Ciao for Now
Kate Bromley
316 pages
Graydon House
published June 6, 2023
I spent a couple of weeks in Rome and Tuscany a few years ago and did not have nearly as much fun as Violet did. Not only does this showcase a romance, but friendships and success. Or I should clarify that what you think will be success and what you achieve and the journey to get there. I did smile as Violet laments over and over how old she is for what she is doing. She’s still in her twenties.
While I thought Violet and Matteo had great chemistry and loved the quasi grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, and haters to lovers romance they had, I was more invested in the friendships Violet made and how well they supported each other. I liked her growth at her internship and her personal growth. I really appreciate when a book tells more than one story. And Marco might be one of the best supporting characters I’ve read about in a while. Kate if you are reading this, he’d be great in his own story.
It nailed the feel of Italy and I could see this as a movie like the great rom coms of the 90s. Because while I was invested in the entire story, I did root for Matteo and Violet to get over their hurdles and get together. Their chemistry sizzled on the page and kept me glued to my book.
This is the perfect summer/beach read. Especially if you are looking to travel vicariously through someone else’s eyes.
Thanks Graydon House and Uplit Reads for my review copy.
About the book
When an American interning at a fashion house in Rome butts heads with her professor’s surly son, sparks fly!
With her thirties rapidly approaching and a mountain of student debt looming over her, Violet Luciano’s dream of finishing design school and working in fashion has cost her everything. So when she lands an internship at an up-and-coming fashion brand in Rome, she brings her A game to Italy. With nothing left to lose, Violet plans to win the competition among the interns for the ultimate prize—a job at a New York label.
But when a coffee run goes wrong and Violet accidentally destroys a stranger’s laptop, all of the apology Americanos in the world won’t help her. Because it turns out that the man from the café is Matteo, her professor’s eternally grumpy son, who thinks she’s a clumsy American…and maybe a stalker. Their animosity (and undeniable chemistry) grows as together they’re forced to face a summer of chic parties, adventures through Rome and sharing a home…with the person they can’t stand the most.
The more time she spends with him, the more distracted she finds herself. With her chance to win the competition slipping out of her grasp, Violet has to decide whether to say ciao to Matteo—or ciao to her dreams.
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