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Life is a Journey #1
The Art of Enchantment
Ecstasy is the only thing on Clio’s mind
Specifically, ecstasy as portrayed in the Renaissance art of Italy. Clio is a shy art history doctoral student, clinging to her last chance at achieving the college degree of her father’s dreams, when she meets fast-living, sexy Italian architect Guillermo. They come from two different worlds, but share a deep passion for history and beauty.
Clio can’t resist being drawn into Guillermo’s problems when his family’s beautiful ancestral villa is at risk of being sold to an American rap star who will carelessly destroy it’s rich culture, history and artistry.
She tries to keep it professional and fights the urge to surrender to his smoldering seduction. Guillermo is exactly the type of man Clio’s experience has taught her to avoid, and by getting involved with him and his villa, she stands to lose much more than her precious Ph.D.
Can Clio juggle her PhD thesis, a too-hot-to-handle romance, and rescue a priceless piece of history or will everything end in disaster?
Specifically, ecstasy as portrayed in the Renaissance art of Italy. Clio is a shy art history doctoral student, clinging to her last chance at achieving the college degree of her father’s dreams, when she meets fast-living, sexy Italian architect Guillermo. They come from two different worlds, but share a deep passion for history and beauty.
Clio can’t resist being drawn into Guillermo’s problems when his family’s beautiful ancestral villa is at risk of being sold to an American rap star who will carelessly destroy it’s rich culture, history and artistry.
She tries to keep it professional and fights the urge to surrender to his smoldering seduction. Guillermo is exactly the type of man Clio’s experience has taught her to avoid, and by getting involved with him and his villa, she stands to lose much more than her precious Ph.D.
Can Clio juggle her PhD thesis, a too-hot-to-handle romance, and rescue a priceless piece of history or will everything end in disaster?
334 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2017
37 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 21, 2017
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review. Overall I liked this book once I got into it a bit. I did find the book a bit long. On the positive side the writing is very detailed and descriptive. The author has a lot of knowledge about the art and history of Italy. The story takes place in present day Italy and it is a love story between two people who meet by chance. Clio is in Italy working on her Masters's Degree. She meets Guillermo and they eventually find they have a common bond in trying to save the family villa, where Guillermo grew up, from bankruptcy. The villa has fallen on hard times and the family can't afford to keep it. As Clio and Guillermo work together to plan how they can keep the villa in the family and maintain it, they fall in love. There are quite a few small sub plots - Clio's family and the American rapper who wants to buy the villa help round out the book. Overall a good book with a great attention to detail, good writing, and well developed characters.
March 19, 2017
Want to read a book where the plot crafted in a way that has a grip on your heart, tears in your throat and laughter on your lips? Then this is the book for you. Who doesn't love romance, art history, and family? The plots twists and tension kept me reading well into the night. The Author M A Clarke Scott gives the reader a run for their money. And if you love Italian then you are in high heaven. Unfortunately I don't speak . . . I can't translate Italian - so some of the phrases were lost to me. Makes me want to learn the language. The passion, literally and figuratively, in this book [have to read it to understand that statement best] is well written. Doesn't hurt a bit that strong realistic characters fill this novel from beginning to end
March 14, 2019
If you're the sort of person who genuinely wants to be transported to a new location in your reading then you will adore The Art of Enchantment.
The author's descriptions of Italy were so beautiful and specific that I felt as though I was right along with our heroine Clio and our hero, the rakish, Guillermo. Their chemistry leapt off the page and the bits of Italian language made it all the more romantic.
This book isn't mindless fluff. The Art of Enchantment will have your mind whirling. It was truly an enchanting read from start to finish. Some of the most impressive writing I've experienced lately.
The author's descriptions of Italy were so beautiful and specific that I felt as though I was right along with our heroine Clio and our hero, the rakish, Guillermo. Their chemistry leapt off the page and the bits of Italian language made it all the more romantic.
This book isn't mindless fluff. The Art of Enchantment will have your mind whirling. It was truly an enchanting read from start to finish. Some of the most impressive writing I've experienced lately.
July 8, 2020
Mary Ann Clarke enchants us with Clio and Guillermo's love story. Woven into their story are beautiful descriptions of Tuscany and Italy- the warm, passionate people, a close knit family, amazing art and history, yummy food and drinks, hot sun and gentle breezes, villas with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Sprinkle in some beautiful Italian dialogue, heated love scenes and touches of humor and the story becomes not only intoxicating but entertaining!
