Claiming His Christmas Consequence by Michelle Smart

Review by TashNz - 5 Stars

Another wonderful, wonderful, wonderful tale told by Michelle Smart which features all the elements I love of a HP... an un-likeable but you want to like hero, a heroine who has just had enough of what everyone wants her to be and takes a chance, an evil character somewhere trying to derail everyone, angst, passion and shattered dreams which make me emotional and woven together so awesomely that each page is flicked thru as quickly as possible because I cant wait to see how it all works out.

Catalina was jilted back in "Helio Crowns His Mistress" and it's really good to see what's become of Catalina and I love behind the scenes so to speak. Hard to go into detail without spoilers.

I adore Michelle Smart's words becasue she creates a world so different to mine and yet I feel like i'm right there. I love how intense and emotional the story was and I was sorry to reach the end, no matter how much I loved the epilogue!

Married for the Greek's Convenience by Michelle Smart (Brides for Billionaire's 4)

Review by TashNz

5 Stars

A deeply emotional and intense tale which is based around a unique situation Xander's little nephew Loukas is in.  Reunited but not by choice Elizabeth has been summoned back to her ex husband, mortified that their marriage was not annulled as she thought Xander needs her help and offers to pay her a sum of money for her to temporarily remain married.

When Elizabeth tells Xander she would have done as he requested to help the situation for nothing it's a clear sign Elizabeth is kind hearted and although her heart was broken she's more than happy to help. Thrust back into Xander's cold world in Greece Elizabeth brings with her the sun, slowly melting hearts.

Book four of a fantastic series which also features past heroes 

I really enjoyed this read for the second chance aspect, I really enjoyed the emotional and intense journey and I thought the unique storyline was a real highlight. It captured Xander's and Elizabeth's personalities perfectly and with backstories designed to tug at the heat I am heavy heartedly drawing to the end of another winning tale by the amazing Michelle Smart who has once again nailed it!

WEDDED, BEDDED, BETRAYED by Michelle Smart

Review by Amanda

Wedded, Bedded, Betrayed by Michelle Smart is unique, fast-paced and different. The author adds high stakes drama as the foundation of her flawed characters in this interesting story. Ms. Smart gives her cast obstacles to overcome at every twist and turn. And resolving these issues placed before them stokes the reader’s interest as the story takes flight and with it is born a steamy and outrageous romance. As the title suggests, there is heartbreak, angst, betrayal, deceit, revenge and of course romance abounding from a well-crafted plot with an unexpected twist. 

Gabriele Mantegna is on a mission, on a private island for two reasons. One, he must recover confidential files that would remove the stain cast upon him by a crime he had nothing to do with and two, he is searching for evidence to ascertain the person behind his dilemma. But his mission is marred by another crime in the works on the island. As events spiral out of control, Gabriele is now caught up in a whirlwind. The events which follow the second crime taking place on the island will change his life forever. Meanwhile the heroine, Elena Ricci is having a long overdue vacation at the family villa but she flips out when she encounters people stealing her family’s priceless belongings. When she is rescued by Gabriele the plot thickens and what happens afterwards is worth every word! So if you want to know more, grab a copy of this madly engrossing book. You won’t be disappointed.

Recommended
4 Stars

Talos Claims His Virgin by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere



Fast paced , sexy, sexy, SEXY, and loaded with drama! This was the perfect book in every way you can think of!

Cutest heroine ever, and the most incredible hero, as in the kind that melts you , then enrages you then just brings you back down from your little anger in fulled rage. Did I mention he's a Prince!!

Michelle 's books are always perfect , she wraps everything I need to take away from a romance book up into a perfect bubble, adds the most delicious twits and then BOOM does something unexpected that makes me doubt my previous review of her books, that's right I always say her books are the best and I cannot fault them at all, and when the next one comes she does it even better than the last one hence the BOOM that blows me away!

It's hard to explain or rather put into words just exactly what she does because I have no idea what exactly it is but I do know that I highly recommend anyone and everyone to sit down and read any of this author's books . It a experience you will never forget, you will walk away with emotions you have never experienced from romance books( yes the normal love, happiness and heartache is there, but Michelle amps it up and I mean really amps it up!).

Trust me on this , read this , no read any book by this author and your life will be changed forever!!

5/5 star review
" He claims her but does she want to be claimed?"

Theseus Discovers His Heir (Kalliakis Crown #2) by Michelle Smart

Review by Amanda

Theseus Discovers His Heir. Ms. Smart brings lots of emotion, drama and intense moments to the page. Her poetic writing style, likable characters, touching sometimes highly dramatic dialogues and scenic descriptions pull you into the book and leaves you satisfied until the last page.

At first I didn’t like Theseus but eventually as I got to know him as the story progresses, I found him to be considerate. I saw him grow as the plot unravels and his change in character highlights Joanne’s motherly instincts. I especially found her character refreshing with the way she showers all her love on her darling son.

A few years back, Joanne Brooks had a steamy rendezvous with a gorgeous Greek man on a Mediterranean island. After she and Theo Patakis parted Joanne realizes her hot fling left her pregnant. So she goes out on a mission to find the father of her son. But shock leaves her breathless when upon doing research for her new stint writing the biography for King Astreus of Agon, she sees the face of Theo in that of Prince Theseus Kalliakis. She couldn’t find Theo because in reality he didn’t exist. I cheered on Theseus and Joanne through their journey eradicating the gap between them for the sake of their young son. I enjoyed the ending and I think the author did a good job resolving all the unanswered questions between the hero and heroine.

Recommended
4.5 Stars

The Perfect Cazorla Wife by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by TashNz

The Perfect Cazorla Wife is a perfect Harlequin Presents and also where they have perfectly named the story.  It’s been a long six hundred and thirty three days since Charley has seen her still gorgeous husband Raul and he’s not pleased to see her when she gatecrashes a party to corner him.  Begging for his financial help with her latest venture we catch a glimpse into the previous life Charley and Raul shared.   From the moment he claimed her he did all he could to change her into the  perfect wife, one that would fit into his world. He humored her by financing all her past hair-brained adventures and the last thing he wanted to do now was fund anything more.  He sends his ex wife packing!

Two days later Raul offers Charley her much needed lifeline.  In exchange for gifting her the money she desperately needs, Raul tells Charley he expects her to return home and live as his wife for four months, or until such time the renovations on the daycare Charley is trying to save is complete.

Brilliantly timed flashbacks paint a grim picture of two people from completely opposite worlds.  There is no doubt they loved each other only Raul’s thinking spending millions on his wife to change her into the perfect wife was showing love and Charley loved his world and trying to change at first but as we all know there comes a time when we have to be ourselves.  How refreshing it was to not have to introduce herself as Charlotte anymore. 

I adore second chance stories and The Perfect Cazorla Wife was a perfect example of two people coming back together, learning what really matters and going forth with compromise and genuine love.   Charley was a fantastic character who despite everything that was stacked against her decided it was time to stay true to herself (loved her outfit for their first outing together).  Raul was the perfect alpha who really needed taking down a peg or two and with Charley’s help, he learnt what is really important in life. I loved how he grew in character.

I adored the writing.  First line: The moonlight that poured over the mountaintop hotel gave it an ethereal, mysterious quality.  Beautiful beginning setting the scene.   By the time she reached the door, the beats inside her were so loud the ambient music was completely drowned out.  Fantastic  imagery.  Reasons I always look forward to Michelle Smart’s stories is her fantastic imagery in setting the scene, fantastic dialogue, making me feel emotion and in making me get lost in the characters world which included the Spanish way of life and festivals.

A brilliant read, a moving read and perfect Presents story and I must also give a shout out to the cover!

Harlequin Presents Published July 2015 try and buy here

5 great big freakin perfect Stars. 

Reviewed by Desere


Michelle Smart is an author that wow's with every single story she writes. And this time it was no exception , she wrote a story about a " perfect wife" but it was not only that it was THE PERFECT STORY!

