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My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer | Book Review

Nov. 03, 2023

My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer | Book Review

This is my first book from this author and I must say that thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are so well written and I just felt a connection to them right from the start.

five-stars
My Fake Italian Marriage by Romy Sommer
Genres: Contemporary Romance

Cleo Arendse: You know how almost every movie set in Italy seems to be about a woman who travels to Tuscany and is swept off her feet by a charming, gorgeous but arrogant aristocrat? Well, that’s not this story.

Luca Fioravanti:
Challenge accepted.

British Banker Cleo Arendse is nothing like the women lawyer Luca Fioravanti is used to – both because she’s only in Tuscany to oversee his family vineyard’s business and because she’s impervious to the charm that has never failed him before now.

But Luca has never shied from a challenge, and when circumstances arise that allow him to step in as Cleo’s knight in shining armour, he leaps…right into a fake marriage! The romance may be a ruse but the passion burning between Luca and Cleo is very, very real, and as the ‘honeymoon’ glow envelops the pair, all bets are off…

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review


Cleo’s assignment leads her to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, where she represents the British Investment Bank—a guardian of a substantial stake in the Fioravanti vineyard. Yet, as the complexities of her mission unfold, it becomes evident that she’ll need some local expertise to navigate the intricacies of the vineyard. Who better to guide her than Luca, the owner’s son and a native to the heart of Italy’s wine country?

However, fate takes an unexpected turn when a seemingly innocent mix-up inadvertently sparks a rumor that Cleo and Luca are married. As Luca grapples with a family crisis and the recovery of his ailing father, he implores Cleo to maintain the facade of their supposed marriage. What starts as a charade gradually morphs into something far more perplexing and emotionally profound.

This book left an indelible mark on me, offering a delightful reading experience filled with characters I couldn’t help but grow fond of. Sommer, the gifted author behind this narrative, possesses a unique talent for drawing readers into the story through vivid and immersive descriptions. With every word, I found myself transported to the sun-kissed vineyards and quaint Italian villages that graced the pages.

What truly sets this novel apart is the exquisite character development. Sommer masterfully nurtures the growth of the characters, breathing life into them and allowing them to evolve in a way that feels incredibly genuine. Cleo’s transformation and the intricate layers of Luca’s character contribute to the profound depth of the narrative.

In the end, this book is a testament to the feel-good romance genre, leaving readers with a heartwarming and uplifting experience. It’s a story that resonates long after the final page is turned, and I, without a doubt, eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve into its pages once more.


Meet the Author


five-stars

About Romy Sommer

Romy Sommer profile picture

South African author Romy Sommer is the author of seven contemporary romance novels published by HarperCollins London, and she has also indie-published a further eight books, under her own name and a pseudonym. Her Hollywood romance, Not a Fairy Tale, was a 2016 finalist for the Romance Writers of America® RITA Award, and her Tuscany-set romance, Last of the Summer Vines, won the ROSA 2019 Imbali Award for best Romance novel by a South African author.
​
Romy’s passion for encouraging and growing aspiring writers led her to found ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa). Through ROSA, she began mentoring and teaching, and since 2017 she has worked full-time as a writing coach and editor, following two decades in film production, first in movies and then in television advertising.
​
She lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, with two precocious teens, four cats and one bearded dragon.

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