I really enjoyed this book. Leonie Mack has written another great story, with some strong main characters, Jules & Alex, who were both dealing with grief & loss in their lives. You could really feel the tension & attraction between them, yet also the fear of what might happen. I loved the village community the author created, it was so supportive & protective of Jules & Alex - but also interfering, with some lol moments. If only it was all real - I’d love to go there! It was a really good read, would be a great holiday read or on a wet weekend!

*In Italy for Love* by Leonie Mack is a charming and heartwarming escape into the beautiful landscapes of Italy. Julia Volpe’s journey from heartbreak to self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring, and the picturesque setting of Cividale del Friuli adds a magical touch to the story. Jules' determination to rebuild her life, even in the face of setbacks, makes her a strong and endearing protagonist. The slow-burn romance with Alex is captivating, especially as both characters struggle with their pasts. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the vivid descriptions, lovable characters, and emotional depth make this an enjoyable read. Perfect for fans of cozy romances with a touch of adventure!

A warmhearted romance with a satisfying happy ending! I highly recommend reading this in the summer.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Living with an ex after a break up would suck. Who wouldn't want to jump at a trip to Italy just to get away from the ex. While I didn't like the romance that happened it felt to insta love to me. I did love watching Jules find herself again. I wish it had about that instead of a new romance.

This is the most adorable romance book. I have read so far for this year I have been to Italy and every description in this book makes me crave going back to see Italy. The romance in this book is perfect. It’s like a normal conversation, I can feel like someone next to me is telling me the story as I read each page Definitely will pick this up when it comes out.

Okay, but who doesn’t dream of running away to Italy to start over? Jules Volpe is stuck—living with her ex in a crumbling B&B (yikes), out of money, and out of options. So, what does she do? Takes a job on an olive farm in the cutest little Italian town. Enter Alex—broody, emotionally guarded, but also very easy on the eyes.

This book is like a warm Italian hug—sun-soaked olive groves, charming small-town vibes, and a romance that builds slowly but so beautifully. Jules and Alex both have baggage, so their connection feels real, not just a fairytale. Plus, the descriptions of Italy? I could taste the pasta and feel the sunshine!

If you love slow-burn romance, fresh starts, and book boyfriends with a hint of grumpiness, this one’s for you!

Now excuse me while I Google “jobs in Italian olive farms”

Tropes
-Forced proximity
-Second chance
-Slow burn
-Found family
-Grumpy x sunshine

Thank you net galley for the arc!


I got about 30% through this one and then I stopped reading it. I was enjoying it at first, and then I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I just got really bored so I gave up.. I feel like i might end up giving this another chance later on though and try again. I really enjoy the authors way of writing though!

In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack is a charming and heartwarming romance that transports readers straight to the picturesque town of Cividale del Friuli in Italy. Julia Volpe, stuck in the aftermath of a failed relationship and struggling to sell the B&B she once dreamed of sharing with her ex, is desperate for a fresh start. With no money and an expired passport, she takes a job on an olive farm to earn enough for a ticket back home, only to find herself falling for the allure of both the Italian countryside and its enigmatic people.

Mack weaves a beautiful story of self-discovery, healing, and love, set against the stunning backdrop of Italy. As Jules immerses herself in the local culture, she finds unexpected friendship and a blossoming romance with Alex, a man who is just as guarded and wary of love as she is. Their slow-burn relationship is full of tension and emotional depth, as both characters wrestle with past wounds while navigating their growing attraction.

This book is perfect for readers who crave a blend of romantic escapism and emotional growth, with the added magic of Italy’s rich culture and landscapes. In Italy for Love is a delightful escape that proves that love, like life, often arrives when we least expect it—and that sometimes, the journey to find it is just as beautiful as the destination.

The perfect escapist read! I really want this in my bookshelf just to be able to escape at anytime. The Italy that Leonie Mack has written is sooo tangible with very enticingly real characters: you can touch and smell the place and you can interact with the characters. I love it!

"In Italy for Love" by Leonie Mack follows Australian Julia Volpe, who leaves the bed and breakfast she co-owned with her ex in Italy. After staying longer than planned due to financial constraints and an expired passport, she departs with just her dog and a suitcase.

While awaiting her new passport, Julia works on a farm in Cividale del Friuli, where she's captivated by the town's beauty. Despite both having sworn off romance – Julia due to her ex and Alex for his own undisclosed reasons – the townspeople keep pushing them together.

Mack crafts an engaging story enriched by vivid characters, charming townspeople, and the delightful subplot involving Julia's dog and a Alex's cat. The picturesque Italian setting serves as the perfect backdrop for this tale of second chances.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack tells the story of Julia, an Australian woman who escapes her failed relationship in Italy by seeking refuge in a small, picturesque village. There, she finds unexpected solace and a renewed sense of purpose while working on an olive farm. Her initial plan to simply wait for her passport and return home is derailed by the charming and enigmatic Alex, a local musician who is hesitant to embrace love after his own past heartbreak.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of Italian life, with vivid descriptions of the stunning scenery, the vibrant local community, and the delicious food. The author skillfully portrays the slow-burn romance between Julia and Alex, allowing their connection to develop organically as they navigate their shared pasts and their anxieties about the future. While the characters occasionally feel a bit overly cautious in their interactions, their genuine struggles and the heartwarming portrayal of their growing affection make them endearing to the reader.

In Italy for Love is a heartwarming and engaging read that will appeal to fans of romantic fiction. The charming setting, the well-developed characters, and the heartwarming story of second chances make it a delightful escape. While the plot may not be entirely groundbreaking, the author’s vivid descriptions and the authentic portrayal of Italian culture make this a truly enjoyable reading experience.

I really struggled with this one. I just wasn't hooked at any point. The writing was good, the characters were fine I just didn't care? Perhaps a book I need to read at another time!

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

This was my first novel by Leonie Mack and it was an enjoyable read. Jules and Alex were great characters and I loved the backdrop of Italy. I also enjoyed their furry Dog and cat companions. It wasn't your typical romance as it kept you on your toes with whether or not they would eventually end up together. I would recommend giving it a read.

I was completely captivated by Jules and Alex's story—their past, present, and uncertain future. Third-person POVs don’t always resonate with me, but this book handled it masterfully, making every moment feel deeply personal and immersive.

The emotions in this story hit hard. It made me smile through tears more times than I can count. The author did an incredible job portraying a man burdened by profound pain and guilt, torn between wanting to embrace life and being trapped in a fog of self-doubt and torment.

Their dynamic was both heartwarming and frustrating—open and honest one moment, yet riddled with miscommunication the next. That duality made their journey all the more compelling. This book was achingly beautiful, a perfect blend of heartbreak and hope, and it left a lasting impression on me.

Julia has been living with her ex in Italy for a year since they split. Needing to get out but with no funds to do so she seeks work on a farm to save some money to get back home to Australia.

She is soon charmed by the town the farm is in & the local community welcome her with open arms.

Sworn off love what happens when she meets Alex??

I was excited to read this as I have family roots in the Italian countryside. This was a cute read that ticked the easy read boxes.

3.5🌟

Continuing my reading adventure in #italy I picked this @netgalley read and enjoyed learning about a new city I haven’t visited. This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5) romance read for those who love Italy. 📚📚📚 #netgalley #netgalleyarc #my2024readingchallenge #bookstagram #initalyforlove

I have never read anything by this author, but I will be looking out for other books they write in the future. I really enjoyed the story as well as the pacing of the story.

What a charming and escapist read this was.

I was enchanted by the small corner of Italy that Jules has run to to lick her wounds and wait for her passport to arrive.

It is a small town on the border of multiple countries, and has a really close knit community, one that at times Alex really despairs of.

What is meant to be a one night stand, after circumstances and would be matchmakers took over, turns into something more. But neither are looking for love.

I really felt for Jules and Alex at times, while also being fascinated with various details about accordions.

I felt completely transported and could definitely see everything play out, Another incredibly enjoyable book from Leonie Mack.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

In this charming summer Italian romance, readers join Julia Volpe one year post-break-up but only recently not living with her ex as she has to restart her life and figure out what happens next. Having sworn off love and lacking both money and a passport, Julia and her ex Luca are trying to sell their B&B project when she decides to move to an olive farm to work and earn the money to get back home. With a beautiful new residence at Cividale del Friuli, an ancient and charming Italian town along the Natsione River, Julia tries to not get attached, but the locals, and the broodingly handsome Alex, are certainly making things difficult. With a host of heartwarming and charming characters and an incredibly detailed and beautiful Italian location, readers will also struggle to not fall in love with the people of Cividale del Friuli. Julia is a funny and relatable romance protagonist, and her interactions with other characters and the obstacles life has placed in her way add some fun elements and emotions to this brilliant summer romance novel. The characters are the star of the show, with the setting a close second, and readers will love escaping to Cividale del Friuli when they pick up this novel.