BLURB
When Gaby Conte’s Italian husband, Danieli, abandons her for a young Peruvian waitress at a restaurant they co-own in San Francisco, Gaby seeks refuge in Rome with her best friend Maria. There, she swears off romance for a long while and Italian men forever. That’s until she meets Silvio, who belongs to an old, aristocratic Roman family and lives in a palace alongside the best private art collection in Rome. Silvio, who is the cousin of Maria’s husband, is going through his own divorce. He’s gorgeous, of course, which Gaby doesn’t tell him. And arrogant and condescending, which she does. The last thing Gaby needs is more Italian trouble, but the attraction is instant and powerful, and against the backdrop of one of the world’s most romantic cities, both try—and fail—to resist the chemistry between them. But both Gaby and Silvio have made a rule never to make the mistake of trusting in love again. Will they realize some rules are made just to be broken?
Mandi's book has something for everyone. There is romance, sex, humor, food, and that special blend of sarcasm that is double-edged. You may be delivering a blistering retort, but in reality your stating "I want you... kiss me... take me."
I think anybody who has been in love and left for another woman/man can relate to Gaby and her story. You want to get away from everyone and everything. Going to Rome to spend time with her best friend, Maria, is just what the doctor ordered. Meeting Silvio was the icing on the cake.
Another thing I loved about this book was the ages of the characters. It's nice to read about a couple starting over in their 40's, an age I can definitely relate to. They bond over common interests yet have a strict rule of never falling in love again. How many of us have stated that at some point in our lives? That's usually when the right man/woman comes along, sweeps us off our feet, and loves us forever.
A few other things I enjoyed in this book is Mandi's descriptions of places, food, and everyday conversation. Her description of food will leave you hungry. The description of places in Rome will make you want to buy an airline ticket and go visit.
Both Gaby and Silvio are strong characters. I like that they butt heads yet are attracted to each other. I like that they are both strong enough to fall in love and take a chance again. Some say love is a weakness, especially when you have been burned, but in this case, it only strengthens them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Mandi Benet is a talented writer with Soul Mate Publishing. Check out the excerpt below and read some more about Mandi.
EXCERPT
Silvio pivoted to toss the tissue into the garbage, and then turned back. He stood rooted in place, watching her. Gaby shivered. Waited. Waited some more. She knew she should run but she couldn’t move. She felt locked to that room. Locked to that man.
He stretched out his hand and stroked her cheek softly with his thumb. Goose bumps immediately broke out on her arms. He saw them and smiled, quirking an eyebrow at her in amusement. Her skin felt feverish now, and she could feel moisture settle between her breasts.
Silvio ran his knuckles along her jawline, gently caressing her skin, and then moved to her lips, lips she hadn’t much thought about until now, until he touched them, until he made them burn. With one finger, he traced their outline, dipping in and out of the perfect Cupid’s bow that crowned them, and then sweeping along the seam.
His own lips parted and he stared into her eyes. Was he asking for permission? She couldn’t give it to him. Her mouth was as dry as a crouton and her brain wasn’t working too well.
The air around them pulsed and thickened and Gaby stood as still as a hot summer noon, her heart slowing to thick, solid beats. The banked fire in his gaze sent electrical charges zipping through her, and she felt desire spring crazily within her. She didn’t even like this guy, right? But she saw the lust in his eyes and wanted more. Maybe it was the heat, or too much Chianti the day before, or the fact that Rome exuded a widescreen romance impossible to resist, but only a thin slice of air separated them and, suddenly, she couldn’t wait for Silvio to breach it. She could feel his breath warm on her temple, see his nostrils flare wide, feel him ready to pounce like a lion spotting a limp. She closed her eyes in readiness and before she knew it, he had bent toward her and crushed her mouth to his.
MORE ON MANDI BENET
Mandi Benet grew up in England and published her first piece of fiction when she was twelve. She has been scribbling away ever since as an award-winning journalist— covering everything from the Democratic Convention to the Oscars for major American national newspapers and magazines — and as an author, writing women’s fiction and contemporary romance with rich, original characters. Mandi is a member of RWA National and the San Francisco branch of RWA.
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To Rome With Love http://amzn.com/B01AO6MH96
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