They say there are three things you should do at least once in your life:Dance like nobody’s watching.Travel the world.And fall hopelessly in love.I aimed to do all three.I went to Italy to find myself.But he found me.It was like a story book, our eyes met across a crowded room.He asked me if I needed help reading the menu.We ate, we laughed, we danced, and I fell.Unfortunately, things didn’t go … we danced, and I fell.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan, and we parted ways.
Two years later, our eyes meet across a room again.
Only this time I was on a date with another man.
He went crazy in a jealous fit.
But the man I met then is different now.
He’s colder, harder, and officially one of the most powerful men in Italy.
Dare I say it, even more enticing.
But if you dance with the devil, you get burnt.
And the fires in Italy are scalding hot.
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The Italian
Man. One thing about TL is that her brain must be a magnificent place. While lots of authors have a systematic way of writing a plot, which tends to allow an avid reader to think they see where something is going, I NEVER predict the turns her books take.
I sincerely hate I finished it already.
This. Book. Was. Everything. Seriously.
I don’t even know how to write this
Enrico & Olivia. Ol-iv-I-a… seriously. *fans face*
Hot. Sweet. She writes possessive alpha-hole soooo well!!!
First handful of chapters are kismet, fate, perfection.
Their future.
Then unthinkable things happen. Things out of their control.
18-months go by, but fate has other plans.
Simply adored this and every time I thought left the story went right.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND
T L Swan
The Italian – TL Swan
The superlatives I could use to describe ‘The Italian”, would consume a dictionary.
A mediocre story – ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Sketchy characters – HELL NO WAY!
Lacking substance – TOTALLY NOT!
This book was just 100% incredible. Every word, every character and every scenario was measured and delivered with brilliance.
TL Swan has been one very busy writer but her trip to Italy has inspired this masterpiece of seriously hot, incredibly moving and emotive writing and I am exstatic that I got to read and review The Italian.
Bravo Signora Swan
Splendidamente scritto e consegnato
The Italian is the first book by T.L. Swan that I have read, and I enjoyed every word. I would call this a first and second chance romance all in one book. Enrico and Olivia meet at the beginning and meet again after two years apart. I loved reading and following their story and the added part Enrico being part of the mafia added to the book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Warning!!!!
This book will consume not only your heart but your mind and soul will be forever lost to Enrico!!
This was a rollercoaster ride like no other, TL Swan takes us on a frantic and momentous journey that although scary at times you won’t ever want to get off!
Olivia and Enrico’s story leads us down the path of no return, there’s love, heartbreak and drama like no book will come close too! She doesn’t just write a story she invades our mind with her words, pollutes it with her amazing characters and then finishes it off by ripping our hearts out while there still beating gives it a good stomp and then puts it back in place never to be the same again!
Well done Tee you killed this book and my soul all in one sitting! But glad to say by The End I was in a happy place like one I’ve never experienced before! You rock my friend!
this book was absolutely brilliant I could not put it down. The author took me to places I have now put on my bucket list to go and see. Olivia and Enrico story was like I was there with them it had me feeling all of there emotions I was even crying. Ladies do yourselves a favour and read this book.
The Italian by T L Swan
Spectacular! What a very hot heartmelt fabulous read! The characters are hot! (Just look at that cover!) So many twists and turns I didn’t see coming!! I really loved it! So good!!
“It’s having someone love you and all your faults, even when you forget to love yourself.”
A MUST READ!
The Italian always calls to me when I’m deciding which TL Swan book to reread. Enrico Ferrara is one of a kind and he has a special place in my heart. I lose count of how many times I’ve read it and it just gets better and better each time. The Italian is a mafia romance, full of twists, spice and action.
Olivia designs pyjamas for a local Australian store but she has bigger ambitions. To force herself out of her comfort zone, she decided to go on a five-week vacation in Italy. There she met the tall, dark, exotic stallion Enrico. They had the most incredible time together and Olivia promised to return to Enrico after travelling through the Amalfi Coast with her bestie. Unfortunately, a life-changing event happened. Olivia never heard from Enrico since and she flew home with a broken heart. Two years later, Olivia relocated to Rome with her dream job. She ran into Enrico when she was out with a date. He was crazy jealous and went into full ape mode. However, he left her without any explanation. Will he be able to redeem himself and gain her trust?
The sexual chemistry between the two is unreal. From the moment Enrico set eyes on Olivia, he wanted her and he did everything to make her his. It is hard to not fall for him as he is the full package. He knows how to please a woman, he is also intelligent, funny and thoughtful. I swooned so hard when he brought Olivia to experience his family tradition at the Pantheon.
Just when he thought he had it all, life threw him a curve ball. Tee did a great job in capturing the change in Enrico, how he dealt with the accident as a son, the family secrets as a brother and his responsibility as a Ferrara. There was so much anger, hurt and resentment in Enrico. We saw through his appearance, his personality, his emotions and his interactions with people. Only when he is with Olivia, can he forget and truly be himself.
