Mr Ricci

by Cate Connor

Could a tall, dark and handsome stranger change your life?

Having a fling with a sexy billionaire in Rome wasn't part of my holiday plans. I've got my whole life planned out. I'm starting a new job in London soon. A job I've worked towards for years. I'm going to be a successful lawyer. I'm ambitious, driven, and focused. I don't have time for doubts, or for love...

But when I meet handsome Matteo, everything starts to change. One look at him, and I melt. We begin a passionate affair amongst the beautiful sights of Rome, and the vineyards of Tuscany. Suddenly I'm feeling things I've never felt before. My heart is opening. I'm coming alive.

But all good things come to an end. Don't they?

"Mr Ricci" is an age gap single dad billionaire romance between a brooding Italian alpha billionaire and a feisty heroine who fights through the obstacles to reach her Happily-Ever-After.

This is the first book in the "Italian Billionaires" series. It can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: Romance

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2023

Reviews

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read with likeable characters, and an easy to read storyline, that I enjoyed from the start.
Italy is one place I have always wanted to visit and the authors descriptions of Rome, make me want to visit even more.
Absolutely can't fault this book at all - I'm really hoping there will be a second installment to see exactly what happens next.

[Madhuri A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book... was not liking her self doubt at the beginning.. but happy that she came out of it.. It was engaging... thank you for the wonderful story

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explicit. This was a bit of a frustrating read for me. The main character was so meek that she barely spoke - and I definitely understood that she was supposed to experience growth and become her own person at the end, but trying to feel engaged in the character was really hard because of how she was portrayed. I loved Matteo and his family, I found them way more interesting than Sophia. I liked the ending though, and felt like it redeemed the book a little bit. I came quite close to giving up around halfway through, but stuck with it. The book has some spicy scenes, but nothing extreme.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75!!
I found “Mr. Ricci” by Cate Connor on Voraciousreadersonly.com. It was 40 chapters (231 pages) long. It is billed as “age gap single dad billionaire romance between a brooding Italian alpha billionaire and a feisty heroine” set in Europe- Sign me up! As a bit of a strong, independent, woman in a male dominate high stress industry I’m excited to start this read…

Characters- MFC: Billed as a feisty Heroine. Honestly, she sounds like she has a mild case of ADHD and is OVER thinking everything. Basically, spot on for a lot of ladies. MMC pretty steamy, very aware of FMC feelings and needs- This has not been my experience in dating (See FMC bestie track record).

Plot- Pretty simple. On par with a hallmark movie or Bridget Jones Diary.
Setting- Lovely job describing Italy. I did live there and absolutely loved it. I almost wish I chose what the FMC does.

Warnings: Couple of spicy scenes. Not the spiciest, but if you’re new to romance… be prepared and get cozy with the word moist as it is used a bit.

There are 2 other books in this series (billionaire romances)! It looks like they are stand alone novels.

For more info: https://www.cateconnor.com/billionair...

Overall, a fun, easy, fast paced read. I would certainly recommend it, especially for a beach, train, airplane, or road trip read.

Gave it a 3.75, for reference I’d say a 5 would be in line with Forth Wing, the Bridgerton series, or the Maas books. 4 would be some of the weaker Armentrout books, Maas, and Yarros books or anything with Fabio on the cover. So, a 3.75 is not too shabby- something I'd leave in the neighborhood mini library BUT out of reach of children.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I fell in love with the image this book painted of Rome, I have to admit it took me a while to feel something more than annoyance for Sophia. Considering she was going to be a lawyer, she appeared too insecure for that type of job. She seemed to second guess herself all the time and talk herself out of things she wanted to do. Over and over again. I think I was partly disappointed because the blurb described her as a feisty heroine and she was anything but. Equally, Matteo was far from a brooding billionaire. He was definitely sad and perhaps a bit depressed at the way his life had gone. After an ugly divorce, he was worried how the situation was affecting his five-year-old son. But as soon as Matteo met Sophia, I felt his stress ease and from that moment on it was obvious he was smitten. He did everything he could to assure Sophia his feelings were genuine short of tattooing “I love you” on his forehead, so why couldn’t she accept her good fortune. In a way, you have to feel sorry for Sophia because ultimately, we are all the product of our upbringing and Sophia had never seen love in practice. Which is why she was probably so scared to risk it all for Matteo. In the end though, this book really is about triumphing over obstacles, even those we needlessly put in our own path, in order to achieve happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute and short romance. Sophia is taking a month long trip in Rome before starting her career as a lawyer that her parents basically expect of her. The trip begins with her and her friend Tara. Tara decides to ditch Sophia to travel with the guy she just meets. It turns out to be a good thing though! I like the friendship between Sophia and Tara.

After Tara leaves, Sophia randomly runs into Matteo and we get to follow a lot of insecure inner dialogue from Sophia. Constantly doubting herself and wondering why Matteo would ever want to be with someone like her. Being extremely insecure when she can’t read the menu that’s in Italian. Sophia just seems to frustrate herself and live in her own world of self-doubt.

Matteo, on the other hand, you can tell he’s smitten with Sophia immediately. I would say it’s love at first sight for him, which obviously is why their feelings for each other develop in rapid succession and therefore leading to even more anxiety and desperation on Sophia’s part. Matteo is amazing in constantly reassuring her she’s amazing.

We finally come to see that Sophia needed this journey to see her self worth and not find validation on just being loved by someone. Depending on love to make you feel validated will only crush you and Sophia found her confidence.

Loved the ending but no spoilers here! I’m going to check out the rest of the series!

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s relatively short and fast paced, which I really like - as soon as I opened page one, I was enthralled.

This isn’t just a romance - it’s about a woman who has worked her whole life for a goal, aiming to please her parents, and takes us along as she begins to question what it is she really wants in life.

I have read many billionaire romances, and this one sticks out to me for many reasons - but mostly because the love interest is such a sweet, kind, caring person who does everything with good intentions.

I wouldn’t really call this a billionaire romance (although the love interest is rich). It’s a summer, vacation romance that takes place while the main character is between stages of her life. It mostly revolves around her coming into herself and truly putting what she wants first, which I really admired.

It is very fast paced, has some spicy scenes (but nothing too graphic/over the top in my opinion). Sophia has a tendency to jump to conclusions, so there is some secondhand embarrassment.

Overall, I recommend if you are looking for a fast paced, summer, whirlwind romance with mild spice. If that’s not what you’re into, then this might not be for you.

[Joy Okeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being a voracious reader, this review will be unbiased and honest for the future readers.

This book was captivating from the first page down to the end. I was rooting for the main characters so bad and felt sad when I thought their story will end but it didn't and honestly, that's a motivator I can't even explain.

The beautiful ending melted my heart completely. It was so bare and beautiful, I began blending and understanding the characters even better, understanding why they made the choices they made.

The little sprinkling of interesting terminologies here and there was just amazing and it was a new way to learn about culture and language.

I love the self discovery of our female main character and the patience of the male main character. I love how she chose her passion in the very end and how her parents seemed happy for her in the end.

I can wonderfully say, every single page is just a wonder and I cannot stop reading. I hope the author doesn't stop writing and I'm ecstatic to read the next books that will be published.

[Gaitri Kumari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Ricci is an enchanting romance that sweeps readers into the sun-drenched streets of Rome where love, vulnerability, and adventure unfold. Cate Connor crafts a tender and compelling story of Sophia, a straight-laced law graduate with a sensible path ahead, and Matteo, a passionate Italian with a camera and a secret softness. What begins as a holiday gone awry quickly transforms into a heart-fluttering escape into self-discovery and connection.

The novel masterfully balances humor, emotional depth, and sensual tension. Connor’s portrayal of Sophia’s internal struggle—between who she thinks she should be and who she might become—is achingly real, while Matteo’s grounded charm makes him the dream every reader will fall for. The chemistry crackles, and the backdrop of Rome adds rich texture and romantic vibrancy to every moment.

Whether you’re a sucker for “holiday romances,” enemies-to-lovers tension, or soul-soothing character growth, Mr. Riccidelivers. It's more than just a love story—it's a reminder that stepping off the safe path might just lead you home.

[Éireann S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it was a nice quick read and the characters were incredibly likable. Story followed the quick holiday romance of Sophia (a London girl on vacation before starting her job as a lawyer) and Matteo (the older rich single dad from Italy). Their relationship started fast with neither expecting it to move beyond the holiday vacation but both soon realized they had true feelings for each other. We also watched the female character struggle with coming into her own and doing what she wants to do with her life or how she is expected to live her life as per her parents. In the end love won out and Sophia returned to Rome and found Matteo. She ended up following her own dreams and with that came happiness.

[Mackenzie Maczko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wanted to travel to Italy and Cate Connor's disruption of Rome only intensified that longing. I need to read what happens next in the story. I was satisfied with the storyline and characters. It is a very fast-paced novel. Sophia, the MFC, could have been so much more developed. I was disappointed at how out of touch with her emotions she truly was. Because of her lack of character development was lowered a bit to a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for the star rating. Matteo and his family truly had my attention and vote. This novel had some mild spicy scenes but nothing crazy.

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.

[Izzzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this story had potential, but the writing style made it a little difficult for me to stay engaged. I’m not exactly sure what didn’t click, but at times it felt a bit repetitive.

The book follows the FMC, who has workaholic parents and is constantly trying to make them proud. She’s on track to become a lawyer something she doesn’t truly want. Before stepping into her corporate life, she takes a month-long trip to Rome, and that’s where she meets the MMC.

It’s love at first sight, and he’s incredibly sweet. He helps her see life from a new perspective and encourages her to embrace what she really wants. Despite a few bumps in the road, they get their happily ever after.

[Amanda Mccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Ricci is pitched as a brooding billionaire man and a fierce woman falling in love in Italy. The setting is beautiful. I think the author does a good job of describing the culture of Italy well. I've only been there once, but it certainly left an impression. The characters don't fit the archetype they're sold as. Matteo is kind and sensitive. He's a good man and a caring father. His wealth and influence are brought up, but not really in a negative way. Sophia is irritating. She's very insecure. She's constantly jumping to conclusions and shuts down instead of communicating. It's a quick easy read with a little spice.

Thank you to Voracious readers only for the review copy.

[Theresa Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant story of a young lady comes into her own and learns who she is and finds love while being abandoned in Rome by her best friend during a month long vacation.

Cate Connor did an amazing job at characters and a narrative that captured my attention and kept me hooked until the end. Her description of both the Italian and English landscape were so complete that I felt as though I was there.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short novel where the characters meet and fall in love in Rome, what is there to not like? I really enjoyed the way that the author describes Rome, the food and places, but initially struggled with the characters. Sophia was so unsure and wishy-washy that it made her unlikeable at times. Matteo was written better and we are given a better history of his story. It took me about 50 pages to really start to enjoy the book, but Sophia finally making a choice for herself and taking a leap of faith was great.

[Jennifer Wortman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to book a trip to Rome one day. It sounded so passionate, romantic and genuine. It took me awhile to warm up to the female main character, she drove me nuts, but as soon as I started understanding her parents it made so much sense.

Matteo sounded like a dream, I loved how he understood Sophia and her struggles without being overbearing. Sophia and her insane passiveness and inability to speak for herself did at some points make it hard to stand her. I was so glad to see her come to her senses and grow as a person a bit.

[Deja Freeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was about a 2.5 stars for me. Even though the overall story was cute and heartwarming, it was so repetitive. Let me clarify, the main girl (Sophia) was just so annoying. She was so out of tuned with her feelings. There were times throughout the book where she was repeating her thoughts over and over again. It’s like we get it, you are so lucky with him etc… Because of that my rating went down.

[Rachel Hornbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we all need a Mr Ricci in our lives. Sophia isn’t so sure when she first meets Matteo in Rome but when Matteo ‘saves’ her from a couple of not so nice locals, things change.
This book was just what I needed to bring me the sunshine of Rome and romance that although ends well, has some bumps along the way.
Thank you Cate from being Sophia and Matteo to life in your book. I loved it.

[Zara_bookworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fast paced read, always wanted to go to Rome and with this book I felt like I was there. It was lovely to read all about Matteo and Sophia and watch their love grow for each other.

I was lucky enough to be asked to review this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the second instalment.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book gifted to me through Voracious Readers Only… a great happily ever after love story. Well written by Cate Connor.
I felt the main female character was a little too naive, myself, but I also seen that is the way the author has written her to be. Look forward to reading more from Cate Connor.

[Gloria Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every page from beginning to the end. Wonderful characters; well all but the ex wife, that are relatable. Full of self introspection, learning to live in the moment, learning to go after your dreams, finding that epic love, finding a family and a hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shaira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Care never disappoints. She beautifully brought a unique plot between an Italian billionaire and a rookie English lawyer.

This novel can teach someone that how a insecurity is not good for a relationship and how someone can overcome his/her insecurities.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shamonn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Sophia and Matteo is a cute billionaire age-gap romance. They have different family upbringings and ways they deal with relationships. Communication was not Sophia's strong suit. Matteo is not your typical billionaire. There was alot of emotional twists in this book. I'm glad they got their HEA. I got this complimentary book to review as a Voracious Reader.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Mr. Ricci. Sophia and Matteo have a wonderful connection and I was cheering them on to their potential HEA. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. A definite page turner. Well worth the time reading!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimlovesbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given a free copy for an honest review.

Well it's sad to say that this book was not for me.

The FMC really got on my nerves, the MMC would say something, she would get confused run away and cry, then he would chase her. It happened way to many times. It seemed super repetitive.

It was so insta lovey as well. I could just not get on with this story.

[Neige · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can i say? Sophia, who's about to start her career as a lawyer, in London, goes on vacation to Italy and meets the handsome Mattheo. what starts as a great relationship may be destroyed by her insecurities. While she always doubts herself, he's patient with her and treats her well. And what seems to be a summer fling, could easily become a life time love story if she doesn't screw up.

[Madhavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and enjoyable! It was a short story that didn’t feel dragged at all. I did feel Sophie needed more confidence, she kept everything to herself instead of being open with Matteo. She didn’t speak up for herself until the very end. But it was satisfying to see her finally stand up and accept herself. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it!

[Yaneth Alvarado · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this book for free..

Unfortunately this book was not for me. I did not connect with the characters at all I did not enjoy how Sophia would always make up ideas in her head and always run away instead of talking things through.

Didn’t see a connection with the characters relationship

[madamreadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid decent read, this story was very cute, the FMCs character development was great and so needed. Not much to say about Mr MMC, an italian man, what more could i say😅, lovely element of found family as well, very sweet of the MMCs family to welcome her in so warmly, and her friend although seemingly ditsy at first came around in the end and proved to be a really great friend. Overall 4/5

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in this series Italian Billionaires. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading more from them. The story is easy to read and follow. The characters are likeable and they have great chemistry. A enjoyable read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.