The Impatient Groom (Harlequin Presents, No. 2054)

Rating:
Summary: Frustrating
Review: It's always frustrating to me when one character needlessly withholds information from another character thereby causing heartache and sometimes tragedy. I understand why Rozzano withheld the information at first, after all it was very personal. However, once he became engaged to Sophia he should have immediately prepared her for what he knew was coming. And once he was "caught" with his mistress, he should have immediately told all. The last half of the book I just kept thinking about what an idiot he was.
However I gave this book three stars because Sophia was very sweet and Rozzano was very nice even if he was an idiot.

Rating:
Summary: Frustrating at times, but rewarding in the end
Review: Sophia, a tall heavy-set blonde, thinks she is just the daughter of a deceased small town vicar. She's in dire financial straits when her family's solicitor summons her to his office for the shock of her life. Sophia learns that her maternal grandfather is an Italian count who tried to force her mother into a loveless marriage, causing her to disappear from his life forever. He's sent his friend Rozzano, an Italian prince, to retrieve his last living relative. Sophia and the widowed Rozzano are instantly drawn to each other and are engaged before they leave England. Unfortunately, both are insecure about their relationship. Rozzano is reluctant to reveal his love for Sophia openly. He tells people that he cares nothing about her, trying to protect himself from a womanizing brother who has devastatingly betrayed him in the past. In Venice, Sophia finds out what Rozzano has been saying and thinks she's mistaken his passion for love, becoming doubtful of his intentions. Aristocratic Italians marry for heirs and keep mistresses for sex, she's told. Sophia gives Rozzano the benefit of the doubt, though, and continues with their plans for a surprise wedding, much to her grandfather's delight. After the ceremony, however, Sophia peeks in on Rozzano just as he is handing his alleged mistress her underwear. On their wedding night Sophia finally tells Rozzano how hurt and used she feels and banishes him from her bed. That's when secrets that should have been disclosed up front come spilling out. Will those secrets serve as bridges or walls between them? Rozzano's persistent secrecy is frustrating, but the healing strength of their relationship in the end is heart-warming.