Destiny in Rome — Frances Carfi Matranga

Afraid of love, afraid to trust her heart, Hope Stephens embraced Rome, the Eternal City, where she could bury old memories, paint again, and begin anew. But the imperious Count Franco Fabiani strode into her life with an offer she couldn't refuse: to be paid companion to his niece, Tina, a brilliant young dancer crippled by a tragic accident. "You are our last chance," he said. "Fate had a hand in our meeting, signorina."

Hope followed him to the fabulous villa, to the challenge of Tina, only to discover Franco's dashing brother, Lorenzo, and her own needs and longings. If Franco was only her employer, why was she so vulnerable? If he wished to be more, why did he flaunt the aristocratic Adele, who was determined to be the next Countess Fabiani? If fate had cast them together, why were they so far apart?

Hero: Count Franco Fabiani
Heroine: Hope Stephens