Limecello’s review of The Italian’s Defiant Mistress by India Grey
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Presents 1 Oct 07

I’ve been going through a reading slump for the longest time. This is why I love categories, because I can generally manage to power through them. Admittedly, I struggled through this book – but I have a reason why. I had thought this book was India Grey’s newest. I’ve really enjoyed her other categories, so I was a bit worried. I also didn’t want to check the copyright date, so I saved that for last. Imagine my relief. Also, the ending was fantastic, and would have been a good indication of the quality of Ms. Grey’s later books.

I have to say, I almost DNF’d this book a few times. I asked myself why I was reading it, and suffered while reading. However, I was waiting for the terrific ending I wanted Ms. Grey to deliver, and I wasn’t disappointed. (I’m not sure if anything would have changed if I’d known this book was from 2007, not 2010 going in.)

Eve is a heroine that borders on TSTL. She’s something of your stereotypical old school Harlequin Presents heroine. I say this because she’s in a situation way over her head, she’s jumped to conclusions, isn’t willing to entertain any other ideas, and has convinced other people to pick up her cause. Scary, when you have zealous people running around with no real factual basis. Nevertheless, Eve redeems herself in the end, and starts showing her brain. She’s actually a very bright girl, just irrational when it comes to her sister, and stupid when dealing with Raphael.

Raphael is a good guy, but not a media whore, so most people think he’s a jerk. He’s developed a reputation for being curt with the public, and his half brother who hates him has no problem insinuating horrible things about him. This is all rather par for the course. However, aside from being a bit overbearing, Raphael is a well developed character. Possibly even more complex than Ms. Grey’s newer heroes. Raphael is a photographer, and an artist, really. He cares about people, and is willing to put himself in danger for the greater good. He believes Eve is about to blow a project he’s been working on with officials for years. That’s his excuse for being around her. And bullying her. (He thinks she’s a bubble headed fashion journalist.)

Oh, and of course Eve and Raphael are wildly attracted to each other. And Eve is entirely naive and has no idea that people aren’t always as they seem. Perhaps it’s a sign of my cynicism, but what someone might more kindly describe as “innocence” or “trust” I labeled “stupidity.” Eve has no idea she’s downing alcoholic drinks at a major party. (Daiquiri’s of some sort, I believe.) Luckily, Raphael saves her from his evil brother. (Yes, there was much eye rolling.)

Nevertheless even though the conflict could have been resolved almost immediately if Eve and Raphael had disclosed any part of their purpose or history… the ending works out beautifully. The majority of the book just skates “too much” (in the bad sense, where it’s borderline ridiculous) – but manages to make up much ground once Eve and Raphael are together.

There is a trial that is ridiculous, but incredibly dramatic and romantic. The way Eve and Raphael react to eat other, the events that occurred… I loved it. And that’s what gives this book the “plus” grade. However, if you’re not a die hard Harlequin Presents fan, I would suggest limiting yourself to Ms. Grey’s newer books. And those definitely aren’t to be missed.

Grade: D+

The Italian billionaire’s inexperienced mistress

Eve has come to Florence seeking information and only Raphael di Lazaro, heir to the Lazaro Fashion House, holds the answers. Surrounded by glamour, Eve’s out of her depth–until she realizes Raphael wants her! If becoming his mistress will help Eve, she’ll fake the sophistication Raphael’s expecting–but that means being available to his every desire…

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure by India Grey
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Presents 10 Feb 09

The first thing I have to say, is that the title is ridiculous, and wrong. In fact, the title is pretty much the opposite of what the story is about. But, what can you do – it’s a Harlequin Presents, right? I bought it because India Grey wrote it, and she is fast becoming one of my favorite Presents authors. I believe that this is one of her earlier books. Ms. Grey manages to pack an entire saga into a category length. The characters journey – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Villains in the form of family, friends, exes, etc abound. It’s a delight.

Rachel Campion is a special heroine. First of all, her career is rather unique. Next… well frankly I was afraid I’d be reading about a whimpering, useless girl. Luckily, both Rachel and Ms. Grey proved me quite mistaken. When we first meet her, Rachel is timid, and letting everything and everyone around her control her. Generally, I’d find that annoying, but it just works in Rachel’s case. I believed it, considering her lifestyle and upbringing. Also what she had to deal with in the past. I understood and accepted the way she dealt with trauma, and how that has affected her presently.

Orlando Winterton – and what a name! Is quite the hero. He’s rich, and titled, and mean. But that’s really only what’s on the surface. Orlando has pretty much lost everything he had or ever wanted in his life, and finds out those he expected to depend on betrayed him at his lowest moment. Ouch. That, and he’s going blind. It’s amazing, however, that he’s able to function as he does, and hide his growing disability. Orlando is actually very selfless and kind, but his pride prevents him from explaining his actions, which make him appear to be cold and selfish.

There we so many moments in this book where I wanted to smack the characters… but Ms. Grey managed to just skate the edge of disaster, in my opinion, because I always wanted to read on, and never got fed up. While I wanted to shake sense into them, I always understood why Orlando or Rachel were acting as they were. (Granted Rachel was a bit too clueless at times. But – again, it makes sense. As well as why Orlando is so self protective.)

I absolutely loved the ending. I liked the unique stories and lives each character led… and even the theme of Chopin’s Nocturne in E. And I have to be impressed with an author who makes me like a composer I generally dislike. (Though yes, it’s a beautiful piece.) Both Rachel and Orlando grow as people. And, while I might wish most of the book was not them avoiding each other… it made sense how everything worked out. Both Rachel and Orlando had to work through a number of personal issues before being able to enter a relationship.

However, everything did work out and make sense in the end. I also liked how, while loose ends were tied up, they weren’t always nice in the result. It made the story that much more realistic – which helped a lot considering the content. I’m definitely going to be reading more of Ms. Grey’s books.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Fast cars, glamorous socialites—everyday components of devastatingly handsome billionaire Orlando Winterton’s thrilling, decadent lifestyle…

When Rachel arrives at Orlando’s remote country estate in desperate need, Orlando cannot deny the pull of her fragile beauty, and takes her passionately. Then a baby is found abandoned on Orlando’s doorstep—allegedly his son!

Now Orlando will hire Rachel to take care of the child—and as long as she’s under his roof, he’ll keep on making love to her…until he’s got her out of his system!

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Powerful Italian, Penniless Housekeeper by India Grey
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Presents 1 Jan 10

This is my first book by India Grey, and it definitely won’t be the last. I used to like Harlequin Presents the most as a Harlequin line, but it got to be a bit too much for me. Aside from a few of my go-to authors, I had been avoiding it. However, I decided to venture back, and had to admit that I loved the premise of this book. So I gave it a try – and am so very glad I did. Books like Powerful Italian, Penniless Housekeeper are what made me devoted to the line in the first place. (Although yes, I do so wish the titles were different.)

Sarah Halliday is a heroine who is difficult to describe. In a way, she’s hard to get to know, as pieces of her character and personality are slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. I actually liked that she was essentially two different people when dealing with her family, and then in general. Sarah’s life is a bit of a mess at the beginning, and she’s desperate. On the other hand, Sarah is very strong. She has an adorable daughter, and while being the rational, steadfast one in her family, has led a somewhat non-traditional life. I liked that there were little quirks about Sarah that kept her from being too predictable or cookie cutter. Sarah isn’t assertive or protective of herself all the time, but when her back is against the wall, she does make decisions best for her. I really liked that. Sarah is an incredibly strong heroine – not physically, but emotionally and mentally when it’s important.

I found Lorenzo Cavalleri to be a delightfully confusing character. First he was a very nice guy, and then a jerk, then considering, but also manipulative. This was fitting, because Lorenzo himself is confused. He has a plan, and a goal. Unfortunately, people are involved, and emotions always make things uncertain, confusing, and messy. Poor Lorenzo has all his ducks in line… except for Sarah, and she’s the most important one, for various reasons. While I understood Lorenzo’s motives and reasons, on some level, I didn’t… and I actually like that. It kept him, and the story from being too pat. Lorenzo can be a jerk and abrupt, but he has a conscience, and feels deeply. His guilt and confusion make him brusque with Sarah at times, and that adds a special something to their developing relationship. Oh- and he’s also an incredibly gifted and talented movie director. That helps.

Ms. Grey writes a terrific story here – everything falls into place just as it should. Nothing is too perfect, or too wrong, or too much. It’s a thin line that requires delicate balance, and Ms. Grey walks it with aplomb. At one point it did seem to me that Sarah was too put upon, but it makes sense, because she’s lived her life feeling as if she was not enough- and that she is to blame for her father’s death. (It sounds ridiculous, or maudlin, but truly isn’t. I believed Ms. Grey’s story, and am completely behind it.)

The honest misunderstanding between Sarah and Lorenzo, the hurt they experience and how close everything comes to falling apart- all of that was done realistically, and naturally. None of the scenes or scenarios between them felt contrived to me, and perfectly fit both the situation, and the personality of the hero and heroine. Lorenzo and Sarah acted as themselves, which gave both their persons, and the story an appreciable depth. In fact, this book made me cry. There were some scenes where I knew exactly what would happen, and it did as I predicted… but the language and words that Ms. Grey used were just so evocative.

What I didn’t enjoy as much, was the secondary characters, particularly Sarah’s family. They were so one dimensional, and vapid. Not only that, but it seemed they changed a bit too much and inexplicably at the end. Nevertheless they were minor characters, so it wasn’t something that really detracted from the book. It was nicely balanced that both Sarah and Lorenzo had their own baggage to deal with.

I loved that the Lorenzo and Sarah were connected in a way, even before they met. It takes a lot for me to get over the hurdle of the hero being married to someone else at the beginning of the book… but Ms. Grey definitely convinced me here. And as I haven’t mentioned it… Lorenzo does some terrific groveling. There’s a big misunderstanding, but it makes sense. Kudos. Reading this Presents book has prompted me to read others, and I can only hope they’re all as good as this one.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Though Sarah Halliday is very ordinary, her dangerously attractive new boss is not content with her scrubbing the marble floors of his Tuscan palazzo….

Instead she finds herself catapulted into Lorenzo Cavalleri’s star-studded life—with a wardrobe to match! Makeup masks her blushes, silk evening gowns flatter her fuller figure, but underneath Sarah’s still the shy, frumpy housekeeper Lorenzo hired…and not the sophisticated bedroom siren he seems to be expecting….

Read an excerpt.

2008 is the National Year of Reading in the UK.

It is about celebrating reading in all its forms and highlighting the importance of libraries. It is about encouraging parents to read to their children, and people in general just to read.

It is about challenging employers to turn their old smoking rooms into quiet reading rooms, and encouraging workers to read. Natasha Oakley whose Wanted: White Wedding is out this month explained further ‘Setting aside the fact I earn my living writing books,as a mum of five this is something I really want to be involved in. The hope is that the campaign will reach people who don’t consider themselves ‘readers’. The slogan is ‘Reading – Anytime, Anything, Anywhere’. I’m all for taking the snobbishness out of books. It should be fun!’

Authors from literary authors to series romance authors are involved in a wide number of events. As part of the NYR nine Mills & Boon authors have been asked to be ‘Writers in Residence’ in nine of England’s library authorities. The timing and the match could not be more perfect, as Mills & Boon celebrates its 100^th birthday, there is no one who knows a good book like a Mills & Boon author – or reader! It’s a fantastic accolade and tribute to the importance of Mills & Boon to libraries and all the hard work done by so many of our authors in them.

The Mills & Boon ‘Writers in Residence‘ for the NYR are

Louise Allen – Peterborough

Susan Stephens – Kirklees

Kate Hardy – Norfolk

Nicola Cornick – Wiltshire

Sharon Kendrick – Hampshire

Caroline Anderson – Suffolk

Michelle Styles – Northumberland

India Grey – Cheshire

Natasha Oakley – Bedfordshire

A spokesperson for Mills & Boon said : ‘Mills & Boon is extremely proud to support the National Year of Reading, a government-backed initiative which aims to get more readers reading more! It will be supported by a TV advertising campaign featuring Geri Halliwell, Lenny Henry, Bill Bailey, Jon Culshaw and Jo Brand amongst others. The NYR will see a nationwide campaign reminding reluctant readers, hesitant readers and even prolific readers of the joy of reading. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Mills & Boon to be part of this fantastic year celebrating reading!’

You can see the launch video