Cascade by Lisa T Bergen

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever

Careful - spoilish because it is the second in the series...

I liked this one, but not as much as the first. I think it was how their mother was so willing to believe them that they could time travel. Maybe I am thinking of my mom. She would think I was telling her a story. But I was happy she was so willing because that mean that Gabi was going to Marcello again, and soon.

In this story I do like the boys better. I love how proper Marcello is. I read the historical romance novels, and the leading men are gentlemen but have the rake side, but not Marcello. He steals sweet kisses, never lays an inappropriate hand on Gabi, and professes undying love and loyalty for her. He is willing to risk everything for her... So Romano not in the picture - er, kinda.

Luca - sigh. He's the one I want to date. Humor and carefree spirit are what attract me in real life, and naturally Luca's character is the one I gravitate to. I am relieved that Lia turned out to not be so uptight and finally caves for the man. Sigh.

The concept of the plot is really good. There are a few characters that turn traitor for both sides, which is surprising, but good and aid our characters or bring them into terrible life and death situations. However, some of the really good scenes, take forever to get to. Like I could skip a chapter and I wouldn't miss anything pressing. But back to the really good situations, Ms. B does not sugar coat the situations they find themselves in. She beats up Gabi, almost freezes her to death in a river, and cages her like an animal.

I predicted the ending.

:)