Far From Perfect

by Portia Da Costa

Enduring passion, turbulent emotions, and an engagement of convenience…

At age twenty, Anna Felgate rid herself of her unwanted virginity with the one man she adored—Nick Lisitano, long-time family friend and legendary lover. But that one taste of passion branded her soul for all time—and still casts a long shadow, four celibate years later.

Their single night of matchless lovemaking left Nick racked with remorse for taking advantage of Anna’s innocence. Thanks to his parents’ stormy marriage, he’s sworn off commitment, but believes Anna deserves deep, enduring love, not a temporary liaison.

In the intervening years, they’ve managed to keep a cordial distance, but when a crisis in Nick’s family brings them together again, Anna is shocked by Nick’s daring plan to cheer up his dangerously ill father—a temporary façade of an engagement. Against her better judgment, she agrees to it, fully aware of the emotional minefield yawning before her.

As if destiny has been waiting for them to touch once again, their volcanic mutual attraction reignites, threatening to burn the terms of their pragmatic bargain to ashes. Each begins to wonder privately if their passion can become permanent—or whether it will crumble under the weight of past sins and present secrets…

Warning: This book contains a red-hot ’n’ sexy blond Italian businessman with the face of an angel, the body of a god… and a caring but carefully shielded heart. He enjoys fast cars, fast living and slow, sumptuous lovemaking, and his “cure” for the heroine’s headache makes it well worth faking another!

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Ebooks

Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

I'm a Sunday Times, New York Times and USA Today bestselling British author of romance, erotic romance and romantic fiction. My novels have been published by a variety of different houses, both in the US and the UK, and translated into many languages including German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian and Japanese. I'm best known for my many novels for the pioneering British erotica publisher Black Lace and I writing books with contemporary, paranormal and occasionally futuristic settings. I'm now venturing into historical erotic romance too, with a new novel for Harlequin Spice set in London in the year 1890.

I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul

I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.

I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].

I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

O.M.f'ing.G. I hated this book.

Even thought this book has a low rating on this site at the moment (2 something), I feel like I need to explain exactly what I disliked about this book.

You need to understand that Portia Da Costa is not a bad writer. At least I don't think so. She is British, I think, so that might explain for some of the awkward and wooden dialogue (Its my perception because I'm not used to the slightly different English, is what I mean). I was able to finish this book, and a lot of 1 stars never get finish because they're usually so bad that I cannot go on. But that wasn't the issue here, the structure was there so that I could get through.

What I didn't like first and foremost was all the Italian. I'm not Italian, I don't know what the phrases mean, and she did not easily point to a definition of the phrases. Either define or clearly state what the heck they just said, because I felt like I was being left out of something.

Other than that the story was elementary, and by that I mean that there was no subtlety in the plot, conflicts or characters. No finesse. It was just painful and boring to read.

Again, I don't think she is a bad writer, I just don't think this is a good story. I'd recommend leaving this book on the self and looking for something better.

[Gabby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, what this books teaches you... you can be deceived, hurt, humiliated and rejected over and over, because you basically are in constant heat and therefore can be subjected to anything as long as you get some... Oh and also having all your and your family's money problems fixed in the process makes everything worthwhile. It doesn't matter if there's absolutely no trust or respect, you are emotionally blackmailing me, but you make me orgasm at the briefest touch, so it's ok. Ugh!!

[Nightwitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is essentially a Harlequin series romance featuring a high-handed bad boy Italian hero, a marriage of convenience, and a lot of unnecessary agita. If that's your thing you'd probably enjoy this much more than I did.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Portia Da Costa. Good chemistry between Nick and Anna.

[MBR · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I have it in me to finish this one.
Judging the book by its cover has landed me in hot water this time.
Usually books I pick up from Samhain provide an entertaining read, but the whole Nick and the unrequited love thing and the callous way in which he proposes an engagement of convenience with a woman who has been in his life from her childhood though he is twelve years older than her just didn't sit well with me.
I don't know how to describe it, but something failed to grab me with this story. Maybe I might try it out later to see whether I can finish this one off. But not right now.

[Saskia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia Da Costa's latest novel is a highly sensual romantic read. The author is best known for her erotica, but this story shows her talent with a different kind of romance. The story features a sophisticated couple who have history, family connections, and a rocky road ahead. The author's trademark humour and exceptional gift at creating erotic tension make this a delicious read.

[carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story line didn't quite come off. From the books of Portia's I've read so far this is least plausible. Don't get me wrong, it has Italian hunk and sweet heart faced girl. It has occasional erotic moments and a lot of angst that seems stilted somehow. Overplayed. .
Ends as expected...this would have been typical of a Mill's & Boon romance.
Best I can say is just 3 stars.

[Malden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Due to often favourable reviews I have given Portia da Costa's books a try (three times as in 3 titles!): This author is not for me though. I find her books ridiculous and unbelievable (leaving many questions marks & exclamation marks!).

[Siany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars would be more accurate.
More of a Mills and Boon type book.
Quite good and non taxing on the brain. Perfect Sunday afternoon read.

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read,never read anything by this author before.The book reminded me of a Harlequin Presents novel which I enjoy reading.Only thing missing was the secret baby plot,lol.But,all in all,enjoyable.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!:)

[FayAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I sort of enjoyed this book I couldn't give it a higher rating than a 2.5-3.