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That's Amore
It wasn’t amore until she walked away.
He found out too late that she was his vita bella.
When Elysa Costa married Dante Giordano, it wasn’t for love. It was a marriage of convenience—a union of tradition and legacy. But what started as an obligation quickly became more for Elysa when she fell in love with her husband.
Dante, burdened by expectations and unsure of his own heart, treated his marriage as nothing more than a duty, keeping things friendly, if distant, with the woman he was tied to.
After Dante’s grandfather’s funeral—the man who orchestrated their marriage—Elysa overhears her husband confiding in a friend that he wishes he wasn’t married to her and wonders if another woman would make a more suitable wife.
Heartbroken and unwilling to settle for a loveless life, Elysa packs her bags, files for divorce, and walks away, determined to find the happiness she deserves.
After Elysa leaves, the truth hits Dante hard. He was falling for his wife all along, and he didn’t want any other woman but her. As he sets out to win Elysa back, he must confront the man he’s been and become the husband his wife needs. In the breathtaking beauty of Italy, among candlelit trattorias and cobblestone streets, Dante has to prove that his love—real, messy, heart-stopping—is real and will last forever.
That’s Amore is A Modern Vintage Romance featuring your favorite
🛵 Second Chance
🛵 Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage
🛵 Overheard
🛵 Other Woman Drama
🛵 Set in Rome/Italy
🛵 No Cheating
🛵 Complete Standalone
He found out too late that she was his vita bella.
When Elysa Costa married Dante Giordano, it wasn’t for love. It was a marriage of convenience—a union of tradition and legacy. But what started as an obligation quickly became more for Elysa when she fell in love with her husband.
Dante, burdened by expectations and unsure of his own heart, treated his marriage as nothing more than a duty, keeping things friendly, if distant, with the woman he was tied to.
After Dante’s grandfather’s funeral—the man who orchestrated their marriage—Elysa overhears her husband confiding in a friend that he wishes he wasn’t married to her and wonders if another woman would make a more suitable wife.
Heartbroken and unwilling to settle for a loveless life, Elysa packs her bags, files for divorce, and walks away, determined to find the happiness she deserves.
After Elysa leaves, the truth hits Dante hard. He was falling for his wife all along, and he didn’t want any other woman but her. As he sets out to win Elysa back, he must confront the man he’s been and become the husband his wife needs. In the breathtaking beauty of Italy, among candlelit trattorias and cobblestone streets, Dante has to prove that his love—real, messy, heart-stopping—is real and will last forever.
That’s Amore is A Modern Vintage Romance featuring your favorite
🛵 Second Chance
🛵 Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage
🛵 Overheard
🛵 Other Woman Drama
🛵 Set in Rome/Italy
🛵 No Cheating
🛵 Complete Standalone
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2025
1847 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Maya Alden
51 books1,079 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
October 27, 2025
Yet another of this author's spineless women caving to horrible men. The second she starts to do what she wants suddenly he cares what she's doing...and manipulates her until she back under his thumb instead of, yanno, letting her leave. Because he's a man and he always gets what he wants!
He's cruel and selfish and makes a mockery of the pain he caused her. Like showing up at her restaurant and refusing to leave and making the patrons laugh at her is 'so cute'. Oh and all the friends and family who have watched him beat her down again and again are on his side now because he's so determined to win her back and she should be so grateful!
He only decided he wanted her when she chose to walk away and he no longer has someone making him comfortable. His behavior would never have changed otherwise, and he would still be talking to and about her like she was trash. But he loved her and just didn't know it, so now being overbearing and controlling is romantic instead of toxic and abusive! And yeah he is SUPER abusive. He overtly speaks to and about her like she's shit and laughs when she's in pain because 'look at how cute you are when you're upset!'
I truly hate every single person in this book. She's spineless, he's cruel, the OW is manipulative, her friends are all backstabbers, and the dead grandfather was so selfish that he ruined a girl's life to make his grandson more comfortable.
**
“Dante, what do you want?” she asked.
You.
Another chance.
She wouldn’t give it to me. She was too hurt.
I’d have to just take it from her.
**
Yeah. He really cares about her.
He's cruel and selfish and makes a mockery of the pain he caused her. Like showing up at her restaurant and refusing to leave and making the patrons laugh at her is 'so cute'. Oh and all the friends and family who have watched him beat her down again and again are on his side now because he's so determined to win her back and she should be so grateful!
He only decided he wanted her when she chose to walk away and he no longer has someone making him comfortable. His behavior would never have changed otherwise, and he would still be talking to and about her like she was trash. But he loved her and just didn't know it, so now being overbearing and controlling is romantic instead of toxic and abusive! And yeah he is SUPER abusive. He overtly speaks to and about her like she's shit and laughs when she's in pain because 'look at how cute you are when you're upset!'
I truly hate every single person in this book. She's spineless, he's cruel, the OW is manipulative, her friends are all backstabbers, and the dead grandfather was so selfish that he ruined a girl's life to make his grandson more comfortable.
**
“Dante, what do you want?” she asked.
You.
Another chance.
She wouldn’t give it to me. She was too hurt.
I’d have to just take it from her.
**
Yeah. He really cares about her.
June 6, 2025
this is more like a 2.5 but i don’t know why i keep doing this to myself because i get so upset but i can’t stop reading and hoping it gets better 😩
you mean to tell me that she hears him talk to his friend about how his ex situationship would be a better suited wife AND how their sex life was lackluster and get mad at HER for overhearing.
then constantly compare the ow to the wife you JUST realized you loved. like “oh of course the ow is beautiful and i’m attracted to her but now that my wife left me maybe she was JUST A FANTASY SPUN OUT OF CONTROL” Dante come ON man.
i will say that im proud of Elyse for leaving him…even if it was only for four months and all he did was say “i fucked up a lot…sorry” and she basically forgave him. she told him off a few times but i didn’t buy their love. i was over it before they even slept together again. he “broke” her and demeaned her work and her life and believed the ow over her all because he wasn’t ready to be married and he didn’t want to fall in love with her 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 for a 35 year old he acts like a teenager.
i loved the beginning angst though. even if Dante was a dumbass 😅
you mean to tell me that she hears him talk to his friend about how his ex situationship would be a better suited wife AND how their sex life was lackluster and get mad at HER for overhearing.
then constantly compare the ow to the wife you JUST realized you loved. like “oh of course the ow is beautiful and i’m attracted to her but now that my wife left me maybe she was JUST A FANTASY SPUN OUT OF CONTROL” Dante come ON man.
i will say that im proud of Elyse for leaving him…even if it was only for four months and all he did was say “i fucked up a lot…sorry” and she basically forgave him. she told him off a few times but i didn’t buy their love. i was over it before they even slept together again. he “broke” her and demeaned her work and her life and believed the ow over her all because he wasn’t ready to be married and he didn’t want to fall in love with her 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 for a 35 year old he acts like a teenager.
i loved the beginning angst though. even if Dante was a dumbass 😅
June 8, 2025
3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This had unwanted wife vibes and so I jumped right in. Sadly, the conflict happened too quick to where I wasn't yet invested in their relationship to feel anything about it. It also ended up feeling repetitive in his groveling (which, granted, he did do well) since it was happening for majority of the book and a little too fluffy/wine focused for the last 1/3ish. It ended with cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending , but it was at around 83% in my kindle app. I didn't hate it or anything, I just didn't love it either.
I'd say this was either Safe or Safe with exception depending on your personal preferences:
Quick Opinion: This had unwanted wife vibes and so I jumped right in. Sadly, the conflict happened too quick to where I wasn't yet invested in their relationship to feel anything about it. It also ended up feeling repetitive in his groveling (which, granted, he did do well) since it was happening for majority of the book and a little too fluffy/wine focused for the last 1/3ish. It ended with cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending , but it was at around 83% in my kindle app. I didn't hate it or anything, I just didn't love it either.
I'd say this was either Safe or Safe with exception depending on your personal preferences:
June 6, 2025
If you are looking for a heroine who knows her worth and a hero that figures it out what he threw a away a little too late then this is the book for you. This book is a heartbreakingly beautiful read.
After hearing her husband confiding in a friend that he wishes he wasn’t married to her and then admitting that Lucia an old flame and current work colleague would make a better wife, she serves him with divorce papers after having moved out of his apartment. I really wish I could tell you that was as bad as the overheard conversation was - it isn't Dante dug himself into a hole and then shovelled dirt on top of himself. I wanted to kill him, and I was still reading chapter 1. Your heart will break for Elysa and it will not be the only time that it does.
Dante is shocked to learn his wife heard what he said and even more shocked that she is leaving him. Dante has finally gotten what he wanted, and yet he is not happy at all and he can't understand why. He begins to realise that he doesn't know his wife at all, and he has seriously misjudged her and his own feelings for her. He finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to ask the woman he never gave a chance to take a chance on him. He has no problem being underhanded to get what he wants and what he wants is Elysa.
You heart is going to break for Elysa and I am not going to lie every time she stuck it to Dante I did a little happy dance. The man is a dumbass no doubt about it but his slow realisation of what he so carelessly threw away is sublime.
You cannot go wrong picking up a Maya Alden book and this is no exception. I was lucky enough to receive and ARC for this wonderful book. It is due to be published on the 4th of June.
After hearing her husband confiding in a friend that he wishes he wasn’t married to her and then admitting that Lucia an old flame and current work colleague would make a better wife, she serves him with divorce papers after having moved out of his apartment. I really wish I could tell you that was as bad as the overheard conversation was - it isn't Dante dug himself into a hole and then shovelled dirt on top of himself. I wanted to kill him, and I was still reading chapter 1. Your heart will break for Elysa and it will not be the only time that it does.
Dante is shocked to learn his wife heard what he said and even more shocked that she is leaving him. Dante has finally gotten what he wanted, and yet he is not happy at all and he can't understand why. He begins to realise that he doesn't know his wife at all, and he has seriously misjudged her and his own feelings for her. He finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to ask the woman he never gave a chance to take a chance on him. He has no problem being underhanded to get what he wants and what he wants is Elysa.
You heart is going to break for Elysa and I am not going to lie every time she stuck it to Dante I did a little happy dance. The man is a dumbass no doubt about it but his slow realisation of what he so carelessly threw away is sublime.
You cannot go wrong picking up a Maya Alden book and this is no exception. I was lucky enough to receive and ARC for this wonderful book. It is due to be published on the 4th of June.
July 27, 2025
I read this one many weeks ago, so this review isn’t the freshest, but I liked it. I feel like a lot of these follow the same formula and have the same feel. They start with the betrayal, which is always done well, the H is a huge asshole, then he’ll suddenly have a personality transplant/change of heart and want the h back. The making amends (and comeuppance of the obligatory meddling OW or family) is often lacking, but overall they're pretty enjoyable reads. I find them more soapy than realistic, so heavier on the drama than true angst.
Here we open with Elysa serving Dante divorce papers after overhearing an unfavorable conversation. She’s tired of being put down, ignored, and pushed aside for his job and lawyer associate, evil wannabe OW, Lucia.
I typically have two major complaints with this author. The H’s change of mind is abrupt and feels forced, and the comeuppance for the “villains” is always lacking.
The good news is that she fixed one of them, and I felt Dante’s journey of figuring out his man-feelings felt authentic and very reminiscent of mom’s old Harlequins. Unfortunately, the comeuppance part still sucked, and Lucia just slithered off without any follow up, and I wanted to see her crash and burn.
My Highlights
🟩 Elysa stood up for herself.
🟩 Dante was a jerk and kept putting his foot in it only to stew/realize he's an asshole after being so... and being completely blind to being manipulated.
🟩 I loved to hate Lucia.
Bottom Line- I really liked this one because it reminded me of the old school Greek Tycoon HP’s, Dante was Italian, but just as arrogant and clueless as the old school H’s. These say modern vintage, but I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone looking for a “modern” romance. They definitely have a soapy dynamic, the H’s are not swoony or romantic by real life standards, so if that’s what you’re looking for… I’d skip.
I HATE how we must sign (and resign again and again and again) to receive links to get the extended epilogues. So, if you don’t want the junk mail…
Here we open with Elysa serving Dante divorce papers after overhearing an unfavorable conversation. She’s tired of being put down, ignored, and pushed aside for his job and lawyer associate, evil wannabe OW, Lucia.
I typically have two major complaints with this author. The H’s change of mind is abrupt and feels forced, and the comeuppance for the “villains” is always lacking.
The good news is that she fixed one of them, and I felt Dante’s journey of figuring out his man-feelings felt authentic and very reminiscent of mom’s old Harlequins. Unfortunately, the comeuppance part still sucked, and Lucia just slithered off without any follow up, and I wanted to see her crash and burn.
My Highlights
🟩 Elysa stood up for herself.
🟩 Dante was a jerk and kept putting his foot in it only to stew/realize he's an asshole after being so... and being completely blind to being manipulated.
🟩 I loved to hate Lucia.
Bottom Line- I really liked this one because it reminded me of the old school Greek Tycoon HP’s, Dante was Italian, but just as arrogant and clueless as the old school H’s. These say modern vintage, but I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone looking for a “modern” romance. They definitely have a soapy dynamic, the H’s are not swoony or romantic by real life standards, so if that’s what you’re looking for… I’d skip.
I HATE how we must sign (and resign again and again and again) to receive links to get the extended epilogues. So, if you don’t want the junk mail…
August 11, 2025
I loved it! Though I would like a little bit more grovel but overall it was really good. What I didn't like was the glossary in the end. For every sentence in Italian you have to go in the back for the translation. It's quite tiring to be honest. Thank god I remembered some Italian from school and I didn't have to go back and forth a lot of times
June 6, 2025
This was just ok. I did enjoy the characters, but it prattled on and on with repetitive dialogue that wasn't needed. Overheard trope with an asshole H, and a somewhat strong h. I enjoyed his assholery comments, and when the h would lose her shit. It was funny. But can I just say not really having any comeuppance for the ow was a shame. We were just told what would happen to her. 🤷 Started out strong just like all this author's book's do. But then kind of fizzles out.
April 12, 2025
This book not only made me laugh and cry but also made me incredibly hungry. Before I dive into the amazing story of Dante and Elysa, can we take a moment to appreciate the rich and colorful words and scenery that Maya gave us in this book. The Italian, the food, the countryside. I felt like I was there and I have never been to Italy. Each location mentioned I had to Google and the Italian glossary was referenced several times as I wanted to know what they were saying. Hai una figa stretta - oh yes! Be sure to look that one up. Now on to the actual story. Let me start with Elysa as she resonated with me in many ways. To feel invisible to your own family is heartbreaking and more so when you try so desperately to show them who you are even if it means not being true to yourself. Elysa started that way but she found her voice after hearing the devastating words Dante said. Ahh Dante....I really loved him in the Wrong Fiancee but he made me so angry with how ignorant he was to his wife's feelings. He tried to justify his words, his actions, his relationship with Lucia (grrr - she gets her comeuppance) with her being young and not understanding his world or language. He was gaslighting her at every turn to hide his true feelings for her. I loved the part at the charity gala when he found out how important and influential his wife is because he wasn't paying attention. I applaud her fight through the whole book and she made sure to voice her insecurities to Dante. It was time she put herself first and she did. That was the only way her and Dante would have a chance to move forward. Once again I am gifted with reading another wonderful novel that will definitely be read over and over. I think next time it would be great to do so while eating a bowl of pasta with a nice Barolo in front of me.
June 5, 2025
was really excited for this one to be released. BUT sadly it did not meet expectations. was there angst, heartache, sp!ce, and a great fmc..yeah
...but the grovel is where you lost me...i mean Dante did realize his mistakes and he did change totally yeah, but..with how little respect he showed her and how badly he treated her i wouldve liked to see more grovel, and i Wouldve K!LLED to see Elysa make him pay a bit more... make him jealous, show him what disrespect and dismissivness feels like instead of going on and on about the fact that youre still in love with the guy who treated you with nothing but disdain for a year. i mean if i was with a guy who treated me that way for a year that love kinda wouldve been on its way to dying(yeah yeah i know it wasnt always like that but still)and dont even get me started on her bff there, Maura -OMG WTF kind of friend are you? i dont think ive ever disliked a best friend as much as i did in this story..was she actually a friend? cause she was team Dante almost from the very beginning defending his a$$...are you kidding me? i mean i get if your beginning to defend him after hes made some huge effort in winning Elyse back but not like right after the breakup. and after reading all that some might say well Elyse didnt have a good family so thats why she didnt make him grovel more or show any of the spine she has in the beginning of the book but wouldnt that have been more impressive? to have such a strong female character be able to stand up for herself and really show dante what she went through?
spice🌶️:2/5
characters:2/5
grovel:3/5
...but the grovel is where you lost me...i mean Dante did realize his mistakes and he did change totally yeah, but..with how little respect he showed her and how badly he treated her i wouldve liked to see more grovel, and i Wouldve K!LLED to see Elysa make him pay a bit more... make him jealous, show him what disrespect and dismissivness feels like instead of going on and on about the fact that youre still in love with the guy who treated you with nothing but disdain for a year. i mean if i was with a guy who treated me that way for a year that love kinda wouldve been on its way to dying(yeah yeah i know it wasnt always like that but still)and dont even get me started on her bff there, Maura -OMG WTF kind of friend are you? i dont think ive ever disliked a best friend as much as i did in this story..was she actually a friend? cause she was team Dante almost from the very beginning defending his a$$...are you kidding me? i mean i get if your beginning to defend him after hes made some huge effort in winning Elyse back but not like right after the breakup. and after reading all that some might say well Elyse didnt have a good family so thats why she didnt make him grovel more or show any of the spine she has in the beginning of the book but wouldnt that have been more impressive? to have such a strong female character be able to stand up for herself and really show dante what she went through?
spice🌶️:2/5
characters:2/5
grovel:3/5
June 7, 2025
I have no words...
Okay yes I do. That was a romance. A good one. I did hate him at the beginning of the book, but he wised up fast! That Lucia was a piece of work. I hated her. But he was also to blame for first off, hiring a woman he had slept with, and then thinking she'd be a better match for him. he said that at the beginning but then his thoughts belied his words. I didn't quite get that. He really wasn't into her like I thought he was going to be so I just don't understand that part. He did say really mean things about his wife too, but he definitely regretted them immediately. I liked how strong she was to walk away. And I loved his reaction to it. He was totally sorry about it. And he realized quickly that he didn't want Lucia physically at all. But I still hated that he said it, and at one point felt it. That ending was perfection. I have not felt this good about a story in a while. It.kind of reminded me of Lynne Graham too. That aaah feeling that comes after a good finish. Especially with several children and much happiness.
Okay yes I do. That was a romance. A good one. I did hate him at the beginning of the book, but he wised up fast! That Lucia was a piece of work. I hated her. But he was also to blame for first off, hiring a woman he had slept with, and then thinking she'd be a better match for him. he said that at the beginning but then his thoughts belied his words. I didn't quite get that. He really wasn't into her like I thought he was going to be so I just don't understand that part. He did say really mean things about his wife too, but he definitely regretted them immediately. I liked how strong she was to walk away. And I loved his reaction to it. He was totally sorry about it. And he realized quickly that he didn't want Lucia physically at all. But I still hated that he said it, and at one point felt it. That ending was perfection. I have not felt this good about a story in a while. It.kind of reminded me of Lynne Graham too. That aaah feeling that comes after a good finish. Especially with several children and much happiness.
June 4, 2025
A fantastic read, with such insights into parts of Italy, you feel like you are there.
As with all of Maya's books this is told from a dual POV. We have our H Dante, born and raised in Italy, a decade older than our h. Our h is Elysa, born in Italy but raised in America from a very young age where she is raised as an American child. Elysa moves to Italy on her marriage where she has to learn the culture and language.
Dante has misunderstood the reason Elysa accepted the arranged marriage and when his beloved Nonno passes away in his grief he tells his BF that the marriage should end as he does not think he and Elysa will make it as a couple. He indicates he thinks Elysa is too young for him and that he is more suited to his ex Lucia who works as a lawyer at his company. Elysa moves out of their apartment and presents Dante with divorce papers, completely blindsiding him.
The book flows with Dante coming to the realisation that he has made a misstep, he does not want to divorce Elysa as he is in love with her and proceeds to make the necessary changes to gain Elysa's trust and commitment back in their marriage. Elysa while younger than Dante has a maturity that allows her to make the decisions that are best for her. Elysa challenges Dante on some of the things he says and how he acts and conducts himself.
There is the usual OW drama, and it is fair to say that both Dante and Elysa have a hand in dismissing her from their lives. A HEA for our H and h.
A fun read with snippets of Italian scattered through out. This does not distract from the story, in fact makes it more credible and enduring to the readers, with a glossary at the end of the book that provides the interpretations of the Italian, a description of the food and wine detailed amongst the story.
This is a story I recommend as a fun, quick read
As with all of Maya's books this is told from a dual POV. We have our H Dante, born and raised in Italy, a decade older than our h. Our h is Elysa, born in Italy but raised in America from a very young age where she is raised as an American child. Elysa moves to Italy on her marriage where she has to learn the culture and language.
Dante has misunderstood the reason Elysa accepted the arranged marriage and when his beloved Nonno passes away in his grief he tells his BF that the marriage should end as he does not think he and Elysa will make it as a couple. He indicates he thinks Elysa is too young for him and that he is more suited to his ex Lucia who works as a lawyer at his company. Elysa moves out of their apartment and presents Dante with divorce papers, completely blindsiding him.
The book flows with Dante coming to the realisation that he has made a misstep, he does not want to divorce Elysa as he is in love with her and proceeds to make the necessary changes to gain Elysa's trust and commitment back in their marriage. Elysa while younger than Dante has a maturity that allows her to make the decisions that are best for her. Elysa challenges Dante on some of the things he says and how he acts and conducts himself.
There is the usual OW drama, and it is fair to say that both Dante and Elysa have a hand in dismissing her from their lives. A HEA for our H and h.
A fun read with snippets of Italian scattered through out. This does not distract from the story, in fact makes it more credible and enduring to the readers, with a glossary at the end of the book that provides the interpretations of the Italian, a description of the food and wine detailed amongst the story.
This is a story I recommend as a fun, quick read
June 7, 2025
I don’t know why I keep skimming the same books with different MCs. Even differences in MCs are just the names. 🤦🏻♀️
June 5, 2025
Bland story that could have been like 150 pages shorter. Bland hero. Bland heroine.
Both were losers and I guess in that sense deserved each other. The way this author has some really interesting storyline but always fumbles the bag should be studied.
Also someone told me this author kicks people out of her groups ig they give her low ratings and requires her ARC readers to hold their low ratings and only give her 4 stars and above is so icky and like against advert regulations. If you need your readers to show pony your books then sorry that says so much about you as an author.
Both were losers and I guess in that sense deserved each other. The way this author has some really interesting storyline but always fumbles the bag should be studied.
Also someone told me this author kicks people out of her groups ig they give her low ratings and requires her ARC readers to hold their low ratings and only give her 4 stars and above is so icky and like against advert regulations. If you need your readers to show pony your books then sorry that says so much about you as an author.
June 5, 2025
I’m just not in love
50% of the book he treated Elysa like absolute crap, compared her to Lucia and I just he was pretty horrible. Then bam we have an epiphany and all of a sudden he sees the evil in Lucia and loves his wife then proceeds to win her over.
Then she’s to forgive what he said at the start because he’d been drinking and grieving and didn’t mean it but he reinforced he thoughts more than once after that…
50% of the book he treated Elysa like absolute crap, compared her to Lucia and I just he was pretty horrible. Then bam we have an epiphany and all of a sudden he sees the evil in Lucia and loves his wife then proceeds to win her over.
Then she’s to forgive what he said at the start because he’d been drinking and grieving and didn’t mean it but he reinforced he thoughts more than once after that…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
The H was really dense for the first quarter of this book and I was feeling Dean vibes from another Maya book who makes a appearance in this one a couple of times. The book starts with the couple being married a year roughly. The h loves the H but she hears him talking to Dean about her and their relationship and not in a flattering way. He also wonders about OW who years before he had been with and in a relationship with but who he now works with would be a better wife. He also feels some attraction to her in the beginning. He runs hot and cold with the h and often leaves her alone to spend time with OW during social events. People think they are having an affair. So the h decides she has had enough and gives him divorce papers and moves out. So he does not have a realization right away that he loves her but he slowly starts to realize he is not ready for a divorce to not wanting one. He has a few mistakes like believing the OW word about a shopper/stylish over the h. He also dances and spends more time with OW during an event that he forced h into going too. The h is strong and lays it out for him and calls him out on his words but also his actions during their marriage. I don’t consider this a heavy grovel book more a showing up and making changes to prove himself to the h. The OW gets fired but still causes problems and the h responses in a great way but I wish we had gotten a scene where they ran into her and we found out what her life turned out like. Once the H got his head out of his ass he did prove himself and they both communicated better. In true Maya fashion she was able to redeem him. Having his POV is a huge help. I wanted the HEA and was not disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
My rating: 4 stars
What I loved: I liked how Elysa(h) finally stood her ground with her dad. I loved how she made Dante(H) realize how horrible of a husband he was. I liked how Dante(H) finally got his head out of his ass and realized he was in love with Elysa. Lastly, I loved how the grandfather wrote a letter for their 5th anniversary.
What I didn’t like: I wanted to see how the ow felt after the press conference Elysa did. I also would have liked a scene with the ow miserable after being sued by Dante…. but that’s because I like to read the karma that should to the evil person(s).
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: OW drama, Overhears H telling a friend he thinks ow would make a better wife for him, marriage of convenience. H and h have been married for a year. It was a marriage of convenience made by the H’s grandfather. After the grandfather dies the h overhears a drunk H telling his friend that he thinks the ow would make a better wife, that the h doesn’t really fit in. He also said that their sex life was just ok. h upsets decides to get a divorce. She tells the H she overheard his conversation and knows he wants to be with his ex girlfriend/ lawyer(ow). h asks the H if he is having an affair with the ow and H tells her no. H shocked that she would think that tells her not to make any rash decisions, that she wasn’t supposed to hear any of that. h proceeds to move in with her friend that she works for. H tells the h he needs her to go to a charity event with him and if she does he will have the lawyers looked into the divorce papers she gave him. h tells him she will go but she doesn’t want the stylist he hired to help her for the event because she called her a cow. H talks to the ow about the stylist and she said that the h must have misunderstood. So of course the H allows the same stylist to help the h, which upsets her because he didn’t take her feeling into consideration. At the charity, the H basically ignores the h to discuss work with the ow. h upset but when she starts to talk to a guy friend the H gets jealous and has them leave. H tells her he doesn’t want her to be seen with that guy. h upset again about him basically ignoring her tells the H she can talk to whom ever she wants. During this time the H is realizing that he actually wants to stay married to the h. When he asks the h to go an event that will be honoring the grandfather she agrees. There the ow tells the h how grateful she is in how the h is handling things with the divorce and allowing the H to be happy with her. h reminds the ow that she is still married to the H. When H sees the h, h lets him know what the ow said. H not happy tells the h he will handle it. H finally starts to sees how he deals with the ow might make people think they are having an affair. Along with the other mistakes he has made, H starts to put things right. He fires the ow, and starts to put the h first. Going to her job every night to eat. He realizes how great she is at her job and proceeds to take her on a vacation to visit wineries. All the time letting the h know how much of an idiot he was how in the beginning he didn’t want to get close with her but in the end he fell in love with her. When compromising pictures of H with ow and how they are having an affair is leaked into the press, the h holds a press conference calling the ow a liar. In the end, we see the H and h on their 5 years anniversary, happy with 2 children and one on the way reading a letter from his grandfather.
Final thoughts: This was good marriage with convenience with some ow drama trope book. Definitely worth the read.
What I loved: I liked how Elysa(h) finally stood her ground with her dad. I loved how she made Dante(H) realize how horrible of a husband he was. I liked how Dante(H) finally got his head out of his ass and realized he was in love with Elysa. Lastly, I loved how the grandfather wrote a letter for their 5th anniversary.
What I didn’t like: I wanted to see how the ow felt after the press conference Elysa did. I also would have liked a scene with the ow miserable after being sued by Dante…. but that’s because I like to read the karma that should to the evil person(s).
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: OW drama, Overhears H telling a friend he thinks ow would make a better wife for him, marriage of convenience. H and h have been married for a year. It was a marriage of convenience made by the H’s grandfather. After the grandfather dies the h overhears a drunk H telling his friend that he thinks the ow would make a better wife, that the h doesn’t really fit in. He also said that their sex life was just ok. h upsets decides to get a divorce. She tells the H she overheard his conversation and knows he wants to be with his ex girlfriend/ lawyer(ow). h asks the H if he is having an affair with the ow and H tells her no. H shocked that she would think that tells her not to make any rash decisions, that she wasn’t supposed to hear any of that. h proceeds to move in with her friend that she works for. H tells the h he needs her to go to a charity event with him and if she does he will have the lawyers looked into the divorce papers she gave him. h tells him she will go but she doesn’t want the stylist he hired to help her for the event because she called her a cow. H talks to the ow about the stylist and she said that the h must have misunderstood. So of course the H allows the same stylist to help the h, which upsets her because he didn’t take her feeling into consideration. At the charity, the H basically ignores the h to discuss work with the ow. h upset but when she starts to talk to a guy friend the H gets jealous and has them leave. H tells her he doesn’t want her to be seen with that guy. h upset again about him basically ignoring her tells the H she can talk to whom ever she wants. During this time the H is realizing that he actually wants to stay married to the h. When he asks the h to go an event that will be honoring the grandfather she agrees. There the ow tells the h how grateful she is in how the h is handling things with the divorce and allowing the H to be happy with her. h reminds the ow that she is still married to the H. When H sees the h, h lets him know what the ow said. H not happy tells the h he will handle it. H finally starts to sees how he deals with the ow might make people think they are having an affair. Along with the other mistakes he has made, H starts to put things right. He fires the ow, and starts to put the h first. Going to her job every night to eat. He realizes how great she is at her job and proceeds to take her on a vacation to visit wineries. All the time letting the h know how much of an idiot he was how in the beginning he didn’t want to get close with her but in the end he fell in love with her. When compromising pictures of H with ow and how they are having an affair is leaked into the press, the h holds a press conference calling the ow a liar. In the end, we see the H and h on their 5 years anniversary, happy with 2 children and one on the way reading a letter from his grandfather.
Final thoughts: This was good marriage with convenience with some ow drama trope book. Definitely worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
3 I'm probably the problem stars
Read
June 4, 2025I’m only in chapter four at 14% and the whiplash of the MMC I’m getting is a lot. Yes he is grieving but I strongly feel he is just choosing to be obliviously obtuse.
29% UPDATE
This dude is bipolar from one sentence to the next. And the way he keeps talking about his Gpa making his relationship make sense, is like he is embodying another person to be with the FMC. Like a split personality or something. It’s weird.
As for the FMC, not one single reference about how the MMC was with her in their entire relationship gives any indication as to why she fell in love with other than he was good looking, was arranged by their grandfather’s for her and that he was good in bed.
His condescension and dismissiveness towards her outside of these three areas should have made him repulsive to the FMC within six months flat upon their marriage. Not have the FMC still have romantic feelings for a snobby elitist who has the personality of several unpleasant people and who needs some stabilizing meds for his mental dysfunction.
29% UPDATE
This dude is bipolar from one sentence to the next. And the way he keeps talking about his Gpa making his relationship make sense, is like he is embodying another person to be with the FMC. Like a split personality or something. It’s weird.
As for the FMC, not one single reference about how the MMC was with her in their entire relationship gives any indication as to why she fell in love with other than he was good looking, was arranged by their grandfather’s for her and that he was good in bed.
His condescension and dismissiveness towards her outside of these three areas should have made him repulsive to the FMC within six months flat upon their marriage. Not have the FMC still have romantic feelings for a snobby elitist who has the personality of several unpleasant people and who needs some stabilizing meds for his mental dysfunction.
March 12, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing. I swear with each book Maya comes out with it just gets better and better. I really felt like I was in Rome with the characters. I loved the wine, the food and of course the Italian. I also loved the story and the characters. Couldn't put it down and I am so thankful I found Maya's books. Dante and Elysa are so good together and I am so glad they found their hea!
June 6, 2025
Maya did it again! Dante and Elysa’s book broke my heart and put it back together. Elysa is such a strong character and took a stand to put herself first. Dante had some major groveling to earn forgiveness and he put in the work. I love how Maya writes about the setting of the book such as Rome. She writes in a way that I can picture it and want to visit. Great book and definitely a reread!
June 11, 2025
Marriage in trouble, second chance, other woman drama, grovelling - no cheating
Set in a lovely Italian background, with vineyards and lovely landscapes. Elysa and Dante were an arranged marriage.
Through the will of their grandfathers, they both agreed to make their family happy. A year and a bit later, the last living grandpa passes away, and in a moment of grieving and a bit too much liquor - Dante admits to a friend that he wished for another more suitable wife, someone like his lawyer ex that he works with. Little does he know, Elysa overhears the conversation. Devastated, as she had fallen in love with him, she asks him for a divorce. After all the rejection and one sided affection she decides she needs to move on and live for herself. But when Dante got what he thought he wanted, why can't he let go of Elysa? Why does everything he think he knew, turn out to be illusions. Was he missing the best thing right in front of him? And now, can he figure out a way to make it up to her and win her back? Or is she too far gone.
I love books that hurt my feelings, all the drama and heartbreak. Definitely a guilty pleasure read that I just devoured.
Set in a lovely Italian background, with vineyards and lovely landscapes. Elysa and Dante were an arranged marriage.
Through the will of their grandfathers, they both agreed to make their family happy. A year and a bit later, the last living grandpa passes away, and in a moment of grieving and a bit too much liquor - Dante admits to a friend that he wished for another more suitable wife, someone like his lawyer ex that he works with. Little does he know, Elysa overhears the conversation. Devastated, as she had fallen in love with him, she asks him for a divorce. After all the rejection and one sided affection she decides she needs to move on and live for herself. But when Dante got what he thought he wanted, why can't he let go of Elysa? Why does everything he think he knew, turn out to be illusions. Was he missing the best thing right in front of him? And now, can he figure out a way to make it up to her and win her back? Or is she too far gone.
I love books that hurt my feelings, all the drama and heartbreak. Definitely a guilty pleasure read that I just devoured.
May 12, 2025
Oh, how I love a book with the overheard micro trope. Dante was definitely an idiot in the beginning of the book and I’m glad Elysa stood up for herself. I love how she didn’t let herself break down; she continued to live which was nice to read! Dante’s change felt genuine to me. The ending was so cute too! Love this book.
Overall, it’s a great story! Recommend!
Overall, it’s a great story! Recommend!
May 12, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this beautiful arranged marriage in crisis book. I adored Kiss From a Rose by this author, another marriage in trouble. Although similar as a second chance redemption, this hits differently. The H distances himself immediately after their wedding day, and won’t allow the h to become a true wife. She is heartbroken and decides the time is right to leave and find true happiness. The book is their journey back together, with the backdrop of stunning (and delicious) Italy. As always with a Maya Alden story, the h stays strong and will not settle for anything less than true happiness. And the journey the H travels to become the man she needs and deserves is wonderful to witness.
May 17, 2025
Wow- not only an emotional story but an adventure. Once I started this book, I just couldn’t put it down. I read this in one sitting. Maya - her writing is just so descriptive - I felt like I was there and now I need to go to a wine tasting! Dante and Elysa - there story was just so heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I LOVED the growth we saw in both of the MC’s. Elysa - finally knowing her worth and what she deserved from anyone in her life - it’s a lesson for all of us. Now Dante - he made me laugh - typical man doesn’t know what he has until it is gone - but what wasn’t typical was seeing his struggle to understand and come to terms with his feelings and then…making the changes. Their HEA was epic. Loved this book!
June 5, 2025
I loved this.
Absolute big time grovel.
Other woman drama, the Hero of course is oblivious to the scheming.
Heroine stands firm and really makes him work for it.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating despite gossip and accusations.
HEA
Absolute big time grovel.
Other woman drama, the Hero of course is oblivious to the scheming.
Heroine stands firm and really makes him work for it.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating despite gossip and accusations.
HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
it was boring, meh. it had no real angst or grovel. No show of love. she pretended to be strong but really was weak.
June 5, 2025
I don’t know why I bother
I don’t remember the last time she wrote a hero who had more going for him than being rich and good in bed. It certainly wasn’t in this story.
I don’t remember the last time she wrote a hero who had more going for him than being rich and good in bed. It certainly wasn’t in this story.
May 15, 2025
I received this arc for an honest review of this book, but I also pre-ordered this book because I love Maya Alden’s books. I especially love her Modern Vintage Romance.
This is an overheard… marriage of convenience.. age-gap story, the perfect trifecta!!!
Maya Alden knows how to deliver a gut-punch and this story is no different.
Dante was introduced in a previous Maya Alden book, The Wrong Fiancé.
Dante’s beloved grandfather had strongly encouraged the marriage between Dante and Elysa.
Elysa has not had an easy life.
Her parents divorced when she was young and her mother took her back to the US.
Her father stayed in Italy. She has had a difficult relationship with both of parents.
The only caring constant in her life was Dante’s grandfather.
And Dante’s grandfather was determined that his grandson would marry Elysa.
Dante also had a contentious relationship with his parents and was raised by his grandfather. Dante married Elysa to please his grandfather. Dante believed that by doing so her father would regain the rights of his lost vineyard.
Dante has a lot of preconceived notions about Elysa … all of which would be disproven as we read on.
The story opens a year into their marriage, after Dante’s grandfather has passed.
Elysa overhears a drunk, mourning Dante telling his friend that he doesn’t love Elysa … that his in- house lawyer, Lucia would be better suited to be his wife … and that their sexual life was mediocre.
Elysa is devastated because she loves Dante.
And so she presents Dante with divorce papers, something that catches Dante completely off guard. She leaves their home and then Dante comes to realize what he has lost.
At first he still believes Lucia’s ( the OW) lies and machinations. But of course Maya makes sure that Dante feels each revelation. Dante just cannot seem to grant Elysa a divorce.
Elysa is a strong character and she has a wonderful group of supportive friends.
There are such beautiful descriptions that allow the reader to experience the culture, food , atmosphere of Italy.
This is a five star read.
Brava Maya Alden!!
This is an overheard… marriage of convenience.. age-gap story, the perfect trifecta!!!
Maya Alden knows how to deliver a gut-punch and this story is no different.
Dante was introduced in a previous Maya Alden book, The Wrong Fiancé.
Dante’s beloved grandfather had strongly encouraged the marriage between Dante and Elysa.
Elysa has not had an easy life.
Her parents divorced when she was young and her mother took her back to the US.
Her father stayed in Italy. She has had a difficult relationship with both of parents.
The only caring constant in her life was Dante’s grandfather.
And Dante’s grandfather was determined that his grandson would marry Elysa.
Dante also had a contentious relationship with his parents and was raised by his grandfather. Dante married Elysa to please his grandfather. Dante believed that by doing so her father would regain the rights of his lost vineyard.
Dante has a lot of preconceived notions about Elysa … all of which would be disproven as we read on.
The story opens a year into their marriage, after Dante’s grandfather has passed.
Elysa overhears a drunk, mourning Dante telling his friend that he doesn’t love Elysa … that his in- house lawyer, Lucia would be better suited to be his wife … and that their sexual life was mediocre.
Elysa is devastated because she loves Dante.
And so she presents Dante with divorce papers, something that catches Dante completely off guard. She leaves their home and then Dante comes to realize what he has lost.
At first he still believes Lucia’s ( the OW) lies and machinations. But of course Maya makes sure that Dante feels each revelation. Dante just cannot seem to grant Elysa a divorce.
Elysa is a strong character and she has a wonderful group of supportive friends.
There are such beautiful descriptions that allow the reader to experience the culture, food , atmosphere of Italy.
This is a five star read.
Brava Maya Alden!!
May 26, 2025
ARC Reader
What can I say about this book…I was hooked from the very first page. This is a second chance romance book and it tells the story of Elysa and Dante, I loved both characters and loved how Maya described Italy in this book and how detail oriented she was to make it very realistic. It was really nice to see both characters evolving in this book and then to come as one. It’s a heart wrenching read where we see Elysa who was a doormat to a woman who knew her worth. Fighting and pushing her love for Dante. And then we had our Dante, who was clueless to how much he was hurting his wife to becoming the man worthy of Elysa. Give this a read if you love OW drama, second chance romance, grovel and an emotional read about a married couple and their challenges.
What can I say about this book…I was hooked from the very first page. This is a second chance romance book and it tells the story of Elysa and Dante, I loved both characters and loved how Maya described Italy in this book and how detail oriented she was to make it very realistic. It was really nice to see both characters evolving in this book and then to come as one. It’s a heart wrenching read where we see Elysa who was a doormat to a woman who knew her worth. Fighting and pushing her love for Dante. And then we had our Dante, who was clueless to how much he was hurting his wife to becoming the man worthy of Elysa. Give this a read if you love OW drama, second chance romance, grovel and an emotional read about a married couple and their challenges.
June 6, 2025
*a really long sigh*
Honestly I have a love-hate relationship with Maya’s books. Some I really loved, some made me angry and want to throw things.
This book made me want to throw things.
It was a rage read for me. I had high hopes for Dante, ugh, but he proved to be an ass through and through.
I don’t like how he delayed the divorce and REALLY hated that Elysa just gave in to him without a divorce. No real grovel. They should’ve divorced and started over. That would really show Dante not to take her for granted.
Either way, maybe I had put a lot of expectations for this book that it turned out disappointing :( I can’t believe she took her back without him facing any repercussions hm
Honestly I have a love-hate relationship with Maya’s books. Some I really loved, some made me angry and want to throw things.
This book made me want to throw things.
It was a rage read for me. I had high hopes for Dante, ugh, but he proved to be an ass through and through.
I don’t like how he delayed the divorce and REALLY hated that Elysa just gave in to him without a divorce. No real grovel. They should’ve divorced and started over. That would really show Dante not to take her for granted.
Either way, maybe I had put a lot of expectations for this book that it turned out disappointing :( I can’t believe she took her back without him facing any repercussions hm
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