365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #354

The Infamous Italian's Secret Baby - Carole Mortimer
Mills& Boon Modern
Harlequin Mills & Boon, 2009
ISBN: 9780263874457











My rating

From the back cover:

"One night 
Infamous Italian millionaire Gabriel Danti was renowned for his prowess in the bedroom - and Bella Scott was unable to resist the overwhelming temptation of the night he was offering... 
One baby 
Five years on, Bella is living alone, carving out a life for herself and her little boy. She never thought she'd see Gabriel again! 
One marriage 
Physically, Gabriel has changed. His dark, dangerous looks are marred by scars that are the result of an accident. But his desire for Bella hasn't waned - he wants her more than ever now that he knows he has a son..."


Another recent Modern purchase.

The heroine Bella meets the hero Gabriel, a word famous racing car driver, at a party held at his home. Neither of them are in a party mood and they spend time together alone, ending with them spending an unforgettable night together. Five years later and Bella is shocked to meet Gabriel again, but more worried about the fact that she never told him that their one night resulted in her son. Bella had waited and waited for Gabriel to be in contact but it never happened leaving her hurt, whereas Gabriel was physically hurt and spent a long time recovering after a serious crash. Gabriel is furious when he discovers the truth and confronts Bella. Bella knows that she had no good reason for keeping father and son apart, and agrees to marry Gabriel, whom makes it clear that he expects their marriage to be real in every respect. There is no doubt that something started between them all those years back and the desire is still there, but with all that has happened Bella is afraid to open her heart.

I really enjoyed this book. It is well written with a solid plot. I think, perhaps, the book started in the wrong place - instead of the rather length prologue, I feel it would have been better if the past events were revealed gradually throughout the story. But I liked reading how the relationship between the hero and heroine slowly developed. I do think that the reason for the secret baby being a, er, secret is a little flimsy - this needed a bit more thought in my opinion.

The writing is smooth and the story is enjoyable.

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