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Marcelli #4
The Marcelli Bride
USA Today bestselling author Susan Mallery returns to the idyllic setting of her sensual Marcelli sisters trilogy -- California wine country, where love and laughter flow, and where an unlikely couple discovers the one thing their hearts hunger for most: a place to call home.
The rebel of the Marcelli family, Joe never joined his sisters Katie, Francesca, and Brenna in running the winery business. Instead, he chose a life of military service. But now that this handsome, headstrong former Navy SEAL has received a new, undercover assignment -- protecting none other than the commander in chief's daughter -- he finds himself stationed back at the California vineyard he defiantly left behind. First-daughter Darcy Jensen has been placed in hiding at the Marcelli Winery after surviving a kidnapping attempt . . . and now it's Joe's job to keep the fearful, fiery beauty out of harm's way. Begrudgingly, Joe heeds his presidential order -- until "babysitting" Darcy proves to be the greatest pleasure he's ever known. How can Joe protect Darcy from danger, when he's falling dangerously in love? And can Darcy trust that Joe's intentions are true -- when no one else's have ever been?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 25, 2006
355 people are currently reading
1403 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 5, 2017
Darcy Jensen is the president's daughter, and at the start of this book, she is kidnapped by four men. After attempts to escape, she is humiliated to find that she wasn't even the daughter they meant to take and they dump her back at the kidnapping site. As a result of the kidnapping, Darcy and her older sister Lauren are sent into hiding. Darcy's location is the Marcelli winery, and after a mishap with his SEAL team and because his family owns the winery, Joe Larson is sent as the liaison. Joe is reluctant to go because he has been pushing the Marcellis away for three years now and does not find joy in the idea that he will be spending an indefinite amount of time with them. Likewise, Darcy is reluctant to show up at the winery because she's not only hurt and angry, but she feels like she is an imposition on the Marcelli family.
However, when she gets there, the whole Marcelli family welcomes her with open arms and immediately embraces her with love. Even though Joe remains cold and distant, Darcy instantly begins to bond with the family he refuses to claim, particularly Brenna, Mia, Grandma Tessa, and Grandpa Lorenzo. During her time at the hacienda, Darcy starts to feel like she has finally found a home and she starts to learn about the wine and appreciate it in the same way that Brenna and Lorenzo do. Meanwhile, Joe continues to brutally push his family away and reject the destiny they want to pass onto him. However, he starts to become closer to Darcy and begins to care about her.
One night when the whole family is gathered for dinner, Darcy and Lorenzo go for a walk together. In a sad, intimate moment, Darcy is with the patriarch of the family when he finally passes away. A few days later, she's informed that all four of her kidnappers have been caught and put in prison. She's free to go home now. However, the Marcellis are not ready to let her go and she's not ready to leave them and the love they freely give to her.
Her sister comes to visit the hacienda now that the kidnappers have been caught, and everything seems to be going great. Until the night when a fire is set in the vineyards. Too little too late, they realize that it was only a diversion. A diversion so that Ian, Mia's seemingly harmless boyfriend, can kidnap Darcy right under their noses.
In a moment of complete and total clarity, Joe realizes that he was only hurting himself and those he loves by rejecting the Marcellis as his family. On the tail end of that realization is the epiphany that he loves Darcy. He refuses to lose her and forces his way onto the rescue team, forces his plan on those in charge. As one of the SEAL divers sent in to rescue Darcy, he is there to hold her when she is found and tells her that he loves her. She isn't given time to respond, though, because they are taken back to see everyone that was waiting on the shore for Darcy's safe return.
A few hours later, Joe is summoned by the president and questioned as to his intentions towards Darcy. He tells Ryan Jensen that he loves Darcy and intends on marrying her, intends on making her the happiest woman alive. When the question is posed to Darcy, she accepts and expresses her love, and they live happily ever after.
The Marcelli Bride is the third of the Marcelli books that I have read and I loved it just as much as the other two. It was just as eloquently written and just as humorous as the others. I came into this book fully expecting to love it and I was not disappointed in any way.
This is the third book in which Joe Larson is present and I can't tell you how glad I am that he was brought into the series. I completely adore his character, even when he drives me to insanity. He drove me crazy and broke my heart with the constant rejection of the Marcelli family and I was so happy when he finally accepted that he loved them that I actually made a little squeaky noise in the middle of class. I wish, though, that his past with the SEALS had been described in more detail. I'm sure he's seen horrific things in his life and it seemed odd that none of them affected his everyday life. However, I am still very happy with his character and continue to love him, the adorable bastard.
I loved Darcy Jensen. She was intelligent, insecure, loving, confident, and helpful. I loved the deep connection that she formed with the Marcelli family and that she felt Lorenzo's loss almost as deeply as the Marcelli family. I loved the juxtaposition that is emphasized in her relationship with her sister: on one hand, Darcy loves her sister more than anything, but on the other, she sometimes resents her sister for the life Lauren seems to lead. I was touched by how much she tried to help Joe accept his family and see everything wonderful that he had in his life.
I hated that Ian kid from the beginning. He talked too much and there was something suspicious about him from the beginning!
I enjoyed seeing more of Brenna in this book and I loved how close she got to Darcy. I loved seeing her pregnant and going into labor. I knew she was going to have twins and I giggled in class when I read that she did have twins.
Like with Brenna, I enjoyed seeing so much more of Mia and I look forward to reading her book whenever I can get my hands on it. I was intrigued by her finally accepting the proposition to be a spy and look forward to seeing how that plays out.
I was upset not to see more of Nic. I mean, with as much as Brenna was in the book, I was really hoping that my love would have more of a presence in the book. Also, I felt that his brief appearances didn't show too much of his personality and I'd been looking forward to more of his humor. However, the little glimpses that I got of him were very exciting and make me want to reread The Seductive One!
I thoroughly enjoyed the subplot involving Secret Service Agents Paige and Alex. It was nice to see another relationship developing and reigniting alongside the blossoming relationship between Darcy and Joe. In a way I wish that Paige and Alex could have gotten their own book, but maybe it's a good thing that they were only a subplot because their story could have been too drawn out if they became a book.
Again, this was a fantastic book and I look forward to continuing the series.
However, when she gets there, the whole Marcelli family welcomes her with open arms and immediately embraces her with love. Even though Joe remains cold and distant, Darcy instantly begins to bond with the family he refuses to claim, particularly Brenna, Mia, Grandma Tessa, and Grandpa Lorenzo. During her time at the hacienda, Darcy starts to feel like she has finally found a home and she starts to learn about the wine and appreciate it in the same way that Brenna and Lorenzo do. Meanwhile, Joe continues to brutally push his family away and reject the destiny they want to pass onto him. However, he starts to become closer to Darcy and begins to care about her.
One night when the whole family is gathered for dinner, Darcy and Lorenzo go for a walk together. In a sad, intimate moment, Darcy is with the patriarch of the family when he finally passes away. A few days later, she's informed that all four of her kidnappers have been caught and put in prison. She's free to go home now. However, the Marcellis are not ready to let her go and she's not ready to leave them and the love they freely give to her.
Her sister comes to visit the hacienda now that the kidnappers have been caught, and everything seems to be going great. Until the night when a fire is set in the vineyards. Too little too late, they realize that it was only a diversion. A diversion so that Ian, Mia's seemingly harmless boyfriend, can kidnap Darcy right under their noses.
In a moment of complete and total clarity, Joe realizes that he was only hurting himself and those he loves by rejecting the Marcellis as his family. On the tail end of that realization is the epiphany that he loves Darcy. He refuses to lose her and forces his way onto the rescue team, forces his plan on those in charge. As one of the SEAL divers sent in to rescue Darcy, he is there to hold her when she is found and tells her that he loves her. She isn't given time to respond, though, because they are taken back to see everyone that was waiting on the shore for Darcy's safe return.
A few hours later, Joe is summoned by the president and questioned as to his intentions towards Darcy. He tells Ryan Jensen that he loves Darcy and intends on marrying her, intends on making her the happiest woman alive. When the question is posed to Darcy, she accepts and expresses her love, and they live happily ever after.
The Marcelli Bride is the third of the Marcelli books that I have read and I loved it just as much as the other two. It was just as eloquently written and just as humorous as the others. I came into this book fully expecting to love it and I was not disappointed in any way.
This is the third book in which Joe Larson is present and I can't tell you how glad I am that he was brought into the series. I completely adore his character, even when he drives me to insanity. He drove me crazy and broke my heart with the constant rejection of the Marcelli family and I was so happy when he finally accepted that he loved them that I actually made a little squeaky noise in the middle of class. I wish, though, that his past with the SEALS had been described in more detail. I'm sure he's seen horrific things in his life and it seemed odd that none of them affected his everyday life. However, I am still very happy with his character and continue to love him, the adorable bastard.
I loved Darcy Jensen. She was intelligent, insecure, loving, confident, and helpful. I loved the deep connection that she formed with the Marcelli family and that she felt Lorenzo's loss almost as deeply as the Marcelli family. I loved the juxtaposition that is emphasized in her relationship with her sister: on one hand, Darcy loves her sister more than anything, but on the other, she sometimes resents her sister for the life Lauren seems to lead. I was touched by how much she tried to help Joe accept his family and see everything wonderful that he had in his life.
I hated that Ian kid from the beginning. He talked too much and there was something suspicious about him from the beginning!
I enjoyed seeing more of Brenna in this book and I loved how close she got to Darcy. I loved seeing her pregnant and going into labor. I knew she was going to have twins and I giggled in class when I read that she did have twins.
Like with Brenna, I enjoyed seeing so much more of Mia and I look forward to reading her book whenever I can get my hands on it. I was intrigued by her finally accepting the proposition to be a spy and look forward to seeing how that plays out.
I was upset not to see more of Nic. I mean, with as much as Brenna was in the book, I was really hoping that my love would have more of a presence in the book. Also, I felt that his brief appearances didn't show too much of his personality and I'd been looking forward to more of his humor. However, the little glimpses that I got of him were very exciting and make me want to reread The Seductive One!
I thoroughly enjoyed the subplot involving Secret Service Agents Paige and Alex. It was nice to see another relationship developing and reigniting alongside the blossoming relationship between Darcy and Joe. In a way I wish that Paige and Alex could have gotten their own book, but maybe it's a good thing that they were only a subplot because their story could have been too drawn out if they became a book.
Again, this was a fantastic book and I look forward to continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2011
Another 5 stars for me! I really enjoyed this story, even if some details were a bit too SF for me (like having the USA president's daughter hiding in a vineyard hacienda is strange - no hope of full protection in such a open environment).
But I loved Jo and I liked his story very much. I was with him, struggling to accept a family after so many years, the same family who abandoned him as a little child. I love his intercactions with her sisters.
A very good reading
But I loved Jo and I liked his story very much. I was with him, struggling to accept a family after so many years, the same family who abandoned him as a little child. I love his intercactions with her sisters.
A very good reading
May 23, 2010
I have been looking for a used copy of this book for a while, finally I just bought it new and I can't regret that choice. It turned out to be just as fun and engaging as the other Marcelli books.
Darcy Jensen is one of the daughters of the US President. One day while shopping at the mall she is kidnapped and thrown into the back of a van. But when her kidnappers realize that she isn't the daughter that they were after they take her back to the mall and leave her there. Bruised and confused.
For her own protection she is taken to a secure location that she can stay at until the kidnappers are found and detained. The place that the Secret Service has found for her is none other than the Marcelli Vineyards.
Joe Larsen is the long lost son of Marco and Colleen Marcelli. He has resisted the family that gave him away at birth for the last three years. But when his team of Seals accidentally blows up the Admirals Boat during a training exercise, he is the one that takes the heat. His punishment is to be pulled away from his team and sent to the Marcelli vineyards to help protect the Presidents daughter. But what Joe doesn't know is that this assignment will change his life forever.
While the family takes in Darcy and makes her part of the family they are also working on Joe to come and be part of the m also. Grandpa Lorenzo plans to leave the vineyard to Joe, for him to tend to. But Joe really doesn't want anything to do with it, but finds himself thrown into the situation feet first. Darcy is a nice distraction and becomes very important to Joe and the rest of the family. But little does he know that he will have to save Darcy and the family too befor he is through.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it!
