Ciao for Now, the delightful third rom-com from Kate Bromley (Here for the Drama), whisks readers away for a sun-drenched summer in Rome, complete with mouthwatering pasta, iconic sights, and a healthy dose of romantic (and existential) angst. Violet Luciano is proud to have won one of three coveted internship spots at Italian fashion house Gia Luca, and she's determined to win the end-of-summer competition for a designer job back home in Manhattan. But her own insecurities and her hostess/professor's grumpy son, Matt, both threaten to jeopardize her plans.
Bromley's narrative zips along, giving readers a front-row seat to Violet's witty, mile-a-minute inner monologue. Violet is a likable people pleaser who's still recovering from a career left turn and a breakup with her not-quite-ex, Greg. She quickly makes connections in Rome, including with the owner of a local fabric boutique. But as she agonizes over her designs for the competition, her relationship with Matt--which got off to a rocky start when she accidentally destroyed his laptop--ventures into steamier territory. Juggling her design work, her friendships with fellow interns Holly and Marco, and her budding romance proves a challenge for Violet. It will eventually force her to consider what she wants most--and what might be holding her back.
Breezy, fun, and packed with luscious descriptions of couture designs and Roman landmarks, Bromley's narrative is both a charming love story and a thoughtful exploration of a woman trying to let go of the past and discern what she truly wants for her future. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams