Playing with Gravity by Isabella Cassazza

Playing with Gravity Reviews

• 
  Jenni Bishop

  Gianluca: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Office Romance (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza is a contemporary romance story. Isabella takes us to one of the beautiful cities of love, Roma and takes you to the Tuscan sun. It also takes you into the cut throat world of fashion and one of the top fashion houses. The characters are fully realised and the chemistry starts off slow but soon builds up. Gianluca is a bit of a hardened man but finding love made me see him in a different light. It was easy to feel along with them, all the banter and frustration, the angst and the drama will keep you steadily turning the pages.
• 
  Donna

  After Callie’s Aunt gets her an internship in Rome with the Ravelli Fashion House she fills in as an assistant to Gianluca. He has only one goal and that is to be the CEO of the company that he has worked so hard to get. The last thing he wants is an American girl who has “no fashion sense” to get in his way and makes her life difficult hoping she will leave. However Callie doesn’t want to disappoint her Aunt so she sticks it out. They end up going on a photo shoot that Callie actually helps out and saves Gianluca butt. An attraction grows but she’s only there for 6 weeks and he’s kinda mean to her. Can they become more? Will the attraction grow to more?
  4 stars
• 
  Angela

  4 Stars
  
  Gianluca is the first book in the Marini Family Romance series by Isabella Cassazza. This is a contemporary romance set in the fashion world- with plenty of chemistry, angst, push pull, and drama- and this story has the added bonus of having Italy as its backdrop.
  I enjoy the way Ms. Cassazza weaves her stories- adding her own stamp and flare to her work. Her characters are well developed and are quite likeable- making it easy to invest in them and the outcome of their story.
  I will definitely be following the rest of this series.
  
  Thank you, Isabella Cassazza!
  
• 
  Laura Furuta

  Gianluca (Marini Family Romance Book 1)
  By Isabella Cassazza
  5 out of 5 stars
  
  I loved reading the book Gianluca (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza. It is a story that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Callie James and Gianluca Marini. Callie is a young woman who is excited to get a fashion internship in Rome. Then she meets her boss, Gianluca. Gianluca is a man who is driven to be the best that he can be and have his talent recognized. He is confident and has a very large ego. He knows that he wants and is determined to succeed in what he sets out to do. He doesn’t need the frustration of an inexperienced intern assisting him. When he meets Callie, he believes that she doesn’t fit in however he feels an attraction to her. What does the future hold for Callie and Gianluca? Will they take a chance on the chemistry between them? Read this book to find out. I grew to care about the characters of Callie and Gianluca with every chapter that I read. I wanted them to find happiness. In the beginning, they seemed to be like oil and water. There are times when you could feel Gianluca and Callie’s frustration with each other. There are other times when you could feel the attraction that they have for one another. I also enjoyed reading about the secondary characters and how they interacted with Gianluca and Callie. The author does an amazing job of making the storyline and the characters come to life. I felt like I was right there with them. Don’t miss out on an awesome story that you won’t want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.
  
• 
  Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)

  
  
  
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  Gianluca is getting an intern. He needs one. What he does not need is Callie. Young, inexperienced, AMERICAN Callie. But she's far too attractive for him to keep his mind off her for long, and eventually as things are bound to, their attraction has to be consummated. What's to come of it? Are they falling in love as Callie thinks? Or is he just using her for fun the way it appears to her?
  
  I admit, I was put off by this story for awhile. Gianluca was so obnoxious - from his oddly stilted and old fashioned way of speaking, to his unacceptable behavior toward Callie at first. But eventually, once he started showing more of his true self, I started to settle into the story and really liking them together. And I love Callie, she was adorable from her first scene. Taken as a whole, this is a mostly good story with a wonderful heroine and a not as equal hero who mostly redeemed himself by the end.
  
  ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
  
  
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• 
  Karyn Taylor

  Gianluca is an enemies to lovers, office romance which is the first book in the Marini Family series by Isabella Cassazza. I had only read one of Isabella Cassazza’s books before reading this book and I had thoroughly enjoyed it. Incidentally we were introduced to Gianluca in that book and he was not exactly to of my favourite men list. Could he redeem himself in this book?
  I have to say that to begin with Gianluca doesn’t do much to redeem himself. He is very driven, arrogant and ruthless and will do whatever it takes to get the promotion at work that he believes he deserves. So let’s just say he’s not the nicest person to Callie when they first meet and start working together. Of course, there is a much nicer Gianluca hiding under the arrogant, hard exterior and it takes the awesome Callie to bring out the nicer side to him.
  I loved reading Gianluca and Callie’s story. Their interactions together make for very entertaining reading. Both are fantastic characters and are very well written. In addition, the secondary characters add so much to this story, in particular Gianluca’s sister Francesca and Signore Ravelli.
  As this series is based around the Marini family, of which there are 6 siblings, I can’t wait for more in this series to see what Isabella Cassazza has in store for them. I’m looking forward to Francesca’s story in particular.
  
  
• 
  Kat

  I absolutely love Isabella’s Ice Tigers series and I was thrilled when I found out Gianluca was getting his own book.
  We find him in Rome, working like a single minded machine for the Ravelli Fashion Group. Due to his assistants honeymoon he’s forced to take on an inexperienced intern. And worse than that she’s ... an American! He can’t think of anything worse and decides to make her life a misery.
  Calliope James has suffered so much heart ache and pain she needs to get away from Boston and have an adventure. Thanks to her Aunt Mary, she’s landed a 6 week internship in Rome.
  Needless to say her romantic ideas get squashed the minute she lands in Italy and once she meets her devilish new boss, things only get worse.
  However, the more time Gianluca and Callie spend together, feelings grow and blossom like grapes on the vine.
  This gorgeous book is a rich and tasty as a Tuscan feast and you’ll be transported from the sweltering streets of Rome to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany.
  I’m also so excited to see all my favourite Ice Tigers making a little appearance.
  If you’ve enjoyed Isabella’s other books, this will be a wonderful addition. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 
  Michelle Austin

  Gianluca (Marini Family) by Isabella Cassazza
  Was a great 5 star read.
  
  Callie was excited for the opportunity her aunt has given her to go to Europe and work as an intern for a few months before she has to start school. Gianluca has worked very hard for what he has in his career and his goal is to be CEO. When he finds out who his intern will be he isn’t thrilled at all, he will not let an inexperienced american ruin his chance at finally getting everything he wanted.
  
  When they travel to Tuscany for a photo shoot, Gianluca tries to make things really hard for Callie. She is determined not to let him ruin this chance that her aunt has given her, she ends up being his savior at the shoot. This opens his eyes and they both start to feel an attraction developing. Will they become something more?
  
  Overall this was a great read. Gianluca had a very large ego so it took me a bit to warm up to him. I really liked Callie. She was a sweet hard working girl. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. The author does a great job of pulling you right in with her writing. If you are looking for a great read that pulls you right in, 1-click and get started today.
  
• 
  Jennifer Olivas

  This is a new to me author. I really liked the book. Callie decides to go to Italy for an internship at the Ravelli fashion house after her aunt pulls some strings for her. Callie's new boss is Gianluca. He has one goal and that is to be at the top of this company. He is very driven and doesn't want a silly American girl to get in his way. He doesn't want her there and tries to make life for her as difficult as possible in hopes that she will run back to America. She surprises him by sticking around and actually doing a really good job. He is quite infuriating at times because he can come off as a real jerk. He treats Callie quite poorly at times. Both characters have had hard childhoods and that story comes out over time as well. Somehow these two have a deep attraction to each other despite their rough beginnings. These two will have to overcome quite a few hurdles if they want to make things work. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between these two. The book was quite enjoyable. I did receive a copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books and this is my honest review.
• 
  Bobbi Wagner

  This is not my first book by this author but it is my favorite yet. I enjoyed this romance story. I was pulled in right from the beginning by the characters. They made the story engaging and entertaining. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages just to find out what happened with them next. This is a story about enemies that become lovers. Callie finds herself in a position to do one thing she has always wanted, to go to Europe. As she takes a fashion internship she never expects to have the ego studded boss she has. Gianluca just wants one thing and that is to be recognized for his talent, he is about to get his chance. Problem is that he is stuck with Callie who has no fashion experience but what happens is never expected for them. I enjoyed both their characters and how easy they made the story to read. They really just made the story for me. Their chemistry is off the charts and I found myself hoping they would get together. I highly recommend reading their story to find out what happens to them.
  
• 
  Robin Rankin

  Gianluca: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Office Romance (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza
  
  
  I was introduced to Gianluca in Center of Gravity and thought he was an angry jerk who was determined to make everyone around him as angry and miserable as he was.  That feeling didn't go away while reading this book.  But now I understand why he is the way he is not that I agree with it.  He does eventually grow on me.
  
  Callie grabbed me from the moment I was introduced to her.  She has been through so much in her young life, more than young women her age should have to deal with.  But she hasn't let any of it beat her down.  If anything I think it helped her become the strong woman she is.
  
  This book went from some hot moments to me wanting to punch Gianluca almost immediately after.  But that didn't take anything away from my enjoyment.
  
  I can't wait to read the other Marini Siblings stories and learn more about each of them.  Waiting patiently for the next book in this series.
• 
  Gail Guerrero

  Gianluca (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza - Review by Gail Guerrero
  
  Five Stars
  
  I’m all for men with big egos especially when they realize it gets them nowhere with women who know their worth. Gianluca is hot, talented and a complete douche. He knows what he wants and goes after it. The only issue is that he can’t help thinking that he’s better or knows better. Callie came across to me as a little stuck up. She judged before really knowing Gianluca. He did as well but they could’ve done better. The immediate dislike they had for each other was amazing. I’ve never read a story where the main characters just couldn’t stand each other so much. But it played out well. Beverage once the guards where dropped and conversations happened. It was almost magical and vey steamy. I really liked the authors writing style and the level it took for her to get them to their ending. They didn’t come off as too cliché. They had flaws that you could see passed into what really mattered.
  
• 
  Katie

  Gianluca is everything you would expect from a romance novel and so much more!!
  
  It's mouthwatering, heartwarming, and pantymelting.
  
  Set in the beautiful cities of Roma and Firenze, this deliziosa lovestory between a ruthless Italian CEO and his American intern is the perfect escape in those dark times.
  
  Gianluca is the ultimate Latin lover and a broken hero who will find solace in the arms of a woman he despises right before meeting her.
  
  Callie has big dreams despite life being harsh on her. She's courageous and will not let herself get intimated by "the Devil", no matter how sinful his looks are.
  
  Read along as the inexperienced girl manages to warm the coolest heart of Italy. Gianluca may know his way around the fashion business, but when it comes to love, his intern will be the one teaching the boss a few tricks.
• 
  Tracy Wilkin

  Gianluca is book one in the Marini Family Romance series by Isabella Cassazza. I have not read anything by this author, so I was a little excited to see what she could deliver. It was an exciting and sizzling romance that was very enjoyable. Gianluca and Callie were an electric pair that clashed immediately. He was an arrogant and career driven Italian and she was an inexperienced but eager woman embarking on an interesting journey to Italy and the sparks fly when her and Gianluca meet. And it just got better from there. This story was riveting and dramatic. An American and an Italian coming together was bound to produce fireworks and the love/hate thing was spellbinding. This highly spirited couple kept me entertained, involved, mesmirised and energised from beginning to end. An arousing tale that was brilliantly expressed and thrilling to read. 4 stars
• 
  Rosanna Ingram

  Gianluca is enjoying his successful career in the fashion industry. When his new intern is an American, there is an instant hate relationship that is born. However, the chemistry between Callie and Gianluca quickly turns their relationship into a love/hate one. The back and forth between these characters kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed. Like any good romance, things are not easy for the two and when Callie flees back to the United States, will Gianluca fight for her or is the American more trouble than she is worth? (You will have to read to find out)
  
  I have read books from this author in the past, but this new series is definitely one I will be keeping up with. I really liked the relationship between Callie and Gianluca...and some of the characters in the book were great, too. A good enemies-to-lovers book that I would recommend to other readers.
• 
  Kerry carr

  This  is a great enemy to lovers romance. The characters were really well written that you can't help but love them.
  
  Gianluca is a successful man at the most successful fashion house around. He has no time for romance. He is focus on being the best at his job and this comes across in his attitude. On the most important photo shoot of his life he is left with an intern as his assistant.
  
  Callie finally gets her dream to travel to Europe and be an intern. What she doesn't expect is her arrogant new boss or her attraction to him.
  
  Can she do a good enough job to make this a success or is she going to ruin all Gianluca has built up and worked for? Can Gianluca realise and see the woman in front of him or will he always see her as an incompetent intern? Can the spark between them ignite a powerful successful relationship  or will it burn down both of their dreams.
• 
  Michelle

  I received a free ARC from Hidden Gems for the promise of an honest review
  
  It was good. Callie and Gianluca are an interesting pair. Callie is looking for an adventure and to restart her life. Her brother died 5 years ago and she had been grieving ever since. Her father left after her brother's death and her mom went into a deep depression. Callie's Aunt Mary helped Callie get an internship at Ravello Group, an Italian Fashion House. Callie was set to work with Gianluca who is a difficult man to work for. Gianluca takes his job seriously. He was out to prove himself and Callie did not fit into his plans.
  
  Both Callie and Gianluca are likeable characters. The storyline is good and strong. It keeps you entertained.
• 
  Floraljoy

  When opposites attract:
  This was an office romance between opposites but it felt fresh and interesting, largely due to the Italian setting. I enjoyed revisiting Rome and Tuscany along with the characters.
  Callie and Gianluca initially clashed and did not get along well however over time he eventually softened and mellowed. This was a battle of wills, cultures and ultimately hearts.
  I initially didn't love this book all that much with all the bickering and how Gianluca treated sweet Callie, however as he became more personable my enjoyment level simultaneously increased. A nice quick escape with a steamy romance.
  I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
• 
  Katie

  Gianluca
  By Isabella Cassazza
  5 stars
  
  I loved this book – it was everything I love in a romance read and more! I love an arrogant alpha male and I certainly got this from Gianluca! He is one of those characters you probably should hate but just can’t resist! Sexy, Italian – what more could I want from a book boyfriend!! I love the setting for the story too; something about Italy makes a story even more romantic and sexy! I really liked Callie as well, she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself when she needed to.
  I really like this author's writing style; it’s very engaging and detailed. The characters were well developed and the plot had a good pace to it.
  I would definitely recommend this story and I look forward to reading more from this author again in the future!
  
• 
  Liz

  I couldn’t get enough of this books witty and intriguing story. In fact I found myself reading well into the night to find out what would happen with the characters that I fastly fell in love with in Gianluca. This is the first in the Marini Family Romance series from Isabella Cassazza and like I said this one has a lot of wit and humor laced in with the romance story to keep the reader fully engaged from beginning to end. I loved how I was swoony while I read the story of Gianaluca and Callie. These two are some opposites for sure but the balance they find with their differences is something we all could be envious of. I loved the premise and the backstage pass to the fashion industry as well. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!
• 
  Heidi Schoolman

  This is the first book in the Marini Family Romance series. This story follows Callie, a college student wanting to go to Europe, and Gianluca, riding high in the fashion business. Callie lands a job as an assistant to Gianluca, but Gianluca is not at all thrilled about this American girl with no experience. But, alas, as they travel, the sexual tension ramps up. Throw in some wine and things start to happen. He messes up and she flees back to the States, but he is not willing to let her go that easily.
• 
  Laura Minnie

  I love Enemies to Lovers stories but even though you know the just of the story you don't know all the complicated stuff in-between. I honestly loved how much they hated each other it was amusing. It took me a while to warm up to Callie she just seemed a tad stuck up but i gradually started to like her. Gianluca is hot, rich and a complete prick, but that's why you will fall in love with him. Gets very steamy at times and i cant wait for the rest of the books. I loved the Authors writing style she really brought the story well together.
• 
  Chelsea

  I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
  
  This is the first book I have read from this author and I was impressed. The plot of the book seemed like it would be a typical office romance book but having it take place in Rome really grabbed my attention. The male lead was so hard to like in the beginning as well but warmed up quickly. I wish there was more sexual tension/build up but the story was still lovely. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
• 
  Lisa

  What a story! I loved this! Couldn’t put it down! The story is enthralling! I mean a main character that’s easy to hate/love and has so much growth potential. Plus he speaks Italian? YES Please! Actually I love all these characters. Some we get to really know. Others we get a smidgen of knowledge. A few are past characters (Ice Tigers Book 1). All are intriguing, sassy and simply wonderful. Callie is a sweet character that is the complete opposite of Gianluca. That makes for some great banter and sexual tension. I don’t want to give any of this wonderful story away other than I highly recommend. Just read it!
  
  I really can’t wait for more in this series. All the characters fill my heart with happiness. The storyline is not all rainbows and sunshine bit has some darker times too. It draws the reader in with the exciting characters and a strong, fun story.
  
  
• 
  Jenique'S Library

  There's nothing like a good Enemies to Lovers story...... except for....... a GREAT enemies to lovers story.... and that is exactly what Gianluca is.
  This also wasn't your normal rich guy who has everything sorted out and young office intern who's life is a complete mess. This time there's an extra twist.... hes also has some things to sort out....
  Superb characters and the storyline flowed flawlessly.
  A+++