Standing at the graveside of her father, Roberto Ambrosi, Sienna Ambrosi hopes to avoid Constantine Atraeus who is attending the funeral in Sydney. She and her ex-fiancée called off their wedding 2 years prior from a misunderstanding on both sides. Each blaming the other for placing a business deal before true love and consideration leaves both with trust issues. Constantine's family has raised themselves from the poor house to an influential family owning the multi-billion dollar company, Artraeus Group. Unknown to Sienna, her father has gambled away all their company money and left the pearl company near bankruptcy. To top it all off, Sienna is devastated to learn that her father also borrowed a huge amount of money from the Artraeus Group and Constantine was there to call in the contract. Her father was a fraud and a cheat, driven by his gambling.

Constantine is determined to right the wrong done to his dying father by Roberto. Even though he denies it to even himself, his ulterior motive is to gain possession of Sienna. Coercing her to join him on the Island of Ambrus, where the original pearl factory operated, she is still fuming at the contract he presents to her as a deal breaker. If she marries him her entire family will continue as is and her mother and sister will be taken care of for life. But like anything else in life, there are downsides to what appear to be a perfect solution. What is a woman to do?

A BREATHLESS BRIDE is a story so full of emotion and misunderstandings. Both characters are strong, opinionated and very set in their ways. Neither can be pushed and neither will give in. I so enjoyed the banter between Constantine and Sienna. My heart went out to her, fighting between her loyalty to the family company and what her heart told her to do. Reading this book was a complete pleasure with very colorful characters and a warm, fuzzy conclusion. Fiona Brand has a very unique way of portraying her characters and bringing her story to a crescendo. Keep them coming as this was a definite page turner.

Book Summary

After becoming the reluctant owner of the company that had cost him his fiancée, Constantine Atraeus wants more. Controlling Ambrosi Pearls would not be complete without enticing Sienna Ambrosi back into his bed. His ex-lover, however, won't be won over with simple promises and elaborate seductions. A legally binding contract has to be made. So Constantine proposes the ultimate marriage bargain. If Sienna becomes his wife, she'll retain shares in her family's precious company. But she'll be bound to him forever. It is a union potentially worth billions. And it is a price Constantine is more than willing to pay.

But is she?