Another cute book by Carol Marinelli. There is just something about the Harlequin Presents formula that works for me. I could read these all day.

Secret Prince’s Christmas Seduction was a good read. I liked the storyline and the characters. Antonietta and Rafael were great together and loved how she tried to be strong when it came to be with Rafael. Now as for Rafael I loved his character because he stood up for what he wanted even though he did have to hurt the person that he loved. They both brought out the best of them and I enjoyed their outings and how little by little they fell in love.

I haven't read a Harlequin Romance in a while, so I was excited to dive into this sweet Christmas romance. Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction by Carol Marinelli is a romantic story about a hotel chambermaid who falls for the mysterious guest staying in the suite she has been ordered to clean.

It's like Maid in Manhattan. But even better, because it's set in Italy!

I liked Antonietta right off the bat. She's a young woman who has moved back to the small town in Italy that she grew up in. Her best friend's husband is in charge of a fancy hotel and he offers her a job where she can work as a chambermaid as well as take massage classes.

It's the perfect opportunity for her, because for the past five years she's been traveling and working, all to avoid her family and the great shame that she brought upon them by standing her former fiance up at the alter. He was actually her second cousin, so not only did she upset her parents, but pretty much that entire side of the family.

Cringe. She doesn't expect for her family to welcome her back to town with open arms, but she also doesn't expect for them to be so rude when they spot her around town.

Things are good for Antonietta though. She lives in a small cottage on the hotel's property and does her best to avoid all drama and gossip at work. Her main goal is to do a good job and stay on her supervisor Francesca's good side.

So when a mysterious VIP hotel guest comes to stay and Antonietta is assigned to service his room for her, she keeps her head down and does her best to avoid finding out who the guest is. Quite frankly, she doesn't care. She just wants to do her job and keep the guest satisfied.

But little by little, she gets to know the guest. He is injured, and a little surly, but he's also kind. He sympathizes with Antonietta when she has a bad day, and he finds her crying while she should be cleaning his room.

The two get to know each other better, and Antonietta likes the feeling that she gets around him. She's as surprised as anyone that she actually likes this guy. But unfortunately for her, he's leaving town come Christmas.

And there's also the fact that he has a secret identity.

I recommend this book if you like sweet Christmas romances. Antonietta is such a sweet character and it's fun to read about her putting herself out there and taking a chance on love.

Thank you to Netgalley for a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars.

I did not read the first one by the author-The Sicilian's Surprise Love Child so there were some characters who confused me, as I did not have their back round story.

The Heroine- Antoinietta is sad and solumn about things that occurred in her past leading to a fall out with her family. The hero, Rafe is staying at a hotel to clear his head. Antoinietta is a maid and has no idea who Rafe is-just that he has bodyguards and is a VIP.

He is clearly besotted with her and the two give in to their passion. Both knowing this will go nowhere, but they are enjoying the moment. Only one moment leads to others and they are fast falling for each other.

Rafe's father is a snob and he meddles in his son's affairs (literally) But all will end well and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

i enjoyed reading this book, i liked the way Ms. Marinelli writes her characters and settings. It was a good romance book and I enjoyed reading it.

I really found this to read like a classic romance but with more realistic modern themes and characters. I would definitely recommend this novel to others who really enjoy the romance genre.

A wonderful straightforward and enjoyable Christmas romance by a talented writer. Fate brings Antonietta and Rafael together and off we go! Two wonderful characters add to the charm of this lovely story and with the backgrounds of both, with our heroine making a brief appearance in another story. The mystery of Rafael's identity was well done and covered and while complete opposites it's clear they belong together. Overcoming the roadblocks of life I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Wonderful narrative, great plot and beautiful characters.

Enjoyed this tale about Rafael and Antonietta who deal with their own challenges in life while finding a love together.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This is a classic unput-downable Presents that ticks all the boxes for an emotionally fulfilling read. I really felt for Antoinette, and loved the setting and, of course, Rafael!

It's been a while since I've read a Harlequin Presents. They were always one of my go-to Romance books. This was just what I needed to read at this time. Nice and light and romantic with just the right amount of heat.

I love the "Royal" or "Prince/Princess" trope. I enjoy getting lost in these stories. Who does not love a good fairytale once in a while. Add the Christmas theme lurking behind this story and it was a perfect little book to curl up to!

A romantic tale which enraptured me. Antoinette returns home and her parents aren't speaking to her because she jilted her groom. Enter Crown Prince Rafe who is fighting his family on who he has to marry. Full of conflict, romance and emotion. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction by Carol Marinelli is the story of Antonietta Ricci and Rafael the Prince of Tulano.
Antonietta has returned home where she left because of her family had plans for her that she didn't want. Now she is back to see if she can get her family back. Antonietta is working as a chambermaid and also learning to be a massage therapist. Antonietta is assigned a prominent room in the hotel she is working at this is where she Rafael is staying at too. Rafael is breaking from his duties when he goes forward with his attraction for Antonietta.
Enjoyed reading the classic Harlequin story!!

Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile

Antonietta returns home to Sicily after fleeing on her wedding day 5 years ago. Her family hadn't listened when she starting raising objections and went ahead with the arranged marriage and because she fled they have been holding a grudge ever since. She's home hoping her time away gave them a chance to forgive her and will welcome her home for the holidays. To help her out her best friend has gotten her hired at her husband's newest hotel in their home town, there she will work part time as a chambermaid in the luxury suites and train the rest of the time as a massage therapist.

Not one for gossip she's unaware of the significance of the hotel's newest guest, when she's assigned to his room. Rafe is there to recover from a recent skiing accident that he can't allow the people of his country to learn about. Tired of being regulated to the life of a playboy he's been pushing for more responsibility from his father as Prince of his people, however his father has one stipulation and Rafe cannot abide by it. One of Rafe's best friend has given him a place to recuperate and rethink things. While there he finds himself drawn to Antonietta who meets none of the standards his family requires for a future queen but he himself can't get her out of his mind.

As time goes by and he heals and gets to know the woman who is here to make his stay more comfortable he is forced to re-evaluate what he expects for his future. I really enjoyed how slowly they built this relationship. Even with their attraction they took the time to get to be friends first, Rafe especially was uncertain with how this friendship could develop and where it would lead. As the pressure mounts for him to make a choice Rafe realizes he doesn't want to be like his father. When given a choice he makes the best for himself. To be honest I was prepared for that, I kind of expected the story to be just a fling I should have remembered I'm reading a romance novel and HEA are guaranteed.

The friendships are what really help this story along. I loved that her best friend tries to help her and make her confront what is happening with her family and see it realistically. I loved that she's a safe haven for Antonietta and is a great sounding board as well. I am enjoying how much these new romances challenge our beliefs about what a heroine can be and how they can fall in love. It's a sweet Christmas romance that makes Antonietta face what makes a 'family" especially because her own isn't the best.

I loved how sweet they were together and how Antonietta embraced her new life and the changes she wanted for herself.

★★★☆☆

Happy Reading my loves,

SECRET PRINCE’S CHRISTMAS SEDUCTION captured my attention from the first page, strongly enough that I searched for the connections between friends in this story and went to pick up THE SICILIAN’S SURPRISE LOVE CHILD (which is connected) before I even finished Rafe and Antonietta’s story.

Each has different family issues that affect their lives, and those issues do arise during their story. My heart broke for what Antonietta’s family put her through, in my opinion, she’s far better off without them anywhere near her now or in the future. Rafe may be a future King, yet his father has ironclad ideas about his son’s future and will cause no end of meddling before Antonietta and Rafe find their happy ending.

The chemistry sizzles between this couple yet to Rafe’s mind there can be no future only a temporary relationship – but loving someone can change minds and kingdoms. I enjoyed my time in this world very much and would not hesitate to recommend to any Romance reader who loves strong characters, a love worth fighting for and a very happy ever after.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Antonietta was in her cottage. She had come home to reconcile with her family. It was two weeks before Christmas and there had been little progress with her family. If anything the situation had worsened with rude stares and muttered insults whenever she ventured into the village, and when she had gone to her parents house the door had been closed in her face by her father. She had seen a pained look in her mother’s eyes, as if her mother wanted to say something. For that reason she that she persisted. Work was going incredibly well, her colleagues were friendly and supportive and the training was first class. Than the chief concierge -Pino greeted Antonietta as she came to work and said they had a new guest. By the extra security around Antonietta knew he was a VIP. But she wouldn’t let Pino gossip. Pino recently lost his wife. One of Antonietta’s jobs was to take care of the guest in the August Room. She had known guests to bring their own security but never to this extent. This guest must be very important. She quietly knocked on the large wooden door. There was no response, so she was trained to do she let herself in. Once inside she turned on a light than walked to the main bedroom and knocked than gently opened the door, then called his name “Signore Dupont?” It was clear to Antonietta he was asleep so she said softly I have coffee for you, than she asked if he would like her to open the drapes? He said yes in a groggy voice. The staff was told he was Louis Dupont but he said to call him Rafe. Than he told her to make sure no one bothered him for the rest of the day. Antonietta wondered for the first time about a man… Rafe…. Than Antonietta was again to service the August Room by Francesca . She went to the room and Rafe was only in running shorts and she tried not to look at him. He was so very male and she was so very aware of that fact in a way she had never been before now. But she was a virgin still after all. Antonietta was confused by this new feeling Rafe aroused. Rafe thought Antonietta rather fascinated him. But he was the Crown Prince of Tulan, but he did believe Antoinetta did not know who he was.
I really enjoyed reading this romantic book. It was a fun quick read. I really enjoyed the plot and pace. Rafe and Antonietta have a hot connection. I liked the ending but I wished it had been longer. This book had a lot in it such as : family drama, a daredevil prince who refused to marry, a serious accident, royal duties, family rejection, life altering decisions, and so much more. I liked the characters and the ins and out of this book and I recommend it.

This is a perfect little read set in Italy, with a sweet heroine and a Prince in hiding. No issues with consent, no stupid big misunderstanding, an enjoyable read.

Actually, this was quite the fun holiday romance story. I always cringe when I see Harlequin's titles, because they are beyond cheesy. But at least you know exactly what the story is about, lol. And this is true for Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction.

Antonietta has returned to her hometown in Sicily to try and win back the favor of her family that disowned her after she left her fiance at the alter. But Antonietta had her reasons. Her fiance to be was unkind and brought great fear to Antonietta.

She's found work as a chamber maid at her best friend's husband's hotel. Because she insists on working and won't take handouts. She hopes to have the love of her family by the time Christmas arrives.

Antonietta works hard and is assigned to clean the suite of a VIP person whom she has no idea his identity. Can you guess? Wait for it...yes he's a Prince. The Prince of Tulano, known for his rakish ways. Yet Antonietta refuses to find out who the guest really is, respecting his need for privacy.

When Rafael and Antonietta interact, however, the attraction is almost instant. Yet it grows as they talk more and he realizes she is the woman he'd love to be with, though his father won't allow it, as he's to marry a woman who is deemed appropriate.

No spoilers here, Rafe seduces Antonietta as it spells out in the title...and it's lovely. How the seduction occurs and what happens next make Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction quite the satisfying holiday romance. Yes, there's a formula, but yep, it works. And I loved it.

Antoinette ran from her marriage to be to her cousin Silvestra years ago and her family has never forgiven her now she has got work in the high end hotel in her home town of Silibri, Sicily in a hope to reconnect with her parents she has given herself until Christmas to reconnect with them Meanwhile she is tasked with the care of the room of a very bruised and battered guest called Rafe She has no idea he is actually Rafael the notorious prince of Tulano. As a connections forms between them, will they get a HEA you will have to read top see

Beautifully paced, this romance has all the feels!

Rafe is recovering from yet another close call from one of his devil-may-care adventures, so he seeks refuge at a secluded resort owned by one of his friends, where his anonymity is protected while he struggles to figure out how to be his own man without sacrificing his responsibilities to the crown.

Antonietta takes a job at the small resort near her family in an effort to reconcile with her estranged parents, who have shut her out for years for walking away from an arranged marriage. Never one for the gossip rags, she only knows that the VIP in the August suite is a celebrity of some sort, but she never dreamed he was royalty.

These two hit it off right from the start; he is her safe space while she is his soothing balm of peace. This is a cautiously moving romance, as each one fully understands the baggage they bring and what their chances are for a future together. There's plenty of drama but no true villains in this story as they work towards a HEA that neither believes is possible.

The conclusion is completely satisfying for all parties, and I couldn't have loved this book more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I have read a few of Carol Marinelli's books before but this one is so far my least favourite book I have read by her.


The story is good but this book was missing something. Maybe Carol could have added the parents' reaction when she arrives with a prince?


I give this 3 out of 5.