This book is one you won’t be able to put down! It features a sweet and charming romance, a journey of self discovery, building a new life and the joy of finding a community of people who feel like family. The setting is the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy, in a small fictional town of Zavona. The town has sold a variety of it’s run down and vacant buildings to foreigners for a pittance with the provision that a certain they have amount of funding, the building must be fully restored within six months, and the new owner is to start a business and stay in the town.

Natalie, an American, had initially planned to do the renovation of the villa, a former B & B of sorts, with her grandmother who spent part of her teenage years in the area, but after her recent death, Natalie is determined to see it through herself. Her grandmother’s medical bills had nearly derailed the plan, this dream, until an unclaimed inheritance of her grandmother’s came to light after her death. With no family left to hold her in place in the U.S., Natalie left her job, packed up her life, shipped a few precious belongings, and came to Italy to start life anew and to find out more about mysterious man who left her grandmother an inheritance so long ago. She never expected to meet Pietro, a handsome and oh so sexy architect who is at first terse and forbidding, then persistent and determined to help her with the renovations of the Villa and aid her in her research about the inheritance. Discovering kinship and support among the others involved in the restoration and development programme and among the townspeople is a blessing for Natalie who is feeling the hardship and grief of life with her grandmother. Her relationship with Pietro soon becomes much more intimate and complicated, showing her a passionate and sensual side of herself.

For Pietro, he has opened his heart to love again after many years of guarding it fiercely. He finds Natalie to be captivating, so determined to see the villa return to it’s former glory, so earnest and cautious about adhering to her budget and plans. But the way forward is filled with a variety of hurdles, both personally and professionally for both Natalie and Pietro. Will they be able to claim a happily ever after together or will disaster and heartbreak be in their future?

I found it easy to fall for both Natalie and Pietro. Both so wary about love and relationships. Both rather rigid, determined and cautious, before their unexpected love opens their hearts and minds to new possibilities and adventures. The locale is delightful and intriguing, as are the townspeople and the others who are part of the restoration and development programme. I definitely want to read more about these characters and this wonderful town! I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Format - E ACR (Netgalley)

Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Spice- 🌶 🌶

Series- N/A

Troupes- opposites attract, Slow burn, American in a foreign country, He falls first found family

CW- Death of a loved one

Oh this book 😍, I loved it so much I didn’t want it to end! I wanted to climb into this story and experience it from the inside. Kilby’s descriptive imagery of the Amalfi Coast and the fictional town of Zavona are just so immersive it was like being there.

Beside the idilic setting, Natalie and Pietro are two dynamic characters to that are totally different. Natalie a hard working still grief stricken American has come to Italy to make a go at rehabbing and opening a villa as a B&B. Pietro is a swoony Italian architect and refurbishing expert and in true Italian fashion when he first meets Natalie he knows he wants her.

I loved everything about this story, strong independent Heroine in over her head with construction in a brand new place, hero who takes one look and it a goner for her, then tries to do everything he can sneakily to help her. The mystery with Natalie’s Gram and the Lemon groves and large Italian family. It was like taking my brain on an extra special vacation to my motherland and I was ready to go where ever Kilby was willing to take me.

Ok on to the other stuff, (that being the sexy stuff) the burn was slow with this one, also sweet and steamy, but the spice was only medium. Which I have come to expect with Kilby so I was prepared!

I loved to book so much a preordered it twice on purpose so that I can give a copy to my own Italian mama. I hope we get more stories from the Amalfi Coast!

I received and advance reads copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing and Kilby Blades

I loved Kilby's Forrest For The Trees, last year, and became a fan of her writing style. I jumped at the chance to read and review It Takes a Villa.

It starts out almost as an enemies to lovers story, but with mutual understanding, Natalie and Pietro evolve into friends and then lovers pretty quickly. It's a sweet story with a touch of drama and plenty of steam (don't let that cover fool you). The plot did not go where I thought it was going to go. The description gave me "Under the Tuscan Sun" vibes, but it more so much more complex than that.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Although the cities involved are fictional, it makes me want to visit the Amalfi coast. A lot goes on in this book, but it flows really well. There are a few subplots happening simultaneously in the storytelling. One is wrapped up quite abruptly in the last few pages and a couple other loose ends we don't find out about. I was left wondering what happened with a couple of the supporting characters.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book to read and review. I loved that this took place in Italy. It was so wholesome and welcoming and it makes me want to vacation there. I enjoyed how much of a community feel there was in this story. Everyone was coming together to help each other with their work and I loved that so much. I did think the beginning was a bit slow, but overall I like how the story developed and ultimately rounded out. I loved the history and the new traditions and felt comforted by this book. I'm so excited that there will be more books in this world because I definitely need more Italy and more love stories.

