My rating: 4.5/5 stars
Reading slumps are always my worst nightmares, and it’s challenging to surpass them. You need to find the right book, for it to be catchy and fun, and to make you relax and enjoy what you are reading. “The Temporary Wife” by Catharina Maura managed not only to dissolve my RS, but it also spiked back my interest in this series, after Ares left me questioning myself and my intentions regarding it.
Luca and Valentina are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers, but their relationship developed over the years, with hot and cold situations and with revelations that we only seem to see while reading the plot. Luca is set to receive his fiancée, according to his grandmother wishes, but instead of doing so, he chooses Valentina, his assistant, to seal a contract that will benefit them both – he will get his inheritance after 3 years of marriage and Valentina will benefit from the Windsor account, being able to help her family, especially her grandmother who is in need of special treatment. So what can possibly go wrong? Love is not in the equation and they are both fine with it, until they are not.
If in the first book I had an issue with Ares, in the second one I was more than ok with Luca. He has a side that I was not aware of, and he managed to sweep me off my feet with his caveman manners, but also with his vulnerability and acts of love towards Valentina. He was a surprise, but I really liked him, even if his standards were not always high, making him sometimes a morally grey character, but with flaws that you can surpass.
Valentina, on the other hand, was a true nightmare. I could understand her motives, her fears, and resentment towards Luca, because he gave her Hell in the 8 years they spent together. She was a little strange when agreeing to marry him so easily, but her doubts killed me and added all the drama to this story. It made me tired to hear the same theories, and also to try to understand her as a woman. I know she was right, I understood her, but I think Luca was more than convincing and managed to prove his love, even if the deal was initially different. This marriage changes him so much and brought to surface so many hidden feelings, that for me it was impossible not to feel his sincerity and love.
BUT!! I loved the story and their dynamic, and their constant banter. They fit so well together, making up some spicy intimate scenes but also tender ones, which didn’t require physical attraction. Their chemistry was palpable and well known by their family, so yes, I think the pair was chosen more than ok, from my POV.
I am very curious to read the third book, because this series is very addictive and I have began to enjoy it dearly.
Ramonisme 