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Amore Matchmaking #2
Grudge Match
Fiorello Lombardi’s dream is to open a farm animal sanctuary. When he learns a neighboring farm is going under, he takes the chance to turn the dream into a reality. But applying for a loan at a local bank brings him face to face with the first man who broke his heart, his old high school sweetheart. And then his heart is shattered a second time when the bank denies his loan.
Despite coming from money and privilege, True Becker’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Condemned by his father for being gay, he was shipped off to a religious college to keep him as far away from temptation—and Fio—as possible. Unable to face either family or the past, True’s stayed away ever since. When a position is offered at the bank his late father helmed for decades, True decides it’s time to come home at last. Who would have thought his feelings for Fio would be as strong today as they were all those years ago? Even worse, True realizes too late he’s fallen onto a path he never wanted: following in his father’s footsteps.
Locked in a heated grudge match over funds for the animal rescue, the former lovers face off over life choices, regrets, and second chances. Will Fio and True realize love conquers all, or will they continue fighting the coldest war of all until all hope for love is lost?
Grudge Match is book two in the delightfully romantic Amore Matchmaking series, and shows us all that sometimes the most important part of the recipe for love is forgiveness. The series features four gay brothers, their eccentric mother, an ornery goat, and way too much pasta.
Despite coming from money and privilege, True Becker’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Condemned by his father for being gay, he was shipped off to a religious college to keep him as far away from temptation—and Fio—as possible. Unable to face either family or the past, True’s stayed away ever since. When a position is offered at the bank his late father helmed for decades, True decides it’s time to come home at last. Who would have thought his feelings for Fio would be as strong today as they were all those years ago? Even worse, True realizes too late he’s fallen onto a path he never wanted: following in his father’s footsteps.
Locked in a heated grudge match over funds for the animal rescue, the former lovers face off over life choices, regrets, and second chances. Will Fio and True realize love conquers all, or will they continue fighting the coldest war of all until all hope for love is lost?
Grudge Match is book two in the delightfully romantic Amore Matchmaking series, and shows us all that sometimes the most important part of the recipe for love is forgiveness. The series features four gay brothers, their eccentric mother, an ornery goat, and way too much pasta.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2022
31 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Pandora Pine
137 books609 followersSick of the slogging rat-race of her 9-5 job, Pandora Pine put pen to paper (literally!) to make her ambition of becoming a romance novelist a reality. She cut her teeth in the dog-eat-dog world of fanfiction, still dreaming of the day when she would be a published author. She lives in Massachusetts with her blabbermouth muse who’ s a fan of middle of the night plot twists.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 16, 2022
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I love a second chance romance, and 17 years later, Fio, our gentleman farmer, and True, our reluctant banker get another chance. True didn’t just walk away all those years ago, he shattered Fio’s heart. But neither of them has really been able to let go of their first love.
Now that True is back, at the helm of the bank his father once ran, he’s back in Fio’s life, given that he needs a loan from his bank.
But if the animals are going to get the sanctuary they desperately need, Fio and Tru are going to need to let go of the past hurt. And maybe they’ll also find that they are still ‘the ones’.
Of course, they’ll also have to admit that Brando and his Amore Matchmaking biz, successfully made another perfect match.
I love and enjoyed these two. Fio is such a nice guy, with a love of animals in need of a home and a family. A True is also in need of a family to love him. They were a great pair.
I’m really looking forward to Nero’s story, he seems like he’ll get up to some mischief.
I love a second chance romance, and 17 years later, Fio, our gentleman farmer, and True, our reluctant banker get another chance. True didn’t just walk away all those years ago, he shattered Fio’s heart. But neither of them has really been able to let go of their first love.
Now that True is back, at the helm of the bank his father once ran, he’s back in Fio’s life, given that he needs a loan from his bank.
But if the animals are going to get the sanctuary they desperately need, Fio and Tru are going to need to let go of the past hurt. And maybe they’ll also find that they are still ‘the ones’.
Of course, they’ll also have to admit that Brando and his Amore Matchmaking biz, successfully made another perfect match.
I love and enjoyed these two. Fio is such a nice guy, with a love of animals in need of a home and a family. A True is also in need of a family to love him. They were a great pair.
I’m really looking forward to Nero’s story, he seems like he’ll get up to some mischief.
April 13, 2022
So back in high school, True & Fio were madly in love & had made plans for True to come out on graduation to his parents. His father is a homophobic POS and his mother couldn't have careless about True. They had plans to be together forever. Unbeknownst to Fio, he came out to his father a couple of days previously & it did not go as planned. The only thing he could do is break up with Fio & he does it in a cruel way & in doing so broke Fio's heart. Flash forward 17 years later & True's father is dead and True has come back to town to take over the bank that his father ran after a scandal with the prior president of the bank. Fio has a farm & a couple of animals that he adores & takes very good care of. When another farm has to close it's doors, Fio decides to move forward on his plans for a animal sanctuary & makes a deal to purchase the animals from that farm and make modifications to his farm. The only problem is, is money. Not knowing that True is back in town, he heads off to the bank to ask for a loan & runs into his ex. What we now have is a story of second chances. It was not easy & there were several bumps along the way, but in the end our boys finally get their well deserved HEA. I can't wait to see who our remaining boys end up with. And who is going to match Brando if Brando is the matchmaker?
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion
April 18, 2022
OK, I am NOT a huge animal fan, but even I would want to go visit Fio's animal rescue farm... *sigh*
Yes, Ten and Rowan will always be my first "Pandora Pine" love, but these brothers just crack me up and break my heart and make me want to bop them up the side of the head... or "wooden spoon" them! *grin*
I was privileged to meet and fall in love with my partner in high school and we are now going on 45 years together and 43 years of marriage. Fio and True may have taken a different route to get where they were meant to be, but one should never underestimate the power of young love!
Not sure who is going to be next in this series, but am assuming it will be Nero!
Yes, Ten and Rowan will always be my first "Pandora Pine" love, but these brothers just crack me up and break my heart and make me want to bop them up the side of the head... or "wooden spoon" them! *grin*
I was privileged to meet and fall in love with my partner in high school and we are now going on 45 years together and 43 years of marriage. Fio and True may have taken a different route to get where they were meant to be, but one should never underestimate the power of young love!
Not sure who is going to be next in this series, but am assuming it will be Nero!
January 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
Fiorello Lombardi is the only of the 4 Lombardi brothers to be bi. He is also the only one to have been in love and had his heart broken. His high school boyfriend was in the closet because his father was “powerful” and a complete homophobe. When, instead of coming out, his first love breaks up with him using cruel words that sound like they came straight from his homophobic father, Fiorello puts up walls. He starts the farm he’s always wanted to (with help from his dad before he passed away) and tries to forget about his broken heart.
True Becker’s was raised with money, privilege and a homophobic father – and a mother who went along with whatever his father said or did. He broke his high school boyfriend’s heart on graduation day by spewing hateful, hurtful words that sounded like his father was saying them for him. He had to be sure that he cut off the relationship fully and tow his father’s line until he was finished school when he could cut his father off, too. Now that his father has passed away, he’s back in town to take over his father’s old job – vacant because his father’s replacement was crooked. Does he want the job? No. Does he want to be a banker? No.
When his first (and only) love comes into the bank for a loan in order to afford the upgrades and additions necessary to transform his farm into the animal sanctuary he’s always wanted, True and Fio are reunited for the first time since their graduation day split. When True denies the loan based strictly on the numbers without any research or alternative options, Fio accuses him of wanting the farm to fail – among many other things.
Brando’s solution for this stalemate is simple – fix Fio and True up. Yes, Brando knows that True broke Fio’s heart, but he also knows how much the two men still love one another. It takes a lot of anger, Frankie the goat NOT hating True on first sight, admissions of mistakes made & love still existing and an expensive auction at a fundraiser for the two lovers-turned-enemies-turned-lovers to find their way back to where they were always meant to be.
Book 2 of Pandora Pine’s series is sweet, funny and spicy. There are also more goats!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Grudge Match
Pandora Pine
Fiorello Lombardi is the only of the 4 Lombardi brothers to be bi. He is also the only one to have been in love and had his heart broken. His high school boyfriend was in the closet because his father was “powerful” and a complete homophobe. When, instead of coming out, his first love breaks up with him using cruel words that sound like they came straight from his homophobic father, Fiorello puts up walls. He starts the farm he’s always wanted to (with help from his dad before he passed away) and tries to forget about his broken heart.
True Becker’s was raised with money, privilege and a homophobic father – and a mother who went along with whatever his father said or did. He broke his high school boyfriend’s heart on graduation day by spewing hateful, hurtful words that sounded like his father was saying them for him. He had to be sure that he cut off the relationship fully and tow his father’s line until he was finished school when he could cut his father off, too. Now that his father has passed away, he’s back in town to take over his father’s old job – vacant because his father’s replacement was crooked. Does he want the job? No. Does he want to be a banker? No.
When his first (and only) love comes into the bank for a loan in order to afford the upgrades and additions necessary to transform his farm into the animal sanctuary he’s always wanted, True and Fio are reunited for the first time since their graduation day split. When True denies the loan based strictly on the numbers without any research or alternative options, Fio accuses him of wanting the farm to fail – among many other things.
Brando’s solution for this stalemate is simple – fix Fio and True up. Yes, Brando knows that True broke Fio’s heart, but he also knows how much the two men still love one another. It takes a lot of anger, Frankie the goat NOT hating True on first sight, admissions of mistakes made & love still existing and an expensive auction at a fundraiser for the two lovers-turned-enemies-turned-lovers to find their way back to where they were always meant to be.
Book 2 of Pandora Pine’s series is sweet, funny and spicy. There are also more goats!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Grudge Match
Pandora Pine
April 12, 2022
Grudge Match sees second Lombardi brother, Fio, getting his HEA with his childhood sweetheart, True, in this second chance romance with a lot of interfering family, animals with personality and a hugely supportive community.
Fio and True were together in high school before True's homophobic father forced him to break up with his love and for the line he set. neither has been happy for seventeen years but now True is back in town and it's not long before they're reconnecting with a bang. My heart went out to both men with how they are forced apart as teens. It's kept them from happiness well into adulthood but they now have a second chance. There is a time of two where they're their own worst enemy, jumping to conclusions etc, but there is no denying the strong feelings that they still have for each other. Everyone is rooting for them, especially the Lombardi family who have seen how low Fio has been since their split all those years ago. Fio's hopes to expand his farm and save farm animals initially bring the two back together and it's then what has True stepping up and out to show his love and support for his man. One slightly timing thing was how quick Fio was to jump to conclusions on a couple of occasions but it definitely added to the drama of the story. This is also where Fio's mother and brothers jump in to help support him and the community band together to save th e animals. It's one of my favourite things about Pandora's series, the sense of family, whether blood or found, and how they come together for the good and bad. Though, my favourite scene in this book actually takes place in the boardroom of the bank where True has become president and he doesn't hold back on the punches when he makes some discoveries - "Surely you know how gossip works here. Everyone knows Everything about Everyone."
A very worthwhile and entertaining read, I'm looking forward to whichever brother has their story coming next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Fio and True were together in high school before True's homophobic father forced him to break up with his love and for the line he set. neither has been happy for seventeen years but now True is back in town and it's not long before they're reconnecting with a bang. My heart went out to both men with how they are forced apart as teens. It's kept them from happiness well into adulthood but they now have a second chance. There is a time of two where they're their own worst enemy, jumping to conclusions etc, but there is no denying the strong feelings that they still have for each other. Everyone is rooting for them, especially the Lombardi family who have seen how low Fio has been since their split all those years ago. Fio's hopes to expand his farm and save farm animals initially bring the two back together and it's then what has True stepping up and out to show his love and support for his man. One slightly timing thing was how quick Fio was to jump to conclusions on a couple of occasions but it definitely added to the drama of the story. This is also where Fio's mother and brothers jump in to help support him and the community band together to save th e animals. It's one of my favourite things about Pandora's series, the sense of family, whether blood or found, and how they come together for the good and bad. Though, my favourite scene in this book actually takes place in the boardroom of the bank where True has become president and he doesn't hold back on the punches when he makes some discoveries - "Surely you know how gossip works here. Everyone knows Everything about Everyone."
A very worthwhile and entertaining read, I'm looking forward to whichever brother has their story coming next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 26, 2022
I was very thrilled that I was able to read this one right after reading “Shouting Match”. This series is off to a great start for me! I love that this story was very different from “Shouting Match” which is a very good thing! What made this one endearing was that both MCs were in love with each others in high school and one broke the other one’s heart immediately after graduation but there was a chance for a second chance when the story proceeded. Once again, the Lombardi family is involved! They can’t just not get involved which is a good thing because of the huge support and love they have for each others.
This story started with Fiorello (Fio)the third son of the Lombardi clan who had dreams of spending the rest of his life with True Becker after high school. Unfortunately True had to break Fio’s heart because he was afraid of his homophobic father, a very well-known banker in the small town. This was only a prologue. About 15 years later, Fio had a farm where he would take in some animals, grow some food for his family restaurant and living his dream. However, he found that another farm was going under and they were willing to give Fio all of the animals they had so he had to devise a plan to find some money to be able to build a bigger barn to house the rest of the animals. In order to do this, he had to go to the bank and apply for a loan after being recommended by Brando (the family matchmaker who owns a new matchmaking agency) to go there. That’s when he saw that True, his childhood love was the owner of the bank. That’s where I’m going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book and find out what happens. Does Fio get the loan, a second chance with True, or does he lose it all? Does Brando’s 2nd matchmaking scheme succeed?
This story started with Fiorello (Fio)the third son of the Lombardi clan who had dreams of spending the rest of his life with True Becker after high school. Unfortunately True had to break Fio’s heart because he was afraid of his homophobic father, a very well-known banker in the small town. This was only a prologue. About 15 years later, Fio had a farm where he would take in some animals, grow some food for his family restaurant and living his dream. However, he found that another farm was going under and they were willing to give Fio all of the animals they had so he had to devise a plan to find some money to be able to build a bigger barn to house the rest of the animals. In order to do this, he had to go to the bank and apply for a loan after being recommended by Brando (the family matchmaker who owns a new matchmaking agency) to go there. That’s when he saw that True, his childhood love was the owner of the bank. That’s where I’m going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book and find out what happens. Does Fio get the loan, a second chance with True, or does he lose it all? Does Brando’s 2nd matchmaking scheme succeed?
April 20, 2022
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Amore Matchmaking series, and while it would help you get a better picture of these people and how they are with each other, its not strictly necessary, you know? Stunning five star read, though, that's all I'm saying ;-)
And if I could, I'd give this one more stars!
It's got a bit more bite that Shouting, it's more emotional, too. Oh hell, it's just MORE all round, and again, I bloody loved it!
I loved that Fio and True had never really gotten over each other. Loved that there was forgiveness, on both sides. Loved that the love was still there, it was just waiting for the right time to come to the surface. And we had to wait for that time, we really did. A slow burner, this was, and I loved being made for the main event!
Usually I'll give myself free reign to rant about a book I loved, but I fear if I do that, I'll give away the whole darn plot, and I don't want to spoil this for anyone else!
Suffices to say, I loved this. It's whole nother book full of warm and fuzzies and it was too stinking cute, and I don't know who is next but I need it, NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED it, I tell ya!
And the goat surprised me, but really he probably was just waiting for that person to look after his person, you know?
5 full and shiny blue stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Amore Matchmaking series, and while it would help you get a better picture of these people and how they are with each other, its not strictly necessary, you know? Stunning five star read, though, that's all I'm saying ;-)
And if I could, I'd give this one more stars!
It's got a bit more bite that Shouting, it's more emotional, too. Oh hell, it's just MORE all round, and again, I bloody loved it!
I loved that Fio and True had never really gotten over each other. Loved that there was forgiveness, on both sides. Loved that the love was still there, it was just waiting for the right time to come to the surface. And we had to wait for that time, we really did. A slow burner, this was, and I loved being made for the main event!
Usually I'll give myself free reign to rant about a book I loved, but I fear if I do that, I'll give away the whole darn plot, and I don't want to spoil this for anyone else!
Suffices to say, I loved this. It's whole nother book full of warm and fuzzies and it was too stinking cute, and I don't know who is next but I need it, NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED it, I tell ya!
And the goat surprised me, but really he probably was just waiting for that person to look after his person, you know?
5 full and shiny blue stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 12, 2022
So, we're back in Ogunquit, Maine with Athena and her boys. This time it's Fio's turn in the spotlight. He's a great character - caring, earnest, hard working, but he's definitely thrown for a loop as he comes face-to-face again with the man who broke his heart on high school graduation day 17 years before.
True, the other MC, finds himself in his father's shoes (professionally speaking) when he takes on the job of the head of the bank in Ogunquit. In reality, he's still struggling under the weight of layers upon layers of guilt because of the way he left Fiorello all those years ago. He's also still dealing with some issues around his relationship with his father.
I really like the depth of feeling each man has for the other and, despite the book's title, how they're able to overcome past grudges and work their way back to each other relatively easily.
Talking of relatives, the Lombardi brothers are at their most meddlesome in this story. This is where the dropped star comes for me. I know it's integral to the story/humour and it's probably me not being in the right place for this, but I found the meddling edging toward my boundaries for manipulation in this kind of situation this time around. Like I said, though, it's probably me and I'll feel differently after a re-read.
All in all, Grudge Match is a very entertaining enemies to lovers/second chance romance. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store next for the Lombardis. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
True, the other MC, finds himself in his father's shoes (professionally speaking) when he takes on the job of the head of the bank in Ogunquit. In reality, he's still struggling under the weight of layers upon layers of guilt because of the way he left Fiorello all those years ago. He's also still dealing with some issues around his relationship with his father.
I really like the depth of feeling each man has for the other and, despite the book's title, how they're able to overcome past grudges and work their way back to each other relatively easily.
Talking of relatives, the Lombardi brothers are at their most meddlesome in this story. This is where the dropped star comes for me. I know it's integral to the story/humour and it's probably me not being in the right place for this, but I found the meddling edging toward my boundaries for manipulation in this kind of situation this time around. Like I said, though, it's probably me and I'll feel differently after a re-read.
All in all, Grudge Match is a very entertaining enemies to lovers/second chance romance. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store next for the Lombardis. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
April 22, 2022
True and Fio found love in high school but True's conservative family made him delay coming out until high school graduation. Instead True came out to his parents and his father threatened to withdraw support so he breaks up with Fio and lives an inauthentic but successful professional life. Fio follows his own dreams of working on a farm - he even has cows and a goat. Seventeen years pass before True returns to their small town but what continues to be true is that they still love one another and they now have a second chance to be together and to finally be happy. Neither has really been happy without the other. Fio's matchmaking brother and family help them move beyond the grudge and work towards the happily ever after that True's father's interference delayed but that their true love deserves. The Lombardis are a trip. They are zany but genuinely care for one another and help one another in the frustrating way only family can. I was so glad that True and Fio found their happiness and look forward to the next brother finding his happiness.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
Pandora Pine has released the second 'Amore Matchmaking' and you're going to love it!
I want to grow up in a big, Italian family! These 4 brothers are so much fun to be around. It's no wonder their mother can't pick her favorite one.
Unfortunately, Fio (a farmer) and True (the son of a bigoted banker) are torn apart the day they graduate from high school. Now it's seventeen years later. Fio needs a loan to start an animal rescue, True's dad is dead and True is now the bank president.
When they see each other for the first time it's like their feelings haven't changed at all. Except for some additional distrust, hurt feelings and pain. Still, they're read to look past these and start over.
But while the board of the bank stirs up trouble, Fio's three brothers figure out ways to save the farm and the future looks bright...in spite of some head butting, some pitfalls and some residual anger.
If you want to experience the full joy, read 'Shouting Match' and you'll see how the family that yells together, stays together.
I want to grow up in a big, Italian family! These 4 brothers are so much fun to be around. It's no wonder their mother can't pick her favorite one.
Unfortunately, Fio (a farmer) and True (the son of a bigoted banker) are torn apart the day they graduate from high school. Now it's seventeen years later. Fio needs a loan to start an animal rescue, True's dad is dead and True is now the bank president.
When they see each other for the first time it's like their feelings haven't changed at all. Except for some additional distrust, hurt feelings and pain. Still, they're read to look past these and start over.
But while the board of the bank stirs up trouble, Fio's three brothers figure out ways to save the farm and the future looks bright...in spite of some head butting, some pitfalls and some residual anger.
If you want to experience the full joy, read 'Shouting Match' and you'll see how the family that yells together, stays together.
May 1, 2022
I liked how Fio and True were able to get back together after being apart for 17 years. At first it does not look good because there was so much pain and both of them do not react well. Fio was luckier because he had his wonderful family to support him while True had no one. The best part of the story is when his family comes up with the GoFundMe idea to pay for the cement floor and prefab barn for the animals he wanted to save from the farm going out of business. True proves to be a good ally when he finds out how his father and trustees at the bank deliberately denied loans to women, gays, and POC and decides to fire the trustees and then he will resign since he always hated working at the bank. The animals are wonderful, especially Frankie and I loved when Petunia went into labor and True helped Fio deliver the baby and he got to name her Skye. The wedding was great and having Frankie and the rest of the brat pack bring Fio's ring was delightful. Looking forward to Nero's story.
December 23, 2022
💞Good, second chance romance, enlivened by livestock and a lively Lombardi matriarch!🐐👵
The farm and its animals, particularly Frankie, the dwarf rescue goat with attitude, gave this second chance MM romance a bit of whimsy added to the jibes and playful banter of the Lombardi family. It's a good storyline with some steam reuniting True and Fio after almost two decades apart.
True, the banker's son who left Fio Lombardi in the dust when his father's ultimatum separated them after high school graduation, actually gets a chance to stand up against entrenched prejudice and his father's legacy. But Fio and his brothers have some moves of their own to make the bigots irrelevant and succeed in spite of them.
I enjoyed it, especially the humorous farmyard animal action, the bachelor charity auction, and Mama Lombardi Athena keeping her grown boys in line with her constant threats of "getting the spoon."
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The farm and its animals, particularly Frankie, the dwarf rescue goat with attitude, gave this second chance MM romance a bit of whimsy added to the jibes and playful banter of the Lombardi family. It's a good storyline with some steam reuniting True and Fio after almost two decades apart.
True, the banker's son who left Fio Lombardi in the dust when his father's ultimatum separated them after high school graduation, actually gets a chance to stand up against entrenched prejudice and his father's legacy. But Fio and his brothers have some moves of their own to make the bigots irrelevant and succeed in spite of them.
I enjoyed it, especially the humorous farmyard animal action, the bachelor charity auction, and Mama Lombardi Athena keeping her grown boys in line with her constant threats of "getting the spoon."
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 27, 2022
I finished Grudge Match at 0430 this morning and loved it and well worth the lack of sleep today. I loved Fio’s and True’s story and my heart melted as I read their story and routed for the men to reconnect and realize that even after all these years if the one for you is standing in front of you then you need to wake up, realize that it was meant to be. Brando really hit it out of the park with this one and Fio deserved the chance to see the love of his life again and to latch on tight and not let go. Toxic parents shouldn’t keep the love of your life away and no blackmail and censure is worth losing years with your one. I loved the support and love shown Fio and True by the Lombardi family and friends was heartwarming and it made me smile, tear up and so happy that love conquers all and if it is meant to be then that is all that matters no matter how long you wait for your one. Loved this story and Brando deserves his favorite Italian dish for hitting this one out of the park with Amore Matchmaking.
April 8, 2022
I am such a fan of Pandora Pine’s characters. Some of her guys are among my favorite fictional characters (I am looking at you Ten and Ronan!). I loved Capone and Fuller’s story and couldn’t wait for the next brother. When I started this book, after the prologue, I admit that I expected a little more anger and hate to spill over at first between Fio and True; but as quickly found that I didn’t mind. The story of these two and their doomed first love quickly turned into a very rewarding second chance. Neither man was ever able to “move on” or “get over” their feelings because they ran too deep and pure. I feel a great deal of sorrow for those who are not allowed to live as themselves and find rejection at the hands of family or friends. But the Lombardi family has enough love for everyone. This story was really good and I am quickly getting invested in the brothers, but someone needs to put a leash on Brando!
April 11, 2022
After reading the first book I was beyond excited to read the next one! This definitely did not disappoint. Fio and True were high school sweethearts. They went their separate ways on graduation day after True said some pretty harsh words to Fio. Fast forward 17 years later and they meet again when True returns home. These two men really had to put forth the extra effort and fight hard for the HEA. They never gave up though and this story was an absolute joy to read. To see these two fight for their second chance just melted my heart. I am completely in love with this series and I am so very excited for the next book!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Amore Matchmaking series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Amore Matchmaking series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
April 6, 2022
Fio and True were high school sweethearts but broke up on graduation day, a day in which True said some very cruel and harsh things to Fio.
They are reunited 17 years later when True returns home and circumstances having them crossing paths yet again. Fio loves his farm and desperately wants to pursue his dream of including an animal sanctuary so he approaches the bank but his application is rejected by True.
With emotions running high, truths being exposed and meddling family members getting involved, Fio and True need to overcome a couple of hiccups before they get their second chance at love and a well deserved HEA.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series and couldn’t help cheering on these wonderful characters and of course the animals and their antics were icing in the cake!
They are reunited 17 years later when True returns home and circumstances having them crossing paths yet again. Fio loves his farm and desperately wants to pursue his dream of including an animal sanctuary so he approaches the bank but his application is rejected by True.
With emotions running high, truths being exposed and meddling family members getting involved, Fio and True need to overcome a couple of hiccups before they get their second chance at love and a well deserved HEA.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series and couldn’t help cheering on these wonderful characters and of course the animals and their antics were icing in the cake!
April 16, 2022
Low angst, sweet, so much family love!
Fio and True were meant to be ever since they first fell in love in high school. They started out as best friends before they fell in love and became lovers. When something happened that made them separate, it felt like their other half was taken away from them. It has felt that way for the last seventeen years. Not until they met again.
Working things out after talking and getting their hurts out on the table, they start to heal and get to know each other again. Loving comes back easily because they never really fell out of love with each other, now it just is better because of their individual experiences.
A second chance, low angst, full of family shenanigans and love, a light read for those who love sweet and sappy love stories, like me. Thank you Ms. Pandora Pine and Congratulations on this series.
Fio and True were meant to be ever since they first fell in love in high school. They started out as best friends before they fell in love and became lovers. When something happened that made them separate, it felt like their other half was taken away from them. It has felt that way for the last seventeen years. Not until they met again.
Working things out after talking and getting their hurts out on the table, they start to heal and get to know each other again. Loving comes back easily because they never really fell out of love with each other, now it just is better because of their individual experiences.
A second chance, low angst, full of family shenanigans and love, a light read for those who love sweet and sappy love stories, like me. Thank you Ms. Pandora Pine and Congratulations on this series.
April 21, 2022
I love this new series from Pandora Pine. This book is the second book in this series and you should read this series in order, as topics covered in book one are mentioned through out this book. I live the world building Pandora does for each story and series. She's incorporated farm life and "city" life brilliantly. In this book we find Fio and True, they were high school sweethearts until True's family fingers out he's gay... Needless to say that didn't end well and both men have unresolved feelings to this day. Fio owns a farm now and has the greatest menagerie of animals, especially Frankie the goat .. he is just so adorable and I think he is the main reason True and Fio get their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book and this series. It's my favorite book of Pandora's, to date.
April 8, 2022
Fuzzy cows 🐮 and ornery goats 🐐!!!
This is the story of Fio (Fiorello) Lombardi and True Becker who were teenage sweethearts 17 years ago.
True promises Fio to come out after high school graduation so they can openly be in a relationship. The night before graduation he tells his parents about Fio. His dad tells him he’ll kick him out of the house and keep his college money if he doesn't follow his plan for True's future. Once the graduation ceremony is over, he breaks Fio's heart and leaves... that's the last time they see each other for 17 years.
What happens when Brando Lombardi, match maker extraordinaire, sets True in Fio's path? Will lighting strike twice with another perfect match!?!
You are going to love this second book in the Amore Matchmaking series.
This is the story of Fio (Fiorello) Lombardi and True Becker who were teenage sweethearts 17 years ago.
True promises Fio to come out after high school graduation so they can openly be in a relationship. The night before graduation he tells his parents about Fio. His dad tells him he’ll kick him out of the house and keep his college money if he doesn't follow his plan for True's future. Once the graduation ceremony is over, he breaks Fio's heart and leaves... that's the last time they see each other for 17 years.
What happens when Brando Lombardi, match maker extraordinaire, sets True in Fio's path? Will lighting strike twice with another perfect match!?!
You are going to love this second book in the Amore Matchmaking series.
April 12, 2022
This story hooked me with from the very beginning! Fio and True were best friends and first loves in high school, but True’s father drove them apart. True left town only to come back after his father dies. I loved how True helped to root out the evil in his workplace. This story was sooo good!!! I seriously adore Fio’s family!! The dynamics of that family is what wishes are made of! I cannot wait for Brando’s story!! The story kept me engaged, I literally could not put it down. Overall, fantastic! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
April 19, 2022
My heart melted for Fio and True. High school sweethearts that were torn apart by True's hateful father, can they grab onto the second chance they are being given?
Everything about Grudge Match worked for me. Pandora Pine has such a talent for creating families that the reader will just fall in love with. I'm also a huge fan of the location this series takes place in.
Ogunquit Maine is one of my favorites spots in the world.
What I really loved here was the mature way these two communicated about and forgave each other for past hurts. They know immediately that the love the once shared still burns brighter than ever.
Add in adorable animals (Frankie the goat!) and I'm sold.
I can't wait for the next installment in the Amore Matchmaking series.
Everything about Grudge Match worked for me. Pandora Pine has such a talent for creating families that the reader will just fall in love with. I'm also a huge fan of the location this series takes place in.
Ogunquit Maine is one of my favorites spots in the world.
What I really loved here was the mature way these two communicated about and forgave each other for past hurts. They know immediately that the love the once shared still burns brighter than ever.
Add in adorable animals (Frankie the goat!) and I'm sold.
I can't wait for the next installment in the Amore Matchmaking series.
April 22, 2022
Fio and True were so freaking sweet in this book! Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes to read and I loved how this storyline unfolded. Full of angst between Fio and True, seeing these two find their way back to each other was so sweet and so worth it. Fio was such a sweet and lovable character in the first book of this series and I hated seeing him so heartbroken. Even though the circumstances of True leaving were understandable, I hated seeing True put in such a horrible position at such a young age. I loved the ending so much and loved seeing these two find happiness. The first two books of this series have been truly wonderful and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the other two brothers!
