365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #259

A Night in the Palace - Carole Mortimer
Mills & Boon Modern
In 'One Christmas Night In...' Mills & Boon Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2011
ISBN: 9780263890549











My rating

From the back cover:

"At the Palazzo...
When Giselle Barton arrives in Rome, she's whisked off in a limo to a beautiful palace and greeted by her brother's boss, the magnificent Count Dmitri Scarletti! But when Giselle's brother elopes with the count's sister, Dmitri insists Giselle can't leave till morning..."


As far as I can tell, this book only seems to be available in the above omnibus, although it may be released separately at a later date.

The heroine Giselle, or Lily, is looking forward to spending Christmas with her brother in Rome. But nothing seems to go right for her from the start of her trip, ending with Lily arriving, completely unaware, at the home of Count Dmitri, the hero, her brother's boss. Dmitri informs Lily that her bother is not in Rome as he has run off with Dmitri's sister, apparently in order to get married. Dmitri is livid, not only does he not approve of Lily's brother, but his sister also has an arranged marriage. Lily is shocked to learn about her brother's actions but makes it clear that she will not tolerate Dmitri's poor opinion about him. But worst of all is that Dmitri attempts to keep Lily sort-of hostage thinking that she will be the link to her brother. However Dmitri was not counting on the fact that he would find Lily so alluring and there would be a mutual desire between them. Lily helps Dmitri to look past his initial anger regarding his sister, and as he shows Lily around the wonders of Rome they begin to fall for one another and spend a glorious night together, not knowing what the morning will bring.

This is a very enjoyable and emotional book. The attraction between the hero and heroine is really well portrayed, and there is plenty of sexual tension. I love the feistiness and backbone of the heroine, she has such sparkle and really makes this story. For me, the hero is more difficult to like, he is written as a bit too snobby and judgemental for my liking. I don't feel there is enough explanation regarding his anger at his sister's actions given, which left the story a little lacking.
The relationship between the hero and heroine felt very real though, even over the short peroid of time that the books takes place over, that is definitely a plus!

This is a well written and emotional book, and I enjoyed it.

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