I Love You More

by Josie Riviera

A billionaire and a single mother have more in common than they know.

He’s a billionaire businessman …

Luciano Donati, entrepreneur and eligible bachelor, lost his first wife to cancer. So though he lives in romantic Charleston, SC, he has every intention of ignoring the upcoming holiday for lovers … at least until he sets eyes again on his younger sister’s best friend.

He remembers Anastasia as a teenager who idolized him, not this lovely, fragile woman with heartbreak in her eyes. Heartbreak that he finds himself wanting to cure. Her smile warms his soul, her touch ignites his desire, and her little girl Soo-Min melts his frozen heart. Adopted internationally himself at a young age, Luciano understands all too well the strong need to belong somewhere.

She’s a single mom …

Anastasia Markow, cancer survivor and divorced mother, didn’t come to Charleston, SC, for romance. She's here to make sure she has custody of her adopted daughter, Soo-Min. But when she encounters the first man she ever loved, here in the city of horse-drawn carriages and candlelight, her battered heart can’t help but bloom again. And when Luciano and Soo-Min take to each other, resisting his charm becomes even harder.

Handsome, self-assured, every inch the successful billionaire, Luciano is out of Anastasia's reach. But when a hurricane strands them together and they must trust each other to survive … things heat up despite the driving rain and gale winds.


Author's Note: Thousands of families around the world have opened their homes and hearts through international adoption. Soo-Min is the embodiment of many, many fortunate adoptive children and parents who’ve together created forever families.

Don’t miss this poignant story of love, loss and renewed hope—get your copy of the novella today!

Don't miss Josie Riviera's other sweet Valentine romances!

1-800-CUPID

A Valentine To Cherish

Valentine Hearts

Genres: Romance, Fiction

172 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2019

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com


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Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/23/2018)! 💝

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novella that I quite liked. It can be difficult for me to fully embrace novellas sometimes because it can be difficult to fully capture the characters and their story in a smaller amount of pages. I think this was a heartwarming novella that I found to be charming and immensely readable. I like that the story covered a variety of issues – adoption, custody, blended families, and cancer. I think they were all dealt with in a sensitive way but I only wish there had been more time for exploring them. That’s really my only issue with the novella – I wish there had been more time to spend with the characters and more time for the story to develop. It’s a good, solid novella but I think it could have been a wonderful full-length novel. It was a light read but it could have been much more nuanced. I enjoyed it but I just wish Josie Riviera had more time to explore the story.

NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE YOU MORE:A SWEET CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE NOVELLA is going to leave you wanting more. It is only 107 pages but is sure does pack a punch and grabs your heart from the very first page. Anastasia is now cancer free and all she wants is to give her adopted daughter, Soo-Min the kind of life she never had. Her ex husband Justin has remarried and Anastasia feels like his new wife is too young to care for Soo-Min. Anastasia is going to sue Justin for full custody.

She takes a trip down to Charleston where her friend Jaclyn has set up a meeting with a well known and very experienced lawyer, Sam. While she is there she hooks up with Jaclyn's brother, Luciano. She had a huge crush on him when she was a teenager and learns that her feelings were not one sided. Luciano is just about a billionaire and instantly falls in love with Soo-Min and all he wants to do is to make the two of them happy. It was so awesome to see both Luciano and Anastasia come together and I am so happy Liz, the witchy lawyer who likes Luciano was no where to be found! That would have made me crazy!!

Josie Riviera sure knows how to write heart tugging emotional stories and my only complaint is that I wish this awesome tale was longer. I was instantly invested in all the characters lives and was cheering for all of them and the struggles they were dealing with. I can't wait to read more by Ms. Riviera.


I received this ARC from the author for an honest review.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this romance novel! The first thing I adore about it is the setting of Charleston, South Carolina. Being a born and raised Charleston Southern Belle, I love books based in this area. The setting wasn't the only thing that I adore about this novel, it was also the great characterization and the depth of the characters. This book gave me a range of feels from smiles to heartfelt tears. I recommend this sweet book to anyone whom loves a good romance read!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia is a cancer survivor but at the moment, she’s more concerned with the welfare of her adopted daughter, Soo-Min. With her ex-husband Justin remarried, she feels his new wife is too young, too inexperienced, and too inept to take care of a four-year-old, so she’s in Charleston, seeking legal advice on getting sole custody. She’s also been invited by her friend Jaclyn to stay at her brother’s home while she’s there.

