TEST
Harlequin romances are full of tycoons – Greeks, Italians, Spaniards – all of them with interesting problems such as pregnant mistresses, temporary babies, and secret affairs. In this latest Harlequin tycoon offering our tycoon finds himself in need of a bride. Within the next ten minutes. Preferably one who is both beautiful and has an interest that will help in his latest business venture. Wouldn’t you know it, the perfect candidate just happens to be at the party.
Krish Dev has a complicated relationship with his father. On the one hand, his dad is a jerk – an idiot who flaunted his affairs before Dev’s mother and who continually tries to control his grown son’s life. On the other hand, the man’s a business genius who keeps many people employed. Because of the latter, Krish doesn’t want to see the man destroyed but he does want him to recognize his autonomy. He attends his father’s birthday party with ill grace planning to eat some cake and run. Then the beauty in the black dress challenges his dancing abilities and he soon finds himself doing the tango and hoping the night never ends. Those feelings change quickly when he hears that his father plans to close his latest business deal by having Krish marry into the other party’s family. And he plans to make the announcement of the wedding that very night!
Maya Shome had no intentions of dancing at the party. She had planned to attend only to launch her project for revenge into motion at last. But when it turns out her dance partner for the fabulous tango is none other than her nemesis’ son Maya is shocked. She is even more stunned when Krish introduces her as the girl he plans to marry. Maya soon finds herself wedded into the very family she intends to bring down. Will she be able to go through with her destructive plans when every moment she spends with Krish has her falling deeper in love with him?
The charm of the Harlequin Tycoon stories often lies with their locations and this book is no exception. The author does a brilliant job of capturing her location not just through the descriptions of the locale but with the tiny details of their customs and language. There is a wonderful scene where Maya enters Krish’s home for the first time and a traditional thali is placed on the threshold for her. The brass plate, holding an earthen lamp and assorted colorful condiments and a pot full of rice grains is a time-honored way of greeting a new bride as she enters her new home. When Maya topples the pot of rice with her right foot it signifies she will never want for anything in her marital home. Little details like the above really give depth to the use of location.
Maya and Krish’s convoluted plan for a marriage of convenience makes sense only within the context of a romance novel. In fact, much of the book follows the traditional tycoon story line with Krish and Maya having a traditional tycoon romance. He is autocratic and overbearing and gorgeous. She is feisty and smart and gorgeous. They can’t believe how perfect they are for each other until a crisis forces them to realize that they absolutely must have each other in their lives. Cue the HEA.
The author’s excellent use of location lifts this tale a bit above the norm but it is still very much a Harlequin romance. If the tycoon tales are something you enjoy then I would recommend it. If you don’t enjoy them, this one won’t change your mind.
Grade: C+
Book Type: Contemporary Romance|Series Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 24/07/14
Publication Date: 2014/06
I've been an avid reader since 2nd grade and discovered romance when my cousin lent me Lord of La Pampa by Kay Thorpe in 7th grade. I currently read approximately 150 books a year, comprised of a mix of Young Adult, romance, mystery, women's fiction, and science fiction/fantasy.
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.