REVIEW: Redeemed by My Forbidden Housekeeper by Heidi Rice

Redeemed by My Forbidden Housekeeper is Heidi Rice 2023 release and it’s packed with intrigue, humour and emotion.

Sneaking into a masquerade party with an invite meant for her cousin lights off a chain of life changing events for both Jessie and Renzo. Renzo is immediately attracted to Jessie, and what he wants he gets. And he got all of Jessie, except her name and face. So years later when she arrives as his personal chef; while he feels a familiarity; he doesn’t immediately recognise Jessie.

Jessie has been to hell and back since she last saw Renzo in the flesh. To be fair, so has Renzo. The only thing that allows Jessie to agree to her cousin begging her to bring Renzo back from the dead is the curiosity to see him and again and the hope/fear he will/won’t recognise her. Shocked at seeing the Renzo of now Jessie sets about feeding Renzo and while doing so, taking none of his b.s attitude. Renzo is shook this no-nonsense Jessie isn’t afraid of him and he’s curious. It’s not long before he starts to look forward to Jessies visits and the motivation of her helps him strive to be better himself.

Be warned if you’re in the “the hero must only sleep with one person his whole life” brigade this is not the book for you. Renzo is introduced a very a-holey hero. I started to wonder why has Heidi Rice made this guy such an a-hole? Well it was so she could drop him from a great big bloody height wasn’t it. Everything changes as a result and Renzo becomes the complete opposite of who Jessie first met. He’s now a withdrawn and pale hermit who is tattered and bruised internally and externally.

This Beauty and the Beast-esque story gently reminds us to not be afraid of our scars and who we are. It also shows that love and light can be gifted to anyone. As Jessie unknowingly nurses Renzo back to full strength the two grow closer and the battle of wills is really enjoyable as a reader.

I’m still not sold on Presents being written in first person narrative but it worked really well with Renzo’s character. I still really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was lovely.

Book Info:

Publication: October 2023 | Harlequin Presents |

“I did not want her here…” Recovering from a near-deadly accident, Renzo Camaro retreated to his Côte D’Azur estate. Nothing breaks through his solitude. Until the arrival of his new housekeeper stirs dormant desires…

“It was past time I moved on…” Jessie Burton took this job to get closure. Yet bitter and broken Renzo is changed from the playboy who gave her one eye-opening night then abruptly left. He still drives her wild with want! But unless she can forgive the pain he caused, Jessie must remain immune to their connection…