An Italian player and an out-of-her-depth investment banker try to save an ailing Italian vineyard. Tuscany is evocatively brought to life for the reader as the two likeable characters attempt to rescue the family vineyard and extricate themselves from a fake marriage rumour. Full of humour and romance, it's an immersive read.
I like the characterisation, the romance and the escapist setting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Cleo's assignment leads her to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, where she represents the British Investment Bank—a guardian of a substantial stake in the Fioravanti vineyard. Yet, as the complexities of her mission unfold, it becomes evident that she'll need some local expertise to navigate the intricacies of the vineyard. Who better to guide her than Luca, the owner's son and a native to the heart of Italy's wine country?

However, fate takes an unexpected turn when a seemingly innocent mix-up inadvertently sparks a rumor that Cleo and Luca are married. As Luca grapples with a family crisis and the recovery of his ailing father, he implores Cleo to maintain the facade of their supposed marriage. What starts as a charade gradually morphs into something far more perplexing and emotionally profound.

This book left an indelible mark on me, offering a delightful reading experience filled with characters I couldn't help but grow fond of. Sommer, the gifted author behind this narrative, possesses a unique talent for drawing readers into the story through vivid and immersive descriptions. With every word, I found myself transported to the sun-kissed vineyards and quaint Italian villages that graced the pages.

What truly sets this novel apart is the exquisite character development. Sommer masterfully nurtures the growth of the characters, breathing life into them and allowing them to evolve in a way that feels incredibly genuine. Cleo's transformation and the intricate layers of Luca's character contribute to the profound depth of the narrative.

In the end, this book is a testament to the feel-good romance genre, leaving readers with a heartwarming and uplifting experience. It's a story that resonates long after the final page is turned, and I, without a doubt, eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve into its pages once more.

What a fun, atmospheric rom com about a failing vineyard and a banker who’s bank has invested in it. I loved the setting, and it made me want to return to Italy immediately. I love how the two MCs Cleo and Luca find themselves pretending to be married, and all the complications that arise after his family, who are the owners of the vineyard, find out.

All the characters were great. I loved reading about the wine making process and the talk about cooking, or inability to cook in Cleo’s case.

Overall a very cute fake marriage story with a great setting and great characters! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Cleo has been sent out to Tuscany to represent the British Investment Bank that holds a portion of stock for Fioravanti vineyard. But Cleo will need extra help and who better than a local and the vineyard owner's son, Luca.

But when a mix-up spreads a rumour that the two are married, Luca needs Cleo to play along to help his father’s recovery. But soon what was meant to be fake has Cleo questioning how fake this really is.

I loved this book, it was a delightful read with characters I couldn’t get enough of.

I enjoyed how Sommer writers, with their descriptions drawing the reader in. This author also gives growth to their characters giving great character development.

This was a great feel-good romantic read and I would happily read this again.

A perfect romcom set in Italy. When Cleo goes on a business trip to try to salvage a family vineyard she does not know what is waiting for her. The book has all the elements; handsome man, beautiful setting, loving family. I loved reading this book and enjoying my virtual vacation in Italy!

LOVED the setting of this, but it was the only part I loved. I thought the plot was ok and the characters were just average. Nothing besides the setting made this book enjoyable.

“You know, I somehow imagined that if I ever proposed to a woman, she’d jump at the chance to marry me.”“And I somehow imagined that if a man ever proposed to me, he’d be on his knees, with a ring in his hands. Looks like neither of us is going to get what we imagined.”

It was a sweet enough read but the story didn't make me feel anything. I liked Cleo and how headstrong, smart and responsible she was and while I initially liked Luca, towards the end, I just couldn't find his "player" personality appealing. He was a commitment phobe and while eventually he realised that he loved Cleo, I just couldn't buy it because all that happened in the last few chapters and then the book ended abruptly. Also the entire situation about the fake marriage was unbelievable because how could Luca's family buy the fact that he married Cleo only days after she arrived, knowing that he does not take relationships seriously. They did not even demand to see their wedding pictures or even a marriage licence which was just ridiculous. Although the whole them being fake married and having to act like a real couple part was entertaining but I just couldn't find the logic in it. The issue with the vineyard was interesting and kept me engaged and the writing was acceptable but I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would tbh.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

This book is one of the best romances I’ve read. It has everything: a beautiful setting, hunky Italian men, close friends, seemingly insurmountable problems, sweet tender moments, small victories, and a big win—every component necessary for a very satisfying read.

When the owner of the ailing Fioravanti vineyard has a stroke, the health of the Italian family-run winery is further jeopardized. So the British investment banking firm that owns a significant portion of the stock sends Cleo Arendse to Tuscany to oversee the operation. She needs help to navigate the locale and the language, so who better to step in and assist than the owner's handsome son, Luca Fioravanti. He has a reputation as a player and is convinced he bears the Fioravanti Curse (which makes him an irresistible heartbreaker unable to settle down with just one woman). Thinking he is just a lazy, rich kid, Cleo wonders how helpful he will be.

When Cleo and Luca head to the annual Lario wine trade show (where everyone is the wine business knows everyone else) to work the Fioravanti Winery exhibit, there is a mix-up with the hotel accommodations. and they are forced to share a room. Somehow, Cleo is identified as Luca's wife instead of his business associate. The rumor, once started, travels back to Luca's father. Afraid that learning the truth will break his father's heart and set back his recovery, Luca asks Cleo to pretend to be his wife. She agrees, wondering how such a farce can work. After all, he has the Fioravanti Curse.