January 7, 2023
How long does it take deep hurt to heal? Fiorello, decided to live his dream and purchase a farm to grow into an Animal Rescue. He was surprised to find out his loan officer was a man from his past, who broke his heart. True's family had money, which he enjoyed until he came out. They sent him away to be 'fixed'. He returned home thinking he was starting anew, only to realize he was walking in his Dad's shoes. Second chances when the hurt is deep provide extra challenges. Can the men easily talk? Will they listen to each other? Can they put down their baggage in time to listen? Will Fio get his loan? Does Theo find his brain? Does Theo get to find his brain? Nice story. Great flow, good characters.Nicely done. I received an ARC am leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
Fiorello and True story was bittersweet and heart-warming with a side of funny moments.
They get the second chance at love they didn't expect after the breakup they had in their adolescence.
I liked their chemistry and how they work to mend their heart after the disastrous decisions that kept them apart and hurting while being far away from each other.
They have to learn to trust and to communicate, to fight for what they wish for and for being understanding and compassionate as well as unforgiving with the ones who wishes them harm.
I loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
They get the second chance at love they didn't expect after the breakup they had in their adolescence.
I liked their chemistry and how they work to mend their heart after the disastrous decisions that kept them apart and hurting while being far away from each other.
They have to learn to trust and to communicate, to fight for what they wish for and for being understanding and compassionate as well as unforgiving with the ones who wishes them harm.
I loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
April 12, 2022
Loved the setting of this second chance romance! True who left and broke Fio's heart is back to take his dad's position at the bank. And of course, this is the bank that Fio needs a loan from to start his animal sanctuary! So, the battle of finding the love they once had as young men begins! I was glad this was the perfect length to get to know the guys, their past, their present and their hopeful future without piles of misunderstandings and angst! Instead, we get some hilarious animal antics. Can I just say Goat!! I received an ARC and I thought this was a sweet second chance romance with a lot of meddling family and animals! Looking forward to the next brother finding his true love!
April 12, 2022
Grudge Match is the second book in the Amore Matchmaking series and is a second chance story about the second brother of the Lombardi family, Fiorello, and his high-school sweetheart True. Their reunion after 17 years felt real, and I liked that they had to overcome some difficulties to be together again. We also get more of the whole Lombardi family which added to the reading pleasure, plus an assortment of goats and cows to help the story along.
This was a sweet, funny and satisfying read, and I’m looking forward to the next brother’s story.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This was a sweet, funny and satisfying read, and I’m looking forward to the next brother’s story.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
April 12, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book! The second book in the Amore Matchmaking series and it’s brother Fio’s turn. He and True were high school sweethearts until True’s father tore them apart. Seventeen long years later, they will fall back into each other’s lives and it will be a bit of a bumpy ride. I love the way their relationship is rebuilt and the struggles they overcome. Fio’s momma Athena is an absolute hoot in this book and her sass and love for her boys shines through and is a joy to read. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see which brother is next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I loved this book! The second book in the Amore Matchmaking series and it’s brother Fio’s turn. He and True were high school sweethearts until True’s father tore them apart. Seventeen long years later, they will fall back into each other’s lives and it will be a bit of a bumpy ride. I love the way their relationship is rebuilt and the struggles they overcome. Fio’s momma Athena is an absolute hoot in this book and her sass and love for her boys shines through and is a joy to read. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see which brother is next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
April 22, 2022
This is much angstier than the first book in the series, but I loved it. Fio and True had something special when they were younger, but True let his father rule his life and he broke up with Fio in a really heartless way. In a less skilled author's hands we might not be able to understand and forgive True, but Pine shows us his growth and how he comes to feel real remorse for his actions that have carried over into the way he and his bank are still dealing with Fio. He becomes a man worthy of Fio's forgiveness. The use of the animal sanctuary was an interesting plot device and I enjoyed learning about Fio's plans.
April 22, 2022
I love this addition to the story. Brando helping these two find their second chance. Forced apart after highschool these two are separated for seventeen years. This causes a grudge that needs resolved. Somehow Fio and True found their way to each other and to build a new life. I loved their dynamic as they found happiness and a second chance at love and acceptance. The healing and love plus the chance to build a life together was so well written. This is well worth the read and super enjoyable. Loved the farm story and building a life where dreams come true. The Lombardi's are all quickly becoming favorites of mine.
April 23, 2022
Grudge Match is the second book in the Amore matchmaking series. It features Fio the second of the Lombardi brothers to find love. I love a good second chance romance and Fio and True were amazing. Fio and True met in high school and were dating in secret because True's father was hugely homophobic. They intended to come out and live a HEA but True’s father got in the way Fast forward many years later and here they are again. Fio has what he has always wanted (or almost!) a farm with rescue animals but needs a loan to expand. True has taken over the bank. He and Fio have lots to work out before they get their HEA. Can't wait for the next Lombardi brother find love!
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