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The College Pact
Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome
Why did Mia Petrellla ever make such a drastic life change? Spending the fall semester of her senior year in Rome is a huge leap outside of her comfort zone and she's a nervous wreck. But then something unexpected happens.
During her first hours in Rome, she meets Lorenzo Barca, a charming Italian waiter with deep blue eyes and a devilish wink. From their first encounter, Lorenzo catches Mia off-guard with his piercing gaze and friendly banter. Maybe her adventure abroad will be more surprising, and less nerve-wracking, then she thought?
Lorenzo Barca is fed up and done wasting his time waiting tables at his family’s restaurant when he could be living his life. The life he should be living. The life he wants to be living. And it doesn’t include serving loud American tourists espresso. Until one of those American tourists turns out to be a sweetheart with chocolate eyes and a beautiful smile. Soon, Mia Petrella has Lorenzo not only showing up for work, but looking forward to it.
Mia and Lorenzo build a friendship that blossoms into love, but they both hold back as Mia’s departure date and the transition to a long-distance relationship is inevitable. When Lorenzo makes a series of shocking discoveries regarding his family, his future, and Mia, their bond threatens to snap, shaking them both to the core.
Can Mia and Lorenzo trust each other enough to build the future they both desire?
During her first hours in Rome, she meets Lorenzo Barca, a charming Italian waiter with deep blue eyes and a devilish wink. From their first encounter, Lorenzo catches Mia off-guard with his piercing gaze and friendly banter. Maybe her adventure abroad will be more surprising, and less nerve-wracking, then she thought?
Lorenzo Barca is fed up and done wasting his time waiting tables at his family’s restaurant when he could be living his life. The life he should be living. The life he wants to be living. And it doesn’t include serving loud American tourists espresso. Until one of those American tourists turns out to be a sweetheart with chocolate eyes and a beautiful smile. Soon, Mia Petrella has Lorenzo not only showing up for work, but looking forward to it.
Mia and Lorenzo build a friendship that blossoms into love, but they both hold back as Mia’s departure date and the transition to a long-distance relationship is inevitable. When Lorenzo makes a series of shocking discoveries regarding his family, his future, and Mia, their bond threatens to snap, shaking them both to the core.
Can Mia and Lorenzo trust each other enough to build the future they both desire?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2016
52 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Gina Azzi
81 books784 followersHi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2019
This is book 2 in the college pact series and this one is about Mia. She went off to Rome for a semester to study. Mia is quiet, a virgin at 21, and doesn’t like to be outside of her comfort zone. It seems going to Italy for 4 months on her own is the first step to discovering the new her. She took the college pact very seriously and decided to redefine herself. Part of that was finding tall, dark, and handsome Italiano, Lorenzo. I may or may not have drooled on my kindle a couple of times when he was described. I mean isn’t it most young women’s fantasy to go to a foreign county and fall in love with a hot local? This book was an entertaining read but at times I felt like it was rushed. I think it could have been a bit longer and we could have gotten some more background on Mia and Lorenzo. Still, I loved their story and my heart broke for Mia and her body issues. I love this series and how all the stories run in parallel over the same 4 months. I’m very curious about Maura now. There were a few hints dropped in this book that something was going on with Maura and I’m looking forward to finding out what that is!
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
June 29, 2016
This was one of the sweetest books I've read in a while. I just want to give Mia a big old hug. She's the kind of leading lady you can really feel for.
And, Lorenzo, my God! Doesn't everyone dream of going away to Rome and having a hot Italian boy fall for them? I know that isn't just me. haha. That's what this book is. It's like a fantasy that's grounded in reality. Their love story is the fantastical part, but their troubles remind us that this is real life. They ground the romance in the real world. It isn't a dream anymore when Mia is struggling with something so serious or when Lorenzo is only trying to protect his family.
Mia has made a pact with her friends. She's going to step out of her comfort zone and live life when she goes away to study in Rome for the semester. An injury has seemingly ended her dancing career before it even got started. A career that has left her broken and lost.
Lorenzo is dealing with family revelations when Mia walks into his mother's restaurant. Suddenly, he wants more for his life than a string of one-night-stands and a full bank account. Suddenly he wants it all.
