Never Underestimate A Caffarelli by Melanie Milburne: I was so happy to be able to read and review another book in the “Scandalous Caffarellis” series! I loved the first book, Never Say No to a Caffarelli, and In my opinion, this one was even better.
Just as Rafe was about to start his life with the indomitable Poppy Silverton, he learns that his brother – Raoul, the family risk-taker – has been gravely injured in a speedboat accident. The fact that their parents were killed in a similar way made the pain even greater. However, he wasn’t prepared to see his brother, usually lauded as the friendliest and most carefree of the trio – wallowing and lashing out. Rafe knew Raoul wouldn’t recover if he continued on this destructive path, so he decided to do something about it.
Lily Archer’s employer probably didn’t want to guilt her into taking such a difficult case. After helping a young woman in a high-profile case, working with a Caffarelli might just put them on the map in terms of cutting-edge healing techniques. Lily’s reluctance was compounded by the fact that she stipulated she never wanted to work with male clients. But Lily was in a bad financial situation and being able to get the astounding amount delivered up-front made the decision for her.
Rafe had no right to spring this woman on Raoul the way he had. After unleashing a string of multi-lingual obscenities at his brother he was almost glad that the woman was close enough to hear. Even if the news that she was brought here without his knowledge was unwelcome. He had absolutely no faith in someone who would most likely use hocus-pocus and get him to send her away – with a nice bulging purse she didn’t have to return.
Raoul wasn’t prepared for the woman who had been summoned to help him. He didn’t want her around him, but surprisingly, she seemed determined to stay and finish the job for which she’d been hired. Lily even managed to bite back despite her shrinking violet aura. Raoul was incredibly confused by his own reaction to the woman. Wanting to give in to her ministrations one minute, verbally attacking her the next, all while being incredibly attracted to her for no good reason.
Lily had very good rationales for not wanting to work with men. First of all, men like Raoul absolutely never wanted to trust a woman when they were in a vulnerable position, and one couldn’t be more vulnerable than in a wheelchair. Secondly, this man was also stinging after a woman dumped him because of his accident. And lastly, for much more personal reasons, Lily just didn’t like to be around men full-stop.
Raoul couldn’t believe his bad luck when his world conspired against him this way. He felt utterly emasculated, but with only a month until Rafe’s wedding, he truly did want to make an effort to get better. He’d never not been by his brothers’ sides, and this time would be no different. Now if only he could get his body to cooperate. Both in healing and denying his growing feelings towards Lily.
Ms. Milburne’s books are what HQ presents are all about. Exotic locales, alpha males, women with fire, and a bit of angst thrown in for good measure. In this case, the locale was confined – it gave me the ability to empathize with the Hero & Heroine, and get the vibes of the trauma that both of them carry. There’s no getting around the fact that Raoul is a jerk. But he admits how ashamed he is of himself quite early on, and has even more motivation to heal – all while helping Lily in return.
I would’ve loved another chapter so their reconciliation could’ve been longer, but I’m hoping we’ll see glimpses of their future in the next book, which takes on the third Caffarelli brother, Remy. I enjoyed the hints we got in that regard, it sounds like she’s setting up a great wrap-up to the series.
Highly recommended – and not just this part of the trio. Read all three. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Book Info:
HJ Top Pick
Published September 17th 2013 by Harlequin Presents (Book 3180)
Series: Scandalous Caffarellis
Has this Caffarelli finally met his match?
Millionaire playboy Raoul Caffarelli has always lived life in the fast lane. But when an accident confines him to a wheelchair—and to the care of a woman whose beauty taunts him—he’s consumed with rage and frustration.
Used to difficult patients, physical therapist Lily Archer won’t be cowed by Raoul’s arrogance or distracted by his Adonis-like physique. Carrying her own scars from the past, Lily has vowed never to relinquish her power to a man again.
Both underestimate the power of the shared passion between them. Their physical scars may heal, but some wounds run much deeper….