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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Ballerina and the Greek Billionaire - Suzanne Merchant (HR #4874 - Oct 2023)

Kindred spirits…in paradise!
 
Cataloging reclusive billionaire Loukas Ariti's art collection would be Sophia's dream job -- if it weren't for Loukas! He's distractingly handsome but clearly views her presence on his idyllic private island as a massive intrusion. Having never fully recovered from the loss of her ballet career, Sophia suspects that his gruff exterior hides a hurt that matches her own. Could two weeks with the Greek heal both their hearts?

 
Good book about two hurting and lonely people. Sophia is several years into her new life in the art world after the devastating loss of her ballet career. Her mother died when she was born, she never knew her father, and she was raised by grandparents who blamed her for the death of their daughter. She has worked hard to keep from being bitter, especially after being dumped by her boyfriend, who couldn't handle her post-accident scars. She is excited when offered the chance to catalog an extensive art collection in Greece.
 
Loukas avoids people whenever possible. Orphaned in a traumatic accident at the age of four, he was taken in by his godfather. Christos was a loving man, but he, too, was tragically taken from Loukas when he was eight years old. Since then, Loukas has locked away his heart and refuses to get close to anyone. There is also something about Christos's death that haunts Loukas. He knows it is time to sell the art collection, but he isn't looking forward to having someone invade his home.
 
Loukas's self-imposed isolation takes a hit when Sophia arrives. He's bowled over by her beauty and shocked by the sparks of attraction he feels for her. He desperately tries to bury those feelings. Sophia also feels the chemistry between them, but getting involved with a client is never a good idea.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Loukas and Sophia develop. They connect quickly but are wary of getting too close. Loukas shows some overprotective tendencies when Sophia does something that runs up against his fears. I liked Sophia's understanding of his fears. I enjoyed the encounters that brought them closer together. Neither expected the strength of the attraction between them or the need to act on it. But Loukas has been clear in his determination to avoid anything resembling a relationship, and Sophia knows that she will leave when her work is done.
 
A startling discovery brings conflict as Loukas and Sophia deal with the ramifications. I ached for Loukas as he revealed more of his past. Matters become more complicated when a paparazzi shows up on the island, and Loukas makes unfounded accusations. Loukas's lack of trust hurt Sophia. But can he overcome his fears enough to open his heart and risk a future with Sophia? I liked seeing his thought processes as he confronted those fears. His big moment with Sophia was sweet and emotional. I wish there had been an epilogue. 


 
 
 

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