Revenge at Bella Terra
Christina DoddRomantic suspense
Available from Berkley Publishing
ISBN: 9781101543948
September 2011
| Eli Di Luca trusted his accountant and friend but was swindled out of all his fortune. He is approached by Chloe's father who offers to pay off Eli's debts if Eli will marry his daughter. Chloe is a successful author who needs a quiet retreat to complete her second book. She agrees to stay in Eli's guest house but wonders if Eli is another man her father is trying to set her up with. Their attraction to each other is instantaneous, but deception soon follows and Chloe doesn't know if she has a future with Eli or not.
This is the second in The Scarlet Deception series, following Secrets of Bella Terra. This book held my interest more easily than the first. I loved the dialogue between Eli and Chloe, and most especially having Eli's point of view expressed. Both were likable characters, Chloe for her simple strength, and Eli for his vulnerabilities. I think the author described his personality the best -- like Clark Kent, nice on the outside but you don't know what's underneath. Family dynamics play a large role in this book also. I liked the interaction between Eli and his brothers, and most especially seeing the love and respect he has for his Nonna. There is plenty of adventure too. There is a good balance between the romance and the suspense, with plenty of humor to keep us entertained. More clues about the missing bottle of wine surface, and yet more questions are raised also. The next book will feature Noah, and I can't wait to find out what he knows about the bottle of wine, and what it is hiding.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Lisa Freeman |
