The Italian's Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward consists of a world that is built on secrets and lies.
Rocco is used to getting everything he wants. He relishes on having control. After his grandfather dies, Rocco begins to realize things are not as they seem. Rocco feels blindsided to discover that in order to maintain control of the company he has worked to make prosperous he must change his public image. In other words he must settle down. He believes he has found the perfect candidate when he discovers another secret his late grandfather had been keeping. Former supermodel Olivia has been hiding out with the help of his grandfather. Rocco blackmails Olivia. Along the way they end up falling in love. Received a copy of this book for an honest review. This is a story about discovering what's most important and living up to your dreams. ( )

The Italian's Deal for I do by Jennifer Hayward is a 2015 Harlequin Presents publication.

In keeping with the glamorous Harlequin Presents tradition, we meet a sexy Italian billionaire named Rocco who runs a fashion industry empire, and Olivia, former supermodel whose mother was once in love with Rocco's grandfather.

Sadly, Rocco's loses his grandfather and is stunned to discover that the old man added a clause or codicil in his will preventing Rocco from taking the deciding shares of the company. It is suggested to Rocco that if he proved he could settle down and put his playboy days behind him, the board might be willing to turn over the controlling shares.

But, the surprises aren't over as Rocco also learns his grandfather has been paying for a young lady's apartment and he immediately rushes to judgment about he nature of the relationship.

When he meets Olivia, and hears her story, he is highly skeptical, but offers her a way to continue working on her fashion line and market it, but the catch is she must pretend to be his fiance.

The fashion industry is examined and the dark underbelly is exposed as a result. Olivia is to be admired for turning her back on money and fame before she became a casualty. Olivia is talented, determined and strong willed on one hand, but she has a vulnerability that shakes Rocco to the core. I liked her for the most part and was happy to see her gain the freedom to pursue her goals and dreams.

Rocco, is hot tempered, driven, and pushy...very pushy. But, he also has a soft side and can be as vulnerable as Olivia. I liked Rocco best when he wasn't being judgmental and presumptuous. But, unlike many heroes in HP, he's not a complete jerk and he folds easily with Olivia once he puts his fear, and stubborn pride behind him.

Both characters saw growth and learned that while love can have a dark side , it also has great power and it's all they need to make things work between them.

This is one the best recent HP novels I have read in a while and I loved, loved, loved the suspenseful ending and the HEA!

3.5 rounded to 4 ( )