This book is a great follow up in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
And, Lorenzo, my God! Doesn't everyone dream of going away to Rome and having a hot Italian boy fall for them? I know that isn't just me. haha. That's what this book is. It's like a fantasy that's grounded in reality. Their love story is the fantastical part, but their troubles remind us that this is real life. They ground the romance in the real world. It isn't a dream anymore when Mia is struggling with something so serious or when Lorenzo is only trying to protect his family.
Mia has made a pact with her friends. She's going to step out of her comfort zone and live life when she goes away to study in Rome for the semester. An injury has seemingly ended her dancing career before it even got started. A career that has left her broken and lost.
Lorenzo is dealing with family revelations when Mia walks into his mother's restaurant. Suddenly, he wants more for his life than a string of one-night-stands and a full bank account. Suddenly he wants it all.
This book is a great follow up in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
June 18, 2019
This book is so incredibly swoonworthy. Lorenzo and Mia are a match made in Rome, a romance worthy of the poets’ words that are sprinkled throughout their fairytale romance.
But - like all fairytales - theirs isn’t perfect. Both of them have to overcome heartache, pain, deceit, and insecurities in order to become the versions of themselves that can love unconditionally, honestly, and completely.
Watching Mia overcome a lifetime of insecurities and secrets was empowering and special. She’s a total badass, even if it takes her most of the book to realize it. She takes their pact seriously, and I admire her strength and courage as she conquers and overcomes.
And Lorenzo - hot, charismatic, and charming Lorenzo - has his own problems and own demons to overcome. I really enjoyed watching him grow, and love, and become a better version of himself - because I wasn’t sure he’d be able to do that. Watching him fall head over heels for Mia is so incredibly sweet, too.
Overall, this book is full of passion, determination, and lots of love. I adore this book and absolutely recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this book, and thank you to Gina for taking me to Italy!*
But - like all fairytales - theirs isn’t perfect. Both of them have to overcome heartache, pain, deceit, and insecurities in order to become the versions of themselves that can love unconditionally, honestly, and completely.
Watching Mia overcome a lifetime of insecurities and secrets was empowering and special. She’s a total badass, even if it takes her most of the book to realize it. She takes their pact seriously, and I admire her strength and courage as she conquers and overcomes.
And Lorenzo - hot, charismatic, and charming Lorenzo - has his own problems and own demons to overcome. I really enjoyed watching him grow, and love, and become a better version of himself - because I wasn’t sure he’d be able to do that. Watching him fall head over heels for Mia is so incredibly sweet, too.
Overall, this book is full of passion, determination, and lots of love. I adore this book and absolutely recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this book, and thank you to Gina for taking me to Italy!*
July 14, 2023
3.25*
January 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ little cheesy. Very sisterhood of the traveling pants like……but cute 🥰
April 3, 2021
Sweet romance, a tale that started in Italy, progressing to a sweet, happily married ever after kinda story.
The reckless, racy, careless, hotshot, sexy, confident, swoon worthy, arrogant but still has a loving heart for his family, but never showing the tenderness outside, the typical bad boy, never the type to date women for real, the one who rather prefer fooling around until he meets Mia, a student in Italy for an exchange programme for 4 months in the town, to explore the new place, experience stuff out of her comfort zone, on a soul searching journey, battling her inner demons, shy, careful, meticulous, smart, not so good with men or in romantic department, always body conscious, and food conscious, her relationship with food is a long battle she has been fighting with from a young age, loosing her only solace, her dream ballet dancing, due her knee injury, the pain of never getting to where you had dreamed since you were a kid, the only dream for which you lived and breathed your whole life, the one for which you worked so hard that you sacrificed your life that is outside of your dream, that pain or the emptiness you feel, now that you don't have that thing with you anymore, never letting anyone too close due to her own fear and fear of judgements and insecurities.
Both, on extreme ends of personality scale, their first meet was anything but embarrassing and awkward, but things turned around with time, the connection they had was nothing less of the steaming pull they felt for each other.
Their tale is very much novel like meaning the poetic or sonnet exchanges from famous classic Italian literature, a romance straight out of a novel (well, it is in literal sense, but you get my point right).
They both brought the stability and love in the relationship that they lacked within themselves before they met each other.
The drama is minimal, the step brother was a generous man, he was sweet, the family came around as whole and outwitted that uncle of theirs, their father was a smart man to devise the revised will and making the siblings come around and save the family and their assets.
I like the mother's advice, "getting back to the basics is the way to get things up right again, the reckless and carelessness is what ruined the career he had due to his bad habits, a family rebuild was what was much needed in their case"- Always the Basics First, then things fall in place, can't agree more.
I got to see how the stage perfomers or artists or entertainers have to deal with their food, their lifestyle, calorie counting, conscious of the number on the scale, conscious of how they look or how much they could eat or how much control they have to put and to the extent taking drastic measures to keep the flab at bay, looking always prim and proper, always eye pleasing figure even if that means they are unhealthy or unhappy from within, plastering the smile because that's what the world demands of them, I truly empathize with how much they have to go through, the people outside don't realise what goes underneath that slim figure or that beautiful smile.
I really hate how casually some people body shame others without thinking, you might never know that person might feel or what affect your harsh words can have on them and crush their self confidence, never body shame anyone, real beauty lies in the heart, how good your heart is, how you make others feel by your actions and not the outer appearances. We need to learn that ourselves too, to love ourselves and taking care of body and soul ina healthy way, and live life to the full, having a great time with the people you love and care about, having great food without having to count every calories you put in.
My thoughts:
Blessed are the people who find the right man or woman with whom they find their solace, with whom you feel you can be you without any pretence, with whom they want to share their rest of the lives, loving them everyday and growing old in each's company and the best part is when the feelings is mutual, never let that person go, hold on tight and that kind of love is what is worth fighting for, if need be.
The reckless, racy, careless, hotshot, sexy, confident, swoon worthy, arrogant but still has a loving heart for his family, but never showing the tenderness outside, the typical bad boy, never the type to date women for real, the one who rather prefer fooling around until he meets Mia, a student in Italy for an exchange programme for 4 months in the town, to explore the new place, experience stuff out of her comfort zone, on a soul searching journey, battling her inner demons, shy, careful, meticulous, smart, not so good with men or in romantic department, always body conscious, and food conscious, her relationship with food is a long battle she has been fighting with from a young age, loosing her only solace, her dream ballet dancing, due her knee injury, the pain of never getting to where you had dreamed since you were a kid, the only dream for which you lived and breathed your whole life, the one for which you worked so hard that you sacrificed your life that is outside of your dream, that pain or the emptiness you feel, now that you don't have that thing with you anymore, never letting anyone too close due to her own fear and fear of judgements and insecurities.
Both, on extreme ends of personality scale, their first meet was anything but embarrassing and awkward, but things turned around with time, the connection they had was nothing less of the steaming pull they felt for each other.
Their tale is very much novel like meaning the poetic or sonnet exchanges from famous classic Italian literature, a romance straight out of a novel (well, it is in literal sense, but you get my point right).
They both brought the stability and love in the relationship that they lacked within themselves before they met each other.
The drama is minimal, the step brother was a generous man, he was sweet, the family came around as whole and outwitted that uncle of theirs, their father was a smart man to devise the revised will and making the siblings come around and save the family and their assets.
I like the mother's advice, "getting back to the basics is the way to get things up right again, the reckless and carelessness is what ruined the career he had due to his bad habits, a family rebuild was what was much needed in their case"- Always the Basics First, then things fall in place, can't agree more.
I got to see how the stage perfomers or artists or entertainers have to deal with their food, their lifestyle, calorie counting, conscious of the number on the scale, conscious of how they look or how much they could eat or how much control they have to put and to the extent taking drastic measures to keep the flab at bay, looking always prim and proper, always eye pleasing figure even if that means they are unhealthy or unhappy from within, plastering the smile because that's what the world demands of them, I truly empathize with how much they have to go through, the people outside don't realise what goes underneath that slim figure or that beautiful smile.
I really hate how casually some people body shame others without thinking, you might never know that person might feel or what affect your harsh words can have on them and crush their self confidence, never body shame anyone, real beauty lies in the heart, how good your heart is, how you make others feel by your actions and not the outer appearances. We need to learn that ourselves too, to love ourselves and taking care of body and soul ina healthy way, and live life to the full, having a great time with the people you love and care about, having great food without having to count every calories you put in.