It tells of Charley Cazorla, striding into the exclusive Barcelona party of the year, uninvited of course, with every stride she steels herself against facing her soon to be ex husband. Her hopes and dreams are slipping away and sadly Raul is her last hope. But to stay strong in his presence is far easier said then done. But she knows she can do it, all she has to do is breath, talk, make the deal and get out.

But Charley underestimates the depth of fury Raul feels toward her. Because in return for saving her failing business this bastard of a man, in every sense of the word, is demanding his own brand of payment. Charley will resume her role as the perfect Cazorla wife , in every sense of the word!

But back in her husband's imposing world is the last place she wants to be, but needs must and soon she discovers that their lust for each other is still burning strong. Will Charley be able to escape it's hold a second time around? Or will Raul and Charley finally find the true meaning of love and understanding?

I adore second chance romances, it's what gives me that all too special grin on my face and makes the world seem like a better place. But sadly in some reads it's a very line by line , left to right , a to b , kind of plot. There are no surprises, no make it pop moments, no in your face attention grabbing scenes.

Thank the heavens above there are author such as Michelle Smart, because I got all of that and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Raul is a real jerk, and I mean the kind of jerk that you wish you could squish like a bug. Rich , marries the poor girl and then once the wedding night is over , he's all about changing her to fit into his perfect little image of a rich man's wife. Naturally I did not feel badly for this man when Charley walks out on his pathetic wanting to change her attitude, instead I could not get enough of the adrenaline rush I felt when Charley walks back into his life two years later and voila, she sends his senses reeling !

Charley was my kind of heroine, fun and funky but with loads of the perfect I fell, I lost , I walked out and I won't fall again instead I will fight back attitude that I love oh so very much! I was rooting for her from page one!

Something that I really liked about this read , was Raul always turning the situations into sexual ones, Charley would say something completely innocent and Raul would turn into something so sexy and so alluring that my heart could not stop beating with excitement, even though I was still hating him , very much so! It was very 50 Shades like but so, so , so much better! It had more flair, more depth, more meaning. more this is real in your face than anything I have ever come across.

I highly recommend this read for each and every single romance fan out there, if you want passion with energy, romance with a kick, sex with so hot the pages will go up in flames and a second chance romance that will blow you away, go read this book!!

5/5 star review
" The flames of perfection meets the flames of desire and everything goes up in smoke! " 

The Greek's Pregnant Bride by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by TashNz

The Greek's Pregnant Bride
by Michelle Smart

Book Two in the Society Weddings series.  Christian and Alessandra are introduced in book 1 with just enough details to make me curious so purchased this as soon as I could, especially after reading the excerpt.

First thing I loved about this story is the fantastic start to the story, Alessandra is the little sister to Book 1's hero, Rocco.  His three best friends know that the beautifully stunning Alessandra is 200% off limits but one night Alessandra acts on her simmering attraction to Christian and boom - firecrackers are shooting everywhere.  Given the title you can guess that as a result of the amazing magical night Alessandra has some unexpected news for Christian.  Due to his upbringing he swears no child of his will ever go through that and insists on marrying Alessandra, but prior to that - they must tell Rocco.  Which brings me to the second reason why I loved the book - telling Rocco the news.  Loved this part, so so brilliantly written and true to form how a big brother would act.

It swept me along on such an emotional rollercoaster that Michelle Smart is so clever with.  It was passionate and the background stories fitting in well.  I was on the ride all the way. I really loved Alessandra, she has a lot to contend with, her father, her grandfather, her brother and now Christian, not to mention trying to build a career as a professional photographer.  Being pregnant and not knowing what the future holds except knowing that she's developing more and more stronger feelings for Christian while he is more and more rejecting her.

Well written, a fabulous read, especially if you love emotion and intensness, drama and beautiful locations.  Strong characters and  wonderfully woven and connected stories.  Very much looking forward to Stefan's story, especially after reading an excerpt of he and Clio, and knowing that Zayed (from book 4) is telling Clio he knows something's wrong and he doesnt have to give her away to Stefan.

