible.
Around the halfway mark - still a page turner, still holding my attention; lots of internalisation from the heroine and characterisation. There’s also a lot of universal emotion in Rachel’s deep point of view, feelings which are really easy for the reader to share. A bit too easy. And the emotions a bit too real. Maybe it’s just too much all at once? Maybe I read it on a grey January day at home on antibiotics, and wanted more escapism than the too-close-for-comfort emotion in winter-set Venice.
I loved Gio. He’s classic Presents, and has that lovely Italian, sophisticated hero thing going on. I loved the continuing dialogue and interaction and the promise of more glitz and glam to come with the engagement party. The gondola scene is beautiful and I liked how Gio makes Rachel laugh and draws her (and me) out of her shadows.
The love scene leads to some upbeat emotion from Rachel and I could have done with it to last a bit longer, the upbeat emotion that is. The hero’s mother having dementia is a tragedy too far for this couple (and me) who already have a lot of conflict and plot circling towards the emotionally satisfying epilogue.
Gilded rich man's world frames the lovely relationship intensity and dialogue. But the hero's brother, heroine's sister, and their baby are a bit too strongly in the foreground. And melancholy-hued Venice is touched with a little too much tragedy.
3.75 classic Presents stars
September 6, 2020
2nd Read
I still loved it. I think it was almost perfect. The hero was swoon worthy and the heroine was so strong. I loved when she dropped the baby off to get his attention. But when he kissed her I was like this is totally fiction. And how he pursued her was weird to me. And then before their wedding he have her the letters and told her about the will, I was disappointed. It just didn't feel right but there was an HEA and a super sweet epilogue. Glad I re-read this on accident. In am keeping the four stars but I wish he hadn't withheld those letters and the will.
9/5/20
Another accidental re-read. But this one was better. I liked the way she got his attention at the beginning. Very determined heroine. Hero was a jerk at first but he quickly became besotted.
I still loved it. I think it was almost perfect. The hero was swoon worthy and the heroine was so strong. I loved when she dropped the baby off to get his attention. But when he kissed her I was like this is totally fiction. And how he pursued her was weird to me. And then before their wedding he have her the letters and told her about the will, I was disappointed. It just didn't feel right but there was an HEA and a super sweet epilogue. Glad I re-read this on accident. In am keeping the four stars but I wish he hadn't withheld those letters and the will.
9/5/20
Another accidental re-read. But this one was better. I liked the way she got his attention at the beginning. Very determined heroine. Hero was a jerk at first but he quickly became besotted.
December 17, 2017
Business came first for him.
She gave in too easily.
Always.
Merciless is apt.
No grovel in sight.
H is always going to get his way in this relationship.
She gave in too easily.
Always.
Merciless is apt.
No grovel in sight.
H is always going to get his way in this relationship.
May 7, 2018
3.5 stars
Firstly, Vashti promised punishing kisses. Well, I found them more distracting than punishing but they did the job.
"And she had melted. Into a puddle of boneless, spineless sensation". And obviously I thought: another one joining the HP-doormat heroine's club, but she didn't, not really.
Anyways, the H was a hermit and has been celibate for a year and a half, can you believe that? Of course, there had to be a past with some tarty OW that hurt him and made him the I-don't-do-love man he is today and then he went to buy a romantic dress for the h at his ex-mistress boutique to restore the balance in Harleyland.
Like Ivy said, too much time on the h's hangups with her sister. And yes, her backstory tell us why but still the h was too insecure for my tastes. And her screaming Gio! at him trying to find him in his home and just minutes after meeting theinssufferable guy sounded too ornery for my tastes, I would have preferred her to be the mature working woman that sales private jets to the VIP.
What I liked the most about the h was this quote: "[...]made her want to take a poker iron from the fireplace and beat him with it[...]". That's what we HP readers feel like doing to some Hs. I felt that way for the one in this book but just at the beginning.
As StMargarets points out. The black moment left me unsatisfied. For me, she was overreacting; after all, she had realized his manipulative ways before. As Brenda said, too much time arguing over the same stuff and a too rushed resolution.
We all agree the descriptions of Venice were superb.
Firstly, Vashti promised punishing kisses. Well, I found them more distracting than punishing but they did the job.
"And she had melted. Into a puddle of boneless, spineless sensation". And obviously I thought: another one joining the HP-doormat heroine's club, but she didn't, not really.
Anyways, the H was a hermit and has been celibate for a year and a half, can you believe that? Of course, there had to be a past with some tarty OW that hurt him and made him the I-don't-do-love man he is today and then he went to buy a romantic dress for the h at his ex-mistress boutique to restore the balance in Harleyland.
Like Ivy said, too much time on the h's hangups with her sister. And yes, her backstory tell us why but still the h was too insecure for my tastes. And her screaming Gio! at him trying to find him in his home and just minutes after meeting the
What I liked the most about the h was this quote: "[...]made her want to take a poker iron from the fireplace and beat him with it[...]". That's what we HP readers feel like doing to some Hs. I felt that way for the one in this book but just at the beginning.
As StMargarets points out. The black moment left me unsatisfied. For me, she was overreacting; after all, she had realized his manipulative ways before. As Brenda said, too much time arguing over the same stuff and a too rushed resolution.
We all agree the descriptions of Venice were superb.
December 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Liked both Gio and Rachel. Loved their banter and witty quips.
“Everyone loves scandal,” she said under her breath.
He heard her, though. “And sex,” he added. “Sex sells.”
She glanced across the table, and his expression was bland, but he looked relaxed and perfectly at ease, lounging back in his chair as if they were enjoying a leisurely lunch on a sunny terrace instead of a tense meal on a gloomy winter day.
“We didn’t have sex, though,” she corrected.
Gio shrugged. “Maybe we should.”
She blushed furiously, not expecting that. “Can we stay on topic, please?”
“I am.”
“No, that wasn’t appropriate.”
“It is, if we marry.”
“Thank God you are not shallow or superficial. We wouldn’t be marrying if you were.”
“Not even for Michael’s sake?”
“No. I’d take him from you. I’d sue for custody and be done with you.”
“Without a hint of remorse?”
“With absolutely none.”
His candor surprised her. She blinked at him, her dark eyes wide, expression bemused, and then the confusion lifted and she laughed. “You sound like a dreadful man.”
“I am.” And then he kissed her lightly before releasing her. He rose and stepped from the gondola and extended his hand to her. “But if anyone can manage me, it’s you.”
Rachel never knew what a ruthless person she was dealing with, how adept Gio was at turning tables to his advantage --can't really blame him considering how many times he was betrayed and used by his ex-fiancee and own family-- when she forces his hand into acknowledging his nephew by sneakily alerting the paparazzi and encouraging them to capture all that transpired between her and him at their first meeting. All she wanted was monetary help to raise their nephew, but now finds it comes with a huge price - marriage to Gio. And, Gio really baffled her - at times with his ruthlessness, at times with his concern. Loved the part where he follows her into piazza because he was worried about her.
And, I also loved his swoon-worthy kisses and their first date --that dress (but did it have to be from his ex-mistress' boutique?) that romantic gondola ride on their way to the venue, she tripping and he rescuing her from falling into the lagoon and then another kiss. Had me swooning yet again. Should have known bubbles burst. And, it did with Gio's big revelation moments before their marriage, ruining the entire charm of that exquisite wedding he'd organized. But, decent of him to do it before the wedding and not afterwards.
I only wish his declaration of love and her acquiescence wasn't so rushed. I was like what?? It's over??
The time they'd wasted arguing again and again over the same reasons why she didn't want to marry could have easily been cut short and instead spent on Gio winning her all over again while at their honeymoon like he did earlier when getting her to accept marriage to him. He was highly capable.
His arm tightened around her waist, and his lips brushed her temple. “I’m afraid to let you go,” he said. “The last thing I need is you falling into the lagoon.”
His lips sent the most delicious shivery sensation through her and she couldn’t quite hide her smile. “Don’t worry,” she murmured. “I can swim.”
