Forbidden is what we are…I was 10. You were 19.You wanted to be a chef. My mom made you a star.I’m 24. You’re 33.You hold the record for the Sexiest Man Alive.I’m still the lost, rejected, damaged girl who can’t find herself anywhere but in your protective arms.I loved you when I was 10. I love you now.You call me your best friend, and you still see me as a kid.I’m 25 with a man on one knee in … as a kid.
I’m 25 with a man on one knee in front of me.
You’re watching through the glass. One word from you is all I need.
But you hold a secret that can destroy us both.
I’ve known you my whole life. Loved you my whole life.
Never thought when I die, it will be because of you.
The Italian Heartthrob is a forbidden friends to lovers standalone. The dark themes may set you in tears.
Get it now because you have to.
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Words alone can’t express how I feel about this story which is poignant and brings out so many feelings. There is so much emotional baggage between the characters. I love the writing of this author because you can feel and experience what the characters are going through from the words and descriptions within the story which is a true testament to a master storyteller. Well Done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was nothing not to like about this book! This book was a true romance. I LOVED IT! It also put my emotions through the wringer. I went full-on through every one of those emotions, angry, laughed, angry cry, murderous cry, happy happy about freaking time cry. Very well done character development and the story is just FANTABULOUS! OH and STEAMY! I may just reread for good measure.
I read this as an ARC.
Oh man this was a very emotional book. The ups and downs Maggie goes through during the whole book had me crying toward the end. Her and Mike was destined to be together, they where each other’s other half. The drama MAGGIE and Mike had to go through and the problems her mom put them through was awful. I loved this book and all the characters.
Bring on the tissues, if you are looking for a book with drama, love, disappointment, people you want to choke, and a great storyline then look no further….
Raw. Emotional Rollercoaster
This book has all the feels. Very visceral. And had me in tears, and agonizing over these two characters. It’s worth the read, guys. Enjoy! On to the next! #HappyReading
This is the 1st in a new series and is Mike and Maggie’s story. These two basically grew up together, but never confessed their feeling for each other. Mike is a playboy famous actor who is represented by Maggie’s awful mother. This is a well written intense emotional roller coaster tale which is raw, gritty, and filled with angst, passion, heartbreak, and love. Can these two moves on from friends / lovers? I was intrigued and hooked throughout and look forward to reading more from this author. Be aware that there may be triggers for some readers due to the content.
The Italian Heartthrob by NJ Adel was an angst-filled read that was emotional and passionate! This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last. Mike and Maggie feel something for each other, but so much stands in their way. There is an age-gap difference between them and so much more. He is a famous actor and is represented by her vile mother. Friends who hide how they feel, they suffer so much for years. Can they ever find their way to each other or is it too late already?
Happy reading!
This is a hard review for me. I wanted to love this book, but I just sort of like it. Mike and Maggie’s story dealt with some tough issues and I’m not sure I like how either handled it. This story was just a lot. I would like to read more from this author, I see a lot of potential, but The Italian Heartthrob just wasn’t for me.
5 ++++++ STARS for The Italian Heartthrob
I am a reviewer for Netgalley and had received a newsletter by email from one of the publishers they represent and The Italian Heartthrob was one of the books highlighted for an upcoming release. Not only did I absolutely love this book but I am now following the author N.J. Adel !
It’s been awhile that I read a book that for me packed such an emotional punch ! I read it in just one sitting – in fact I could not put it down until I had finished ( earning it one of my personal LMATR – “Leave Me Alone To Read “ awards )
Here are just a few things I really loved about the book :
The cover is gorgeous and is seriously a great visual of Mike Gennaro
Friends to lovers ( one of my most favorite romance genres)
Age difference
Great main characters in Mike & Maggie- but equally great secondary characters as well
Excellent writing with several plot twists I didn’t see coming
Angst – most angst – still more angst – to a hard / fought for HEA
Sizzling chemistry and some really clever / funny dialog
Mike and Maggie’s story is everything you could want …
They are best friends with mutual attraction for each other that they have never acted on – but they know it’s actually love. Mike masks it with the endless stream of gorgeous models and actresses he is constantly seen with – while Maggie has a steady boyfriend Kyle.
Maggie is emotionally scarred after years of verbal abuse from her mother – a person who has never earned the right to even be called that and is referred to as Andrea thru out the book. She is just evil – I can’t even fathom a mother doing the things she does to her child.
Mike is very protective of Maggie he has loved her for years but is willing to wait the time for her to find out what she wants – ultimately he just wants her happiness. The emotional connection between the characters as well as their sizzling chemistry is why you most likely will not want to but the book down until you finish.
There are also so many plot twists that some things I just did not see coming. This author certainly knows how to pull in and hook her readers – it’s an amazing writer that knows how to evoke such emotion. The test for me of an excellent book is one where you do not want to see The END – or the end to the characters. Maggie and Mike have continued to be in my thoughts – just wanting more of their HEA – oh and possibly babies or more academy awards
As stated this book is incredible ! I’m so happy to have found this author’s work. In closing I am reminded of a gift that Mike gave Maggie it being a silver bangle he brought back as an early Christmas present for her from his promotional movie tour to Japan.
The inscription in Japanese was something at the time he couldn’t share with her – pretending he didn’t know what it meant – he was just afraid if she knew it would scare away his best friend. I had hoped Maggie would somehow find out the meaning …. the bracelet she never took off was inscribed with the Japanese characters that read “ Forever Yours” I think my heart just about melted or cracked wide open with love for these two well written characters who deserved all the love and happiness their life together would bring them !
Highly recommend The Italian Heartthrob and author N.J. Adel !
NJ Adel – The Italian Heartthrob
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The Italian Heartthrob was an interesting read. Their relationship felt like it was too good to be true. I constantly felt angst throughout the story, at the edge of my seat waiting for the shoe to drop. It was tragic and forbidden, their lives fast paced and glamourised. Filled with secrets and mystery. Deals with the darker side of hollywood.
Mike was a mystery, he seemed well put together but felt wass hiding something. Its obvious from the beginning. Theres a tortured past or has experienced some sort of trauma.
Hes constantly forced to take on roles hes tired of and wants to be taken more seriously in the industry. Secretly in love with his friend but is scared to do anything about it. There seems to be a bigger reason for his hesitancy.
Its apparent Maggie has some deep issues from the get go of this book. She doesnt have the best home life and has low self esteem. Shes constantly doubting herself. With the lack of support from her loved ones and emotion abuse she deals with on a daily she struggles with her mental health. Shes perceived as flaky and indecisive. Shes passionate and determined but doesnt know what she wants in life. Also in love with her long time much older friend who happens to be a famous actor, but believes its unrequited.
Their relationship felt inevitable, like their personalities were suited for each other. Like in many relationships, both parties felt apprehensive to share their secrets at the risk of losing one another. Theres problems with their communication, both deflecting by changing the subject and things getting in the way. At times it felt like their relationship was doomed. Both working in the industry means they lead busy lifestyles with barely anytime for each other. They were well matched and share a friendship that evolved to more, however they still reserve much of their selves to hold each other up on a pedestal.
A beautifully written story about hope, strength and second chances. If you enjoy age gap romances with a forbidden element you’ll love this one. Get an inside look into hollywood and the artistry behind film making, and follow two star crossed celebrities find love. Would their relationship hold the test of hollywood. And can they overcome their own pasts to move on to a better future.
Warning: strong discussions of mental health, emotional abuse, depression, suicide, and rape.
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Spoiler alert! This book was so incredibly emotional and touched some sensitive topics. With things like the male lead getting raped, the female being suicidal, the emotional abuse she ensured from her mother her entire life, and the discussions they had revolving around the importance of therapy, i was so thrilled to see a book that was labeled a romance that could touch on such important and relevant topics. The romance was hot and extremely sweet and I’m so happy with how it played out. A fantastic read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
DEFINITELY More Than Five Stars
This book was extremely well written!! I couldn’t put it down!! It holds your attention, and interest, so much that time just passes by before you know it. This story made me fall deeply in love, and also experience great heartbreak. It was so easy to picture Maggie and Mike’s story in my mind, and feel what Maggie was feeling, from her POV. Both of these characters have been through some very tragic experiences. Author, NJ Adel, handles these issues with care, but also doesn’t sugarcoat anything. I really feel like that adds to the story. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read I highly recommend this book!! It certainly won’t be my last from Ms. Adel
I have never read a book quite like this one. I had to stop and take breaks to get my emotions under control. I loved how this book was so well written that I felt every emotion that the characters felt. It was draining to read, but worth every second of it! After I recover, I will probably read it again! N.J. Adele is going to be one of my must read authors from now on!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing read that will have you experiencing every emotion under the sun. Very well written. You are missing out if you do not read this story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such an emotional roller-coaster with a few teary scenes. At times I loved the characters and at times I hated them and felt like yelling at their stupidity. Overall a really great book and I highly recommend it.
This book was something else. There was that forbidden younger woman much older man thing, there were dreams that were fullfilled. There was also triggers, bad things that happened in the past. But there was love and friendship ans forgiveness. The two main characters had a deep love for each other that they fought at the beginning but the chemistry was always there. This is a page turner for sure.
N.J. Adel The Italian Heartthrob: Forbidden Age Gap Billionaire Standalone (Off-Limits Italians Book 1) The Italian Heartthrob is so different from anything I’ve ever read from NJ Adel.. and it’s freaking AMAZING. So many emotions! I haven’t had such a good cry over a book in a LONG time and it was very much needed, very Cathartic. If you’re looking for a romance filled with love and heartbreak, something where the characters take a true journey to get to their glorious HEAs, this book is for you.
NJ Adel, congratulations on a job well done. I’m going to go nurse this major book hangover now… that is until the next book comes along.
I received this book free and I am voluntarily doing a review. This is my first read of this author’s and I wish I’d been introduced to her books earlier. Her writing style has you feeling everything she has her characters felling. This book is such an emotional read!
A phenomenal and brilliant read! It is engaging, emotionally deep, well written, funny, intriguing, and enjoyable the scenes are detailed and descriptive it was very easy to picture myself there watching it unfold. The characters are real and you will love and root for them. A roller coaster of emotions – scenes will make you tear up, break your heart, laugh out loud, smile, scream, or just shake your head. A really amazing read that will grip you from beginning to end. Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.