Customer Reviews

The Italian's Chosen Wife (Harlequin Presents)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First let me say that couldn't put this book down and when I had to...I rushed back to it ASAP. The main characters Alessandro and Meghan both had multiple layers to their characters. Both shared and inner strength and the "ability" to "love" that had either be bruised or totally cut down by tragedy in their lives. Meghan experienced emotional and physical abuse from an ex-boyfriend, and Alessandro suffered the guilt and anguish caused by the death of a loved one. I like how the author lets these two meet in a most unusual place, that is the beginning setting for their emotional journey together that uncovers, examines and finally heals these two wounded and broken hearts.

I enjoyed how the author weaved in the fact these two characters were drawn to each other not merely because of a physical attraction for one another, but ultimately recognizing a kindred spirit. I disagree with the first reviewer of this book, I don't believe at anytime through the course of the story Alessandro abused Meghan. Although I do believe he did try and push her away more out of self-protection and the fear that she would walk away from him, when and if she discovered his secret, just like everyone else in his life had.

The story line had a genuine real life feel to it has far as the complexity of human emotions, relationships and spirit. Despite the fact that Alessandro was wealthy I never once saw that he hid behind or used his wealth and status as an intimidation tactic to win over or keep Meghan at his side.

Kate Hewitt, is a new author to the Harlequin family and for her first print this is a good start, I look forward to her future works. I would recommend this book as a good Sunday "kick back and relax read".

This was my first read from Kate Hewitt and I was disappointed. She is a great writer, but I mean how much can the heroine punish herself? Meghan blames herself over what happened in her past and for this reason, she believes that she deserves to be treated badly. Alessandro is really two characters rolled into one. He can be the sweetest guy or just plain malicious, especially to Meghan. After a while, I was just plain annoyed that she kept punishing herself with his behavior and staying around. I suppose if you like a heroine constantly being punished by the hero, go for it, but it really wasn't my cup of tea. But I will say that there was a happy ending, so it doesn't disappoint in that regard.

I loved this story, it had everything. Real depth of emotion and complex characters, not your usual romance at all. Of course it had the happy ending we needed! I'll definitely look out for more books by this author, she is a real find. Ginny Swart

The Italian's Chosen Wife by Kate Hewitt

Harlequin Presents # 2698 - Jan 2008

Meghan Selby was drifting through Europe trying to come to terms with her past, or at least hoping to out run it. While waitressing, Meghan notices a gorgeous tycoon and recognizes disapproval in his eyes. She's shocked when he approaches her and offers her a job, waiting on a private dinner in his home. The beautiful waitress intrigues Alessandro di Agnio, especially when she accuses him of mistaking her for a whore. He convinces her that his intentions are pure and that it is only a job he is offering; only when Meghan arrives at his villa she finds that she is his guest and not expected to work. Alessandro soon realizes that he needs to tread very carefully with Meghan; she has wounds that reach her soul. He is a man tormented by his own past actions and lives his life filled with regret and forced to face the condemnation in the faces around him. Recognizing the same guilt and regret in Meghan, he forces her to reveal her deepest secrets, understanding her fear and her pain. She makes him want to be the man he is meant to be; so he proposes marriage. Fearing that Meghan will hate him once she learns his own dark secrets, he demands that she never fall in love with him, as he himself will never feel love for her.

This is Kate Hewitt's debut and I thought it was very well written. Alessandro is a very unusual hero. Oh, he's alpha in grand Presents style, but he's not been a "good" man for most of his adult life. Ms. Hewitt alludes to a very unhappy childhood for Alessandro, though doesn't give quite enough information to show how he became the callous playboy; without this some may find him too dark a hero. He desperately wants to redeem himself, but has little faith in his own character. His self-loathing is quite strong. Meghan's character almost comes across as too victimized but her backbone comes to her rescue and she learns to stand up and take control. Theirs is an emotionally intense journey to self-understanding and the acceptance that they both deserve to be loved. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Hewitt!

Loved reading this book such a great read. I could not put this book down I felt so sorry for Meghan being drawn into something she did not know yet maybe she did know. But the man she meets who wants her to come to his home for a purpose. Things happen between the two yet they are meant for one another.

I was captivated from the begining. It was an excellent piece of a man committed. Everything about the book was good. The only reason I did not give it the 5 stars is that it ended too abruptly. I wanted to see a little bit more of Luc and Sky after the wedding, after the father's speech. EXCELLENT READ THOUG.

This book had me turning pages well after the light should have been out for the night. The characters are well rounded and multi layered which adds depth to both the plot and the emotional involvement for the reader. Kate is a skilful writer who can create a scene so vividly that all the reader's senses come into play.

I can't wait to read more by her

as i kept reading the book, i just got more and more annoyed w/ the characters.

They deserve each other...both in need of intensive therapy!!!!