The Art of Enchantment is well written, has a good story line, engages your senses and flows well. A perfect Staycation read! I look forward to reading more of Mary Ann's works!
The Art of Enchantment is well written, has a good story line, engages your senses and flows well. A perfect Staycation read! I look forward to reading more of Mary Ann's works!
December 24, 2017
A very well written book that kept my interest from the first page to the last one. There is twists and turn through out this book what a way to meet, and the fa milky dynamics was heart warming to read about. This is book one in a series called Life is a Journey I hope there is going to be another book in this series.
May 28, 2017
A really lovely romance for a romantic artist to read.
January 19, 2019
Absolutely wonderful read! Would highly recommend it.
(I'll post a more detailed review soon.)
(I'll post a more detailed review soon.)
August 3, 2020
A great read
A wonderful heart warming story set in the beautiful Tuscany area of Italy. Well written and a joy to read.
A wonderful heart warming story set in the beautiful Tuscany area of Italy. Well written and a joy to read.
May 30, 2017
As soon as I began this charming novel, I thought, Clio is me and vice versa! The passion for art history (specifically Italian Renaissance) as well as the pressure to not disappoint and live up to expectations definitely related to my recent self-confidence reflections and high standards I put on myself. Clio has that realistic stressor from parents that want their life for her and nothing to jeopardize that. The narrative made me think about what I'm running from (like the male lead, Guillermo) - the first response is flight and ignoring what is right and also challenging. It is easier to escape then to face reality. When taken around the villa and gazing upon the art, she and Guillermo have an engaging conversation about her namesake.
Clio: History is the dull sister to the arts.
Guillermo: ...why would there be a muse of history if it were boring?
Clio: Well, she is dull. I don't think she belongs.
Guillermo: You mean...you are trying to compensate for...what? You are trying to absorb the other muses into yourself because you feel...somehow inferior?"
I feel this is an accurate depiction of someone who has insecurities and fears, being covered up with protection and safety. Slowly, she begins to peel back the layers and trust in herself.
Infusing the Italian language with beautiful imagery of the villas and landscapes made my heart soar. Scott in her bio mentions that she "loves to write about young women on journeys abroad who discover themselves and fall in love while getting embroiled in someone else's problems... and professional women struggling to balance the challenges and fulfillment of their career with their search for identity, love, family and home" I believe this accurately depicts Clio's story. Although a male love interest is introduced in her life, I feel that Clio is able to look past that love to ensure her own independence and strength as a woman. Not just with Clio, but both she and Guillermo learn to awaken their true selves with no shame or guilt and take the risk and let their hair down so to speak.
On the flip side, I could not connect to the addition of stereotypical rappers that wanted to buy the family villa. Their introduction seemed a bit over the top and playing into the cliches of modern day rappers. Furthermore, I was itching for a better wrap-up between Clio and her family. However, the reality is being cut off and disowned does not lend itself to quick forgiveness and amends.
Overall, this is a delightful romance novel that encapsulates multiple realistic themes we face.
Read The Art of Enchantment if you like the themes of:
Romance
Art History
Italy
Academia
Culture
Clio: History is the dull sister to the arts.
Guillermo: ...why would there be a muse of history if it were boring?
Clio: Well, she is dull. I don't think she belongs.
Guillermo: You mean...you are trying to compensate for...what? You are trying to absorb the other muses into yourself because you feel...somehow inferior?"
I feel this is an accurate depiction of someone who has insecurities and fears, being covered up with protection and safety. Slowly, she begins to peel back the layers and trust in herself.
Infusing the Italian language with beautiful imagery of the villas and landscapes made my heart soar. Scott in her bio mentions that she "loves to write about young women on journeys abroad who discover themselves and fall in love while getting embroiled in someone else's problems... and professional women struggling to balance the challenges and fulfillment of their career with their search for identity, love, family and home" I believe this accurately depicts Clio's story. Although a male love interest is introduced in her life, I feel that Clio is able to look past that love to ensure her own independence and strength as a woman. Not just with Clio, but both she and Guillermo learn to awaken their true selves with no shame or guilt and take the risk and let their hair down so to speak.
On the flip side, I could not connect to the addition of stereotypical rappers that wanted to buy the family villa. Their introduction seemed a bit over the top and playing into the cliches of modern day rappers. Furthermore, I was itching for a better wrap-up between Clio and her family. However, the reality is being cut off and disowned does not lend itself to quick forgiveness and amends.
