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Far From Perfect
A night of earthshattering lovemaking left Nick Lisitano wracked with remorse for taking advantage of Anna’s innocence. He knows Anna deserves deep, enduring love, which is not something he can offer her. He’s managed to keep his distance until now, but his father is ill, and he knows just what will bring his family together and give his father peace. A wedding. His wedding. To the lovely young Anna.
Four years ago, Anna Felgate gave her virginity to the man who held her heart—long-time family friend and legendary lover, Nick Lisitano. That one night branded her for life and ruined her for any other man, but Nick has been cold to her ever since. Until now that is, when he comes to her with a crazy plan…a proposal…of marriage.
Anna knows she shouldn’t agree to Nick’s plan, but how can she refuse the man who holds her heart.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Portia Da Costa
170 books514 followersI'm a Sunday Times, New York Times and USA Today bestselling British author of romance, erotic romance and romantic fiction. My novels have been published by a variety of different houses, both in the US and the UK, and translated into many languages including German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian and Japanese. I'm best known for my many novels for the pioneering British erotica publisher Black Lace and I writing books with contemporary, paranormal and occasionally futuristic settings. I'm now venturing into historical erotic romance too, with a new novel for Harlequin Spice set in London in the year 1890.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
I also write as Dorothy Starr and Megan Paul
I've been writing for publication since 1990, and have had over twenty novels published and around 100 short stories. I've contributed to many different short story anthologies and women’s magazines. I've also written a number Spice Briefs for Harlequin.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Passionate Ink RWA Chapter, the Romantic Novelists Association [UK] and the Society of Authors [UK].
I live in the heart of West Yorkshire, UK, with my husband and my cats. When I'm not writing I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, and online life in general. I was formerly a librarian and have also worked in local government.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 9, 2011
O.M.f'ing.G. I hated this book.
Even thought this book has a low rating on this site at the moment (2 something), I feel like I need to explain exactly what I disliked about this book.
You need to understand that Portia Da Costa is not a bad writer. At least I don't think so. She is British, I think, so that might explain for some of the awkward and wooden dialogue (Its my perception because I'm not used to the slightly different English, is what I mean). I was able to finish this book, and a lot of 1 stars never get finish because they're usually so bad that I cannot go on. But that wasn't the issue here, the structure was there so that I could get through.
What I didn't like first and foremost was all the Italian. I'm not Italian, I don't know what the phrases mean, and she did not easily point to a definition of the phrases. Either define or clearly state what the heck they just said, because I felt like I was being left out of something.
Other than that the story was elementary, and by that I mean that there was no subtlety in the plot, conflicts or characters. No finesse. It was just painful and boring to read.
Again, I don't think she is a bad writer, I just don't think this is a good story. I'd recommend leaving this book on the self and looking for something better.
Even thought this book has a low rating on this site at the moment (2 something), I feel like I need to explain exactly what I disliked about this book.
You need to understand that Portia Da Costa is not a bad writer. At least I don't think so. She is British, I think, so that might explain for some of the awkward and wooden dialogue (Its my perception because I'm not used to the slightly different English, is what I mean). I was able to finish this book, and a lot of 1 stars never get finish because they're usually so bad that I cannot go on. But that wasn't the issue here, the structure was there so that I could get through.
What I didn't like first and foremost was all the Italian. I'm not Italian, I don't know what the phrases mean, and she did not easily point to a definition of the phrases. Either define or clearly state what the heck they just said, because I felt like I was being left out of something.
Other than that the story was elementary, and by that I mean that there was no subtlety in the plot, conflicts or characters. No finesse. It was just painful and boring to read.
Again, I don't think she is a bad writer, I just don't think this is a good story. I'd recommend leaving this book on the self and looking for something better.
May 27, 2015
Ok, what this books teaches you... you can be deceived, hurt, humiliated and rejected over and over, because you basically are in constant heat and therefore can be subjected to anything as long as you get some... Oh and also having all your and your family's money problems fixed in the process makes everything worthwhile. It doesn't matter if there's absolutely no trust or respect, you are emotionally blackmailing me, but you make me orgasm at the briefest touch, so it's ok. Ugh!!
June 3, 2017
This is essentially a Harlequin series romance featuring a high-handed bad boy Italian hero, a marriage of convenience, and a lot of unnecessary agita. If that's your thing you'd probably enjoy this much more than I did.
September 12, 2017
Another good book by Portia Da Costa. Good chemistry between Nick and Anna.
March 3, 2011
I don't think I have it in me to finish this one.
Judging the book by its cover has landed me in hot water this time.
Usually books I pick up from Samhain provide an entertaining read, but the whole Nick and the unrequited love thing and the callous way in which he proposes an engagement of convenience with a woman who has been in his life from her childhood though he is twelve years older than her just didn't sit well with me.
I don't know how to describe it, but something failed to grab me with this story. Maybe I might try it out later to see whether I can finish this one off. But not right now.
Judging the book by its cover has landed me in hot water this time.
Usually books I pick up from Samhain provide an entertaining read, but the whole Nick and the unrequited love thing and the callous way in which he proposes an engagement of convenience with a woman who has been in his life from her childhood though he is twelve years older than her just didn't sit well with me.
I don't know how to describe it, but something failed to grab me with this story. Maybe I might try it out later to see whether I can finish this one off. But not right now.
March 16, 2011
Portia Da Costa's latest novel is a highly sensual romantic read. The author is best known for her erotica, but this story shows her talent with a different kind of romance. The story features a sophisticated couple who have history, family connections, and a rocky road ahead. The author's trademark humour and exceptional gift at creating erotic tension make this a delicious read.
January 30, 2015
This story line didn't quite come off. From the books of Portia's I've read so far this is least plausible. Don't get me wrong, it has Italian hunk and sweet heart faced girl. It has occasional erotic moments and a lot of angst that seems stilted somehow. Overplayed. .
Ends as expected...this would have been typical of a Mill's & Boon romance.
Best I can say is just 3 stars.
Ends as expected...this would have been typical of a Mill's & Boon romance.
Best I can say is just 3 stars.
February 1, 2014
Due to often favourable reviews I have given Portia da Costa's books a try (three times as in 3 titles!): This author is not for me though. I find her books ridiculous and unbelievable (leaving many questions marks & exclamation marks!).
January 1, 2012
3.5 stars would be more accurate.
More of a Mills and Boon type book.
Quite good and non taxing on the brain. Perfect Sunday afternoon read.
More of a Mills and Boon type book.
Quite good and non taxing on the brain. Perfect Sunday afternoon read.
July 4, 2012
Nice read,never read anything by this author before.The book reminded me of a Harlequin Presents novel which I enjoy reading.Only thing missing was the secret baby plot,lol.But,all in all,enjoyable.
April 8, 2015
Loved it!!!!:)
December 30, 2012
Even though I sort of enjoyed this book I couldn't give it a higher rating than a 2.5-3.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews