Kindred spirits…in paradise!
Cataloging reclusive billionaire Loukas Ariti's art
collection would be Sophia's dream job -- if it weren't for Loukas! He's
distractingly handsome but clearly views her presence on his idyllic private
island as a massive intrusion. Having never fully recovered from the loss of
her ballet career, Sophia suspects that his gruff exterior hides a hurt that
matches her own. Could two weeks with the Greek heal both their hearts?
Good book about two hurting and lonely people. Sophia is
several years into her new life in the art world after the devastating loss of
her ballet career. Her mother died when she was born, she never knew her
father, and she was raised by grandparents who blamed her for the death of
their daughter. She has worked hard to keep from being bitter, especially after
being dumped by her boyfriend, who couldn't handle her post-accident scars. She
is excited when offered the chance to catalog an extensive art collection in
Greece.
Loukas avoids people whenever possible. Orphaned in a traumatic
accident at the age of four, he was taken in by his godfather. Christos was a
loving man, but he, too, was tragically taken from Loukas when he was eight
years old. Since then, Loukas has locked away his heart and refuses to get
close to anyone. There is also something about Christos's death that haunts Loukas.
He knows it is time to sell the art collection, but he isn't looking forward to
having someone invade his home.
Loukas's self-imposed isolation takes a hit when Sophia
arrives. He's bowled over by her beauty and shocked by the sparks of attraction
he feels for her. He desperately tries to bury those feelings. Sophia also
feels the chemistry between them, but getting involved with a client is never a
good idea.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Loukas and
Sophia develop. They connect quickly but are wary of getting too close. Loukas shows
some overprotective tendencies when Sophia does something that runs up against
his fears. I liked Sophia's understanding of his fears. I enjoyed the
encounters that brought them closer together. Neither expected the strength of
the attraction between them or the need to act on it. But Loukas has been clear
in his determination to avoid anything resembling a relationship, and Sophia knows
that she will leave when her work is done.
A startling discovery brings conflict as Loukas and
Sophia deal with the ramifications. I ached for Loukas as he revealed more of
his past. Matters become more complicated when a paparazzi shows up on the
island, and Loukas makes unfounded accusations. Loukas's lack of trust hurt
Sophia. But can he overcome his fears enough to open his heart and risk a
future with Sophia? I liked seeing his thought processes as he confronted those
fears. His big moment with Sophia was sweet and emotional. I wish there had
been an epilogue.