I adore Olivia for being one of the most loving, understanding and supportive heroines. She is willing to compromise when it comes to Enrico. That said, she demands respect and won’t let you walk all over her. The lengths she would go to protect, honour and be with Enrico shows a lot of strength, courage and determination. The Italian will always be one of my favourite books. Lucky for us, the Ferrara story doesn’t end here. Bring it on, Giuliano.
What an epic love story, TL Swan knows how to write a story that has everything you need and some things you didn’t even know you needed. The Italian has all the important things like emotion, intrigue, family and heat.
Olivia had no idea what was instore for her when she caught the eye of a gorgeous italian while on holiday, but her life was completely turned upside down from that one dinner in that little restaurant in Rome.
This is an epic story with so many twists and turns, and in true TL Swan fashion you are not going to want to do anything until you finish this book, except not want it to end. TL gives us so much emotion with her characters you are going to really care about them.
Don’t miss out on this one!!
When in Rome…….with the vacation of a lifetime at her feet, Olivia Reynolds finds that Italy holds more intrigue than she could have ever imagined. As a born and bred Aussie, Olivia decides to explore new countries during a 5-week holiday. Italy was just one stopping point on the trip, but this country was far more beautiful than Olivia could have imagined.
At a local restaurant, Olivia catches the eye of a local policeman. Enrico Ferrara is mysterious, handsome, and just the distraction that Olivia needed on her vacation. After a night of exploring, Olivia decides to throw caution to the wind and act on her attraction to Enrico. As the two made the most of Olivia’s time in Italy, it quickly becomes clear that Enrico definitely comes from a wealthy family. Fancy cars, hotels, and amazing restaurants were the showcase during Olivia’s time in Rome.
Time quickly winds down for the couple, as Olivia head for a two week stay with her best friend on the Amalfi Coast. With the promise of returning to Rome prior to heading back to Australia, Olivia assures Enrico she will return in two weeks. No sooner than Olivia’s plane hits the skies, Enrico finds his life thrown into turmoil. A tragedy occurs that turns his world upside down. As the reality of his new family role sinks in, Enrico makes a decision that will lead Olivia to the other side of the world once more.
Years pass and Enrico finds that he cannot forget about the fair haired Australian that plagues his dreams. What can the man who has it all do to bring Olivia back into his world once more?
The Italian is an insta-romance that leads you on a journey of wealth, possibilities, and hidden secrets. I found myself invested in the relationship between Olivia and Enrico. The more I read, the more I wondered how things would turn out for the couple that found their love pulled apart by circumstance. While I thoroughly enjoyed this sordid tale of the ‘forbidden’, I found myself frustrated with that ‘rushed’ ending. After all – these two characters worked so hard to find a way to overcome the odds. It was a romance that was destined in the stars. Discover for yourself just how delectable Olivia and Enrico’s romance played out.
I love mafia stories and don’t search them out so when this unfolded in the storyline I was pleasantly surprised and quietly very elated!! Enrico was out of this world, strict and tough when at work and around his staff but behind closed doors he was a totally different person. Calm, smooth, and oh my such a romantic!! Olivia was perfect for him as she was outspoken but not in a nasty way – she didn’t like to be told what to do without reason. She bought out the much softer side in Enrico. I adored their banter together and Olivia’s internal thoughts had me smiling throughout the entire book. This is one book you have to read and deserves way more than 5 stars.
My personal TL Swan favorite
Thank you once again TL Swan for another addictive steamy romance read!
The Italian is labelled as a mafia romance. I would say yes it is a mafia romance, but it does concentrate on the romance side more than the mafia – Which I was happy about as much as I love mafia romance, I am all for the romance.
Oliva, an Australian in her late 20s, is on a one way trip to Europe. She is backpacking around Italy when she meets eyes with a sexy Italian man; Enrico Ferrara. An Italian policeman who comes from a wealthy famous Italian family. They have an instant connection and spend the weekend in each others arms. Until a tragedy hits Enrico’s family, causing Enrico to become distant and Olivia to return to Australia without saying Goodbye.
Two years later and Enrico needs Oliva back in his life. He works with a friend to offer Olivia a fashion job in Milan. Enrico then squeezes himself back into Olivia’s life, much to Olivia’s broken heart. However Enrico quickly heals that broken heart and they pick up up their love affair right where it left off. Even if it means Olivia has to face she is quite possibly dating the boss of the underworld.
As truth comes to alight, Olivia must choose which side to take. I was so relieved to see Olivia grow and take Enrico’s side. It was clear Olivia was the one person in the world he would die to protect, and I was so happy that Olivia matured & realised what she must do to not just keep Enrico safe but herself safe too. Olivia did annoy me with her immaturity and the drama she seemed to create herself (if she just listened!) but she did grow and learn from her immature decisions which is why I am happy she grew to be a strong woman by Enrico’s side.
The ending is epic and had me gasping. I was so relieved they got their happy ending and Enrico decided to stay by Olivia’s side to have a “normal” life.
4.5/5 Stars with 3.5/5 Steam.
Not the best read for me. The story felt dragged and I felt no connection to the characters. It could have been good… but it wasn’t.
The Italian is everything I love about T.L. Swans’ books. It is well written (and edited) with smart and interesting characters and storylines.
Enrico is every bit as deliciously bossy as Cameron Stanton, and Olivia is strong enough to stand up to him, accept him for who and what he is, and brave enough to love him into submission.
I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us with Giuliani and Francesca.
4.5 stars – this was a fab read. It really wasn’t what I was expecting.
“Enrico Ferrara f*cks with his body but he kisses with his whole heart.”
Olivia Reynolds meets Enrico Ferrara whilst on holiday in Rome. They spend an unforgettable weekend together with promises to meet again when she returned to the city. However, things don’t go to plan and she ends up going home to Australia. Two years later, she’s back in Italy, in Milan, working her dream job. She never expects to see Enrico – the beautiful Italian god that she never forgot. Unfortunately, their reunion is not at all romantic, but there’s no denying there’s still a spark between them. Although Enrico is no longer the carefree man she remembers, he is nonetheless compelling.
“Her smile is like a drug to me. Her soft soul has carved its way under my skin, and her body…God…it’s an addiction I have to feed.”
This was such an addictive read. The storyline moved quickly and twisted here and there. The author packed this story with intricacies. The love between Olivia and Rico was enviable. They both made sacrifices to be together. Although he was an alpha of the first degree, I loved that Olivia was not a pushover. I also loved that she had a calming effect on him when he was stressed to the limit. Rico was demanding, possessive and just completely obsessed with her. Olivia was resilient, firm and courageous. Their relationship was fiery, hot AF, and so heartbreakingly tender at times. I absolutely revelled in their passionate romance. This wasn’t five stars because I felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. There were a couple of big questions but then we get a snippet of a follow-up novel that will presumably shed some light on these questions.
Olivia decides to go on a holiday and meets Enrico – a policeman, the attraction is instant. Spending the weekend with him she learns that his family has a lot of money, and his father encouraged him to become a police officer.
With Olivia’s best friend coming over and them heading to the coast for a while, Enrico and Olivia exchange numbers, with the promise of catching up when she returns to Rome before returning home to Australia.
Only he never calls, and he rejects her calls, deciding two years is enough and he was just a player, Olivia surprised when she applies for a job in New York to be offered on in Milan.
Olivia knew that she would possibly see Enrico being in Milan, but she never expected the way he would be so possessive of her after the way he treated her. He’s different, colder and she’s not sure she likes the new Enrico or even wants to listen to why he ignored her.
Enrico did everything he could to get Olivia here and he’s not going to let her go without a fight, he’s going to do anything to keep the woman he loves.
I’m a massive TL Swan fan and have read now most of her books. I love her style of writing and don’t now ever read the blurb as I want to be completely surprised.
The Italian was a surprise. I don’t want to give away any of the storyline but it was not what I imagined. As the story progressed the plot line got stronger and stronger imho, so much so that I found it difficult to put down and read into the early hours of the morning. I would definitely recommend this book particularly as I’m not someone who usually reads a ‘mafia’ romance..
I’m always excited to read a book from TL Swan. In my opinion she is the Queen of what she does. Hands down. For any author that makes me sigh with longing, laugh out loud at the banter between the main characters, identify with a ditzy moment or two from the heroine of the story, cry as though my heart is breaking and want to jump my man after reading a steamy scene…well they are on my one click, top priority book list for life!
Enrico Ferrera and Olivia Reynolds just rocked my world and secured a place in my heart. This book will give you all of the above and with beautiful Italy as a backdrop you will be transported there for a once in a lifetime love affair that will both grip and consume you.
Bravo signora Swan, ti amo!
Enrico is so sexy. This family is fantastic and I love the entire book. I cannot wait for the next book that will have these characters. I want to find out what’s next!
Get ready for an Italian adventure and romance. Olivia is a designer on a trip that she hopes is filled with sights, delicious food and relaxation. What she didn’t count on was meeting the sexy and oh so dashing Enrico. They seem to fit in every way and she is so hopeful for a future with this man . It is a trip filled with so much romance, sexual chemistry and hope. Enrico is looking to build a future with this beautiful woman until his life as he knows it turns upside down. Now he is not sure what the future may hold and if Oliva can ever be a part ! What a whirlwind romance !
~~Michele McMullen ~~