Thank you NetGalley, Kilby Blades and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC of It Takes a Villa. This is my personal review.
This book had it all the location, the characters, the magnificent location, and romance. This is everything I want in a good romance book.
The story is based on Natalie Malone buying an abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast. She got to Italy with the high hopes of being able to get the renovation done in six months.
Architect Pietro Indelicato is watching every move Natalie makes with the renovation. He is keeping his eye on what is happening and with his love for his hometown he does not want this villa to end up a mess, so he agrees to help her get the project done right.
The combination of Natalie and Pietro makes this a beautiful read.
The author has brought this book to life by making me feel like I was there on the Amalfi Coast while the story unfolds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fairly sweet romance with a decent bit of spice. I loved the Italian setting and was constantly hungry - the food sounded delicious! I particularly liked the community that Blades wrote, both the Italians and the foreigners. Both Natalie and Pietro had reasonable arcsthat felt natural and made sense given the time period the book covered.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Would you be willing to go to Italy and to take over an abandoned/falling down building on the Amalfi Coast if you only had to pay 1 euro? The catch you ask? You have six months to remodel the whole building to the standards set forth by the council in charge of the program, you better have hundreds of thousands of euros for the remodel because things will obviously go wrong, and if you are like our lead Natalie, you are going to be completely alone. Well, she is alone until Pietro meets her and falls head over heels.

This book was really sweet, and I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It is a book about family, finding oneself, finding passions, and remembering history. I loved the alternating points of view between Pietro and Natalie, and Kilby does a great job of making me really feel like I was there with the characters. If I didn't already want to visit Italy, I especially do now. This was a nice decompression book for me to read during a time of stress, because even the stressful parts were not overly anxiety inducing for me. If you are looking for a sweet romance book, this is one that would be a good bet.

Good except for the annoying drama. Abrupt ending too. 3.5 stars.
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The author certainly captured me with the sweeping detailed views of the area where this lovely story is set. Ocean views, old timeless construction, charming towns that surround the Amalfi coast. It makes you want to sell everything, pack up, and go! Richly detailed, you get swept away by your dreams while reading this one.

Blades also gives us many strong points regarding the reality of taking on a huge project of updating old properties and starting over in a small town that is struggling to survive. A completely different way of living, the clashes of old ideas versus new, and the reality that six months is nothing when you are working on a massive undertaking.

The author had me with the overall story and the details but lost me with the annoying and unnecessary drama towards the end. The slow to develop romance was sweet but she killed it with a really strange and abrupt ending. Not sure why that happened.

Generally a great story concept, lovely characters, and a sweet romance. Fix the ending and it would be golden!

This is a wonderful book that is filled with heartache, hard work, joy and perseverance. Kilby’s amazing descriptions of the countryside, architecture and people had me visualizing this beautiful country and it’s people.

Natalie is stubborn, brave and determined to complete a enormous undertaking of a villa renovation. She quickly learns she will face several challenge’s but meets so many wonderful and helpful people along the way.

Pietro is a local architect who is determined to help renovate his town. He is facing family and business challenges but his ultimate goal is to help the people and his community revitalize.

Natalie and Pietro’s friendship blooms into more but there are misunderstandings they crack the foundation. Reading about this crew and all the people coming together for one common goal was incredible.

This is a wonderful story that will give you hope, make you smile and let you escape to a beautiful place. Congratulations, Kilby on this amazing and beautiful book.

I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.

I do love any story that’s set in a different country and I felt like I was there with Natalie. I really liked Natalie and how capable she was and not portrayed as some silly American needing help. Well, she wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the town council. Unfortunately, FOR ME, there was just too much drama. And while I went in thinking it was a “sweet romance” book, I can’t say that the smexy times was a disappointment. I mean, who could be disappointed in Pietro.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing this ARC to review. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise. ~

A sweet story about two interesting people, Natalie and Pietro. Natalie buys a villa in Italy with the intention of restoring it and turning it into a hotel. After her arrival, she soon realizes that her task isn't an easy one. There are a lot of repairs to be done and apparently, everything in Italy works on its own schedule. Still, she is ready to work hard and do the best she can because living there was one of her grandmother's dreams.
Pietro is an architect who helps people restore their properties while staying true to their historic roots. When he meets Natalie, he is instantly attracted to her. He tries to find excuses to see her under the guise of helping her with restoration. Soon they become friends and then their friendship morphs into something more. But can they have a happy ending or is their story going to be a sad one? Read to find out.
This is a beautiful story set in picturesque locations. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to all romance lovers.

Under the Tuscan Sun meets Italy's €1 homes scheme meets romance

Natalie has risked everything she owns to move halfway across the world to buy and renovate a villa in Italy - a pet dream of her and her Gram's. It seems unusual since Natalie is risk averse, loves a good solid plan and is determined to renovate the villa and turn it into a going concern... all withing the local council's deadline of 6 months.

Pietro is an architect and a member of the council under his father's leadership. He bristles at how poorly the renovation scheme has been planned and executed, and doesn't believe any of the 'Sognatori' (dreamers) arriving in his home town of Zavona can really turn around the fortunes for the community.

Until he meets Natalie...

One filled with fear and trepidation, and the other unbelieving in love after heartbreak. What will happen?
Set in fictional version of the Amalfi coast, this book will make you feel like abandoning it all for the quiet life of good food and community in a small Italian township.

The romance is not a surprise but a cautionary tale of the need to communicate openly and honestly, especially in a budding relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and tore through this in 3-4 hours. More edits needed, some sentences and paras seemed to cut off abruptly or are disconnected.

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC.

This slow burn friends (to enemies) to lovers is the perfect read for anyone looking to get away from the cold and never-ending winter in the US.
Natalie has just 6 months to renovate and start a business in the villa she purchased for $1. Taking on a renovation of a villa is no small feat and Natalie is going to need all the help she can get. When tragedy strikes at one of the other homes under renovation it looks her dream is in jeopardy. But with the help of her friends and the local hottie architect she just might pull it off.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book, more of the backstory would have been helpful, but by the third chapter I had a firm grasp on the story. I would love to meet all the characters, as they are so genuine and kindhearted.
It Takes a Villa by Kilby Blades is an amazing vacation to the Amalfi Coast. So, pack your bags and a one-way ticket because you are going to want to stay.
Thank you to Net Galley, and Entangled Publishing for an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you enjoy a steamy romance set in the picturesque Amalfi coast of Italy, you will love this story! The author's lush storytelling and vivid descriptions will have you eager to travel to Italy and see the quaint towns for yourself! It is very easy to put yourself in the protagonist's, Natalie's, shoes as she strives to fulfill her lifelong dream of renovating a pensione (like a B&B) in Italy. Natalie is a strong, determined heroine who has her heart set on renovating her villa herself, although she is disheartened that her grandmother, who had lived in Campania as a child, died before they could live their dream together. A mysterious benefactor (also from her grandmother's time in Italy) left her grandmother $50,000 to make the pensione dream possible, and Natalie is also trying to unravel that mystery as well. Natalie's struggle to renovate her villa as true to the original structure as possible inspires some contractors to suggest she meet with Pietro, an architect, to see what needs to be done and what she can do herself. Pietro is taken by the beautiful Natalie and a whirlwind romance ensues, although not without it's misunderstandings and pitfalls. Natalie also becomes fast friends with the others in her program (other renovators of property in the town of Zavona), and they are a source of commiseration and support as the renovations continue. Natalie may have left a safe job and her hometown behind, but she finds a new family and passion in Italy. She may miss her grandmother, but the trip to Italy has definitely inspired Natalie's joie de vivre, and the villa (and Pietro) have made all of her dreams come true.

I absolutely adored this charming book. It was Eat Pray Love meets Under a Tuscan Sun for black women and it was adorable.

Natalie bought a villa on Amalfi Coast. She didn't come on a whim. She has a detailed plan and set budget, to renovate the villa in six months and turn it into a functional hotel.

It was the dream, she and her grandma had. Now that Grandma passed away, she is even more determined. Once she arrives, nothing goes as planned. The offices are closed for the summer, there is a lot more to be fixed than she knew about and trouble seems to pill on.

Pietro is an architect and loves nothing more than this town. He is determined to save as many houses as he can and renovate them. Then Natalie hires him. They clash a lot, but also there is something brewing between them.

It's a lovely story. I love the setting of a beautiful town and a determined woman, set to reach her goal no matter what. But for some reason I couldn't get into it, or connect with the story, also the steamy parts felt a bit out of place.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been taking trips to Italy in my last few reads, and this book was certainly among the most enjoyable.
I've read a few books by Kilby Blades, all of them solidly entertaining.
Admittedly, the romance element of this one kind of snuck up on me - I was really captivated by the tribulations of the "dreamers" - the people who come to this spot on the Amalfi coast to renovate and restore their one dollar dream homes. Of course, the reality is far FAR more complicated - and expensive. I was rooting so hard for all of them and loved how they all worked together to support each other.
Natalie came off as both older and younger than I expected, and Pietro deserved better treatment from her and his family...except for his Nonna. She was wonderful.
The story wrapped up very quickly after the 'all is lost' point and kind of ended abruptly, even thought that little twist at the end was kind if neat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

I have read and enjoyed several books by this author previously. This book did not disappoint. Natalie has left her old life in the states behind to embrace a dream. However she soon discovers that her dreams may be doused with a splash of harsh reality. Natalie meets her challenges with determination while navigating her new life with spirit. Pietro loves his town, his family and his passion for architecture, When his path crosses with Natalie he is intrigued by her.
The slow burn romance allows for effective development of plot and characters, including several supporting characters that added depth to the story. Pietro's character resonates with dignity, charm, and sexiness, which soon captivates Natalie. This was an ideal lazy day read .

It Takes a Villa is a very slow burning romance.
Natalie Malone, an actuary from Urbana, Illinois, takes on a risky investment and finds herself needing to rely on the sexy architect, Pietro Indelicato, to meet renovation deadlines. Natalie purchased Pensione Benone, an 18th-century classic Renaissance-style villa, with dreams of restoring it to its former glory. Unfortunately, the fine print on the contract set out by the Economic Development Council made finishing and owning the property very difficult.
As she begins the restorations of her building, she finds unforeseen difficulties. There is a potential solution with the sexy architect, Pietro.
Natalie is not portrayed as an American damsel in distress needing to be rescued by a sexy Italian. The author really made us see that Natalie was capable. Just complications created the havoc in her plan. As Natalie and Pietro work together, they cannot deny their attraction. The restoration becomes more and more challenging, Natalie realizes her funds are low and her dreams are at risk.

The trend in romance to write these HGTV based stories has an appeal, but I am not sure it is me. I loved the setting of Italy and all the fun that comes with that. The rehab creates its own outside angsty that does add depth to the story. I did struggle with the wordiness of the story. I felt like there was so much world building happening that at times it made the story feel stogy and lost some of its anticipation and luster of the romance. Nonna’s added story line add a lot to the feels of the book but it was not always enough to keep me engaged.
I think this is a romance more geared toward to sweet romance reader who wants to add a little more steam to their stories.

4.0 ⭐
Take a 352 page vacation to Italy this summer! 🍋 🇮🇹

If you like descriptive writing, self-reliant leads, supportive and healthy relationships with supporting characters, as well as a sweet romance, It Takes a Villa is your book. This book takes place in Italy and does a wonderful job at transporting its readers to such a beautiful country. One of the most memorable aspects of this book for me was the residents of Zavona; Blades' characterization of the characters, from our leads to the side characters, helped to create a vivid picture in my mind. I loved the short but often sweet moments Natalie would have with shop owners or workers, namely the furniture shop owner and the Fiorello brothers. It made it feel as though we were getting to know the locals alongside Natalie. I also appreciated how the book was written in a dual, third person point of view.

It Takes a Villa started off a bit slowly as Natalie tried to settle in, and it wasn't until her first interaction with Pietro that I was fully drawn in. I feel as though the synopsis on Goodreads can be a bit misleading. (Minor spoilers ahead!) I was expecting at least a minor enemies-to-lovers from the descriptions of Pietro "critically watching her every move" and how he "reluctantly agrees to pitch in," but this was not really the case. In fact, Pietro seemed to be rather willing to help her once he (quickly) got over an early moment of frustration with his father. It was a surprise, but honestly, ended up being a welcome one. I really liked the supportive friendship and relationship between Pietro and Natalie. The dual point of view allowed us to see some very adorable thoughts from the two of them, especially Pietro. It was so cute to see how enamoured Pietro was with Natalie, and the things he said about her to himself was very endearing. Although, the ending of this book did feel a bit abrupt. I hadn't realized I was almost on the epilogue until... well, I was on the first page of the epilogue! There were some missing moments and conversations which I felt were built up towards, but were never truly addressed/resolved. It was nice to see a resolution of Natalie's family mystery though, albeit perhaps a tiny anti-climatic, and I do wish we got to see Pietro propose since it was mentioned enough times.

In regards to the more "steamy" scenes, this is a romance novel, so it should not be surprising there will be some in it. Frankly, I was even expecting the scenes to be more descriptive than they were. Compared to other books in this genre, the sex scenes in this book were very tame. Most of these moments received quick mentions/summaries, as well as the fade-to-black treatment. I do not think this a bad thing – many people prefer the fade-to-black.

Overall, I really enjoyed It Takes a Villa! I highlighted many romantic lines on my Kobo... I have many memorable quotes to refer back to when I want to relive this charming, sweet romance. 💕

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :)