Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Reflections of Cypress
SERIES: Love’s Journeys
AUTHOR: V.L. Locey
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 324 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 24, 2024
BLURB:
When you’re forced to walk a different path, the detour just might be what your heart required all along.
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. While he revels in his lavish lifestyle, his father is less than pleased. 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.
Reflections of Cypress is an opposites attract, rich man/poor man M/M romance with two young men from different walks of life, a city of flowers, an oil mill brimming with scenic countryside views, family and friends that are not averse to pushing two souls together in the name of romanza, one distinguished feline, swaying cypress trees, lush heady nights, and a happily-ever-after.
REVIEW:
NOTE: This is the second book in what is now as series, but it’s doesn’t have any crossover from the first book and is a standalone from characters/setting perspective.
Arlo Bonetti has finally stepped over the line with his outrageous behavior. He’s been caught in flagrante delicto with the closeted son of a very prominent conservative and Tommaso Bonetti has had enough. He’s cutting Arlo off and sending him to Florence to learn the business. He’s got room and board at the family villa but he’ll only be paid the average working man’s wages for a year while he learns the business. If Tommaso and Arlo’s great-aunt Ginerva are satisfied, then he will receive his trust fund. If not, well he’s out.
Arriving in Italy, Arlo is a bit of a fish out of water. He’s been an “influencer” and a gad-about. Aunt Ginerva is NOT impressed. Also he can’t speak Italian which is also going to be a problem learning the business. The one bright spot is Donvino – the grandson of Giada and Alessio who work at the Villa. He is a young man with multiple jobs and a desire to row in the olympics. His father was a police officer killed in the line of duty and his mother wasn’t up to the task, so he has been raised by his grandparents. He’s also closeted.
Arlo chafes under the yoke of the responsibilities that his aunt has given him. He’s not excited about learning the Olive Oil business either. He’s got a dream of designing steamer trunks and bringing them back 🙂 He’s not happy about the class rules either because he would rather spend time with Donvino but they have to keep their friendship even somewhat on the DL. Eventually Donvino and Arlo become lovers, but there are issues with Donvino not being out – not necessarily for Arlo, but for Donvino and his family relationships.
Arlo eventually starts working more on the ground level with one of the Bonetti mills and he finds he likes it. He’s able to address the workers issues and his father is impressed that he is really getting involved. The Manager of the farm is not so happy. He pretty old school and he’s fine working the men as hard as he can after the 5 mile walk to the farm from the local village. The more he works with the locals, the more they seem to like and respect him. It turns out that they are even accepting of Arlo and Donvino’s relationship. That doesn’t go quite a smoothly with Donvino’s family unfortunately.
Arlo and his father seem to be turning a corner in their relationship though. They both were devastated by the death of Arlo’s mother and they never really dealt with it. Arlo has wanted his father’s attention and love and all he got was “the best that money can buy” but no connection. For his part Tommaso threw himself into work to deal with the grief and he didn’t spend time with his son. After a near tragedy they realize that they need to figure out a new path forward if they are going to build on the progress that has been made. Tommaso is completely accepting of Arlo and Donvino in a way that even Arlo didn’t really expect and it helps Donvino and his relationships as well.
This is a really good story that took me places I didn’t expect. It’s got steam and suspense and twists and turns that surprised me. The secondary characters are wonderful – especial Aunt Ginerva and her best friend Vittoria who also teaches Arlo Itakian. The story is told from Arlo’s POV so the reader gains insight into his emotions and motivations. Donvino is a lovely character who has not had it easy. Although Arlo is spoiled materially and he does make some missteps, he does grow up pretty quickly. Donvino’s cousins and uncle also ad some light and fun to the proceedings. The real heart of the story though is Arlo’s relationship with his father and growing up and building a real life. Italy is also a brilliant secondary character and setting. Recommended!
RATING: 
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