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Blackmailed into the Marriage Bed
Vinn Gagliardi has everything he desires…
Except for his wife!
Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he’s not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan—a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction!
Except for his wife!
Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he’s not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan—a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
71 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Milburne
1,167 books394 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 13, 2018
Hero had abandonment issues. Heroine had issues with her self worth because she found out at fifteen that
These two dreary souls fell in lust and married. Heroine walked because the hero mentioned having children and she didn't want to give up her career. But the real reason was that she was convinced the hero would never love her since he had never told her he loved her. The hypocrisy is strong with this one because she never told him she loved him, either.
Hero never went after her so she filed for divorce. When the story opens they have been separated for two years and the hero has a blackmail plan. A lame blackmail plan. If heroine will come back for three months then he'll sponsor her brother's professional golf tour. He needs her back because his beloved grandfather needs a liver transplant and this will give him the will to live.
It's all pretty flimsy and the story is padded with many sex scenes - a partial list: resisting, succumbing, hate sex, tender sex. Reader, I skimmed.
They work it out once all of their childhood issues are explored and the heroine pulls another runner for the black moment.
At this point I was thoroughly fed up with the heroine. She was immature and thoughtless toward everyone and I don't see how she's changed all that much. At one point she tells him she doesn't love him. She certainly never showed she loved him. *sigh* Hero could do better.
Heroine not a virgin. They were both celibate during their separation.
These two dreary souls fell in lust and married. Heroine walked because the hero mentioned having children and she didn't want to give up her career. But the real reason was that she was convinced the hero would never love her since he had never told her he loved her. The hypocrisy is strong with this one because she never told him she loved him, either.
Hero never went after her so she filed for divorce. When the story opens they have been separated for two years and the hero has a blackmail plan. A lame blackmail plan. If heroine will come back for three months then he'll sponsor her brother's professional golf tour. He needs her back because his beloved grandfather needs a liver transplant and this will give him the will to live.
It's all pretty flimsy and the story is padded with many sex scenes - a partial list: resisting, succumbing, hate sex, tender sex. Reader, I skimmed.
They work it out once all of their childhood issues are explored and the heroine pulls another runner for the black moment.
At this point I was thoroughly fed up with the heroine. She was immature and thoughtless toward everyone and I don't see how she's changed all that much. At one point she tells him she doesn't love him. She certainly never showed she loved him. *sigh* Hero could do better.
Heroine not a virgin. They were both celibate during their separation.
March 6, 2018
Cold and unfeeling heroine. Not for me. She was obsessed with her career and having hero's baby was her nightmare. Also she admitted she married him for his status and money so she was a gold-digger. Not my idea of a romance.
March 8, 2018
2 stars for the sake of the hero , hated the heroine :(
March 14, 2018
Didn't like the heroine else it would have been 4 stars.
March 31, 2018
BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED by author Melanie Milburne is April 2018 release by Harlequin Presents series.
Ailsa worked into Vinn’s office prepared for a fight on her hands. What she isn’t expecting is Vinn ready to blackmail her into being his wife for three months. They had separated and Ailsa was not ready to fall back in Vinn’s bed at any cost. But Vinn was not offering her his bed. He wanted her by his side for three months only. ~
Could Ailsa do this? Could she play act at being married to him and then walk away with her heart intact? After all Vinn didn’t love her, or did he?
BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and a sensitive, courageous and a strong heroine. Author Melanie Milburne’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Vinn and Ailsa seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Ailsa worked into Vinn’s office prepared for a fight on her hands. What she isn’t expecting is Vinn ready to blackmail her into being his wife for three months. They had separated and Ailsa was not ready to fall back in Vinn’s bed at any cost. But Vinn was not offering her his bed. He wanted her by his side for three months only. ~
Could Ailsa do this? Could she play act at being married to him and then walk away with her heart intact? After all Vinn didn’t love her, or did he?
BLACKMAILED INTO THE MARRIAGE BED is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and a sensitive, courageous and a strong heroine. Author Melanie Milburne’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Vinn and Ailsa seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
May 4, 2019
Un buon libro romance. I due protagonisti sono testardi ma il loro amore supera ogni problema.
April 25, 2018
This is a story that is filled with passion, a reunion story that is sure to keep any reader turning the pages, Vinn and Ailsa met and had a whirlwind romance that was filled with desire they married quickly and although they were very good in bed they never got to know each other, consequently Ailsa walked out on the marriage. Fast forward nearly two years and Vinn in blackmailing Ailsa just before the divorce is about to come through.
Ailsa fell for Vinn when they met oh she knew that he wanted a trophy wife but she was sure that they would do nicely together and they had a good marriage in bed anyway both of them concentrating on their careers but when Vinn asked her a question about children Ailsa was not happy and walked out on her marriage and put her heart and soul into her career, but now Vinn is back and offering her a temporary reunion that will help her brother and Vinn but what about Ailsa?
Vinn was angry when Ailsa walked out on him and with so many things happening to him at the same time well life got in the way and he never went after her, but now his beloved grandfather is ill and he will do anything to ensure his happiness and that is get Ailsa back into his life even if it is temporarily, although he has never gotten her out of his system will he be able to this time around?
This really is a fast paced, passion filled, emotional read both Vinn and Ailsa were haunted by their pasts and had kept everything locked up inside, this time round the opened up and communicated> Lust and passion had bought them together once before will it have the power to help them realize they do love each other and move onto a fabulous future with a family that they both crave so much? Thank you MS Milburne for another fabulous story one that I highly recommend.
Ailsa fell for Vinn when they met oh she knew that he wanted a trophy wife but she was sure that they would do nicely together and they had a good marriage in bed anyway both of them concentrating on their careers but when Vinn asked her a question about children Ailsa was not happy and walked out on her marriage and put her heart and soul into her career, but now Vinn is back and offering her a temporary reunion that will help her brother and Vinn but what about Ailsa?
Vinn was angry when Ailsa walked out on him and with so many things happening to him at the same time well life got in the way and he never went after her, but now his beloved grandfather is ill and he will do anything to ensure his happiness and that is get Ailsa back into his life even if it is temporarily, although he has never gotten her out of his system will he be able to this time around?
This really is a fast paced, passion filled, emotional read both Vinn and Ailsa were haunted by their pasts and had kept everything locked up inside, this time round the opened up and communicated> Lust and passion had bought them together once before will it have the power to help them realize they do love each other and move onto a fabulous future with a family that they both crave so much? Thank you MS Milburne for another fabulous story one that I highly recommend.
March 20, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
A feisty reunion, a disturbing back story, and hope for a happy ending kept me riveted! I really enjoyed this story. They both had bits of their past that shaped them into what they are and what they believe they are worth at this point in their life, and they haven't been overly forthcoming in sharing those histories with each other. The characters believed they were flawed, but in actuality are rather sweet and caring with each other.
Vinn Gagliardi might have let his wife walk away from their marriage two years ago now, but he's not going to actually make getting a divorce too easy on her! He needs her back at his side and in his bed for a time, and he's not above using blackmail to get her to bend to his will!
Ailsa has secrets that she has shared with no one that cause her to believe that she's not worth a lot in life. She loved Vinn, but she couldn't accept the life that they shared. Now he's holding her brother over her head in order to get what he wants from her ... but she'll give as good as she gets in this battle of wills with him!
A feisty reunion, a disturbing back story, and hope for a happy ending kept me riveted! I really enjoyed this story. They both had bits of their past that shaped them into what they are and what they believe they are worth at this point in their life, and they haven't been overly forthcoming in sharing those histories with each other. The characters believed they were flawed, but in actuality are rather sweet and caring with each other.
Vinn Gagliardi might have let his wife walk away from their marriage two years ago now, but he's not going to actually make getting a divorce too easy on her! He needs her back at his side and in his bed for a time, and he's not above using blackmail to get her to bend to his will!
Ailsa has secrets that she has shared with no one that cause her to believe that she's not worth a lot in life. She loved Vinn, but she couldn't accept the life that they shared. Now he's holding her brother over her head in order to get what he wants from her ... but she'll give as good as she gets in this battle of wills with him!
March 23, 2018
A second chance at love romance that really is about the first chance. Vinn and Ailsa are married at least on paper, she has left him because of his desire to have a child. Why would that be when that is a natural for a married couple. Ailsa has fears that keep her paralyzed just thinking about having a baby. Ailsa goes to see Vinn with the excuse she wants to know why he is helping her brother with his golf career but really uses it to ask for the divorce since two years have past. A wonderful second chance at love story that has these two finally delving into the past and finding what really ended the marriage. Both of them have a past that has made them they way they are but you will feel for Ailsa when you realize her reason and will cheer them both on when you see their HEA. Ms. Milburne never disappoints with her wonderful stories and even though at times you want to smack Vinn you will love them both by the end. A wonderful HEA.
April 20, 2018
Vinn Gagliardi has everything he desires…Except for his wife! Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm, especially to help his ailing Nonna through his surgery. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he’s not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan, offering a 3-year sponsorship for her brother’s golf career—a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction! Both have had challenging upbringings, she the result of rape, he losing his mom at a young age and living with a father that was unable to cope and even in death continues to bring shame to the family name. That makes it difficult for them to open up and share their feelings and love.
June 30, 2018
Vinn Gagliardi does not want to let his marriage die. He's not sure why Ailsa left, but the chance to force her back to see if he can get her to stay is just the thing he needs.
Ailsa knows that her very brief marriage to Vinn was a flash in the pan romance. They never took the time to really know one another. Her desire to have a career and not just be a trophy wife. The fact that she had a secret that she never told him about herself, and how she came to be. The fear of what unknown parts of herself she might pass on to a child.
And Vinn had his own secrets. And admitting he loved Ailsa, and letting her know that is the biggest one.
A nice story.
Ailsa knows that her very brief marriage to Vinn was a flash in the pan romance. They never took the time to really know one another. Her desire to have a career and not just be a trophy wife. The fact that she had a secret that she never told him about herself, and how she came to be. The fear of what unknown parts of herself she might pass on to a child.
And Vinn had his own secrets. And admitting he loved Ailsa, and letting her know that is the biggest one.
A nice story.
April 16, 2018
There was a lot to love about this book - it started off with a bang and kept the pace going for most of the story. I loved how the heroine kept taking the hero (and in some cases, the reader) by surprise with her actions. I liked the overall premise of the book. My only real complaint was that there wasn't always a lot happening in the story - which means I spent a lot of time in one of the main character's head. This could feel a bit tedious at times, but not enough for me to put the book down. I'm definitely excited to read another book by this author.
September 28, 2020
This is probably the worst book this author has written. I have no idea why the H wants to pay 10 million dollars to remain married to the idiotic h. The h continues to rile and have temper tantrums like a 2 year old kid when H's grandfather is in a life or death situation. The h continues to think she was in love with H. No one could be love and keep 'blowing off steam' by walking away all the time the h does in the short time she was married. She thinks about the prenup being a sign of H's non commitment. She personally has never shown any reliability as a wife or girlfriend and why would anyone not have a prenup considering the uncertainty of the future? The worst part is she is a tease on top of everything else. She says she wants him one minute and the next she runs away to the airport when he is attending a call mostly likely about his hospitalized grandfather! While the H so far has been described from her perspective, his actions such as continuing to wear his wedding ring, celibacy when they are separated all show him to be a better character than her.
May 9, 2024
I only finished it to write this review. The guy is a rich jerk who married and then ignored his wife because his dad did something when he was a kid. The wife, secretly, does not want kids because she found out she was conceived in a rape so she has evil blood (Yea, Harlequin). They split up and now he is blackmailing her because her kid brother is a screw up so he can force her to love him and dump her. Oh, but he can't love.
Anyway, they both are cold except her lady parts blow up when he half forces her into sex. And the reader is 'I really don't care about either of these two.'
There is a dying grandfather plot device, but who cares. These two are just awful.
Then magically she leaves, he follows, they are in love, and the bad blood thing just goes away.
Anyway, they both are cold except her lady parts blow up when he half forces her into sex. And the reader is 'I really don't care about either of these two.'
There is a dying grandfather plot device, but who cares. These two are just awful.
Then magically she leaves, he follows, they are in love, and the bad blood thing just goes away.
January 31, 2018
Read in one sitting because I was hooked on the powerful emotions and gut wrenching back story and really wanted the two love-avoiders to get talking properly and figure out they are meant to be.
Huge fan of second chance stories and I was excited about this one. I liked the concept of the two things that brought both characters back into each others lives and I adored the Hero.
Fast read, lovely finish and wonderful everything else.
Huge fan of second chance stories and I was excited about this one. I liked the concept of the two things that brought both characters back into each others lives and I adored the Hero.
Fast read, lovely finish and wonderful everything else.
April 7, 2018
"Blackmailed Into the Marriage Bed" by Melanie Milburne was a good, quick read. Vinn Gagliardi's wife Alisa walked away from their marriage two years ago. She wants a divorce and he is using blackmail to keep her by his side, for a little while at least. Both are passionate in what they want individually, but together they're HOT.
May 27, 2018
I confess this wasn't my favourite Melanie Milburne. Ailsa seemed impetuous, petulant and immature. Yes, she had a dark secret in her past, but talking to her husband might have helped...but she didn't. She didn't even tell him she loved him. No wonder he was confused about her. It all ended very optimistically, but still.
August 26, 2018
Blackmailed Into the Marriage Bed by Melanie Milburne is a cleverly plotted romance with high-octane drama, fierce chemistry and hot sex that blows out the roof! I loved the banter between Vinn and Ailsa. What makes this even better is the rich prose and engaging dialogue that hooks you instantly! Loved this one to bits.
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
April 1, 2021
Blackmailed into the Marriage Bed
He wants her back, she wants to forget that they are married. He ends up blackmailing her. Her brother needs a sponsor. He needs to make his grandfather will get better. These two people have many trials to get through before they get their happy ending.
He wants her back, she wants to forget that they are married. He ends up blackmailing her. Her brother needs a sponsor. He needs to make his grandfather will get better. These two people have many trials to get through before they get their happy ending.
March 14, 2018
Emotional romance, found the heroine at the start of the book to be almost detached but as you learn more about her you have a greater understanding and this book develops into a wonderful romantic read where the hero needs to learn more to have any chance of unlocking her heart. loved it.
February 13, 2019
The book was written well, but I just can't get behind the whole "blackmail" theme. I understand that the heroine was not forced into a physical relationship, but the emotional blackmail and constraints on her movements did not sit right with me.
April 7, 2018
It’s a harlequin. It is what it is: a guilty pleasure.
July 3, 2018
I really disliked the heroine in this book. I think the hero deserved better. 2 stars due to Vinn.
March 23, 2023
I found the back stories of both the hero and heroine interesting and worthy of deeper investigation than could be covered in this format. An enjoyable quick read.
March 12, 2018
All I wanted to do all throughout this book is to stab my eyes out for deciding to read this book 🙄.
March 22, 2018
Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
Vinn Gagliardi needs his wife back, if only to show his ill grandfather that they’ve reconciled. However, Ailsa doesn’t make things easy for him, so he has no choice but to blackmail her. Will Vinn and Ailsa get their second chance at forever after, or will Ailsa walk away again because Vinn will never be able to love her the way she deserves? Read More
February 4, 2019
Seducción Abrasadora (Versión)
May 19, 2025
Boring asf!
own-but-wont-read-or-wallbanger
March 10, 2018Vinn Gagliardi has everything he desires... Except for his wife!Vinn wants his estranged wife, Ailsa, back on his arm. And given that she ran out of their marriage, he's not above blackmailing her into agreeing to his plan--a temporary reunion that will end on his terms! But passionate Ailsa meets his fire with fire. Now the challenge is on for Vinn to entice her into succumbing to his scorching seduction! (less)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews