One night with far – reaching consequences

Synopsis

The proof of their passion: she’s carrying the Sicilian’s child! Read this thrilling secret baby romance from Lela May Wight.

When their worlds collided…

They became tied forever!

Flora Bick once strayed from her carefully scripted life and lost herself in the uninhibited kisses of a stranger. Overwhelmed, she fled his bed and returned to her risk-free existence. Now, he’s found her and together they discover the unimaginable—she’s pregnant!

Demanding Flora accompany him to Sicily, Raffaele Russo finally reveals his vast wealth—and his determination to give their child the stable upbringing he never had. But for the time being, their secret remains theirs alone, and it will bind them even closer than their ever-present desire…

From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

My review

After hearing devastating news and not knowing who she truly is, Flora Bick heads to London to have some kind of answers. There, she realizes that she is tired of always holding back, and gives in to the urge of spending the night with an handsome yet complete stranger. Only for her to flee the scene, without even exchanging names.
So obviously she is in total sock a few weeks later when he has found her. And that’s not all, because Raffaele Russo is a very wealthy man, and he won’t allow his child to grow up without a stable upbringing. Because even if Flora didn’t realize it, she is carrying his child.
But will Flora agree to accompany him to Sicily and marry a complete stranger?  

I am always intrigued by stories with unexpected pregnancies, looking forward to see how the parents – to – be will get over the shock of having a baby and how they will find their ways back to each other.
So for me it made sense to read this story, especially as the male character is an Italian. 

Yet while I was reading, I was missing that extra spark…
Was it because it was a bit strange that Flora was being so unworldly and never experienced anything related to love yet, despite her age? And yet managing to have an amazing night with a stranger?
Or because she just gave in to that complete stranger without a second thought? Perhaps it was how easy she agreed to leave her own family behind with a complete stranger?
And even Raffaele wasn’t up to my expectations… Yes, we all know the macho – reputation of Italians, but still…  

Perhaps I was also in not the right mindset, but I didn’t feel the sparks flying around between Flora and Raffaele. It didn’t feel real somehow… 

Yet getting to know their background, made things clearer for me, as I understood why Flora was always holding back, out of fear. Or why Raffaele was so determined to get married to Flora, even if they only spend a few passionate hours together.
Their past both were sad ones, and nobody deserves to be handled such cards in life… Yet that same background also shows that there are people around with a kind heart, giving both characters what their own (biological) parents were lacking. 

Both Flora and Raffaele have their own demons to fight, and in this story it’s clear that for each person it’s a different path they have to walk. While Flora comes at peace quicker than Raffaele, Raffaele truly struggles to come at terms with his past. And those struggles even held him back to see what he has in front of him.
But no matter how long it takes for someone to open up, to come at peace, the reward for the journey will be worth the pain they had to endure…