Limecello’s review of Dante’s Blackmailed Bride by Day Leclaire
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire 12 Feb 08.
I have to admit, that this is one time the book cover, and author name took me in. I was a bit skeptical as to the summary, but I’m glad I bought this book. This is actually the first Day Leclaire book I’ve read, and I enjoyed it. I really enjoy the Desire line, and I think this book offers something new.
This is the first of four books, dealing with the Dante family. Severo is the oldest brother, and also in charge of the Dante empire. The company sells the world’s most coveted wedding rings, but Severo plans on expanding the company back to it’s former glory, and he’s going to do anything to reach his goals. The knowledge of both his motives and what he’s willing to do actually helps our hero understand the heroine, Francesca. I found that interesting, and, well, nice. Severo himself has a depth and warmth, and he’s an extremely understanding guy. He had his bad moments, but overall, I think he’s a character most people would like knowing.
Francesca Sommers is something of a typical Desire heroine. She’s had a difficult past, is hiding secrets that could cause a lot of problems, and trying not to admit her feelings for the hero. Still, she’s a likable character. Francesca is smart, reasonable, and acts as she thinks best. She’s not willing to let Severo dictate everything, even though he holds all the cards. I also liked the fact that she had a spine, and thought of others, not herself. She had all the opportunity in the world to be selfish and mercenary, but she wasn’t.
Although I’m still not entirely sold on “the Inferno,” I like the idea, and think it’s cute. If the characters – and especially logical, business-minded heroes are willing to believe, I can roll it. Once that hurdle is overcome, I like how the Inferno acts as a motif throughout the book, drawing not only the hero and heroine together, but the secondary characters as well. Ms. Leclaire incorporates it nicely into the plot, and makes it very believable.
The emotions in this story were real, the situations believable, not contrived. Still, there was something special about this book, and I’m quite taken with the Dante family. Not only will I read the other books in The Dante Legacy, I plan on reading more of Ms. Leclaire’s books, both old and new. For those of you who aren’t quite sold on Desire books, along with books by Emilie Rose, Heidi Betts, and Leanne Banks, I’m adding this one to the list of books you should try.
Grade: B+
Jump into the fire
Severo Dante and his brothers had always dismissed rumors of the Inferno—an explosive desire that overtakes Dante men when they first see their soul mates. Then Severo met jewelry designer Francesca Sommers and was astonished by their raw, urgent, mutual attraction. A rising star at a rival company, Francesca has crafted a dazzling new collection that could ruin Severo’s plans to rebuild the Dante empire. His solution: blackmail her into becoming his employee—and his fiancée—until their smoldering affair runs its course. But some fires, once lit, can never be extinguished.…
Read an excerpt here.
