This was my first book by V. B. Emanuele, but will not be my last! From the very opening line this book held me mesmerized by the chemistry between Eliza and Vincenzo! Age-gap is my favorite trope, but this novel knocked it out of the park with sultry, spicy scenes and an unforgettable all-star cast!
Vincenzo is classy, sophisticated, and quietly dangerous as a mafia boss and longtime friend of Eliza's father. Eliza is a sassy college student who knows what she wants, but has a profound love for her family and feels the need to make them proud. I liked how much growth and change Eliza experienced throughout the book, and I liked the evolution of Vinny's feelings for her very much. I immensely enjoyed how protective Vinny was of Eliza, and how he relished dealing with the professor. Other times, I laughed out loud ("so much drama to choose from"), was almost moved to tears, and had to turn my AC back on for some of the steamiest encounters. Every character was believable, and I loved hating Eliza's morally-bankrupt mother character. However, like many other reviewers have noted, I ADORED the dynamic between Maddie and Eliza's DILF Dad and join the chorus demanding another book with their story!
Overall, this is the best age-gap romance I have read. Kudos to Ms. Emanuele - you wrote an all-star cast with off-the-charts spice and a plot with real heart. What an unforgettable book.