Jess's Promise

Jess's Promise

Publisher: Mills & Boon, Harlequin (May 2011). ISBN-10: 0263886441, ISBN-13: 978-0263886443

Cesario di Silvestri isn't just fast with woman, he's supersonic. After mere minutes spent in his charismatic presence, many of Europe's most glamorous woman tumble into his bed... With the exception of one - shy vet Jessica Martin, who refuses to become his weekend plaything. But when Jess's feckless relatives steal from Halston Hall, Cesario's country retreat, he has all the ammunition he needs! For now he'll enjoy her creamy-skinned beauty, but in the future he'll need an heir...

(From the Secretly Pregnant, Conveniently Wed trilogy).

5 Stars - Amazon Customer Reviews
Katie Howe

This is the third book in the Secretly Pregnant trilogy and in my opinion the best of the three. It's a very tender story depicting the natural progression as two people fall in love during what's intended to be a marriage of convenience. Jess is older than Lynne's usual heroines and more serious too. Situations in her past have caused her to be wary of romance and influenced her decision to work with animals rather than humans. Circumstances arise which make it possible for Cesario to offer a 'practical' marriage and Jess agrees because she wants a child as badly as he does. I don't want to go into details of the plot because I loathe 'spoilers' in reviews. I will say that this is a Mills and Boon and therefore you should be able to work the actual plot out. Recent criticisms of Lynne's books on Amazon have taken me aback. Who reads a Mills and Boon and expects more than it is? One recent review even criticised the name given to one of the characters which, to my way of thinking, is ridiculous not to mention incredibly petty.

Fan's of Lynne's should recognise that sometimes she writes tender stories rather than funny stories. I like both types of story so I'm never disappointed by her work. Lynne's books always read well, there are no clumsy sentances or grammatical errors to be found. Her characters grow with the story and it's easy to see why they fall in love. That's especially true of this one where both hero and heroine are a perfect match despite the differences in their backgrounds and situation in life. It's easy to see why Cesario admires Jess, easy to see why he grows to love her. The same is true for how Jess falls in love with him. I've read enough Mills and Boon to know that this isn't something that every author can pull off. There are hundreds if not thousands of romances where it's impossible to see what's lovable about any of the characters. We never have that worry with Lynne. The thought and effort that she puts into her work shines through every time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting. I loved both leads and the assorted minor characters from dogs with narcolepsy to housekeepers selling off the wine. Most of all I loved the way the story developed, slowly, tenderly right up to the moment when love is declared but circumstances threaten the chance of happy ever after.

I always recommend Lynne's books as being the best that Mills and Boon have to offer. This book reinforces that opinion. Definitely gets five stars from me.

5 Stars - Amazon Customer Reviews
Uenna

Jess Promise was the last book in the 'Secretly pregnant' trilogy by LG. It was a simple storyline with medium pace or was it?

The hero and heroine agree to a marriage of convenience for the sole purpose of conceiving a child and heir to the Billionaire Italian Cesario di Silvestri with divorce built into the agreement down the line in a few years. All the cards were laid down on the table from the very beginning, but was it all the cards?

The story could easily have become boring with such a cold and calculated entry into the sacred bonds of matrimony but it was rescued in part by the ingenuity of LG, and the likeable characters she created. There were so many hidden secrets with heightened suspense and the desire to find out what was going on turned this medium paced book into a fast page turner because you want to know what happens next. For instance, why would a handsome billionaire enter into such a coldly calculated agreement for marriage aside from the fact the he found Jess attractive? Who is Jessica Martin and what is her connection to Halston Hall?

What I liked best about this book was that it was constantly filled with surprises, vulnerability and human interest problems that will pull at your heart strings, while at the same time trying to forge a relationship between two strangers who took a leap of faith to enter into marriage based on necessity and attraction. It was well written and very enjoyable to read. If I have one criticism it is that it there was not enough to make it part of a trilogy, no mention of the other characters in the other two books and the pregnancy was not secret, it was the purpose of the relationship. Nonetheless it was a good and enjoyable read, I recommend. The ending was LG at her best, the way she stretched out the suspense, I came close to skipping just to find out but I did not and my admiration for her writing skills has risen another notch. Well done LG.

5 Stars - Mills & Boon
Rubcale

I will be interested to see what Mrs Graham's legion of fans make of this.

The first part of the book is typical of the author with her trademark humour and sparks flying between the lead characters as the plot is set up. Cesario stirs the pulses and Jessica evolves your sympathy.

Then in what is a different style than usual from this author the story becomes rather more gentle and emotive.

I foind that I enjoyed this change of direction and was kept hooked on the story right to the end.

5 Stars - Mills & Boon
Sangeeta

Loved it and fell in love with the hero myself! Full of emotions....funny parts....sensual.... all of it!

4 Stars - Mills & Boon
Michelle Smart

Really enjoyed it - I disagree with the other reviewer that his health issue should have been introduced earlier as there were plenty of allusions to it, but I did agree it made the resolution feel a bit rushed. All-in-all, plenty of sparks and emotion. Definately one to keep and read again.

5 Stars - Mills & Boon
Anonymous

I love this author and read the other 2 books in this miniseries. Lynne never disappoints.

4 Stars - Mills & Boon
Maurine

Of the three in this trilogy, I feel this is the best. I enjoyed the book.

5 Stars - Mills & Boon
Arpita Martin

Another brilliant story by Lynne Graham.Her style has not diminshed over the years! The hero's character is so well delineated that one has to just read on to realise how he can adapt being what he is if necessary to situations ! Another aspect of the story is its appeal to animal lovers. How kind of the author to generate that love in the storyline. It deserves a second read indeed.