His lips brushed over her eyebrow. “Yes, but a gentleman wouldn’t just stand there and watch a lady splash about. I’d have to come in after you and be heroic. It would be most annoying.”
She laughed a low husky laugh. It was hard to think straight; her pulse was racing and her head felt light, making her giddy. “Indeed, because then we would both be cold and wet. Far better for me to be the only wet one.”
“But of course once we reached the palazzo, I would have to be sure you were all right. I would have to send you to a hot bath, and then make sure you were towel dried properly, and then wrapped in a robe. I would insist you were seated before a fire with a glass of warm brandy in your hands, and that you stayed there until there was no chill left and you were warm inside and out. I would have to stay close and be sure you were following directions. It would require considerable time and energy on my part, and I am quite sure you would find my ministrations tedious.”
“It does sound awful,” she murmured unsteadily, leaning against him, her breasts pressed to his chest.
“It would be awful,” he agreed, his head dropping, dipping, his mouth brushing the shell of her ear. She shuddered at the warmth of his breath and the way her nerves danced with awareness.
“See? You are shivering with distaste,” he added, sliding a hand over her throat, slipping up to outline her chin and then the delicate bones of her jaw.
“Imagine how unhappy you would be, locked in my room, naked before my fire.”
She shivered again, with anticipation and nerves. “I think it’s time to feed you dinner. You sound hungry, and a little bit barbaric.”
“I am hungry, but it’s you, cara, I want.”
Sigh** Gio was dreamy. The epilogue in the end was awesome. Poor Rachel having to deal with the sudden surprises that the Marcello males spring on her. Good thing they're happy surprises.
Overall it was fun as well as emotional and romantic book
“Everyone loves scandal,” she said under her breath.
He heard her, though. “And sex,” he added. “Sex sells.”
She glanced across the table, and his expression was bland, but he looked relaxed and perfectly at ease, lounging back in his chair as if they were enjoying a leisurely lunch on a sunny terrace instead of a tense meal on a gloomy winter day.
“We didn’t have sex, though,” she corrected.
Gio shrugged. “Maybe we should.”
She blushed furiously, not expecting that. “Can we stay on topic, please?”
“I am.”
“No, that wasn’t appropriate.”
“It is, if we marry.”
“Thank God you are not shallow or superficial. We wouldn’t be marrying if you were.”
“Not even for Michael’s sake?”
“No. I’d take him from you. I’d sue for custody and be done with you.”
“Without a hint of remorse?”
“With absolutely none.”
His candor surprised her. She blinked at him, her dark eyes wide, expression bemused, and then the confusion lifted and she laughed. “You sound like a dreadful man.”
“I am.” And then he kissed her lightly before releasing her. He rose and stepped from the gondola and extended his hand to her. “But if anyone can manage me, it’s you.”
Rachel never knew what a ruthless person she was dealing with, how adept Gio was at turning tables to his advantage --can't really blame him considering how many times he was betrayed and used by his ex-fiancee and own family-- when she forces his hand into acknowledging his nephew by sneakily alerting the paparazzi and encouraging them to capture all that transpired between her and him at their first meeting. All she wanted was monetary help to raise their nephew, but now finds it comes with a huge price - marriage to Gio. And, Gio really baffled her - at times with his ruthlessness, at times with his concern. Loved the part where he follows her into piazza because he was worried about her.
And, I also loved his swoon-worthy kisses and their first date --that dress (but did it have to be from his ex-mistress' boutique?) that romantic gondola ride on their way to the venue, she tripping and he rescuing her from falling into the lagoon and then another kiss. Had me swooning yet again. Should have known bubbles burst. And, it did with Gio's big revelation moments before their marriage, ruining the entire charm of that exquisite wedding he'd organized. But, decent of him to do it before the wedding and not afterwards.
I only wish his declaration of love and her acquiescence wasn't so rushed. I was like what?? It's over??
The time they'd wasted arguing again and again over the same reasons why she didn't want to marry could have easily been cut short and instead spent on Gio winning her all over again while at their honeymoon like he did earlier when getting her to accept marriage to him. He was highly capable.
His arm tightened around her waist, and his lips brushed her temple. “I’m afraid to let you go,” he said. “The last thing I need is you falling into the lagoon.”
His lips sent the most delicious shivery sensation through her and she couldn’t quite hide her smile. “Don’t worry,” she murmured. “I can swim.”
His lips brushed over her eyebrow. “Yes, but a gentleman wouldn’t just stand there and watch a lady splash about. I’d have to come in after you and be heroic. It would be most annoying.”
She laughed a low husky laugh. It was hard to think straight; her pulse was racing and her head felt light, making her giddy. “Indeed, because then we would both be cold and wet. Far better for me to be the only wet one.”
“But of course once we reached the palazzo, I would have to be sure you were all right. I would have to send you to a hot bath, and then make sure you were towel dried properly, and then wrapped in a robe. I would insist you were seated before a fire with a glass of warm brandy in your hands, and that you stayed there until there was no chill left and you were warm inside and out. I would have to stay close and be sure you were following directions. It would require considerable time and energy on my part, and I am quite sure you would find my ministrations tedious.”
“It does sound awful,” she murmured unsteadily, leaning against him, her breasts pressed to his chest.
“It would be awful,” he agreed, his head dropping, dipping, his mouth brushing the shell of her ear. She shuddered at the warmth of his breath and the way her nerves danced with awareness.
“See? You are shivering with distaste,” he added, sliding a hand over her throat, slipping up to outline her chin and then the delicate bones of her jaw.
“Imagine how unhappy you would be, locked in my room, naked before my fire.”
She shivered again, with anticipation and nerves. “I think it’s time to feed you dinner. You sound hungry, and a little bit barbaric.”
“I am hungry, but it’s you, cara, I want.”
Sigh** Gio was dreamy. The epilogue in the end was awesome. Poor Rachel having to deal with the sudden surprises that the Marcello males spring on her. Good thing they're happy surprises.
Overall it was fun as well as emotional and romantic book
September 9, 2019
His Merciless Marriage Bargain was just ok. I liked that there wasn't a lot of internal monologue and I liked the hero and heroine did a lot of talking. So much talking. The drama at the end was annoying and almost caused a separation. The hero and heroine should have been bonding by the end not separating. I liked how the hero handled that tho. The epilogue was perfect.
One more thing, I thought the heroine was a bit neurotic because the way her mother treated her sister. The heroine wasn't an annoying man hating feminist tho, thank goodness.
One more thing, I thought the heroine was a bit neurotic because the way her mother treated her sister. The heroine wasn't an annoying man hating feminist tho, thank goodness.
October 15, 2022
This could have been an excellent story had the heroine been less of a ‘pity party’ wimp.
Great premise and I loved the execution of the story as Rachel and Gio work out how to do the best they can for Michael the son of her sister and his brother
Gio is a fabulous, driven hero but Rachel really started to bug me and continued to do so until the last page.
All of her ridiculous guilt, self pity, insensitivity and her determination to see the worst in Gio just became beyond irritating.
At the end, her response to Gio was utterly over the top and disproportionate. I totally loathed her cruel, selfish responses to him. Everything was his fault and she made him the scapegoat for everything.
However, I did enjoy parts of it but I would have enjoyed a lengthier epilogue set further in the future.
Great premise and I loved the execution of the story as Rachel and Gio work out how to do the best they can for Michael the son of her sister and his brother
Gio is a fabulous, driven hero but Rachel really started to bug me and continued to do so until the last page.
All of her ridiculous guilt, self pity, insensitivity and her determination to see the worst in Gio just became beyond irritating.
At the end, her response to Gio was utterly over the top and disproportionate. I totally loathed her cruel, selfish responses to him. Everything was his fault and she made him the scapegoat for everything.
However, I did enjoy parts of it but I would have enjoyed a lengthier epilogue set further in the future.
i-may-or-may-not-read-this
December 29, 2017I really really hate virgin h vs experienced H.
Le sigh!
Le sigh!
December 15, 2017
these 2 tortured me! but I loved them and loved loved the epilogue♡
May 6, 2020
Wenn man den Umschlagtext gelesen hat, kennt man schon die Hälfte des Buches, was schade ist, denn die Spannung verpufft dadurch schnell. Dabei mochte ich die Idee hinter dem ganzen. Ein Baby von dem verstorbenen Bruder eines sehr reichen Geschäftsmannes, wird an dessen Tür abgegeben von der Tante, die dringend Geld benötigt, weil sie das Kind so nicht alleine aufziehen kann. Sie will nicht viel für das Baby, nur ein wenig Hilfe, denn ihr Job steht dank der Kinderbetreuung auf der Kippe und Rechnungen wollen bezahlt werden. Da man aber ihre Briefe und Mails seit Monaten ignoriert, sieht sie sich gezwungen mit der Presse zusammenzuarbeiten, doch der geplante Skandal entwickelt sich in eine Richtung, die sie nicht hat kommen sehen.
Das Buch ist in einem Tonfall geschrieben, der sich gut und schnell lesen lässt. Obwohl nur 143 Seiten, wurde auch versucht den Zauber von Venedig im März mit einzubauen. Auch wenn das Wetter eher unfreundlich ist und die Stadt überschwemmt. Wer zu diesem Heft greift, bekommt also wirklich etwas Venedig und einen Palazzo, dafür weniger Sex, aber Anziehungskraft zwischen den Personen.
Am Anfang kam mir die Geschichte dramalastig vor - Vater des Babys an Krebs gestorben, Mutter des Babys hat Selbstmord begangen und die Mutter der Protagonistin ist auch überraschend im letzten Jahr verstorben. Auf die Todesfälle wird immer wieder Bezug genommen, mich hat es aber beim Lesen nicht emotional belastet.
Ob die Liebesbeziehung für mich aufgeht? Ich mochte die Geschichte von Gio und Rachel, aber ich empfand sie nicht als logisch. Viel zu oft fand ich den Faktenrahmen der Geschichte fragwürdig und die Liebesbeziehung gezwungen schnell - Aber es sind ja auch nur 143 Seiten, da erwarte ich nicht mehr.
Gio ist hier nicht der typische reiche Geschäftsmann, der nur auf Geld aus ist, sondern eher ein fürsorglicher Mann, dem es um die Arbeitsplätze seiner Mitarbeiter und das Wohlergehen von Menschen geht. Dabei ist er aber unbeugsam bestimmend und manipulativ. Rachel ist mit der gesamten Situation einfach nur überfordert.
Insgesamt habe ich das Heft gerne gelesen und das trotz Leseflaute.
Humor: 2 /10 Punkten
Wohlfühl-Feeling: 5 / 10
Liebe & Romantik: 7 / 10 Punkten
Action & Spannung: 0 / 10 Punkten
Anspruch: 0 / 10 Punkten
Drama: 4 / 10 Punkten
Das Buch ist in einem Tonfall geschrieben, der sich gut und schnell lesen lässt. Obwohl nur 143 Seiten, wurde auch versucht den Zauber von Venedig im März mit einzubauen. Auch wenn das Wetter eher unfreundlich ist und die Stadt überschwemmt. Wer zu diesem Heft greift, bekommt also wirklich etwas Venedig und einen Palazzo, dafür weniger Sex, aber Anziehungskraft zwischen den Personen.
Am Anfang kam mir die Geschichte dramalastig vor - Vater des Babys an Krebs gestorben, Mutter des Babys hat Selbstmord begangen und die Mutter der Protagonistin ist auch überraschend im letzten Jahr verstorben. Auf die Todesfälle wird immer wieder Bezug genommen, mich hat es aber beim Lesen nicht emotional belastet.
Ob die Liebesbeziehung für mich aufgeht? Ich mochte die Geschichte von Gio und Rachel, aber ich empfand sie nicht als logisch. Viel zu oft fand ich den Faktenrahmen der Geschichte fragwürdig und die Liebesbeziehung gezwungen schnell - Aber es sind ja auch nur 143 Seiten, da erwarte ich nicht mehr.
Gio ist hier nicht der typische reiche Geschäftsmann, der nur auf Geld aus ist, sondern eher ein fürsorglicher Mann, dem es um die Arbeitsplätze seiner Mitarbeiter und das Wohlergehen von Menschen geht. Dabei ist er aber unbeugsam bestimmend und manipulativ. Rachel ist mit der gesamten Situation einfach nur überfordert.
Insgesamt habe ich das Heft gerne gelesen und das trotz Leseflaute.
Humor: 2 /10 Punkten
Wohlfühl-Feeling: 5 / 10
Liebe & Romantik: 7 / 10 Punkten
Action & Spannung: 0 / 10 Punkten
Anspruch: 0 / 10 Punkten
Drama: 4 / 10 Punkten
November 21, 2020
I DNF’d at 44% in abject horror at what I was reading. If there is one thing I totally cannot stand it’s when the h starts enumerating her real or perceived appearance flaws. I don’t enjoy insecurity, but I can take it to an extent, but that — that was brutal on me.
May 28, 2018
Once again Jane Porter does not disappoint. I love her books. There is so much true feeling between the characters and she deals with grief like someone who's been there.
April 21, 2024
***AUDIOLIBRO***
August 13, 2019
Gio is too dominant,ignores Rachel's plans and wishes. Gio ignores his baby nephew and the baby's mother, Juliet, thinking her a gold-digger.Now both Juliet and her lover (his younger brother ) Antonio are dead,Gio wants the baby. Rachel ,a successful businesswoman, isn't sure oif herself as a woman.Gio insults her, tries buying her off. it was hard for me to understand how Rachel agreed to marry him and fell in love with him.Rachel is no doormat, but I didn't buy their love story.
Beautiful Venetian setting in winter,though.
Beautiful Venetian setting in winter,though.
October 16, 2023
It wasn't bad but it was filled with the normal lame-brain harlequin bullshit with a virgin heroine and a hero who swore off love for like over a decade because of one horrible relationship with a gold digger that colored him forever bc his billionaire ass is too good for therapy. He's rich, most-all family members are dead (on both sides) , leaving the Heroine to care for the family members baby (this time the sister and Heros brother, which is a step up from HIS child leaving her with sloppy seconds) and she's penniless, as she always is. I was utterly bored. I cared more about the brother and sisters relationship (which was called into question the whole book until the grand Twu Wuv reveal) and would heave rather had read THEIR story---but with an ending where the brother DIDNT die of an inoperable brain tumor. Cause I like HEAs.
And tbh even dead and only mentioned for past actions and angst, I emotionally reached out to THAT couple more than THIS one.
not bad, but not stand out. One of those "if you've read one you've read them all" additions. Cared more for the Dead Mentioned couple, but at least it was a mostly believable HEA* (*MOSTLY bc, like every Harlequin ever, we had to listen to his brain question why he wanted this, and assert it was for the family or whatever reason, then at the end he'd actually always loved her 🙄. She was, in fact, his since he stood at the gate when the book opened. 🙄🙄)
👍
And tbh even dead and only mentioned for past actions and angst, I emotionally reached out to THAT couple more than THIS one.
not bad, but not stand out. One of those "if you've read one you've read them all" additions. Cared more for the Dead Mentioned couple, but at least it was a mostly believable HEA* (*MOSTLY bc, like every Harlequin ever, we had to listen to his brain question why he wanted this, and assert it was for the family or whatever reason, then at the end he'd actually always loved her 🙄. She was, in fact, his since he stood at the gate when the book opened. 🙄🙄)
👍
December 19, 2017
A baby. A scandal. A fake marriage. And a perfect happily ever after.
All Rachel Bern wanted was a little help raising her nephew, Michael, after her sister’s death. Michael’s father had also died, so he was no help. So she headed Venice to see Italian billionaire, Giovanni Marcello, in hopes that he and his family could help out. Rachel arranged for the paparazzi to be outside the Marcell palazzo when she went to meet Giovanni. But the tables were quickly turned when Gio came up with a plan of his own. Though it left Rachel frustrated, she had a hard time saying no.
This was an emotional roller coaster of a story. Giovanni seemed so stubborn and set in his ways at first and Rachel was just a nice girl with insecurities. But together, they brought out the best in each other to finally give Michael a good family. The romance was intense and the details in the story were very descriptive. I could just imagine myself being whisked away down the canals in a gondola and seeing all of the sights. It was hard to close this book and walk away. I needed more.
My favorite quote:
She’ld woken him, and the desire consumed him. It had been far too long since he’ld felt emotion, or hunger, and he felt both now. He wanted her. And he would have her.
All Rachel Bern wanted was a little help raising her nephew, Michael, after her sister’s death. Michael’s father had also died, so he was no help. So she headed Venice to see Italian billionaire, Giovanni Marcello, in hopes that he and his family could help out. Rachel arranged for the paparazzi to be outside the Marcell palazzo when she went to meet Giovanni. But the tables were quickly turned when Gio came up with a plan of his own. Though it left Rachel frustrated, she had a hard time saying no.
This was an emotional roller coaster of a story. Giovanni seemed so stubborn and set in his ways at first and Rachel was just a nice girl with insecurities. But together, they brought out the best in each other to finally give Michael a good family. The romance was intense and the details in the story were very descriptive. I could just imagine myself being whisked away down the canals in a gondola and seeing all of the sights. It was hard to close this book and walk away. I needed more.
My favorite quote:
She’ld woken him, and the desire consumed him. It had been far too long since he’ld felt emotion, or hunger, and he felt both now. He wanted her. And he would have her.
January 3, 2018
Rachel Bern desperately needs help. She's raising her late sister's baby on her own. She has tried to contact her orphaned nephew's family. Giovanni Marcello, the man in charge, has ignored her. She and Michael travel to Venice where she leaves the baby At the palazzo. No way the arrogant man can ignore his nephew. Her plan falls apart when Gio kisses her passionately in public. That did it! I was caught up in their love-hate attraction. Neither trusts the other, but they can't walk away. No one writes characters like Jane Porter. Gio is the ultimate alpha, but in his heart he wants a woman who will stand up to him. Rachel is a dedicated to her job and cares for her family. She's waiting for the perfect man. She doesn't believe that she's capable of attracting a man like Gio. These two must find a compromise that protects the baby. Gio wants Rachel to be his wife, but she afraid that he doesn't love her. Can she sacrifice her dreams? Their chemistry is powerful and their dialogue sizzles. Can the reveal what's in their heart? The beauty of Venice is the perfect setting for romance. I enjoyed watching love triumph. His Merciless Marriage Bargain is a satisfying romantic escape.
January 4, 2018
I loved this! This is a Harlequin Presents, which means strong alpha male, exotic location, wealth and privilege. You get all that here. But even better, you also get a great love story. Rachel is caring for her orphaned infant nephew but needs help. Her desperation leads her to Venice and Giovanni Marcello, the baby's uncle who has so far ignored Rachel's attempts at contact. I loved this rich story, with the details of Venice creating a beautiful setting. Rachel is caring and human and middle-class real. Don't we all know someone who was the rock in the family while feeling inadequate or less-than? That's Rachel. Despite appearing initially as uncaring and granite hard, Gio has a heart and his actions prove it. He loved his brother, seems immediately smitten with his nephew, and falls for Rachel. Their story isn't just about passion and convenience, it is about connection and falling in love. I loved this story and highly recommend it. Fans of Harlequin Presents and Jane Porter will especially enjoy this one.
August 1, 2023
I really loved this book so much it made me tear up on a few chapters and I like the marriage of convince with Gio and Rachel and I love little baby Michael and I like the sexual tension going on between Gio and Rachel and I love the ending when Rachel and Gio have a son called Antonio and I just love the romance between Gio and Rachel and how she was trying to help baby Michael find his dad's family to help survive since Rachel was Michaels guardian after he sister Juliet died but overall this was a really good, emotional roller-coaster book to read and I would like to read more of Jane porter books and I read this book in a few hours and I liked the setting in Venice and I can relate to Rachel about wanting to marry for love and like having her space and I liked that Gio wanted to help but I didn't like that he manipulated her into doing what he wants and for his business and I did like that Gio took Rachel on a date
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
Rachel Bern was desperate. She was left to care for her orphaned nephew and is desperate to make ends meet. If only his father's brother would offer a bit of help, she thinks she could do it, but he won't acknowledge the baby's existence. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so Rachel puts everything on a trip to Venice to force his hand. Obviously, best-laid plans and all that, and her plan backfires. Gio is convinced Rachel is cut from the same cloth as every other woman he has met: a gold digger with a price. The attraction in instantaneous and Gio didn't count on how much Rachel really does love her nephew and how much of his mother she had become.
There were ample twists, fun dialogue, and a few secrets to keep this couple on their toes.
It was an enjoyable read, a nice romance to start the year reading!
There were ample twists, fun dialogue, and a few secrets to keep this couple on their toes.
It was an enjoyable read, a nice romance to start the year reading!
January 11, 2018
Rachel was trying to raise her sister's son Michael all alone. Being a single parent was harder than she expected, so she tried to contact Michael's family for help. Unable to reach them and desperate she takes him to Venice to try and get the help she needs. Gio isn't sure what to believe when Michael is left at his doorstep. Gio doesn't know what to do with his late brother's child or what to make of the woman who is raising him. Rachel's plans backfire and she is pulled into an arrangement she doesn't want. However, she can't risk losing Michael. Can Gio get past his suspicions and see that his attraction to Rachel could lead to more? Will Gio and Rachel find a way to raise Michael together and be a real family? I loved the setting and story. I could clearly picture the beauty of Venice as I read. An enjoyable fast read!
December 21, 2017
After her sister’s untimely death, Rachel Bern is struggling to make ends meet as she plays the role of guardian to her nephew Michael. Desperate for some help, and having received no response in her attempts at reaching the late father’s family, Rachel is left with no other choice than to travel to Venice in hopes that the billionaire Marcello family will lend a hand. But she’s not prepared for the turn of events that happen once she’s there or the heat between her and Giovanni Marcello. And when he shocks her with an offer of his own, to marry, she’s finding it hard to say no.
A page turner of epic proportions, I had a hard time setting this book down. And though I rarely reread a book, this one was so good that I may just have to give it a second go round!
A page turner of epic proportions, I had a hard time setting this book down. And though I rarely reread a book, this one was so good that I may just have to give it a second go round!
January 17, 2018
Rachel has done all she can for her orphaned infant nephew, but she needs help from his father's family. After being ignored, she takes desperate measures, but Giovanni is not amused and turns the tables on her and calls her bluff. Strong personalities at war and passions ignite. Gio's solution: a marriage. But Rachel has always wanted to marry for love--she's torn between her wants versus the needs of the young child. Gio is a driven businessman and seems to lack romantic emotion. Somehow, they must find common ground while accepting the truth of their siblings, and somewhere along the way, they might even find love--if each can learn to give a little. This romance is full of fiery desire and just what's needed on a cold winter's night!
December 25, 2017
This was a very interesting story. Rachel and Giovanni were great characters. Both stubborn and yet both wanting what is best for their orphaned nephew. However, Gio is also highly concerned about publicity and his image due to some business deals going on and he doesn't want his employees affected because of bad press affecting the business.
It was a very interesting plot with some interesting twists and turns. Gio is a very powerful man and is used to getting what he wants, but Rachel loves her nephew very much and will do almost anything to make sure he has the best life possible.
I really liked this story.
It was a very interesting plot with some interesting twists and turns. Gio is a very powerful man and is used to getting what he wants, but Rachel loves her nephew very much and will do almost anything to make sure he has the best life possible.
I really liked this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews