My favorite heroine is strong yet sensitive at the same time. I think it's easy to let your heroine (especially uniformed) develop manly characteristics that detract from their womanly virtues. I still like my females to need their heroes in order to have a HEA. :)
I loved the authenticity of this book. I felt as if I were there, wandering among the vines, sipping wine outside the cottage, flirting with Lorenzo, :)