The Sicilian's Marriage Arrangement by Lucy Monroe ... QC #142

4 ½ Stars! ~~~ These are great characters and they are so wonderfully matched. I hope these two get revisited in another of Lucy’s books!

The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement by Lucy Monroe

Harlequin Presents #2604 ~ February 2007

Ruthless theme

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Since she was five, the only family Hope Bishop had was a grandfather who cared more for his business than his granddaughter. Growing up without affection, Hope is vulnerable when the man she’s had a crush on for the past five years, suddenly kisses her on New Year’s Eve. Luciano diVilario has always been curious about Hope, the shy and innocent granddaughter of his business associate. The kiss at midnight had only been meant as a token so that Hope would not be the only woman standing alone but the sweetness of her had made an instant impact and the kiss had turned passionate. Seeing that passion, Hope’s grandfather does the unthinkable; he wants to give Luciano to Hope and the only way to do that is to blackmail the younger tycoon into marrying her. The Sicilian is not ready to settle down but cannot risk the threat the old man has made to force the sale of the shipping company Luciano’s grandfather had started. Though shy, Hope’s determination to make her own choices proves to Luciano that she has no knowledge of the blackmail and he knows with their passion he can make a marriage work. Until he over hears part of a telephone conversation between his wife and her grandfather, and now believes she not only knew about the blackmail but had been a party to it. With his pride hurting, Luciano seeks revenge.

Blackmail is such a tough concept for me in a romance. How does one get over the betrayals and the ruthlessness of it? Well, if you read this book you’ll know in a heartbeat. Luciano has no objection to his bride; he’s happy in the marriage though he doesn’t realize that part of the happiness is that he loves her. His pride is what does him in. Hope is surprising. She’s the shy and innocent young woman that has been the object of pity and ridicule by her grandfather’s social peers, and yet with Luciano she shows that she’s not easily manipulated nor is she a doormat. She brilliantly stands up to him and puts him in his place. And when she learns all the facts, she sets aside her hurt to understand what the facts mean. That doesn’t mean she lets Luciano or her grandfather off the hook. These are great characters and they are so wonderfully matched. I hope these two get revisited in another of Lucy’s books.

Excellence: Great! ~ Steaminess: Yummy

My Totals = 54 ~ Harlequin Imprint = 54 ~ Other Publisher = 0

April Mini-Challenge ~~ “It’s Raining Men” ~ #9

• Luciano diVilario – shipping tycoon, very tall, dark Sicilian, chocolate eyes … Hope accuses him of being to large for her until he proves that she’s just perfect for him … Hope is very petite, and the cover doesn’t represent their size differences …. Luciano’s a good man a heart, pride and all … I think I’d take him ….. as far as casting, once again I’ll have to familiarize myself with some Italian actors … the American Italian ones I know just don’t seem to have the right charisma

~~ KatherineT ~~ I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it!
~~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog