Ache for You

J. T. Geissinger — 2018

In this fairy tale with a sexy twist, she's a penniless San Francisco seamstress. He's the king of Italian couture. Who's got designs on whom? Boutique owner Kimber DiSanto has seen better days. She's been dumped at the altar by Prince Charmless, her business went up in flames (literally), and now she's stuck in Florence, Italy, with an ice-queen stepmother, to try to save her late father's failing dress shop. Only one thing could make it worse: another man in her life. The arrogant Italian fashion tycoon offering to buy her father's shop is as rich as he is sexy, and their attraction is off the charts. But Kimber's not about to get burned again. Women don't say no to Matteo Moretti--and certainly not with Kimber's stinging precision. With all the heat and fury sparking between them, Matteo can't resist baiting the gorgeous American. His plan? Win her over one scorching kiss at a time. Kimber tells herself it's all just a game. That her broken heart isn't in danger, and that Matteo's touch does not make her Lady Land dance with joy. But sometimes it takes the fieriest of enemies to turn a fantasy into a real-life romance.

Reviews

Ilham@xaaam_o

Jun 8, 2024

3.5⭐️

Amanda J @librarianonbreak

Nov 17, 2021

nope; instalove and not in good way

window@window

Sep 30, 2021

3.5 stars. This one was like over-correcting the self-esteem issues Joelle had (in Melt for You) a wee bit too much. I liked this one, but Kimber at times came on rather strong. She seemed to always be primed for a fight. I would have liked to see her struggle a bit more with the emotional impact of loosing her father, but it felt like she got over it a little too quickly. I really liked Matteo. Deducted a half star or so for the crux of the conflict being the classic miscommunication, as in "if only they had a basic conversation like adults, none of this would have happened". That sort of conflict feels contrived and unnecessary to me.

Lacey@laceybooklovers

Aug 26, 2021

This is a hilarious, sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy that had me giggling so much. It's a modern retelling of Cinderella, set in the gorgeous country of Italy, and of course, has a hunky Italian hero who dirty talks in Italian. Kimber and Matteo are amazing together – they do not get along yet the banter is witty and the chemistry is on fire. The story is a little over-the-top, a lot hilarious, and I had so much fun reading it. Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.