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Ancient Passages #3
Afraid to Love
๐ฝ๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ก. ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐ช๐. ๐ผ ๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ง๐๐จ๐๐ช๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐ก๐ค๐ซ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ๐.
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐.
Gianna Zichella has always had a bright and secure future, next in line to lead her familyโs business. She doesnโt see the harm in flirting with her newest, ruggedly handsome client.
Giaโs life begins to unravel when a stranger contacts her. She will stop at nothing to keep her family and their legacy safe.
๐๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป๐ด.
Former SEAL Booth Merrick is all about being the consummate security professional. Sent to Italy on assignment, he never intended to become personally involved.
He does women, but not relationships. That is until he meets the beautiful and captivating Gia.
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐.
Gianna Zichella has always had a bright and secure future, next in line to lead her familyโs business. She doesnโt see the harm in flirting with her newest, ruggedly handsome client.
Giaโs life begins to unravel when a stranger contacts her. She will stop at nothing to keep her family and their legacy safe.
๐๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป๐ด.
Former SEAL Booth Merrick is all about being the consummate security professional. Sent to Italy on assignment, he never intended to become personally involved.
He does women, but not relationships. That is until he meets the beautiful and captivating Gia.
Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
About the author
Sutton Bishop
18ย books477ย followersSutton Bishop has always believed in happily ever after. Despite beginning her writing career while penning nonfiction essays and articles for magazines, Suttonโs heart belonged to romance long before she wrote her first book. After marrying her teenage heartthrob and starting her own family, she finally plunged into romance writing and is still yet to come up for air. Suttonโs deeply layered and flawed characters are forced to contend with challenging plot twists that reveal their hidden motives and passions, in settings that range from Americaโs heartland to the heat of Guatemala, Morocco, Italy, and Spain. Her current releases include the Ancient Passages and Piรฑon Ridge series, with the Capital Sinners duet and Chicago Billionaires Club series set for publication in 2023/2024. Sign up to Suttonโs newsletter for chatty updates, including bookish news, culinary adventures and gardening escapades: www.suttonbishop.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2021
4 Star review of Afraid To Love (Ancient Passages #3) by Sutton Bishop
Sutton Bishop is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before. Afraid To Love is Gianna Zichella and Booth Merrickโs story and was an entertaining read.
I was drawn in to the story Ms. Bishop wove from the first chapter. The writing was descriptive and I could easily see myself in Italy as I read this story. When former navy SEAL Booth is sent to Italy on assignment the last thing he expects is to fall for Gianna as he doesnโt do relationships.
Their relationship is unconventional and yet it works, the chemistry that sizzles between them is intense. There was mystery, suspense and intrigue which captured my attention and kept me invested.
Sutton Bishop is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before. Afraid To Love is Gianna Zichella and Booth Merrickโs story and was an entertaining read.
I was drawn in to the story Ms. Bishop wove from the first chapter. The writing was descriptive and I could easily see myself in Italy as I read this story. When former navy SEAL Booth is sent to Italy on assignment the last thing he expects is to fall for Gianna as he doesnโt do relationships.
Their relationship is unconventional and yet it works, the chemistry that sizzles between them is intense. There was mystery, suspense and intrigue which captured my attention and kept me invested.
August 25, 2021
My first time reading this author, and I am so glad I found her. The writing style and descriptions quickly transported me to Italy and into the story. Gianna and Booth have a complicated story filled with intrigue and mystery. The chemistry and steam are undeniable. I will be returning to this series and reading books one & two, plus looking out for anything new.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 19, 2021
6 glorious stars ๐
This series has been a spectacular journey. Sutton Bishop creates characters who are memorable and remarkable. Gianna and Booth meet under suspicious and crazy circumstances. Although their love story seems to be fated in its sensational passion and quick connection.
The setting of this book is in Italy and Sutton's description and history makes me envious that I have never been and I crave to visit based on her words.
Afraid To Love was absolutely beautiful to experience and I look forward to more in this series.
This series has been a spectacular journey. Sutton Bishop creates characters who are memorable and remarkable. Gianna and Booth meet under suspicious and crazy circumstances. Although their love story seems to be fated in its sensational passion and quick connection.
The setting of this book is in Italy and Sutton's description and history makes me envious that I have never been and I crave to visit based on her words.
Afraid To Love was absolutely beautiful to experience and I look forward to more in this series.
August 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Afraid to Love, and I really want to go back and read the first two books in the series as well.
The suspense was strong in this story, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
The relationship between Gia and Booth was good.
Loved the storyline between Elio and Liv.
But really it all comes back to the storyline with Gia and Eric. That was wow. A lot. And it was captivating.
The suspense was strong in this story, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
The relationship between Gia and Booth was good.
Loved the storyline between Elio and Liv.
But really it all comes back to the storyline with Gia and Eric. That was wow. A lot. And it was captivating.
August 28, 2021
I really LOVED Afraid to Love so hard that while it was lengthy (no complaints here), I didn't want it to end. I read it in one sitting because I was drawn in from the jump, and the story never let me go the rest of the way. First of all, Sutton Bishop is a descriptive genius which had me feeling like I was along for the ride in Italy so imagine my disappointment when I found myself back in my bedroom in Oklahoma LOL! Gianna & Garrett met under some questionable circumstances, but it became quickly apparent that they were each other's lobsters despite the fact that he didn't do love. Now, that's only one part of the puzzle, as there's a big mystery to solve which had the twists coming in hot, and my heart racing. I truly found it hard to catch my breath as again, Ms. Bishop had me along for the ride in person, and since I don't want to give anything else away because of the intricate layered brilliance, I'm going to just stop here to tell you to experience all this goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 14, 2021
Bishop burns up the pages in Afraid to Love, the third installment of her Ancient Passages series. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone, as Bishop wrote a complete world, so new readers can jump right in. Afraid to Love is filled with intrigue, danger, treachery and a steamy romance between Interpol contractor Booth Merrick and rare book dealer Gianna Zichella, as they hunt and are hunted by an international group of antiquities thieves. Bishop writes a fascinating book, with the lots of action, and good character development which had me flipping pages until the wee hours of the morning. Bishop has Booth and Gianna set the plot on fire with their passionate flirting and sensual bed sport. If you love Rebecca Zanetti Deep Ops books, then I highly recommend Bishopโs Ancient Passages.
September 13, 2021
Autumn heats up in old Italia
I really enjoy the mix of history (real and mythic or fictional) and a modern game of love and mystery. Sutton Bishop blends them all with pizzazz and panache. We are immersed in the cultural history and charm of Italy and the Tuscany countryside. From beautiful centuries' old architecture with classic practicality to modern day places to dine and dance, the cafes and bistros, sipping an espresso or wine with friends passing time. Bishop gives the reader the sight, sounds, tastes, of the region to dance our way through the story with Gia and Booth. For new readers to the series, the story is sexy, a great complicated plot with twists like a bowl of pasta. We want to unravel that complex dish to find the prized meatball at its heart. A rewarding tale. For those readers familiar with the series we meet again certain characters and also learn of their unique ties to each other. It made me want to re-read the first two, 'Afraid to Fall' and 'Afraid to Hope' to pick up those sneaky clues!
Great job of blending the series and letting us fall in love again with new characters. Gia and Booth heat up the Tuscan starry nights. You might need a gelato or spumoni afterwards to cool off.
I really enjoy the mix of history (real and mythic or fictional) and a modern game of love and mystery. Sutton Bishop blends them all with pizzazz and panache. We are immersed in the cultural history and charm of Italy and the Tuscany countryside. From beautiful centuries' old architecture with classic practicality to modern day places to dine and dance, the cafes and bistros, sipping an espresso or wine with friends passing time. Bishop gives the reader the sight, sounds, tastes, of the region to dance our way through the story with Gia and Booth. For new readers to the series, the story is sexy, a great complicated plot with twists like a bowl of pasta. We want to unravel that complex dish to find the prized meatball at its heart. A rewarding tale. For those readers familiar with the series we meet again certain characters and also learn of their unique ties to each other. It made me want to re-read the first two, 'Afraid to Fall' and 'Afraid to Hope' to pick up those sneaky clues!
Great job of blending the series and letting us fall in love again with new characters. Gia and Booth heat up the Tuscan starry nights. You might need a gelato or spumoni afterwards to cool off.
August 30, 2021
O Mio Dio! It's getting hot in Italy! Sutton Bishop turns up the heat in the third installment of her Ancient Passages series, "Afraid to Love."
Italian beauty Gia Zichella, owner of an antique bookshop and auction house and Indiana hunk Booth Merrick, former SEAL and now a security expert, are embroiled in an inferno of subterfuge, murder, mystery and lust. What could go wrong?
Gia and Booth develop an instant appetite for one another yet someone harbors a secret that could dampen their newfound fire. Is it Booth? Or Gia? Gia will do anything to protect those she loves, but at what cost? Booth can't shake the ghost of a long-ago mistake. Will the pain of the past ruin what could be true love?
Bishop launches you into the world of archaeological looting, Italian culture, and searing sex. This expertly woven story will keep you guessing and thereโs plenty of passion to ignite a fire in your belly.
During a year when we have been denied many of lifeโs pleasures, it's cruel to ignore the call of a juicy romance novel. So don't. Pick up your copy of "Afraid to Love." I promise it pairs well with a fine glass of Chianti.
