This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Special Edition
Author’s Website: http://www.mindyklasky.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
The head of a prestigious company specializing in genetic testing and treatments, Ethan has never wanted children. A dark secret from his past makes him fear for any children that he may have, and as such he’s never allowed himself to pursue any serious relationships. Instead, he plays up his playboy image, much to the disappointment and consternation of the grandmother who has raised him.
Fed up with his scandalous ways, his grandmother Margaret decides to hand him an ultimatum — marry by her 80th birthday, only months away, or she will donate her controlling shares of the company that Ethan has dedicated his life to seeing thrive to a charity that will bog down the Board of Directors until the company undoubtedly fails.
Thinking over his past, he realizes that there’s only been one woman with whom he has any hope of making things work — Sloane, a beautiful woman with whom he had a one night stand with a few months prior.
Upon tracking her down, he realizes that not only was Sloane fired from her previous position due to her dalliance with him, but that she’s also carrying his baby!
Despite the fact that Sloane seemed a bit too good to be true, I admit that I loved this one. I think I’d forgotten just how enjoyable a good Harlequin Category Romance could be, with its melodrama and angst, but this book was exactly what I needed right now. I loved that Ethan’s playboy ways were a way to rebel against his controlling Grandmother, and the fact that he fell for Sloane for much more than just a way to thumb his nose at Margaret’s ultimatum by choosing an “ironic” bride.
The simple fact that the couple restrained themselves from physical intimacy for most of the book really allowed me as a reader to feel their love and affection growing out of something other than just basic lust and sexual compatibility, and that was a lovely change of pace. The angst resulting from the revelation of Margaret’s ultimatum was absolutely delicious, and Ethan’s groveling and desperation afterwards made me fall in love with him all over again.
Recommended for fans of heroes being blackmailed into marriage, heroines who are determined to do what is best for their baby no matter what the cost, and heroes who grovel beautifully, all smothered with delicious sexual tension.
5/5 Stars
