The Sicilian's Defiant Mistress

Cassandra has been heartbroken since Sicilian tycoon Maximos Giuliano ended their arrangement because she demanded more from him than just sex. But when her job and her social and emotional life all go down the drain, Cass decides to gain a sense of closure by meeting Maximos again - on the arm of his biggest rival.

The story is full of emotional unavailability, sex used as a tool for punishment, for manipulation, not one but two domineering alpha-males with hackles raised, and a 'heroine' who can't seem to do much other than whimper - out of guilt, out of pain, out of lust. No trace of defiance anywhere here, and the book was a truly painful slog.

How am I supposed to fall for a hero who only wants sex on his schedule? A hero who leaves show more as soon as he's done? Who responds to a woman's need to get over him (as mandated by him) by forcing her against a wall and teasing her sexually until she admits she still loves him? Who never shows an ounce of vulnerability until her surrender to his deliberate cruelty is complete?

How can I do anything but hate a man who is that insecure and manipulative? And how can I feel anything but contempt for his spineless whiny lover who takes weekend quickies for two years than beats herself up for wanting more? Especially when it's all explained away by 'my daddy left my mommy'?

They deserve each other. Ugh. show less

While reading The Sicilian's Defiant Mistress, I felt I was on an emotional roller coaster. It's passionate, sensitive, and emotional; it's Jane Porter, at her best! This book was exceptional because it shared and described emotions women feel and men or some men never admit. Passion, lust, attraction, hurt, anger, betrayal and secrets. However, the emotional ride reading The Sicilian's Defiant Mistress was well worth it!

Max and Cass are dynamite, dynamic, sensual, volatile, passionate, and explosive is all I can say. I read this in one sitting and when finished, I felt emotionally drained yet privileged to have read such a wonderful and incredible story.

Back Cover:

Cass can't continue with a relationship that involves just her body show more when her heart is breaking.... But the deal she made with Sicilian tycoon Maximos Borsellino was for sex - and when that fails to be enough for Cass, Maximos ends the affair. Cass is completely destroyed. Worse, she discovers she's pregnant show less

what an odd stupid story. She had an assinine plan for revenge/closure and then she falls apart the first time she sees the guy, her ex lover, and lets him get her off in a back room at a reception after pleading with him to tell her why he didn't love her. She had no backbone, no self respect and she was just plain stupid. This book was poor written and poorly plotted.

I have little sympathy for supposedly sophisticated heroines who humiliate themselves. Especially if they can't think themselves out of a paper bag. Give me some real revenge ala Lyn in [b:The Judas Kiss|810883|The Judas Kiss|Sally Wentworth|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178591565s/810883.jpg|2906275]. Naive girls are a little easier to take when they can't stand up show more to the hero. show less