Reviewed by Cindy

TITLE: Fiorenzo

AUTHOR: Sebastian Nothwell

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH:  685 Pages

RELEASE DATE: September 30th, 2023

BLURB:

Fiore has a plan. Find a wealthy elderly gentleman, delight him until the end of his days, and retire on the resulting inheritance. It’s the best outcome a low-born courtesan in the city of Halcyon can hope for.

And it seems a perfect scheme… until a mysterious masked man upends it.

Banished from university after a disastrous duel, Enzo wanders the city searching for scraps of the affection he’s lost. His public mask conceals private agonies. A single night in the company of a courtesan, however, balms his wounded heart, and he finds himself returning again and again to Fiore, revealing more of himself than he’s ever dared before.

Furthermore, and more astonishing still, Fiore finds he returns Enzo’s affections.

But while Fiore wears no mask, he nonetheless has secrets of his own. And when the ghosts of their pasts return to haunt them, only the bond of trust between them will carry them through.

Fiorenzo is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after.

REVIEW:

Fiore has a plan and he intends to stick to it and nothing can change his mind. Until Enzo strides into his life. Enzo blows Fiore’s plan right out of the water without even trying.

Enzo can’t help but be instantly enchanted by Fiore, a breathtakingly beautiful courtesan who’s confidence and sweetness take hold of Enzo’s heart.

I’m not sure where to begin with this. It’s beautifully written, the words painting amazing pictures of a world that resembles ours in the past, but with a few differences that really set this story apart. I don’t want to give anything away but it’s hard to say what makes this so wonderful without giving away a few secrets!

I love the slow growing romance between Enzo and Fiore. It takes some for them both to figure out their feelings and learn to trust but when they do, it’s enchanting!

There are a few other fleeting characters but the only ones we get a real glimpse of are Enzo’s sisters who are in unique aristocratic situations and I have to admit, it greatly endeared this story to me.

The world building in this story is divine, set in a place that reminds me of old Italy. The author does a great job of describing the places that Enzo and Fiore live in and venture to. It sounds like a world I could wander in endlessly.

If you are a historical romance lover, this story will make your heart happy and there are a few little twists and turns that make both characters all the more intriguing.

The sex is very steamy and it’s been a while since I’ve been left so…heated…and I appreciate the the sex doesn’t take over the whole story.

There is some references to past and present sexual assaults, it does happen off page and is not described in any great detail.

My favorite part of this story is how the feelings between these two men seem to evolve so naturally and never feels rushed or forced. There’s enough angst to keep the angst lover in me happy while not overwhelming the whole story in sadness and depression.

Also, there is a loyal hound who is as brave as he adorable and that’s always a win in my book.

Sebastion Nothwell is a new to me author and I feel like I will be seeking out some of their other stories in hopes that they will bring me the joy this book has. It’s been while since I was so blown away!

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon