When their worlds collided…

They became tied forever!

Flora Bick once strayed from her carefully scripted life and lost herself in the uninhibited kisses of a stranger.

Overwhelmed, she fled his bed and returned to her risk-free existence. Now, he’s found her, and together they discover the unimaginable—she’s pregnant!

Demanding Flora accompany him to Sicily, Raffaele Russo finally reveals his vast wealth—and his determination to give their child the stable upbringing he never had.

But for the time being, their secret remains theirs alone, and it will bind them even closer than their ever-present desire…

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Author ARC

Title:  Bound by a Sicilian Secret
Series:  –Stand-alone title-
Author:  Lela May Wight
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  April 25, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Presents
My Rating:  4.5

Bound by a Sicilian Secret is author Lela May Wight’s second release for Harlequin and I loved this one almost as much as her debut title.  There is a far different feel to Flora and Raffaele’s story as each is facing a life-changing event at the moment they met in the hotel where Raffaele’s company is about to begin a major renovation.

Flora has just received the information she’s been searching for, her adoption papers.  Now, she’s worried that her entire life has been nothing more than a secret that her overprotective parents kept from her.  She’s facing some difficult facts and isn’t always processing those thoughts in a healthy way.  Raffaele’s mother has recently passed away, and in so many ways he blames himself… not that he was at fault in reality, but the mind and emotions often tell us a far different dialogue, don’t they?  He’s staying in the secret portion of this hotel and is beyond surprised when he catches a glimpse of such a stunning beauty outside on the balcony.  Their lives together begin at that moment… and what a rocky, emotional, passionate life it will turn out to be.

There are some heavy topics handled with care and compassion in this story.  Both, in so many ways, are wounded souls searching for their own truth and being blindsided by the intense reactions they have for each other.  I will say that this one wasn’t always an easy book to read for the emotions, often negative, simply flow from Raffaele at times.  He’s drowning, and cannot, will not simply reach out to the woman who loves him just as he is.  Watching their love for each other unfold was such an emotional journey.  Neither was perfect, yet they were the perfect match for each other as each filled a space that the other needed.

I enjoyed myself immensely in this world, and would not hesitate to recommend it to any romance reader who isn’t afraid to delve into the darker emotions, to the places that live in darkness until someone’s love shines a light upon them.  If passion, an unexpected pregnancy, and wounded souls touch your heart, then this one is perfect for you.

I was gifted an ARC by the author with no assumption of a positive review.  My sincere thanks to Ms. Wight for trusting me with an ARC.

Release date: April 25, 2023

Available in print or for your favorite e-reader