When Gio Morgese meets Sophia, he realizes the "nice guys finish last" adage might be true...and he's done coming in last.
A well-ordered life and quiet existence is not working out in Gio's favor. Less aggressive than his alpha male friends, he's led a circumspect life and married early to gain the domestic bliss he's always craved. But marriage to the wrong woman has ensured all of his plans blew up in his face.
Perplexed and a little jealous, he watches from the sidelines as his closest friends succumb to love, giving up their playboy lifestyles for the family life he's always wanted for himself. Aware that something has to change before he ends up bitter and alone, he resolves to let down some of the walls that went up after his divorce.
Then he meets Sophia, a full-figured goddess completely unlike anyone he's ever known. Against a backdrop of jealousy and deceit, Gio soon realizes that finding love is one thing. Holding onto to it is something else. Now he's saying and doing things he'd never imagined he would do. But there are some things--and some women--worth fighting for.
A 7-time Readers' Favorite Medal Winner. USA Today Bestselling Author. Mom to a half-feral princess. WOC. Former scientist. Recovering geek.
Lucy Leroux is the steamy pen name for author L.B. Gilbert. Ten years ago Lucy moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and is now married with an adorable half-french 5yo who won't go to bed on time.
When her last contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by a particularly bad romance novel she decided to write her own. Her family lives in Southern California.
Lucy loves all genres of romance and intends to write as many of them as possible. To date she has published twenty novels and novellas. These includes paranormal, urban fantasy, gothic regency, and contemporary romances with more on the way.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. 'The Roman's Woman' by Lucy Leroux is book 4 in the "A Singular Obsession"series. I have read all book in this series so far, but this book can be a standalone book. So if you are jumping around in the series you will be okay. This was another hot, Alpha male who with a cherry on top wanted kids. I loved Gio and Sophia story. Gio who runs a bank, and who is very rich... was married once. Gio has since been divorced for about two years from his wife. Now his ex-wife keeps getting in trouble and she is trying to drag his name down with her. Gio ex-wife was his father's God daughter and since their parents were best friends it seem them ended up marring. Gio had always wanted a wife and children so it was his next step. But his dream became a nightmare and now he still paying the price. When Gio happens to see Sophia at a fund raising ball/dinner he is quickly taken with her but she leaves before he can talk to her. Sophia is coming of a bad relationship and has set up to take a holiday to get away from everything. Then she meets Gio who she thinks is her friend's street performer. Sophia agrees for him to show here some sights while she is on holiday....she even started thinking a possible holiday fling. We get to see their relationship play out. How Gio wants to come clean with who he really is, but will this be a deal breaker for Sophia? It also seems her ex-boyfriend might not be done with her either. This was a great, hot read that I could not put down! I had to read it in one sitting just as I had done the others. Loved this book and series!
That is the worst cover. It implies a whole lotta BDSM which isn't really there.
Gio, our hero, was a grumpy Gus in the previous book. He is now a charming hunk of Italian yumminess. Too bad we have another heroine who is an over the top idiot, unworthy of our charming hunk of Italian yumminess. Second book in a row that’s been derailed by a heroine. That usually lies in the hero’s domain.
Gio sees Sophia, a curvy woman named after THE Sophia as in Sophia Loren, and is charmed. Okay, he’s in lust. He tracks her down where she mistakes him for a street performer her friend wants to interview. Gio is currently being hounded by the tabloids due to his lying ex-wife and wants to get to know Sophia without the baggage so he plays along as the lowly street performer rather than the banking tycoon he really is.
Ay caramba, Gio is a charmer, sweet and romantic. He takes Sophia all over Italy, wooing not seducing her then it all explodes in a passionate night. Get ice water handy. When Sophia finds out he is not the lowly street-performer she goes berserk. It is ridiculous. He explains, the APOLOGIZES, then grovels, and she’s still misplaced her head elsewhere as she ponders whether she should accept his apology. Puh-leeze! The whole time she thought he was Gio the street-performer she wondered if she could lower herself to date someone with no ambition. Her judgey ways are all the more ironic as her ex constantly implied she wasn't worthy being too curvy, too Hispanic, too whatever and here she goes.
Side story where Sophia has some major problems with her judgey ex and Gio has to deal with his witch ex-wife.
I got hooked on Lucy Leroux's books when I read her first book in the Singular Obsession series Making Her His. I love the Hero's she writes in her stories. They're possessive, protective and would do anything for their heroines. Gio is no exception. He married his childhood sweetheart at the pressure of their fathers only to be burned by her spoiled and malicious ways. His marriage is ending while his closest friends are finding their soul mates. While he is happy for them, he is also feeling a bit sorry for himself. Out of all his friends, he's always been the one to want to settle down and have kids. Instead he's being dragged through the mud by his ex-wife leaking allegations of abuse to the press to explain away her bad behavior. While he's dealing with his ex-wife publicly smearing his name, he meets the one woman who stirs his blood. Gio recognizes Sophia as his true soul mate and will do anything to keep her.
This is another great story from Lucy Leroux! I loved both characters. Gio was the calm levelheaded one of the group but when it comes to Sophia, he's anything but calm. I loved that she breathed life into him. Sophia is a shapely woman and due to her father and ex-boyfriends criticizing her weight, she has very low self esteem. Gio has no problems showing Sophia what a desirable woman she really is. With two crazy ex's in their lives, this story is far from boring. I loved it and can't wait for the next book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Gio has to the best H in the series, he wasn't a man-hoe, cheater, or jerk. He never pushed the h away or mistreated her, and was always loving, respectful and protective of his h. He wasn't perfect by any means (see: jealousy) because he did have flaws (see: lying by omission) But I loved how real he was, he was genuine when it came to Sophia. Their first time together? HOT!
There is slight OW drama caused by Gio's ex wife but the H doesn't feel anything towards her, except when she threatens Sophia. Then his protective alpha instincts shine through.
Sophia was an okay h, she didn't really stand out for me until the end. At times I felt she was a bit indifferent to Gio. He was always the one with his heart on his sleeve and she kind of took him for granted. The epilogue was cute, wish we could have gotten an epilogue further into their future but it does end with their HEA.
Safety: Yes, with exceptions: major trigger though
"The Roman's Woman" is the story of Sophia and Gio.
WHAT A GREAT READ!
The H is a billionaire who is successful, yet becoming envious of his married best friends. He is also dealing with a druggie and whorish ex wife, who is vilifying him in the press. Their fathers had been close, and now he has to deal with not just that, but also a wayward cousin who has been lured by his ex! While he is sponsoring a research study regarding Alzheimers, he comes across Sophia, the doctor heading it, and is instantly smitten. She is a curvaceous goddess, and Gio's heart says MINE. So then he finds out everything about her, and stalks her to a cafe in Rome. She mistakes him for someone else, he does not correct her. They tour around, falling for one another, and soon have SUPER hot bang bang session in an alley. However, his identity is revealed the next day, leading to an angsty fight, and h leaving him. He pursues her then with his own name, and soon after groveling, they start a legit love affair. But people are against them. While his ex wife almost gets the h raped, her ex might want to kill her! Will the H be able to rescue her?
Very engaging read with a smart, independent h, smitten, possessive hero, crappy exes, likable family and friends, and a sweet HEA! The lovemaking and obsessive tendencies were 10/10.
Stars: 5 Length: Full Length POV: Dual Series: A Singular Obssession #4 (Stand Alone but Connected) Ending: HEA Re-read? Yes
"One thing was clear—something had to change, and it was probably him."
We finally get Gio's story. Too be honest, this was the one I was looking forward to the least. Gio has already been divorced and has consistently seemed like a bitter wet blanket. Well, in true Lucy Leroux fashion, she makes his story amazing. He starts to get jealous of all his friends who are settling down and starting families and realizes that he still wants that even though he's been burned. He know he's going to have to make some changes in himself. Then he meets Sophia and he's done for.
Sophia is an intelligent, adventurous woman but is also trusting and kind. She's exactly what Gio needs. Ms. Leroux did a good job of 1) not making me feel like she was stupid for believing Gio's lie in the beginning (yeah, he's a liar!) and 2) not making her a doormat when she finds out. That girl doesn't sit there and forgive him. She gives him the peace out and leave's the country. That's what I'm talking about.
Just a good love story with a possessive and jealous Gio which I needed in my life. Great read, totally worthy of being in this amazing series.
An easy short insta-love novella. Gio has always been the more laidback of his friends, always looking forward to settling down, but his marriage was anything but what he expected, his wife a nightmare one that still won't go away after the divorce. When Gio sees Sophia well his calm laidback attitude vanishes.
Sophia's ex Richard just annoyed me, him criticizing her body shape and clothing led me to be hoping something would drop on him.
Gio's idiot cousin needed his ass to be kicked for at least a century.
****ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.****
Gio is the last of his university friends to find love. He married his long-time friend whom he grew up with and is his father's goddaughter, but that turned sour and they ended up divorcing. Sophia finally broke up with her fiancé who ridiculed her for being too curvy.
The story starts out Gio becoming instantly enamored with Sophia when he sees her from afar at a banquet where his bank had just give her an award for her research. He sees her from the balcony and when he rushes down to meet her she had already left to go home. Days later his security team tells him that she is at a cafe and he goes hoping to get another chance to meet her. Unfortunately being embarrassed or shy Gio assumes to be another Gio, who is a street performer, that Sophia mistakes him for.
There is a part at the beginning where Sophia has unkind thoughts of Gio because he is a street performer and feels he is a little beneath her. Though I think this part tries to point out her struggle because she has felt that way from her father and her ex-fiancé who always harped on her weight her academic/career achievements were belittled and this was a way to show how Sophia tried to rise above that with Gio, but I really feel like this fell a little flat for me and my respect for Sophia went down a notch or two.
Gio's character was initially a mild-mannered in the beginning and became an alpha eventually because of his jealousy of Sophia's ex and his possessiveness and insta-attraction to Sophia. I just didn't care for how he deceived Sophia in the beginning when he pretended to be this other Gio. That just didn't sit well with me because I felt that Gio's character was such that he would be a straightforward-don't-beat-around-the-bush type person. I also wished he were a little more alpha and dominating and really should've followed through on his threats to his ex-wife and ruined her because of what she almost caused to happen to Sophia.
This book was the least favorite of all the books I've read in this series. However that won't detract me from reading other books by Lucy Leroux because I know she can write alpha males the way I like them!
*** I do want to note that there is no cheating between the main characters. ***
I was asked to review this book, and as much as I wanted to give it a 4- 5 I just couldn't ( I love the authors other works) Since there are no " halves" here I had to make it a 3 my actual rating was a 3.5 Why you ask? Well here are some reasons, when you are writing about a alpha ( an lord knows I love my alphas) I hate to see them hide behind another face. Not showing who they are, because there afraid, and letting some evil ex almost ruin things , and not stand full ground. That kind of had my teeth grinding. That's how I felt with Gio. I just think he could, and should have done better. Like an Alpha would.
Sophia, she knows what its like to feel the pain and ignorance over an ex not liking her "curvy" body, which if a man doesn't like you how you are kick them to the curb, right? But then there was a part in the book where she didn't think Gio was good enough for her, so I guess everything can be deceiving when you think of it, considering he's a millionaire lol. Don't get me wrong there was some hot moments as well though! This was my least favorite out of Lucy's books
I really tried to give this a chance. It started off slow and boring. The story didn't get any better. The H pretended to be a street performer which was stupid. This guy is a wealthy businessman so why would he pretend to be a nobody to talk to a girl? The h was a brilliant scientist but didn't act like one. She had major issues with her body and seemed desperate for a man's attention after letting her ex walk all over her. Of course, the evil ex never appreciated the h or treated her the way the H does.
OH my goodness, I tried 3 times to get this started. But alas, I just could not get involved or connect. I think it is a good example of trying to read the 4th book in a series you haven't read. I might come back at a later time, but I rather doubt it.
This was a good addition to the Singular Obsession series. Gio is so protective and obsessive when it comes to Sophie. He has had a bad time when it came to his 1st marriage. He was pressured into marrying his 1st wife because of their families and he thought he loved her but omg, was she such a ...well, she was not a very nice woman and they ended up getting divorced. Gio's ex ended up doing a number on him privately and in public. Just as his marriage is finally ending, everyone else around him is finding their soul mates and Gio feels like there is no one for him and he is left feeling lost and someone bitter.
Suddenly Gio's luck changes and he sees Sophia at an awards ceremony that he attends. He feels like overwhelming lust and immediate attraction- he wants her, needs her and will have her. He tries to get to her but she has left. He knows she works for him in a research field so he tries to work it out where he can meet her again and when his security people tell him he has a chance , he runs immediately to take it. He pretends to be someone that he isn't so that Sophia will be at ease around him and not like him for his money. Sophia is a voluptuous woman who thinks no one will like her because of her weight and I loved how Gio showed her that she is wanted and needed. There was some parts that I felt Sophia could have been a little nicer in her thoughts but it was few and far between and it was only at first. There is a lot of drama with Sophia's ex fiancée and with Gio ex wife in their lives. I loved how Gio was all protective of his love. I enjoyed how he showed Sophia that he wanted her , with her lovely body and all. Sophia let Gio know that she was there for him, with crazy drama , exs and all.
This was a fantastic story with a lovely outcome and I cannot wait for the next in the book in the Singular Obsession" series. Gio is a good alpha male and Sophia is awesome as a sexy siren. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat.
My rating: 4.5 stars **** **I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
I was kinda disapointed with this book. "Calen's Captive" is one of y all time ultimate favorite book, and I feel like "The Roman's Woman", although a really good book by a talented author, just was not up to the level of the previous ones.
The heroine was good ! But It lack this insta-super-steamy-love and take charge hero like the previous one had. It was a more traditional romance book if I may say.
I would still totally recommand it and any book ly Lucy Leroux, just be warned that the first 2 books of this serie were the best by far
Ok, so I absolutely have adored this series in fact I've given the other books high reviews. But, what happened here? The author reversed somehow for me her winning formula and she did it with a character whose story I desperately wanted. I was not sold by Sophia at all. That's pretty much what it all came down too.
The rest of this series is fantastic if you like the genre, but Gios story was disappointing to me. I will however continue. This author has chops. This one just didn't hit the spot.
Except for certain elements I'll describe below, I really enjoyed this audiobook! I loved how the beginning provided a brief travel tour of some Italian highlights. All the places the hero and heroine went are ones on my bucket list, too! Their travel together showed their characters well and also allowed them to get to know each other, making the romantic arc feel natural. I like how in this first part of the book the hero is so sweet and attentive to the heroine. While things look fine on the outside between them, both have inner turmoil stemming from different issues. His viperous ex-wife is trashing him in the press, and he’s become a bit of a social pariah, with his face and her story splashed over the media. She doesn’t know, but he's very concerned she will skedaddle if she finds out what’s being said about him. So, he hides from her who he is, letting her believe he’s a different Gio, even after they've been intimate. You know that's going to blow up in his face!
The heroine is a brilliant neuroscientist, but both her father and her previous boyfriend have belittled and cajoled her about her weight, what she eats, how she looks, and how she dresses, so she's very self-conscious about how she looks and if men could truly find her curvy figure attractive and desirable. To me, that makes the heroine instantly relatable. While I appreciate the strength conveyed, most stories about BBW women show them as being hyper-confident. That usually isn’t the case for us big girls, and I like how this heroine was portrayed accurately. She's accomplished so much, yet she's taken on others' perceptions of herself and sees herself as wanting. The hero, of course, loves her curves and finds her enticing, attractive, and exceedingly desirable. Even when she's self-conscious, he tries to convey how beautiful and desirable she is to him. Swoon!
As has happened in every book of this series, the heroine's life is in danger at one point. The hero moves heaven and earth to try to save her, and his actions and reactions, even after her rescue, are incredibly heartwarming. Gio is certainly an excellent book boyfriend in that regard!
In general, I loved their interactions. There were a few places I did not, like I thought she overreacted to him when she found out what he'd been hiding. I liked their initial intimate scenes, but the book does get kinkier than my preferred tastes in romance, including spanking (several scenes) and back door play. This scene for the latter was quite detailed and long; I didn't like it as I don't find that act remotely interesting or titillating. Frankly, if the book didn't have the spanking element—which did get rough at times—and the back door scene, this book would have been absolutely perfect for me.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Another enjoyable read by Ms. Lucy. Read it in 2 days.
Gio was on the previous books just like the other characters in the series and it's great to finally read his story. These books reminds me of a homage to classic romance 30 or 40 years ago without the arrogant and overbearing personality.
Here we have a very likable and mild mannered Italian head of the family and I enjoyed seeing more of the man behind the proper behavior. His motivations and actions when pushed too far or when meeting the right woman. Very improper at times but still the man we know from the other books.
My favorite is when Sophia told him to stop waving around like he's beeing attacked by bees.
Like the other books, there's a villain in the story and Gio must save his lady. So some drama there but just the right touch for me.
I'm grateful for the epilogue. Each book has one.
I do have an issue with this series. Like all the other books, the men are very much into having babies and families. At this point, it's inconceivable for any of these men to be with a woman who can't have babies. So boooo!
I really liked this entire series. Do yourself a favor and read all 5 books. The characters are strong and multidimensional. The men are gorgeous, successful, virile and focused. Nothing gets between them and their women. I liked the connecting stories of foyr university friends who bonded and were there for each in their later everyday lives.
This book is about yhe last billionaire bachelor, Gio. After a disastrous marriage, his ex is still making his life miserable with her lies, deceit and slander. When he meets Sophia and gets a chance to get to know her without his notoriety surrounding him not to mention his wealth, he jumps at the chance to spend time together. They roam through Italy with him acting as tour guide and giving her the vacation of a lifetime. Eventually his truth is revealed and Sophia flees. He follows and cofesses all, pleading for another chance. Tragedy strikes and they both almost lose their lives but they do survive to get their HEA
I was already half in love with the reserved Gio of the previous books. To see him out from behind that mask and taking on the leading role was a special treat. Gio is what the book boyfriend fantasy is made of: strong, confident, capable, and all he wants to do is look after his woman. Add filthy rich and sexy as hell and you've got an irresistible combination. Having a figure not unlike Sophia's, I find most of her actions and reactions completely realistic. It takes a special kind of confidence to tell society at large, and especially the media, to take their toothpick-sized standard of beauty and "shove it". It's a confidence that it took Gio's unwavering desire for her in order for Sophia to begin learning it. I loved watching this pair find their happily-ever-after. It was made even better by the cameo appearances of all of Gio's friends and their families. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Narrator did a great job. She had a nice tone to her voice, fit the characters well, and the audio was a quality recording.
Interesting story with a steamy sweet romance! This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone; there is some of the previous characters in this book, but each book is about a different couple. In this book, Gio and Sophia have an instant connection, but both have issues with their exes; that’s the main contention in this story. Plus, Gio originally acts like he’s someone else; a street performer instead of the mega rich business man, so that causes problems as well. There’s a bit of action and suspense that added some good excitement. Lots of passion between Gio and Sophia; a bit too focused on anal for my tastes, but they do have great chemistry. Both are likable characters; she can be a bit annoying with her low self-esteem and the way her thought process works, but I still liked both characters. Overall, a fun, entertaining read!
Gio runs a bank and is a benefactor for the lab that Sophia works for. When Gio sees her at a party, he is taken with her right away. Not being able to catch up with her, he finds out where she will be and goes to meet her. Sophia is waiting on a street performer named Gio and thinks that this Gio is the one she is waiting on. Going along with being the street performer, her gets Sophia to start spending time with him. The more time they spend together, the closer they become. Gio keeps stalling on telling Sophia the truth and it ends up backfiring on him.
Will Sophia be able to forgive Gio for the lies? Will Sophie ever be happy again? And to what lengths will Gio go to so he can have Sophia?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. The cover looks like a BDSM book, but it is not one. It is the story of Gio and Sophia. Gio is a rich, hot alpha male, who wants a wife and children. His ex-wife is trouble, and keeps dragging his name in the mud. AT a fundraiser he sees Sophia and is interested. Sophia is coming out of her own ba relationship when she meets Gio. Not knowing who he really is, she agrees to let him take her sightseeing, as she is on vacation. As the story unfolds we learn of their developing romance and passion. The characters are well developed. Narration is good.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Another fantastic twist to a modern-day fairy tale. I like that the characters in this book are in their thirties and have, for the most part, normal(ish) careers. I mean, she's still educated and he's still ungodly rich, but it isn't overdone. They're also responsible and not trying for a baby thirty seconds after making googly eyes at each other. If you haven't read any of the other books preceding this one, it's fine. However, there some spoilers given throughout this book, so keep that in mind if you want to start here and backtrack afterwards. I would highly recommend this book, author and series to romance readers.
Gio is your typical alpha male - hot, brooding and looking for the one. He hasn't had anything but bad luck, until now. Is that about to change for him? When he sees Sophia for the first time, he knew he has to make her his. Withholding who he really is, isn't the best way to go about things, but by the time he tries to tell her the truth, he is in too deep. Will Sophia be able to forgive him for this, and can both of them move beyond their pasts to find happiness together? Every woman deserves her Gio!
Oh I loved this book! Strong, intelligent heroine (and the author isn't just saying that, Sophia behaves intelligently too). Delicious, loving, honest hero. Actual adult conversation and no games. They even admit when they're wrong, without melodrama and over the top excuses! Beautiful relationship build-up. Pretty steamy sexy scenes. Just enough suspense and drama. I totally loved this book!
Damn. I thought each book would get better and better, but I'm kinda disappointed with this one. Unfortunately, Gio was a bit dull and pushover. And even when he got mad, he didn't actually do anything to the people who messed with him, and I hated that. And I usually love the female characters on this series, but this one was kinda dumb, despite the fact that she's a doctor with a PhD. Can't wait for Trick's book, though.
This is the fourth book in A Singular Obsession Series. Gio and Sophia's story is intriguing, filled with lies, secrets, jealousy, and twists and turns. Gio is handsome, and possessive. Sophie, a curvy woman, is beautiful, and smart. This is a good insta/lust/love romance. Avie Paige did a good job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to Trick's Trap, the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.