Romancing the Jewel is passionate love story between Gian-Paolo Montovanni, Prince of Monte Blanco and Carolina Beuge. This is the story of how a common American girl from Atlanta, GA became an Italian princess. The storyline was really great, but there were some elements that took way from my enjoyment of the story. The story was initially difficult to follow because the author used Italian phrases without giving the reader a hint to what the words meant. She also used awkward words and descriptions. During one chapter she used the term Machiavellian at least 3 times and all in a different context. She used the term “buttressed flesh” to describe breasts. I kept shaking my head as I read because I wondered why use this overly dramatic, formal language for a novel that’s supposed to be a contemporary novel. However, as I made it past the first few chapters the awkward phrasing vanished, and the book was much easier to read.
I liked both characters, but I never became vested in either character. They were very melodramatic and created their own overblown misunderstandings. These misunderstandings could have been easily solved and yet they went on for several pages. I sort of felt like I was on an amusement park ride and couldn't get off. Even the way they realized they loved each other could only be described as awkward and unrealistic. They did have chemistry, but other than those brief moments of passion their relationship was forced and unbelievable. I never bought into them as a couple.
The book improved as I read it, but it really wasn't for me. I hope the author continues to write, and I would read another novel by her.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
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8 November, 2014:
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