My thoughts:
Blessed are the people who find the right man or woman with whom they find their solace, with whom you feel you can be you without any pretence, with whom they want to share their rest of the lives, loving them everyday and growing old in each's company and the best part is when the feelings is mutual, never let that person go, hold on tight and that kind of love is what is worth fighting for, if need be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
Dnf because I really, really hate the H. Not a big fan for h but im 28% in (at time of dnf) and can't find a redeeming trait about Lorenzo
June 26, 2019
We are now two books into the Senior Semester Series, and I find myself itching for more. In the span of only three books (including Corner of Ocean and Bay), I have become a staunch fan of Gina Azzi's writing.
In The Last First Game, we met Lila, one of four college friends who have decided, for various reasons, to spend one semester of college apart. This book centers on Mia, who travels to Rome to study abroad - not at all surprising, given that she is of Italian heritage. Unfortunately, she carries with her a lot more baggage than what she could fit in the overhead bin. After an injury has forcibly ended her career as a dancer, Mia has developed extreme self-image issues.
Enter Lorenzo, a devilishly handsome Italian guy who has lived a life of fast cars, fast women and vast wealth. That all threatens to end, however, when a family crisis has him regretting his days as a playboy and a wastrel. And when he meets Mia, his world is thrown for a loop, as she affects him like no other woman has.
It took me a little while to warm up to Lorenzo, but the chemistry he develops with Mia is unmistakable. Throw in a could of very well-written, realistic personal drama, and you have one damn fine read. Ms. Azzi switches from Mia's POV to Lorenzo's effortlessly (a staple of all her books), and that is no mean feat. I look forward to the next book in the series!
In The Last First Game, we met Lila, one of four college friends who have decided, for various reasons, to spend one semester of college apart. This book centers on Mia, who travels to Rome to study abroad - not at all surprising, given that she is of Italian heritage. Unfortunately, she carries with her a lot more baggage than what she could fit in the overhead bin. After an injury has forcibly ended her career as a dancer, Mia has developed extreme self-image issues.
Enter Lorenzo, a devilishly handsome Italian guy who has lived a life of fast cars, fast women and vast wealth. That all threatens to end, however, when a family crisis has him regretting his days as a playboy and a wastrel. And when he meets Mia, his world is thrown for a loop, as she affects him like no other woman has.
It took me a little while to warm up to Lorenzo, but the chemistry he develops with Mia is unmistakable. Throw in a could of very well-written, realistic personal drama, and you have one damn fine read. Ms. Azzi switches from Mia's POV to Lorenzo's effortlessly (a staple of all her books), and that is no mean feat. I look forward to the next book in the series!
April 6, 2018
This is Book #2 in (The Senior Semester Series) and so far my favorite of the 2 I have read. Mia has always stayed in her comfort zone for everything in her life, but for a semester she is going to Rome. Her friends and her make a pack to leave your comfort zones and do something fun & adventurous!! Something Mia does not do. Wow is all I have to say about something about Mia! I was not expecting that at all. Must read to find out!! Lorenzo is a gorgeous Italian, which has been playboy, but there is something about Mia that he can not stop looking at her. Lucky she loves his family's restaurant. The turns and twists about Lorenzo had me saying Wow again!!
This is definitely my favorite so far. We will see if it stays my favorite when I get Book #3 & #4 done.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
April 1, 2021
It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: body image, Italy, hot accent.
Narrator score🎧 ; both narrator's are absolutely wonderful!!!!!! I love the male narrator his Italian accent is on point! Just wonderful
Level of steam🔥: well, it is a slow burn, and mean while the male character f*** every woman is he
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: well, you do have some heavy stuff in this book, In first you think, owww ok, its a cute story about people that meets, but them you discover what happens and you are in shock, and you ache for the characters.
The book itself📖: well, I absolutely loved this book, it was such a wonderful beautiful story, the love of history and poetry of both of them, Lorenzo is such a wonderful character I love him so much.
And Mia is a great character as well. I just loved the book
Warning ⚠️: body image, Italy, hot accent.
Narrator score🎧 ; both narrator's are absolutely wonderful!!!!!! I love the male narrator his Italian accent is on point! Just wonderful
Level of steam🔥: well, it is a slow burn, and mean while the male character f*** every woman is he
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: well, you do have some heavy stuff in this book, In first you think, owww ok, its a cute story about people that meets, but them you discover what happens and you are in shock, and you ache for the characters.
The book itself📖: well, I absolutely loved this book, it was such a wonderful beautiful story, the love of history and poetry of both of them, Lorenzo is such a wonderful character I love him so much.
And Mia is a great character as well. I just loved the book
February 3, 2020
Once again, Gina Azzi does not shy away from writing about serious issues, intricately woven throughout a love story, and she does it fabulously well. I love the growth of Lorenzo throughout this story - his emotional state is a bit of a mess to begin with, but as his relationship with Mia develops, so does his maturity and sense of responsibility for himself and his actions. Mia travels across the ocean to attempt to find herself, but finds more than she expects with Lorenzo. His support and insistence play a key role in her growing confidence and road to recovery. The instant attraction, but slower paced action, set the mood perfectly, and their emotional journey to HEA was all the sweeter for it. Highly recommend this series.
June 19, 2019
4.5 super swoony stars! Gina provides all the feels yet again! This book is full of passion, emotion, and the sweetest love. What can I say about Mia? She is incredibly strong given all she has gone through and what she continues to battle. She takes the pact seriously even when it is completely out of her comfort zone. And then you have Lorenzo. Gah! He is one sexy Italian playboy! He becomes intrigued by Mia who is different from any other woman he has met. Their romance will make you believe in love again. Can't wait for the next book!
June 21, 2019
Who wouldn't want to be Mia? I wouldn't mind studying abroad in Rome. I was living vicariously through her as she took in the sights, smells and the sounds. It sounds magic to me. She made a pact to live and let go for the trip. It was like she was living the dream. And then she let us in to her life: her triumphs and her hard struggles. Sometimes you wanted to high-five her, especially when it came to catching Enzo's attention. And there were times you wanted to shake her, and then hug her and cry with her. It was definitely a moving story in more ways than one.
October 9, 2019
Mia’s story! Her pact with her friends was more of a challenge for her.
Studying abroad in Italy was an exciting way to make a new transformation in her life but falling in love and growing in acceptance with herself wasn’t something Mia expected.
Lorenzo was a bad boy racer and not looking for a relationship until he meets Mia twice in one day. Now he is completely taken back by this but embracing it all too.
This was a bittersweet but very enjoyable read! This series has a good story to tell for each girl!
Well done! Gina Azzi!
Studying abroad in Italy was an exciting way to make a new transformation in her life but falling in love and growing in acceptance with herself wasn’t something Mia expected.
Lorenzo was a bad boy racer and not looking for a relationship until he meets Mia twice in one day. Now he is completely taken back by this but embracing it all too.
This was a bittersweet but very enjoyable read! This series has a good story to tell for each girl!
Well done! Gina Azzi!
September 12, 2016
Great read. The author does a magnificent job of setting the plot with just enough to leave you wanting more. As a guy, I really felt like Lorenzo is someone I could relate to. He wants to be a badass but he's got a soft spot for Mia. I have visited Rome. The author paints a masterful picture of the city to a point where I felt teleported back to its squares and historic alleyways.
June 26, 2019
When I heard Gina Azzi was revamping and rechristening her Senior Semester series, I knew I had to give it another go. I loved it the first time around, but I think I loved it even more this time. The story felt more streamlined, just as romantic, and the chemistry between Mia and Lorenzo didn't lose a single ember.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series! And I love the new covers!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series! And I love the new covers!
June 23, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
A Must Read
This book was absolutely fantastic! I loved Mia’s story! I can’t wait for book three! I seriously swooned hard over this book.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
A Must Read
This book was absolutely fantastic! I loved Mia’s story! I can’t wait for book three! I seriously swooned hard over this book.
April 28, 2020
Awe-inspiring. Realizing your dream is no longer a possibility and making a new you in a new country. Getting back to your dreams and realizing life is not fair. Great book with a wonderful story that warms the heart.
September 3, 2019
He doesn’t want to commit and then all the sudden she’s everything to him? Way too insta and unbelievable...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
I like how the books in the series take place all at the same time. So definitely read in order!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews