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Tuesday 22 November 2016

Holiday with the Mystery Italian (Harlequin Romance) by Ellie Darkins



About - Holiday with the Mystery Italian

Winning the ultimate prize
 
Since the accident that paralyzed him, Italian tycoon Mauro Evans vowed to embrace life. So when he stars in a dating show for charity, picking prickly journalist Amber Harris as the winner to take on holiday is a challenge he can't resist!
 
In Amber's experience, relationships equal pain, so she's determined to ignore her attraction to charismatic Mauro. But his bravery and strength threaten to tear down her defenses, giving her a new Christmas dreamringing in the New Year with wedding bells!
 
My review of Holiday with the Mystery Italian
 
 It has been a long time since I have read a Harlequin Romance story, and so when I was offered the chance to read Holiday with the Mystery Italian, I thought to myself, why not? You just know that when you read a Harlequin Romance, that you will enjoy a light, romantic and fun read, and this book certainly lived up that expectation. But the great thing about this book, is that it was also a book with depth and so much more than a light romantic read. I'll try and explain why.
 
Firstly, we have Amber, a journalist and a woman who has vowed never to get involved with a man, ever again. Ah, I thought to myself, so she will be wooed by Mauro and succumb to his charms. But I had assumed incorrectly. This character is a lot more complex that I first expected, and I found myself enjoying her determination, witty repertoire and the fact that she loved her career. She is a strong and independent woman, with a past that she wants to keep hidden. I therefore found her very interesting and wanted to know more about her past and how it had shaped her future.
 
Then we have the rather lovely Italian, Mauro, a Paralympian. Now, as a leading man in a romantic novel, he was a very different kind of leading man, partly because of the fact that he is in a wheelchair. But what I really loved about this book was the way in which disability was discussed between the characters and how it was portrayed by the author. As a reader, I was not made to feel sorry for him, neither did Amber, as that would have made me stop reading immediately. I am very prickly when it comes to how disability is conveyed in books, and I feel that the issue of a leading man, who just happens to be in a wheelchair, was both refreshing and very well written.
 
So yes, Mauro, I have to admit that I fell a little bit in love with him. A caring, kind and very good looking man. But what I loved most about him was the fact that he could see straight through Amber's pretence and the wall that she had built up around herself. He intrigued me and I couldn't' wait to see what would happen romantically between them.
 
This book is perfect as a cosy Christmas read that will most certainly give you that feel good factor. If you love Harlequin Romances, but want something a little bit different, with  a lot of heart and backbone to the story, you can't go far wrong with Holiday with the Mystery Italian. I loved it!
 
Holiday with the Mystery Italian is published  on 6th December by Harlequin Romance. It is available to buy from Amazon here.
 
With thanks to the author and publisher for an Advanced Reader's Copy.
 
About the Author
 
Ellie Darkins spent her formative years devouring romance novels, and after completing her English degree she decided to make a living from her love of books. As a writer and editor her work now entails dreaming up romantic proposals, hot dates with alpha males and trips to the past with dashing heroes. When she’s not working she can usually be found at her local library or out for a run.
 

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