No ties.No expectations.No risks.Antonio Giovanni, a fifth-generation winemaker in the rolling hills of Tuscany, is the epitome of temptation. Tall, dark, and handsome with an accent sexy enough to leave a trail of women’s panties in his wake. The man wears charisma like a fine silk suit…flawless and molded to perfection in all the right places, leaving just enough mystery to make you wonder what … make you wonder what lay beneath the faultless exterior.
Hope Tidwell, a world-renowned sommelier, is a strong independent woman who fights to have control over every aspect of her life. She makes her own money, her own decisions, her own happiness, and her own mistakes. Her existence doesn’t need to be validated by a man; she refuses to ask for anything except an orgasm, and even those she can manage on her own.
Relationships for most people are as natural as breathing. However, Hope and Antonio are two players who master the art of seduction and the fear of emotional intimacy. When tragedy strikes close to her heart, Hope is fated to do the one thing that terrifies her most. Destiny reveals the biggest gifts often require the greatest sacrifices.
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Had the privilege of reading this book in a special edition form from the LuvBooks box–but let me tell you that because of it, I am now HOOKED on this series.
You guys…where do I EVEN start with Beverly preston’s storytelling mastery? If that sounds like glowing and gushy praise, it freaking IS. I COULD NOT put this book down, despite how it had me sobbing on airplanes and swooning in restaurants. I was sneaking it around in my purse, hoping for stolen moments just to get more in.
There’s a magic to this story that is unique and beautiful…and will have you wondering WHERE the movie contract is for it. I need to see Antonio on screen YESTERDAY. He is one of those Italian lovers that ruins you inside for a few days after finishing the book, with beauty in his soul as well as his physical hunkitude. (Yeah it’s a word; I just made it so.) He brings everything to Hope’s spirit at just the right time that she needs it–but more importantly, he’s the friend that she never knew she craved, as well as the lover that gives her such sensual joy.
Hope is that heroine we have all tried to be at times: a woman who has declared she needs no man for her identity. But in the process, she’s turned herself into an emotional island from everyone, including herself. With Antonio’s help, she finds her way back to herself–but also to becoming a person she never thought she could be. Fuller and more realized.
There’s so much I’m not saying here, because of not wanting to spoil the best parts of the book–but believe me, you MUST get this book, as well as this entire series, RIGHT AWAY. Make room on your keeper shelf for the Mathews Family! You’ll thank me for the rec!
Oh my heavens ….I do love The Italian…a.k.a Antonia !
We the readers had the privilege of becoming acquainted with him in JC’s story. Antonio is certainly a man you will not soon forget. He is tall, dark , handsome.. that should be enough but now top it with suave, sophisticated and caring . Ms. Preston certainly knows how to write us a leading man.
Hope is a world renowned sommelier . She does not answer to anyone and certainly does not need a man to compete her world, although she doesn’t mind if they warm her bed occasionally.
Hope and Antonio’s worlds cross paths many times over several years. The days they spend together are always unforgettable , but no ties , no commitment that’s their deal . It is what they both want…or is it? Hope is pleasantly surprised that each time she returns to Antonio’s family vineyard that he is still an eligible bachelor .
Hope is taken on a journey that she never thought she would find herself traveling. She is a strong independent women never in need of anyone to help her but now Antonio appears when she finds herself in the most need.
Fate has a strange way of bring two souls together when they need it the most!
Loved the story of Hope and Antonio .
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Gifted a copy for an honest review!