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The Markonos Bride
STILL MARRIED --- IN THE BEDROOM ...
The island of Aristos holds bittersweet memories for Louisa. Here she met and married gorgeous Greek playboy Andreas Markonos and bore him a precious son. But when tragedy struck, Louisa fled ...
Now, years later, Andreas can't believe that his runaway wife has dared set foot on Aristos again --- and that he still desires her. Andreas will reclaim his wife with the one thing they still have in common ... intense physical passion!
The island of Aristos holds bittersweet memories for Louisa. Here she met and married gorgeous Greek playboy Andreas Markonos and bore him a precious son. But when tragedy struck, Louisa fled ...
Now, years later, Andreas can't believe that his runaway wife has dared set foot on Aristos again --- and that he still desires her. Andreas will reclaim his wife with the one thing they still have in common ... intense physical passion!
185 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Michelle Reid
379 books616 followersHi, my name is Michelle Reid and I’ve been writing for Harlequin Mills & Boon for the last twenty years, and the crazy part about it is that I only realised it had been twenty years while updating this page!
So, hang on for a minute while I take this huge milestone in....
Twenty years with almost forty books published or in the pipeline ... I know it isn’t a great average when compared with some authors but it sounds pretty good to me!
So what was I doing twenty years ago before I wrote books? Well, I did the all of the usual things, like growing up and attending school, finishing at secretarial college, which I hated, then spent the next several years wandering aimlessly from job to job. Eventually I met my husband, we married and produced two daughters who then grew up and between them presented us with two gorgeous grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Somewhere in between my girls growing up and the grandchildren arriving on the scene, I started writing. To this day I don’t know why, unless it was a natural progression from my never being without a book close by—often several—because books have always been an important part of my life for as far back as I can recall.
So, I started to write, by hand at first, scribbling short stories in notebooks which never saw the light of day. At some point I discovered Mills & Boon Romance books and that was pretty much it for me. I’d found my new love, as in reading romantic fiction and inevitably writing it too.
So twenty years on and almost forty books on, here I am still writing and still loving it!
So, hang on for a minute while I take this huge milestone in....
Twenty years with almost forty books published or in the pipeline ... I know it isn’t a great average when compared with some authors but it sounds pretty good to me!
So what was I doing twenty years ago before I wrote books? Well, I did the all of the usual things, like growing up and attending school, finishing at secretarial college, which I hated, then spent the next several years wandering aimlessly from job to job. Eventually I met my husband, we married and produced two daughters who then grew up and between them presented us with two gorgeous grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Somewhere in between my girls growing up and the grandchildren arriving on the scene, I started writing. To this day I don’t know why, unless it was a natural progression from my never being without a book close by—often several—because books have always been an important part of my life for as far back as I can recall.
So, I started to write, by hand at first, scribbling short stories in notebooks which never saw the light of day. At some point I discovered Mills & Boon Romance books and that was pretty much it for me. I’d found my new love, as in reading romantic fiction and inevitably writing it too.
So twenty years on and almost forty books on, here I am still writing and still loving it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 29, 2020
Such a good angsty read! Trigger warning: this is a couple picking up the pieces after the tragic death of their toddler. They have been estranged for five years because of the manipulations of his parents and her parents.
The H/h stayed faithful to each other and to their son even while thinking the worst of each other. You know this from the first pages when the hero will not let anyone - including his father - say anything against his wife. And when they finally do meet again on the tiny Greek island where their son is buried, you can see the love shining through his pain and disillusionment.
Their journey from grief to the angry realization that they had been manipulated is angsty enough - but MR takes it as step further as the hero tries to lash out at the heroine's employer as the first step in his revenge. It's the heroine who will keep him from seeking revenge and hurting others like his family did to him and it's the heroine who will give him a life in the epilogue that will wipe away the bitterness, while still honoring their first born.
The story only spans a few days, but it feels epic as MR skillfully weaves in backstory. Both the H/h are likable and even their lost son feels like a little person and not some ghost of the past. One of my all-time favorite Michelle Reid stories.
Re-read. July, 2018 Just read another second chance story that was so flat and boring. This one is still compelling - even for a re-read.
The H/h stayed faithful to each other and to their son even while thinking the worst of each other. You know this from the first pages when the hero will not let anyone - including his father - say anything against his wife. And when they finally do meet again on the tiny Greek island where their son is buried, you can see the love shining through his pain and disillusionment.
Their journey from grief to the angry realization that they had been manipulated is angsty enough - but MR takes it as step further as the hero tries to lash out at the heroine's employer as the first step in his revenge. It's the heroine who will keep him from seeking revenge and hurting others like his family did to him and it's the heroine who will give him a life in the epilogue that will wipe away the bitterness, while still honoring their first born.
The story only spans a few days, but it feels epic as MR skillfully weaves in backstory. Both the H/h are likable and even their lost son feels like a little person and not some ghost of the past. One of my all-time favorite Michelle Reid stories.
Re-read. July, 2018 Just read another second chance story that was so flat and boring. This one is still compelling - even for a re-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
Most of the reviewers ave already nailed this. I read it a while back and again this morning as it is almost novella length.
Noteworthy for the even more toxic than usual in-laws on both sides of the fence that deserve to die in the fiery depths of Mordor.They get an off book comeuppance or possibly a lecture but not the stoning/shunning they deserve.
Lots of angst over the dead toddler which is always sad, and the Greek hero, despite being besotted, simply has to get in his 2 cents worth of double-standard slut-shaming.
Noteworthy for the even more toxic than usual in-laws on both sides of the fence that deserve to die in the fiery depths of Mordor.They get an off book comeuppance or possibly a lecture but not the stoning/shunning they deserve.
Lots of angst over the dead toddler which is always sad, and the Greek hero, despite being besotted, simply has to get in his 2 cents worth of double-standard slut-shaming.
October 30, 2013
This is one of my fav Mills & Boon authors and I've loved reading her books, but The Markonos Bride is one of them that I always remember and come back to read it again and again.
It's such an emotional and heart-wrenching story and it touches my heart each time I read it.
Second chances, family betrayals, endearing hero/heroine that you bond with from the very beginning. You feel their pain, their heartache, their loss and you just want them to find each other again and move on together and find true happiness.
I absolutely loved the epilogue. Love and forgiveness and a chance to finding true happiness together and building a family filled with love and care.
Such a beautiful book!!!
It's such an emotional and heart-wrenching story and it touches my heart each time I read it.
Second chances, family betrayals, endearing hero/heroine that you bond with from the very beginning. You feel their pain, their heartache, their loss and you just want them to find each other again and move on together and find true happiness.
I absolutely loved the epilogue. Love and forgiveness and a chance to finding true happiness together and building a family filled with love and care.
Such a beautiful book!!!
March 11, 2023
**Major SPOILERS under Sexual History**
See, this is why I have to write a review after reading a book. I forget most of the book's details and whether or not I liked it, if I don't note it down ASAP. I read this book for the 1st time about 1 month ago but forgot to write my notes down. So, when I re-read this last night, the fuzz in my brain connected and I began remembering the gist of the book.
The emotional and sexual chemistry was explosive. And the 2nd-change romance angsty and well-developed, I re-read the whole book. I didn't even skip any pages. I must've liked it too the 1st time!
Due to:
#1. Angsty and emotional
Lots of angst from h’s pain due to:
#1. being constantly left by H for his studies/work while preggo @ his disapproving Greek family’s mansion and esp after their 3yo son’s funeral
#2. not hearing from him until they see each other by accident 5 years later
#3. catching him asleep in bed half-naked with another woman
Also angsty from H's pain from being told 5 years ago that h didn’t want to talk to him by phone nor see him, when he went after her a couple weeks after the funeral.
#2. Likable characters and good character growth
Liked h's somewhat-funny and sometimes self-deprecating POV. Liked that their character weaknesses were shown and some progress made in the last 5 years but neither were perfect. h grew from being shy and quiet 5 years before to now having some gumption to call H a "low-down faithless rat".
H showed some maturity too to now admit to being a wimp of a husband before. Loved how now-dominating H showed his vulnerable side, when he confessed about his irresponsibility as a husband and father and how he's undeserving of h.
#3. romantic
Loved that both privately showed their loyalty and love for each other in the past 5 years, despite each thinking the other had moved in with others. Liked that h was kinda clueless to flaunt her attractive boss in public as her unconscious passive-aggressiveness towards H. As hurt & angry as she was with H during their separation, her heart was still loyal to him.
Sexual History:
h was 17yo virgin when 22yo H smexxed her a few weeks, after they 1st saw each other & H started pursuing her.
NO info on H’s other previous GFs/lovers.
Both got married coz h got preggo soon after they started smexxing but separated 3 years later, after both left the island @ different times after their 2yo son’s funeral from his accidental fall from a cliff. 22yo H blamed himself for their son's accidental death coz he failed to fulfill his promise to spend time with h and their son that day due to over-working. So, he left h and his family right after the funeral.
After 2 weeks of being left alone with his still-disapproving family who encouraged her even more to leave H, she went to her parents' home in London. Unbeknownst to H, h's parents soon had her admitted to a mental facility due to her overwhelming grief but refused to let H know about h. Around that time, H went to h's parents house to see her. But her parents told him h wanted nothing to do with him and didn't want to see him or talk to him on the phone, after his numerous phone calls to her. So, he started drinking to drown his sorrows. Six weeks after their son's funeral, h came back to their apartment to see H and work things out with him. But instead h found him sleeping in their apt bed half-naked next to another woman (OW) so she quietly left. When h finally confronts H about OW, H later tells her OW was his tough cousin who was only there to help sober him up and forced him to wash up. However, OW ended up having to help drunk H out of the bathroom into his bed, when he started crying about h and their deceased son. H cried himself to sleep with his cousin OW hugging him and falling asleep this way too.
The fact is both H and h were celibate since they last smexxed 5 years ago. They both publicly appeared with other people—h with her good-looking boss @ who’s estate she lived in & who she often was seen accompanying @ parties dressed in slinky dresses and H with different celeb women @ social events. H confessed that he couldn’t muster any sexual interest in any other woman since he still loved h, despite him thinking she'd moved on with her boss. H was only sexually voracious with her then and now.
See, this is why I have to write a review after reading a book. I forget most of the book's details and whether or not I liked it, if I don't note it down ASAP. I read this book for the 1st time about 1 month ago but forgot to write my notes down. So, when I re-read this last night, the fuzz in my brain connected and I began remembering the gist of the book.
The emotional and sexual chemistry was explosive. And the 2nd-change romance angsty and well-developed, I re-read the whole book. I didn't even skip any pages. I must've liked it too the 1st time!
Due to:
#1. Angsty and emotional
Lots of angst from h’s pain due to:
#1. being constantly left by H for his studies/work while preggo @ his disapproving Greek family’s mansion and esp after their 3yo son’s funeral
#2. not hearing from him until they see each other by accident 5 years later
#3. catching him asleep in bed half-naked with another woman
Also angsty from H's pain from being told 5 years ago that h didn’t want to talk to him by phone nor see him, when he went after her a couple weeks after the funeral.
#2. Likable characters and good character growth
Liked h's somewhat-funny and sometimes self-deprecating POV. Liked that their character weaknesses were shown and some progress made in the last 5 years but neither were perfect. h grew from being shy and quiet 5 years before to now having some gumption to call H a "low-down faithless rat".
H showed some maturity too to now admit to being a wimp of a husband before. Loved how now-dominating H showed his vulnerable side, when he confessed about his irresponsibility as a husband and father and how he's undeserving of h.
#3. romantic
Loved that both privately showed their loyalty and love for each other in the past 5 years, despite each thinking the other had moved in with others. Liked that h was kinda clueless to flaunt her attractive boss in public as her unconscious passive-aggressiveness towards H. As hurt & angry as she was with H during their separation, her heart was still loyal to him.
Sexual History:
h was 17yo virgin when 22yo H smexxed her a few weeks, after they 1st saw each other & H started pursuing her.
NO info on H’s other previous GFs/lovers.
Both got married coz h got preggo soon after they started smexxing but separated 3 years later, after both left the island @ different times after their 2yo son’s funeral from his accidental fall from a cliff. 22yo H blamed himself for their son's accidental death coz he failed to fulfill his promise to spend time with h and their son that day due to over-working. So, he left h and his family right after the funeral.
After 2 weeks of being left alone with his still-disapproving family who encouraged her even more to leave H, she went to her parents' home in London. Unbeknownst to H, h's parents soon had her admitted to a mental facility due to her overwhelming grief but refused to let H know about h. Around that time, H went to h's parents house to see her. But her parents told him h wanted nothing to do with him and didn't want to see him or talk to him on the phone, after his numerous phone calls to her. So, he started drinking to drown his sorrows. Six weeks after their son's funeral, h came back to their apartment to see H and work things out with him. But instead h found him sleeping in their apt bed half-naked next to another woman (OW) so she quietly left. When h finally confronts H about OW, H later tells her OW was his tough cousin who was only there to help sober him up and forced him to wash up. However, OW ended up having to help drunk H out of the bathroom into his bed, when he started crying about h and their deceased son. H cried himself to sleep with his cousin OW hugging him and falling asleep this way too.
The fact is both H and h were celibate since they last smexxed 5 years ago. They both publicly appeared with other people—h with her good-looking boss @ who’s estate she lived in & who she often was seen accompanying @ parties dressed in slinky dresses and H with different celeb women @ social events. H confessed that he couldn’t muster any sexual interest in any other woman since he still loved h, despite him thinking she'd moved on with her boss. H was only sexually voracious with her then and now.
April 21, 2013
Wow,what a read.I love this author's books and this is one of her best.Glad that I did a reread on this one.
February 13, 2019
"The Markonos Bride" is the story of Louisa and Andreas.
Many years ago, I had read "The Ultimate Betrayal" by Ms Reid, and realized that it was only her impeccable writing that would make someone like me read, and appreciate a book which dealt with the MC cheating. Now, I've just read another of her gem, and am still in awe of her work.
In this book, we meet the estranged couple: Andreas and Louisa. Five years ago, they lost their son in a tragic accident, after which their marriage broke. Andreas drowned himself in work and alcohol, Louisa fled the island of Aristos.
Now, on their son's fifth death anniversary, Andreas is being forced by his family to get closure on his marriage, but he vehemently refuses. He is ashamed of how he behaved in the aftermath of the incident, and decides to go to the sea and later binge drink.. that is until he spots Louisa getting off the ferry with a young man!
Louisa has been visiting Aristos to see her son's grave every year, with the help of her MIL who helps coordinate her arrival with her son's absence. This time, bringing her brother Jamie, she is astonished to see her husband Andreas off the coast, and soon realizes that their chemistry has not diminished even a tiny bit!
As they come together like moths to flame, many secrets are revealed, jealousies are unveiled, and promises are made. Can their love conquer this time around?
Honestly, FABULOUS read.
H and h that were separated by shitty families and misunderstandings, reunite due to their love for each other and pain for what they lost. There is enough passion in them to last a lifetime- legit throughout the book they just jump onto each other and give into their carnal demands. Their heartbreak for their past is palpable, and it's refreshing to see a couple that did not give up on each other during their separation.
The angst was excellent, lovemaking scorching, and the HEA was SO sweet.
Loved it.
Safe
5/5
Many years ago, I had read "The Ultimate Betrayal" by Ms Reid, and realized that it was only her impeccable writing that would make someone like me read, and appreciate a book which dealt with the MC cheating. Now, I've just read another of her gem, and am still in awe of her work.
In this book, we meet the estranged couple: Andreas and Louisa. Five years ago, they lost their son in a tragic accident, after which their marriage broke. Andreas drowned himself in work and alcohol, Louisa fled the island of Aristos.
Now, on their son's fifth death anniversary, Andreas is being forced by his family to get closure on his marriage, but he vehemently refuses. He is ashamed of how he behaved in the aftermath of the incident, and decides to go to the sea and later binge drink.. that is until he spots Louisa getting off the ferry with a young man!
Louisa has been visiting Aristos to see her son's grave every year, with the help of her MIL who helps coordinate her arrival with her son's absence. This time, bringing her brother Jamie, she is astonished to see her husband Andreas off the coast, and soon realizes that their chemistry has not diminished even a tiny bit!
As they come together like moths to flame, many secrets are revealed, jealousies are unveiled, and promises are made. Can their love conquer this time around?
Honestly, FABULOUS read.
H and h that were separated by shitty families and misunderstandings, reunite due to their love for each other and pain for what they lost. There is enough passion in them to last a lifetime- legit throughout the book they just jump onto each other and give into their carnal demands. Their heartbreak for their past is palpable, and it's refreshing to see a couple that did not give up on each other during their separation.
The angst was excellent, lovemaking scorching, and the HEA was SO sweet.
Loved it.
Safe
5/5
March 4, 2019
Still so good!!
Both were celibate during separation of 5 years and I loved them for it. So glad that they got their happily ever after.
Recommended.
Both were celibate during separation of 5 years and I loved them for it. So glad that they got their happily ever after.
Recommended.
April 1, 2017
I don't really know how I feel about this one. Maybe the problem is that I felt too much?
It bothered me that the h was underage when they met, conceived and married.
I liked that the H realized his mistakes when married. I loved that he tried to get her her back.
The h annoyed me at moments.
I loved that both remained faithful in the time they were apart.
Their child's death and how they kept grieving broke my chicken heart.
The drama with h's boss and the H's "women" was a bit ove the top, especially with his vengeance against her boss.
I HATED so much that they forgave the parents when the parents weren't even sorry, well H wanted blood but h convinced him to just let it go. So I think there was a magic P but also a magic V in this one.
Oh and I loved h's brother.
It bothered me that the h was underage when they met, conceived and married.
I liked that the H realized his mistakes when married. I loved that he tried to get her her back.
The h annoyed me at moments.
I loved that both remained faithful in the time they were apart.
Their child's death and how they kept grieving broke my chicken heart.
The drama with h's boss and the H's "women" was a bit ove the top, especially with his vengeance against her boss.
I HATED so much that they forgave the parents when the parents weren't even sorry, well H wanted blood but h convinced him to just let it go. So I think there was a magic P but also a magic V in this one.
Oh and I loved h's brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2012
All I can say is WOW...Michelle Reid does it again. I debated whether to read this book. I wasn't sure I could handle the content based on the back cover. I was so worried that Andreas was going to be made into a cold, unforgiving hero that dishes it out to a TSTL heroine. Given the story is about a couple that loses their way when their child dies, I didn't think I could stomach that sort of emotional interaction.
However, Michelle Reid did not disappoint. Though, Andreas was one tough alpha Greek God...you know right from the start that he loves the heroine, regrets his past mistakes, and has been faithful to her in spite of the fact they have been separated for five years. He also is going to do whatever it takes to get his wife back and his actions never come close to vindictive or unforgiving. Also, the heroine is far from TSTL...Though, she can't seem to keep her hands off her husband (can't say I blame her), she is one tough, cookie and extremely lovable.
It is a wonderful story..... As a reader, you never question their love for each other. You just watch as they unwind and unravel the treacherous past and keep your fingers crossed that they make it across the finish line. It finishes with a fantastic epilogue.
I highly, highly recommend!
However, Michelle Reid did not disappoint. Though, Andreas was one tough alpha Greek God...you know right from the start that he loves the heroine, regrets his past mistakes, and has been faithful to her in spite of the fact they have been separated for five years. He also is going to do whatever it takes to get his wife back and his actions never come close to vindictive or unforgiving. Also, the heroine is far from TSTL...Though, she can't seem to keep her hands off her husband (can't say I blame her), she is one tough, cookie and extremely lovable.
It is a wonderful story..... As a reader, you never question their love for each other. You just watch as they unwind and unravel the treacherous past and keep your fingers crossed that they make it across the finish line. It finishes with a fantastic epilogue.
I highly, highly recommend!
January 22, 2022
Updated:
June/07/2015
June/07/2015
October 18, 2014
Michelle Reid knows how to write angst.
In this story she deals with something that often tears couples apart - the death of a child. However, there were also outside forces working against them which caused huge misunderstandings and kept them apart after the death of the child. In this case it was not only one side of the family but both. And they were both well meaning as well. Not evil. Just interfering where they shouldn't due to the age of the H/h.
They were 2 people who married a bit too young due to pregnancy (heroine was only 17 and the hero around 23-24). No one is prepared for what they went through, but I believe their age made things worse and made it easier for their families to separate them.
When they come together again when the heroine is in her mid twenties and the hero around 30, they are both more mature and prepared to face their loss together.
The hero was alpha and made some serious blunders due to jealousy, but he was by no means a "alphhole" and was capable of recognizing his mistakes when they are pointed out. I loved him and her and thought they BOTH deserved their second chance. Sadly, that's not often the case in HPs.
In this story she deals with something that often tears couples apart - the death of a child. However, there were also outside forces working against them which caused huge misunderstandings and kept them apart after the death of the child. In this case it was not only one side of the family but both. And they were both well meaning as well. Not evil. Just interfering where they shouldn't due to the age of the H/h.
They were 2 people who married a bit too young due to pregnancy (heroine was only 17 and the hero around 23-24). No one is prepared for what they went through, but I believe their age made things worse and made it easier for their families to separate them.
When they come together again when the heroine is in her mid twenties and the hero around 30, they are both more mature and prepared to face their loss together.
The hero was alpha and made some serious blunders due to jealousy, but he was by no means a "alphhole" and was capable of recognizing his mistakes when they are pointed out. I loved him and her and thought they BOTH deserved their second chance. Sadly, that's not often the case in HPs.
February 17, 2017
The characters have had amazing development throughout the years and stayed faithful to their marriage vows.
Then you may ask why the three stars?
Well, because I really couldn't stomach someone's own family going to such length to destroy someone's life and happiness and still claim they did it for their own good, even to themselves.
And I absolutely could not stomach them being forgiven. No retribution, nothing. A reconciliation after all those was disgraceful, even if they were your parents. So I really couldn't up the stars.
Then you may ask why the three stars?
Well, because I really couldn't stomach someone's own family going to such length to destroy someone's life and happiness and still claim they did it for their own good, even to themselves.
And I absolutely could not stomach them being forgiven. No retribution, nothing. A reconciliation after all those was disgraceful, even if they were your parents. So I really couldn't up the stars.
July 31, 2020
So bittersweet. Andreas and Louisa were madly in love, but were kept apart by well-meaning busybodies, er, people. Grief and misunderstandings on both their parts also managed to deepen the rift between them, so it was sweet to see them realize how much they still loved each other and start anew.
July 18, 2010
Just couldn't get into this one all that much. The H was dashing and handsome and totally alpha male. The h was lovely and strong yet a fool when it comes to the H.
OK.
Then there's the deceased child they have that absolutely tugs at your heart strings.
OK.
Then there's lots of passionate sex where the H and h can't seem to get enough of each other.
OK.
Then there's the 5 years without sex for either of them...including the virile Greek H.
Uh huh. Sure.
I could see grief robbing you of your desire to be initimate for a while, but five years? A man?
OK. Maybe.
But if he loved her so much, was so distraught by her absence, why didn't he seek her out again? Five years is a long time to wallow.
Not buying it.
The ending of this book is what inched it up to 2 stars. I LOVED it! Talk about closure and love and learning to live with one's grief. It was beautiful.
OK.
Then there's the deceased child they have that absolutely tugs at your heart strings.
OK.
Then there's lots of passionate sex where the H and h can't seem to get enough of each other.
OK.
Then there's the 5 years without sex for either of them...including the virile Greek H.
Uh huh. Sure.
I could see grief robbing you of your desire to be initimate for a while, but five years? A man?
OK. Maybe.
But if he loved her so much, was so distraught by her absence, why didn't he seek her out again? Five years is a long time to wallow.
Not buying it.
The ending of this book is what inched it up to 2 stars. I LOVED it! Talk about closure and love and learning to live with one's grief. It was beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
That was hard! As often in her book MR talks about traumatic experience, and here is the most traumatic experience of all, that is the death of a son. Heroine never recovered by her son's dramatic death and left hero. Eventually they meet again and so many misunderstanding are solved. Their families from hell tried their best to separate them, lying, deceiving, hiding things to a couple already so hurt by the loss of their child. This was disgusting, but eventually hero and heroine finds out they have always loved each other and will come back together. They were both celibate and faithful, because in love. Bittersweet, not recommended if you want a light and fun reading.
May 23, 2012
This book has everything I love in a reunion story and in general Michelle Reid does these so well. This is not unlike her recent book The Man Who Risked it All. The hero and heroine married young when Andreas makes Louisa pregnant in a summer affair. Through it all they had to fight the antagonism of Louisa's parents who considered Andreas a louse who carelessly got their daughter pregnant. His family are less than thrilled with his teenage bride and constantly make Louisa aware of what a mistake Andreas made in marrying her.
Perhaps they might have weathered the storms if their young son Nikos hadn't died in a tragic accident on the way to the beach. Louisa had taken him by herself when Andreas let them down, choosing work over his family. Both are consumed by guilt and Andreas makes the mistake of running away to hide his grief, believing it unmanly to succumb. During that time, Louisa's family persuade her to leave and feeling abandoned by Andreas she goes, expecting him to follow and claim her.
This is where the family really get into the act, preventing them from contacting each other and by the time Louisa is able to return to Athens she finds Andreas asleep in the arms of another woman.
It is now five years later and Louisa is on her annual pilgrimage to visit the grave of Nikos when she walks straight into Andreas.
It is clear immediately that the past is not dead for either of them, the physical attraction that got them into so much trouble eight years ago still sizzles. But there is a lot to get over and a lot to clarify before they can reach a happy ending.
Minor spoiler. The thing that really lifts this book for me which disappointed me in the more recent 'The Man Who Risked it All' is that both hero and heroine were faithful to each other in that time. I find that believable and a sign of the intensity of their love for each other. It helps me to truly believe in a HEA.
Perhaps they might have weathered the storms if their young son Nikos hadn't died in a tragic accident on the way to the beach. Louisa had taken him by herself when Andreas let them down, choosing work over his family. Both are consumed by guilt and Andreas makes the mistake of running away to hide his grief, believing it unmanly to succumb. During that time, Louisa's family persuade her to leave and feeling abandoned by Andreas she goes, expecting him to follow and claim her.
This is where the family really get into the act, preventing them from contacting each other and by the time Louisa is able to return to Athens she finds Andreas asleep in the arms of another woman.
It is now five years later and Louisa is on her annual pilgrimage to visit the grave of Nikos when she walks straight into Andreas.
It is clear immediately that the past is not dead for either of them, the physical attraction that got them into so much trouble eight years ago still sizzles. But there is a lot to get over and a lot to clarify before they can reach a happy ending.
Minor spoiler. The thing that really lifts this book for me which disappointed me in the more recent 'The Man Who Risked it All' is that both hero and heroine were faithful to each other in that time. I find that believable and a sign of the intensity of their love for each other. It helps me to truly believe in a HEA.
October 14, 2016
It was love at first sight for both of them . She was sweet seventeen and he was 22 . Their wild love leads to her pregnancy , going against their families they both marry and h gives birth to their first child . Unfortunately he dies in an accident . And they don't see each other after the funeral .
5 years , Though she visits the island every year for her son , she manages it only when H is out of the country . I hate both their families except Jamie (h's brother) . The part where they both talk about their late son for the first time in 5 years is touchy ( As if he is still alive , That was emotional maybe )
Also goshh they both are wild cats . They enjoy wild sex in the woods lol , It was okay when they were teenagers , but even after 5 yrs they still find it impossible to stay away from each other . I found it little difficult to digest . H is such a bully , hahaha , At some point I wanted to dive into the book to just punch his face black . But of course he does it for the best . Literally kidnaps her . Are all greek-tycoons this way? I wonder . Heyy but they are slowly getting under my skin , And I kind of like it ;)
Epilogue , that was best possible happy ending . I was all smiles reading it .
5 years , Though she visits the island every year for her son , she manages it only when H is out of the country . I hate both their families except Jamie (h's brother) . The part where they both talk about their late son for the first time in 5 years is touchy ( As if he is still alive , That was emotional maybe )
Also goshh they both are wild cats . They enjoy wild sex in the woods lol , It was okay when they were teenagers , but even after 5 yrs they still find it impossible to stay away from each other . I found it little difficult to digest . H is such a bully , hahaha , At some point I wanted to dive into the book to just punch his face black . But of course he does it for the best . Literally kidnaps her . Are all greek-tycoons this way? I wonder . Heyy but they are slowly getting under my skin , And I kind of like it ;)
Epilogue , that was best possible happy ending . I was all smiles reading it .
October 18, 2019
I am in the minority group here... I didn't like the book. There were so many facts which were left unfinished... The plot and building the tension was good but... They had a very bad marriage with equally bad parents/ family... Misunderstanding, lack of communication, immaturity, lies everything was there... The heroine did some of the stupid mistakes but the major mistakes were done by the hero... They had passion in their relationship but everything else was missing and that's why their relationship falls apart.
The whole book, they were fighting and having passionate sex. They were blaming each other all the time and suddenly at the end, everything was ok... Honestly, I didn't believe the reconcile part...
The only good thing was - they were faithful to each other from the day they meet.
The whole book, they were fighting and having passionate sex. They were blaming each other all the time and suddenly at the end, everything was ok... Honestly, I didn't believe the reconcile part...
The only good thing was - they were faithful to each other from the day they meet.
February 1, 2018
So angsty.. i loved it but also so sad..their grieving broke my little heart:(...Both characters are likeable. You know from the start that the H loves the heroine(what? is this still hplandia??)and the heroine is lovable. Another nice surprise was that Andreas didnt forgive the parents immediately (hallelujah)
June 12, 2018
Para resumir, mucho drama. Andreas y Louisa pierden un hijo y por la familia se separan. Ella regresa y todo es dramatismo, sex, ella que vive temblando o con náuseas; él vestido de blanco y pelo en pecho... Muy 2000 todo.
April 30, 2023
Loved this story!!! Both H/h had great character development and very like able . Beautiful love story. A must read!
October 31, 2019
Angst enough to keep me reading, and I really appreciated the writer being culturally aware and using the right words instead of some of the very sloppy work I’ve seen lately.
September 25, 2021
The h and H are married. After the death of their child they lived separated for 5 years. Now she has come back to the island where he lives to visit the grave of their child.
The book deals especially with their grief. It’s therefore a very slow pace. There is a lot of talking. So many pages cover only one day in their lives. There’s the usual ‘I hate you’ phrases from the woman to make it more passionate, I guess.
If you like a man and woman talking and psychological stuff and looking back and lots of talk about future children, this is your book.
For me, the pace was too slow. I became impatient with it. And I don’t like HP’s that deal with grief. I just want romance between a man and a woman, not serious, heavy, sad stuff.
The book deals especially with their grief. It’s therefore a very slow pace. There is a lot of talking. So many pages cover only one day in their lives. There’s the usual ‘I hate you’ phrases from the woman to make it more passionate, I guess.
If you like a man and woman talking and psychological stuff and looking back and lots of talk about future children, this is your book.
For me, the pace was too slow. I became impatient with it. And I don’t like HP’s that deal with grief. I just want romance between a man and a woman, not serious, heavy, sad stuff.
September 5, 2012
Good read, and sooo painful in parts because of a shared tragedy for the H and h. It was nice that we were never really doubtful that the H loved the heroine still, after five long years; most HP's tend to try to leave us in suspense (who are they fooling?), and while it wasn't blatantly said, his every action and thought (and I'm glad a good bit of the book was his POV) told how he still felt. When he finally said it her I went 'AWWW!'
I didn't love this as much as
, but it was a close thing.
I didn't love this as much as
February 12, 2015
"Louisa was not a mistake"
That one line from Andreas made me so hook to this book.
That one line from Andreas made me so hook to this book.
September 1, 2014
Wow! An intense sexy emotional hot read. Two young lovers discover true love on a small Greek island & to the displeasure of their families get married when they find out that they are pregnant. Louisa stays on the island to rise their son all the while putting up with the sly untrue rumors his family feeds her hoping to break up their marriage while Andreas finishes college & starts working in the family business. Another day of him not coming home & breaking a promise leads to a tragic accident going to the beach & the death of their beloved son Nikos. Not knowing how to deal with the tragedy Andreas goes off on his on allowing both families to step in & make her feel like failure. Which leads her to a stay in a convalse home & allows the families to tell them each lies so that each believe that the other does not care anymore. Now 5 years on & Louisa has made her annual & final pilgrimage to her son's grave to say goodbye. But this time meets her estranged husband & the passion still follows as strong as ever. Andreas realizes that he wants he wife back & will do whatever it takes to get her back. They have both been celibrate as no other person stirs their emotions. Once they start to let go they realize how much their families hurt & lied to them, he wants revenge. It will take another 2 years, their marriage back on track, & 2 more babies before he will look at forgiveness.
April 12, 2012
Michelle Reid does it again...good strong story about a couple who simply lost their way together and finally get a chance to put it back together. Lots of heavy drama ala Michelle Reid and a GREAT ending!
May 28, 2013
Romantic hero but the heroine was flat and cold!
August 21, 2021
Loved this one. It was poignant, heart wrenching as it involved a dead son. But I could feel all kinds of feelings the couple felt: the chemistry, the sexual tension, the heartache, the hesitancy, the vulnerability, the open wound and the love.
Second chance romance between Andreas and Louisa.
Both were married in a whim upon Louisa (17 y/o at that time) being pregnant. Both were young and probably did not know what hit them. What it took to be married.
A catastrophe ensued; their young son died.
Reeling from the anguish, Louisa returned to England to stay with her parents, while Andreas succumbed to despair on his own in Greece. By the time Andreas was done grieving, he found his wife gone.
Fast forward five years later, Louisa returned to Greece - as she did annually - to visit her son's grave, but met her estranged husband.
Five years did not relax the sexual tension between them.
Despite the intense old memory and the too much baggage, they could stay away from each other.
Louisa was hurt Andreas never looked for her. While Andreas with his cocky arrogance, could not believe Louisa could not return any of his phone calls, or agreed to meet him the few times he went to London to look for her.
Very captivating. The angst. The past being revealed layer by layer. I could not put down this book.
Second chance romance between Andreas and Louisa.
Both were married in a whim upon Louisa (17 y/o at that time) being pregnant. Both were young and probably did not know what hit them. What it took to be married.
A catastrophe ensued; their young son died.
Reeling from the anguish, Louisa returned to England to stay with her parents, while Andreas succumbed to despair on his own in Greece. By the time Andreas was done grieving, he found his wife gone.
Fast forward five years later, Louisa returned to Greece - as she did annually - to visit her son's grave, but met her estranged husband.
Five years did not relax the sexual tension between them.
Despite the intense old memory and the too much baggage, they could stay away from each other.
Louisa was hurt Andreas never looked for her. While Andreas with his cocky arrogance, could not believe Louisa could not return any of his phone calls, or agreed to meet him the few times he went to London to look for her.
Very captivating. The angst. The past being revealed layer by layer. I could not put down this book.
March 28, 2013
A very hard topic for a romance novel, but a beautifly exacuted one. I shed some tears while reading this one.
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