4.5 from me

_______________________________________________

Reviewed by Desere 

Pure addictive passion,  romance of the most sensual kind, words that flow like magic and characters so vividly brought to life they seem to be people we have know for many years, those are just a few of the descriptions I can use when speaking about the new Michelle Smart read.

The story tells of the gorgeous Greek Christian Markos, long ago he swapped the streets of Athens for the world's top boardrooms, now  he has enough riches to indulge in his every whim, except one. He can't buy it, but he can take it! The only trick would be to let go of it and not want to own it forever, it's doable, right?

Wrong one forbidden taste of his best friend's sister, Alessandra Mondelli and he is lost in her magic, but he's always been all about get the task done and get out, it's what keeps him alive and living more than comfortably. But then Alessandra announces she's pregnant with his child! This is one deal he won't be walking away from, ever.

Alessandra knows about pain, hurt and anger after a youthful mistake , it was public scrutiny she never wanted yet could not avoid. Christian offers her and their baby protection, but she must push all thoughts of love aside, except their dishonorable hunger for each other is threatening the convenient arrangement, is there any hope ?

I love Michelle's books and every time I know am in for a excellent read, but what I did not expect this time around was that she took her writing to a very new level of excellence. There were little twists and turns I could see coming , but instead of going the normal way I would expect it to run in a HP read, it went into directions I never imagined, and I could not have been happier.

The author weaved this journey of two souls that always were meant to be together, into a absolutely unbelievably journey of hope, compassion, a romance blossoming during a time of self discovery and heartship

I fell head over heals in love with both main characters , I wanted to see them be pushed to their limits and the author delivered this on each and every step of this remarkable read. I got to experience every emotion, every touch, felt every word whisper across the night sky as the author brought to life a romance so strong, so needed and so real.

I am taking away a message of life has little ways to push us into a corner we would rather run from than stand around taking hit after hit, but with no way out the only action you need to take is to hit back, keep going until you are freed.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance, and if you have never read any of this author's books then my dear reading friends you are missing out on journeys filled with pure magic and vital to keeping our romantic hearts beating.

Super Special 5/5 Star review
" She brings him to say I do, but can he convince her to say it's forever?" 

The Russian's Ultimatum by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere

Who doesn't love a good " He'll make her an offer " read, I for darn sure do, but when it's written by the super talented Michelle Smart it's a masterpiece that will never leave my mind.

We meet Pascha Virshilas , he's on the brink of securing personal redemption when Emily Richardson breaks into office and steals private company documents. But she does not stop there, oh no this spitfire has the gall to blackmail him into clearing her father's name!

But Pascha is ruthless and definitely not a pushover, so he sets his own terms. He will do as she asks but the enticing Emily must accompany him to his private island , for there he can ensure her silence.  A tropical storm hits, and as the storm rages so does the wind as it blows aside the suspicions and secrets to reveal something much more dangerous, and not Pascha nor Emily is prepared for any of it!

I fell in love with this author's work from book one, and I have never been happier then when I find out she has conjured up something new for me to devour!

I adored the character of Emily, always trying to fix everyone. It does seem like an annoying personality trait , and in real life it can be. But it showed Emily in a very likable " This woman fights to make the world  better place" light and I simply loved it. The push till she wins attitude made her the type of heroine every woman really wants to be, or at least one that I would not mind being. But in real life it can get very tricky to try and give someone a push whilst still trying to not meddle. The author did a fantastic job at showing just when the right time is to push a person and just when you need to back off is there in order for the person to still love you afterwards.

The character of Pascha was not the kind of hero am use to , yes he was strong and independent, ruthless and gorgeous , but he was different from the normal everyday hero's I come across in books. He had a certain flair, that believe it or not am finding difficult to describe. There was just something about him that makes him stand out from the crowd. I adored his strength and guts to push away others simply because of his secret( which by the way Michelle I did not see coming, at all), Through this character the author showed there is always light at even the darkest of tunnels in life, all one needs to do is chip open tiny little bit of love to let that little slitter of light shine and guide our way.

I am taking away a message of love is what makes the world go round, without it there really is no point. Of course if we push away every single person that tries to show us love, simply because we think our secrets of life does not allow us to have what everyone else has, we never will find the real meaning of life. So the next time you come across love on the road, don't run , don't panic and don't push the person away, embrace the possibilities of a bright and happy future.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance and Michelle Smart books, it was passionate, fire meets ice, romance written with perfection and an exquisite story of love conquering all.

Michelle keep them coming, I for darn sure cannot live without my MS reading fix , your books lift my heart and nurture my soul.

5/5 star review
" Bought together by an ultimatum, bound by love" 

Taming the Notorious Sicilian by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere

Michelle Smart's books have become more than just an addiction to me, it has become an uncontrollable craving I cannot live without!

In her latest read she takes us into the world of clubbing, big bad gangsters who with just a mere look can scare anyone off who dares to double cross them, added to this we have Francesco, who tries to be as bad as possible, you know the real " Look at me , am rich, powerful, can have any woman I want and will break your kneecaps if you so much as even blink without permission' kind.

I know that most woman will say that a man such as this does not sound sexy at all, except when you enter him in to the mind of a writer such as Michelle Smart, she made this man sound so incredibly sexy it made my toes curl and had me seeing stars within the first few pages.

Francesco meets Hannah after she's knocked down by a passing car, saves her life and off he goes back to his seedy lifestyle but, Hannah is immediately entranced by Francesco and wants into his world, just for one night.

Franceso does everything within his power to make Hannah see that he is no good for her, and his dangerous lifestyle is not what she deserves, but Hannah is insistent, and when she finally gets what she craves she's knocked down again, but this time she's not so sure Francesco will pick her up.

The character of Franceso was as I mentioned the kind of man you just know is bad news, sexier than you have ever seen , but dangerous to any woman's heart, for you just know a guy branding a gun and oozing danger is bound to dispense of you at some stage. When the author got into his frame of mind I got to see a man that had built a life in order to be a better person than his father , but along the road to success lost his way and in turn became the opposite of the man he wanted to be, and it is through this character that the author reminded me that sometimes revenge completely obscures our ideas and we are more blinded to life then if we were walking around with out any idea's what so ever.

The character of Hannah was one that in the start I thought very kind sweet, it is not everyday I read about a Dr that devotes every single waking moment to their patients, but as the read went on I actually starting liking Francesco and his coldhearted acts more than I liked Hannah, this because the author showed just how cool, distant and isolated Hannah had become and even though she is such an amazingly dedicated Dr she is in so many other ways worse than any of the gangsters out there. It did teach me that you are not meant to go into a world so silent that when life knocks you down you can't hear the slightest bit of sound trying to bring you back from the silence you've created.

I am taking away a message of everyone has a reason for what they do or don't do in life, there is a story behind everyone's pain, or the mask they slot in place when someone gets too close, but when that little nagging voice in the back of your mind stats telling you that someone has a point, listen to them, even if you don't want to , the point is you will learn what the outside world sees is never as important as what the person who loves you for you and only the real you, is so much more valuable than anything life and it's evil has to offer.

This book was infused with so much spice, passion, romance and even humor that I experienced each and every single one of those delicious and yes even murderous emotions I love to have during a good book. I highly recommend this read for any and all romance readers who live and breath romance. This is one tale of mindless passion, intrigue and a new zest for life you will not want to miss! It's the Godfather meets Pretty woman ! Michelle Smart is a true master in creating stories that leaves me smiling and stuck in a dream world long after the story is over and she does it , each and EVERY time!

5/5 star review
" She craves his body, he craves to free her soul" 

The Sicilian's Unexpected Duty by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere

Anyone that reads romance books will know the story of unexpected pregnancy leading to unplanned marriage and if we're lucky love found.

This is what this book is about BUT, Michelle Smart has told it from a whole new perspective and with a much deeper emotion, so deep it tore my heart to shreds.

The read tells of Cara and Pepe, their one night of ultimate passion leads to her showing up at his front door four months later to announce she's expecting his child. Deep in his heart Pepe knows she is telling the truth yet a past betrayal of the most awful kind holds him back, and instead of believing her he sets out to make her life a a living hell.

Or at least that's what it feels like to her, until she learns that beneath the cold hard exterior lives a man who is kind, sweet and tender and can make all her dreams come true, but loving him would be wrong, she'll be her mother and that is something she does not need.

I love Michelle Smart's books to bits, she has blown me away on many occasions but never quite like this. This book was so intense and so addicting and I completely lost myself in the world of Cara and Pepe. Pepe was typically an arrogant bastard of a man and more than once I shouted out" Slap him ! Slap him good and hard!"

The man pushed all of my buttons and if he had to be standing in front of me I for darn sure would have done more than just slap him. I know that does not sound very romantic at all, and this is a romance book, but believe me when I tell you that this author has a way of creating such realistic characters that any reader will get so attached to them and so lost in their world and just like myself will want to crush the man and his arrogance, because there is nothing romantic about this hero.

He is the opposite of what you would normally find in this type of books. The entire time he made my blood boil and I honestly wished I could be Cara , just for one second so that I could sink my claws into him. The author does of course give us a taste of his world and just why he his the way he is, and right here is where my hatred turned to love. Through this character the author showed me that most treasured miracles in life can sometimes also bring the hardest challenges you need to face. If you allow it to bring you down you will be no better than the one's that issued the challenges. Learn from it and move on.

The character of Cara was so heartbreaking, the poor woman, and yes I know being pregnant and alone is never any fun, and naturally we will feel sorry for her, but aside from the author letting us feel sorry for Cara she also let's us see an entire other side of a woman who's parents marriage made her the way she is. And this just wanted to make me reach out and tell Cara " It looks bleak and dull right now, but things will work out because no one is ever truly their mother". Through this character the author showed me that we might think we are our parents but in fact we are our very own special unique selves. We can make a change and be different all we need to do is accept the dare.

This author has a brilliant way of taking everyday characters found in romance books and bringing them to life in such manner that they are more real than what is legally sane. They are so right there in your face real, that you can almost see them right in front of you and you just want to jump right in and play along.

I am taking away a message of if you find your very own special miracle, do everything you can to keep it. You never know when you might lose it. Cherish each and every moment, and even if you lose it, fight your way back to happiness or you will surely go insane.

I highly recommend this book for everyone! If there is one book this year that you simply must read this one is it. Emotional. passionate, heart-stopping gorgeous and simply remarkable.

5/5 star review
" Happiness is always around, you just need to open your eyes to see it" 

What a Sicilian Husband Wants by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere

When the going gets tough the tough gets going right? Not always as in this case the going took off running and the tough does not give up until they are reunited.

But once reunited it does not mean the going is simply going to back down and let the tough handle every single aspect of life, again. The going in this read is Grace and the tough her crawl-onto-my-lap-and-I'll-show-you-just-how-much-control-I-have-over-you husband Luca.

She dared to run away from him and their semi blissful marriage, all he needs to know is why, that is until he sees his daughter for the first time and walking away with only 'why-did-you-run' answers is no longer what he seeks.  Answers he will have, but first he's taking back what is rightfully his. 

The character of Luca was a true wonder of creativity,  like most hero's he is arrogant and you do want to smash his skull with the nearest rock but, you also know there is more to this man and just exactly what makes him tick.

And when that awesome truth is revealed moment popped it completely blew me away. The entire time the author truly let me think the absolute worst of this character and towards the end I was starting to doubt he was ever going to redeem himself. But this is exactly what I love about this author's writing, she keeps you the edge of your seat all the way till the end. Through the character of Luca the author showed how the pressure of success can steer us away from our original goals and blind us to what is really happening around us. 

The character of  Grace was kick-ass! She did everything a true love your child to bits mother would do. I could see how Luca could fault her for her actions but if I were in her shoes I would have done the exact same thing. But as the author let Grace develop more I could see how in actual fact her actions might have seemed right at the time but if she has stopped for a moment to confront Luca before disappearing  from his life, she would have saved herself from a whole lot of heartache. It all comes down to, hasty decisions will give you a lifetime of regret. 

The author wrote a stunning story, and with such brutal honesty it brought me to tears. The author never once backed down from getting to the heart of the problem, letting the characters force-fight out emotions they never knew existed, truly fantastic conflict!

I'm taking away two messages from this read, firstly never jump to conclusions, what you see is not always what you are really looking at. Sometimes there are more layers hidden under the outside image and to find them you'll need to suck it up and dig deep. Secondly, never let the price of success stand in the way of what is truly important. 

I highly recommend this read for all HP fans, explosive, passionate, scrumptious and dripping with exquisite romantic perfection!

5/5 star review

"His power binds her, her's brings him to his knees"  

The Rings That Bind by Michelle Smart

Reviewed by Desere

Let me start off by saying this was not your average normal everyday Harlequin Presents read! Yes it had the same story line as most, a bastard of a hero and strong and determined heroine both with secrets from the past and then coming together and up against a world of obstacles. But with so many delicious, totally yummy to die for super intense differences, that yes it had me more than once flipping back to the cover to confirm I was indeed reading Harlequin Presents book.

The read is about Rosa, abandoned by her mother at the age of five Rosa has always been focused on rather getting her work done and not getting emotionally entangled with anyone, for the second she does the person is bound to walk away from her, she knows they have reason, there is something wrong with her she has just never really been sure what.

However, eleven months ago in a mutual agreement of" you help me I help you" she married her come-for-me-and-only-for-me boss Nico. But soon she realises that her attraction to him has become far more serious than the day she started working for him, she needs to get out and she needs to get out now, before she finds herself attached by more than just the ring on her finger. That is until Nico touches her for the first time, will all be lost or will they both find what they have been seeking for?

The characters of Rosa and Nico where both extremely well written and clawed their way into my hearts very early on in this read. I felt true sadness for poor Rosa, having your mother abandon you at such a young age must be a terrible set of cards to deal with, but the author also made Rosa strong, confident and ready to show the world she is ready to make it, unlike some unfortunate children from the same background that go the route of drugs or crime, yes ladies I cried my eyes out at the intense sadness the author used to describe the life of Rosa.

Nico was the perfect 'tortured' hero, that much like Rosa had to fend for himself from a young age even with his father around, but he had more intensity than other tortured hero's from similar reads, the author gave him more drama, more flair, more passion for life, and even though the man is a complete bastard at some stages, I still fell for him and could not wait for him to discover the true man he could be.

The backdrop settings were simply exquisitely described by the author and it was as if I could smell the ocean and touch the waves, simply magical! The dialogue was unlike another Harlequin Presents I have come across, the author really packed a emotional punch with her words, the emotions being played out were all levels of serious intense, I laughed, I yelled, I cried ,I felt each and every emotion right along with the characters and I could not stop reading, the author had me entertained, intrigued and simply fascinated at all times.

I will also add there is a serious, serious very hot, passionate and steamy storm-sex scene in this read that left me thinking " Now why can other Harlequin Presents books not have this much heat?" Absolutely brilliantly done Michelle, you had me double checking the cover again!

I am taking away a message of when lost one will always be found by the one special person that will show you the road ahead is much better faced in unity then alone, all you need to do is never look back, always look forward.

The author brought the past, future, conflict, passion, insecurities and despair into play so perfectly, the read had me wishing for my very own Nico to come and rescue me!

I highly recommend this read for any fan or romance reading, if you have never ever even considered reading a Michelle Smart book or so much as looking at a Harlequin Presents book, this is the one to start with, it will leave you running for the stores to grab any and every copy you can find in order to escape the world and all it's troubles. Michelle as the gift to transport any reader to a world of romance so scorching hot you will feel like you just stepped into the hottest place on earth! Pure, magical, sexy, sensual romance at it's very best!

I look forward to the next read from this author, write faster Michelle I want more as in NOW!

"5/5 star review
"Vodka shots leads to a lifetime of commitment, trust and love"