“I don’t think I ever stopped loving you.”
If you’re looking for a book that will have you smiling from the very first page, then you have to try this! It was a delightful, sexy, heart-warming second chance romance that made me laugh, swoon, and fall in love!
The story is about an American girl who finds her husband balls-deep in his secretary (the scene is hilarious!!) and decided that she’s not only filing for divorce, but now would be the perfect time to escape away to visit her best friend in Italy. Nothing like an ocean to help put space between you and the life you desperately want to forget.
What she doesn’t count on though is coming face to face with Marcello, her sexy Italian former lover with whom she’d had a passionate summer romance nine years ago, and who she’d left broken-hearted when she returned home. Needless to say he was rather furious. Mad, angry, gorgeous, and… definitely upset.
But what they’d had all those years ago was real. It was never just a fling. They’d connected. It was magical. Intense. Oh-so-very real. The kind of love that you just don’t forget. And even though she’d made the wrong decision at the end of it, seeing each other again affected them both deeply and they couldn’t help but to be drawn right back to the passionate romance they’d once had… This time though, they both had a second chance to make things right…
“It was fucking magic. Daisy, I can barely describe it, it was just… God it was good.”
“Now when you say ‘fucking magic’, I assume you mean that the fucking was magic?”
One of my favorite things about this book was the vivid imagery of Italy. It felt just like I’d hopped on a plane myself and been whisked away on my own Roman adventure. The delicious foods, beautiful city, magical atmosphere, and all the romance just leapt off the page. It felt like taking a mini-vacation right from my living room couch!
The only thing I wasn’t thrilled about was some of the grey area with regards to the cheating morality in this story. I mean, it’s a little complicated and a little shady but suffice it to say that I wasn’t that upset and I weirdly understood everyone’s rationale in the end even if I kind of wanted to smack them both upside the head (for different reasons).
I will say though that I absolutely LOOOVED Marcello and Avery together! They just felt RIGHT, y’know? Like as cheesy as it sounds, they were meant to be and you could really feel that. Their chemistry, banter, and way that even after nine years of separation, they just immediately fit back into each others lives really made me believe in them as a couple. There was no doubt that they belonged together.
“I had plans, lingerie, seduction. These are —“
“Perfecto,” he answered… “You don’t need to seduce me. I wanted you again the moment you walked up to the table.”
I loved Marchello’s laid back and passionate nature. You could really tell that even after nine years and a broken heart, this man absolutely loved Avery. That much was unquestionable. And even though she made some calls I didn’t agree with in her life, I always believed that both then and now, she loved Marcello with all her heart.
“I never thought I would see you again… I have [thought about you] many times through the years. I wondered, where is she? Is she happy? Is she in love? Is she painting?” The faintest hint of hope flashed through his face. “Does she have children?”
Oh and can I just give a shoutout to Daisy who was such a fun supporting character!
“You had my door knocker digging into your back last night. I figured you’d be sore. I can see that your lips got a workout.” She snickered.
… My head whipped around and I pretended to glare. “Just how long were you watching us?”
“I peeked outside just as he was charging back up the sidewalk. Good lord, that was sexy. He swept you up and pinned you to the door in one swoop! I was fanning myself while I was pretending not to watch.”
Even though this book was written jointly by two authors (Alice Clayton has been a favorite of mine since Wallbanger, and Nina Bocci is new to me but a new favorite now), the writing flows seamlessly such that if I hadn’t known in advance that there was more than one author, I’d never have guessed. They’re a great writing duo!
All in all, this book was a joy to read! A delightfully fun, sexy romance that swept me away in the adventure of travel and the passion of a second chance at true love! It was pure escapism and a truly enjoyable read!
Rating: 4 stars! Standalone Adult romance.
PS: If you pre-order, your book will download automatically this Monday at midnight!
Mia says
This sounds FUN! Will pre-order !
Aestas says
Woohoo!! 😀
Sofie says
Merci beaucoup! I love your recommendation :))
Aestas says
Welcome!! Happy reading 😀
Alison says
Awesome review like always, makes me want to read it start away but we have to wait for it to come out!
Aestas says
It’s now live!!! Happy reading 😀 (and thank!)
Claudia says
Started reading yesterday night.. and guess what? I’m Italian, just came back from Rome… Of course no Marcello for me.. but… the book so far is really good… 🙂 Some writers are just good, like Alice!!! Ciaooooo!!!