Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Series) by Ariella Talix – Review by M Policicchio
Casting Vows by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nicolo, Nico to friends and family, is the youngest son from Issac, Walter, and Suzette (the trio from Fiddle and Fire). The family has relocated to Los Angeles and is flourishing. Nico has a best friend, Matty, who is in a difficult situation. Matty’s mother died when he was young. Ever since Matty’s father’s drinking problems have increased. Matty has now officially become his father’s punching bag. Matty never fights back.
When Matty shows up at Nico’s window after a brutal beating, Nico and his parents conspire with the local doctor to keep Matty. However, one evening as the family is enjoying dinner with friends, Matty’s father breaks into their home and steals Matty back. When Nico’s fathers take the cops to Matty’s house so that Matty’s father can be arrested for assault and brandishing a weapon, the adults step in and make a decision. Matty can’t stay with his father. A friend and local parish priest, Father Andrew, agrees to help Matty escape but doesn’t tell anyone where Matty goes.
Four years after Matty left, Nico was in the process of completing his final year of med school in San Francisco when he met Eden, a nursing student. Eden and Nico fall in love, despite part of Nico’s heart always belonging to Matty. After a courtship and romance, Eden and Nico get engaged and head home to LA. Nico will be learning to run a medical clinic. Eden has the option to work as a nurse in the clinic. Nico realizes that Eden is with child. When they go to their local church to talk to Father Andrew about marrying them, Eden and Nico find Matty.
Matty is just weeks away from taking his final vows to become a priest. Now I don’t want to spoil anything but there was some tomfoolery and shenanigans that led to this. The love Matty and Nico once had for each other is not dead. Matty and Eden feel an instant connection but there are sooooo many obstacles standing in the way. One huge one being the looming vows awaiting Matty. Secrets and sins are revealed. Decisions are made. Some other good stuff happens. There is a twist or two in there. Don’t for the spice.
Period romance is not my go to, but a decent read. If you like a historical romance with some heat, this series and story is for you!! This one reads fast and moves fast. So hang on!!
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