This entry in the Marriage to a Billionaire series is probably the best read of the series so far. All of the stories are still a bit on the fluffy side; but Carina is a much more likable character than Maggie from the last book; so that made a big difference for me. THE MARRIAGE MISTAKE is the third book in this series about the lives and loves of the Conte family. This time the story is about the youngest sister, Carina. She had gotten hold of the 'spell book' that has helped along the other love stories, and cast her own love spell. She wishes for Max Gray to fall in love with her.

For most of her life, Carina has been in love with Max Gray, her older brother Michael's best friend. Max, the ultimate playboy, has never seen her as anything except as his almost-sister. Eventually, Carina matures into a beautiful, confident young woman; and her youthful crush on Michael fades into the background. Carina goes off to college to get her business degree so she can join the family company. She comes to New York to learn more about the running of La Dolce Maggie, the family bakery business; and Michael makes her Max's assistant to learn the ropes of the company. Carina has long since given up the hopes of attracting Max's attention, and is prepared to move on with her life. Of course, she's all grown up now, and of course, Max finally notices her. Max, however, is known for going through the women and being commitment-phobic.

Their working and personal relationships are tentative at best. Max and Carina circle each carefully; each not knowing quite how to deal with the other and with their own growing attraction. During a business trip to Las Vegas, they engage in what they plan to be a one-night stand; but are caught by Carina and Michael's mother, who just happens to be traveling from Italy to New York by way of Las Vegas. They are not quite prepared emotionally for the turn their relationship is forced to take after it comes to light with the family, and it's a rocky road to the HEA.

THE MARRIAGE MISTAKE was a light, breezy, and very sexy romance; a very enjoyable read that leaves a smile on the reader's face long after they close the book.

Book Summary

Carina Conte has had a crush on her brother Michael’s best friend, Max Gray, since she was a teenager back home in Italy. Now she’s earned her MBA and come to work at Michael’s new venture, America’s fastest-growing bakery empire. But some things never change: her overprotective family still treats her like a child. With three drop-dead gorgeous siblings, she’s still the ugly duckling of the bunch. And Max, the company’s new CEO, still barely notices her.

Max knows Carina Conte is strictly off-limits, for the sake of his job and his friendship with Michael. But hot-blooded lust wins out at a conference when the two share a scorching one-night stand—and are busted by her mother! Now, forced by old-world Italian tradition into a marriage he’s not ready for, Max is miserable—and Carina is furious. Her new husband is about to realize that hell hath no fury like a woman transformed. . . .