Anastasia and Luciano aren’t strangers to each other. Though he’s much older, he was always a friend to the teenage girl she’d been, even after going away to college. There was only one thing they ever disagreed on. An adopted children, Luciano wanted to be reunited with his biological family, never fully giving all his love to his “new” parents or acknowledging their efforts. Anastasia, on the other hand, recognized the sacrifice of her real parents but also what her adoptive parents offered her. Now, however, Anastasia is an adult, and Luciano’s nearly a billionaire and their roles, as well as the people they used to be, have changed.

It takes a hurricane blowing in from the ocean, and the devastating destruction following in its aftermath for both to see where they’ve made mistakes, accept that there has to be change, and allow each other into their mutual futures.

I Love You More is a sweet romance exploring the depth of trust between two people who’ve known each other all their lives, but must still reconcile the differences they had as children to the truths they discover about each other as adults. Luciano’s interaction with Anastasia’s adopted daughter is contrasted with his attitude toward international adoptions while he contradicts himself with his obvious love for the child. Anastasia’s overprotectiveness, evidenced by her concern that her husband’s young wife is incapable of caring for their daughter, is pointed out in the aftermath of the storm as she finds herself of bereft of all her belongings and no way to get in touch with the child.

There’s a rival for Luciano’s affection, even if one-sided, who’s there to sabotage Anastasia plans. In a bit of a switch, this person’s attempts to come between the two only helps Anastasia made some of the most difficult decisions of her life.

I Love You More is a thoroughly enjoyable read. If I have any complaints at all, it’s the way Anastasia, a cancer survivor, ignores anindication her skin cancer may be reviving.

This is only a small concern, however, and doesn’t detract from the story. I Love You More is engrossing, entertaining, and altogether a lovely tale. Its characters are relateable and deserve their suitably happy ending.


This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick sweet read. Anastasia takes a trip to Charleston to help recover from a divorce and a cancer scare. She is going to stay with her friend Jaclyn and Jaclyn's brother, Luciano. 16 years earlier Anastasia had a serious crash on Luciano and when she runs into him again the sparks are still there. Little does she know Luciano was sweet on her too. Anastasia barely has time to get settled when a serious storm threatens the coast and there is major flooding forcing them to flee. Anastasia and Luciano have to work together to get themselves to safety. Meanwhile Anastasia is trying to decide whether seeking full custody of her daughter is the best thing to do, and she fears her cancer may be coming back. I definitely will read more books by this author.

[Gigi Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts...

I always enjoy a good "Mind Candy" story and this one filled my minds sweet tooth...

It was a light romantic, fun, delightful story with lovable characters. It was an uplifting story, enjoyable, but also a story with an emotional journey of the heart. Even though it was a romantic novella, it was "G" rated, which is the way I like my romance stories.

This book is a part of my Kindle Library and I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 count them 4**** "Love You More" Stars....

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional clean romance. It is very well written with a great cast of characters. This book will make you stop and think about what is really important in life.
My hubby and I go back and forth all the time saying "I Love You More". After reading this book it has given it even more meaning.
This is a MUST READ!

[Judy Esposito · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Clean Sweet Romance!

First time reading this Author and I really enjoyed this book! Well written with wonderful characters. A Clean Sweet Romance. I will be following this Author and plan on catching up with her other books as I can. JudyE

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, this would seem like a light hearted romance. However, even though it's novella length, it has enough depth to be a full length novel.

Anastasia Markow is struggling to hold her life together. She's endured cancer and divorce which means she now has to share custody of her adopted daughter with her ex husband. Convinced that her ex's new wife is incapable of properly caring for her daughter, she flies to Charleston, SC to consult with a lawyer friend of her childhood best friend. However, instead of staying with her friend, she ends up staying at her friend's brother's mansion. Luciano. Her high school crush. The boy who's grown up to become a billionaire.

Luciano Donati recognizes his sister's friend. He remembers how she idolized him. 16 years have passed and she looks frail and vulnerable. Can he overcome his personal insecurities and fear of loss to reach out and help her?

When a storm blows in and threatens their safety they have no one else to depend on except each other and the old emotions reemerge. But is it enough to last beyond the storm?

What follows is a multi layered story. Anastasia grows from someone reacting out of personal bitterness, to someone acting in the best interest of those she loves. She also realizes that forgiveness is as important to herself as the other person. Luciano grows from someone who's angry and afraid to love again to someone who realizes that he needs to take some responsibilities for events in his life.

I have to agree that the story would benefit if it were expanded to a full length novel. It would fix some of the issues with the timeline feeling so short. But, I do want to praise the author for writing a story with such depth that I was emotionally engaged with the characters.

Themes include - what defines love, forgiveness, international adoption
Romance - PG, kissing only
Language - PG / Clean
My rating - 4.5 stars

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia and Luciano both knew loss. She lost her marriage to a cheating spouse and worries about how his new wife is treating their daughter. Luciano lost his wife to lung cancer and has a prejudice against foreign adoptions because he was one of them. He spoke often to Anastasia about how he didn't agree with her adopting from Korea, but he seems to get past it. He also didn't seem very anxious about her battles with skin cancer even though that can kill just as easily as lung cancer. The hurricane was scary and I can't image dealing with anything like that where everything is washed away including the vehicle Anastasia and Luciano were driving in. I loved his dog Lady and Anastasia's adoptive daughter Soo-Min was adorable. Anastasia was looking out for her best interests even if she rushed into her decision to go after full custody.

The narrator had a nice smooth tone with voice changes in all the right places.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how Luciano and Anatasia knew each other from growing up, they lost touch and went on with their lives only to meet again years later when Luciano's sister organises a consultation with a lawyer about custody for her daughter Soo-Min. Luciano and Anatasia are a bit hot and cold with each other as neither are very good with small talk and I was a bit surprised that neither really knew much about what the other had been up to when they are both close with Jaclyn Luciano's sister. Both have things going on in their life that they need to work through which causes conflict and jealousy along with self doubt and has you wondering if they both really care for each other as much as they think. This is the perfect quickish read that has you laughing, worrying, rolling you eyes and falling in love with an adorable four year old and golden retriever.... oh and Luciano and Anatasia too! lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook gave us Luciano Donati and Anastasia Markow.
Luciano was the young boy she had a crush on years ago but each went their separate ways.
When Anastasia, a cancer survivor and recently divorced Mom goes to visit Luciano’s sister, Luciano , now a widower and millionaire, is once enchanted with Anastasia.
During a terrible storm the friendship strengths. But Anastasia is determined to get full custody of her adopted daughter, and Luciano, who was adopted as a child, wants to find his biological family in Italy.
Though at times I felt that the side plots didn’t always seem to blend with the main story, it still was a sweet , clean romance.
I felt that at the forefront was the fact that international adoptions bring parents and children in need together to form a new family that will fill the hearts of all involved.
Finally, the narration of the audiobook was well done

[TSN ☮ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book, but it's always an uphill battle when writing a novella. It's just not easy to write something that will create a lasting impression with so few pages to do it on.

There was a lot, maybe too much, packed into this story. I would have liked it if there had been room to make the story more nuanced, with some more background added to the characters.



☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2020

Format: Kindle Edition

This is a sweet clean book, that delves into so many of my emotions.
Cancer, divorce, identity, adoption, these are all such prevalent parts of our society.
It touched me deeply, and was really well written.
The characters each had their own unique identities that intertwined with the others.
Josie, has once again written book that pulls on the emotions of many issues.
I love Josie's writing and will be reading more by this author.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is an emotional love story. It is about a widower, Luciano, and a single mom, Anastasia. They knew each other thru his sister. These two have known loss, fear, survival and love. They have a lot of commonalities both good and bad ones. It takes an act of nature to show them what they could still have in their future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance novella which not only is a well written story, but it also shares the importance adoption can play in a child’s life.

Former Charleston, SC resident Anastasia returns to town to meet with an attorney about changing the custody agreement for her adopted daughter. She has plans to stay with, Jaclyn, an old friend, and is completely surprised when she finds out that they are both going to be staying with her teen-age crush, Jaclyn’s handsome and very successful brother Luciano. Her daughter has remained in Vermont with her ex-husband and his wife.

Anastasia and Luciano are thrust alone together when a hurricane rapidly develops off the Charleston coast. Old feelings resurface, but are they reciprocated? How will this impact her decision to change the custody agreement with her ex? This is a romance, so the happily-ever-after ending is anticipated, but some of the bumps along the way are surprising and make this book one that is hard to put down.

My one reservation at the beginning of the story, and it took me awhile to get past this, is the rapidly developing hurricane in February. This very off-season storm caught me off guard. In perspective, that is a very minor detail. There is too much to love about this book and I was sorry to reach the end. The relationships – not just the romance – are very honest throughout.

A fun note: There is a wonderful looking recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberries included. I just might have to try it!

I received a review copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Karilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia-a cancer survivor, a divorcee, and a mom to a beautiful adopted girl. Luciano-adopted as a child, long time friend, and a self-made millionaire/ billionaire. After so many years can they find love? This book only took me a couple of hours to read, but don't let that fool you!! It was sweet, sassy, and adventurous! An awesome book for sure-I definitely recommend!

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet romance and I really did like it. It was an emotional read at times and deals with some tough subjects but does it really well.It also had me laughing out loud at times this was a super book and I really would recommend it

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Valentines romance. I loved the characters and the different issues waded through. The side theme of adoption was handled very well with multiple perspectives given.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming contemporary romance.. for Valentine's Day or any other time.. I enjoyed it.. It is super sweet and has very nice characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is an enjoyable, clean, sweet, and second chance romance read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Contemporary Valentine Romance Novella that held my interest until the end. Luciano Donati, entrepreneur and eligible bachelor and single mother Anastasia and her daughter Soo-Min's story. I enjoyed seeing this story come together.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty boring.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and heartwarming story with romance throw in. Some twists and turns. Entertaining and interesting characters with good interaction. Holidays always add an unexpected twist. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong, and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love You More is a clean, heartwarming, inspirational romance. This beautifully written story is about surviving, international adoption, family and much more. Our heroine survives cancer, a hurricane, and divorce. Faced with a huge decision, she makes the mature one. The characters are all well drawn and personable. The book grabbed my attention in the first chapter and I read straight through.

[Dorothy Roller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love You More is a really wonderful story about the bonds of love is several ways. It tells of the love of a child, adopted from South Korea and among a divorce and cancer, plus shared custody all taking a toll on our heroine. The bonds of friendship from long past renewed but with a greater strength and more than friendship as the two hero and heroine are both realizing they are meant to be. Love in a variety of ways and amongst many odds and twists that you start out reading and get drawn in so fast you can't put this novella down. It's beautiful, heart breaking and scary due to nature. So many twists and turns to get to the good stuff. The love of family anew. So many things to take in but oh this is so worth the read.
I haven't read many from this author but the few of have read have all been so wonderful I will keep reading more of this author.

I received this ARC without compensation of any kind and this review is of my own unbiased opinion.

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love You more, is a beautiful story.
This touching book is about Anastasia,
a divorced, single mother. She wants to
fight for full custody, of her four year old daughter, Soo-Min. With the help of her friend, she flys to Charleston, to meet with an attorney. What she never expects,  is to see Luciano, her teenage crush. He is just as gorgeous now, as he was then. He runs a very successful business. Anastasia & Luciano's chemistry is undeniable. They realize that there are feeling between them, that have always been there. Anastasia must decide about her daughter custody, or leave as is. And if they'll be a future with Luciano.
I loved this story, & really enjoyed reading it!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read that invokes all the emotions. Most of the time I was happy and content, but I was also scared, sad and angry. Things moved really fast in this sweet novella as Luciano and Anastasia had been good friends when they were younger and that quickly grew now that age difference wasn't an issue. I enjoyed this book, but wished for more. The ending wrapped up too quickly for me.