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The Greek's Marriage Bargain
Renewing their vows? Xenon Kanellis is not a man who fails, and certainly not a man who gets divorced. Now, with the perfect opportunity to get his wife back where she belongs - on his arm and in his bed - his immaculate record will be restored. Lexi Kanellis needs her estranged husband's help...even if that means playing the good Greek wife for a few more weeks. The island sun is no match for the reignited heat between them, but no amount of passion can erase the memory of what tore them apart...
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First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Sharon Kendrick
1,197 books453 followersI was told off as a child for making up stories—little did I know that one day I’d earn my living by writing them!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!
Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.
My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!
I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 5, 2013
Heroine and hero were blissfully in love but their marriage broke down after two miscarriages. Lexi feels insecure and always the outsider. She used to be a pop star but she gave up her career when she met Xenon.
Now they are separated but hero is so in love with her he won't give up on her. He asks her to travel with him to Greece for a christening but in reality he wants to find a way back to his wife's heart. He is a very mature and smitten man! Not your usual macho, cruel SK hero!
I liked that both hero and heroine took their marriage vows seriously. They remained celibate during their time apart and that made me believe in the power of their love. Heroine is wearing glasses and she is described as a geek and I found that extremely cute.
It was great to see a heroine groveling for a change. And Lexi sure knows how to grovel. My heart broke for her! I would have given this 5 stars except I hated the ending. I wanted a miracle pregnancy for them and not the realistic typical ending.
Now they are separated but hero is so in love with her he won't give up on her. He asks her to travel with him to Greece for a christening but in reality he wants to find a way back to his wife's heart. He is a very mature and smitten man! Not your usual macho, cruel SK hero!
I liked that both hero and heroine took their marriage vows seriously. They remained celibate during their time apart and that made me believe in the power of their love. Heroine is wearing glasses and she is described as a geek and I found that extremely cute.
It was great to see a heroine groveling for a change. And Lexi sure knows how to grovel. My heart broke for her! I would have given this 5 stars except I hated the ending. I wanted a miracle pregnancy for them and not the realistic typical ending.
July 27, 2018
Sweet second chance story that takes place two years after the heroine's second miscarriage, which caused the break up of their marriage. Heroine was a pop star when she met and married the Greek tycoon hero, but she gave up her career to start a family. She was from an impoverished background and always felt insecure about her place in the hero's world.
Hero uses bailing her younger brother out of a gambling debt to blackmail her into attending his sister's baby's christening in Greece. Heroine agrees and the hero begins his campaign to win her back.
The angst in this is well done as the heroine confronts all of those feelings of losing a baby while holding someone else's baby. The hero was a good guy and never cruel to the heroine. A lot of her pain stemmed from her insecurities, which the hero is finally understanding. He actually says "I'm sorry" at one point.
The H/h were both celibate during their separation. There's an adopted daughter in the epilogue.
While there is a lot of angst, there isn't a lot of drama or conflict. This is a low-key story.
Hero uses bailing her younger brother out of a gambling debt to blackmail her into attending his sister's baby's christening in Greece. Heroine agrees and the hero begins his campaign to win her back.
The angst in this is well done as the heroine confronts all of those feelings of losing a baby while holding someone else's baby. The hero was a good guy and never cruel to the heroine. A lot of her pain stemmed from her insecurities, which the hero is finally understanding. He actually says "I'm sorry" at one point.
The H/h were both celibate during their separation. There's an adopted daughter in the epilogue.
While there is a lot of angst, there isn't a lot of drama or conflict. This is a low-key story.
January 21, 2018
3.5 stars
The silence and withdrawal began after the heroine's first miscarriage. The typical greek hero did not know how to support her or help her. After the second later-term miscarriage, they both drew apart and heroine left to deal with her grief and get on with her life.
The hero showed growth through the story and he realizes he did not handle well. This story reminded me of Sarah Morgan's "Once A Ferrara Wife".
The silence and withdrawal began after the heroine's first miscarriage. The typical greek hero did not know how to support her or help her. After the second later-term miscarriage, they both drew apart and heroine left to deal with her grief and get on with her life.
The hero showed growth through the story and he realizes he did not handle well. This story reminded me of Sarah Morgan's "Once A Ferrara Wife".
September 11, 2013
3.5*** Read
This book could have been so much more, but still an enjoyable read.Not quite the angst fest that I was expecting like Sarah Morgan's Once A Ferrara Wife which also dealt with extreme pain and loss of an unborn child.
The H /h meet again 2 years after their loss.In exchange for helping her brother who has some serious gambling debts which the hero will pay off,the heroine ,Lexi,will agree to accompany the hero,Xenon, as his wife to the island of Rhodes for his niece's christening and to visit with his dying grandmother.
Straight off,the reader knows that Xenon still has feelings for his wife,in fact,he still loves her and has been faithful to her since the day they met.Lexi,still greiving and hurt keeps her feelings bottled and only wants to put the farce to and end and return back to Devon where she has been living and working at making silver jewerly.Lexi at one period of her life was 1/3 of a girl singing group called " The Lollipops",then went on to become a solo act.This she gave up when she married Xenon as good Greek wives did not work.
I loved this hero,he was not the typical alphahole that SK usu writes .He was kind and sensitive,almost a beta hero.I enjoyed that this time,the heroine is the one to grovel,and she did a beautiful job!
My gripe is the epilogue,this is hplandia ,why could not this couple have a child of their own.I am happy they decided to adopt,but I still wanted them to have a baby.I want the fairytale ending in my HP's.
This book could have been so much more, but still an enjoyable read.Not quite the angst fest that I was expecting like Sarah Morgan's Once A Ferrara Wife which also dealt with extreme pain and loss of an unborn child.
The H /h meet again 2 years after their loss.In exchange for helping her brother who has some serious gambling debts which the hero will pay off,the heroine ,Lexi,will agree to accompany the hero,Xenon, as his wife to the island of Rhodes for his niece's christening and to visit with his dying grandmother.
Straight off,the reader knows that Xenon still has feelings for his wife,in fact,he still loves her and has been faithful to her since the day they met.Lexi,still greiving and hurt keeps her feelings bottled and only wants to put the farce to and end and return back to Devon where she has been living and working at making silver jewerly.Lexi at one period of her life was 1/3 of a girl singing group called " The Lollipops",then went on to become a solo act.This she gave up when she married Xenon as good Greek wives did not work.
I loved this hero,he was not the typical alphahole that SK usu writes .He was kind and sensitive,almost a beta hero.I enjoyed that this time,the heroine is the one to grovel,and she did a beautiful job!
My gripe is the epilogue,this is hplandia ,why could not this couple have a child of their own.I am happy they decided to adopt,but I still wanted them to have a baby.I want the fairytale ending in my HP's.
May 9, 2016
I liked this one. The heroine had 2 very traumatic miscarriages and discovered she was infertile. She and her Greek husband end up adopting a little girl.
I think this is the first HP I've read with this issue. Since it's a personal issue for me, I liked the outcome and the fact that they discussed that their love for each other was more important than having a baby.
All of the painful moments for her--including meeting her SIL's baby for the first time--were handled incredibly well and were quite realistic.
I'll definitely be re-reading this one.
I think this is the first HP I've read with this issue. Since it's a personal issue for me, I liked the outcome and the fact that they discussed that their love for each other was more important than having a baby.
All of the painful moments for her--including meeting her SIL's baby for the first time--were handled incredibly well and were quite realistic.
I'll definitely be re-reading this one.
July 27, 2018
***2.5 Stars***
This book was passable, mediocre. I was troubled by all the repetition. It was the same theme throughout. No she shouldn't be with him. She couldn't carry a child to term so she was just going to be alone although he loved her and she loved him.
Just not my cup of tea.
This book was passable, mediocre. I was troubled by all the repetition. It was the same theme throughout. No she shouldn't be with him. She couldn't carry a child to term so she was just going to be alone although he loved her and she loved him.
Just not my cup of tea.
October 8, 2017
3.5 stars
This one was sad..i made me wanna cry. The hero loves the heroine so completely. In the most important matter when everyone would hesitate he didn't and i loved him even more. The h at one point messed up but it was great because for the first time the h groveled. YAY!!. The epilogue was cute but i have to admit that i wanted a baby of their own.. but the author's version was better
This one was sad..i made me wanna cry. The hero loves the heroine so completely. In the most important matter when everyone would hesitate he didn't and i loved him even more. The h at one point messed up but it was great because for the first time the h groveled. YAY!!. The epilogue was cute but i have to admit that i wanted a baby of their own.. but the author's version was better
January 19, 2014
i finally found a book where both the hero and heroine got their chance to grovel to each other and it was awesome.
so the first part was the hero's. he felt all guilty because he's unable to cope with his own feeling when heroine got miscarriages that unconsciously drifted them apart.
so heroine left him, and finally he took all the risks to get his wife back where she belongs. he wore his heart on the sleeve all the time and tried to give their marriage a second chance.
but heroine had secret of her own. so she decided to set him free because she loved him although hero confessed that he loved her unconditionally, he loved all of her and would accepted anything she give.
i love that the hero did it without any doubt (not even for a second!) especially when we know that he wanted family so bad *melting*
what i didn't get:
- heroine decided to leave him despite hero'd declared his love.
- but then, when she knew that he'd arranged all those blackmail thing to get her back, she suddenly like 'Oh God, he really loves me' and decided to grovel. HELLO? where the h*** have you been?
my heart goes for the hero, he almost didn't make it when heroine left him the second time and you can really feel his vulnerability and fear to give her a third chance to rip his heart.
but in the end heroine made a redeem of herself too and they have a happy ending *sigh*
i just would love it more if they have a miraculous ending of course, but strangely, i kind of like don't want it too; the fairytale ending for this one. because i think it's good to know the fairytale version of a childless marriage. you'd ended up loving this story with the unconditional love and the sacrifices our hero & heroine made.
a 5 solid stars romance.
so the first part was the hero's. he felt all guilty because he's unable to cope with his own feeling when heroine got miscarriages that unconsciously drifted them apart.
so heroine left him, and finally he took all the risks to get his wife back where she belongs. he wore his heart on the sleeve all the time and tried to give their marriage a second chance.
but heroine had secret of her own. so she decided to set him free because she loved him although hero confessed that he loved her unconditionally, he loved all of her and would accepted anything she give.
i love that the hero did it without any doubt (not even for a second!) especially when we know that he wanted family so bad *melting*
what i didn't get:
- heroine decided to leave him despite hero'd declared his love.
- but then, when she knew that he'd arranged all those blackmail thing to get her back, she suddenly like 'Oh God, he really loves me' and decided to grovel. HELLO? where the h*** have you been?
my heart goes for the hero, he almost didn't make it when heroine left him the second time and you can really feel his vulnerability and fear to give her a third chance to rip his heart.
but in the end heroine made a redeem of herself too and they have a happy ending *sigh*
i just would love it more if they have a miraculous ending of course, but strangely, i kind of like don't want it too; the fairytale ending for this one. because i think it's good to know the fairytale version of a childless marriage. you'd ended up loving this story with the unconditional love and the sacrifices our hero & heroine made.
a 5 solid stars romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2021
The one star is for the ending. It's SOOOO DUMB!
Spoiler ahead!
"There was only one reason she could think of. The same reason he’d given her for wanting to stay married to her—childless or not. Because he loved her. Because he’d never stopped loving her."
Gosh! How did you miss that he love you WHEN HE LITERALLY SAID "I LOVE YOU"? He literally said he wanted to be with her (regardless of kids) because he loves her! This was only a few page earlier. Apparently him saying that is not obvious enough (she got all dramatic and reject his love just to realize he **actually** love her a few pages later). She is sooo dumb! I liked this story when I was reading it at first and then she goes and does this shit!
Maybe what I'm writing makes no sense to you, but the ending is one of the dumbest I have seen in a long time.
Spoiler ahead!
"There was only one reason she could think of. The same reason he’d given her for wanting to stay married to her—childless or not. Because he loved her. Because he’d never stopped loving her."
Gosh! How did you miss that he love you WHEN HE LITERALLY SAID "I LOVE YOU"? He literally said he wanted to be with her (regardless of kids) because he loves her! This was only a few page earlier. Apparently him saying that is not obvious enough (she got all dramatic and reject his love just to realize he **actually** love her a few pages later). She is sooo dumb! I liked this story when I was reading it at first and then she goes and does this shit!
Maybe what I'm writing makes no sense to you, but the ending is one of the dumbest I have seen in a long time.
September 13, 2021
I was browsing my ebooks when I spotted
The Greek's Marriage Bargain
. And since I've been reading books with an "estranged-divorced-couple" theme these past few days, I decided to give it a try. I won't go into details cause I don't want to spoil the book for those who haven't read it yet.
I rarely find books where I liked the hero more than the heroine, especially in Harlequin. But in this book, I liked Xenon more than I liked Lexi. He's one of the most caring, sensitive HP heroes I've ever met. He's actually the perfect example of an alpha-beta hero. He's actually reminded me of the hero Cristiano Ferrara in Sarah Morgan's Once A Ferrara Wife. He's willing to do anything to get his wife back and make their marriage work. It's undeniable how much he loves Lexi. And he never stopped loving her even after she left. His reactions when Lexi left him again broke my heart. I want to hug him and keep him for myself.
As for Lexi, at first, I understood her, but as the story progressed and her attitude towards Xenon and his feelings irritated the hell out of me. My god, she must be blind if she didn't see how much he loves her. I wanted to shake her and tell them how lucky she was to have someone like Xenon. Good thing she redeemed herself in the end. It was actually refreshing to see the heroine who ran after the hero and groveled.
Overall The Greek’s Marriage Bargain is an enjoyable read with an awesome and swoon-worthy hero!
I rarely find books where I liked the hero more than the heroine, especially in Harlequin. But in this book, I liked Xenon more than I liked Lexi. He's one of the most caring, sensitive HP heroes I've ever met. He's actually the perfect example of an alpha-beta hero. He's actually reminded me of the hero Cristiano Ferrara in Sarah Morgan's Once A Ferrara Wife. He's willing to do anything to get his wife back and make their marriage work. It's undeniable how much he loves Lexi. And he never stopped loving her even after she left. His reactions when Lexi left him again broke my heart. I want to hug him and keep him for myself.
As for Lexi, at first, I understood her, but as the story progressed and her attitude towards Xenon and his feelings irritated the hell out of me. My god, she must be blind if she didn't see how much he loves her. I wanted to shake her and tell them how lucky she was to have someone like Xenon. Good thing she redeemed herself in the end. It was actually refreshing to see the heroine who ran after the hero and groveled.
Overall The Greek’s Marriage Bargain is an enjoyable read with an awesome and swoon-worthy hero!
April 23, 2014
I was going through my Amazon wish list and found this so purchased it and wasn't disappointed.
If you've read any of my reviews before you'll know i adore second chance stories and this was a brilliant one. Xenon arrives unannounced on his ex-wife's doorstep. Lexi is now the complete opposite of who he married. No longer is she the bright and shiney popstar starlet he once married, she's just a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl who's happy making jewellery.
Like all good greek Alpha's Xenon bribes her back into his life and with the life of her little brother in her hands Lexi reluctantly agrees to attend a family function that's important to Xenon. So away we're swept with lots of fireworks and drama on the way.
I really liked Xenon, he was alpha but on a scale of one to 10 he was probably an eight because he was open about his feelings from the first go. However given the reason they broke up the one thing I would have changed if I wrote the story was the family occasion he wanted his wife to attend, although I understand that it gave plenty of scope for drama and tension. Lexi was a lovely heroine and I really felt her loss with her.
Another Sharon Kendrick winner :D
If you've read any of my reviews before you'll know i adore second chance stories and this was a brilliant one. Xenon arrives unannounced on his ex-wife's doorstep. Lexi is now the complete opposite of who he married. No longer is she the bright and shiney popstar starlet he once married, she's just a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl who's happy making jewellery.
Like all good greek Alpha's Xenon bribes her back into his life and with the life of her little brother in her hands Lexi reluctantly agrees to attend a family function that's important to Xenon. So away we're swept with lots of fireworks and drama on the way.
I really liked Xenon, he was alpha but on a scale of one to 10 he was probably an eight because he was open about his feelings from the first go. However given the reason they broke up the one thing I would have changed if I wrote the story was the family occasion he wanted his wife to attend, although I understand that it gave plenty of scope for drama and tension. Lexi was a lovely heroine and I really felt her loss with her.
Another Sharon Kendrick winner :D
September 18, 2013
3.5 stars
I didn't believe it till I read the book. SK has finally created a gentle hero.
Xenon is too greek and he has a strong controlling personality to be anything but an alpha hero. But he is a man in love. He is a husband who wants his wife back. But his workaholic lifestyle, Lexi's insecurities and two miscarriages separated them 2y ago.
Now he is back in Lexi's life, apparently forcing her to go back to Rhodes to visit his ill grandmother and for the christening of his niece, but all he really wants is to give their marriage another chance. And when they start talking about their problems. He doesn't hesitate to apologize. He still wants her even if they have a childless marriage.
At the end, Lexi is the one to back off. And she is the one to do all the groveling to win her husband back.
There is no miracle for Lexi and Xenon. But their love is strong and they adopt a cute little girl.
I didn't believe it till I read the book. SK has finally created a gentle hero.
Xenon is too greek and he has a strong controlling personality to be anything but an alpha hero. But he is a man in love. He is a husband who wants his wife back. But his workaholic lifestyle, Lexi's insecurities and two miscarriages separated them 2y ago.
Now he is back in Lexi's life, apparently forcing her to go back to Rhodes to visit his ill grandmother and for the christening of his niece, but all he really wants is to give their marriage another chance. And when they start talking about their problems. He doesn't hesitate to apologize. He still wants her even if they have a childless marriage.
At the end, Lexi is the one to back off. And she is the one to do all the groveling to win her husband back.
There is no miracle for Lexi and Xenon. But their love is strong and they adopt a cute little girl.
September 9, 2013
I found it sad and the 'happy ending' wasn't too happy for me honestly. I wanted Lexi to get pregnant but that didn't happen. For me the ending ruined the entire novel.
April 19, 2016
I just finished this yesterday and I'm already having trouble recalling bits and pieces which is sad because this book featured several plot points that differ from the usual HP tropes. Lexi and Xenon married several years ago. It was a love match -- he wasn't marrying her for revenge on some male relative, or marrying her for access to her father's company, or to humiliate her for some unknown slight. That on its own is pretty surprising, given the fact that this is, indeed an HP. The reason they broke up is also pretty heartbreaking -- Lexi miscarried twice, the second time well into her second trimester, and neither of them could talk to each other. Argon Xenon sought her out at the beginning of the book and it isn't long before you realize this isn't a pride thing or a revenge scheme -- he just wants his wife back (of course he doesn't tell her that because this is still a Harley, but you get his perspective early on). The two didn't do a job of communicating before and it was lovely to see that happen now (to belabor a point), in an HP, where words are used either to fight or for foreplay.
I quite enjoyed this one, all things considered, but, likeHelium Xenon, I got a little impatient with Lexi at the end. She had good reasons for feeling the way she did, but her actions were rather... arbitrary and .
More spoilers to follow because I'm discussing the ending.
All in all, other than some issues with the heroine (and even those I understood), a good read and one I'm not sorry to add to my shelf. It's nice to get a break from some of the Harley tropes.
I quite enjoyed this one, all things considered, but, like
More spoilers to follow because I'm discussing the ending.
All in all, other than some issues with the heroine (and even those I understood), a good read and one I'm not sorry to add to my shelf. It's nice to get a break from some of the Harley tropes.
June 15, 2016
#tbrchallenge I haven't read a Harlequin Presents in quite a long time. I hadn't planned to make this my TBR challenge pick, until I realized my choice lined up so well with a favorite trope of mine -- second chances. I love seeing couples try to get it right again.
Lexi & Xenon Kanellis are an estranged married couple. He's a Greek billionaire workaholic and she's a former popstar turned jewelry designer. The couple had separated after Lexi experienced two miscarriages. Lexi knew how much Xenon wanted a family. The miscarriages made her feel like failure in what she thought mattered most. Xenon was so wrapped up in his work and holding back his own emotions. Communication utterly broke down between the two of them, neither wanting to see the other person's perspective.
Two years after the split, Xenon has reappeared with an offer Lexi can't refuse. If she'll come to Greece to attend his niece's christening, he'll help her brother out of his financial woes. Lexi has to play the dutiful loving wife for appearances sake, knowing Xenon will try to tempt her back.
And while wooing and subsequent sexytimes feel very expected, I liked that Lexi and Xenon opened up to each other. I felt like it helped show they were both growing up. Lexi and Xenon talked about what happened with the miscarriages and the fallout from them. Xenon had perhaps the harder task convincing Lexi their love was enough. Lexi needed to both open her eyes and see Xenon still loved her, but open up his eyes to the pain she endured.
The ending sparked my curiosity in requesting the book from the library in the first place. A reviewer had marked down this book because they had wanted more traditional HEA romance ending, which I would have found unrealistic. Women struggle with fertility issues and suddenly showing her prevailing would have felt like an easy out for the author.
That said I'm actually of two minds on the epilogue. I do like that Kendrick showed adoption as a valid option for this couple and that it was shown as equally as fulfilling for them. The compressed flash forward of their new lives felt a little clunky, though. I could have bought the HEA at the moment they agreed to try again.
Lexi & Xenon Kanellis are an estranged married couple. He's a Greek billionaire workaholic and she's a former popstar turned jewelry designer. The couple had separated after Lexi experienced two miscarriages. Lexi knew how much Xenon wanted a family. The miscarriages made her feel like failure in what she thought mattered most. Xenon was so wrapped up in his work and holding back his own emotions. Communication utterly broke down between the two of them, neither wanting to see the other person's perspective.
Two years after the split, Xenon has reappeared with an offer Lexi can't refuse. If she'll come to Greece to attend his niece's christening, he'll help her brother out of his financial woes. Lexi has to play the dutiful loving wife for appearances sake, knowing Xenon will try to tempt her back.
And while wooing and subsequent sexytimes feel very expected, I liked that Lexi and Xenon opened up to each other. I felt like it helped show they were both growing up. Lexi and Xenon talked about what happened with the miscarriages and the fallout from them. Xenon had perhaps the harder task convincing Lexi their love was enough. Lexi needed to both open her eyes and see Xenon still loved her, but open up his eyes to the pain she endured.
The ending sparked my curiosity in requesting the book from the library in the first place. A reviewer had marked down this book because they had wanted more traditional HEA romance ending, which I would have found unrealistic. Women struggle with fertility issues and suddenly showing her prevailing would have felt like an easy out for the author.
That said I'm actually of two minds on the epilogue. I do like that Kendrick showed adoption as a valid option for this couple and that it was shown as equally as fulfilling for them. The compressed flash forward of their new lives felt a little clunky, though. I could have bought the HEA at the moment they agreed to try again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2016
La heroína es súper-cínica. Una vez dicho esto, creo que a muchas lectoras de Harlequin eso no cayó bien. Yo vengo de leer a unas protagonistas demasiado TSTL y Lexi fue un soplo de aire fresco, me hacía falta una mujer así de firme y eso me gustó mucho.
Es una historia un poco triste, ella ha sufrido dos abortos y no puede tener hijos propios, así que por la falta de comunicación su matrimonio se deshace. Me gustó que el protagonista no le fuera infiel (habría sido un malparido de haberlo hecho, porque un aborto no es motivo para engañar) y que buscara de seguir con la relación porque no podía vivir sin ella. Y también rescato que él no dejara de ser un hombre fuerte a pesar de todo.
Un lindo epílogo con un buen mensaje, por eso las tres estrellas ^_^
Es una historia un poco triste, ella ha sufrido dos abortos y no puede tener hijos propios, así que por la falta de comunicación su matrimonio se deshace. Me gustó que el protagonista no le fuera infiel (habría sido un malparido de haberlo hecho, porque un aborto no es motivo para engañar) y que buscara de seguir con la relación porque no podía vivir sin ella. Y también rescato que él no dejara de ser un hombre fuerte a pesar de todo.
Un lindo epílogo con un buen mensaje, por eso las tres estrellas ^_^
April 4, 2022
WARNING: This book might be a trigger for anyone who has suffered from miscarriages that resulted in separation/divorce from a spouse. Trust me, it's a hard read.
The Greek's Marriage Bargain was about Xenon Kanellis and his wife, Lexi Kanellis.
Former pop star Lexi gave up her singing career when she married Xenon. However, after two tragedies and a husband who was rarely there for her, Lexi gave up on the marriage and left him.
Two years after their separation, Xenon showed up on her doorstep out of the blue and made a devil's bargain with her. Either she returned to Greece with him to attend his niece's christening, or he would throw her brother to the wolves and let him pay the price for his wayward actions. Lexi, feeling boxed in, had little choice but to do as he said.
Not used to failure, Xenon was not about to give up on his marriage. He still struggled with his feelings for his estranged wife, and still wanted to repair the damage that had caused her to leave him, but he didn't know how to accomplish that. Lexi, for her part, couldn't get past the trauma that had forced her to run from her husband, the pain of past mistakes, and the last look in his eyes before she disappeared from his life.
There was so much angst and drama in this story from the very beginning. There was also so much heartache and pain that it was almost tangible and definitely heartwrenching. To read about two people who struggled through so much suffering was not an easy read, and yet they found a HEA at the end that was just as heartwarming as it was gut-wrenching. I have to give it a five-star rating, simply because of the love these two were unwilling to let go.
The Greek's Marriage Bargain was about Xenon Kanellis and his wife, Lexi Kanellis.
Former pop star Lexi gave up her singing career when she married Xenon. However, after two tragedies and a husband who was rarely there for her, Lexi gave up on the marriage and left him.
Two years after their separation, Xenon showed up on her doorstep out of the blue and made a devil's bargain with her. Either she returned to Greece with him to attend his niece's christening, or he would throw her brother to the wolves and let him pay the price for his wayward actions. Lexi, feeling boxed in, had little choice but to do as he said.
Not used to failure, Xenon was not about to give up on his marriage. He still struggled with his feelings for his estranged wife, and still wanted to repair the damage that had caused her to leave him, but he didn't know how to accomplish that. Lexi, for her part, couldn't get past the trauma that had forced her to run from her husband, the pain of past mistakes, and the last look in his eyes before she disappeared from his life.
There was so much angst and drama in this story from the very beginning. There was also so much heartache and pain that it was almost tangible and definitely heartwrenching. To read about two people who struggled through so much suffering was not an easy read, and yet they found a HEA at the end that was just as heartwarming as it was gut-wrenching. I have to give it a five-star rating, simply because of the love these two were unwilling to let go.
May 28, 2018
Surprisingly poignant - this isn’t just a “macho Greek hero reclaims his wife” book. The stress between Lexi and Xenon was very real - their marriage broke down after a late-term miscarriage, when Lexi was struggling with her grief and Xenon was convinced that he had to “be strong” for her by not showing how much he was hurting - and a big part of their reconnection involves the fact that Xenon has to come to terms with his own sexism and realize that his expectations for Lexi (that she give up her life and any semblance of a career in order to be an “appropriate wife”) were stifling and inappropriate. (“‘I wanted to look after you,’ he said. ‘No. You wanted to keep me in a cage.’”) Lexi calls him on his bullshit and he basically realizes that in order to repair their marriage he has to get that on a deep level and grovel. So, like, essentially this is a Harlequin Greek billionaire romance about the perils of toxic masculinity.
Additional bonus points for the fact that the heroine remembers to tell the hero she’s not on the pill before they have sex and he pulls out a condom. Ditto There is kind of an obnoxious epilogue which runs down what happened to absolutely everybody, including characters we never actually met on-page, but other than that a really great read.
Additional bonus points for the fact that the heroine remembers to tell the hero she’s not on the pill before they have sex and he pulls out a condom. Ditto There is kind of an obnoxious epilogue which runs down what happened to absolutely everybody, including characters we never actually met on-page, but other than that a really great read.
June 6, 2021
A very beautiful story
This is the story about a 2nd chance at love. The h and H are married but have been separated for 2 years. The H won’t give her a divorce because he still loves her. She loves him but can’t have his children due to a medical condition. Her last miscarriage broke her emotionally so wants to divorce the H so he can find a suitable wife. They were able to find their way back to each other. Great epilogue
This is the story about a 2nd chance at love. The h and H are married but have been separated for 2 years. The H won’t give her a divorce because he still loves her. She loves him but can’t have his children due to a medical condition. Her last miscarriage broke her emotionally so wants to divorce the H so he can find a suitable wife. They were able to find their way back to each other. Great epilogue
March 22, 2021
The Greek's Marriage Bargain
Their marriage could not be saved after her last miscarriage. NIW two years later he wants her back. At least until his niece's christening. Their marriage had left both of them hurting for answers. This was a different story from others I have read. There was much trials that they needed to endure until their marriage was either fixed or concluded.
Their marriage could not be saved after her last miscarriage. NIW two years later he wants her back. At least until his niece's christening. Their marriage had left both of them hurting for answers. This was a different story from others I have read. There was much trials that they needed to endure until their marriage was either fixed or concluded.
June 13, 2018
Not my favourite it felt very over done.
Its defiantly an emotion jerker.
Its defiantly an emotion jerker.
June 18, 2019
Failed to make the case for them being in love. In lust, sure, but nothing more that would justify them getting/staying together in spite of their many foundational differences.
September 25, 2019
DNF. Lost interest. Very formulaic!
August 6, 2020
2/3 stars
November 3, 2020
Great story
Harlequin Presents are always a good read. I have been reading these books since I stole one from my mom at age 14 in 1982. This book was intense and enjoyable.
Harlequin Presents are always a good read. I have been reading these books since I stole one from my mom at age 14 in 1982. This book was intense and enjoyable.
April 8, 2023
Loved it.
I hated xenon at the beginning but in the end he redeemed himself
I hated xenon at the beginning but in the end he redeemed himself
September 17, 2024
El único que vale la pena es el protagonista masculino.
April 13, 2025
dnf
wallahi I tried but the writing was too confusing and the fmc was very annoying
wallahi I tried but the writing was too confusing and the fmc was very annoying
December 23, 2019
4,5*
A jobb fajta Harlequin-füzetek közül való, kellemes kikapcsolódást nyújtó történet, sok érzelemmel, mely komolyabb témát is érint. Tetszett, hogy Xenon képes volt harcolni a feleségéért; bár hogy miért pont 2 év után, de valószínű ennyi idő kellett neki, hogy feldolgozza a mindkettőjük számára fájdalmas múltat. Lexi önállóságra való törekvése is tetszett, hogy képes volt egyedül is folytatni az életét, még ha hiányzott is nagyon a férje.
Mindkét szereplő kedvelhető volt számomra; igaz, elég makacsul ragaszkodott mindenki a saját igazához, de erre is megvolt az okuk. Összességében egy kedves, aranyos történet a második esélyről, megfelelő kémiával, és szívszorító pillanatokkal. Ajánlom a műfaj kedvelőinek.
A jobb fajta Harlequin-füzetek közül való, kellemes kikapcsolódást nyújtó történet, sok érzelemmel, mely komolyabb témát is érint. Tetszett, hogy Xenon képes volt harcolni a feleségéért; bár hogy miért pont 2 év után, de valószínű ennyi idő kellett neki, hogy feldolgozza a mindkettőjük számára fájdalmas múltat. Lexi önállóságra való törekvése is tetszett, hogy képes volt egyedül is folytatni az életét, még ha hiányzott is nagyon a férje.
Mindkét szereplő kedvelhető volt számomra; igaz, elég makacsul ragaszkodott mindenki a saját igazához, de erre is megvolt az okuk. Összességében egy kedves, aranyos történet a második esélyről, megfelelő kémiával, és szívszorító pillanatokkal. Ajánlom a műfaj kedvelőinek.
December 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Both Xenon and Lexi were great characters and I really felt sympathetic for both of them as they began to deal with the reasons why their marriage broke down. I didn't like the blackmailing element to the story, but then I never like that. However, the rest of the story was well written so I could overlook that. The ending was suitably cheesy, but after the heaviness of some of the rest of the story, I thought that worked really well.
A really good read. 4 stars.
A really good read. 4 stars.
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