Calculated revenge, unexpected passion…

Business magnate Luca Venancio is returning to Rio to pay his respects to his late brother, and to seduce his once fiancée, Daniella, back into his bed. Five years ago she left him without so much as a word, shunning him and the rich life he could offer in exchange for his younger, reckless brother. Now Luca wants revenge—seduce her and dump her, that's all he intends to do.

Blackmailed into a violent farce of a marriage, Daniella had no choice but to comply to protect Luca's life, even though it meant never being able to see him again. Years later, a twist of fate reunites them, throwing her plans of fleeing Rio out of the window and the love of her life straight back in.

Luca's flawless plan soon becomes complicated when he discovers Daniella is expecting his brother's child. It becomes even more complicated when old passions return. Can he actually go through with seducing her, bedding her, and then discarding her?

Liezel’s Thoughts:

Because of the detailed synopsis, I felt that this one was just a tad predictable yet for that very same reason   I found it rather  intriguing too. I wanted to know why our heroine Daniella walked away from her perfect life. She had everything that she could possibly want – comfort, stability, protection, a very bright and happy life with Luca. Reading into this story, I found her reasons quite commendable.

She was a woman who sacrificed everything for the love of her life. When they finally caught up with each other  five years later  she  was still determined to protect him. I loved her for her strength, courage and her strong will. She was given a gift that was a fruit of very painful experience which most woman in her situation would have abhorred   but she never once thought of it as so.  Just as she protected Luca she did the same for her unborn child. She was simply that amazing.

Luca was very spiteful with all that occurred. He couldn’t understand what made her give it all up. She always seemed so content in his arms and was surprised that she had left him. Heartbroken, he poured all of his time and energy into his business. While his heart was shattering his career  flourished. He became even more rich and powerful. Given his background I felt disappointed he didn’t do more with this influence and thought he had so much more potential.

I although adored him for taking in Daniella and seeing to her every need even if he had  alternative motives at first. He could have hurt her so much worst but he always hesitated when it came to her. He knew that something just was not adding up and I loved that he pursued it until he finally got the answers.

I thought that this couple was very well paired. Daniella proved repeatedly how much she loved Luca. She endured so much to gain his freedom. Luca had so much love  for her too. He made sure that even after all those years that she was well. When it was reported that she was looking sickly he dropped everything to see to her health. He made his brother the excuse but his primary concern was always Daniella. I thought that the tension and chemistry between them was satisfactory. I loved that even when she was pregnant  they still remained passionate.

For a debut author I would have to say that I was  dazzled by the story. Despite the predictability it   still  held my attention. I thought that the character building with Luca could have been better. Daniella on the otherhand was terrific. I felt an immediate connection to her character and thought she was admirable.   After all she has been through I couldn’t help but cheer her on. Above anyone else I wanted her to get her HEA and rejoiced that the author was able to deliver. I enjoyed this one and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author.

The Verdict:

Excerpt:

“I will get out here,” Daniella said, reaching for the door handle.

“No, keep driving,” Luca ordered, glaring at the chauffeur and pressing the central lock button.

Although he hadn’t been back to the house, he clearly remembered where his brother had lived. It had been his parents’ home and he had grown up there. He would never forget the decrepit building that had desperately needed restoring. Paint had chipped and flaked off of the dreary walls, and the rooms were so small they felt claustrophobic. He had spent many nights sitting on the roof listening to faint arguments between his parents, whilst he dreamed of a better life.

“You don’t think I at least deserve an explanation? Some minor clarification as to why you just left me in the dark?” Luca stared at her intently and she opened and then quickly closed her mouth again, biting down on her bottom lip until it darkened to a deeper tone of pink.

He kept his eyes on her, not even blinking, as he looked her up and down. She was a shadow of the vibrant girl he remembered; the Daniella he had known five years ago.

Sitting beside him now she was scared, the fear was wild in her eyes, and she was clearly malnourished, evident from the black sack of a dress, which hung off her delicate frame.

“When did you last eat something?” It was more of a demand than a question.

“Excuse me?” He finally had her attention.

“You heard me. When did you last eat something?”

“That’s none of your business.” She pulled the cardigan tighter around her midriff and turned away from him.

“I’m concerned. You look ill.”

“Well, I’m not. I’m…I’m…” He watched as she stumbled for her words. “I’m just grieving, okay?”

Fair enough, she may have been grieving for the last twenty-four hours. It was bound to have been a grueling short space of time for her to comprehend Miguel’s death and have the customary quick funeral. But what about before Miguel’s death? The circles under her eyes and fading blue marks across her jaw were old; her skin and hair were dull and lifeless and told a story. They sat in silence as the chauffeur strategically maneuvered the Bentley through the favela’s never-ending maze of winding roads, passing makeshift house upon house, small street markets, and gangs on each corner. Luca’s eyes fixed on the house in front of them when the car eased to a halt a few meters away from their destination, and he recognized it instantly as his childhood home.

Reaching for the door, Daniella pulled on it a couple of times before he pressed the central locking release.

She looked over her shoulder and whispered, “You really have to go now.”

He had given in far too easily years ago, this time he was a different man; a man who always got what he wanted, however cruel and ruthless he had to be. He had to remember that. Love had left him weak and feeble. It had taken time to gather himself and learn to never let emotions take over. Work was his haven, a place for him to focus and throw himself and his energy into. He would prove to Daniella that she had made the wrong choice.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Luca’s fingers brushed against her dark curls and the nape of her neck. “I’m not going anywhere this time.” He leaned closer, his gaze fixed on her mouth. “I’ve come for something and I intend to get it.”

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