365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #268

Salzano's Captive Bride - Daphne Clair
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin Mills & Boon, 2009
ISBN: 9780263872163












My rating

From the back cover:

"At the mercy of the Venezuelan billionaire! 
Marco Salzano is furious! One moment of passion in the sultry heat of curnaval has its price. Burning with suspicion and anger; the arrogant Venezuelan is going to track down his errant one-night stand and claim his Love-child. But he's accusing the wrong woman. 
Pretending to be her sister, fragile Amber convinces Marco that the baby in question is not his. But when Marco discovers the deception he vows to take Amber not as his mistress but as his bride!"


Another from the forgotten ebook pile!

The hero Marco arrives at the heroine Amber's home demanding to see his son. Amber has no idea who he is and why he seems to think she has his son, until Marco calms down enough to show her a letter he thinks is from her. The letter is actually from Amber's rather irresponsible sister, whom had a one-night stand with Marco a few years back and she doesn't know for sure who the father of her little boy is. Amber's sister regrets sending the letter and asks Amber to pretend it was a lie, but Marco is not fooled. But he does agree not to pursue the paternity issue if Amber will marry him. Amber agrees and goes with him to his home in Venezuela, but she struggles to settle in as well as finding it difficult to trust Marco. Marco tries his best to help Amber adjust, as well as giving her time to get used to the desire that is between them. He has waited so long to have a wife and family to cherish, and he cares for Amber so he doesn't want to scare her away. But Amber still can't help feeling trapped, even as her feelings for Marco grow.

I can understand why this book has a few bad reviews, it is certainly a little 'out there', but I really liked it. I thought the hero had a wonderful blend of true alpha-ness and compassion. Amber was a little weak as a heroine, but I did kind of like her. The plot itself is a little silly in it's farfetchedness but it is also interesting and quite emotional to read. The surroundings of Venezuelan nature are beautifully described and full of richness.

This is a sweet, complex, and emotional book.

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