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Opera Dynasty Romance #2
Falling Down Under
Her upcoming wedding will help save her family from financial ruin. But opera's Aussie bad boy won't let the ring on her finger stop him. Will she choose her family or her heart? Opera star Giada Fioricielo is sick of hearing Jack Wellington's name before she even lands in Australia for The Magic Flute . She’s equally sick of her mother, who insists on being there to ensure Giada doesn't fall prey to the bad boy’s charms. Giada’s a grown woman and well aware that a scandal could cost her engagement to one of Italy's most eligible billionaires. If only Giada could shake this lingering doubt that she doesn't know what love is. Jack's used to getting the woman he wants, and he has his sights set on Giada. The ring on her finger only adds to the challenge. When his usual tactics fail, he's forced to face his inner demons to become a man worthy of her. To be such a man, Jack will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to put Giada’s happiness before his own. He’ll need to exit stage right. When the opera ends, Giada must decide between a marriage that will rescue her family or risk it all on a man who makes heart sing. Falling Down Under is the second book in the Opera Dynasty contemporary, clean and wholesome romance series. If you like a heroine who questions true love, a bad boy who seeks redemption, and a story that tugs at your heart, then you’ll love this novel by award-winning author Lisa Swinton. Pick up your copy of Falling Down Under today! Opera Dynasty Romance
Fallen Angel
Falling Down Under
Falling for the Diva
Fallen Angel
Falling Down Under
Falling for the Diva
- GenresContemporary
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2020
7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Swinton
27 books197 followersAward-winning author Lisa Swinton loves romance, travel, Disney, Jane Austen, and tidying up, not necessarily in that order. When she's not writing and being a mom, you might find her singing on stage.
You can visit her at:
http://www.lisaswinton.com
http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSw...
You can visit her at:
http://www.lisaswinton.com
http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSw...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 5, 2020
3.5, rounding up
Shall we take a trip down under? Australia, here we come. A land I'd love to visit one day, but for now books will have to take me there.
Wow, this book was kind of like a soap opera. It had lots of drama and vibrant characters. Jack the playboy, who uses women and throws them aside. He's a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy in need of a personality overhaul. He decides after meeting Giada that he's after a better life and redemption. Giada is under the thumb of her overbearing, controlling, manipulative, mean and arrogant mother. She doesn't have much say in her life and she is almost 30! What?! I know. It's nuts. Then add in extended family with their own drama and yup, it feels a bit like a daytime soap. The mother, though. She is a nightmare. She's the character you will love to hate.
In the beginning of the book, I really doubted that Jack could transform enough to make me like him. I did end up liking him (not loving), even though I wouldn't have trusted him like Giada did. It would have taken longer for me. Jack did take many admirable steps and made restitution where he could. He faced his demons with help and it felt redeeming to me.
I feel like I have to give Giada's fiance some props though. I actually liked him better than most of the characters in this book, even with his limited page time. Even better than Jack. 😳 That might be bad to say. I felt like he deserved better from Giada in the end.
Overall, this was a very diverting read. I was definitely interested in what was happening and how things would all play out.
This is book two in the series but can easily stand alone.
Content: some innuendo, kissing.
This book is on Kindle Unlimited which is where I read it.
Shall we take a trip down under? Australia, here we come. A land I'd love to visit one day, but for now books will have to take me there.
Wow, this book was kind of like a soap opera. It had lots of drama and vibrant characters. Jack the playboy, who uses women and throws them aside. He's a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy in need of a personality overhaul. He decides after meeting Giada that he's after a better life and redemption. Giada is under the thumb of her overbearing, controlling, manipulative, mean and arrogant mother. She doesn't have much say in her life and she is almost 30! What?! I know. It's nuts. Then add in extended family with their own drama and yup, it feels a bit like a daytime soap. The mother, though. She is a nightmare. She's the character you will love to hate.
In the beginning of the book, I really doubted that Jack could transform enough to make me like him. I did end up liking him (not loving), even though I wouldn't have trusted him like Giada did. It would have taken longer for me. Jack did take many admirable steps and made restitution where he could. He faced his demons with help and it felt redeeming to me.
I feel like I have to give Giada's fiance some props though. I actually liked him better than most of the characters in this book, even with his limited page time. Even better than Jack. 😳 That might be bad to say. I felt like he deserved better from Giada in the end.
Overall, this was a very diverting read. I was definitely interested in what was happening and how things would all play out.
This is book two in the series but can easily stand alone.
Content: some innuendo, kissing.
This book is on Kindle Unlimited which is where I read it.
February 4, 2021
The characters come off the page with surprising realism in this creative, refreshing tale.
Read full review in the 2021 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 7, 2020
3.5*-4*
It was fun to read this and be transported back to this dynamic opera family that I was introduced to in Fallen Angel. It was really fun to see how the author wove the timeline of this book together with the first book. If you haven't read Fallen Angel, no worries, you can read both of them as stand alones. I think some things having to do with the sisters later on in this book will make a little more sense to you if you've read the first book. But the author has written it in a way to not make you feel like you're missing out. If that makes any sense.
I wanted to love this book more than I did. But I struggled connecting to the characters for the first part of the book. Granted life while I was reading it was such that my brain was really struggling to focus completely. I liked Giada and felt for her. She needed space from her overbearing mother. And that mother is one of the characters that I did not connect with at all. But I have a sneaking suspicion that most readers will feel that way. She's definitely a piece of work. There were several times that I just wanted to reach through my book and give her a piece of my mind. Then tell Giada to just live! I know that might not make complete sense until you read the book. But it's exactly what I was thinking pretty much anytime her momma made an appearance.
Jack wasn't a character that I cared too much for in the beginning. But I will say that I appreciated him in realizing that it was time for him to change and to seek help. His past has held him captive and when he finally decided to stop running from it, he embraced his need for help. I really liked watching he and Giada's friendship develop. As the book went on I liked his character more and more and had respect for him in some of his decisions. I liked watching the relationship between he and his siblings and parents, especially his sister. I'd love to read her story.
Giada had some pretty big decisions to make. I liked her trying to figure out her life and really truly decide what she wanted. Not what her mom wanted. Or other people who were pressuring her in her life. I couldn't imagine living a life where everything was planned and dictated for you. I was glad she finally took control in little steps and started living.
Giada has a fiance and a wedding that was looming. The pressure related to those and from her mother was really a catalyst for her finally living. Marco, her fiance, was awesome. I really liked him. I liked him better than Jack. Giada has to decide what her feelings are and who she truly loves. Marco was so loving and kind to her. Someone she could spend her life with. I was torn while reading and didn't know which of the two she would choose. In my mind I thought for sure that it could be a completely different outcome than the reader would have predicted. You'll have to read to find out. I was hopeful and surprised!
Now to wait for the next books and see what Giada's siblings decide to do with their lives. I enjoyed all the musical aspects of the book. That was a fun addition to the story. I found myself wishing that I could watch and hear the opera and the actors/actresses. My mind had fun envisioning it all!
Content: Clean. There is nothing more than kisses. Jack is a bit of a player so there are some mild innuendos throughout but nothing graphic. Jack has some childhood abandonment issues and goes to therapy to work through those struggles.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
It was fun to read this and be transported back to this dynamic opera family that I was introduced to in Fallen Angel. It was really fun to see how the author wove the timeline of this book together with the first book. If you haven't read Fallen Angel, no worries, you can read both of them as stand alones. I think some things having to do with the sisters later on in this book will make a little more sense to you if you've read the first book. But the author has written it in a way to not make you feel like you're missing out. If that makes any sense.
I wanted to love this book more than I did. But I struggled connecting to the characters for the first part of the book. Granted life while I was reading it was such that my brain was really struggling to focus completely. I liked Giada and felt for her. She needed space from her overbearing mother. And that mother is one of the characters that I did not connect with at all. But I have a sneaking suspicion that most readers will feel that way. She's definitely a piece of work. There were several times that I just wanted to reach through my book and give her a piece of my mind. Then tell Giada to just live! I know that might not make complete sense until you read the book. But it's exactly what I was thinking pretty much anytime her momma made an appearance.
Jack wasn't a character that I cared too much for in the beginning. But I will say that I appreciated him in realizing that it was time for him to change and to seek help. His past has held him captive and when he finally decided to stop running from it, he embraced his need for help. I really liked watching he and Giada's friendship develop. As the book went on I liked his character more and more and had respect for him in some of his decisions. I liked watching the relationship between he and his siblings and parents, especially his sister. I'd love to read her story.
Giada had some pretty big decisions to make. I liked her trying to figure out her life and really truly decide what she wanted. Not what her mom wanted. Or other people who were pressuring her in her life. I couldn't imagine living a life where everything was planned and dictated for you. I was glad she finally took control in little steps and started living.
Giada has a fiance and a wedding that was looming. The pressure related to those and from her mother was really a catalyst for her finally living. Marco, her fiance, was awesome. I really liked him. I liked him better than Jack. Giada has to decide what her feelings are and who she truly loves. Marco was so loving and kind to her. Someone she could spend her life with. I was torn while reading and didn't know which of the two she would choose. In my mind I thought for sure that it could be a completely different outcome than the reader would have predicted. You'll have to read to find out. I was hopeful and surprised!
Now to wait for the next books and see what Giada's siblings decide to do with their lives. I enjoyed all the musical aspects of the book. That was a fun addition to the story. I found myself wishing that I could watch and hear the opera and the actors/actresses. My mind had fun envisioning it all!
Content: Clean. There is nothing more than kisses. Jack is a bit of a player so there are some mild innuendos throughout but nothing graphic. Jack has some childhood abandonment issues and goes to therapy to work through those struggles.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 13, 2020
I was excited to read this as Giada is one of the sister's in Fallen Angel, which I read a couple of years ago. You don't have to read Fallen Angel first as they take place at the same time. Giada Fioricelo is part of a family of opera singers--all managed by their overbearing and perfectionist mother, Francesca. Giada's in Australia to star in The Magic Flute, and has been warned numerous times by her mother to avoid the male lead, Jack Wellington, a strickly love-them-and-leave-them type of guy, at all costs. He's the reason her domineering mother is with her in Australia even though Giada's engaged and will be married shortly after her return home. There can be no reason for her fiancé Marco to call off the wedding.
Jack maybe a fast rising opera star but he's a dud as a person when the story starts. We do find out his background and why he avoids relationships by loving and leaving any woman that catches his eye. Thankfully one of his sisters doesn't mince words with him, and we have her to thank for getting him to start therapy for his problem. Jack makes considerable progress during the course of the storyline, and although he started to make amends to the women he'd hurt, I seriously doubt I'd have trusted him as quickly as Giada did, but I did enjoy watching him on his journey to becoming a better person.
Giada is a grown women who's never been allowed to make decisions for herself and thanks to Jack, she doesn't know how she truly feels about Marco, the man she's going to marry in a couple of months.
Giada's mother is a piece of work, controlling everything about her daughter's lives (it seems she's less of a control freak with her son)--how they sing, their exercise and diet, their daily routine, where they go, and ultimately who they'll marry. Her husband doesn't interfere with her decisions very often, although these are grown women mind you. With that in mind I found the ending very fitting and it made me extremely happy. I have to admit I wasn't sure how this story would end--I didn't know which man Giada was going to choose--so kudos to Lisa Swinton for making me believe she really could've chosen either man.
This is a clean romance. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Jack maybe a fast rising opera star but he's a dud as a person when the story starts. We do find out his background and why he avoids relationships by loving and leaving any woman that catches his eye. Thankfully one of his sisters doesn't mince words with him, and we have her to thank for getting him to start therapy for his problem. Jack makes considerable progress during the course of the storyline, and although he started to make amends to the women he'd hurt, I seriously doubt I'd have trusted him as quickly as Giada did, but I did enjoy watching him on his journey to becoming a better person.
Giada is a grown women who's never been allowed to make decisions for herself and thanks to Jack, she doesn't know how she truly feels about Marco, the man she's going to marry in a couple of months.
Giada's mother is a piece of work, controlling everything about her daughter's lives (it seems she's less of a control freak with her son)--how they sing, their exercise and diet, their daily routine, where they go, and ultimately who they'll marry. Her husband doesn't interfere with her decisions very often, although these are grown women mind you. With that in mind I found the ending very fitting and it made me extremely happy. I have to admit I wasn't sure how this story would end--I didn't know which man Giada was going to choose--so kudos to Lisa Swinton for making me believe she really could've chosen either man.
This is a clean romance. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
September 3, 2020
Falling Down Under kept me mesmerized from page one. The characters are so vividly portrayed. I think I could recognize them anywhere. Mo twenty-eight year old woman should have to put up a mother like Giada's. I liked Marco but I loved Jack - especially as he tries to turn his life around. Will Giada dare stand up to her mother? Can such a sheltered woman figure out what love is? You will have to read this fascinating, clean, heartwarming romance to find out. I could not put it down and hate that it has ended!
September 4, 2020
What can I say but wow! I absolutely loved this story. I loved the characters and the storyline was so different from anything I've read lately. This is a heartwarming story where the romance is sweet and clean.
September 25, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read
Giada and Jack's story was an interesting read. Domineering and controlling parents, mainly her mother, and Jack's bad boy image and lifestyle that has him swirling out of control. The opera setting in Australia, plus the Italian setting, made for a sophisticated, fun, and interesting background, and back story while they are figuring out their relationship. I loved Jack's introspective moments, and how he learned his heart and his head, and returned to his family values. They had some beautiful moments with each other as they danced around each other at first, then finally found each other's hearts and found their heart homes. Lovely story, a bit dramatic with Giada's fiance in the background, but still a lovely read and well worth the read. I loved seeing Jack's redemption and reformation, and Giada's lovely character made it so worth the read. Their moments together were well done. Lovely heartfelt, introspective, and with well-drawn main characters, you could 'feel' their emotions and thoughts. I think, one of the better things LS has written.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Giada and Jack's story was an interesting read. Domineering and controlling parents, mainly her mother, and Jack's bad boy image and lifestyle that has him swirling out of control. The opera setting in Australia, plus the Italian setting, made for a sophisticated, fun, and interesting background, and back story while they are figuring out their relationship. I loved Jack's introspective moments, and how he learned his heart and his head, and returned to his family values. They had some beautiful moments with each other as they danced around each other at first, then finally found each other's hearts and found their heart homes. Lovely story, a bit dramatic with Giada's fiance in the background, but still a lovely read and well worth the read. I loved seeing Jack's redemption and reformation, and Giada's lovely character made it so worth the read. Their moments together were well done. Lovely heartfelt, introspective, and with well-drawn main characters, you could 'feel' their emotions and thoughts. I think, one of the better things LS has written.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
3 1/2 stars
I wanted to like this book. I like and love Lisa Swinton’s other books, but I had trouble with our reformed playboy. It’s hard to take a man who sleeps with at least one new cast member each show seriously as a love interest.
Giada is sheltered and controlled by her mother (which was also hard to stomach). Her mother plans every hour of her day as her opera manager. She even planned Giada’s marriage to a influential man. She goes on tour with her to Australia to make sure Giada tows the line and does not fall for the infamous player, Jack Wellington. Giada is 28! No one needs a babysitter at that age!
I wanted Giada to be a stronger person with her mother and with her fiancé.
I did like the character growth, and seeing Jack face his demons and his family. I also liked seeing the relationship between Giada and her sisters. But mostly, I wanted to help Giada stage a coup.
Content: clean (mild innuendo, making out, no language or violence)
I wanted to like this book. I like and love Lisa Swinton’s other books, but I had trouble with our reformed playboy. It’s hard to take a man who sleeps with at least one new cast member each show seriously as a love interest.
Giada is sheltered and controlled by her mother (which was also hard to stomach). Her mother plans every hour of her day as her opera manager. She even planned Giada’s marriage to a influential man. She goes on tour with her to Australia to make sure Giada tows the line and does not fall for the infamous player, Jack Wellington. Giada is 28! No one needs a babysitter at that age!
I wanted Giada to be a stronger person with her mother and with her fiancé.
I did like the character growth, and seeing Jack face his demons and his family. I also liked seeing the relationship between Giada and her sisters. But mostly, I wanted to help Giada stage a coup.
Content: clean (mild innuendo, making out, no language or violence)
June 2, 2023
Loved this book! (Part of that may be due to my love of the Sydney Opera House and opera itself.) Great story about Giada and Jack. These characters and their struggles really engaged me. The "antagonist" was well-written and complex, one we love to hate, but upon closer inspection, hate that we love her--or at least ache for her.
I will be purchasing more of Swinton's romances, so I definitely recommend this book to fans of sweet romance.
I will be purchasing more of Swinton's romances, so I definitely recommend this book to fans of sweet romance.
September 9, 2020
Perfect sweet read.
Finally the next book in the series after Fallen Angel! I loved the first novel and am happy to see more of this world and family. The characters are adorable. Sometimes too sweet. My favorite parts were actually all the wedding details and mess. Loved the conflict between daughter and mother. And I loved how the sisters came into the story in the end.
Finally the next book in the series after Fallen Angel! I loved the first novel and am happy to see more of this world and family. The characters are adorable. Sometimes too sweet. My favorite parts were actually all the wedding details and mess. Loved the conflict between daughter and mother. And I loved how the sisters came into the story in the end.
September 25, 2020
A good clean romance about Jack and Giada. She has to learn to stand up to her mother and he has to change his playboy ways. I still feel it was emotional cheating on Giada's part and felt sorry for her fiancé Marco.
I enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
I enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
July 16, 2021
The long awaited sequel to an dynamic and disfunctional Italian family. Giada's story unfolds as expected, but what stands out is Jacks transformation into the man truly worthy of her.
December 19, 2020
Giada is caught between her family’s expectations, (can we say domineering, manipulative Mommy), and her heart’s desires. Giada has always followed the plans set out for her in the past, but now her heart, her inner self is protesting. Marriage to wealthy Marco will save her family financially, but Jack, who has changed his life, his outlook for her, has captured Giada’s heart. Before Giada, Jack was a playboy extraordinaire, but his heart and soul told him she was his “one”. He sets out on a path of redemption in order to be worthy of Giada’s love. Marco is a good guy, but he doesn’t have a claim on Giada’s heart. Is Giada strong enough to defy her Manipulative Mommy in order to claim a happily ever after with Jack?
I loved the vivid, fascinating characters, (yes even Manipulative Mommy who I loved to hate), and the story was very well written. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance. It sparked a variety of reactions and emotions, like every good book should. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the vivid, fascinating characters, (yes even Manipulative Mommy who I loved to hate), and the story was very well written. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance. It sparked a variety of reactions and emotions, like every good book should. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews