Not My Romeo

Clover Park #6

by Kylie Gilmore

Confirmed bachelor Vince Marino wants nothing more than to win the Clover Park library project and earn partner in his father’s construction company. But a last-minute bid by Sophia Capello, the jaw-dropping daughter of his father’s life-long rival, throws Vince out of the running.

Sophia has to get Capello Construction back on track after her father left them near bankruptcy. Except she’s way out of her league in the construction world, which is why she takes a big risk and proposes a partnership with the hotheaded and handsome Vince. After she wins the project.

Vince’s cockiness combined with Sophia’s determination forges an alliance filled with explosive and tempting tension. But what will happen when Vince, who doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, discovers Sophia has never truly experienced passion? Will he stick to his rule and protect everything he’s worked so hard for? Or will he find the temptation of showing Sophia what she’s been missing too much?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Amazon, Enemies To Lovers

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2015

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Lauren Seiberling (Romance Novel Giveaways) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

I will read anything Kylie writes. Period. The contemporary romances I have read by her are all, in my opinion, perfect! Not My Romeo is no exception.

The plot and interactions between Sophia and Vince had me eagerly turning the pages to see how their relationship would progress.

I loved the narration and dialogue because it's so realistically funny! It's not "over-the-top-every-other-word-is-trying-to-be-funny" funny, but it's just quirky things that we as humans say and do and usually don't even realize are funny.

Did I mention the love scenes are SCORCHING HOT?!

Kylie did an excellent job of "catching up" on main characters of previous books as well as introducing those who will be featured in future books.

I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT CLOVER PARK BOOK!!!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Debra Johnson]

Amz Prch. Nov. 17, 2023

[Lena Dublin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Kylie's books. Her stories are always light-hearted and peppered with laugh-out-loud humor. They leave you feeling good after the final page turn. “Not My Romeo” is the sixth book in her Clover Park series but can be read as a stand-alone. This is a sweet love story about Vince Marino and Sophia Capello. Vince is a cocky alpha male type who is trying to prove to his father that he is good enough to take on the family construction business and Sophie is the fixer trying to put together the last remaining pieces of her family’s business. When they both go for the same job to restore Clover Park's historical library, things get interesting.

Knowing she cannot carry on this project alone if she were to win the bid, Sophia proposes a deal with Vince. She is a historical architect consultant who knows how to preserve the historical look of a building and Vince has the knowledge and resources to carry out her ideas while giving them a modern flare. Being that their common goal is to save their families businesses, they realize that they either work together or watch their businesses go down in flames. The decision is one that forces them to work closely together and fully support on another.

Sophia isn't sure what to make of Vince. If she should to be turned on by his advances or turned off. I think the fact he has a killer body and kisses like a rake doesn't hurt. I liked that she pushed Vince and made him just shy of uncomfortable making him realize that he needs to act differently not just for himself but also for those around him. They found in each other the support in the areas of their lives where other people have failed them. They became each other's champion.

They may not have been Romeo and Juilet but they sure made one hell of a story that kept me laughing and reading on.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is the 6th of a series, it is also a great stand alone book. I have only read the first book (The Opposite of Wild) and this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I do not feel as if I have missed out on anything by not reading them in order.

Kylie Gilmore knocks another one out of the park!!! I have never read a book by Kylie Gilmore that I did not love.

Vince and Sophia are the Romeo and Juliet of Clover Park. Their feuding fathers are the owners two construction companies and are constantly trying to underbid each other. After being thrown together while both are trying to win the Clover Park Library project for their respective fathers, Vince and Sophia ignite a spark within each other.

The characters and story line are believable and the book is very well written and flows well. I finished the book in a matter of hours and believe me, you will need tissues.

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Kelley Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this book but not so much the middle. Sophia starts out as a strong, sassy, confident, take no shit woman. Once she starts seeing Vince, she seems to let him take over and do whatever he wants, especially when they're in bed together. I could see her letting him take control the first couple of times, but not all the time. She does eventually return to that strong woman but I would've liked to have seen her more consistently that way. At times, I thought Vince was rather rude. Maybe that was how he was to be portrayed but I didn't care for it.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story line and loved the banter between Sophia and Vince and the interactions with Vince's brothers. The book is well paced and well written with interesting characters. I look forward to reading more about Clover Park.

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kylie Gilmore is one of my favorite authors for fun and frilly romance. Her full length novel series include stand alone but connected novels that contain sassy and exciting romance along with the expected drama of life that so often gets in the way of best laid plans. I gave this book 4 stars due to what felt like a bit of repeat information in the first part of the book.

In the theme of Romeo and Juliet, Vince and Sophia's father's have been at each other's throats for over 30 years but their children want nothing to do with the fude. Both are only focussed on saving the family businesses.

Vince has been working with his father at Moreno and Sons Construction for 16 years and expects to eventually take over but his goal for now is to prove he deserves to be partner by acquiring the town library expansion project. But when the stunning Sophia Capella shows up at the final town council meeting with a last minute pitch for the project in an attempt to save her father's failing construction company Vince is furious the council is even considering it. He thought he had this wrapped up, and getting those final signatures on this project is his ticket to partnership.

Sophia is desperately trying to save her father's construction company and this library project is their last hope. She will use anything and everything in her power to get the job, including her supermodel good looks and background in historical architecture.

When sparks fly between the two, Vince becomes very aware that Sophia's educated and sophisticated persona is a stark contrast to his rough and tumble nature. And the long time fude between their fathers just causes more headaches and complications, but to keep both companies solvent they will have to bring both father's and companies together to get the job done.

Add in Sophia's admition that no man in her life has ever given her an orgasm and Vince sees a challenge he can't pass up.

[Ingrid Mangiagalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too fond of the storyline
The whole generational feud story is just a bit old, in my opinion.
It felt like it was just about the sex for Vince. He didn't make any effort with her friends, and even though it was spicy and hot in the bedroom, I didn't feel chemistry between the two like I usually do.
Perhaps the frenemies to lovers didn't work here.

Funniest how out of the blue he tells her he loves her. It didn't feel right when he said it.
And just like that leaves again in the morning. A guy that says I love you doesn't do that. Even Sophia was like wtf.

And seriously saying she's not mad when clearly she was is annoying.
It's like they have great sex but other than that, I don't feel the love he so mentions.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vince and Sofia are both headstrong, they are modern day Romeo and Juliette. Their story is sweet and you can't help but want them to get their happy ever after, but they have to deal with the bitter rivalry between their fathers. These two have snarky fights and steamy moments and there is so much chemistry between them. Another great story in the Clover Park series.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were made for each other

He had never really felt that important to his dad, even though he had worked for him for years. He'd never had a romantic relationship, just one and two nights stand. She was the one to hold to hold her dysfunctional family together. Plenty if drama and an HEA. Way more sex than I needed to read about though!

[Trenna Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Very cute story. I love the snarky fights they had. Looking forward to the next book in the series. On to Nico!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the interaction between Vince and Sophia! They are a great couple.

[Peg Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

6th book in series

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read.

[Portia C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

I really enjoyed this story. Nice protective and family oriented characters. Nicely well written. It was nicely done and a quick read.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review necessary- this author is good

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Love the character of Sophie. When her and Vince meet sparks fly. Plenty of drama and HEA. Both of the leads are funny and still seem real. Need to read more books by this author.

[MsChris1161 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in Kylie Gilmore's Clover Park series. This time it's the very macho, handsome, blue collar worker with a sexy body earned through hard work at his family's construction company, Vince Marino. He oozes with sexuality and uses it to entertain himself with one night stands. His goal is to become full partner with his father and believes winning the library job will be the proof his father needs to agree it's time.

Sophia Capello is smart, beautiful, educated, spunky, and desperately determined to save her father's construction company from his disastrous business decision. The library job is just the opportunity she needs to turn things around and she's willing to use every asset she has to win the project away from Marino Construction, including her super model body and good looks.

NOT MY ROMEO is a fun take on the Romeo and Juliet theme with patriarchs of the Marinos and the Capellos being lifelong enemies and competitors. Vince and Sophia seem ready to take up the feud as they compete for the Clover Park Library project, but the pesky and uncontrollable attraction they have for each other paves the road for them to decide to work together, despite their fathers.

As in all the books in the Clover Park series there are plenty of laughs, great characters, fun dialogue, and some steamy scenes between the H/h. I loved the family scenes at the Marino house dinners and how the most dedicated player of the brothers falls hard for the last girl he should even be looking at. Likewise, the cultured Sophia could not resist Vince, who is nothing like any man she's dated before, lacks certain social skills, and is proud of the fact he's never had a second date. Opposites and competitors, but oh my the chemistry! 4 stars

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.

[Mikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent and Sophia, an unlikely couple.

What did you love best about Not My Romeo?
What I love best about this story is how love can make a person change dramatically in an instant when possibly standing to lose someone close to their heart.

What other book might you compare Not My Romeo to and why?
There are so many books out there that parts of this story can be compared to. But this story of Vince and Sophia is in a category all its own. When you try to compare with other books, it is possible, but really because of its own unique story line twist, you come to find that you don't want to compare it to anything else. I love the individuals in this book because they all compliment each other throughout the story. And as you get into it more and more, you fall in love with each and every person that it is about. Vince and Sophia's love is truly one of a kind.

Which scene was your favorite?
My favorite part is when Vince tells Sophia for the first time that he loves her and she is surprised by his declaration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I truly did want to just sit and listen to this book in one shot. Unfortunately because of life, I was unable to do so.

Any additional comments?
I hope you all enjoy the story of Vincent and Sophia becoming an unlikely couple as much as I did. This book truly was a treat to read and Charles Lawrence once again was outstanding in his narration performance of Not My Romeo.

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Romeo by Kylie Gilmore is Vince and Sophia's story in the Clover Park Series. This is possibly my favorite book by Ms. Gilmore so far.

Vince and Sophia are both working for their families construction companies; Vince, trying to prove to his father that he is ready to become partner, and Sophia, trying to keep her fathers' company afloat. They are each others biggest rivals with a history going back to when their fathers were younger.

When Sophia lands the big library project that Vince was counting on, she needs Vince's help to get it done. The two end up working together to further both companies, but in the meantime, they fall for each other.

Not My Romeo is a great read. Vince and Sophia are both characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Vince is a little rough around the edges and Sophia doesn't back down when she wants something. The two come together in this fun romance. We also get to catch up with characters from the other Clover Park books.

I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vince is ready to take over the family's construction company. He only has to get his father to agree ti hand everything over to him. Vince is set to prove his worth by completing the Clover Park Library project. Sophie places a last minute bid for the same project. She happens to be in charge of a rival construction company and their fathers do not get along at all. She only wants to help her father's company and agrees to partner with Vince. Vince is a confirmed bachelor and wants nothing besides a professional relationship with Sophie. If only he keeps telling himself that.

I enjoyed reading about Vince and Sophie. They are both lacking in their lives and take the chance on one another, professionally and personally.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vince is ready to take over the family's construction company. He only has to get his father to agree ti hand everything over to him. Vince is set to prove his worth by completing the Clover Park Library project. Sophie places a last minute bid for the same project. She happens to be in charge of a rival construction company and their fathers do not get along at all. She only wants to help her father's company and agrees to partner with Vince. Vince is a confirmed bachelor and wants nothing besides a professional relationship with Sophie. If only he keeps telling himself that.

I enjoyed reading about Vince and Sophie. They are both lacking in their lives and take the chance on one another, professionally and personally.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia is trying to save her father's construction company from going under while dealing with his unexpected divorce. Vince is trying to get his father to make him partner in his construction company. They are both going for the same construction contract when they first meet. This is Vince's big chance and he isn't going to let Sophia take it from him. Sophia is awarded the contract, but makes Vince an offer to work together on this one project. Vince isn't sure since their fathers have a long standing feud. The more time Vince and Sophia spend together the more they can't deny their attraction. These two work good together and push the other to be better. This was a really good book and I am enjoying this series!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful take on a modern day Romeo and Juliet.

Vince is so rough and tumble ready to take on any problem kinda guy that you never see the fact that his is just so kind at the core. He hides his soft squishy middle behind a gruff exterior and bad attitude. He is so not fooling Sophia the daughter of his fathers hated enemy and the only woman Vince wants to hold on to. These star crossed lovers are so much fun to watch come together and bring their family some much needed ground to bridge their difference on. Loved Vince showing his well hidden softer side.

Looking forward to the next story from Clover Park

[Connie Davé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book is about Vince (Gabe's stepbrother) and Sophia. I love the way Sophia just swoops in and takes the library project from Vince. Even though you want Vince to get the project, you are rooting for Sophia too. I laughed so hard at this book! Sophia and her cursing is so funny! Vince and his rough ways and how Sophia keeps him in line is great! I loved how they learned to respect each other and work together on the project and despite the rift between the two fathers. One of my favorite books! I could read more about these too! They just have such a fun relationship!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth book in the Clover Park series is just as good as the rest! I am addicted to this series! Vince is a gruff, player. Sophia is a beautiful, smart woman. They meet when they are both representing their fathers' companies. They are a little like Romeo and Juliet because their fathers hate each other and own competing companies. Despite this Vince and Sophia can't fight their attraction to each other. I loved how Vince changed his playboy ways and you got to see his soft interior when it came to Sophia! I loved how strong a Sophia was! They made an amazing couple! I would definitely recommend this book!!

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vince was not on my good list after the way he acted in Gabe story but he redeemed himself in his own story. I guess guilt consumes all until you finsld that one person who challenges everything you say and do.

Vince and Sophie were cute and complimented each other short comings in a way that made them a powerful duo. A classic Romeo and Juliet modern day twist. Kylie did a great job at showing the fued, sneaking, lies, and mistrust. She also captured the love and acceptance that both Vince and Soph needed plus the little thank yous that went a long way.

[Rebecca Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th or 6th book I've read from this author, and while I've really enjoyed the other ones (obviously, or I wouldn't keep buying them), this one is definitely my favorite. We met Vince in a previous Clover Park book (Restless Harmony) and I liked him then, but I LOVE him in his own book. He's big, he's gorgeous, he's sexy and OMG does he have charisma. Sophia is his heroine and she is definitely up to the task. The chemistry between the characters is sizzling. This book is funny, romantic, sexy and charming.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story!!!
Two Kylie books in two days? Yes please!
I got straight into this book after finishing Restless Harmony, and I must say I was engrossed in this story as much as the other.
I loved the explosive chemistry between the characters, even though I wanted to scream 'what are you doing?!' to Vince.
I would highly recommend this, and any of Kylie's books as they're all so beautifully written with heartwarming stories all the way through.
There were three words I absolutely choked laughing over. "I deserve it".
Read it to find out why. You won't be disappointed.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this kind of story and Kylie Gilmore really delivered.

Vince, is attracted to, but pitted against, Sophia. Not only is she the daughter of Vince’s father’s nemesis and stiffest business competition, she’s also standing in the way of Vince’s hard-earned promotion. Sexual tension and witty dialogue fly throughout the book as Kylie Gilmore takes us on an entertaining ride.

Adorable, sexy, and laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend it.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series for various reasons. It is a fun, sexy, witty, loving, caring and just plain good for the heart read. You feel the love for family and friends and just want everyone to be happy. The sex scenes are not over the top but flow with the storyline to keep your interest from start to finish. You do not loose any part of the story.
Kylie Gilmore has a way with telling a story you will love to read over again.