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Bajo el sol de Sicilia
Bajo el sol de Sicilia, su amante lo tienta como nadie.
Su relación es tórrida, el deseo indescriptible… Sólo que nunca se puede hablar de amor…
Pero Faith, su sorprendente e intrigante amante norteamericana, está poniendo a prueba su resolución. Él dice que jamás volverá a casarse, que sus principios no se lo permiten.
La única persona que puede domar al indomable Tino es Faith, la mujer que va a tener un hijo suyo…
Su relación es tórrida, el deseo indescriptible… Sólo que nunca se puede hablar de amor…
Pero Faith, su sorprendente e intrigante amante norteamericana, está poniendo a prueba su resolución. Él dice que jamás volverá a casarse, que sus principios no se lo permiten.
La única persona que puede domar al indomable Tino es Faith, la mujer que va a tener un hijo suyo…
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
76 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
611 books1,576 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 1, 2018
Set in Sicily, this is nice angst-fest about two wounded people who find each other in their attempt to regain a bit of control after life took everything unexpectedly.
The heroine lost more than the hero did. An orphan, she lost her husband and her unborn child when they were in a car crash. The heroine had her art and her resilience to see her through the arid years. The hero lost his wife to a sudden diabetic coma, but he still had the family vineyards, his parents and his son.
So guess which one is the commitment-phobe and afraid to face the future?
You got it. The hero.
Thankfully, the heroine breaks up with him so he can sit in the corner and think about what's he's done. The heroine continues to see his son in the art class she is teaching, and continues her friendship with the hero's mother.
I liked the heroine's wise comment that the promise the hero made to his wife after she died was a coping mechanism for his grief - not a deathbed promise. Hero finally realizes it and lets it go ready to embrace the heroine fully. That his family loved her, too is just what this heroine needed. And I do love a miracle baby.
The heroine lost more than the hero did. An orphan, she lost her husband and her unborn child when they were in a car crash. The heroine had her art and her resilience to see her through the arid years. The hero lost his wife to a sudden diabetic coma, but he still had the family vineyards, his parents and his son.
So guess which one is the commitment-phobe and afraid to face the future?
You got it. The hero.
Thankfully, the heroine breaks up with him so he can sit in the corner and think about what's he's done. The heroine continues to see his son in the art class she is teaching, and continues her friendship with the hero's mother.
I liked the heroine's wise comment that the promise the hero made to his wife after she died was a coping mechanism for his grief - not a deathbed promise. Hero finally realizes it and lets it go ready to embrace the heroine fully. That his family loved her, too is just what this heroine needed. And I do love a miracle baby.
February 25, 2019
Reread
I need something to simple and sweet since we had to out our poor, sweet Beau down on Friday. A reread of the romance between pretty, but thick as a plank, Tino (Valentino) and Faith was the ticket.
The books has no slut shaming, low angst, sizzling chemistry, a sweet heroine that doesn't just roll over despite the fact she is both in love and in lust with the hero, a hero that tries to be noble to the memory of his dead wife and disappoints his girl, his Sicilian mother and his cute son, a slap in the face to the sad old trope that Sicilian mothers only want hand-picked Sicilian DIL's, and the typical Lucy Monroe characters that jaw on about the status of their relationship. LM's characters LOVE to talk.
Crap. I just lost my whole review.
This is a re-read, and I've bumped this to four stars based on the actions of the characters.
Basic plot is American widow Faith and Valentino, a rich, alpha Sicilian have been having a steamy affair for about a year on the down low. Faith happens to be friends with Tino's mother and art teacher to his son, facts he is not aware of. When Faith is invited to dinner by mamacita and the son, she is excited as she thinks it's a move in more serious direction. The look of shock and horror when Tino sees her puts that to bed pretty quick. That and the fact he pretends not to know her hurt her considerably.
Later he admits that when his wife died, he made a solemn promise not to remarry, but if he were to remarry for his son's sake it would be to a nice Sicilian girl. These are not the words to make a lover happy, and Faith throws down an ultimatum. All or nothing. Valentino is a smart businessman and a hunk of burning Sicilian love. He also happens to be thick as a plank. What could be wrong with having a passionate affair that is going nowhere? Bottom line, Valentino is a GUY. He has the best of both worlds: incendiary passion when he wants it and time for his son separate. Why change?
Faith is incredibly hurt and it turns out incredibly pregnant. Once the H finds out, he does the practical thing and offers to marry her FOR THE BABY. Needless to say, our little h with a spine of steel is underwhelmed with the sheer lack of romance and ass-hattery of the hero.
Thank you Ms. Monroe for writing reasonable characters that are still fun to read. Faith is a strong woman who has survived one heartbreak after another, but still looks at life with optimism. The nice Sicilian mama is unique to Harley-land. She is nice. She likes Faith and does not expect her son to marry an Italian princess whose family dates back to Moses. And Valentino, oh Valentino, so pretty, so stupid. So in over his head. A nice 2' by 4' upside the head would do nicely for him although he is a sweetheart, but he's still such a guy.
I need something to simple and sweet since we had to out our poor, sweet Beau down on Friday. A reread of the romance between pretty, but thick as a plank, Tino (Valentino) and Faith was the ticket.
The books has no slut shaming, low angst, sizzling chemistry, a sweet heroine that doesn't just roll over despite the fact she is both in love and in lust with the hero, a hero that tries to be noble to the memory of his dead wife and disappoints his girl, his Sicilian mother and his cute son, a slap in the face to the sad old trope that Sicilian mothers only want hand-picked Sicilian DIL's, and the typical Lucy Monroe characters that jaw on about the status of their relationship. LM's characters LOVE to talk.
Crap. I just lost my whole review.
This is a re-read, and I've bumped this to four stars based on the actions of the characters.
Basic plot is American widow Faith and Valentino, a rich, alpha Sicilian have been having a steamy affair for about a year on the down low. Faith happens to be friends with Tino's mother and art teacher to his son, facts he is not aware of. When Faith is invited to dinner by mamacita and the son, she is excited as she thinks it's a move in more serious direction. The look of shock and horror when Tino sees her puts that to bed pretty quick. That and the fact he pretends not to know her hurt her considerably.
Later he admits that when his wife died, he made a solemn promise not to remarry, but if he were to remarry for his son's sake it would be to a nice Sicilian girl. These are not the words to make a lover happy, and Faith throws down an ultimatum. All or nothing. Valentino is a smart businessman and a hunk of burning Sicilian love. He also happens to be thick as a plank. What could be wrong with having a passionate affair that is going nowhere? Bottom line, Valentino is a GUY. He has the best of both worlds: incendiary passion when he wants it and time for his son separate. Why change?
Faith is incredibly hurt and it turns out incredibly pregnant. Once the H finds out, he does the practical thing and offers to marry her FOR THE BABY. Needless to say, our little h with a spine of steel is underwhelmed with the sheer lack of romance and ass-hattery of the hero.
Thank you Ms. Monroe for writing reasonable characters that are still fun to read. Faith is a strong woman who has survived one heartbreak after another, but still looks at life with optimism. The nice Sicilian mama is unique to Harley-land. She is nice. She likes Faith and does not expect her son to marry an Italian princess whose family dates back to Moses. And Valentino, oh Valentino, so pretty, so stupid. So in over his head. A nice 2' by 4' upside the head would do nicely for him although he is a sweetheart, but he's still such a guy.
January 14, 2021
Hmmm not so bad. Not bad at all.
All because of a h who’s sweet, giving and patient despite a very painful past. She deserved a more generous and indulgent H. But here she had to do most of the work and the giving too.
It’s the usual you-are-good-only-to-bed-but-not-to-wed theme. She’s an American expat artist living in Sicily and he’s the local wealthy vintner. They start a sex-only affair with no other contact outside of it. They meet conveniently at his apartment, spend a few hours together and then go their own way, never even spending a whole night together– as insisted on by the H. The H is a widower with a son and loved his first wife, and has vowed never to replace her in his heart. The h is friends with the H’s mother and his son but doesn’t mention it to him.
So when she finds out she’s pregnant (along with that she loves him) she tries to gently nudge him into a more, say, amenable thinking but he clearly rejects her and tells her that he’ll only ever marry for his son and that too only to a Sicilian. And to not rock the boat – the sex boat that is.
We have had innumerable hs in love who decide to not reveal a pregnancy because they don’t want a ‘trapped’ H offering marriage. But this h’s reasoning and thoughts explained it best imo.
“It had all crystallized when he said he wouldn’t marry her—at any cost. Once he knew about the baby, that attitude would change, but the underlying reasons for it wouldn’t.
It was one thing to marry someone knowing you loved them and they only liked you and found deep satisfaction in your body. But to marry someone you knew did not want to marry you and did in fact see something so wrong about you that they would marry someone else over you, that was something else entirely.”
I also liked the way the author expressed the h’s anguish and feelings of grief over her past, and her joy and fear about her pregnancy through her art and statues. Usually we are told that a character sketches or creates but exactly what – we are not told!
Okay, my major problem with the book isn’t the H’s asshattery because he was just being who he is – a selfish idiot - BUT the number of times the dead wife’s name is mentioned – 35 times! And if the h’s husband and their marriage could be sadly reduced to a passionless convenience to show the H as a better choice (and he did need that help), why is the dead wife dragged out page after page, thought after thought – and in the epilogue too?
Not liking the H much, I’m firmly camp Taylish (the dead husband) by default and demand more respect for him.
All because of a h who’s sweet, giving and patient despite a very painful past. She deserved a more generous and indulgent H. But here she had to do most of the work and the giving too.
It’s the usual you-are-good-only-to-bed-but-not-to-wed theme. She’s an American expat artist living in Sicily and he’s the local wealthy vintner. They start a sex-only affair with no other contact outside of it. They meet conveniently at his apartment, spend a few hours together and then go their own way, never even spending a whole night together– as insisted on by the H. The H is a widower with a son and loved his first wife, and has vowed never to replace her in his heart. The h is friends with the H’s mother and his son but doesn’t mention it to him.
So when she finds out she’s pregnant (along with that she loves him) she tries to gently nudge him into a more, say, amenable thinking but he clearly rejects her and tells her that he’ll only ever marry for his son and that too only to a Sicilian. And to not rock the boat – the sex boat that is.
We have had innumerable hs in love who decide to not reveal a pregnancy because they don’t want a ‘trapped’ H offering marriage. But this h’s reasoning and thoughts explained it best imo.
“It had all crystallized when he said he wouldn’t marry her—at any cost. Once he knew about the baby, that attitude would change, but the underlying reasons for it wouldn’t.
It was one thing to marry someone knowing you loved them and they only liked you and found deep satisfaction in your body. But to marry someone you knew did not want to marry you and did in fact see something so wrong about you that they would marry someone else over you, that was something else entirely.”
I also liked the way the author expressed the h’s anguish and feelings of grief over her past, and her joy and fear about her pregnancy through her art and statues. Usually we are told that a character sketches or creates but exactly what – we are not told!
Okay, my major problem with the book isn’t the H’s asshattery because he was just being who he is – a selfish idiot - BUT the number of times the dead wife’s name is mentioned – 35 times! And if the h’s husband and their marriage could be sadly reduced to a passionless convenience to show the H as a better choice (and he did need that help), why is the dead wife dragged out page after page, thought after thought – and in the epilogue too?
Not liking the H much, I’m firmly camp Taylish (the dead husband) by default and demand more respect for him.
February 1, 2024
Re-Read 1-31-2024. Just as angsty and heartbreaking as the first time! I love this story so much!
This story was SO good. It had all the heartbreaking angst I could want in a story with a Hero still in love with his dead wife, and a heroine who devastatingly realizes her Hero will never be able move on and love her back.
I loved all the characters and I loved all the feels this story elicited. Lucy Monroe has a gift at writing the most beautiful angst in stories, and this one is definitely going on my re-read shelf!
This story was SO good. It had all the heartbreaking angst I could want in a story with a Hero still in love with his dead wife, and a heroine who devastatingly realizes her Hero will never be able move on and love her back.
I loved all the characters and I loved all the feels this story elicited. Lucy Monroe has a gift at writing the most beautiful angst in stories, and this one is definitely going on my re-read shelf!
December 3, 2022
Reread December 2, 2022
This has one of the most satisfying endings and sweet epilogue I’ve found in HP, still 4 stars 😊
This pressed all of my emotional buttons.
I cried through the entire book, not a sobbing mess, but leaky tears for 180+ pages.
Lucy Monroe has moved up to an HP favorite. I love her dialogue and that even when they misunderstand one another, her characters are communicating.
This HEA made me happy, they deserved it.
This has one of the most satisfying endings and sweet epilogue I’ve found in HP, still 4 stars 😊
This pressed all of my emotional buttons.
I cried through the entire book, not a sobbing mess, but leaky tears for 180+ pages.
Lucy Monroe has moved up to an HP favorite. I love her dialogue and that even when they misunderstand one another, her characters are communicating.
This HEA made me happy, they deserved it.
August 25, 2021
This book had its high moments and low moments but I enjoyed it.
Especially the scene where hero knows about heroine’s pregnancy and how he behaves with her.
Safe and recommended.
Especially the scene where hero knows about heroine’s pregnancy and how he behaves with her.
Safe and recommended.
December 28, 2021
4 Stars
Widowed Main Characters
Surprise Baby
Second Chances
For a while there I thought the hero wouldn't be able to redeem himself in my eyes. But he did, thank goodness. I was also afraid the heroine would end up being second best, not the love of his life. But she was! The love of his life, that is. What a relief. Faith was at times frustrating to read because she was too weak when it came to Valentino (Tino). Practically begging him for more commitment which he rejected repeatedly, almost ruthlessly. He wanted to keep her strictly separate from his personal life. The jerk! But oh how the turns tabled LOL I loved watching him do a lot of begging and pleading. Take that, Tino! I still think Faith was too nice, but at least he groveled something good.
There were some emotional scenes in the book that nearly made me weep for Faith. I thought the art she created was beautiful. The way she expressed herself through her art—her pain, her fears, as well as her hopes and dreams—was incredibly poignant. It was powerful. Immensely well-written.
Note to Self: I would read this again in the future.
Widowed Main Characters
Surprise Baby
Second Chances
For a while there I thought the hero wouldn't be able to redeem himself in my eyes. But he did, thank goodness. I was also afraid the heroine would end up being second best, not the love of his life. But she was! The love of his life, that is. What a relief. Faith was at times frustrating to read because she was too weak when it came to Valentino (Tino). Practically begging him for more commitment which he rejected repeatedly, almost ruthlessly. He wanted to keep her strictly separate from his personal life. The jerk! But oh how the turns tabled LOL I loved watching him do a lot of begging and pleading. Take that, Tino! I still think Faith was too nice, but at least he groveled something good.
There were some emotional scenes in the book that nearly made me weep for Faith. I thought the art she created was beautiful. The way she expressed herself through her art—her pain, her fears, as well as her hopes and dreams—was incredibly poignant. It was powerful. Immensely well-written.
Note to Self: I would read this again in the future.
November 17, 2021
Solid, emotional story of Faith and Valentino. Both have major baggage, hers is bigger, and no surprise, she has the better outlook on life... but he gets there eventually. These two have had a sex only relationship for about a year. They both have affection, but Valentino is not open to allowing another woman into his heart… at least not until she dumps him.
This one’s low on drama (no OW/OM, evil family, etc.) but it does tackle heavy subjects, and makes up for it in feels. I can’t say I was moved to tears, but it did keep me invested into these two.
Bottom Line- Solid read with some feels.
This one’s low on drama (no OW/OM, evil family, etc.) but it does tackle heavy subjects, and makes up for it in feels. I can’t say I was moved to tears, but it did keep me invested into these two.
Bottom Line- Solid read with some feels.
December 4, 2013
Once again, I'm just not sure why Lucy Monroe's Harlequin romances affect me so much...but they do. "Valentino's Love-Child" (and yes I'm shuddering even as I write that) made me laugh and cry and sometimes that's just exactly what I want and exactly what Monroe can deliver for me.
Faith's past has taught her not to hope for a family of her own. Instead, she's learned to be content with her life in Sicily, her art, and her work with children. Her sizzling affair with Valentino was unexpected and she certainly never dreamed it would last almost a year! Over that year though, her feelings have grown and she knows that soon she'll have to back away to save her heart. But then--a miracle. She's pregnant with a child she never dreamed she could carry. Maybe she's greedy, but she can't help but dream of another miracle--a life with Tino.
Valentino made a promise at his young wife's grave. He would never allow another to take her place in his heart. So he's kept his affairs and mistresses separate from his family life with his young son. But he's having difficulty keeping thoughts of his latest lover, Faith, from intruding into his 'other' life. He's infatuated with her but still determined to remain heart whole. Until Faith begins acting strange...and dares to terminate their affair!
Yes, the plot is one I've read many times. Yes, I know what the ending will be. But it just doesn't seem to matter. For the time I'm reading Lucy Monroe's story, I'm totally immersed in it. The characters become real to me and their joy and pain is almost visceral. As an added bonus, the sex is hot and the stories are relatively short. She's an author whose books I'll reread when I need a good emotional jolt. If that sounds good to you, try her latest and let me know what you think. (Since I refuse to type that title again!)
Faith's past has taught her not to hope for a family of her own. Instead, she's learned to be content with her life in Sicily, her art, and her work with children. Her sizzling affair with Valentino was unexpected and she certainly never dreamed it would last almost a year! Over that year though, her feelings have grown and she knows that soon she'll have to back away to save her heart. But then--a miracle. She's pregnant with a child she never dreamed she could carry. Maybe she's greedy, but she can't help but dream of another miracle--a life with Tino.
Valentino made a promise at his young wife's grave. He would never allow another to take her place in his heart. So he's kept his affairs and mistresses separate from his family life with his young son. But he's having difficulty keeping thoughts of his latest lover, Faith, from intruding into his 'other' life. He's infatuated with her but still determined to remain heart whole. Until Faith begins acting strange...and dares to terminate their affair!
Yes, the plot is one I've read many times. Yes, I know what the ending will be. But it just doesn't seem to matter. For the time I'm reading Lucy Monroe's story, I'm totally immersed in it. The characters become real to me and their joy and pain is almost visceral. As an added bonus, the sex is hot and the stories are relatively short. She's an author whose books I'll reread when I need a good emotional jolt. If that sounds good to you, try her latest and let me know what you think. (Since I refuse to type that title again!)
May 23, 2011
Argh. Lucy Monroe used to be my favorite category writer, and I can't seem to stop trying, hoping for the awesome gut-twists she used to deliver. But once again, I get the endless meandering conversation, in which all emotion is dissipated in bickering or analysis. I'm reminded of the old "Love is Hell" cartoon:
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Do you know the meaning of the word love?"
"What?"
"Oh let's not fight, I love you."
Except this couple wouldn't agree long enough to get to the first two sentences. Here is the actual declaration of love:
"I love you. You fill my heart. You are my heart."
"You don't. You can't. You said."
"Many things I wished were true, but the only real truth is my love for you.
"But you aren't happy about it."
"I have never before broken a promise. I could not save Maura and now I cannot keep my last promise to her.
"She made you promise never to love again?" That didn't sound like the woman Agata had told Faith about.
Is it too much to hope for a little consistent reaction from Faith before she gets all distracted by wondering about Tino's first wife and what she was like? The entire book is like that; all her books are like that. I guess it works for most people, since Monroe is still extremely popular.
As far as the plot: dead wife and ludicrously adorable little boy for him, dead husband and miscarriage for her, promises to dead spouses, unexpected pregnancy, yadda yadda yadda. An extra star just because her feelings about the pregnancy touched me. (When they're not talking, they actually do get to have feelings, woo hoo.)
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Do you know the meaning of the word love?"
"What?"
"Oh let's not fight, I love you."
Except this couple wouldn't agree long enough to get to the first two sentences. Here is the actual declaration of love:
"I love you. You fill my heart. You are my heart."
"You don't. You can't. You said."
"Many things I wished were true, but the only real truth is my love for you.
"But you aren't happy about it."
"I have never before broken a promise. I could not save Maura and now I cannot keep my last promise to her.
"She made you promise never to love again?" That didn't sound like the woman Agata had told Faith about.
Is it too much to hope for a little consistent reaction from Faith before she gets all distracted by wondering about Tino's first wife and what she was like? The entire book is like that; all her books are like that. I guess it works for most people, since Monroe is still extremely popular.
As far as the plot: dead wife and ludicrously adorable little boy for him, dead husband and miscarriage for her, promises to dead spouses, unexpected pregnancy, yadda yadda yadda. An extra star just because her feelings about the pregnancy touched me. (When they're not talking, they actually do get to have feelings, woo hoo.)
September 6, 2013
I liked this story. The hero was not nice to the heroine but mainly hurt her (with words) as a knee jerk reaction to keep himself from hurting. It dealt with long term grief. Both of them were widowed but while the heroine had forced herself to move on the hero had not. When he began to fall in love with the heroin, the hero could not handle what he considered betrayal of his first wife.
Believable emotions and story line.
Believable emotions and story line.
February 17, 2018
this was soooo goooood!!!
let me tell ya with this title is really a surprise..its such a stupid title this book deserves a better title.
with that out of the way what can i tell you that had not been said...this book just moves you.. you can feel the grief, the sadness.. its angst but in an emotional way. In another books you read all the right words but you just don't feel it here is at reverse its not dramatic but you just feel it.
I loved the h, she was way to kind to H. About him i'll just say this MEN ARE STUPID the silver line is that he redeemed himself at the end. I'am glad that for once h has valid reasons for not telling him about the pregnancy. I wish there were more books like this, i'm tired of the flimsy stuff "i thought that you cheated on me, that you don't want the child, etc. and don't check the facts or dont open your mouth to discuss the issue and assume that the other person thinks/wants.
let me tell ya with this title is really a surprise..its such a stupid title this book deserves a better title.
with that out of the way what can i tell you that had not been said...this book just moves you.. you can feel the grief, the sadness.. its angst but in an emotional way. In another books you read all the right words but you just don't feel it here is at reverse its not dramatic but you just feel it.
I loved the h, she was way to kind to H. About him i'll just say this MEN ARE STUPID the silver line is that he redeemed himself at the end. I'am glad that for once h has valid reasons for not telling him about the pregnancy. I wish there were more books like this, i'm tired of the flimsy stuff "i thought that you cheated on me, that you don't want the child, etc. and don't check the facts or dont open your mouth to discuss the issue and assume that the other person thinks/wants.
January 2, 2018
His declaration of love came “too little too late” for me.
Also I don’t appreciate being reminded the hero is a selfish bastard who cares about no one, not his lover, or her feelings but also not his precious son and mother and I don’t want to be reminded he’d only marry a sicilian after seducing the heroine again.
He had a classic dog in the manger attitude and only really wanted the heroine when she without doubt dumped him.
He really wanted the baby, may be he loved her, but without the baby the marriage wouldn’t have happened. He’d keep on using the heroine until she was too mentally damaged.
He also only wanted her love when he realised he might be competing with a dead man, whereas he had NO issues hiding behind his dead wife where the heroine was concerned.
I do NOT enjoy double standards. You may have them, but when you realise it, you need to be humble not overly arrogant because your precious ego is hurt. Specially when you have done more severe damage to begin with.
Heroine was his dirty little secret and he expected her to keep being so, there was no coming back.
Also I don’t appreciate being reminded the hero is a selfish bastard who cares about no one, not his lover, or her feelings but also not his precious son and mother and I don’t want to be reminded he’d only marry a sicilian after seducing the heroine again.
He had a classic dog in the manger attitude and only really wanted the heroine when she without doubt dumped him.
He really wanted the baby, may be he loved her, but without the baby the marriage wouldn’t have happened. He’d keep on using the heroine until she was too mentally damaged.
He also only wanted her love when he realised he might be competing with a dead man, whereas he had NO issues hiding behind his dead wife where the heroine was concerned.
I do NOT enjoy double standards. You may have them, but when you realise it, you need to be humble not overly arrogant because your precious ego is hurt. Specially when you have done more severe damage to begin with.
Heroine was his dirty little secret and he expected her to keep being so, there was no coming back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
Valentino the man with blinders and Faith the woman with no faith in love.
They have been having a secret affair for almost a year when Faith realizes she is pregnant. She knows much more about Tino than he knows about her. Faith is his son's art teacher and she also knows his mother through her own art work.
Tino knows so little about Faith that he doesn't even know that she too is a widow. He has been that scrupulous about keeping to the present only, when they are together.
He doesn't see her as an appropriate option for a wife because she isn't Sicilian. And so he is zealous about keeping his sexual life and his family life separate. That's why it's his own fault it comes as a surprise that Faith has been friends with his mother and son since before she even met Tino.
He acts like she is a mere acquaintance when he unexpectedly runs into his mother and Faith together. Faith is hurt and even though it seemed he would have eventually come to see that she meant much more to him, he is put to the test too soon.
Faith knows she is pregnant and doesn't want to force him into marriage if she were to tell him (yes that tired old chestnut). So she tests the waters to predict how he would welcome the news. He fails spectacularly (because he is only thinking of himself).
So she leaves him...
The rest of the book is him trying to wrap his head around being in love with her and trying to get her to see he understands what an ass he was. She tosses his words in his face a few times. It was delicious. I can't say he's the best H, because he was pretty short sighted. But I was convinced of his devotion by the end. He was just too self absorbed to see the forest for the trees.
Safety is good
They have been having a secret affair for almost a year when Faith realizes she is pregnant. She knows much more about Tino than he knows about her. Faith is his son's art teacher and she also knows his mother through her own art work.
Tino knows so little about Faith that he doesn't even know that she too is a widow. He has been that scrupulous about keeping to the present only, when they are together.
He doesn't see her as an appropriate option for a wife because she isn't Sicilian. And so he is zealous about keeping his sexual life and his family life separate. That's why it's his own fault it comes as a surprise that Faith has been friends with his mother and son since before she even met Tino.
He acts like she is a mere acquaintance when he unexpectedly runs into his mother and Faith together. Faith is hurt and even though it seemed he would have eventually come to see that she meant much more to him, he is put to the test too soon.
Faith knows she is pregnant and doesn't want to force him into marriage if she were to tell him (yes that tired old chestnut). So she tests the waters to predict how he would welcome the news. He fails spectacularly (because he is only thinking of himself).
So she leaves him...
The rest of the book is him trying to wrap his head around being in love with her and trying to get her to see he understands what an ass he was. She tosses his words in his face a few times. It was delicious. I can't say he's the best H, because he was pretty short sighted. But I was convinced of his devotion by the end. He was just too self absorbed to see the forest for the trees.
Safety is good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2011
Love this book.
Faith was an orphan, everyone she ever loved was taken away from her. She married a fellow orphan and wound up having a terrible time getting and staying pregnant. She finally managed one only for a car accident to take away her husband and unborn baby.
Tino married young and loved his wife, together they had a son. One day his wife was feeling under the weather and Tino thought she was pregnant again. When he returned from work he found that she'd actually had a diabetic attack and died. He promised he'd never love another woman again.
These two find each other and start up an affair. Neither Faith nor Tino have any desire to make things permanent but there is an understanding for faithfulness.
So Faith finds that she's ready to go forward in her life and hopes that Tino will too, but he just doesn't want to. She's more entwined in his life then he realizes. His mother is a good friend of hers and she teaches art to his son in school.
A lot of heartache in this book because we have Faith who feels like maybe she's not supposed to have a family but has reached a point where she can accept the past and try to move forward. And Tino who hasn't been able to accept the past and is still trying to protect his heart.
Faith was really strong and she had some of the best lines ever. Tino managed to be a real jerk which made for some good angst.
This book managed to cover all my favorite tropes.
Faith was an orphan, everyone she ever loved was taken away from her. She married a fellow orphan and wound up having a terrible time getting and staying pregnant. She finally managed one only for a car accident to take away her husband and unborn baby.
Tino married young and loved his wife, together they had a son. One day his wife was feeling under the weather and Tino thought she was pregnant again. When he returned from work he found that she'd actually had a diabetic attack and died. He promised he'd never love another woman again.
These two find each other and start up an affair. Neither Faith nor Tino have any desire to make things permanent but there is an understanding for faithfulness.
So Faith finds that she's ready to go forward in her life and hopes that Tino will too, but he just doesn't want to. She's more entwined in his life then he realizes. His mother is a good friend of hers and she teaches art to his son in school.
A lot of heartache in this book because we have Faith who feels like maybe she's not supposed to have a family but has reached a point where she can accept the past and try to move forward. And Tino who hasn't been able to accept the past and is still trying to protect his heart.
Faith was really strong and she had some of the best lines ever. Tino managed to be a real jerk which made for some good angst.
This book managed to cover all my favorite tropes.
June 1, 2021
What have I just read. The book was boring. The heroine and the hero have an affair, hero wants to marry a proper woman and he thinks the heroine is not (why???) He made a promise to his dead wife (meaning he made the promise when she was already dead, ahahahahahah! Most stupid man ever!) to marry not for love but only for his child. No chemistry, no passion, where is the love.
What a boring mess.
What a boring mess.
September 10, 2016
A passionate emotional read about a man afraid to love again because of his promise to his dead wife and a woman who tragically lost her husband and baby. Hero and heroine become lovers and that's all they want to be but an unexpected pregnancy changes their plans and forces them to examine their feelings.
January 7, 2018
I wanted to brain Valentino. Makes for a good angsty read though if you wanna get pissed off while reading a romance.
July 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job with dredging up angsty feelings. Dead wife is one of my favorite tropes. I loved how the heroine held her own and didn’t back down to the H. I liked how he worked for it at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2015
This story really touched my heart. This was not just another book where the heroine got pregnant. Both Tino, and Faith shared a hot and passionate relationship. Tino had no idea until later on in the story that Faith was his son's art teacher. Giosue stole my heart, he was just so cute. He played his hand in match making. He invited over his teacher for dinner to meet his father. His mother had died when he was a little boy. He wanted his father to marry again so he could have a mom. Faith was also close friends with Tino's mother. The two would have coffee together often. Tino knew his son had invited over his teacher. When he opened the door, he was shocked to see his lover standing on the porch. He was more shocked to find out she also knew his mother.
faith had lost her husband when he died in a car wreck. she also lost the baby she was pregnant with. Everyone she had ever loved, had died. She let her emotions shine through the art she made. She was a very talented artist, and well known. Even tho she may never be able to have a child of her own, she loved teaching art to the small kids. She loved all the kids, and they loved her back. Faith had worked through her grief, and was a happy person. It touched me, that she was able to help Tino through the grief of losing his first wife. I loved this story. It held so many emotions. This book will go onto my list of favorite books, and will be read again late on.
faith had lost her husband when he died in a car wreck. she also lost the baby she was pregnant with. Everyone she had ever loved, had died. She let her emotions shine through the art she made. She was a very talented artist, and well known. Even tho she may never be able to have a child of her own, she loved teaching art to the small kids. She loved all the kids, and they loved her back. Faith had worked through her grief, and was a happy person. It touched me, that she was able to help Tino through the grief of losing his first wife. I loved this story. It held so many emotions. This book will go onto my list of favorite books, and will be read again late on.
August 2, 2022
3.5 to 4 stars on this one(the lack of intense angst has me waffling a little bit)
Lots of great reviews for this one that cover plot etc..(Stmargarets, Vintage, Preeti, Lydias Romance, Nikki etc…)
LM’s job is to convince us that neither the h or H will be 2nd best as they were married previously to people that they loved. Now the h’s ability to move on was much more evident than the H’s. I wasn’t so sure LM was going to pull it off with the H, but thank goodness she was able to in the end. It seems the h and H in this story are each other’s sexual 10, whereas their previous spouses were more first loves; satisfactory and comfortable. Hopefully the h’s husband and the H’s wife found each other equally exciting in the afterlife, so there won’t be any awkwardness when the h and H join them someday.
Quickly: (likes and/or notables)
*Hero and heroine are both widowed. He is 30 and she is probably late 20’s
*Heroine dumps the H when it is apparent he is not going to move on past his wife. He told his brain with a vow that it was never allowed to love another(his heart had other ideas).
*The H has a son. The h lost her “hard to get pregnant with” unborn son in the crash that took her husband’s life. Future motherhood was possible but not probable.
*The H has a great family. His mom was friends with the h first. They are not snobby or bent on true Sicilian blood lines.
*The h has no family. They are all dead. However, she goes on with life and tries to make as much lemonade as she can with those lemons she has been handed
*Both agreed to the sex without ties in the beginning, but h quickly got over that silly agreement.
*Super hot sex scene in the book that goes on for pages. The H knows how to please the h.
*The h is a successful artist(sculptor). She also teaches art 1 day a week at a school that the H’s 8 year old son attends. She loves his son.
*The H is miserable without the h, and he works to get her back(even the mom noted that he was acting worse than when his wife died)
*The h spends a lot of the story feeling that she will always be 2nd best. The H finally gets to feel that for a couple of pages in the last chapter. (It’s only fair!!!!)
*The h explaining that deathbed/after death promises should be disregarded.
.“Promises made to dead people don’t count. They’re a way of dealing with our own grief, but when they cause more sadness than consolation, you have to let them go.”.
Finally, “my yes, but does he love her more moment?”
“Maura was the love of my youth, you are the love of my life. It hurt when she died. I grieved a long time, but if I lost you, it would kill me.”.
Phew!
This ended up being a lovely story. It has heart, passion, and secondary characters that are supportive.
Lots of great reviews for this one that cover plot etc..(Stmargarets, Vintage, Preeti, Lydias Romance, Nikki etc…)
LM’s job is to convince us that neither the h or H will be 2nd best as they were married previously to people that they loved. Now the h’s ability to move on was much more evident than the H’s. I wasn’t so sure LM was going to pull it off with the H, but thank goodness she was able to in the end. It seems the h and H in this story are each other’s sexual 10, whereas their previous spouses were more first loves; satisfactory and comfortable. Hopefully the h’s husband and the H’s wife found each other equally exciting in the afterlife, so there won’t be any awkwardness when the h and H join them someday.
Quickly: (likes and/or notables)
*Hero and heroine are both widowed. He is 30 and she is probably late 20’s
*Heroine dumps the H when it is apparent he is not going to move on past his wife. He told his brain with a vow that it was never allowed to love another(his heart had other ideas).
*The H has a son. The h lost her “hard to get pregnant with” unborn son in the crash that took her husband’s life. Future motherhood was possible but not probable.
*The H has a great family. His mom was friends with the h first. They are not snobby or bent on true Sicilian blood lines.
*The h has no family. They are all dead. However, she goes on with life and tries to make as much lemonade as she can with those lemons she has been handed
*Both agreed to the sex without ties in the beginning, but h quickly got over that silly agreement.
*Super hot sex scene in the book that goes on for pages. The H knows how to please the h.
*The h is a successful artist(sculptor). She also teaches art 1 day a week at a school that the H’s 8 year old son attends. She loves his son.
*The H is miserable without the h, and he works to get her back(even the mom noted that he was acting worse than when his wife died)
*The h spends a lot of the story feeling that she will always be 2nd best. The H finally gets to feel that for a couple of pages in the last chapter. (It’s only fair!!!!)
*The h explaining that deathbed/after death promises should be disregarded.
.“Promises made to dead people don’t count. They’re a way of dealing with our own grief, but when they cause more sadness than consolation, you have to let them go.”.
Finally, “my yes, but does he love her more moment?”
“Maura was the love of my youth, you are the love of my life. It hurt when she died. I grieved a long time, but if I lost you, it would kill me.”.
Phew!
This ended up being a lovely story. It has heart, passion, and secondary characters that are supportive.
October 22, 2017
One of my recent favorites. Faith and Valentino have been lovers for almost a year. At the start of the "relationship", Valentino laid down some rules such as each one's private life was to be kept separate from their "together" one. Under no circumstances will he introduce Faith to his family publicly.
What he doesn't know is that she is carrying his child (not a spoiler since it's in the blurb). As you read deeper, you learn more & more about each one's tragedy that impacts how they deal with one another. I could have hit Tino upside the head for not knowing very much about Faith outside of the bedroom!
What he doesn't know is that she is carrying his child (not a spoiler since it's in the blurb). As you read deeper, you learn more & more about each one's tragedy that impacts how they deal with one another. I could have hit Tino upside the head for not knowing very much about Faith outside of the bedroom!
March 15, 2011
Just finished this book thanx a ton Seton,saw it on your update list and managed to get the book n finished it
Must say Lucy Monroe once again has managed to touch my heart with this book,Tino-Faith awesome couple
Faith absolutely adored her,liked the fact she was shown to be strong n always stood for herself unike some other Harlequin books where heroins are absolute doormatt
Tino must say he is good man but torn between his promise to dead wife n his passion for Faith,he is adorable father,good son
Recommend it
Must say Lucy Monroe once again has managed to touch my heart with this book,Tino-Faith awesome couple
Faith absolutely adored her,liked the fact she was shown to be strong n always stood for herself unike some other Harlequin books where heroins are absolute doormatt
Tino must say he is good man but torn between his promise to dead wife n his passion for Faith,he is adorable father,good son
Recommend it
August 18, 2012
Experiencing loss after devastating loss the heroine thought she'd always be alone because everyone she loves dies. When she meets the hero and has an affair with him she doesn't expect to fall in love with him but more importantly after the loss of her unborn child and the loss of her son, she never expects to get pregnant again. When the hero discovers she is pregnant, things begin to change DRASTICALLY!
March 2, 2019
For me this was not romance! All he was thinking about was sex , didn't like it 😐
Read
November 5, 2021Reread. Lucy Monroe is great with angst! I love these short reads with all the feels and OTT drama.
April 15, 2015
3.5 Stars! Another great Harlequin romance by Lucy Monroe with tragedy, second chances, love, and so much more.
Summary:
Valentino Grisafi has experienced tragedy. Losing his wife too soon was an event he wishes never to repeat, but he is also blessed. He has a loving family and the very physical definition of his love with his late wife in his son, Gio. He also has a woman in his bed. A woman that gives him passion and satisfies him like no other. His mistress, Faith Williams. Although Faith does not acknowledge herself as his mistress, that is what she is to Tino. What they have is sexual, and he can't give her more. Faith has also known tragedy. A great deal more than Tino, but she has made it through and with a cheerful attitude to boot. She loves Tino, but realizes he has some issues to work out before he could possibly allow her into his life in a bigger capacity. She is already dear friends with his mother (an action that occurred before her relationship with Tino), and a teacher to his son. Valentino, however, is far from pleased when he finds out Faith's role in his private life and reacts badly. He made a promise he must keep, and Faith is too close to causing him to break it. Something he finds abominable. He decides to take a step back and return their interaction to those of a more sexual nature. Unfortunately for him, Faith's circumstances have changed and she can no longer accept only part of Tino. She needs more. But is Tino willing to give it? Working through grief and the past is never easy, but both Tino and Faith must if they wish to find their way to a happy future.
I really liked Faith. She was sassy and smart. Her passion for children and art was infectious and clearly felt through the words in the book. I loved that because it helped me connect with her so easily. Tino was a great hero. His words and actions definitely made me want to hit him, but I understand his thought processes and feelings of betrayal. His love for family helped, too. I love a good romance where the hero must convince the heroine. The lengths they go to are sweet. Another great read. <3
Summary:
Valentino Grisafi has experienced tragedy. Losing his wife too soon was an event he wishes never to repeat, but he is also blessed. He has a loving family and the very physical definition of his love with his late wife in his son, Gio. He also has a woman in his bed. A woman that gives him passion and satisfies him like no other. His mistress, Faith Williams. Although Faith does not acknowledge herself as his mistress, that is what she is to Tino. What they have is sexual, and he can't give her more. Faith has also known tragedy. A great deal more than Tino, but she has made it through and with a cheerful attitude to boot. She loves Tino, but realizes he has some issues to work out before he could possibly allow her into his life in a bigger capacity. She is already dear friends with his mother (an action that occurred before her relationship with Tino), and a teacher to his son. Valentino, however, is far from pleased when he finds out Faith's role in his private life and reacts badly. He made a promise he must keep, and Faith is too close to causing him to break it. Something he finds abominable. He decides to take a step back and return their interaction to those of a more sexual nature. Unfortunately for him, Faith's circumstances have changed and she can no longer accept only part of Tino. She needs more. But is Tino willing to give it? Working through grief and the past is never easy, but both Tino and Faith must if they wish to find their way to a happy future.
I really liked Faith. She was sassy and smart. Her passion for children and art was infectious and clearly felt through the words in the book. I loved that because it helped me connect with her so easily. Tino was a great hero. His words and actions definitely made me want to hit him, but I understand his thought processes and feelings of betrayal. His love for family helped, too. I love a good romance where the hero must convince the heroine. The lengths they go to are sweet. Another great read. <3
June 27, 2015
This one was fairly average for me. I liked both of the characters - Valentino is at least a decent guy. When he treats the heroine like crap it's because he's trying to keep a promise to his dead wife and/or because he just doesn't realize he's hurting her. She's a bit sensitive and blames things overly on her pregnancy hormones, and she comes with her own suitcase of emotional baggage. There's also a cute kid (Valentino's son) and a pair of involved, traditional parents (also the hero's).
Basically these two have been lovers for a year, but he hardly knows anything about her and she knows everything about him through his family (that he doesn't know she knows). Both of them are starting to get feelings that maybe they want more, but he is terrified he's going to betray his dead wife by falling in love with her and she realizes she's pregnant. She's had miscarriages in her previous marriage, so she chooses not to tell him until she's certain there won't be a miscarriage because she knows he's going to start pushing for marriage for the baby's sake, which she would rather avoid if possible. Can't blame the girl, but she wants to marry for love, not the baby. I also have to respect the hell out of the heroine for standing up for what she wants and not being the type to overlook everything for a bit of sex when she's dead certain on it. But I did get a bit frustrated that she kept bringing up the same arguments even after he'd explained them away, so then he'd have to explain them away again.
There was an annoying scene in there when Valentino knows she's pregnant, but she doesn't know he knows. So he's talking around it and making suggestions and coddling her because of it and she's really confused and not catching on to the fact that he knows. It went on a bit long for me. Like I said though, pretty average book. There were things I liked and things I didn't.
Basically these two have been lovers for a year, but he hardly knows anything about her and she knows everything about him through his family (that he doesn't know she knows). Both of them are starting to get feelings that maybe they want more, but he is terrified he's going to betray his dead wife by falling in love with her and she realizes she's pregnant. She's had miscarriages in her previous marriage, so she chooses not to tell him until she's certain there won't be a miscarriage because she knows he's going to start pushing for marriage for the baby's sake, which she would rather avoid if possible. Can't blame the girl, but she wants to marry for love, not the baby. I also have to respect the hell out of the heroine for standing up for what she wants and not being the type to overlook everything for a bit of sex when she's dead certain on it. But I did get a bit frustrated that she kept bringing up the same arguments even after he'd explained them away, so then he'd have to explain them away again.
There was an annoying scene in there when Valentino knows she's pregnant, but she doesn't know he knows. So he's talking around it and making suggestions and coddling her because of it and she's really confused and not catching on to the fact that he knows. It went on a bit long for me. Like I said though, pretty average book. There were things I liked and things I didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
Ms. Lucy Monroe does it again. I don't why her books affect me so much - but they do. I always enjoyed reading her works. Sometimes, the storyline was a bit too predictable, but Ms. Monroe still managed to make it interesting and engaging, which made me really enjoy the book.
When Tino, a Sicilian, and Faith, an American, began their so-called affair, they both agreed it would be physical only. They would never talk about their past, and they will only focus on now. But after almost a year of sneaking around together, Tino just learned that she's his son's teacher and his mother's favorite artist. And when Faith learned that Tino would never remarry or if he ever remarries, he would choose a suitable Sicilian woman, not an American. It hurt and saddened her because she was now pregnant with Tino's child. She loves Tino and wants to be a mother to Gio, his son. But she knows Tino could never love her. So she walks away from the relationship...
I loved both Tino and Faith. They were such wonderful character. They were far from perfect. They both have baggage; they had been through a horrible ordeal and kept secrets from each other. But they were perfect for each other. I loved how adorable, strong, and won't settle for less, not just for her sake but also for the sake of her unborn child. I also adored Tino, and I understand where he's coming from; he won't want to acknowledge his growing feelings for Faith because of the promise he made with his dead wife. But as usual, the best-laid plans have a way of getting screwed up, especially when love creeps up on you. Not to mention, his son and family were also besotted with her and were eager to match-make them.
Overall, Valentino's Love-Child was such a good book. If you're looking for a book that will give you a good emotional jolt, this one's definitely for you.
Happy reading!
When Tino, a Sicilian, and Faith, an American, began their so-called affair, they both agreed it would be physical only. They would never talk about their past, and they will only focus on now. But after almost a year of sneaking around together, Tino just learned that she's his son's teacher and his mother's favorite artist. And when Faith learned that Tino would never remarry or if he ever remarries, he would choose a suitable Sicilian woman, not an American. It hurt and saddened her because she was now pregnant with Tino's child. She loves Tino and wants to be a mother to Gio, his son. But she knows Tino could never love her. So she walks away from the relationship...
I loved both Tino and Faith. They were such wonderful character. They were far from perfect. They both have baggage; they had been through a horrible ordeal and kept secrets from each other. But they were perfect for each other. I loved how adorable, strong, and won't settle for less, not just for her sake but also for the sake of her unborn child. I also adored Tino, and I understand where he's coming from; he won't want to acknowledge his growing feelings for Faith because of the promise he made with his dead wife. But as usual, the best-laid plans have a way of getting screwed up, especially when love creeps up on you. Not to mention, his son and family were also besotted with her and were eager to match-make them.
Overall, Valentino's Love-Child was such a good book. If you're looking for a book that will give you a good emotional jolt, this one's definitely for you.
Happy reading!
March 25, 2014
valentino was the typical commitment phobic hero. he did not want 2 4get his dead wife. dat was a sorry excuse 4 the mean things he said 2 the heroine like she was using his son 2 infiltrate his life; or a sicilian wife wud be more convenient, his son deserved atleast dat. he even told her it was not even a love affair bet them. faith hurt n was pained but she took it all. i mean she did not leave him! at faith: where's ur pride!? add 2 dat, i found the book rather monotone n boring. i did not feel the chemistry bet these 2 nor was i captivated by the plot/characters.
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