This book is an example of the persuasive power of a good review. I overruled my general suspicion of this type of book because the reviewer made it sound so appealing!
The Bellini Bride by Michelle Reid (HP 2224)
(2002, Contemporary Series)
Grade: 3
Italian millionaire Marco Bellini finds his mistress Antonia incredibly attractive, but he knows she would never be suitable as a wife. Besides the differences in their social position, she is well known as the sensual nude model featured in the paintings of Stefan Kranst… her former lover. Will this be the end of their affair…or only the beginning?
Why do I read Harlequin Presents? I end up wanting to smack someone, usually the hero. And in this case, the heroine too. They are certainly emotional reads, which I often enjoy, but I hate the way they play on the worst stereotypes of romance, and irritate me with their arrogant alpha heroes and simering virgin heroines. This one started out with the chance to break the typical HP mold. The hero actually had to confront his views of what a “suitable” woman was – except maybe not. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that the heroine wasn’t really bad, she was just misunderstood. Wah, wah, wah, play me another song. There was a slight redemption at the end, but still, I was disappointed that the author didn’t follow through with the story started off writing, and just ended up reinforcing all those old HP stereotypes.
This time I’m making a pledge. No more Harlequin Presents! They just leave dents in my walls when I throw them across the room.
Karen Wheless
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