The Italian Happy Ever After

Off-Limits Italians #2

by N.J. Adel

It started with a thong.

A laundry mix-up sends Manhattan's answer to Magic Mike and his sequined, studded thongs to my office.
Fabio Zappa or "Fab" as he conceitedly likes to be called is a male **ahem** stripper/escort and is indeed fabulous.
Too fabulous to be offering me, a penniless widow that's double his age, a free night with the "full package."
Why would he offer to be the fake fiancé I desperately need to keep away my obnoxious rival that has always wanted to steal my company--and me on the side--after my husband died?
Unless Fab is sent by said rival to spy on the secret deal that will save the company from him...

I accept the "generous" offer to discover the truth. But when I do, I find out nothing is what it seems.
And what starts as fake could turn out to be the most real thing I could ask for.

The Italian Happy Ever After is a forbidden age gap, fake fiancé, office rom com, widow/single dad that will make you laugh, cry and melt your panties.
Get it now. Because you have to.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Another psycho hiding in plain sight, pretending to be normal. Half Egyptian. Loather of cats. Allergic to fake sh*t. Lover of everything dark and spicy.

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Reviews

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How did you two love birds meet?” Nora asked.

“It started with a thong,” he blurted out.


Specifically hero’s thongs (snickers)!
I absolutely loved the hero in this book. He was adorably cocky, flirty, full of himself and too handsome. Initially I had my doubts about reading this book as hero is an escort but I’m glad I gave it a chance. It also didn’t hurt that hero was completely focused on heroine from the beginning itself. And he is the main pursuer. The scenes with his dogs were too good. My heart just melted there.
Heroine was sweet, reserved and strong with maturity.
Still I didn’t like the way she treated hero towards the end but like a total sweetheart hero understood her so he forgave her.
And the way they both handled the villain was hilarious.
This was an emotional book with various colourful characters and big age gap. Hero is 26 and heroine 44. I also got more insight on strippers life.
Kinda safe. Dm if you want to know more.
Recommended.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabrielle (Gabi) has been holding on to the publishing company she and her later husband Jack were running before he passed away and she knows it’s only a matter of time she will have to make the difficult decision she wished she didn’t. On one of the most aggravating days her life changes with the simple line of “I think you have my thongs.” From this moment I realized it was going to be an exciting ride.

Being an escort has helped Fabio to be able to support his family and it piqued Gabi’s curiosity. As they both embark on this trip the age difference made it more refreshing in my opinion, Gabi being 44 and Fabio 26. From the first meeting Fabio knew Gabbi was going to be a tough cookie to crack, and he knew he was going to need to step up his charm. Seeing their trust and relationship grow had me rooting for them to get their HEA….Oh and that one sweet part where Gabi shows Fletcher not to mess with her had me whoop whooping!! Now there were some areas that I felt were a little rushed and maybe needed a little more detail, but it still made a refreshing and enjoyable read. Kara~ 4.5 Stars

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful age gap romance. The author gave us a storyline full of smiles, humor and heat. But don’t get me wrong it’s not sunshine and roses. However no love story is perfect and usually the best ones have to go through a bit of sadness along the way. This is very true in The Italian. However for this reader the laughs kept me flipping the pages. Afterall you have to admit meeting over a lost g-string in the laundry doesn’t happen every day and certainly not to Gabrielle, a 44 year old divorcee with loads of problems. But once Fabio, the 26 year old owner of the g-string meets Gabrielle, he wants more than just his g-string back and watching him “operate” was a hoot.

2 Thumbs Up and 4 stars for a fun read I highly recommend grabbing up.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will grab you and keep you turning pages till you reach the end. You will be unable to put it down until the very last page is read. It moves along at a great speed, making for an enjoyable read. the characters will grab you and you cant help but fall in love with them and the story has to be read. This is a must read book that needs to be on your TBR list, you will not be sorry that you did.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile]

Spoilers ahead

Note to self
The cover
Escort H
H 26/h 44

[Crystal Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. N.J. always writes something you can't put down and this one is no different. The chemistry these characters have is hot. Great job on another book.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ❤️ is Ageless... Amazing Fabio and Gabrielle's Story

I had just finished reading another Age Gap story of N.J. Adel, and so I just jumped right in and read this The Italian Happy Ever After. This one caught my attention from beginning to end 🔚. I loved Fabio Zappa's character and how she developed their characters. Her stepping in as the Publisher of Brighton House her husband, now deceased, company. Then there's Fabio young man who had to take on so much responsibility at an early age. He was a teenage father and his baby's mother had become addicted so she was dead and his father was no longer alive as I he had to help take care of his family being the only man ♂️ left in the household. His mother and two sisters and his baby girl, Carmen were all depending on him. Because Fabio didn't finish school he used what he had to make money, his beautiful body and face, he became a stripper. So we have Fabio and Gabrielle meeting because of their mix-up in clothes from the drycleaners. This story takes off from there. I really loved this story it made me mad, sad and it made me laugh 😂. I have to read another of N.J. Adel's 📚📖. This was a Good Read.👍

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Fabio Zappa and Gabrielle Brighton’s fun romantic story. Fabio is 26 and a truly nice guy working as a stripper/escort to take care of his family. Gabi is 44, a widow, and trying desperately to hold on to her small publishing house business, Brighton Press, while her rival, the obnoxious Michael Fletcher, tries to steal it from her. He not only wants her business, but he wants her, as he feels her deceased husband stole her from him and she should have been his from the start! All she feels for him is disgust.

After kicking the disgusting Fletcher out of her office, she is stunned to see on the couch a handsome guy in black sweats, gray tank, and a baseball cap. He was gorgeous! Asking how she could help him, she was not expecting to hear, “I think you have my thongs.”

An unbelievable laundry mix-up (studded black thong?), brings Fab and Gabi together, and their unexpected chemistry makes Fab reach out to help her, especially since he’s a perfect fit for the “fake” relationship she needs to push her rival away. Michael Fletcher had intended to be her date at the ceremony that evening, but bringing the sexy young Fabio would undoubtedly throw a bucket of cold water on Fletcher’s libido. However, not entirely sure she can trust Fabio, figuring he may even be a spy for her enemy, she agrees to his offer if only to discover the truth for herself. This fake relationship may turn out to be exactly what she needs in her life! Can Fabio convince her that he is seriously interested?

This was so cute and had me laughing for most of the reading! These two characters are perfect together! Fabio can bring joy and happiness back to Gabi who hasn’t had much reason lately to even smile. He’s a breath of fresh air! And she deserves happiness. Will they find it together? Grab your copy and enjoy their wonderful story.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and absolutely devoured it in one day. This is a standalone story within the series.

Did the characters frustrate me and have me cursing them throughout the book? Absolutely! I could have happily slapped Gabi several times to knock some sense into her. I have gone through a whole range of emotions reading Fabio and Gabi's story - and that is exactly what I loved about their story. It wasn't all flowers and chocolates, it felt real and heart wrenching at times.

Gabi has given up on love after losing her husband in a car accident and is working hard to save the publishing house they use to run together. Fabio is a stripper and escort, earning his money from his body as his past stopped him from pursuing another path.
I must admit, Fabio felt a little cringe worthy at first, he was just so full on and full of sexual innuendos, but he very soon grew on me, if he hadn't been so persistent with Gabi she could have easily driven him away several times - and any normal man would have given up on her. Gabi needed a change in her life, a bit of a kick start and Fab was just the guy.

I loved how their story wraps up, and I seriously did not see that twist coming, at all. If you get a chance to read the epilogue don't miss it, it's he perfect ending to their story.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive page turner!!

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I totally enjoyed reading this book. I know this is the 4th book in this series but I didn’t feel like I had missed anything by not having read the other books. Definitely going to picking them up thow. This is a well written story with a great engaging storyline which is sweet, humorous, entertaining, with a tad angst, witty and flirty banter, which all leads to a steamy and addictive page turner. Looking forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Happy reading everyone!!

[Bonny Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Tragic, Funny, Steamy, HEA...LOVED IT!

First, I have to say, this book needed some editing. There were at least 10-15 errors that I caught. If I catch one or two, I don't mention it, but this many and I have concern about the author's editing processes. There were typos, misused or improper words (e.g., raptured (is that even a word?) instead of ruptured, subtly instead of subtle), words out of place or missing (an"of" where it shouldn't be or missing where it should, using "for" instead of "to"), and akward phrasing of a couple of sentences that initially confused and had to be re-read; for example, this gem...
"I wanted to open up to this gorgeous stranger, the first man I’d allowed in my apartment, the first kiss—two mind-blowing kisses so arousing I was still wet even now—I had after I’d become a widow."
Did that initially confuse you too? A few simple changes would have made it clearer. Inspite of all that, I LOVED THIS STORY!

This is a reverse age-gap romance. While I love age-gap when the man is the older one, even by 20 yrs, as long as both are legal age), I don't usually go for the reverse (female older, in this case 18 yrs). Yes, I know, it's very sexist of me, and I'm a woman, so ... not very feminist either. Sue me ... I just don't get it. Five years, maybe even ten, is okay - I even have a couple of friends who are 9 yrs older than their husbands, it works for them. Maybe it's just because I've always gone for older men...my hubby has 5 yrs on me or maybe it just seems weird to be with a man who could be your son. In spite of those feelings, I still loved this story!

I loved both characters. The young Italian stallion and the refined older woman. Both have some tragedies and regrets in their life. He's confident, cocky and is use to using his looks, but he has a vulnerable side. She's classy, intelligent, hardworking, but shut off since she lost her husband and son. She's not really living, just existing. He's just the unconventional jolt she needs to start living again. But the task will not be easy and not without its antagonists to cause trouble.

This is young stripper/escort meets older indie publisher. He's a smart drop-out doing what ever it takes to help support his Mom, two sisters and 8 yr old daughter in Chicago (he lives in N.Y.) while saving for the daughter's education and helping one sister through nursing school. She's trying to keep her deceased husband's indie publishing company alive and blames herself for the accident that killed her husband and son. (Survivor guilt.)

This story has everything ... Tragedy, Humor, Steam, Some Angst, a Hateful Villain, Surprise Twist, Dom Thongs, Sparkles, Dancing, Beautiful Italian Poetry and an HEA! Oh, and can't forget the cute little Toy Yorkie ... That dog steals the show. The conversations with the Yorkie (and the dogs responses) are hilarious. But those aren't the only humorous parts. Just wait till she gets drunk ... "I want to screw Vivian!" ...you'll get the Pretty Woman reference when you read the story.

I thorougly enjoyed everything about this story, the plot line (unique), the age gap thing and how it was handle, the unlikely pairing and how the author made it all work, the Yorkie, the H's family and the perfectly hateful Villain. In spite of the poor editing, this is worth the read just for the Yorkie and the Italian poetry alone, but I promise, you'll enjoy all of it! 4.5 stars because of the editing issues, but I'm doing something I NEVER do ... rounding UP to 5 stars ... I enjoyed it that much!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS for The Italian Happily Ever After ( Italian’s Book 4 )

ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way !!

Ms Adel has hit a home run and grand slam combined in this game winner ROM COM !! So much to love about The Italian HEA:

Gorgeous cover - model , oh there’s Tiara , engagement rings - what do those horse tattoos represent - inquiring minds want to know?! Even if I didn’t read the book blurb I would be interested in one clicking ...

Age gap - think Pretty Women in reverse ... ( so refreshing to see this point of view ) - aprx 18 yrs with older heroine
Fake Fiancé
Office Romance
LOL rom com with some seriously funny dialog / scenes ( Barbie’s theme song anyone ? )
Amazing characters in Fabio ( Fab ) Zappa and Gabrielle / Gabriella , Gabi , aka Lady Brighton the scorching hot editor in her framed librarian glasses
Widow / single Dad
Relatable life issues this couple deals with ...
Amazing chemistry
HEA
Standalone

Everything about this book is in a word “PERFECTION “ but the deeper message at least for me is life can throw lots of problems your way and you still need to strive for your HEA be that in a relationship , career or personal growth.

I highly recommend this book it’s so good I read in less than 24 hours - -devoured it is a word that comes to mind !

Also recommend reading all the books in The Italians series each is a standalone with amazing characters !!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Fabio and Gabi’s story is written in first person from a dual POV.
Gabi (44) is buried in grief and guilt 3 years after becoming a widow. All her energy is spent trying to save her small publishing house. Fabio (26) is working as a male stripper and escort to provide a life for his family. When a laundry mix-up brings them together, there is humor, a lot of heat, and some angst on the way to their HEA.
Fabio is very mature for 26 and has been through a lot. I love the immediate feelings he has for Gabi. She is a challenge, but she is also more. He finds creative ways to break down her walls and I really appreciated his feelings and emotions that are so clearly illustrated. Gabi is a tough nut, but she is mostly likable. She is sometimes very mean to Fab, though her reactions are also understandable. They share excellent chemistry, and I liked the story. I appreciated that there was no cheating, and I liked how the author accomplished that. There were a few places where I would have liked more detail, especially at the end of the book. The wrap up felt a little rushed to me. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know what to expect with The Italians series. I've read sappy to dark from these characters Adel has created and I'm satisfied with each story in a different way. This fourth book in the series is a good one for those who enjoy age gap romances. It brings together two people who are so drastically different yet have so much in common at the same time. There is more to see than what first meets the eye. Once you get to know Gabriella and Fabio you realize there is a lot more depth to them, formed from heartache and a life that wasn't full of completely perfect moments. These two are survivors in their own way, just doing what needs to be done to get by day by day. 

This book has a bit of everything in it. It's lighter than some others in this series and full of witty humor that is sure to make you smile and laugh while reading. Seeing these characters bring out the best in each other was amazing to see. Sometimes a random act of fake romance is just the kick start someone needs to be open to the idea of change and allow themselves to be happy, to see beyond the glitter to the true foundation of the person and love them for all that they are and all the happiness they bring.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Happy Ever After is a lighter read than other books in this series or at least i thought so. It was refreshing on a few fronts too. One being that Gabrielle (FMC) is a mature woman (shes 44) and Fabio is 26. Ive only read a handful of books with an age gap romance where the woman was older with a younger man and i loved that. Its great to read a book where the FMC is in my age bracket and not a teen or a twenty something. Not that theres anything wrong with that. The other was Fabio and his lighthearted attitude. His flirty way of breaking down gabrielle's defences and stepping up to help her just made my heart melt. He was a sweet, genuinely lovely guy and the fact that he was a stripper/escort made him more fun. This book isnt all sweetness and light though. Which with sad to read in parts and with the inclusion of a pushy friend of her dead husbands brought in a little bit of frustration for me (i just wanted to slap the idiot). It was a pretty great read. Loads of laughs, plenty of sexual tension and the perfect HEA ending. Loved It!!!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabio, Fabio...where for art my Fabulous Fabio!!!

The Italian Happy Ever After is the fourth book in The Italians series and is a fun, funny and entertaining story. Gabi Brighton is a forty-four years old widow who is barely holding her small publishing company together. She also has a competitor biting at her butt in the form of Micheal Fletcher. To say he is a disgusting creature is an understatement as he thinks he can not only take Brighton Publishing but also her. Fabio Zappa is twenty-six years old and works as a male stripper and escort in order to support himself and his family. One laundry mix-up causes all sorts of fun between Gabi and Fabio who have an instant attraction and also connection.

I really loved this sweet, charming, funny, engaging and well written story. The characters are so delicious to read that you just get lost in them along the way, well all except for the vile Michael. This is a great addition to this series and I hope it is not the last.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many ways, this read was almost the opposite of the first of the series (I haven't read the other two, yet).

After tracking his laundry to Brighton's Publishing, Fabio Zappa is at once intrigued and confused that the woman who clearly should be picking up what he's dropping... just isn't! She keeps blocking him at every turn, so he should just go back to his job and forget about her.

Crushed under the weight of her past and present, Gabrielle is not planning to enjoy the rest of her life. She's aware of Fabio's interest, but knows that he can do much better than her. Yet, as she continually seems to always bring him back into her life, she realises that she may be finally doing as she was told - living.

Gabi & Fab's story has its serious moments, but it definitely had a lot more light and laughter in it. And with the added bit of drama, it was the perfect read to get lost in. I recommend it.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this read.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this great series and is Fabio and Gabi’s story. Fabio is 26 and is a sweet and fun guy, who works as a stripper and escort to provide for his family. Gabi is 44 and has been a widow for the past 3-years and is broke while trying to run a business which a rival is trying to take away from her. When these two meets it is due to a laundry mix-up, and Fabio is determined to break down the walls Gabi has around her heart. This is a well written story which is sweet, humorous, entertaining, with a tad angst, witty and flirty banter, which all leads to a steamy and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[One Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the opening cause start away you know this is going to be a funny romance 🤣

Gabrielle and Fabio is a age gap romance. This is my first age gap romance when the women is older than the man. My heart broke for her cause she been single for 3 year cause she lost her husband. There is this scene with Zoe her friend they are talking about hot men. Gabi says 'am married' and Zoe goes not your lost your husband. So we know that she still hiding on to her husband memory. I will admit there was moments when I didn't like her especially when it came to Fabio. Fabio is caring young man and his mama I love Her has soo much energy. He agrees to help by fake dating her.

☆Really Recommend☆
Am getting into fake dating its a lot of fun.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story by N.J. Adel. It is not as dark as a lot of her stories, even the previous stories in this 'The Italians' series but that did not make me like it any less. It was a steamy, cute read about Gabrielle, a mourning widow of three years who is trying to save her business, who meets Fabio, a younger stripper/escort who surprisingly is deeply attracted to her. I really liked the main characters and could not put the book down until I read every page. Gabi and Fab's connection was immediate and heavy and the reading was exciting and enjoyable for me. I received a review copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Tasha Talks Books Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Fabio and Gabrielle is fun and so romantic and cute. Fabio being a younger guy while Gabi is more seasoned and has been through life, let say. Fabio just trying to take care of his family with his amusing occupation while Gabrielle is trying he best to hold onto her business. The MC's were so easily to read about and be drawn into. The was such a fun story to read and kept me fully entertained from beginning to end. This is definitely a must read if you are looking for a fun story from start to finish. This is unlike the author's previous work I have read, I really like that N.J shows she can write anything.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi (44) and Fabios (26) age gap romance will have you laughing, loving and more! A chance meeting went a laundry ticket gets mixed up leads to hot steamy encounters, but is Gabi open to love after losing her husband 3 years ago, and is Fabio the right man for her? This is well written with a great engaging story line and chemestrt sizzling characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Fabio who is 26yrs old guy, who works as a stripper and escort to provide for his family. And Gabrielle who runs a small publishing company that she is struggling to keep open after her husband passing . This book is a great read and a page tuner I love the characters in the book and I can't wait to read the next series .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance at its finest! N. J. Adel has such a way of creating a fun and romantic story that has substance and an emotional grab to it. The characters, have an age gap, but we're beautifully written and had me laughing, smiling and swooning left and right. The plot is solid and has a great flow as we experience what the characters experience. It's a fun read, and definitely something any romance reader should read! Five stars!

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Insta love story. Gabrielle meets Fab when her assistant brings his thongs instead of her dress. Fab has an instant attraction to Gabrielle and she is unlike an woman he has ever met. After overhearing a conversation Fab offers Gabrielle his escort services for free. Gabrielle takes him up on his offer to try to save her company. This was a light, fun, a bit steamy read. I enjoyed Gabrielle and Fabio's story.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Tracy Hogan]

Gabi and Fabio met by chance. She has a rough past and needs to find something to make her happy but she thinks she doesn’t deserve it or that she should be with Fab. Reading their story is an emotional roller coaster that gives you every possible emotion. This author never misses and once again does an amazing job.

[Rennae Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangggggg the Italian books always drag me into their story. This one is no different. Reverse pretty woman for sure (and that’s one of my fav movies). I was anticipating more mafioso but the book was just fine without it. So good! A publishing house widow and a stripper widow, who knew it would be so exciting

[Stacey Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, cute, and sexy read. It may start off with tragedy but it sure doesn't end that way. This is a reverse age gap where the woman is older. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. It was a break in my day-to-day monotony. Fabio brought light back into Gabi's life when she needed it most.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was AWESOME! I laughed so hard I was crying! I so adore NJ Adel and the criminal story that was weaved here! I loved the play between Fabio and Gabi. Oh and Michael better watch out because NO one MESSES with the Italian Stallion and anything he cares for! I LOVED this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi is a grieving widow who runs a small publishing house. Fabio is a stripper/escort. They’re brought together because of some missing thongs. They couldn’t be more different but they are attracted to each other. This story is fun. Totally different than the last story I read from this series. Can’t wait to read more. P.S. please don’t give dogs chocolate.