REVIEW: The Italian’s One-Night Consequence by Cathy Williams

In The Italian’s One-Night Consequence (One Night with Consequences #43) by Cathy Williams, if there’s one thing Leo Conti is determined to do it’s to buy the company Maddie Gallo owns. However, he never expected the strong chemistry they have would have him re-thinking his plans for her store and have him considering happy ever after instead. Will Leo be able to win Maddie over or will they walk away from their chance at happy ever after because their pasts have too much of a hold on them both?

He looked at her narrowly. “Occasionally a person has to dig beneath the surface.”
“You’re only saying that because I’m pregnant and you have to find some positives.”
“If that bastard ex of yours was around,” Leo said grimly. “I’d flatten him.”
Maddie pinkened with pleasure at the possessiveness in Leo’s voice. “He did me a favour. He made me careful about trusting people.”
“He took away your confidence, and for that he deserves to be ripped apart limb to limb.”

I always look forward to reading a Harlequin Presents story by Ms. Williams and this story was such an enjoyable read because it encompasses two tropes that when combined can cause quite a lot of explosive moments between the main characters, which is what happens once the heroine discovers the hero is her enemy and not just the man she had an incredible one-night stand with. The way this story started drew me in immediately, as the hero is charming and determined to discover what he wants to know in regards to the company he wants to buy. Will he discover the information he needs? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me reading quickly, determined to discover how much of a challenge the heroine was going to be for Leo.

With the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because there’s some bad blood between her family and his, which makes Leo even more determined to see his plans come to fruition. How far is he willing to go to get what he wants? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she is to show the hero that she won’t make things easy for him. I also liked how determined she is to make a success of the place she’s inherited because it’s a way to finally heal from her past and make a new life for herself after everything she’s been through. While the hero, he’s confident; charming when he wants to be; ruthless at other times, especially when it seems the heroine isn’t going to consider his offer; and I liked how determined he was to get what he wants because he wants to do right thing for his grandfather. I also liked the decisions the hero makes throughout this story, even though it’s understandable why he would never want forever after again after what happened in his marriage. Still, he does his best to show the heroine that he can be the sort of guy she needs and can rely on.

”I never banked on you coming along. I never banked on falling in love. Really in love. In love so that I can’t think of life without you in it, Maddie. In love so that if anyone tries to hurt you, I will kill them.”
“Leo…” Slowly, she smiled, head and deliriously happy. “You’re saying all the right things.”

Overall, Ms. Williams has penned a really good read in this book that combines the enemy to lovers and surprise pregnancy tropes brilliantly; and where the chemistry between this couple was tangible and strong from the moment they meet; the romance was splendid and had me liking that these two were willing to take a chance on each other, despite how much they’ve been hurt by past relationships; and the ending had me loving how everything works out for the best for these two because happy ever after is worth fighting for. Then again, Leo is good at getting what he wants. I would recommend The Italian’s One-Night Consequence by Cathy Williams, if you enjoy the surprise pregnancy trope, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Abby Green, Kate Hewitt, Heidi Rice and Maya Blake.
 

Book Info:

Publication: July 17th, 2018 | Harlequin Presents | One Night with Consequences #43

Between the billionaire’s sheets… Bound by a shocking consequence!

Leo Conti is determined to secure a crucial business acquisition–until he meets Maddie Gallo. When their irresistible chemistry ignites, it’s unforgettable! Then Leo learns the truth: Maddie is heiress to the company he plans to take over–and she’s pregnant! Now it’s his heir that must be secured. Can Leo strike a deal to meet Maddie at the altar?