REVIEW: Bought with the Italian’s Ring by Tara Pammi

In Bought with the Italian’s Ring by Tara Pammi (HQN), Raphael Mastrantino is a man that loves the power his role as CEO for Vito Automobiles gives him, but he never imagined that power being threatened by his godfather’s recently-discovered grand-daughter. Will Raphael do everything he can to make Pia his, or will he walk away from the woman he’s fallen in love with?

”The Cinderella story of the year,” he continued, a hardness in the curve of his sensual mouth. “I assume Gio has already bought a prince for you to dance with before the stroke of midnight too, si?”

Enemies to lovers trope encompassing stories can be so entertaining, and Ms. Pammi has delivered an exciting and captivating read in this book due to the fact that neither main character are looking for a relationship. With Raphael always having so much to deal with when it comes to his family and the heroine just wanting to get to know her grandfather in the short time she’s with him. Yet, with their intense chemistry and compelling banter that ups the sexual tension between them because Raphael sees Pia as a threat to his future, it’s hard for this pair to resist each other.

The way this story started had me liking the main characters immediately, as Pia can’t help but agree with her grandfather’s assessment of Raphael. However, it’s the instant chemistry that had me reading quickly determined to discover whether the heroine would be able to win the hero over, especially once he realizes she’s not a fraud like he first thought. Yet, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as Raphael is arrogant and speaks his mind and the heroine isn’t afraid to fight back when it comes to defending herself.

”We’re both responsible for that kiss turning into something else,” she said, her voice vibrating with hurt and anger.
“Si.”
“Then you’re unhappy because I enjoyed it more than you think I should?”
“I lost control. And it won’t happen again.”
“The kiss or losing control?”

Both the main characters were fascinating and I loved their back stories, their intense chemistry and the obstacles they face on their journey to happy ever after. Such as the fact that they’re enemies and need to find a way to get along; whether the heroine can deal with her grandfather’s matchmaking schemes or whether she’ll find a way to get him to stop; and whether the hero will be able to win the heroine’s heart in the end, considering the hurt he causes her. Is Raphael using her for his own personal gain? Will his drive for power and his desire not to turn out like his father be too much for the heroine to handle? However, in saying that, I did like the heroine’s strength and how she strived for her independence. Why does her grandfather think she needs a man in her life?

Overall, Ms. Pammi has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was nicely-detailed; tensions run high as the hero tries to figure out the heroine’s motives when it comes to her appearance in her grandfather’s life; and the ending had me liking that the hero would do anything to win back the heroine. Besides, his words to her are perfect and the love they’ve found together is definitely what they both need to heal from their pasts. Then again, the surprise the heroine has for the hero is a blessing and a chance to start over now that everything is out of the open. I would recommend Bought with the Italian’s Ring by Tara Pammi, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Jane Porter, Caitlin Crews, Sharon Kendrick and Kim Lawrence.
 

Book Info:

Publication: February 1st, 2018 | Harlequin Presents | Conveniently Wed #2

His lifelong legacy is at risk Buying a bride could save it…

CEO Raphael Mastrantino has absolute power–until a shock heir to his billion-dollar empire emerges! He initiates a calculated seduction to rob Pia Vito of her inheritance, and inescapable hunger soon engulfs them. But Pia’s innocence unravels his plans to acquire her. Now, to make her his, Raphael must give her more than a diamond ring