Darcy Jensen is one of the daughters of the US President. One day while shopping at the mall she is kidnapped and thrown into the back of a van. But when her kidnappers realize that she isn't the daughter that they were after they take her back to the mall and leave her there. Bruised and confused.
For her own protection she is taken to a secure location that she can stay at until the kidnappers are found and detained. The place that the Secret Service has found for her is none other than the Marcelli Vineyards.
Joe Larsen is the long lost son of Marco and Colleen Marcelli. He has resisted the family that gave him away at birth for the last three years. But when his team of Seals accidentally blows up the Admirals Boat during a training exercise, he is the one that takes the heat. His punishment is to be pulled away from his team and sent to the Marcelli vineyards to help protect the Presidents daughter. But what Joe doesn't know is that this assignment will change his life forever.
While the family takes in Darcy and makes her part of the family they are also working on Joe to come and be part of the m also. Grandpa Lorenzo plans to leave the vineyard to Joe, for him to tend to. But Joe really doesn't want anything to do with it, but finds himself thrown into the situation feet first. Darcy is a nice distraction and becomes very important to Joe and the rest of the family. But little does he know that he will have to save Darcy and the family too befor he is through.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked it!
July 28, 2013
This is one of my favorite books. I read it over and over.
September 22, 2011
~*~ SPOILERS~*~A real romance!No fights, feuds, Jealousies, or revenge anywhere, just a really lovely ,funny romantic story about two people who meet and fall in love under the weirdest circumstances.
Poor Joe has been hounded by his birth family, since he met them three years ago,about getting married and starting a family., Something he has so far apparently avoided. he's convinced himself he's not the marrying type, he has his job as a navy SEAl and that's the only family he needs.
I loved reading this book. I think it is my new favorite Susan Mallery book.
The characters are just as charming and lovable as they have always been
Mia is.. well, Mia....Mia sat up.
Darcy is wonderful and perfect for the big navy SEAL. She knows exactly how to put him into his place...
And as for the man in question, he was for obvious reasons standoffish in "the Seductive One" when we first met him But, put him in a house full of amazingly strong women and hes really just a great big marshmallow. Not that he would admit it...
Heaps of Humorous laugh out loud moments in this one. But I'd really like to know whats in the water on the Marcelli Estate!!?Or is it the wine?Everyone has got the bug! Aside from all the girls and now Joe faliing in love, we have Grammy M and Gabriel and now, the secret Service Agents have caught it as well! who's next!!?
I must admit to a few tears with the first death in the series even though Grandpa Lorenzo was a big pain, so set in the old ways, it was sad that he had to die. The only question I have is.... Where was Darcy's security bracelet??
The last few chapters were full of suspense, but with it all coming together at the end with Joe and Darcy getting a much deserved HEA, although.... no wedding!!! Come to think about it.... we've helped with the dress the menus, all the preparations, but have never had an invite to a wedding yet!!
Poor Joe has been hounded by his birth family, since he met them three years ago,about getting married and starting a family., Something he has so far apparently avoided. he's convinced himself he's not the marrying type, he has his job as a navy SEAl and that's the only family he needs.
I loved reading this book. I think it is my new favorite Susan Mallery book.
The characters are just as charming and lovable as they have always been
Mia is.. well, Mia....Mia sat up.
Darcy is wonderful and perfect for the big navy SEAL. She knows exactly how to put him into his place...
And as for the man in question, he was for obvious reasons standoffish in "the Seductive One" when we first met him But, put him in a house full of amazingly strong women and hes really just a great big marshmallow. Not that he would admit it...
Heaps of Humorous laugh out loud moments in this one. But I'd really like to know whats in the water on the Marcelli Estate!!?Or is it the wine?Everyone has got the bug! Aside from all the girls and now Joe faliing in love, we have Grammy M and Gabriel and now, the secret Service Agents have caught it as well! who's next!!?
I must admit to a few tears with the first death in the series even though Grandpa Lorenzo was a big pain, so set in the old ways, it was sad that he had to die. The only question I have is.... Where was Darcy's security bracelet??
The last few chapters were full of suspense, but with it all coming together at the end with Joe and Darcy getting a much deserved HEA, although.... no wedding!!! Come to think about it.... we've helped with the dress the menus, all the preparations, but have never had an invite to a wedding yet!!
November 18, 2015
More of the same sickly, sweet, utterly unreal, super large family that doesn't actually exist in any reality except nostalgic childhood memories or day- dreams or books like these.
It's a fun read. But throwing in an adopted child who's recently discovered by his birth parents, who by the way were married for most of the child's life, and then excepting the said child to accept the family without any emotional baggage.... that's the worst possible background for a beach read.
Didn't read the previous in the 'trilogy'. But I don't need to. The entire absence of the Marcelli family acknowledgement that Joe, who's spent most of his life in the 'system' after being given up for adoption, will have HUGE issues with is simply and utterly stupid. Oh wait, the grandfather apologizes, Joe doesn't accept, next page grandfather dies, Joe feels rotten.
The entire book rams the idea that acceptance by a biological family after 3+ decades should make up for Joe's entire life & their failure to acknowledge that he's made a great career for himself is simply SHITTY.
This book is well written but any time there's a slight glimmer that the elephant in the room will be acknowledged at least by the writer if not her characters... poof! Everyone is in "Joe, you have to LOVE us! You OWE us" mode.
Edit: Having gone back to the 2nd Marcelli Book with Francesca in it... I must say, Grandpa Lorenzo is a dickhead from a previous century (understandable) with his attitude of wanting a male heir for the winery. This book would've been brilliant if
It's a fun read. But throwing in an adopted child who's recently discovered by his birth parents, who by the way were married for most of the child's life, and then excepting the said child to accept the family without any emotional baggage.... that's the worst possible background for a beach read.
Didn't read the previous in the 'trilogy'. But I don't need to. The entire absence of the Marcelli family acknowledgement that Joe, who's spent most of his life in the 'system' after being given up for adoption, will have HUGE issues with is simply and utterly stupid. Oh wait, the grandfather apologizes, Joe doesn't accept, next page grandfather dies, Joe feels rotten.
The entire book rams the idea that acceptance by a biological family after 3+ decades should make up for Joe's entire life & their failure to acknowledge that he's made a great career for himself is simply SHITTY.
This book is well written but any time there's a slight glimmer that the elephant in the room will be acknowledged at least by the writer if not her characters... poof! Everyone is in "Joe, you have to LOVE us! You OWE us" mode.
Edit: Having gone back to the 2nd Marcelli Book with Francesca in it... I must say, Grandpa Lorenzo is a dickhead from a previous century (understandable) with his attitude of wanting a male heir for the winery. This book would've been brilliant if
March 25, 2008
This is the third of Mallery's books that I've read, and I've enjoyed them all. Not to say this is a two thumbs up book, because it's not, but I liked it quite a bit. Mallery has a nice writing style. She always keeps me in her stories. There's a nice flow to her words, and she tells a good story.
The Marcelli Bride is primarily a romance, but there is a sideline plot; the whole kidnapping thing, but it's really just a background issue. Even so, it adds a nice element to the story, gives it some meat. I wished I'd read the other books in the series so I could have a better idea of the family dynamic, but without reading them, you still get a good idea of everything. Mallery has created a great family in the Marcellis. I enjoyed reading about them.
I think the one thing I can complain about in this book is that for whatever reason, I wasn't exactly feeling the chemistry between Joe and Darcy. There was definitely an attraction, and they worked nicely together, but the writing just didn't convey the chemistry all that well. But that didn't detract too much from the overall story. My only other minor complaint was that I'd liked to have had a little more information about the antagonist when it was all said and done. The answers to 'why' were a little bare.
In the end, good book. Not great, but a nice read for a general romance. I'd like to read the others in the series.
The Marcelli Bride is primarily a romance, but there is a sideline plot; the whole kidnapping thing, but it's really just a background issue. Even so, it adds a nice element to the story, gives it some meat. I wished I'd read the other books in the series so I could have a better idea of the family dynamic, but without reading them, you still get a good idea of everything. Mallery has created a great family in the Marcellis. I enjoyed reading about them.
I think the one thing I can complain about in this book is that for whatever reason, I wasn't exactly feeling the chemistry between Joe and Darcy. There was definitely an attraction, and they worked nicely together, but the writing just didn't convey the chemistry all that well. But that didn't detract too much from the overall story. My only other minor complaint was that I'd liked to have had a little more information about the antagonist when it was all said and done. The answers to 'why' were a little bare.
In the end, good book. Not great, but a nice read for a general romance. I'd like to read the others in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2009
There are so many elements here that should work: the heroine is in protective custody after a kidnapping attempt, the hero is an ex-Navy SEAL, the whole thing takes place at a vineyard with a big fat Italian family. Somehow these things do not coalesce into an interesting novel. The first half in particular is especially dull. Two other strikes against this book: one of the secondary characters is pregnant and only capable of talking about how much she hates being pregnant and how huge she is; and everyone in this book is completely obsessed with how much they weigh. A joke where an old Italian woman tells her grandson he's too skinny and needs to eat more, especially since "feeding = love" is a recurring theme, okay. But Darcy, who is otherwise pretty well-adjusted, fretting about her jeans getting too small, especially when it's clear from the POV of every other character that she's too thin? That's a little pathological.
I stuck with the book anyway and was rewarded by a suddenly action-packed last 50 pages. If the whole book could have been like that, I would have liked the book a lot more.
I stuck with the book anyway and was rewarded by a suddenly action-packed last 50 pages. If the whole book could have been like that, I would have liked the book a lot more.
July 23, 2011
4.5 stars
I loved the story in this one! It had intrigue, a sweet and entertaining subplot, and a lot of family love. When passed, it was rather difficult to read since my own passed so recently so I really felt those scenes, but the rest was well done as well. I loved reading about Nic & Brenna - I needed more of them! Also, when Joe finally accepted his family, especially his parents, it was quite a heartwarming moment!
Who wouldn't want a man in a pearly white uniform to rescue them?!
I loved the story in this one! It had intrigue, a sweet and entertaining subplot, and a lot of family love. When passed, it was rather difficult to read since my own passed so recently so I really felt those scenes, but the rest was well done as well. I loved reading about Nic & Brenna - I needed more of them! Also, when Joe finally accepted his family, especially his parents, it was quite a heartwarming moment!
Who wouldn't want a man in a pearly white uniform to rescue them?!
September 14, 2015
Looked promising until author went into scenes in supporting character's POV's which I don't want in my romances. Just hero and/or hero POV please.
June 11, 2022
I wasn't expecting to like this story much as I found the premise ridiculous; hiding someone on a working vineyard made no sense at all and wouldn't have been done. However if you overlook that aspect, it was a good story. I still found Brenna mostly annoying but have always liked her relationship with Joe. Mia was ridiculous as usual and needs to stop acting like an idiot; can't say I'm looking forward to her story much at all. Joe and Darcy made the story as they got to know each other and work through each of their insecurities. And Lorenzo finally turned into a proud father & grandfather in his semi-retired role; he was a much more likeable character in this book and it satisfying although sad. Another good installment in the Marcelli series.
September 19, 2020
Although some of the occurrences in this book surprised me, mostly because I couldn't follow the logic or it didn't work for me, the story is amazingly fast-paced and edge-of-the-seat in many places. I got frustrated with Joe, worried about Darcy, fed up completely with Mia, laughed at Brenna's antics, and gutted by Lorenzo. What a terrific cast of characters in these books! I am assuming the last one is about Mia, since all the others have had their day, but she will have to change a lot for me to go for it. Well, why not? Lorenzo did.
December 20, 2020
I just love the Marcelli's, a funny and heart-warming close knit family.
Darcy, the President's daughter, needs a safe place to stay and the Marcelli's offer safety and security on their winery. Joe, Navy Seal, participates in the assignment. Despite Darcy's personal insecurities, she falls for Joe and falls in love with the Marcelli's big, loving family. Joe, hell bent to reject the family and their lifestyle, cannot resist falling for Darcy regardless of how far he runs or where he hides.
Darcy, the President's daughter, needs a safe place to stay and the Marcelli's offer safety and security on their winery. Joe, Navy Seal, participates in the assignment. Despite Darcy's personal insecurities, she falls for Joe and falls in love with the Marcelli's big, loving family. Joe, hell bent to reject the family and their lifestyle, cannot resist falling for Darcy regardless of how far he runs or where he hides.
June 5, 2024
Another Marcelli
This is the forth book in this series. This series revolves around four Marcelli sisters. The large Italian family including two grandmothers and a very old fashioned grandfather live together in a large hacienda situated in California. The family owns and operates a winery. The book also includes some regular characters who are befriended by the Marcelli’s. I look forward to reading the last book in this series along with other books written by Ms. Mallery.
This is the forth book in this series. This series revolves around four Marcelli sisters. The large Italian family including two grandmothers and a very old fashioned grandfather live together in a large hacienda situated in California. The family owns and operates a winery. The book also includes some regular characters who are befriended by the Marcelli’s. I look forward to reading the last book in this series along with other books written by Ms. Mallery.
May 24, 2019
I love this series, I don't want it to end. There is only one more book left on the Marcelli clan, and I can't wait to read it. This book was awesome, but I definitely needed tissues several times. I have fell in love with these characters. I am interested to see if her other series are as good, but I can't wait to find out.
October 17, 2022
This is the second time I am reading this book and it is just as amazinga s it was the first time. I loved the fact that Darcy always challenged Joe. The whole SEAL thing is a cincher. There is something about a guy in special forces — any kind. After reading the Fools Gold series which were pretty bland compared to this, I was totally enthralled by this story.
October 15, 2024
The president 's daughter, Darcy, was kidnapped by mistake. After she was dropped off both Lauren and Darcy were sent to 2 different places for safety while they searched for the kidnappers. After a month they'd found all four and Lauren joined Darcy at the Marcelli winery. Thinking the were safe, no one was worried but Ian, Mia's friend, had different thoughts.
December 27, 2021
Darcy is taken to Marcelli Winery after a kidnapping. Joe is upset to have to be back but he is the liaison. The family pulls Darcy in.
One of the Marcelli's is lost. Action takes place as a big finale.
One of the Marcelli's is lost. Action takes place as a big finale.
December 30, 2021
My Favorite in the Series So Far
Wow, I only put this book down to sleep, make meals, exercise and little else. I have just one more book to read in the series. This has been my favorite so far.
Wow, I only put this book down to sleep, make meals, exercise and little else. I have just one more book to read in the series. This has been my favorite so far.
November 1, 2022
The Marcello Bride
It was a great adventure story. I really enjoyed it. Reading the series in order really helps you understand the characters in the series. Now on to the final book.
It was a great adventure story. I really enjoyed it. Reading the series in order really helps you understand the characters in the series. Now on to the final book.
November 14, 2022
Love Author Susan Mallery’s writing style. This is such a fun read. I love the Marcelli family. They are very warm and at times volatile. This book has it all romance, trials, friendships, betrayal, righting of wrongs.
May 15, 2017
So sweet, there were so many pages where I teared up and couldn't read it.
October 3, 2018
My favorite so far of the series!
December 22, 2018
Again easy mindless fun read
April 15, 2019
I've enjoyed this series and adding the President's daughter was an interesting twist.
May 31, 2019
Started this before realized I had already read it a few years ago. I couldn't put it down! Great dialogue and fun facts about wineries and vinyards. Recommended.
June 26, 2019
Great, solid romance! I really liked Darcy and Joe, and couldn't wait for the happily ever after ending.
March 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book as much as the second book in the series. I like a story that reels you in and makes you feel like you are actually there as events unfold. Beautiful storyline.
May 3, 2020
Liked it ........alot :)
April 2, 2021
Finally - Joe’s story! I liked this one so much more than the first 3 so I am glad I didn’t give up on the series like I thought about doing.
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