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The Last Heir of Monterrato
He's fallen 12,000 feet from the sky… Now he knows exactly what he wants!
Daredevil Rafael Revaldi has always lived for the moment. But having cheated death, the Conte di Monterrato is focused on the future. He needs an heir, but to get one he'll face his toughest challenge yet—winning back his estranged wife!
Lottie returns to the castle she once called home with a newfound strength. The intense sensual connection between Lottie and Rafe remains, but so do the emotional scars of their marriage. Can Lottie risk her heart again to give them the child they both so desperately want?
Daredevil Rafael Revaldi has always lived for the moment. But having cheated death, the Conte di Monterrato is focused on the future. He needs an heir, but to get one he'll face his toughest challenge yet—winning back his estranged wife!
Lottie returns to the castle she once called home with a newfound strength. The intense sensual connection between Lottie and Rafe remains, but so do the emotional scars of their marriage. Can Lottie risk her heart again to give them the child they both so desperately want?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 21, 2014
Yet another POS for an H. Frankly by the end of this one, I was hoping he would die. Very emo-angst story but useless, abusive jerks really don't do it for me anymore.
How I miss the old days when at least the alphahole H made a pretense at actually loving the h or maybe the writers were just better at making them believable. I did not believe in the reconciliation, I did not believe the H was sincere and I really wanted him to fall off a cliff, leaving the h with a baby and a chance at a decent life and a loving relationship with a guy who wasn't a solid slime sucking amoebic worm casting.
Quick summary of plot - h and H have an accident with pregger h which H believes was his fault. Baby is stillborn, h is shattered and H becomes obsessed with IVF and conceiving another child. h finally has enough of his cold srsly stupid heir obsession, tells him she doesn't love him and leaves. H proceeds to manho and skydive his way around for the next two years until a near death miss leaves him sterile. H decides to get h to agree to implanting last IVF embryo and h, being sad and knows it is last chance for baby agrees.
The H then proceeds to be a using, mistress flaunting, controlling abusive jerk to the h and I had to srsly wonder, (irregardless of the random H thoughts the author threw in) what the hell was there to even like in the guy, let alone love. This man was worthless as a human being and for all the attempts to show his thoughts and demonstrate his inner pain, his actions were just plain wrong and the dichotomy between how he actually WAS to the h as opposed to what he supposedly was thinking gave me a violent distaste for his whole character.
This plot had a ton of potential but the continuous repetition of guilt, asshat behavior, wash-rinse-repeat and then do it AGAIN, had me irritated and the failure to reconcile the inward and outward actions of the H to the h made this book a new contender on my all time most hated HP's.
How I miss the old days when at least the alphahole H made a pretense at actually loving the h or maybe the writers were just better at making them believable. I did not believe in the reconciliation, I did not believe the H was sincere and I really wanted him to fall off a cliff, leaving the h with a baby and a chance at a decent life and a loving relationship with a guy who wasn't a solid slime sucking amoebic worm casting.
Quick summary of plot - h and H have an accident with pregger h which H believes was his fault. Baby is stillborn, h is shattered and H becomes obsessed with IVF and conceiving another child. h finally has enough of his cold srsly stupid heir obsession, tells him she doesn't love him and leaves. H proceeds to manho and skydive his way around for the next two years until a near death miss leaves him sterile. H decides to get h to agree to implanting last IVF embryo and h, being sad and knows it is last chance for baby agrees.
The H then proceeds to be a using, mistress flaunting, controlling abusive jerk to the h and I had to srsly wonder, (irregardless of the random H thoughts the author threw in) what the hell was there to even like in the guy, let alone love. This man was worthless as a human being and for all the attempts to show his thoughts and demonstrate his inner pain, his actions were just plain wrong and the dichotomy between how he actually WAS to the h as opposed to what he supposedly was thinking gave me a violent distaste for his whole character.
This plot had a ton of potential but the continuous repetition of guilt, asshat behavior, wash-rinse-repeat and then do it AGAIN, had me irritated and the failure to reconcile the inward and outward actions of the H to the h made this book a new contender on my all time most hated HP's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2014
This was such a boring read....fell so flat for me!!!!!
I could not connect with the mc's...in fact I really disliked the hero...he was such a not so nice man....and the heroine .....well...let's just say I found her totally irritating.
The story line was unrealistic to me....all the angst and drama..........too much for me.
I think this is the first book by this author and I don't think I will grab any of her future books.
I could not connect with the mc's...in fact I really disliked the hero...he was such a not so nice man....and the heroine .....well...let's just say I found her totally irritating.
The story line was unrealistic to me....all the angst and drama..........too much for me.
I think this is the first book by this author and I don't think I will grab any of her future books.
December 4, 2014
Very emotional book about a broken marriage. Hero was alpha, heroine was a sweetheart and the sex scenes steamy! Plus the epilogue was super adorable! Great debut book!
November 4, 2014
What an amazing debut book by Andie Brock. An emotional roller coaster of emotion of hurt and misunderstanding that had Lottie leave her shattered marriage. Loss of a child will either make the marriage stronger or pull it apart. Too many misunderstandings, unspoken words and words that should never been spoken had left them both bitter and hurt. After an accident Rafael life was shaken and a wake up call how fragile life was. He wanted and needed an heir to continue the line of Monterrato and only one person who could do that with was his estranged wife. She arrived thinking he wanted a divorce not have his child. He was cold and indifferent. Lottie was holding onto her fragile strength she had found. Built herself a new life after their marriage fell apart two years ago. Everyone is affected differently from a trauma like losing a baby. They both reacted in different ways, both suffered in silence, instead of reaching out. This one pulled at my heartstrings. Communication is so important in a marriage, in any relationship to make it work. Even though they resented each other, hurt each other by hitting out, their attraction, what had first pulled together, was still there. Just some things can't be changed, some things that can't be fought like a love that was meant to be. It is a story also about letting go of the pain, the guilt, the anger, the bitterness, and words do hurt that can be more painful then any knife to the heart. Loved this to pieces. Well done Andie :)
November 20, 2018
Terrible, awful, dreadful, ghastly, vile, sleazy, detestable H. Don't read this.
June 21, 2016
Lottie is back to visit estranged husband Rafael after two years of separation. She thinks he may want to start divorce proceedings. Actually, he wants her to have a baby.
Rafael is a Conte. He’s rich and sexy and has important things to do in his Conte-dom. When not sleeping with gorgeous super-model ladies, he likes extreme sports. Recently, he was sky diving and his parachute failed to open. He crashed into a tree. His face is all cut up when Lottie sees him, but he’s still very handsome and she’s certain the scars will all heal nicely.
Apparently what won’t heal nicely is his sperm count. The tree has rendered him infertile. There is only one chance left for him to have an heir – using the last embryo they have on ice, and the services of a top Iranian doctor, Lottie can give him the child he wants. At this point in the development of the plot, I had a particular expectation from this book. While it had already established that Lottie had gone through many IVF treatments before the two of them split, I still thought I had a pretty good idea how this would all pan out. Lottie would agree to more IVF, it wouldn’t take, they’d have passionate break-up sex, and Lottie would go home to London. Then, months later she’d be throwing up and Rafael would show up and miracle baby would be confirmed. Then there’d be an epilogue three years in the future, with Lottie watching fondly as Rafael teaches their little toddler to swim and she pats her big 8 months pregnant with twins belly.
This review is behind hidden spoilers because this isn’t what happened at all. I had to swallow my snark.
Lottie and Rafael’s story is heartbreaking. They met and fell in love at university (although it’s pointed out that he was doing his doctorate, presumably so it was clear that he was old enough to be an HP hero). Lottie gets pregnant, they get married and move to Monterrato. Lottie’s not quite sure about life as a Contessa, but she’s deliriously in love with Rafael. Then, tragedy strikes. There’s an accident and their little girl is born premature, and dies within a few hours. The accident has also meant Lottie can no longer conceive naturally.
Both of them are overwhelmed with grief. Rafael seems to handle it by immediately insisting that Lottie start IVF treatments, and she goes along with it. He throws himself into his work, and when he is home, he’s distant. Lottie starts to believe that he sees her only as a means to an heir. The treatments fail to take hold. Lottie packs her bags. In a dramatic airport scene, she tells Rafael that she doesn’t love him. That she’s never loved him. She’s heartbroken, he’s devastated and angry, and the marriage is over.
This is a lot of backstory, and it overwhelms the plot. It’s handled thoughtfully, but without any particular nuance. It needed some nuance, to prevent it from being a checklist of how a couple have a textbook response to tragedy and make it worse.
The plot covers Lottie and Rafael rekindling their sexual relationship and finding themselves still emotionally attached. What kept getting at me though, is that I’m really not sure how well these second chance at love stories work for me.
What gets me is how badly this relationship has failed. Each of them has dealt with devastating loss without the love and support of the other. They’ve rebuilt their lives. They aren’t their best selves … there’s the implication that Lottie should be making art rather than working in a gallery. And Rafael is clearly into extreme risk because of his emotional devastation, neither is healthy.
It’s all very well to bring a couple back for the length of a novel, usually only a few weeks, and usually in circumstances where they are again mostly at their worst, but I’m sceptical that this proves they’re going to work out long term. Instead, it suggests that passion can overwhelm you and leave you euphoric and sure that this is love eternal. Whereas they’ve already failed at love eternal – they didn’t take care of each other. They didn’t really try. I don’t think they even realise that this is a big problem. Rafael is really caught up on Lottie’s revelation that she never loved him. Lottie is really caught up on the fact that Rafael failed to follow her. Their backstory made them real and made me care about them, but I’m not convinced by their romance.
Rafael is a Conte. He’s rich and sexy and has important things to do in his Conte-dom. When not sleeping with gorgeous super-model ladies, he likes extreme sports. Recently, he was sky diving and his parachute failed to open. He crashed into a tree. His face is all cut up when Lottie sees him, but he’s still very handsome and she’s certain the scars will all heal nicely.
Apparently what won’t heal nicely is his sperm count. The tree has rendered him infertile. There is only one chance left for him to have an heir – using the last embryo they have on ice, and the services of a top Iranian doctor, Lottie can give him the child he wants. At this point in the development of the plot, I had a particular expectation from this book. While it had already established that Lottie had gone through many IVF treatments before the two of them split, I still thought I had a pretty good idea how this would all pan out. Lottie would agree to more IVF, it wouldn’t take, they’d have passionate break-up sex, and Lottie would go home to London. Then, months later she’d be throwing up and Rafael would show up and miracle baby would be confirmed. Then there’d be an epilogue three years in the future, with Lottie watching fondly as Rafael teaches their little toddler to swim and she pats her big 8 months pregnant with twins belly.
This review is behind hidden spoilers because this isn’t what happened at all. I had to swallow my snark.
Lottie and Rafael’s story is heartbreaking. They met and fell in love at university (although it’s pointed out that he was doing his doctorate, presumably so it was clear that he was old enough to be an HP hero). Lottie gets pregnant, they get married and move to Monterrato. Lottie’s not quite sure about life as a Contessa, but she’s deliriously in love with Rafael. Then, tragedy strikes. There’s an accident and their little girl is born premature, and dies within a few hours. The accident has also meant Lottie can no longer conceive naturally.
Both of them are overwhelmed with grief. Rafael seems to handle it by immediately insisting that Lottie start IVF treatments, and she goes along with it. He throws himself into his work, and when he is home, he’s distant. Lottie starts to believe that he sees her only as a means to an heir. The treatments fail to take hold. Lottie packs her bags. In a dramatic airport scene, she tells Rafael that she doesn’t love him. That she’s never loved him. She’s heartbroken, he’s devastated and angry, and the marriage is over.
This is a lot of backstory, and it overwhelms the plot. It’s handled thoughtfully, but without any particular nuance. It needed some nuance, to prevent it from being a checklist of how a couple have a textbook response to tragedy and make it worse.
The plot covers Lottie and Rafael rekindling their sexual relationship and finding themselves still emotionally attached. What kept getting at me though, is that I’m really not sure how well these second chance at love stories work for me.
What gets me is how badly this relationship has failed. Each of them has dealt with devastating loss without the love and support of the other. They’ve rebuilt their lives. They aren’t their best selves … there’s the implication that Lottie should be making art rather than working in a gallery. And Rafael is clearly into extreme risk because of his emotional devastation, neither is healthy.
It’s all very well to bring a couple back for the length of a novel, usually only a few weeks, and usually in circumstances where they are again mostly at their worst, but I’m sceptical that this proves they’re going to work out long term. Instead, it suggests that passion can overwhelm you and leave you euphoric and sure that this is love eternal. Whereas they’ve already failed at love eternal – they didn’t take care of each other. They didn’t really try. I don’t think they even realise that this is a big problem. Rafael is really caught up on Lottie’s revelation that she never loved him. Lottie is really caught up on the fact that Rafael failed to follow her. Their backstory made them real and made me care about them, but I’m not convinced by their romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2014
I have personally always been a major fan of daredevils, the pure thrill and excitement of these badboys is addictive. So of course I was thrilled when I learned that this read had such a hero, and my oh my what a hero he was!
The read introduces us to Rafael Revaldi, he has always lived for the moment, then his whole life changes when he cheats death. This leads him to know exactly what he wants, and that is an heir. But to make it happen he has to focus all his attention on winning back the heart of his estranged wife Lottie.
Lottie returns to the castle she once called home, but with her she brings a newfound strength , she's not the same woman she use to be and she 'll be darned if she goes down without a fight again, if only she can carry her strength to full.
The intense sensual connection between her and Rafe is still there and it's hotter then ever, but the emotional scars from their marriage still lingers. Can she stand her ground and walk away from heartache and pain or will she once again lose her heart when if she fails to give them both the child they both so desperately want?
I adored this read to pieces, the raw emotional hurt from the characters had me in tears for the best part of the book, which of course is always a definite sign that an author knows what she or he is doing! The characters of Rafe and Lottie both pulled my hearstrings to the point where I honestly wished I could climb inside the book and just fix it all, the author let the hurt, anger and pain play out perfectly, it was truly as if I was right there watching the characters tear each other to pieces.
Through both characters the author showed , that we all react differently when life fails us, some of us lash out, others simply go into a little cocoon of self defense. But at the end of the day which ever action we take hurts our changes of being able to really get back up again, stand our ground and let the world know we are stronger then what ever life trows at us.
The cold hearted method taken by Rafe to inform Lottie of his decision was one written so well it sent chills down my spine, and of course I thought " What a bastard! " and then I wondered what really lurks behind the cold man of steel? And let me tell you when the author began digging into the past of these characters and the cold hearted methods they both take, I was an absolute mess, I bawled like a baby, I shouted in outrage and I yelled with frustration, so many various emotions ran through me and without a doubt this author got to my heart and soul!
I am taking away a message of life can knock us down so badly it feels as if there is simply no way back up again. But the trick is to find the right balance to get back up again, you can pretend all is fine and make everyone believe you 're having a high old time, but when you are alone the darkness overcomes you. There is a thin line between getting back up to the point where you are able to move on without regrets and accept life for what it is, and getting back up but still leaving a part of you on the ground begging for help. Never give up, always fight and most importantly communicate and tell the truth to those that matter, if you don't there simply is really no way you will ever fully get back up again and be able to face life.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with amazing twists and turns, pure raw emotional heartache , stunning passion and a wonderful message of love conquering all.
A brilliant debut Andie!
5/5 star review
" Death tore them apart, can a new life will bring them together? "
The read introduces us to Rafael Revaldi, he has always lived for the moment, then his whole life changes when he cheats death. This leads him to know exactly what he wants, and that is an heir. But to make it happen he has to focus all his attention on winning back the heart of his estranged wife Lottie.
Lottie returns to the castle she once called home, but with her she brings a newfound strength , she's not the same woman she use to be and she 'll be darned if she goes down without a fight again, if only she can carry her strength to full.
The intense sensual connection between her and Rafe is still there and it's hotter then ever, but the emotional scars from their marriage still lingers. Can she stand her ground and walk away from heartache and pain or will she once again lose her heart when if she fails to give them both the child they both so desperately want?
I adored this read to pieces, the raw emotional hurt from the characters had me in tears for the best part of the book, which of course is always a definite sign that an author knows what she or he is doing! The characters of Rafe and Lottie both pulled my hearstrings to the point where I honestly wished I could climb inside the book and just fix it all, the author let the hurt, anger and pain play out perfectly, it was truly as if I was right there watching the characters tear each other to pieces.
Through both characters the author showed , that we all react differently when life fails us, some of us lash out, others simply go into a little cocoon of self defense. But at the end of the day which ever action we take hurts our changes of being able to really get back up again, stand our ground and let the world know we are stronger then what ever life trows at us.
The cold hearted method taken by Rafe to inform Lottie of his decision was one written so well it sent chills down my spine, and of course I thought " What a bastard! " and then I wondered what really lurks behind the cold man of steel? And let me tell you when the author began digging into the past of these characters and the cold hearted methods they both take, I was an absolute mess, I bawled like a baby, I shouted in outrage and I yelled with frustration, so many various emotions ran through me and without a doubt this author got to my heart and soul!
I am taking away a message of life can knock us down so badly it feels as if there is simply no way back up again. But the trick is to find the right balance to get back up again, you can pretend all is fine and make everyone believe you 're having a high old time, but when you are alone the darkness overcomes you. There is a thin line between getting back up to the point where you are able to move on without regrets and accept life for what it is, and getting back up but still leaving a part of you on the ground begging for help. Never give up, always fight and most importantly communicate and tell the truth to those that matter, if you don't there simply is really no way you will ever fully get back up again and be able to face life.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with amazing twists and turns, pure raw emotional heartache , stunning passion and a wonderful message of love conquering all.
A brilliant debut Andie!
5/5 star review
" Death tore them apart, can a new life will bring them together? "
January 16, 2015
THE LAST HEIR OF MONTERRATO by author Andie Brock is a Harlequin Presents release for January 2015.
Charlotte had walked away from her marriage and husband the Conte di Monterrato when his coldness towards her became too much. But he needs an heir now and he has no one else to ask but his estranged wife, Lottie.
Would she come back? Could she risk her heart yet once again? Though she also yearned for the child, would she say yes to Rafael’s proposal?
THE LAST HEIR OF MONTERRATO is an emotional roller-coaster of a story. Reading this book brought me to tears many times. This story is about moving from past hurts and sacrifices. Author Andie Brock did a fabulous job with Lottie and Rafael’s characters. Readers would cry with Lottie, yet would find it in their hearts to forgive Rafael as well.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Charlotte had walked away from her marriage and husband the Conte di Monterrato when his coldness towards her became too much. But he needs an heir now and he has no one else to ask but his estranged wife, Lottie.
Would she come back? Could she risk her heart yet once again? Though she also yearned for the child, would she say yes to Rafael’s proposal?
THE LAST HEIR OF MONTERRATO is an emotional roller-coaster of a story. Reading this book brought me to tears many times. This story is about moving from past hurts and sacrifices. Author Andie Brock did a fabulous job with Lottie and Rafael’s characters. Readers would cry with Lottie, yet would find it in their hearts to forgive Rafael as well.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
December 24, 2014
The Last Heir of Monterrato is about Can This Marriage Be Saved.
As a romance reader I can be convinced that almost every marriage can be saved but the writer failed to convince me it was possible with this marriage. While this was a very well written emotionally engaging story, the romance failed to measure up mainly because the hero stubbornly held up barriers threw most of the book. The last chapter is where he suddenly confesses his love after pushing the heroine away and punishing her most of the book. Very frustrating!
See after the heroine lost her baby the hero emotionally abandoned her. Once she is back in his life, the hero never admits his part in the marriage breakup. The hero was clueless for way too long.
This author deals with serious issues well but failed in re-making the romance.
As a romance reader I can be convinced that almost every marriage can be saved but the writer failed to convince me it was possible with this marriage. While this was a very well written emotionally engaging story, the romance failed to measure up mainly because the hero stubbornly held up barriers threw most of the book. The last chapter is where he suddenly confesses his love after pushing the heroine away and punishing her most of the book. Very frustrating!
See after the heroine lost her baby the hero emotionally abandoned her. Once she is back in his life, the hero never admits his part in the marriage breakup. The hero was clueless for way too long.
This author deals with serious issues well but failed in re-making the romance.
December 28, 2014
This story is an emotional roller coaster journey to a HEA Rafe the Conte di Monterrato and Lottie fell in love pretty much at first sight their love for each other is passionate and when Lottie falls pregnant they marry and they look forward to being parents but when an accident causes a premature birth and the loss of their child their marriage falls apart and badly but two years later when Rafe is injured in an accident and summons Lottie back to the Palazzo to discuss having another child to carry on the Monterrato line their relationship is put to the test. I really enjoyed this debut story about a tortured couple that have been through so much it does not help that Rafe is so stubborn and alpha and Lottie is caring but strong the tension throughout is full on and it will keep you turning the pages I loved the epilogue.
December 17, 2014
How much did I love this? Very very very much!
Summonsed to her ex husband's Palazzo, Lottie is expecting divorce papers to be slapped down in front of her, instead she's completely stunned sideways when Rafael suggests they use their last embryo from their IVF trials two years ago! A nasty skydiving accident has left Rafael likely to be unable to father any children in the future. He really does want a family and knowing that Lottie cant conceive naturally anymore, he hopes she'll agree they are each others last hope. What neither of them realise is this seeming clinical transaction is going to reopen old wounds and awaken feelings that have been hidden and buried and pushed away. Feelings for each other and feelings for the loss they suffered together years ago.
I'm a total sucker for reunion stories and with this one Andie Brock gets five stars from me - 6 stars even - for many reasons.
Firstly, I felt the whole spectrum of emotions when I read The Last Heir of Monterrato. I laughed and laughed at Lottie and Rafael's witty exchanges. I cried on the inside as their loss was described throughout the story. I was gripped by suspense with my heart beating double-time at each page turn when Lottie and Rafael had their out-with-it-all moments. I felt Lottie's pain at Rafael's rejection when she lays her heart on the line. I felt Rafael's pain at his memories of what happened. I seriously didn't want to reach the last page. As I read this the outside the weather was thundering and pouring with rain but I was totally swept away with Lottie and Rafael's story.
Secondly If I did not know this was a debut novel I would never have guessed. The story flowed perfectly, I was totally by their side along for every bumpy second of the incredible ride. I appreciated the witty humour. When I say witty humor I don't mean chick lit witty I mean just the little touches that were added (examples to come). I thought Rafael was the perfect alpha! He was perfect because he made me so mad at him but always managed to smooth it out when I read his point of view. Lottie was lovely, wasn't phased by her growly bear ex husband, and wore her heart on her sleeve. I really enjoyed that they both desperately loved each other, always had, but just didn't know how to move past their shared tragedy.
The third reason The Last Heir of Monterrato gets five stars from me is because when I pick up this book to read again, it'll be for the third time.
I always feel that when I love love love a story I don't do it justice with my words so I'll just say, give this one a go if you love the angst reunion stories have, if you love fantastic alpha's, if you love it when the lil guys win and if you want to be whisked away to another place for a while, away from the daily grind and if you love the emotions only Harlequin Presents/Sexy can bring.
What a stunning debut Andie Brock, I absolutely loved The Last Heir of Monterrato and I will be eagerly waiting for more!
Summonsed to her ex husband's Palazzo, Lottie is expecting divorce papers to be slapped down in front of her, instead she's completely stunned sideways when Rafael suggests they use their last embryo from their IVF trials two years ago! A nasty skydiving accident has left Rafael likely to be unable to father any children in the future. He really does want a family and knowing that Lottie cant conceive naturally anymore, he hopes she'll agree they are each others last hope. What neither of them realise is this seeming clinical transaction is going to reopen old wounds and awaken feelings that have been hidden and buried and pushed away. Feelings for each other and feelings for the loss they suffered together years ago.
I'm a total sucker for reunion stories and with this one Andie Brock gets five stars from me - 6 stars even - for many reasons.
Firstly, I felt the whole spectrum of emotions when I read The Last Heir of Monterrato. I laughed and laughed at Lottie and Rafael's witty exchanges. I cried on the inside as their loss was described throughout the story. I was gripped by suspense with my heart beating double-time at each page turn when Lottie and Rafael had their out-with-it-all moments. I felt Lottie's pain at Rafael's rejection when she lays her heart on the line. I felt Rafael's pain at his memories of what happened. I seriously didn't want to reach the last page. As I read this the outside the weather was thundering and pouring with rain but I was totally swept away with Lottie and Rafael's story.
Secondly If I did not know this was a debut novel I would never have guessed. The story flowed perfectly, I was totally by their side along for every bumpy second of the incredible ride. I appreciated the witty humour. When I say witty humor I don't mean chick lit witty I mean just the little touches that were added (examples to come). I thought Rafael was the perfect alpha! He was perfect because he made me so mad at him but always managed to smooth it out when I read his point of view. Lottie was lovely, wasn't phased by her growly bear ex husband, and wore her heart on her sleeve. I really enjoyed that they both desperately loved each other, always had, but just didn't know how to move past their shared tragedy.
The third reason The Last Heir of Monterrato gets five stars from me is because when I pick up this book to read again, it'll be for the third time.
I always feel that when I love love love a story I don't do it justice with my words so I'll just say, give this one a go if you love the angst reunion stories have, if you love fantastic alpha's, if you love it when the lil guys win and if you want to be whisked away to another place for a while, away from the daily grind and if you love the emotions only Harlequin Presents/Sexy can bring.
What a stunning debut Andie Brock, I absolutely loved The Last Heir of Monterrato and I will be eagerly waiting for more!
February 17, 2015
This book is heartbreaking! If I had read earlier reviews, I may not have read it, but I am so glad I did!!
Rafael and Charlotte are an estranged couple. Their marriage fell apart because of shared loss. That loss they suffered was so devastating and they couldn't deal with the emotional backlash, buried it and those hidden emotions forced them apart. When they do get back together years later, there is so much anger, guilt, and pain that they can barely face each other without it bleeding into every shared look and every word spoken. The things they left unsaid in an attempt to protect themselves from more pain grew to an enormous proportion and took on a life of it's own and almost destroyed them.
This was not a feel good book. It was very hard to read. I felt the characters pain. At times I wanted to reach out and offer comfort because no two people should ever have to live through what they did. At other times, I found yourself wanting to reach into the story and shake them both for their stubbornness and pride. It was frustrating!
This is Andie Brock's first book and I cannot wait to read her future works. Her story is well written and her characters are well developed. These are characters you could, and wanted to, empathize with. You wanted them to fix their problems and heal their hurts. Her story pulled you in from the start and kept you riveted and waiting for the happy. I highly recommend this book. It will reach in a grab your emotions and take them for a very heart-rending ride.
Rafael and Charlotte are an estranged couple. Their marriage fell apart because of shared loss. That loss they suffered was so devastating and they couldn't deal with the emotional backlash, buried it and those hidden emotions forced them apart. When they do get back together years later, there is so much anger, guilt, and pain that they can barely face each other without it bleeding into every shared look and every word spoken. The things they left unsaid in an attempt to protect themselves from more pain grew to an enormous proportion and took on a life of it's own and almost destroyed them.
This was not a feel good book. It was very hard to read. I felt the characters pain. At times I wanted to reach out and offer comfort because no two people should ever have to live through what they did. At other times, I found yourself wanting to reach into the story and shake them both for their stubbornness and pride. It was frustrating!
This is Andie Brock's first book and I cannot wait to read her future works. Her story is well written and her characters are well developed. These are characters you could, and wanted to, empathize with. You wanted them to fix their problems and heal their hurts. Her story pulled you in from the start and kept you riveted and waiting for the happy. I highly recommend this book. It will reach in a grab your emotions and take them for a very heart-rending ride.
January 2, 2015
"The Last Heir of Monterrato" by Andie Brock was given to me for an honest review. I really liked this story. I read pretty fast and was able to read through this in 1 day.
In this story we have Rafael Rivaldi the Conte di Monterrato, and his estranged wife Charlotte (Lottie.) Rafael has survived a jump where his parachute didn't deploy, but with many injuries. Lottie is still struggling over the death of their premature daughter a couple of years ago. Both are now thrown together in a last effort to have a child through IVF.
What you'll see is a journey of learning to trust, and being open with each other. It's the secrets and holding their feelings in that caused their first separation. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
In this story we have Rafael Rivaldi the Conte di Monterrato, and his estranged wife Charlotte (Lottie.) Rafael has survived a jump where his parachute didn't deploy, but with many injuries. Lottie is still struggling over the death of their premature daughter a couple of years ago. Both are now thrown together in a last effort to have a child through IVF.
What you'll see is a journey of learning to trust, and being open with each other. It's the secrets and holding their feelings in that caused their first separation. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
June 15, 2015
A gripping, passionate and compelling contemporary romance that will touch your heart and keep you engrossed from beginning to end, The Last Heir of Monterrato, is Andie Brock’s sensational debut novel for Harlequin Presents.
Daredevil Rafe has tried his hardest to forget about Lottie. A regular on the society pages, Rafe’s latest romantic conquests are frequently splashed all over the tabloids, but no woman has ever manage to hold a candle to his estranged wife, Lottie. Throwing himself into his work and his passion for extreme sports is the only way he can numb the pain and temporarily assuage the emotional torment that consumes him. However, when Rafe has an accident that almost costs him his life, he realises that there is only one person that he wants by his side in his palazzo: Lottie! And when the doctors tell him some shocking news, he soon realises that Lottie is the only woman who can provide him with a much desired heir!
When Lottie is summoned back to Monterrato, she thinks that Rafe is going to be presenting her with divorce papers. Returning back to the palazzo that had been her home, Lottie soon finds all those feelings which she has tried so hard to suppress since her departure flooding back with a vengeance. However, she is determined not to let old emotional attachments cloud her judgement. Being asked to have a baby with her ex-husband is the last thing she was expecting and although her first instinct is to refuse, Lottie is soon persuaded to provide Rafe and Monterrato with an heir.
Thrown together by fate and united by a passion that simply cannot be denied, will Rafe and Lottie find the courage to face up to their feelings for one another, heal from the emotional scars of their marriage and put their hearts on the line for a second time? Or will they continue to be held hostage by their past?
A searingly emotional, dramatic and sensuous love story sure to hold you in thrall from the very first sentence, The Last Heir of Monterrato sizzles with powerful intensity, red-hot passion and heart-wrenching pathos. Andie Brock has written a first-class romance about sacrifice, redemption, righting the wrongs of the past and the power of love that I found absolutely impossible to put down.
I loved Rafe and Lottie. They were wonderfully nuanced, believable and so wonderfully realised that I felt as if I was living the story alongside them and not just reading it. Lottie was a strong, intelligent and relatable heroine and Rafe was a terrific Alpha hero you cannot help but love.
Andie Brock has written a fabulous contemporary romance that delivers on all counts and I cannot wait to read more wonderful stories from this very gifted writer!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
Daredevil Rafe has tried his hardest to forget about Lottie. A regular on the society pages, Rafe’s latest romantic conquests are frequently splashed all over the tabloids, but no woman has ever manage to hold a candle to his estranged wife, Lottie. Throwing himself into his work and his passion for extreme sports is the only way he can numb the pain and temporarily assuage the emotional torment that consumes him. However, when Rafe has an accident that almost costs him his life, he realises that there is only one person that he wants by his side in his palazzo: Lottie! And when the doctors tell him some shocking news, he soon realises that Lottie is the only woman who can provide him with a much desired heir!
When Lottie is summoned back to Monterrato, she thinks that Rafe is going to be presenting her with divorce papers. Returning back to the palazzo that had been her home, Lottie soon finds all those feelings which she has tried so hard to suppress since her departure flooding back with a vengeance. However, she is determined not to let old emotional attachments cloud her judgement. Being asked to have a baby with her ex-husband is the last thing she was expecting and although her first instinct is to refuse, Lottie is soon persuaded to provide Rafe and Monterrato with an heir.
Thrown together by fate and united by a passion that simply cannot be denied, will Rafe and Lottie find the courage to face up to their feelings for one another, heal from the emotional scars of their marriage and put their hearts on the line for a second time? Or will they continue to be held hostage by their past?
A searingly emotional, dramatic and sensuous love story sure to hold you in thrall from the very first sentence, The Last Heir of Monterrato sizzles with powerful intensity, red-hot passion and heart-wrenching pathos. Andie Brock has written a first-class romance about sacrifice, redemption, righting the wrongs of the past and the power of love that I found absolutely impossible to put down.
I loved Rafe and Lottie. They were wonderfully nuanced, believable and so wonderfully realised that I felt as if I was living the story alongside them and not just reading it. Lottie was a strong, intelligent and relatable heroine and Rafe was a terrific Alpha hero you cannot help but love.
Andie Brock has written a fabulous contemporary romance that delivers on all counts and I cannot wait to read more wonderful stories from this very gifted writer!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
January 5, 2015
*2.5 stars*
Another one where there was NOT ENOUGH grovelling from the hero... In fact I pretty much wanted to punch Rafael in the throat the WHOLE time I was reading this... I kept HOPING that he would redeem himself somehow... alas it was not to be... *GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*
Another one where there was NOT ENOUGH grovelling from the hero... In fact I pretty much wanted to punch Rafael in the throat the WHOLE time I was reading this... I kept HOPING that he would redeem himself somehow... alas it was not to be... *GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*
December 23, 2014
could have been a nice story if it had made any sense -but it does not. She lost a baby because the birth was much too early. The hero and heroin split and he lives a single life for 2 years, until he has a bad accident. He fell from 12,000 feet and his parachute did not open. But happily, there was a tree to slow down his fall and he is only injured. Seriously? yes! The fall just prevents him from siring any kid. Seriously? yes! His wife, after the fist baby cannot conceive naturally but only with IVF. Seriously? yes!
It goes against any medical knowledge, I know, but that is how it begins. And as he wants an heir, he must ask her to try again with IVF and a frozen embryo they had left from their happy times.
When you have read 20 pages, you know they will end up together and in love, with a baby, because that is the way it goes in such books.
But still, I have questions without answers :
1/ how could her giving birth prematurely prevent he from getting pregnant normally, but not with IVF? especially after the doctor says she has no more risks of premature birth than any other woman?
2/ how could they have given up after less than one year of IVF, when money was not a problem? thee IVF, not a lot.
3/ what did the accident do to him so that he could not have kids anymore? we learn soon enough he is not impotent. I cannot believe his fall could have removed his prostate... So what?
4/ where is his palazzo, where a Conte is at the head of a principality? A principality has a prince or princess at its head, not a conte. It seems to be near Aosta, close to the Alps.
5/ how come the accident did not kill him?
6/ what do they speak in the principality? it is close to Italan, but is not Italian...like Mio Dio or buon instead of bene...
It could be a charming, if easy story, with a little bit of research. It lacks any twist or any imagination. It is just the romance from the 1980s, and I was quite disappointed.
Now, if someone can answer my questions...
It goes against any medical knowledge, I know, but that is how it begins. And as he wants an heir, he must ask her to try again with IVF and a frozen embryo they had left from their happy times.
When you have read 20 pages, you know they will end up together and in love, with a baby, because that is the way it goes in such books.
But still, I have questions without answers :
1/ how could her giving birth prematurely prevent he from getting pregnant normally, but not with IVF? especially after the doctor says she has no more risks of premature birth than any other woman?
2/ how could they have given up after less than one year of IVF, when money was not a problem? thee IVF, not a lot.
3/ what did the accident do to him so that he could not have kids anymore? we learn soon enough he is not impotent. I cannot believe his fall could have removed his prostate... So what?
4/ where is his palazzo, where a Conte is at the head of a principality? A principality has a prince or princess at its head, not a conte. It seems to be near Aosta, close to the Alps.
5/ how come the accident did not kill him?
6/ what do they speak in the principality? it is close to Italan, but is not Italian...like Mio Dio or buon instead of bene...
It could be a charming, if easy story, with a little bit of research. It lacks any twist or any imagination. It is just the romance from the 1980s, and I was quite disappointed.
Now, if someone can answer my questions...
March 16, 2015
Andie Brock delivers a sterling debut with THE LAST HEIR OF MONTERRATO. Eloquently written, I somehow find this book different compared to other HP books though a page-turner just the same. It captures one’s attention, drawing the reader into its complicated, dramatic plot that is moving and compellingly entertaining. Brock is definitely one author readers should be adding to their auto-buy list. On a personal note, I will devour any other book written by this fabulous lady!
Highly Recommended
5/5 Stars
Highly Recommended
5/5 Stars
March 24, 2015
I won this book from goodreads.
Lottie left Rafael due to much miscommunication,
Well Lottie and Rafael come together once more
for their last chance at a child.
despite much hurt and pain their passion ignites.
I enjoyed the book it was fun rollercoaster of a book.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Lottie left Rafael due to much miscommunication,
Well Lottie and Rafael come together once more
for their last chance at a child.
despite much hurt and pain their passion ignites.
I enjoyed the book it was fun rollercoaster of a book.
Thanks for the opportunity.
December 17, 2014
What I enjoyed most about this book was the end-to-end tension. I was really gripped by the icy repulsion and hot passion battling for supremacy in two strong characters. Skilfully written. No lulls.
February 21, 2015
A good read, really feel as if I know Lottie and Rafe ....quite tense at times so a bit un put able down! Can't wait for the next one.
July 9, 2021
I am always astonished that people can read the same book and end up with totally opposing views about it. The one star reviews and hate for the hero puzzled me. Yes, he is cold and distant to the heroine but knowing the way she left him - who would blame him. Of course if they’d both spoken to each other, the problem would have been solved, they would have grieved together and life would have gone on. But then there’d be no book! I thought this was a brave attempt to take a tragedy, a couple who loved each other but who hadn’t the time to get to know one another properly - and show how they just fell apart.
Personally I think it was a mistake to make the gap between her leaving and him calling her back to suggest they try to get pregnant - was fat too long. They had got over things, got on with their lives etc.
However, leaving that aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I liked Rafe and Lottie even when they were both being stupid.
This is a fairly new writer to me and I am impressed enough to try other books by her.
Personally I think it was a mistake to make the gap between her leaving and him calling her back to suggest they try to get pregnant - was fat too long. They had got over things, got on with their lives etc.
However, leaving that aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I liked Rafe and Lottie even when they were both being stupid.
This is a fairly new writer to me and I am impressed enough to try other books by her.
June 17, 2016
My dog ate my homework. Actually, my laptop just ate the review I'd nearly finished writing, but it kinda feels the same, doggone it.
Okay, let's try this again. I consider Harlequin romances guilty pleasures. "Potato chip books," I call them. Well, all I can say is I should be feeling super guilty about now, because I reeeally enjoyed this one.
When the story opens, Lottie has been summoned by her husband Rafael, who she left two years earlier, following the death of their premature infant. She thinks he wants her to sign divorce papers, but he has something entirely different in mind; he wants her to have another baby. The thing is, when she left him, she said she'd never loved him, but that was a big fat lie. She loved him then, and she still does, so the only thing she wants more than to have his baby is to be with him again. To protect his crushed heart, he's desperately tried to get over her, and pretends he can barely stand to be in the same room with her, but that's another big fat lie. The truth is, he's still in love with her, too. Can these two stubborn boneheads get past all of the misconceptions, assumptions, and bruised feelings to find their happy ever after? Oh, come one. You KNOW they will. The real question is: how much will the author torture them... and us... before they get there?
In some ways, this book reminded me of some of the Mary Stewart books I used to devour. It's very well-written, with great descriptions, and tortured characters who hide the truth to protect themselves, but who are actually causing themselves more unnecessary pain. Then again, I don't remember any steamy love scenes in the Stewart books...
Bottom line? I reeeeeally enjoyed this book. It made me cry a little, and left me with a sigh in my heart, and a smile on my face. Four and a half stars.
Okay, let's try this again. I consider Harlequin romances guilty pleasures. "Potato chip books," I call them. Well, all I can say is I should be feeling super guilty about now, because I reeeally enjoyed this one.
When the story opens, Lottie has been summoned by her husband Rafael, who she left two years earlier, following the death of their premature infant. She thinks he wants her to sign divorce papers, but he has something entirely different in mind; he wants her to have another baby. The thing is, when she left him, she said she'd never loved him, but that was a big fat lie. She loved him then, and she still does, so the only thing she wants more than to have his baby is to be with him again. To protect his crushed heart, he's desperately tried to get over her, and pretends he can barely stand to be in the same room with her, but that's another big fat lie. The truth is, he's still in love with her, too. Can these two stubborn boneheads get past all of the misconceptions, assumptions, and bruised feelings to find their happy ever after? Oh, come one. You KNOW they will. The real question is: how much will the author torture them... and us... before they get there?
In some ways, this book reminded me of some of the Mary Stewart books I used to devour. It's very well-written, with great descriptions, and tortured characters who hide the truth to protect themselves, but who are actually causing themselves more unnecessary pain. Then again, I don't remember any steamy love scenes in the Stewart books...
Bottom line? I reeeeeally enjoyed this book. It made me cry a little, and left me with a sigh in my heart, and a smile on my face. Four and a half stars.
September 16, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I’m not very fond of Harlequin books, but I do think they are light and easy to read. Their downside is the lack of depth. There’s a lot to be said about this particular story. Rafael Revaldi is a gruff and hard to break shell of a man who convenes a meeting with his ex-wife. Lottie left him about 3 years ago because of a ruined marriage. Now, after a parachute accident which rendered him sterile, he makes her an offer. Carry their frozen embryo as, he eloquently points out, it is their only chance of being parents. Lottie herself can’t bear children since the death of premature Seraphina.
Well, of course there’s a lot to be said about this particular course of events, but not much was felt by me. I didn’t like the formality of the whole affair. There’s romance, sure, but it’s shadowed by the past and the constant rinse repeat of the same subject. The sudden reconciliation at the end was totally unconvincing. So this guy, who is basically an a-hole, spent years resenting his ex-wife and all of a sudden puts his pride aside and let’s live happily ever after? End of the story? Sorry, this makes no sense to me. Too much focus on angst. Not enough on happiness. I found it flat and lacking.
I’m not very fond of Harlequin books, but I do think they are light and easy to read. Their downside is the lack of depth. There’s a lot to be said about this particular story. Rafael Revaldi is a gruff and hard to break shell of a man who convenes a meeting with his ex-wife. Lottie left him about 3 years ago because of a ruined marriage. Now, after a parachute accident which rendered him sterile, he makes her an offer. Carry their frozen embryo as, he eloquently points out, it is their only chance of being parents. Lottie herself can’t bear children since the death of premature Seraphina.
Well, of course there’s a lot to be said about this particular course of events, but not much was felt by me. I didn’t like the formality of the whole affair. There’s romance, sure, but it’s shadowed by the past and the constant rinse repeat of the same subject. The sudden reconciliation at the end was totally unconvincing. So this guy, who is basically an a-hole, spent years resenting his ex-wife and all of a sudden puts his pride aside and let’s live happily ever after? End of the story? Sorry, this makes no sense to me. Too much focus on angst. Not enough on happiness. I found it flat and lacking.
January 9, 2019
Both Rafael and Lottie are great examples of lack of communication.
Lottie should have put her foot down after Rafael became obsessive. Sure she felt guilty but it wasn't her fault.
Rafael was honestly a sadistic guy. So the estate demanded his attention but that wasn't a good reason to ignore Lottie. She was plucked from a world and dropped in another without someone to care for her. And given Lottie was pregnant did he have to keep wild horses at home? So he felt guilty for what happened as well but to keep trying to get her pregnant she wasn't some guinea pig on whom he could experiment as he please. And to talk about a baby as a business deal he is unbelievable.
Both of them need to see a psychiatrist. Rafael more than anyone else.
Lottie should have put her foot down after Rafael became obsessive. Sure she felt guilty but it wasn't her fault.
Rafael was honestly a sadistic guy. So the estate demanded his attention but that wasn't a good reason to ignore Lottie. She was plucked from a world and dropped in another without someone to care for her. And given Lottie was pregnant did he have to keep wild horses at home? So he felt guilty for what happened as well but to keep trying to get her pregnant she wasn't some guinea pig on whom he could experiment as he please. And to talk about a baby as a business deal he is unbelievable.
Both of them need to see a psychiatrist. Rafael more than anyone else.
December 7, 2014
considering this is a debut novel, the writing is really impressive but as far as the story goes,it just fell flat for me. too much misunderstandings, confusion and stubbornness just ruined what Could have been a nice story. at one point I just wanted to kill the hero and the heroine....It was so irritating the way the entire book revolved around the same point and ruined the plot. ...
Read
December 17, 2014dnf
January 18, 2015
Brilliant emotionally-charged M&B, looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 3, 2015
great debut for this author. She's going to be one to watch.
March 12, 2024
Anya -per RFS
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San Valentino col conte non è il tipico harmony, infatti, i due protagonisti sono sposati e dopo due anni lontani Raffaele chiede a Charlotte di raggiungerlo in Italia con urgenza. I due sono marito e moglie, si sono conosciuti in Inghilterra e si sono subito innamorati. Il loro è stato un amore pieno di passione che ha subito portato a una gravidanza che li ha uniti ancor di più ma solo all’inizio perché, purtroppo, non è andata bene e il dolore per la perdita della bambina ha causato il loro allontanamento e ha portato lei a scappare e rifugiarsi a Londra per cercare di ricominciare a vivere.
Nei due anni di lontananza entrambi sono andati avanti ma lei non ha mai dimenticato il suo primo amore (Raffaele) e, la sua improvvisa e-mail, la mette in allarme. Raffaele prova molta rabbia verso se stesso perché nel momento in cui vede sua moglie si rende conto di amarla ancora ma non può accettare questo sentimento visto che lei prima di fuggire gli ha confessato di non averlo mai amato.
Il motivo per cui l’ha chiamata, però, è più importante e le propone di utilizzare l’ultimo embrione che avevano in precedenza congelato per mettere al mondo il suo erede.
Dopo la fecondazione assistita si trasferiscono a Villa Varenna per trascorrere due settimane assieme prima di fare il test di gravidanza. Questo soggiorno doveva servire per rendere felice e tranquilla Charlotte ma le cose non vanno così, ogni scusa è buona per litigare e scontrarsi; purtroppo, dopo due anni separati non sanno affrontare i sentimenti che provavano in presenza l’uno dell’altro e il rancore che provano tutt’ora.
La nostra protagonista è una giovane donna amante dell’arte, ha un rapporto inesistente con la madre, desidera avere un figlio e ama molto Raffaele. La sua vita lontana dal suo amore non è stata facile ma si è saputa organizzare ma, l’incontro con lui riporta a galla tutte le sue insicurezze che la porteranno a ritentare la fuga.
Raffaele è un conte, sente molte responsabilità su di sé per l’eredità lasciatagli dal padre e si impegna molto nel suo lavoro ma desidera un figlio più di ogni altra cosa al mondo. Dopo la scomparsa della prima figlia si è chiuso nel suo dolore e nel senso di colpa cercando di sentirsi vivo attraverso passatempi pericolosi come gli sport estremi che lo hanno portato vicino alla morte a causa di un paracadute non aperto e questo lo ha fatto riflettere e valutare come stesse trascorrendo la sua vita.
Ho molto apprezzato il percorso di coppia che entrambi fanno, il modo diverso in cui hanno affrontato il dolore della perdita e l’amore per l’altra persona, si sono ritrovati e riscoperti, lui ha combattuto strenuamente i sentimenti per Lottie e lei cercava in tutti i modi un contatto e un gesto d’affetto da parte sua. Mi sono commossa durante le confessioni che entrambi si lasciano sfuggire in momenti di rabbia, ho amato il modo in cui si sono riuniti e il finale mi ha lasciato soddisfatta e piena d’amore per questo libro. Non tratta tematiche facili ma la scrittrice ha saputo usare un linguaggio chiaro e diretto che mi ha fatto apprezzare ancora di più la lettura. Il doppio pov è stato una piacevole scoperta perché potevo essere al corrente dei pensieri di entrambi e aspettavo con ansia e timore il momento del loro confronto.
La passione e la tensione sessuale fra i due è tanta ma il momento erotico in sé viene descritto in modo velato soffermandosi più sul prima e le conseguenze che si porta dietro. Mi è dispiaciuto che l’autrice non si sia dilungata in certi momenti, avrei voluto leggere ancora molto di Lottie e Raf ma anche con un numero di pagine ridotto l’autrice è stata molto brava a presentare tutta la storia.
.
San Valentino col conte non è il tipico harmony, infatti, i due protagonisti sono sposati e dopo due anni lontani Raffaele chiede a Charlotte di raggiungerlo in Italia con urgenza. I due sono marito e moglie, si sono conosciuti in Inghilterra e si sono subito innamorati. Il loro è stato un amore pieno di passione che ha subito portato a una gravidanza che li ha uniti ancor di più ma solo all’inizio perché, purtroppo, non è andata bene e il dolore per la perdita della bambina ha causato il loro allontanamento e ha portato lei a scappare e rifugiarsi a Londra per cercare di ricominciare a vivere.
Nei due anni di lontananza entrambi sono andati avanti ma lei non ha mai dimenticato il suo primo amore (Raffaele) e, la sua improvvisa e-mail, la mette in allarme. Raffaele prova molta rabbia verso se stesso perché nel momento in cui vede sua moglie si rende conto di amarla ancora ma non può accettare questo sentimento visto che lei prima di fuggire gli ha confessato di non averlo mai amato.
Il motivo per cui l’ha chiamata, però, è più importante e le propone di utilizzare l’ultimo embrione che avevano in precedenza congelato per mettere al mondo il suo erede.
