The Secret Beneath the Veil (Harlequin Presents) Mass Market Paperback – August 23, 2016

Wasn't sure I was going to like the hero, he seemed very harsh at first. This is the best HP book I've read this year! I might buy this as a paperback for my collection too. The tie in with other HP characters was a nice revisit - going to re-read those to see the hero was mentioned.

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of archaic story-lines that involve marriage contracts and trickery but in this instance it worked for me. I've been a fan of Collins' other more contemporary stories but after reading a sneak peek of this one on her social media page I had to dive right in.Mikolas and Viveka are introduced on the day of a wedding. A day that was supposed to see Vivi's sister Trina marrying Mikolas thanks to a contract/business merger between Trina's father and Mikolas but Vivi decides to step in and "Take one for the team" so to speak. Mikolas rolls with the punches and decides to use Vivi as a way to still get what he wants. Over the course of the story they form a bond while getting to know one another and romance blooms. Both characters were vastly different in personality yet had such fantastic chemistry that their differences added some intense emotional depth to the love story. Miko had a turbulent past as a young man and Vivi has had her share of trials. She was sweet and compassionate where he was tough and unmovable.I think the reason this worked so well for me is because the last three books I read were crap so I was desperately looking for something with a deep emotional tie between the hero and heroine and with Miko and Vivi it was exactly that. Every emotion that was built into the story brought my own emotions to the forefront and made me love these two on a grand scale. Vivi's determination and steadfast strength when faced with adversity were admirable traits as well as Miko's hardened exterior being penetrated by all the love that surrounded him and being willing to grow as a man and find redemption for himself. This was a story I couldn't stop thinking about throughout the day when I wasn't able to continue reading while at work, which seems to be a trademark of Collins ability for great storytelling. Several of her previous books have stayed with me and that's the reason she's become such a favorite of mine. If you're in need of an escapist read then you'll enjoy this one too.

The H, fought hard, but of course finally accepted that he could love and be loved. I am too happ that the author could write about it being quite painful for a woman while loosing her virginity and not write like most author would make it seem like the first or second or even third time for that matter is enjoyable for most. I loved the realness of this, and too liked the fact that the h had finally enjoyed sex with the H. Also that the H was patient with her. Very good read, five stars!

Nothing to write home about. The characters have potential but the story hit a snag and never picked up again.

Good grief. No one gets straight to my heart like Dani Collins! This story was an emotional rollercoaster ride that didn't stop until the very end. Flawless writing with never a dull moment. Absolutely loved it.

Grigor was not a good man, or father. He arranged for his daughter Trina to marry Mikolas Petrides. The marriage would secure a business merger. Viveka knew her sister was in love with another man. She couldn't let her sister go through with it. At the last minute the sister's switched places, and Trina ran away to marry her true love. Viveka shocked everyone when she lifted the veil. After the shock of the stopped wedding, Viveka attempted to run away. She slipped, and fell into the water. A connection was made when Mikolas jumped in, and saved her life. Viveka did become his mistress, but it was not forced. The chemistry was hot between the couple. Viveka was a shy virgin, but Mikolas made her feel things she had never felt before. With him, she felt passion, red hot passion for the first time. She was afraid to go all the way, but with Mikolas it felt right. This was a book that I enjoyed.

I must say that Dani surprised me again. This is not your typical romance, i felt the heroine's pain of not being good enough and having to rely on people who grudgingly take care of a child. The abuse that the hero endured was so brutal that you can understand why he couldn't trust his emotions. I cried and cheered.

It was a good, quick read and kept me engaged throughout. Damaged hero meets damaged heroine and they spontaneously combust.