This was a very well done Harlequin Presents. Unlike many, the prior history of this couple took place when they were both teenagers. So their misunderstandings and self absorbtion at the time makes perfect sense. Teenagers are so driven by drama and poor decision making. They meet again 13 years later. They have a daughter that he did not know about and I thought the reason for the secret baby was pretty solid. I believe that 17 year old girls do not make rational decisions in that situation. When they meet again they are 30 and 32. I liked that decision. Many times in HPs they meet again when the girl is 23 or so and all I can think is "Nope. Still not grown up."

So Daisy is not a doormat this second time around but stands up for herself and actually calls the hero Alessio onto the carpet about his previous treatment of her. She opens up both barrels and lets him have it. She does still have the hots for him but tries to deny it and doesn't just let him walk over her.

The story is told totally in the present, no flashbacks. She does occasionally think about what happened earlier but not ad nauseum. Just as something comes up in the present, she thinks about what caused it in the past etc. Every time they have a meaningful conversation you can totally see where the misunderstanding came from. Alessio is very up front about what a jerk he was as a 19 year old guy. Refreshing to read.

Daisy was a fun character without being comically drawn. She was a bit clumsy and dreamy and you could see Alessio being exasperated but amused by her. This was very lightly drawn. None of this stuff hit you over the head.

A totally satisfying read. Highly recommended to HP lovers. ( )