Everything Devon Carter ever wanted was his for the taking if he just did what William Copeland demanded and married his daughter. The merger with Copeland Hotels would be a done deal and his place in the world of luxury resorts assured. Marrying Ashely wouldn't really be a hardship, she was a nice enough girl and they got on well. She did tend to be too exuberant and emotional but Devon would help curb that in time. He could do anything that helped him achieve his goal. Ashley Copeland was in love with the most wonderful man in the world. She was going to live happily ever after, or so she thought, until she read the email on Devon's computer. Her honeymoon had barely started before her world crashed down around her and from the ruins emerged a new Ashley. This Ashley would be everything Devon wanted in a society wife. She would win Devon's love as she worked to become a new, more reserved and sophisticated woman. But Ashley doesn't like this new person and, with a baby on the way, she can't lie to herself any longer. Devon has his merger but he's on the verge of losing something even more precious. It's the impulsive, joyful Ashley who means the world to him but now he'll have to prove that to her.

This the third book in the Harlequin Desire series Pregnancy and Passion. I love Maya Bank's writing and these books don't disappoint. The series follows four friends from college who are now business partners. It can easily be read on it's own but it sure is fun to watch each guy 'fall'. Devon is a complex man. Yes, he's a jerk and mercenary, but it's more related to his past than intentional. I loved Ashley. I want be her when I grow up. She's loves life and loves Devon. Although she really tries to change herself to Devon's specifications, she really likes her old self better and it shows. She finds her worth and it isn't contingent on Devon. I liked the insight into Ashley's decisions and the way she throws her whole self into her attempt to change. Her friend Pippa is great secondary character as are her parents. In his defense, Devon does realize what he's done and is appalled. His reactions feel real and it does make him more attractive. Ms. Banks writes some hot and steamy sex scenes that meld nicely with rest of the story. All three books in this series offer some of the most well written and heartfelt 'groveling' I've ever read. Enjoyable from start to finish, this book is a great way to escape the winter doldrums. I can hardly wait for Cam's story.

 Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual