This book was *chef's kiss*. Funny banter, dreamy setting and such amazing characters. My only complaint was that there wasn't more. James and Ava's adventure is definitely going down as one of my favorites I've read. Perfect balance of romance, comedy, and a little heartbreak.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

I found this book very enjoyable. It was sweet and quirky and was fun to live inside another country while reading this. Urbino is charming and the people there were amazing. The only thing I really felt like this book lacked was more drama. The story started with Ava’s boyfriend giving her a “hall pass” and it felt like their relationship never really wrapped up or held the weight it should have in the story. This is a great feel-good romance but definitely won’t give you drama and angst if you’re looking for that.

Truly delightful. With the witty banter and delicious tension between Ava and James who got off on a rocky start, the idyllic scenery of Italy, and the warm and gracious welcoming of James' family (except James himself), I could not get enough of WISH YOU WEREN'T HERE and could have lived in Ava and James' world forever. After making a promise to her now passed mother to travel to Italy and being put on a break with her boyfriend without her say, falling in love is the last thing on Ava's mind, but fate as other plans.

I so appreciated the emotional depth and realness to the characters, and enjoyed watching Ava and James's relationship unfold. Love is a big theme, and so is family and how those two can heavily influence the path we decide to take when it comes to our career. Do we pursue an occupation because it's what we think a parent wants or say no to a dream opportunity because it means moving far away from everyone you love? This book highlights the things we do, change and risk for love and family.

I'm so excited for this author and can't wait to read what she grants us with next! Much gratitude to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.