As they work to improve the winery's business outlook, Cleo discovers that Luca is much more than a cursed Italian playboy. And begins to wonder how "fake" she wants this marriage to be.

I fell in love with Tuscany while reading this book. From the first page, I felt as though I was right there in Italy with Cleo and Luca, taking in the local scenery, tasting the wines, sampling the pasta and pastries, and experiencing everything else that life at the vineyard near Montalcino had to offer.

The story is a page turner. Read it. You won't be disappointed.

I LOVED this book so much, I even shed a tear at the end (at work... oops).

I was transported from the cold and rain to sunny Italy and it was wonderful. I loved Cleo she knew why she came to the vineyard and would not be moved away from her ideas and solutions. At first I did not like Luca at all, but that might have been the point. But when he grew more into the storyline I grew to like him as well. I loved the side characters, they were all fun and well developed. The way the marriage of convenience was done very well sometimes it falls flat but this all felt believable and true to the characters. The descriptions of the landscapes and the food was beautiful I was hungry the whole time I was reading this.

Thank you NetGalley, Romy Sommer and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

"My Fake Italian Marriage" by Romy Sommer is a delightful romantic escapade that transports readers to the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy. Sommer weaves a charming tale of love, humor, and self-discovery as two mismatched individuals embark on a fake marriage adventure. The chemistry between the main characters crackles with authenticity, and the witty banter is a sheer delight. Set against the backdrop of picturesque Italy, the novel exudes warmth, making it a perfect feel-good read. Sommer's storytelling is a testament to the power of love to transcend pretense, and "My Fake Italian Marriage" is a heartwarming journey that will leave you with a smile. Loved it.

Yet again I've managed to start reading a series part way through, with the first book languishing in my ever-growing TBR list. This didn't affect my enjoyment of the book as it can be read as a standalone, but does mean that I'll have to go back to read the first one, Last of the Summer Vines.
The main characters are Luca, a spoilt aristocrat who has a way with women, and Cleo, a hard nosed British banker who has been sent to look into his family's vineyard part-owned by her bank. Initially I really didn't like Luca, with his good looks, monied lifestyle and attraction to women being totally opposite to myself, but my view gradually changed as I read further into the book. Cleo also had the same view of him, although this also changed as time went on. The book manages to bring the Tuscany countryside to life, the downside is that the description of the wonderful food made me feel hungry all the way through. There are several spicy scenes though if these aren't your thing. Overall a story to bring some sunshine into your life to escape a dreary British autumn / winter.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I have already pre-ordered the book as I enjoyed it so much.

Thanks NetGalley for the free advance reader copy. This one was cute & the storyline was fun. I enjoyed the character development and the plot was fun! An easy, fun, & quick read!

This was a very delightful read, and learning what love is through these characters’ experience. Their captivating personalities and the amusing dialogues between them that drives the story forward and has me engrossed page after page. Highly going to be recommending it.

British banker Cleo isn't thrilled about using her own vacation time to turn around her boss's bad investment in a failing Italian vineyard, and when she arrives in Italy she takes an instant dislike to the owner's suave son, Luca. But, being the main character of a romance novel, she's forced to work with him, share a bed with him, pretend to be married to him... and she discovers there's more to Luca than good looks and good food. But can she convince Luca to believe that, too?

Silly title aside, this is a sweet and well-written romance novel. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Italian food and countryside, and the side characters and their subplots added interest and depth. Cleo and Luca's relationship was surprisingly believable for a whirlwind romance. However, the book felt a bit longer than its material justified and didn't really grab me emotionally. 4.5 stars.

Romy Sommer is a new author for me and I really enjoyed My Fake Italian Marriage. Set in Tuscany, banker Cleo is sent to the Fioravanti vineyard to see if she can turn its fortunes around. Here she meets Luca Fioravanti, serial womaniser but surely Cleo is impervious to his charms. But Luca is not one to shy away from a challenge and is sure he can sweep Cleo off her feet and get her to leave his family’s business alone.

I really enjoyed this novel, the main characters have great chemistry and the descriptions of food and the Tuscan villages instantly transport you there. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter dvd the author for the chance to review.

I would certainly recommend this to the right reader, it’s just not my favourite story due to how the main character is being portrayed.

If 'Suits' was a romcom set in Italy, it would be this book.

This is a great read and i wish this had been available to me over the spring or summer! The perfect book to take away with you. I enjoyed the character's, the setting, the story - who doesn't love a marriage of convenience!

This book is movie material.

4.5/5 stars
This book is a slow-burn, small-town, and fake-marriage romance all in one. I simply can't describe how much i'm in love with the characters and the plot. Romy's writing is chef's kiss times 100.

I struggle to review this book because it’s so sweet and the writer is very talented. However, I found the chapters to drone on a bit with no real reason or intrigue to them. It was quite slow to get to the story itself. However it’s very easy to read it sweet romance is something you enjoy. I would certainly recommend this to the right reader, it’s just not my favorite.

I love books that take me on a journey to my favorite real-world vacation destination--Tuscany; this book does just that in such a fun way.

Cleo is a romantically closed-off woman with a blooming career in London. However, to possibly gain the promotion she's yearning for, she is sent to Italy to oversee the financial dealings of a family-run Tuscan Vineyard. Enter Luca Fioravanti, the owner's son and ladies' man. Luca and Cleo do not see eye to eye on anything including how to fake their "marriage."

With the plan in place, Cleo and Luca navigate their relationship while accomplishing their individual goals. It was pretty obvious that their fake relationship was going to turn into real feelings.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main characters have good chemistry, there are plenty of pop culture references and a HEA.