Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ache For You by J. T. Geissinger Series: Slow Burn #3
Published by Montlake Romance on November 6, 2018
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 362
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon
Boutique owner Kimber DiSanto has seen better days. She’s been dumped at the altar by Prince Charmless, her business went up in flames (literally), and now she’s stuck in Florence, Italy, with an ice-queen stepmother, to try to save her late father’s failing dress shop. Only one thing could make it worse: another man in her life. The arrogant Italian fashion tycoon offering to buy her father’s shop is as rich as he is sexy, and their attraction is off the charts. But Kimber’s not about to get burned again.
Women don’t say no to Matteo Moretti—and certainly not with Kimber’s stinging precision. With all the heat and fury sparking between them, Matteo can’t resist baiting the gorgeous American. His plan? Win her over one scorching kiss at a time.
Kimber tells herself it’s all just a game. That her broken heart isn’t in danger, and that Matteo’s touch does not make her Lady Land dance with joy. But sometimes it takes the fieriest of enemies to turn a fantasy into a real-life romance.
This author has some of the best and sassiest dialogue ever. This Slow Burn series are loosely based on classic fairy tales, and Ache For You is very loosely based on Cinderella. Kimber is definitely looking for Prince Charming. She has the worst run of tragedies imaginable which felt unrealistic. The various money issues, and the money of Matteo, each dog having its own bedroom, is all unbelievable.
However, this is fiction and has a lot of fun and sexy banter. Kimber is talented and beautiful but with all the difficult happenings, it isn’t surprising she would feel confused, upset, angry and have trouble with trusting people. We don’t really get much on how she manages things with her business or any idea if she has another plan after her initial ways to participate in the fashion show don’t work out.
It would be easier if we had more of Matteo’s thoughts. He does seem to be more honest with himself about what he wants. But it doesn’t mean he handles expressing it well. At least, he offers her some comfort in her troubles even though he makes some things worse.
I liked this but I didn’t love it. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief quite enough. Kimber couldn’t catch a single break and that seemed unfair? sad? It was too much. Luckily, everything came together in the end.
About J. T. Geissinger
***I write to tell my truth. My work is emotionally honest, therefore some readers may find it “unsafe.” All my books include explicit sex, hard language, and occasional random violence, which is reflective of my experience on earth as a human being. I tell you this not to alienate or titillate, only to inform. Caveat emptor.***
A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.
She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 New Release Challenge
I only tried her PNR series I confess.
Which series is that? Is that Night Prowler? I have tried this one, and I’ve read Wicked Beautiful. And I want to try the bad habit series; I think it is in KU or in Prime Reading maybe.
As ever, a cracking review, Anne. Hm. It sounds like the plot just wasn’t working quite well enough.
I think the characters didn’t seem quite realistic in their choices at some points. I’m not sure if that is labeled as plot or character authenticity? It’s still a fun book and great read.
Fun characters and sassy or snarky dialogue seals the deal for me:)
Geissinger is amazing with it. I enjoy all her books for that and more.
It sounds like a second point of view could have really helped this one. This is an author that I want to try but I probably won’t start with this book.
This wouldn’t be the place to start being the 3rd in the trilogy. Although the books are unrelated so you could. Anyway, I’ve really enjoyed all her books so you could start with any of the series I think.
I’m at the point in my romance reading life where I need both characters’ points of view. Sorry you didn’t love it but glad it was a satisfying read.
I didn’t think about it like that exactly but that could be the case. Good point.