Let me start off by saying I finished this story in one day. That’s not to say it was any good. This story reads like a fanfiction. The character’s monologue is pretty juvenile and it’s very clunky at times. It reads like a kids book to me but has a sex scene in it so def not a kids book.

This is the story of Rebecca and Enzo. We meet them on their wedding day when Rebecca makes the decision to not through with it in front of the crowd watching them at the church. Rebecca is in tears as she runs from the church where her happy ever after was supposed to start. She can’t believe this gorgeous man she loved, trusted and gave up her job for lied to her. As far as she was concerned, he never loved her and just wanted something her estranged grandfather willed her. When he shows up on he door step she gives him 24 hours to tell her the truth. Can he really approve to her that his feelings for her is real?

Harlequins can be hit or miss with me, but this one was a hit. Michelle Smart is one of the better Harlequin writers, as her characters aren't typically shallow and one dimensional.

Rebecca is about to marry Enzo when she learns a devastating truth. It's a deal breaker for her and she leaves Enzo literally at the altar. When they meet up, she gives him 24 hours to tell the truth. Enzo is a billionaire, gorgeous, intelligent who seemingly has it all, only he has his own demons, mostly in the form of his mother.

Rebecca is a simple school teacher who has lived with the insecurity that she was always second best for her parents. They were so wrapped in each other, that she was the outsider. They would dance in their kitchen, oblivious to her presence. Just once, she would have liked to have been included. When they died she was devastated and that has scarred her life. So when she learns the truth about Enzo, or what she perceives is the truth, it's easier for her to think the worst.

There are lots of forces at work here, but at the heart of the story, Enzo is a good guy who made a bunch of foolish mistakes. But one thing is clear-he adores Rebecca. Now how can he prove it to her?

I enjoyed this book. It is what I expect from a Harlequin Presents book.

ARC was given by Harlequin and Netgalley for an honest review.

I liked the two of them but I kind of wish that it was dual pov. I feel like it would have added some depth to the story.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Under the eyes of Florentian society, the wedding of the year is being celebrated at the great cathedral in Florence. However, when it comes time to say "I do" the bride refuses and runs out of the church, gets a ride from a young man on a Vespa and heads to her fiancé's home to have the showdown that she's itching for since she found out why this rich and handsome billionaire is marrying her the ordinary schoolteacher.
As the two talk things out to death, celebrate their wedding night, of course she's a virgin, go for a ride on a Vespa, have breakfast in the city where Enzo talks about his childhood and his grandparents and his humble beginnings, it's the most unexpected and to me a bit bizarre outcome to an aborted wedding.
Yes of course it ends on a happy note. The billionaire fell in love with the schoolteacher, the mother plays a bit of a strange role, but it all ends well, and they live happily ever after.

This was middling for me- I liked the protagonist and enjoyed the pacing and plot of the book- it didn't totally satisfy me in terms of the finale. I do like the writing and would read more of this writer's work.

Quick Summary: A love in spite of romance

My Review: Innocent's Wedding Day with the Italian by Michelle Smart was an emotionally charged book that was simple yet complex at the same time. It involved a man of wealth and a school teacher who experienced love and loss before they found their forever.

About the Book: Enzo Beresi and Rebecca Foley were set to wed. When a devastating secret was revealed, it changed the course of their relationship. Was anything they experienced even real?

My Final Say: I really liked the emotional tone of the story. While the chain of events that occurred caused me to pause, I believed in the love that was found between the two. Readers who appreciate stories with a love that overcomes theme will like this HQ Presents.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💕

Thanks to the author, to the publisher (HARLEQUIN Romance), and to NetGalley for providing access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

On her wedding day, the h says “I don’t “ at the altar to the H. She runs away from him after learning that the only reason he is marrying her is to get shares of a company he co owned with her estranged grandfather. The story takes place over a few days. They eventually resolve their differences.
I received an ARC from net galley.

Michelle Smart brings us the story of Rebecca and Enzo. We meet them on their wedding day when Rebecca makes the decision to not through with it in front of the crowd watching them at the church. Rebecca gives Enzo the chance to tell her everything for the next twenty-four hours before she leaves him. Will Enzo be able to convince Rebecca that everything was not a lie? Will Rebecca be able to separate fact from fiction? Will they be able to get past their pasts in order to forge a future together, or will it just keep them apart?

Michelle Smart brings us the story of two people who are thrown together because of life's circumstances. As a result of the past that connects them, they must figure out what it all means for them. I enjoyed reading their exchanges and how Enzo makes your heart thump just a little harder when he is sharing with Rebecca.

I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Presents for this privilege.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Presents for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I found this pretty unbelievable but still fun to read. I liked that Rebecca stood up for herself and said No. The characters are engaging. I think communication is important in a relationship. Quick read. 3.5 stars

Quick review.

I really enjoyed the heart and angst in this romance.

Rebecca was a sweet, kind and a strong heroine. A school teacher that fell in love with a wealthy, charismatic business man. They had the perfect courtship and romance, he was perfect.

But on her wedding day she learns a heartbreaking truth, it was all a set up for some shares of a company her father left. She makes it to the alter and let's it be known to the entire church she is NOT marrying this man. She flee's of course, but what I like is she decides to confront him and the situation. She doesn't run.

The story takes place in three days. It's about how talk and work through a lot of hurt, truths and past hurts. And they learn some past circumstances have shaped them into having issues with relationships.

There is a lot of heartfelt emotions and angst in this story which I always enjoy. Hero was wonderful and definitely worked on keeping the woman he fell in love with. The heroine I struggled with in some parts, felt she was a little too stubborn in a few scenes. But loved her heart and willingness to confront and find the truth.

Ending was a little abrupt but the epilogue so made up for it. I definitely recommend this love story.

Enzo is in deep trouble when this story starts. His bride to be is asked by the priest if she’d take Enzo as her husband and she said “No.I. Do. Not”. From there all hell breaks loose. Rebecca is in tears as she runs from the church where her happy ever after was supposed to start. She can’t believe this gorgeous man she loved, trusted and gave up her job for lied to her. As far as she was concerned, he never loved her and just wanted something her estranged grandfather willed her. This story was really good and I loved it. Enzo made lots of mistakes but in the end he was just a man in love. I loved the ride, and the ending was great. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it.