Search - The De Santis Marriage (Harlequin Presents) (Wedlocked!)

The blurb in the book description is misleading; having a baby is not at all a big issue in this story. Basic plot: ruthless Italian tycoon blackmails insecure best friend of his runaway finacee into taking her place and marrying him.

This books made me think of what it might be like if Diana Palmer wrote a "Long Tall Tycoons" series. The hero is very like a Palmer hero, always viciously lashing out against the heroine when he feels defensive or guilty. The book also has a certain... plot alzheimers that reminds me of Palmer - the heroine tells the hero she's a virgin, but later after they have sex for the first time, he makes an enormous stink about it.

The plot is ultimately highly illogical, but I can't say why without spoilers.

I liked the way the heroine stuck up for herself against the hero's attacks, but her insecurities really started to get on my nerves, until I was pretty fed up with her by the end of the book. It's not a terrible read if you enjoy the jerky hero sort of story, but it's definitely not a favorite.

Another good book from Michelle Reid!