Dopo la fecondazione assistita si trasferiscono a Villa Varenna per trascorrere due settimane assieme prima di fare il test di gravidanza. Questo soggiorno doveva servire per rendere felice e tranquilla Charlotte ma le cose non vanno così, ogni scusa è buona per litigare e scontrarsi; purtroppo, dopo due anni separati non sanno affrontare i sentimenti che provavano in presenza l’uno dell’altro e il rancore che provano tutt’ora.
La nostra protagonista è una giovane donna amante dell’arte, ha un rapporto inesistente con la madre, desidera avere un figlio e ama molto Raffaele. La sua vita lontana dal suo amore non è stata facile ma si è saputa organizzare ma, l’incontro con lui riporta a galla tutte le sue insicurezze che la porteranno a ritentare la fuga.
Raffaele è un conte, sente molte responsabilità su di sé per l’eredità lasciatagli dal padre e si impegna molto nel suo lavoro ma desidera un figlio più di ogni altra cosa al mondo. Dopo la scomparsa della prima figlia si è chiuso nel suo dolore e nel senso di colpa cercando di sentirsi vivo attraverso passatempi pericolosi come gli sport estremi che lo hanno portato vicino alla morte a causa di un paracadute non aperto e questo lo ha fatto riflettere e valutare come stesse trascorrendo la sua vita.
Ho molto apprezzato il percorso di coppia che entrambi fanno, il modo diverso in cui hanno affrontato il dolore della perdita e l’amore per l’altra persona, si sono ritrovati e riscoperti, lui ha combattuto strenuamente i sentimenti per Lottie e lei cercava in tutti i modi un contatto e un gesto d’affetto da parte sua. Mi sono commossa durante le confessioni che entrambi si lasciano sfuggire in momenti di rabbia, ho amato il modo in cui si sono riuniti e il finale mi ha lasciato soddisfatta e piena d’amore per questo libro. Non tratta tematiche facili ma la scrittrice ha saputo usare un linguaggio chiaro e diretto che mi ha fatto apprezzare ancora di più la lettura. Il doppio pov è stato una piacevole scoperta perché potevo essere al corrente dei pensieri di entrambi e aspettavo con ansia e timore il momento del loro confronto.
La passione e la tensione sessuale fra i due è tanta ma il momento erotico in sé viene descritto in modo velato soffermandosi più sul prima e le conseguenze che si porta dietro. Mi è dispiaciuto che l’autrice non si sia dilungata in certi momenti, avrei voluto leggere ancora molto di Lottie e Raf ma anche con un numero di pagine ridotto l’autrice è stata molto brava a presentare tutta la storia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2018
2.5
This was a strong starter, with an obviously still pissed off, rejected hero who totally botched the "will you have my baby" request and basically came across as an asshole. But he wants something and she wants it to and it all starts so clinical, cold and manipulating. I was intrigued for how these two were going to work themselves out of it and into a loving relationship. And that's where the book faltered. Because they never really developed a loving relationship. They were at odds throughout, constantly arguing, nobody listening and in the end, they both felt pretty damn selfish. Rafael wanted a baby, clear and simple. I didn't get a strong sense that Lottie was more important, although there were twinges, like when he realizes that if Lottie doesn't get pregnant he'll lose her forever, but then his actions and attitude certainly didn't do anything to convince her to stay. I can give him some leeway, since technically he was the heartbroken party, but despite his protestations, it didn't feel like he had much in the way of emotions.
Lottie felt equally selfish since she never really tried to communicate her dissatisfaction before she decided to leave Rafael (the first time). And so when she got caught instead of giving him any real reason, she tells him she doesn't love him and sets all of this chaos into motion. And when she explains to him why she did it, she claims that it was for him...that she was trying to take the pain with her when she left. And I claim it was all bullshit. I only ever got the sense that she was miserable and wanted to be away from him since their marriage had fallen apart. Moreover, Lottie was clearly not too bright. It is at the height of stupidity to agree to give birth to your estranged husband's child, the one who only wants an heir for his principality, without first working out where you will live during the pregnancy, where you'll give birth and where you and your child will remain after the birth. She never even asked if she'd be required to raise their child in Italy. She went blindly into it expecting that she'd be able to take HIS child anywhere she wanted and raise it in another country. She knows this man and that's not bloody likely. Stupid, stupid, stupid. That should have been a deal breaker, considering it would mean she'd spend the next 18 years (presuming she didn't want to abandon her child) with a man who clearly hates her.
So I did like how this started and I still had hope throughout most of the story, since there was a lot of tension between the characters and the suspense of not knowing how they'd work things out was what kept me reading. But in the end, it just didn't deliver, as all they had to say was that they were sorry and they still "loved" each other and they had an HEA despite all the hurts they'd flung at each other in the past 2 weeks. Also, not thrilled with the perpetual stereotype that SHE remains celibate while he sleeps around during their separation (which also means they should have had the safety talk before having unprotected sex).
This was a strong starter, with an obviously still pissed off, rejected hero who totally botched the "will you have my baby" request and basically came across as an asshole. But he wants something and she wants it to and it all starts so clinical, cold and manipulating. I was intrigued for how these two were going to work themselves out of it and into a loving relationship. And that's where the book faltered. Because they never really developed a loving relationship. They were at odds throughout, constantly arguing, nobody listening and in the end, they both felt pretty damn selfish. Rafael wanted a baby, clear and simple. I didn't get a strong sense that Lottie was more important, although there were twinges, like when he realizes that if Lottie doesn't get pregnant he'll lose her forever, but then his actions and attitude certainly didn't do anything to convince her to stay. I can give him some leeway, since technically he was the heartbroken party, but despite his protestations, it didn't feel like he had much in the way of emotions.
Lottie felt equally selfish since she never really tried to communicate her dissatisfaction before she decided to leave Rafael (the first time). And so when she got caught instead of giving him any real reason, she tells him she doesn't love him and sets all of this chaos into motion. And when she explains to him why she did it, she claims that it was for him...that she was trying to take the pain with her when she left. And I claim it was all bullshit. I only ever got the sense that she was miserable and wanted to be away from him since their marriage had fallen apart. Moreover, Lottie was clearly not too bright. It is at the height of stupidity to agree to give birth to your estranged husband's child, the one who only wants an heir for his principality, without first working out where you will live during the pregnancy, where you'll give birth and where you and your child will remain after the birth. She never even asked if she'd be required to raise their child in Italy. She went blindly into it expecting that she'd be able to take HIS child anywhere she wanted and raise it in another country. She knows this man and that's not bloody likely. Stupid, stupid, stupid. That should have been a deal breaker, considering it would mean she'd spend the next 18 years (presuming she didn't want to abandon her child) with a man who clearly hates her.
So I did like how this started and I still had hope throughout most of the story, since there was a lot of tension between the characters and the suspense of not knowing how they'd work things out was what kept me reading. But in the end, it just didn't deliver, as all they had to say was that they were sorry and they still "loved" each other and they had an HEA despite all the hurts they'd flung at each other in the past 2 weeks. Also, not thrilled with the perpetual stereotype that SHE remains celibate while he sleeps around during their separation (which also means they should have had the safety talk before having unprotected sex).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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