Never Gamble with a Caffarelli by Melanie Milburne: The Series: Scandalous Caffarellis trilogy comes to a finish in “Never Gamble with a Caffarelli”, the story of Remy and Angelique. Angelique is the daughter of Henri Marchand, ex-business partner of Vittorio Caffarelli. Their parting was bitter, so bitter that the two men strive to make each other’s lives a living hell. When the two men severed their relationship, the Caffarelli empire nearly crumbled, so after working hard to rebuild it, Rafe, Raoul, and Remy have a right to resent Mr. Marchand.
Remy has the opportunity to strike Henri where it hurts. He wins a treasured family home in a poker game. What he doesn’t realize is that it really wasn’t Marchand’s to lose. It was held in a trust for Angelique and she only had a few months to go before she could’ve taken possession. It was to be her sanctuary. Away from the press, out of the spotlight, out from under her father’s thumb.
Angelique wasn’t going to let it go without a fight. She finds out that Remy is spending time in the Middle East, so she decides to confront him there. The palace staff find her in his room, and all hell breaks loose. Remy and Angelique have ever really agreed on one thing… marriage isn’t for them. But the ruling family have laws, and it doesn’t allow for an unmarried couple to be in the same room. In order to leave the country, they have to be married.
Deals are struck, advantages are taken, and battles are fought. But somewhere amongst all the madness they remember when things were good between them. When the two patriarchs were still friends and Angelique was around. Perhaps they didn’t have to behave like enemies – especially when that was the last thing they wanted.
I have to admit, I enjoyed the second book more than this or the first. I thought the marriage storyline seemed contrived, although I have no idea – I haven’t done more than cursory research.
I also didn’t connect with these two as much as I had with the other two couples, I’m not sure why. They were likeable enough. I can’t quite put my finger on why I felt like this story was lacking, but it was well worth reading to tie up the story.
There was a very short epilogue, but only brief touches on the other characters throughout the book. I still highly recommend this series. The writing is fairly flawless and it was lovely getting to know the Caffarelli brothers and their women.
Book Info:
Publication: October 22nd 2013 by Harlequin Presents (Book 3188) | Series: Scandalous Caffarellis #3
A ruthless millionaire…who drives a hard bargain
Model and heiress Angelique Marchand is furious. Continental playboy Remy Caffarelli—devastatingly handsome and notoriously arrogant—has won her mother’s ancestral home in a card game!
Angelique tracks him down in the Middle East to confront him and reclaim her birthright. But when she is found in his hotel room, the sworn enemies are forced to marry! And surprisingly, rather than annul the bond, Remy wants to exploit their marriage for business…and for pleasure!