Comment

This is a pretty weird story at best that definitely isn't for me.

Let's start with the strange characters. I mean, they wouldn't be weird at all, just perfectly normal for historical romances, were it not for Gabriella being 17. And she is really sexually aware for such a young age in those times (even considering that her mother was an actress and the girl received an unusual upbringing). Gabriella somehow combines girlish innocence and sexualization of a much older woman. Together, this causes a complete inconsistency in her character. It is Gabriella who seduces Tony, who is almost twice her age, although I'm not sure she knows what she is doing. The whole thing looks a bit like a failed inspiration from Lolita.

But once she gets him, she gives up any work on their relationship. We have a typical conflict here, resulting from the fact that the main character accidentally heard something she shouldn't have and instead of talking like an adult (which, after reflection, she probably still isn't) decides to act as she thinks will be best for her.

Which of course means ditching Tony. I was surprised it didn't affect Tony more, since he had lost his father at a young age and was painfully rejected by his mother. I really expected that the analogy between these events and his young wife's abandonment would be raised.

I really don't see a future for their relationship if her first idea to solve the problems in their marriage is to run away and leave her husband. How is Tony going to be sure that after the next fight she won't run away again? She's probably too young for this relationship.

I also didn't like the fact that all the work to reconcile them is done solely by him. She merely graciously agrees to his efforts and still sniff at his attempts from time to time. I sincerely hoped that in the end she would have to put some effort herself, and I was disappointed that she didn't.

It was definitely not a book for me. I have other books by this author on my TBR pile, but I don't feel like reading them at the moment.