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.