I was so disappointed in the first book, that I was almost tempted to pass on this one--glad I didn't. The changes I hoped to see did indeed occur. The author was less preoccupied with describing stuff and back to developing character and dialogue. There were enough descriptions to set atmosphere without going overboard into boooring. The main character, with some exceptions, was more tolerable and willing to acknowledge her faults and her part in her relationship problems with her brother and Gianluca--and finally showing some willingness to address her arrogant cold-bloodedness. She even described herself as horrible, selfish, single-minded, and judgmental, which is exactly how I saw her and what completely ruined my ability to enjoy reading Very Valentine. I did almost choke when Gabriel told her she cares too much about others and needs to think about herself more--this to the most narcissistic, self-absorbed character in the history of literature! However, in this book Valentine is a bit more warm, witty, and human--instead of just telling us she is, the author finally does a little to show it. In Very Valentine, I had difficulty with how Gianluca stuck by her even when she treated him and others around them so abominably, when any normal man in real life would have walked out until she learned her lesson, so I was thoroughly delighted when that finally happens. Somebody really needed to help this witch get over herself, and in this book she finally starts to get some very overdue lessons in being a human. This gives me hope for the next installment.