The Greek Millionaire's Secret Child

The Greek Millionaire's Secret Child by Catherine Spencer is a Harlequin Presents book. I thought the second half was better than the first half. The first half had too much dialogue and was slow in getting the chemistry started between hero and heroine. Nurse Emily Tylor comes to Greece to take care of Pavlos Leonidas. She meets up with his estranged son Niko who think that Emily is a gold-digger out to get her father's vast fortune. So he decides to seduce Emily himself to show her true colors. It doesn't take too long before he realizes that she is not a gold-digger, but is actually a very compassionate, giving young lady. Niko though won't commit to anything long-term because he likes to live life dangerously, flying all over the world on goodwill/mercenary missions. He doesn't want a wife and family to worry about him, plus he likes what he does, and doesn't want to give it up even for Emily. Emily leaves Greece and returns home not realizing that she is pregnant with his baby. But she has to go back to Greece when Pavlos's condition takes a turn for the worse. This is story had some very tender, heart-breaking moments. I particularly liked the hero, Niko. He held the story together for me. 4 stars!

The Greek Millionaire's Secret Child by Catherine Spencer is a wonderful story about two people who fall in love and then have to work to overcome the very real conflict that threatens that love. Emily comes to Greece as a nurse to Niko's injured father. The old man is a difficult patient but Emily is equally strong-willed and they have grown fond of each other. She soon discovers that Niko and his father do not get along and never have. It breaks her heart to see the animosity between them. Niko is suspicious of Emily initially, thinking her a gold digger after his father's money, but soon comes to see her as she really is: a competent nurse and a kind-hearted woman. They fall in love, but Emily's need for security (because of a difficult childhood) and Niko's need for adventure (he risks his life to fly aid planes to war-torn countries) do not allow for a happy future. The various relationships are realistic and involving. It's refreshing to read a romance in which the characters discuss their problems rather than let a flimsy misunderstanding keep them apart. Flawless, elegant writing and the lush setting also enhace the story. This book is a winner.