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Of All Hearts #2
Of All People
Can mending a derelict hotel help mend two lonely hearts?
Romeo Dante Lorenzo grew up hating his name—until he realized how much the ladies love it. Tied together with his cobalt blue eyes and chiseled jawline, he’s one of New York's most eligible bachelors.
Too bad he’s not looking for love.
Used to a different type of women—beautiful and vain—Romeo doesn’t think much of Siena Borrelli upon first meeting her while attending to family business in Italy.
After divorcing her cheating husband, Siena started a new life in Rimini, Italy, a coastal town as unique and warm as its occupants, caring for an elderly woman who owns the old hotel she now calls home.
When the woman’s great-nephew, Romeo, visits to sell the place, Siena won't let it go without a fight. His physique can be distracting, but she's determined to not let it deceive her.
Can they both look beyond the surface?
Take a heart-warming trip to Rimini, Italy, to discover if love can be found in unexpected places with the unlikeliest of people.
Romeo Dante Lorenzo grew up hating his name—until he realized how much the ladies love it. Tied together with his cobalt blue eyes and chiseled jawline, he’s one of New York's most eligible bachelors.
Too bad he’s not looking for love.
Used to a different type of women—beautiful and vain—Romeo doesn’t think much of Siena Borrelli upon first meeting her while attending to family business in Italy.
After divorcing her cheating husband, Siena started a new life in Rimini, Italy, a coastal town as unique and warm as its occupants, caring for an elderly woman who owns the old hotel she now calls home.
When the woman’s great-nephew, Romeo, visits to sell the place, Siena won't let it go without a fight. His physique can be distracting, but she's determined to not let it deceive her.
Can they both look beyond the surface?
Take a heart-warming trip to Rimini, Italy, to discover if love can be found in unexpected places with the unlikeliest of people.
- GenresRomance
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
19 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Lily Baines
12 books162 followersLily Baines is a mother, wife, and author, and the order to this changes depending on the day. For 20 years she has worked in Human Resources, mostly in the high-tech industry, but kept writing to maintain her sanity and flow of creative juices. Lily is dedicating her time to her 3 children, husband, family dog, bottomless laundry basket, full kitchen sink, and her writing.
Lets connect :)
amazon.com/author/lilybaines
https://www.lilybaines.com/
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Bonus chapters await here: https://www.lilybaines.com/
Lets connect :)
amazon.com/author/lilybaines
https://www.lilybaines.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lilybainesau...
Bonus chapters await here: https://www.lilybaines.com/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 17, 2020
Take a trip to Italy with me. The author does such a wonderful job of describing the area that you feel like you are there. You'll be enchanted as you explore Italy with Romeo and Siena. Watch as they peel away their misconceptions and their love slowly develops. A beautiful story that will draw you in emotionally. I read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 22, 2020
This book feels like a movie set in Italy. The emotional depths of the characters are also well-written with both Romeo and Siena. They're both strong yet vulnerable which made them as realistic as possible. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as my first book for 2021. It's a sweet love story about Romeo and Sienna.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
December 10, 2020
Loved this book! I loved the contradictions, the way Romeo and Siena both fought their attraction, the tension, the character arcs.
Having someone show up to destroy everything you worked for kept me on the edge of my seat. And I loved how Lily paints the picture of the small towns. It's like being there yet wanting to see it for yourself.
Then, when the manipulative exes (yes, plural) came on the scene, I had so much anxiety built up! Gah! I wanted to backhand both of them!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. Truly wonderful and felt so real!
Having someone show up to destroy everything you worked for kept me on the edge of my seat. And I loved how Lily paints the picture of the small towns. It's like being there yet wanting to see it for yourself.
Then, when the manipulative exes (yes, plural) came on the scene, I had so much anxiety built up! Gah! I wanted to backhand both of them!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. Truly wonderful and felt so real!
July 15, 2021
Romeo and Sienna stole a piece of my heart. Their story is so sweet and emotional.
When Romeo was sent to Rimini to sell a hotel inherited from the family he could not imagine finding love there. Unfortunately Sienna after her husband has cheated on her has problems trusting men but this does not stop her from confronting Romeo, making him change his mind about selling the hotel.
When Romeo was sent to Rimini to sell a hotel inherited from the family he could not imagine finding love there. Unfortunately Sienna after her husband has cheated on her has problems trusting men but this does not stop her from confronting Romeo, making him change his mind about selling the hotel.
December 14, 2020
A beautifully crafted romance set in Italy. Loveable characters, tangled up with doubts, suspicions and manipulative others. Two lonely almost opposites - she a damaged soul and he the son of the new owner tasked to sell the hotel, and the rather dilapidated hotel that they end up renovating together.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
December 9, 2020
This is the perfect heartwarming standalone contemporary romance, with well developed characters and a plot that makes you root for a beautiful HEA. I especially love how strong and independent the author has written the heroine.
If you have already read and fallen in love with the first book in the series,Of All Places, then you will love this one too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
If you have already read and fallen in love with the first book in the series,Of All Places, then you will love this one too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
December 26, 2020
This book's virtues sneaked up on me slowly. I found the hero arrogant and the heroine angry at first. It just took time to understand them and begin to love them as they begin to love each other. But first, they both love his elderly aunt, they both love the medium size town where they are, and he begins to love the slower pace of life and the "real" nature of work and play there. They both begin to relax, and so do we. There are nasty incidents with their exes. They both worry that they will lose the other. They both make sure that doesn't happen. He learns to actually love someone and she learns to trust him.
Found I could not ask for anything more--it has conflict, warmth, hot sex, sweet secondary characters, a villain that is ignored and overcome. I usually read historical romance, so many contemporaries are not for me. Maybe Italy helped!
Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Found I could not ask for anything more--it has conflict, warmth, hot sex, sweet secondary characters, a villain that is ignored and overcome. I usually read historical romance, so many contemporaries are not for me. Maybe Italy helped!
Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2020
I really like this book. It’s romantic, sweet and a bit heart-breaking.
Romeo Dante Lorenzo is one of New York's most eligible bachelors. His mother sends him to Rimini, Italy to sell an old hotel that was given to her by her aunt, who still lives there.
Siena Borrelli is recently divorced and has trust issues related with men, after her husband cheated on her. Now she lives in Lorenzo Heaven Hotel caring for an elderly woman, Gina, who owns the old hotel she now calls home.
When the woman’s great-nephew, Romeo, visits to sell the place, Siena won't let it go without a fight. His physique can be distracting, but she's determined to not let it deceive her.
But Romeo is a lot more than a beautiful face, and eventually he finds his way under her skin and her heart. Is Siena going to trust Romeo or is she too afraid to give them a chance?
I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with Lorenzo. I just love that he is so self-conscious and earthy. He realized that he was falling in love why Siena and is happy with that. He speaks about his feelings, what is rare in men LOL, and when things get complicated, he always tries to talk about it and find a mutual solution.
I didn’t like Siena so much. I get that she has trust issues, but at the beginning of the book she just seems rude to me. And in the end she is just not up to it. Luckily for her, Romeo is not letting her go without a fight.
I really enjoy this story and I highly recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Romeo Dante Lorenzo is one of New York's most eligible bachelors. His mother sends him to Rimini, Italy to sell an old hotel that was given to her by her aunt, who still lives there.
Siena Borrelli is recently divorced and has trust issues related with men, after her husband cheated on her. Now she lives in Lorenzo Heaven Hotel caring for an elderly woman, Gina, who owns the old hotel she now calls home.
When the woman’s great-nephew, Romeo, visits to sell the place, Siena won't let it go without a fight. His physique can be distracting, but she's determined to not let it deceive her.
But Romeo is a lot more than a beautiful face, and eventually he finds his way under her skin and her heart. Is Siena going to trust Romeo or is she too afraid to give them a chance?
I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with Lorenzo. I just love that he is so self-conscious and earthy. He realized that he was falling in love why Siena and is happy with that. He speaks about his feelings, what is rare in men LOL, and when things get complicated, he always tries to talk about it and find a mutual solution.
I didn’t like Siena so much. I get that she has trust issues, but at the beginning of the book she just seems rude to me. And in the end she is just not up to it. Luckily for her, Romeo is not letting her go without a fight.
I really enjoy this story and I highly recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2020
Got off to a slow start, but it did pick up. Pretty decent story - character growth was okay. Likable characters, but all in all, pretty routine story. I never really connected or found the oomph factor I was hoping for. Considering it was set in Italy, I was hoping for more description on the beautiful scenery and town which I didn’t get. It was an easy read, but it just didn’t hit as well as I wanted. Short on romance and intrigue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2020
Such a heartwarming romance. It's enjoyable and pulls you in to the story making you feel like you're right there with the characters. The location is the perfect setting for a romance with all the love. Romeo and Siena are characters you can't help but love and enjoy getting to know as you turn each page. A great romance read that will make you feel like you've taken a vacation to Italy without leaving your couch.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2020
In a world where we get lost in sights, sounds and views. Take a trip to Italy with Lily Baines and lose yourself in romance, interesting moments of maybes and a definite feeling of, I want a slice of that Happily ever after. Somehow renovating a derelict hotel, allowed a strong character to find himself and also love. Grab a copy, you will be smiling throughout the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2020
This is a wonderful book and so well written. I loved the characters, who made this book feel so real. Italy in the background is the perfect setting for this romantic book. The love story develops in the most unexpected way, while making me feel curious throughout the whole reading. It was emotional, it was funny, it was heartreaking - it had it all! I strongly recommend this great book.
December 9, 2020
Romeo Lorenzo travels from NYC to Italy to ready his aunts small hotel to sell. Romeo's mother plans to use the money for another investment. When Romeo arrives he meets his aunt and a woman named Siena who has been helping her remodel in exchange for staying at the hotel. Romeo who is very good looking and a bit of a playboy likes the fire he sees in Siena. Siena only sees Romeo as a vain playboy who has no respect for their opinions. The story is of Romeo and Siena discovering that they both had prejudices toward one another before even trying to know the other person. Once they were working together on a common goal the stereotypes disappeared and they could each see the good in one another. Lovely love story. Well written and very enjoyable!
December 11, 2020
Beauty is Only Skin-deep!
This was a poignantly and well-written narrative that was set in mesmerizing Italy. The likelihood of the main characters, Romeo and Siena, to kindle a romance seemed impossible early on due to past experiences and stereotypes (pretty boys must be attracted to very pretty girls). Nevertheless, the author created such interesting minor characters who aided the fateful union of the two beautiful souls.
Because dramatic irony was used, the scenes kept building the suspense of whether or not Romeo would be able to confess his love for Siena. Furthermore, if he succeeded, would she accept it? With the setting and the delightful characters, the pieces of the puzzle fit well into a tightly woven tale. I enjoyed it.
This was a poignantly and well-written narrative that was set in mesmerizing Italy. The likelihood of the main characters, Romeo and Siena, to kindle a romance seemed impossible early on due to past experiences and stereotypes (pretty boys must be attracted to very pretty girls). Nevertheless, the author created such interesting minor characters who aided the fateful union of the two beautiful souls.
Because dramatic irony was used, the scenes kept building the suspense of whether or not Romeo would be able to confess his love for Siena. Furthermore, if he succeeded, would she accept it? With the setting and the delightful characters, the pieces of the puzzle fit well into a tightly woven tale. I enjoyed it.
January 11, 2021
💏Telenovela-quality villains plot against Romeo & his Siena😕
I liked the romance and the lovely silver panther brigade that live in Lorenzo's Haven, the faded Rimini hotel by the sea that's at the center of this romantic drama. Female lead Siena is an Italian divorcee with a sad romantic history who watches over them in a calm existence until Romeo Lorenzo turns up from NYC and threatens their home. Of course he's a handsome fella used to getting his own way and ...
The developing romance and plans for the hotel were the heart and best part of the tale. The two scheming female villains, however, were such one-dimensional figures that they did more than disrupt the romance; they also took the story to a telenovela (over the top) drama that I could have done without.
The romantic clinches are heated but never graphic, the main characters have good depth and, for those hoping to get some Italian travelogue, there's a good description of Italian Ferragosto (mid-August celebration of summer) by the sea.
An enjoyable read even though I would not rate it as terribly memorable (apart from the fact that it was mostly set in Rimini, a city I've never seen mentioned in a novel before, and the image of a Romeo cruising Italian vias and viales in a yellow Alfa Romeo!)😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I liked the romance and the lovely silver panther brigade that live in Lorenzo's Haven, the faded Rimini hotel by the sea that's at the center of this romantic drama. Female lead Siena is an Italian divorcee with a sad romantic history who watches over them in a calm existence until Romeo Lorenzo turns up from NYC and threatens their home. Of course he's a handsome fella used to getting his own way and ...
The developing romance and plans for the hotel were the heart and best part of the tale. The two scheming female villains, however, were such one-dimensional figures that they did more than disrupt the romance; they also took the story to a telenovela (over the top) drama that I could have done without.
The romantic clinches are heated but never graphic, the main characters have good depth and, for those hoping to get some Italian travelogue, there's a good description of Italian Ferragosto (mid-August celebration of summer) by the sea.
An enjoyable read even though I would not rate it as terribly memorable (apart from the fact that it was mostly set in Rimini, a city I've never seen mentioned in a novel before, and the image of a Romeo cruising Italian vias and viales in a yellow Alfa Romeo!)😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 26, 2022
What a wonderful small town romance, so Italian it's perffecta
Rating: 4,75
Positive thoughts:
You cannot go wrong with and Italian romance. Whether she's Italian, or he's Italian or they are in Italy or all of the above!
I love all the Italian we get in this one, the words and small phrases, give us that little extra vibe, it's like it takes us there and we can even smell the bread!
Negative thoughts:
I was hoping to get a happy ending for the old couple Bruno and Emilia, I felt they were forgotten in the epilogue.
Overall:
It was a heartwarming romance, almost behind closed doors, but with a little peek (intimate scenes were not overly detailed, which for me was a relief).
A fast and easy read, light on delicate subjects like a cheating ex-husband.
Fav quote:
"I'm sure he's no saint, but this boy is as good as bread."
Romance: 3,5/5
Chemistry: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Swoon: 3/5
Drama: 2/5
Humour: 2/5
1st kiss: -+40% into the book
Tropes:
- Small town
- Italian coastal town
- Enemies to lovers
- Banter
- Cheating ex
- Charming hotel
- Trust issues
- Irritating mother
Rating: 4,75
Positive thoughts:
You cannot go wrong with and Italian romance. Whether she's Italian, or he's Italian or they are in Italy or all of the above!
I love all the Italian we get in this one, the words and small phrases, give us that little extra vibe, it's like it takes us there and we can even smell the bread!
Negative thoughts:
I was hoping to get a happy ending for the old couple Bruno and Emilia, I felt they were forgotten in the epilogue.
Overall:
It was a heartwarming romance, almost behind closed doors, but with a little peek (intimate scenes were not overly detailed, which for me was a relief).
A fast and easy read, light on delicate subjects like a cheating ex-husband.
Fav quote:
"I'm sure he's no saint, but this boy is as good as bread."
Romance: 3,5/5
Chemistry: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Swoon: 3/5
Drama: 2/5
Humour: 2/5
1st kiss: -+40% into the book
Tropes:
- Small town
- Italian coastal town
- Enemies to lovers
- Banter
- Cheating ex
- Charming hotel
- Trust issues
- Irritating mother
January 21, 2021
This is a 3.5 star for me. I loved the authors descriptions of Italy. It made me feel like I was right there experiencing it all along side Romeo.
I loved Romeo and all of the side characters. I enjoyed watching their interactions and getting little glimpses into their loves.
The reason its just 3.5 for me is because I couldn't stand Siena. She made a very bad impression on me from the start and I could not get passed it unfortunately. Just far too judgemental and jumped to conclusions about every single thing.
I loved Romeo and all of the side characters. I enjoyed watching their interactions and getting little glimpses into their loves.
The reason its just 3.5 for me is because I couldn't stand Siena. She made a very bad impression on me from the start and I could not get passed it unfortunately. Just far too judgemental and jumped to conclusions about every single thing.
April 21, 2023
tantalising,
Loved the images of two lovers, fighting to restore a hotel. The Italian coast as picturesque and sunny, with characters as varied as the scenery. For those who love pure romance.
Loved the images of two lovers, fighting to restore a hotel. The Italian coast as picturesque and sunny, with characters as varied as the scenery. For those who love pure romance.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews