Blog Tour: The Saint's Devilish Deal Review

Title: The Saint’s Devilish Deal

Author: Kristina Knight

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Esmerelda Quinn has been looking for a place to belong since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young. The closest thing to home has always been Aunt Constance's villa in Puerto Vallarta, so after a string of dead-end hotellier jobs, she's coming home to run the villa.

Santiago Cruz has called the villa home for as long as he can remember. In between surfing events, Constance has always had a room for him. Color him surprised when Constance decides to retire - and leaves a joint interest in the villa to both Santiago and Esme.

Esme isn't thrilled to share ownership of the villa with the the youngest Cruz brother - especially when she learns Santiago's brother has been after the villa for years. But Santiago has grown up while she's been away at school and soon she finds herself falling for the rich boy down the hall.

Cindy's Summary/Opinions: The Saint's Devilish Deal was more of an adult read, but I got through it anyways, since I have read more mature books.The book starts off with Esme going back home to take care of the villa because her aunt, Constance is sick. But when Esme finds out she have to share ownership with her past lover, she doesn't know how to get through. Why Santiago Cruz of all people. Santiago Cruz, on the other hand, is a loud, obnoxious playboy. Even though Esme keeps telling herself over and over again not to fall for him again, she can't help it. Even if it were make Esme fall flat on her face, she still can't help herself but to fall deeply in love with Saint. 

 Overall though, this book was a hot-read that leads you by the tail's end trying to finish the book. When you want to stop, you instead get your head filled up with questions like "Do Santiago (Saint) really end up with Esmeralda (Esme) at the end?" So you don't stop until you reached the end.

This book is a love story that leaves one wanting to read more. I would recommend it to people who really enjoys romance novels at a slightly mature level. Well. It's like PG-13. And I am old enough. I guess. LOL.

Book Excerpt

Santiago casually lounged in one corner of the sofa, looking exactly as he had all those years ago when they were kids.  The board shorts reached to his knees, but instead of camouflaging the cords of muscles on his thighs they delineated every line.  Broken in Birkenstocks covered his tanned feet.  Who attended one meeting – much less two – dressed for a surfing competition?  Anyone with the last name Cruz, a hateful inner voice noted.  He appeared cool and comfortable, making her feel even more hot and uncomfortable. 

So Velazquez and supposedly her aunt wanted her to share the villa with Santiago for the next six months?  She didn't think so.  She'd worked too hard in California to build a great resume and get the right experience to sit back and allow Santiago or his family to add her perfect villa to their over-priced, over-decorated resorts. 

            "Senorita Quinn, I know this comes as a shock, but Constance was very clear before she left for her extended rest."  The lawyer's voice brought her abruptly back to the present.  His glance skipped from her face to Santiago's and back again.  "She wants you and Santiago to run the villa, together.  Her wishes are clear.  As Santiago has been in-residence for the past few months, he is intimately familiar with Constance's business.  At the end of six months, whoever has done the best job will receive full control of the property," Senor Velazquez repeated, looking more annoyed than ever.  Apparently he wasn't used to anyone questioning his explanations.

            What he didn't understand was that Esme was not questioning the explanation but the motivation behind the plan in general.  Just how had Santiago convinced Constance this was a good idea?  A vacation resort needed stability to grow, not one manger one week and another manager the next.  And, yes, he'd been living in the villa, but as a guest not working as an employee.

            The situation reeked of Cruz manipulations.  Crossing her arms over her chest, Esme sat back and declared, "I want to see my aunt before I sign anything."

Santiago shifted on the sofa.  "Esmerelda, I suggest we deal with the situation as it has been dealt to us.  Constance's wishes are clear," he waved a hand toward Velazquez's desk, "so why don't you just say what's on your mind.  You do not trust me, eh?  Constance did.  That should be enough."

She cut her eyes to him.  His olive complexion was darker than ever so he obviously didn't spend much time in the boardroom.  His too-long hair – not that she cared – had to be part of his clinically surfer-boy look.  Were the rumors true?  Had he cut his ties to Cruz Resorts to focus on surfing?  She couldn't imagine him turning his back on the family business.  Santiago might present the image of a laid-back surfer, but he was raised to be a cold-hearted businessman.  The Italian suit might be missing, but the watch on his wrist cost more than her entire ensemble.  Eduardo Cruz's heir might be carefully concealed, but he was still in there.  Somewhere. 

Hadn't she learned that lesson the last time around?

She focused on her nemesis.  "Look, you may have conned Aunt Constance with your surfer boy routine, but I don't buy it.  Why don't you go buy a coffee downstairs while the adults talk?"

The lawyer gasped but Santiago only grinned.  Just like him not to get an insult when it was flung directly at him.  Okay, technically thrown at his feet, because she found it hard to look directly into those chocolate brown eyes without wanting to scratch them out of his face.  Or drown in them.  God, she thought she was past the point of being charmed by The Saint. 

"I see the kitten has sharpened her claws," he drawled, rolling each syllable off his tongue as if it were the finest dark chocolate in the world. 

Despite the heat of the day, Esme shivered.  Annoyed that he could still affect her this way, she snapped, "Yes and this time around I'm willing to use them." 

"That sounds promising."

Author Bio

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police - no, she wasn't a trouble-maker she was a journalist. When the opportunity to write what she wanted - business and family/parenting articles - and to focus more energy on the stories in her head, she jumped at it.

And she's never looked back. Now she writes articles for magazines and such by day and writes romance novels with spice by night. And any toddler-free, five minute break she has. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband and 4 year old daughter. Happily ever after. 

Links

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