"Valentina" is a captivating novel that intertwines the stories of two women from different eras. In 2012, photographer Valentina Rosselli lives in Milan with her partner Theo Steen but is not ready to commit to a deeper relationship. Her curiosity is piqued when she is offered a fascinating photography project that leads her into the darker sides of desire and prompts her to uncover hidden aspects of herself. Meanwhile, the story of Belle, a wealthy socialite in 1929, unfolds as she finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage. As Belle, she leads a secret life as a courtesan, searching for true love that can set her free. Despite the decades that separate them, Valentina and Belle are connected through their shared experiences of awakening their desires. The novel explores the quest for passion and the link between physical desire and true love.