Ainslie Farrell has just been fired from her job and is at loss as to what to do next.  Should she stay at a youth hostel while hunting for another nanny position?  But who would hire a nanny fired for theft?  Elijah Vanaldi always trusts his instincts and now finds himself coping with the baby of his deceased sister.  He knows he can’t let the Castellas have Guido and his instincts are screaming that he should trust Ainslie.  Can Elijah adapt his life enough to accommodate a baby and a wife?

HIRED: THE ITALIAN’S CONVENIENT MISTRESS is part of a two book series.  The events in this book coincide with ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS, a Harlequin Medical Romance.  HIRED: THE ITALIAN’S CONVENIENT MISTRESS can be read as a stand alone.

The Presents line is known for its Alpha male heroes and Elijah is the quintessential Alpha male.  He expects everyone to jump to his demands and Carol Marinelli has her hands full making him likable.  It’s a true testament to her writing skills that she succeeds in doing so.  His caring attitude towards Guido softens him a bit and one can’t help but feel his grief over the loss of his sister.  Ainslie is definitely a heroine with a backbone, which provides a sharp contrast to Elijah’s often overbearing nature.  There are some tense moments along the way but Carol Marinelli handles them well.  The issue of grief is never an easy one and seeing Elijah’s battle with it is bittersweet.

Publisher: Harlequin Presents Extra #29 (November 2008)
Publisher: Harlequin Presents Extra #29 (November 2008)