Italian beauty Gia Zichella, owner of an antique bookshop and auction house and Indiana hunk Booth Merrick, former SEAL and now a security expert, are embroiled in an inferno of subterfuge, murder, mystery and lust. What could go wrong?
Gia and Booth develop an instant appetite for one another yet someone harbors a secret that could dampen their newfound fire. Is it Booth? Or Gia? Gia will do anything to protect those she loves, but at what cost? Booth can't shake the ghost of a long-ago mistake. Will the pain of the past ruin what could be true love?
Bishop launches you into the world of archaeological looting, Italian culture, and searing sex. This expertly woven story will keep you guessing and thereโs plenty of passion to ignite a fire in your belly.
During a year when we have been denied many of lifeโs pleasures, it's cruel to ignore the call of a juicy romance novel. So don't. Pick up your copy of "Afraid to Love." I promise it pairs well with a fine glass of Chianti.
August 26, 2021
"Fuck the conflict of interest" this is my favourite line because, I knew things were going to get more interesting. In the mystery I'll Fantasama / The Ghost & stolen steamy moments ๐๐
Gia & Booth love story is not a straight forward story. Page one we start with a phone call and some photos. Which broke my heart and its my worst fear. So I was cheering her on to save her mam & who the hell is that man at the end of that phone...no spoilers. That just a tease because its ahhhh it was driving me insane who was behind that phone call
We meet Booth on a mission and he is SEAL. This team is looking for a priceless object. Then Gia came into his life and she complicated his life because...no spoilers
Yes am sorry there is a mystery for you to solve. This book reminds me of National Treasure for some reason but there is more action. I love the little information page there 4 especially the one about "Culture" why its important etc. Each info is linked with the story beautifully. Which I LOVED even more , it made the story more exciting
โMUST READโ
Gia & Booth love story is not a straight forward story. Page one we start with a phone call and some photos. Which broke my heart and its my worst fear. So I was cheering her on to save her mam & who the hell is that man at the end of that phone...no spoilers. That just a tease because its ahhhh it was driving me insane who was behind that phone call
We meet Booth on a mission and he is SEAL. This team is looking for a priceless object. Then Gia came into his life and she complicated his life because...no spoilers
Yes am sorry there is a mystery for you to solve. This book reminds me of National Treasure for some reason but there is more action. I love the little information page there 4 especially the one about "Culture" why its important etc. Each info is linked with the story beautifully. Which I LOVED even more , it made the story more exciting
โMUST READโ
September 7, 2021
Sutton Bishop is a new author to me . After reading and thoroughly enjoying Afraid To Love , I cannot wait to go back and read the first two books in this wonderful series . Gianna and Booth had my attention from the very beginning. Their romance is one filled with emotion, steam , intrigue and mystery . Booth is a former navy seal who gets sent to Italy on assignment the last thing he ever planned or expected was to meet Gianna and fall head over heels in love . Thatโs just what happens though . I loved watching the development of their relationship, it was so very hard to put this awesome story down once I started. I am so glad I came across Sutton and cannot wait to read the rest of her books . She clearly had a talent of knowing just how to grab your attention from beginning to end
August 26, 2021
This is a fantastic book full of action, suspense, & love. From start to finish, I was completely captivated. There were quite a few twists & turns in this story that kept me in suspense throughout the entire book. This book was very well written & the characters had great chemistry. The details provided throughout gave you an amazing mental picture while reading as if I were right there with Gia & Booth. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 16, 2021
This story started a bit slow for me, but it ramped up. Gia and Booth were hot and combustible despite the danger and intrigue surrounding them. I enjoyed all the secrets coming to light as the situation got resolved. I recommend this story if you enjoy suspense, intrigue, and danger with your romance.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
September 2, 2021
Readers of romance now have another yummy Sutton Bishop novel to sink their teeth into. Her latest in the Ancient Passages Series, โAfraid to Love,โ is set in Italy and her evocative storytelling transports readers from majestic Florenceโthe cradle of the Renaissanceโto the sweeping vistas of Tuscany. It is clear that Bishop writes from the heart and her ability to weave together a romantic (and yes, very sexy) story with a countryโs culture, artifacts and history (and letโs not forget mystery and intrigue) is a rare gift indeed. Readers will not be disappointed. Enjoy, Amici!
October 11, 2021
Bishop's latest installment starts with blackmail, which is an intriguing beginning for a romance novel. And though it had my heart pounding, my anxiety sky-rocketing--and my imagination whirling with what would I do in this situation--it also triggered my intrigue.The mystery of who, what, where, and why (ah, ah, ah, I won't spoil a thing) is really quite captivating. I'm usually good at predicting an ending, but I'll admit to being kept at the edge of my seat.
Yet again, Bishop thrusts us into a foreign land (unless you live in Italy in which case she takes you right to your home turf) with some amazing description and imagery that it's almost as though I'm there myself. I normally am not a huge fan of complex settings because I have a difficult time picturing what the author wants me to picture, but that's not a problem with Bishop's style of writing.
Gianna is an antique book dealer (which...hello, what romance reader doesn't love when the FMC is in the business of books?) and Booth is a former Navy SEAL turned security expert. I'm not sure why I love when the MMCs are security experts, but I do. Weird kink of mine, I suppose. And, of course, their chemistry leaps off the page in the sexiest of ways. Sparks fly immediately, but they fight it for a bit.
Anyways, if you're looking for fabulous story-telling, quick witted dialogue, and a good helping of spice, you'll enjoy this entire series! I think this book is my favorite though.
Yet again, Bishop thrusts us into a foreign land (unless you live in Italy in which case she takes you right to your home turf) with some amazing description and imagery that it's almost as though I'm there myself. I normally am not a huge fan of complex settings because I have a difficult time picturing what the author wants me to picture, but that's not a problem with Bishop's style of writing.
Gianna is an antique book dealer (which...hello, what romance reader doesn't love when the FMC is in the business of books?) and Booth is a former Navy SEAL turned security expert. I'm not sure why I love when the MMCs are security experts, but I do. Weird kink of mine, I suppose. And, of course, their chemistry leaps off the page in the sexiest of ways. Sparks fly immediately, but they fight it for a bit.
Anyways, if you're looking for fabulous story-telling, quick witted dialogue, and a good helping of spice, you'll enjoy this entire series! I think this book is my favorite though.
October 1, 2021
Iโll admit Iโve read a lot, and I do mean a lot, of amazing romantic suspense books in the last few years, but for some reason I find myself searching for stories similar to this series that Sutton has created. Thereโs just something special about all of these characters, as well as the beautiful and exotic settings, that quite literally grab you and just wonโt let go, you know what I mean? The wait for Gia and Boothโs story was so worth it!!!!! From the very first chapter, I felt like I was transported right back into my happy place of action, adventure, and a mystery that is so addictive!!! To see glimpses of past characters that I fell in love with was the icing on the cake! The words just flowed so naturally, giving us both amazingly accurate historical details and a fictional world that was an absolute blast to be a part ofโฆ and yes, Sutton really does make you feel everything, just as if you are a part of the story! Outstanding job!!!! I highly recommend Afraid to Love!!!
August 29, 2021
Sutton Bishop does it again! She brings such fantastic romantic suspense story that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can. This time she takes us to Italy where we meet Gia and Booth. Per usual you can tell that so much research went into this story and it shows in the flawless writing. Do yourself a favor and go read this book!
January 24, 2024
A really good follow-up to the series. I enjoyed the relationship dynamic between Boothe and Gia the best in this series. They complimented each other wonderfully and in a way that just seemed so natural.
I loved the plot idea for this with Gia being threatened and forced to act for The American and Boothe not knowing whether he was sleeping with the enemy of needing to protect her.
I also really loved the team of men that Boothe worked with and wished that this series continued with one of their stories.
The only real thing I disliked or found confusing was that in the first book of this series they find out The American is more organization than an individual and yet one individual seemed to be the only one they fought against. Would have liked to see more of this organization with other leaders instead of just one person or had The American stay just a powerful person and not an organization. (If that makes sense.)
Still, I am said to leave this series and would read more if anything else should be released in the future.
I loved the plot idea for this with Gia being threatened and forced to act for The American and Boothe not knowing whether he was sleeping with the enemy of needing to protect her.
I also really loved the team of men that Boothe worked with and wished that this series continued with one of their stories.
The only real thing I disliked or found confusing was that in the first book of this series they find out The American is more organization than an individual and yet one individual seemed to be the only one they fought against. Would have liked to see more of this organization with other leaders instead of just one person or had The American stay just a powerful person and not an organization. (If that makes sense.)
Still, I am said to leave this series and would read more if anything else should be released in the future.
September 5, 2021
This is the 3rd book in this series and is Gianna and Boothโs journey. Gianna is a rare book dealer, while Booth is a former Seal who is sent to Italy on an assignment. Booth does not do relationships, and from the moment he and Gia meet the sparks fly, and the chemistry is intense. This is a well written story which has an in=depth plot, and is filled with intrigue, action, twists, betrayal, mystery, family, suspense, danger, and love, which lead to a steamy and all=consuming and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
March 4, 2022
Gia and Booth's story held my attention. This standalone, third book in the series is filled with vivid details that whisked me right into the pages along with the characters. Their journey is filled with steamy chemistry, suspenseful intrigue and more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews