Giovanni Luciano is a personal trainer to the stars. Hailing from Manhattan, New York, he is used to a fast environment, fast cars, and fast women. The six foot five tall Italian stallion is a self-professed player and woman connoisseur. Driven, charismatic, and good at what he does, he is still lacking something in his life — a woman to call his own.
Vanessa King is a street savvy New Yorker with sass, ass, and class for days. After leaving a relationship that many of her peers coveted, she sets out for greener pastures all on her own. Pulling herself up by her stiletto-heeled-bootstraps, Vanessa works herself to the bone trying to make it as a professional makeup artist in the Big Apple, as well as launch her own cosmetics line. One fateful day, she runs into Giovanni, and what she believed to be a one-time encounter turns into an inferno of lust, feeding a need deep within her that had long been neglected and forgotten.
Giovanni soon discovers that the answer to his unsaid prayers may lie in a woman with a chip on her shoulder, a gorgeous body, and a heart of diamonds and pearls. They find in each other hidden treasures, goldmines that yolk them and tag their union as inseparable. But not everyone approves of their newly found treasures...
When the dreadful past comes rearing its ugly head, long buried secrets will be unveiled, ones that could make or break the happy couple. Will the two be able to hold steadfast to one another and weather the concrete jungle’s storm?
Tiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
I rather enjoyed this book because it was quirky, witty, irreverent and absolutely hilarious. The repartee between Vanessa (BW) and Giovanni (Gio) was worth the read, and had me in stitches. Vanessa has an ex who is older, but gives her things instead of appreciating her as a person. Prior to her calling it quits with him, and moving out of his mansion, they had not had sex in over a year. Vanessa felt she had wasted years waiting on this man to support and love her--but she wasn't feeling it. So she moved out and ended it. Vanessa wanted to grow her business as a successful make-up artist, and she had dreams of starting her own make-up line. Her ex scoffed at her dreams, and did nothing to support Vanessa. She wanted more out of life; she wanted someone who loved and respected her and who would support her dreams and goals. She seemed like a really classy lady.
Well, Gio, Gio, Gio! All I can say is he is a wealthy health and fitness guru and fitness trainer to the stars. He is also vain, arrogant, egotistical and a man whore. He seems to be a cross between an Italian stallion, and a black guy from the hood. Gio has a foul mouth with curse words thrown liberally into his conversations, especially the f-bomb. Conversely, when he has television appearances or when he is talking to his clients, his speech patterns become different and totally professional. No street in his speech at all.
When Gio asks Vanessa out, she shoots him down calling him "Guido." He told her that was like an Italian calling a black person a "moolie" or an eggplant. There is more politically incorrect and irreverence in this book, but after my initial negative response to similar non-PC stuff in the book, it was not offensive--once I became acquainted with each character's personality. Once Gio and Vanessa had sex, he felt a change in himself and became committed to Vanessa and ceased being a man whore (his reasons, although planted deep in his subconscious mind, are later explained). Gio found himself in love with Vanessa because she listened to him and accepted him for himself without trying to change him.
Vanessa could go toe to toe with Gio in their uproarious conversations. Vanessa fell in love with Gio because he was beautiful and not just physically. She thought he was "funny-bone-busting hilarious." She loved his honesty, sensuality and his warmhearted devotion and affection. To me they made an odd pair, but the relationship just seemed to work. Without Vanessa asking, Gio put her in touch with people who could help her gain recognition in her business, and he helped her launch her make-up line.
Last, the sex between Vanessa and Gio was considerable, frequent and explicit, sometimes a bit raunchy. The sex talk was way over the top, and would not be to everyone's liking.
There were those who tried to tear them down and apart, but they weathered these storms.
This book was different than what I am used to reading; nevertheless, I liked it--a lot. This book was rich with characterization which took it out of the realm of just ordinary BWWM (Italian). I would have given 5 stars but the sex talk was a bit raunchy, the "f" word was consistently used and some of the racist rhetoric could be off-putting to some. I've read several books in this series and plan to read all of them.
Giovanni Alessandro Luciano was the main man in charge. He avoided love at all cost for years, easily separating love from lust until he met Vanessa King. He was drawn to her and realized she just did not have a banging body, she was smart as a whip and did not let him get away with anything. At first he did not know how to handle her because she had just broken up with her Wall Street Analyst boyfriend Vincent Cooper. He knew he had to prove to Vanessa he was the real deal and he did. All it took was one date and one night together and they were both hooked, regardless of her being Black and his being Italian. She managed to switch the wires on his playboy heart. They knew they would have opposition to their being together but they were willing to fight to stay together. Gio even had to fight family. Even Vincent's attempt to separate them only drew them closer together. Unlike Vincent, Gio was highly supportive of Vanessa's dream for Nile Cosmetics and worked hard to make her dream come true.
Tiana wrote a very entertaining and imaginative story about a consummate playboy coming into the realization that that lifestyle was just not enough. Her way with words just had me chuckling with some of the stuff coming out of Gio's mouth. I just loved his filthy mouth. He had no filter, kind of reminded me a lot of Saint Aknatan. He did not understand how he managed to let Vanessa steal his mind, heart, body, and soul but she did. He wanted her in his life always and could not imagine living without his sassy mouthed, chinky eyed beautiful black China doll and she would not imagine living without her Italian Stallion Guido. Vanessa's spoken word during their wedding was just so on point. I just loved it.
I have read all of the zodiac books with the exception of the Taurus book, but I plan to eventually read that one as well. I won't spoil this so no details will I give. I loved this book. Gio was the sh(fill in the blanks). He was imperfectly perfect. I loved his story and wished it had been longer. He was simply, well written. Flawed but not. Human. Relatable. Real. I loved him as a literary character. Anywho, to anyone new to Ms. Laveen, you're in for a treat. She always delivers. I'm looking forward to the rest of the signs, especially Leo since I'm a Leo Lady born Aug 9. GO US!!!!. Lol. Anywho, I highly recommend this book. Also on a side note I hope Ms. Laveen writes about Dom. His character was so beautifully flawed. He was like a tragic piece of beautiful art. I hope he gets his own beautiful black queen. Someone who sees the dark and is not afraid of it. Who will love him, flaws and all and give him something he has always wanted. Dom, while a brief part of Giovanni's story, was larger than his few scenes. I hope he has a story coming and soon. Anywho, that's my review. I hope this review was helpful to somebody. I'm a Laveen fan so I'm also bias. I love almost everything I have read by her and purchase her books without hesitation. And so far, I have not been disappointed. Happy reading y'all. Now on to the next one.
Tiana Laveen has done it again! I love her writing style and the way she gives life to the story. As only she can, Tiana tells the story with sass, sex, and side aching humor. Making the reading experience delicious and fun! Giovanni Luciano with his unapologetic personality and white hot sexiness can’t run from love anymore when he meets the sexy Nubian Goddess. Vanessa King knows she deserves better and leaves the nowhere passionless relationship that’s holding her back. When she meets Giovanni, she sees right through him but can’t resist his overwhelming confidence, charm and sexual dominance. Together they find the love and support they so both deserve!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better...
Each book in this series has been phenomenal and this one is no exception. Gio and Vanessa are a match made in sexy, sarcastic heaven. Both are driven and neither is looking for love when they crash into each other’s lives. Both are gun-shy due to past hurts and are only looking for a good time when they decide to start keeping each other’s company. But nobody asked their hearts their opinions on the situation. And once Gio gives Vanessa his heart, no one else’s opinion matters. Family, friends, exes don’t matter. He’s getting what or, better yet, who he wants.
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Romantic Comedy
Gemini - Mr. Versatile: The 12 Signs of Love ( The Zodiac Lovers Series Book 6) is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars. Giovanni Luciano met Vanessa King on the street after her Uber was in an accident with a cab. Giovanni was attracted to her and he pursued her until he caught her. They had to overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
This book was GOOD! Giovanni and Vanessa together are hot. I liked that her fell hard for her and she him with no games. I liked the way he talked. My eyebrows rose, mouth fell open during a couple of scenes. Their first date, when he was arguing with his cousin, when he told her about his history with Brandy and when Dom paid Vincent a visit. I wish this story was longer, I wish Vanessa had spoken to Vincent one last time. I wish we could've seen them interact with their son. I just loved it and didn't want it to end.
I really enjoyed reading about both Vanessa and Gio. He is one of the best make leads that Ms Tiana had written about. Although he has hasn't surpassed Sean from " Worth Fighting For"; he was pretty close. I really glad that I purchased this book and looking forward to more great things from the rest of the series. Can't wait to see what she comes up with for Virgo.
I guess I could not get into this until it was my sign and a good story it is. This is my first time reading this series and I'm so glad I did. The story has everything including very hot stuff. Now I'll have to read a few more. I like this author's and man whomever she consulted about the traits and characteristics of the Gemini she was spot on I thought I was reading a male fictional stoi about me. Good job.
Totally enjoying this series. The themes of this author, the humor, the plot, the antagonist/protagonist, the feeling and pictures behind the words are real, intimate and honest. I'm always looking for the next great book from Tiana Laveen!! Keep them coming. True fan.
Loved Gio and Vanessa. So much attention to detail and building these complex characters. Chance meeting on the street and following instinct on connecting with your soulmate! These two people were what each of them needed. The trust and falling for each other was inevitable!
Loved Gio and wanted to smack him at the same time. Vince was the perfect protagonist. Loved how Vanessa loved Gio! All the books of this series are awesome reads.
How I love this series each one some how touch's you whether or not this is your sign or not if you decided to just read your own sign you will definitely miss out can't recommend enough!!
Giovanni and Vanessa's story is a true page turner. From the.minute they met their encounter was hot, sexy and hilarious. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Love this story.
Just when I think the series can’t get any better,it does!
I love me some Gio! His and Vanessa’s love story is one of my favorites. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I can’t believe how fast these books are being written.
2.5 because I really didn't need to know the song that played every time someone breathed. It was just over the top drama for me, and calling each other racial slurs like cute little nicknames wasn't exactly my idea of cute couple humor.
Gio & Vanessa were imperfect perfect for each other. Gio is cocky but he lovable and humble at the same time. Vanessa is a woman on a mission. I loved the twists and turns. Just like real life.
Love this series! Loved Gio and Vanessa! I was a little disappointed that she didn't make him work harder to get with her..really, the first night!!!! But, it turned out to be a good book. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!!
Direct and too the point.....you are and extraordinary writer. So far every book has been exceptional. Thank you forgiving me a mental diversion during these curious times...pandemics....dust clouds... Toxic racism.
Every woman needs a Gio in her life. This was one of the best love stories I’ve read in a long time. It’s filled with lots of love and laughs. Truly loved Gio and Nessa 💗💙
This is the best book out of all the others in the series by far. Omg I'm now in love a hunky Gemini. If you have try of the other book start with this one
Gio had me thinking hard. I loved the fact that he followed the best of his own drum. There were several parts that brought real tears to my eyes. Great read
After the Taurus book, the lightness of this story was needed. Though it had strong subject matter it was not the main focus, thus not as draining. Loved this book.