LynneC’s review of A Hunger For The Forbidden by Maisey Yates
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Presents 19 Nov 13
This is the story of the bride who ran out on her wedding day at the very start of the Corretti series, and it’s a doozy.
Alessa spent a passionate night with Matteo Corretti, and when her tyrant of a father tells her he’s arranged a marriage for her, she thinks it’s with Matteo. It’s not, it’s with another of the Correttis, Alessandro. However, she agrees to go forward with it. However, the night with Matteo has consequences and Alessa soon discovers she’s pregnant. For the first time in her life, Alessa has put herself first by giving in to her passion for Matteo, and now she has to pay for it.
Matteo has a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s the son of a criminal father who had brought him up as his heir. He took part in some incidents he’s not proud of and now he’s convinced that he’s evil. It’s a difficult trait to bring off well, especially given the word constraints and the softer world-building of the Presents line, but it’s done as well as it can be, given the limitations. And it’s the first time the word “mafia” is mentioned in this series, something that hasn’t been overtly mentioned before. I felt a great relief when at last someone admitted that a powerful family in Sicily would have mob connections, almost by necessity. I really feel for Matteo, and while I understand his dilemma, it is hard to fully believe it. I’d have liked more scenes outside the romance to make this a bit clearer, but, of course, it’s not possible. In Brutally Beautiful, for instance, I wrote a reformed gang boss, but because I was allowed to explain more fully what he’d done and why he felt so torn, I was able to delve a little deeper into his background.
Matteo is convinced he can’t give Alessa what she needs, so he doesn’t pursue her, even when her engagement to Alessandro is announced. Besides, “Alessa and Alessandro” would have been hella confusing, wouldn’t it?
After being unable to get in touch with Matteo (why not when she has a powerful family?), she announces her pregnancy in a great way, but I’ll let you find out how she does it for yourselves, as it’s one of the best scenes in the book and it would be a shame to spoil it. I enjoyed this scene enormously. After that, Matteo has no choice but to announce their upcoming wedding.
Alessa has a martyr complex, but in her case it’s more reasonable than most, so I could accept it. But what I enjoy is when she realizes she deserves a life of her own. She isn’t passive. The best part is when she decides that she is worth it and decides to fight for what she wants, namely Matteo’s love. She loves him from the start and refuses to believe that he’s incapable of love. She won’t give up on him. He offers her everything else, but she holds out for the ultimate prize.
This being a Maisey Yates book, there’s a lot of angst in the story. The book is laden with it. In some places it does become a bit tiring, and I’d have appreciated a few more lighter notes, especially towards the end.
I don’t quite believe all the suffering, to be Matteo would have to be not so bright not to realize a few things earlier than he does, but then it would have been a much shorter story. His transgression, the thing that makes him think he’s no good, seems a bit too vanilla in gang terms. He’s no Donnie Brasco.
But a great conclusion to Alessa’s story and well worth a look.
Grade: B
Summary:
Scandalized & Seduced: to desire a Corretti…
Alessia Battaglia is a vision in white…as she flees the church. She’s abandoned her fiancé, praying that his cousin, Matteo Corretti will come after her.
Because there are two things Matteo doesn’t know… Alessia is pregnant, and the child is his!
Read an excerpt.
