Reflections of Cypress

Love’s Journeys, Book 2

By: V.L. Locey

Narrated by: Tristan James

Arlo Bonetti has enjoyed a life of unparalleled luxury. As the sole heir to a global olive oil empire, he's traveled the world, indulged in every pleasure, and never known a day of responsibility. Amidst a series of scandals, the latest being the most outrageous in Arlo's eventful life, his father decides to intervene. Taking control of Arlo's trust fund, he issues an ultimatum: he has a year to grow up, or he'll lose access to the family's immense fortune. To make sure Arlo follows through, he's dispatched to Italy, the heart of the Bonetti legacy, to manage one of their renowned olive farms.

Surly doesn't even begin to describe Arlo's mood when he lands in Florence to report to his great-aunt, the matriarch of the family and the only person his father feels can whip the spoiled, truculent young man into shape. It's there, in the city of the Renaissance, that Arlo meets Donvino Marini, the grandson of his great-aunt's housekeeper. The two young men come from vastly different backgrounds: one is a millionaire's son and the other a poor athlete with dreams of making the Italian rowing team. Arlo is instantly charmed by the beautiful, affable rower and what starts off as a flirtation soon turns into something much deeper, something that will change Arlo's world in ways he couldn't have imagined.

Contains mature themes.

©2023 V.L. Locey (P)2023 Tantor Media

Terrible narrator and didn’t love the story

I rarely leave negative reviews for books, but I think Heart this one deserves it. The narration was poor, very. There were several words that were mispronounced, including place names that are near where I live so yes, I do know how they’re supposed to be said. They were inconsistencies in terminology in the book. There were also some factual inaccuracies, yes, I know it’s fiction but when you’re talking about geography, you should try and get it right. I recognize that it was supposed to be a redemption ark, but the primary MC was whiny and entitled further into the book then really seemed necessary. I have read this author before and enjoyed their work and I enjoyed the first book in this series. They really weren’t related and this one was deeply disappointing.