I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring. Until this year. And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes. 2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise. 5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference? But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl. My heart just might be crazy.
ebook, 356 pages
Published June 24th 2012 by Lakehouse Press
Three and a half stars: A sweet, fun summer romance!
Reece inwardly groans as she stares at her disheveled reflection in the glaring fluorescent lighting of the airport bathroom. She is trying to freshen up after a long leg of flying before she boards the last plane to London. She is set to spend another boring summer with her father in England. Little does she know, her summer is going to be anything but boring. It all begins when she inadvertently bumps into the most handsome boy she has ever seen. He quickly bends over and picks up all the spilled contents of her purse and then gives her a dazzling smile. Can you say, sparkling blue eyes and drop dead gorgeous? After a hurried thank you, Reece quickly heads to the gate, determined not to look back. Then she discovers that he is on her plane, but in first class. As she eases down the aisle, his eyes meet hers and there is definitely some sparks. Reece finds her seat and tries to calm her jangled nerves. She is terrified of flying. She closes her eyes and fervently wishes for a safe flight. Once again, she hears that magical voice. Dante slides in the seat next to her, stating he is bored in first class. Just before take off something goes terribly wrong, a plane next to them is on the run way and on fire! Dante is urged by a group of men that they must deboard the plane immediately. Dante refuses to go without Reece, and she inexplicably follows. Turns out this Dante is not just a hunky boy. He just happens to be the son of the Prime Minister of a small Mediterranean nation. He insists on taking her to London, but unfortunately a volcano eruption is responsible for the catastrophe and all planes are grounded. Reece finds herself flying on a helicopter with this boy. Her summer has suddenly taken a detour. Will Reece lose her heart to this handsome boy who is way out of her league?
What I Liked:
- Dante's Girl is simply a feel good, sweet summer romance that will make you smile. If you are need of a fun, simple story this one is for you. Perfect for whiling away the afternoon in a sunny spot.
- I completely enjoyed both the main characters, Dante and Reece. Reece is an average girl from Kansas, who sees herself as the girl next door, she is attractive but never the knock out who turns heads. So when Dante turns his attention to her she is shocked! Reece is funny and the reader gets to read all of her stream of conscious thoughts as they fly through her head. Her commentary is witty and so fun. I liked that she is insecure and incredulous and apprehensive. Her voice reminds me a bit of Anna from Stephanie Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss. She is easy to like and she will surely make you smile. Then there is Dante. He is everything any girl would dream of in a boyfriend. He is handsome, charming, polite, kind, funny, considerate and practically perfect. Oh, and he just happens to be the son of a wealthy diplomat. I think most girls would gladly trade places with Reece! Ladies, if you are looking for a book with a swoon worthy boy, you should check out this one.
- The romance in this one starts as an attraction, but it takes its time to slowly build. I don't consider it to be an insta love. All in all it is just a charming little romance.
And The Not So Much:
- I guess my main criticism for this novel is that it is a fairy tale type of story. One that seems very improbably and unrealistic, but hey here's to dreaming. Besides, it is just a sweet little story, even if the likelihood of this happening to an ordinary girl is pretty slim. I guess that is why it makes a good story, one can always dream!
- As much as I loved Dante, he seemed a little too good to be true. This boy is drop dead gorgeous, charming and so considerate. Seriously, do they really make guys like this? Nevertheless, he is an enjoyable character.
- While I enjoyed Reece's funny commentary and her many awkward moments, there were numerous times when she suddenly became emotional and extremely dramatic and I was a bit put off by her crying jags.
Dante's Girl is a fun, quick, fairytale summer romance. Even though the storyline is a bit far fetched, it is a nice book to curl up with when you are looking for a cozy read. Reece is a likable, farm girl who unexpectedly finds herself swept away by an amazing boy. This is a perfect escape book!
Favorite Quotations:
"It is impossible to look hot in the dingy fluorescent light of an airport bathroom."
"He smells like sunshine. And rain. And everything beautiful that I can think of."
"I try to discreetly smooth my hair down. In my head, I envision myself as Chewbaca from Star Wars and wince."
"The clothing that had seemed so sophisticated to travel in this morning now seems like it was hand-made in someone's backwoods shed."
"The feel of his hand distracts me. Strong and warm, it cups my own carefully, like he is holding a delicate flower."
"I have to go from looking like a rumpled farm girl who just woke up to looking like an ultra-glam sexy siren."
"I realize once again that boys are different here. They have manners. Real manners. Not just the "I'll hold the obligatory door for you so I can get into yours pants later" manners like the boys do back home."
"I need to look graceful and cool as I grasp the elegant champagne glass and drink it. Instead, I am hacking like a drunk donkey and I've only had one little sip."
"My heart will soon explode from love for this boy. I know this much is true."
A big thanks to the ladies at Kismet Tours for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no compensation for this review.
