3.75 starsI was thrilled when I won this ARC in a giveaway at the author's blog. As I just started reading from the Harlequin Presents line a short while ago, I was eager to read this one too and it didn't disappoint at all. I was planning to review it before the holidays so I could put it up on the blog around January 1st (release date) but lack of time prevented me from doing so now, about a week after release I'm finally sitting down to write my review. CAVELLI'S LOST HEIR starts off smack dab in the middle of things. Lily Morgan is arrested and thrown in jail in the small kingdom of Montebianco, accused of trafficking priceless antiquities. Nico Cavelli, Crown Prince of Montebianco, finds out he fathered a child two years ago, in a one night stand with Lily and now has some decisions to make. From the moment the book starts a lot happens. Nico rather forcefully coerces Lily into marrying him, whisks her of to Paris for a makeover and shopping trip so she'll look the part of the Crown Princess, they marry and of course there are also problems looming, both from within their relationship and from external elements. Nico is a true prince. He seems harsh and distrusting, he is arrogant and elegant yet caring and devoted too. He is tired of his outward playboy, uncaring image but maintains it out of guilt and a sense of duty. Lily is feisty, independent and determined. She doesn't let people walk over her and Nico has a hard time winning her over after some of his less courteous actions. I loved that about Lily and Nico. Though they both make some wrong assumptions they were strong enough characters to admit their faults and mistakes and move on from that.Within the first 20 pages the conflict is set up and you know where things are heading. Assumptions are made to and fro by both Lily and Nico, creating the conflicted situation that needs resolution. I liked the second part of this book more than the first because more things started to happen and Lily and Nico started opening up to each other. The sex scenes were surprisingly more sexy and steamy than I expected them to be in a Harlequin Presents. I read a few HPs before this one and those I read weren't this explicit. I was pleasantly surprised by it and it also immediately prompted me to go and buy Ms. Harris' other and debut Harlequin Presents title, SPANISH MAGNATE, RED-HOT REVENGE. Despite the story being a little predictable and slow-paced at in the beginning, I loved this book. I like Lynn Raye Harris' writing style a lot and her love scenes are sensual and scorching hot. Her writing is very agreeable and fluent. I liked the characters of Lily and Nico and the ending was emotional and sweet but not too much, just the way I like 'em. CAVELLI'S LOST HEIR is the perfect book to escape the harsh reality of everyday life and get lost in a few pleasurable reading hours, dreaming of being whisked away by a dark, tall and handsome prince. If you have an ounce of romance inside you and you're looking for a quick and satisfying read, this is one you shouldn't miss.
