Review: Beautiful romance, lovely language
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2014
OMG. Jesus lord, can I move to Italy, right now? I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program...and I loved it.Henry is a gay Englishman, newly graduated from college. He has come to Garda for the summer to be an English tutor to Sandro Luccini, an 18 y/o boy. The Luccini's are very wealthy, and Sandro is very beautiful--to Henry. But her doesn't compare to Michele, Sandro's older brother--who happens also to be gay.The attraction between them is instant--two young men who share a love of music? Henry is a classically trained pianist, and Michele is a tenor, with a dream do being an opera singer. They are meant for each other, but this affection is new to Henry. He's had lovers, but never been in love.In contrast, Michele has loved (unrequited) but never had a lover. They are in many ways dumbfounded with their luck, and very nervous of Michele's parents finding out. Michele is not " out" and fears Henry will be sent away if their budding relationship is discovered.Sandro catches on pretty quickly, and accepts it well enough. He had suspected as much, because Michele is still virgin after having many 'girlfriends'. While enjoying some time at a waterfront cafe, Michele and Henry witness a boat capsize and dive in for the rescue of two men--one who runs an opera in Verano. Instead of a reward, Henry begs an audition for Michele. The opera owner demands an immediate audition, while Michele is dressed in nothing but a towel seated on the pier, yet he is impressed with Michele's performance. So much so, he arranges for a formal audition the next week.Henry assists Michele with his preparations and accompanies him for the audition. While there is no space in the opera company for Michele, he is assured that he will be hired if one opens. And, they're impressed with Henry as well; he's offered a position as a rehearsal pianist. Michele encourages him to accept.This romance continues to blossom, with Mrs Luccini catching on and seeming to approve. Interesting happenstance gets Michele to the opera stage far sooner than expected, but a new wrinkle develops. One of the men Michele had loved realizes he shares Michele's affection. But does Michele reciprocate? Or will he remain with Henry?It's a beautifully told romance, with subtle humor and delicious Brit-English language that sang to the Anglophile in me. And the style is as lyrical as the opera it celebrates. The smexytimes are matter-of-fact with the emotion more on the angsty-side of the spectrum. A solid read for those who love M/M romance and delight in Italian culture.