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This week's entry is His Virgin Acquisition by Maisey Yates.

I have a confession to make. I have an addiction to Harlequin Presents. I read them in droves.

Why, you ask? They’re short, which means it doesn’t take long to read them and get to the happily ever after I love. The books are usually set in Europe or Australia, which means I can go to Sydney or Paris or London just by cracking open a book. Everybody's rich, too! The books just have a different vibe than I’m used to as an American.

A lot of romance readers don’t like them because of the alpha heroes found inside. Strangely enough, they’ve never bothered me. Whenever I find an indignant hero certain he knows everything, I just laugh and say, “Looks like we got another angry one.” These heroes amuse, not anger, me.

Anyway…

I became aware of Ms. Yates late last year when she sold this, her first, book, and a party commenced at eharlequin.com for her. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to “know” her mostly through Twitter. When her book was released, I bought it eager to support a new author and did I mention the Presents addiction I have?

When Elaine gives her business presentation to Marco De Luca she thinks she can be cool, calm and collected. She's wrong! The fierce tycoon can see straight through her shapeless suits and scraped-back hair and get right under her skin….

She may have proposed marriage as the perfect business arrangement, but suddenly Elaine's not quite so confident. Marco's made it clear that he's no modern man—if he takes a wife, he wants a ravishing beauty by his side, obedient and willing day…and night!

This book didn’t disappoint. As an aspiring author, I read tons of blogs about how to become a better writer and how to hook the reader. Great opening lines and first pages are often touted as some of the best ways to do so. Ms. Yates did not disappoint. 

“I think the numbers speak for themselves. Marriage is definitely the most profitable course of action.”

It seemed Elaine Chapman had finally come to the end of her lengthy presentation. 

Marco De Luca scanned the expanse of his office, looking for hidden cameras or some other sign that she was here on assignment from a reality show. There was no way she could be serious.

I cracked up reading this. I loved it.

What made the book enjoyable as a whole for me was Elaine, the heroine. She has a goal and a purpose in life. Many times, HP heroines get on my nerves. Why must they be poor and/or destitute? Sometimes they just exist until the hero comes and sweeps them away. Yes, Elaine needs Marco’s help, but he is most definitely her last resort. And as is the case in romance novels, she saves him as much as he saves her. Very Pretty Woman.

 
*SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT*
However, the one thing that made me sigh is the pregnancy that occurs. Not that I’m opposed to babies, but it seems like the contraception in Presentsland NEVER works. These are the richest people in the world. Are you really telling me NONE of them can find some decent condoms? It wasn’t the end of the world that Ms. Yates used this tried and true device, but it did make me sigh.

*SPOILER ALERT OVER*

All in all, I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to follow Ms. Yates’ career.

So whatcha reading? Are you enjoying it?

xoxo,
Jamie

 

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