Overall, this is a delightful romance novel that encapsulates multiple realistic themes we face.
Read The Art of Enchantment if you like the themes of:
Romance
Art History
Italy
Academia
Culture
May 16, 2019
A hot romance between a female heroine with brains and a secretly sensitive Italian architect- sign me up! The description in this book had me resisting the urge to book a ticket to Italy. Guillermo- sigh. He, and his amazing ancestral home will star in my dreams for some time to come. A really solid romance read.
January 2, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and a delightful book to read.
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and a delightful book to read.
October 29, 2022
They say opposites attract and they certainly do in this steamy romance by M.A. Clarke Scott. Clio, a reticent and anxious PhD student accidentally meets Guilermo, a charismatic but arrogant architect, who acts as if no woman can resist his charms. Though physically attracted to him, Clio senses the danger of falling for somone who could just as easily take advantage of her without thinking twice. Falling for him could also distract her from the studies she needs to complete in order to fulfill her father's wishes. Guillermo also has family troubles. Due to his brother's bad choices, his family risks losing the villa that's been in their family for centuries. When Guillermo acts as if the loss of his ancestral home is a foregone conclusion, Clio feels compelled to act. Will this unlikely couple get it together or are their differences too big of a divide?
I especially loved the author's description of the Italian architecure, art, and countryside. It brought the story alive and reminded me of my trips to Italy. Recommended for romance lovers.
I especially loved the author's description of the Italian architecure, art, and countryside. It brought the story alive and reminded me of my trips to Italy. Recommended for romance lovers.
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April 13, 2023Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
Awesome characters…. A masterpiece, this is! Loved it, loved it.
Excitement, pure delight, and an emotional adventure await the reader in this thrilling contemporary romance, The Art of Enchantment by MA Clarke Scott. Clio wants only one thing: to complete her PhD program, hence fulfilling one of her father’s greatest wishes for her. But then Guillermo, the hot and charming Italian architect, happens. Two powerful souls with a great and refined appreciation for beauty and art and history! They are from two different backgrounds, irrevocably drawn towards each other. Things get even more complicated when Guillermo’s ancestral home risks being sold to an American pop star who may not value the historic significance of such an investment. Can Clio pursue the exciting romance, help Guillermo save his home, and still succeed in getting her PhD?
The Art of Enchantment is exciting and I enjoyed the themes of art, romance, history, and family and how they are masterfully written into the engaging plot. Clio and Guillermo are interesting characters. While Clio is shy and composed, Guillermo is boisterous and outgoing, two opposite personalities that perfectly complement each other. The prose is equally exciting, composed of descriptions that are absorbing, and great dialogues that read like natural conversations. It is wonderful to note how the characters evolve throughout the story. The external conflict is evidently developed throughout the story, but the one that arrested my attention was the internal one taking place within the minds of the characters. It was fun watching Clio faced with multiple dilemmas. MA Clarke Scott has become my new master of the romance. Can’t recommend this one enough.
Awesome characters…. A masterpiece, this is! Loved it, loved it.
Excitement, pure delight, and an emotional adventure await the reader in this thrilling contemporary romance, The Art of Enchantment by MA Clarke Scott. Clio wants only one thing: to complete her PhD program, hence fulfilling one of her father’s greatest wishes for her. But then Guillermo, the hot and charming Italian architect, happens. Two powerful souls with a great and refined appreciation for beauty and art and history! They are from two different backgrounds, irrevocably drawn towards each other. Things get even more complicated when Guillermo’s ancestral home risks being sold to an American pop star who may not value the historic significance of such an investment. Can Clio pursue the exciting romance, help Guillermo save his home, and still succeed in getting her PhD?
The Art of Enchantment is exciting and I enjoyed the themes of art, romance, history, and family and how they are masterfully written into the engaging plot. Clio and Guillermo are interesting characters. While Clio is shy and composed, Guillermo is boisterous and outgoing, two opposite personalities that perfectly complement each other. The prose is equally exciting, composed of descriptions that are absorbing, and great dialogues that read like natural conversations. It is wonderful to note how the characters evolve throughout the story. The external conflict is evidently developed throughout the story, but the one that arrested my attention was the internal one taking place within the minds of the characters. It was fun watching Clio faced with multiple dilemmas. MA Clarke Scott has become my new master of the romance. Can’t recommend this one enough.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews