3.5 STARS!!

Julia Volpe decides to boldly move on from heartbreak but things don’t go as planned. With little money and nowhere to stay, she heads to a new town, trading labor for shelter while sorting out her passport. After meeting Alessandro "Alex" Mattelig, one night of passion seems like the perfect way to forget her past. Again, life has other plans and they end up living together. It is a great beginning but there I don’t know I wasn’t wowed I guess.

I really wanted more but I did love the way Julia embraced her new life on the olive farm, making the best of her situation even when things went wrong. Her optimism not only influenced her own journey but also prompted Alex to rethink his own outlook on life. All in all it’s a charming book that I am sure plenty of readers will enjoy.

In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Julia Volpe’s Italian dream has turned into a nightmare. Still living with her ex, Luca, a year after they’ve broken up, desperate to sell the dilapidated B&B that was meant to be their future, Jules knows she needs to leave. There are just two problems. Her passport has expired and she’s broke.

Not quite ready to ask her parents for help – at the ripe old age of twenty-seven – Jules decides to head as far away from Luca as she can to work on an olive farm until she has enough money to pay for her passport and a ticket back home.

Jules has sworn off love, but she hadn’t bargained on the beauty of Cividale del Friuli, the ancient Italian town on the banks of the gloriously blue Natisone river. As the community of farmers, neighbours and locals generously welcome her into their lives, Jules can feel her defences crumbling. But it’s when she meets Alex, broodingly handsome yet charmingly gallant, that Jules truly knows she’s in trouble. Because Alex has sworn off love too, and his reasons run deep enough for him to keep his word just as Jules is starting to reconsider her resistance to romance.

My Opinion

Leonie Mack has written a great tale that I managed to fit into one day as it was just so delightful. Jules needs to escape from a difficult situation but with hardly any money left she is limited on her options. She takes a job that comes with accommodation whilst she waits for her passport to arrive. Whilst the chemistry between Alex and Jules is obvious from the start, Leonie has also written a great supporting cast.

This was such a sweet read, and it will whisk you away to Italy with some great descriptions.

Rating 4/5

This book gave such a whirlwind of emotions, from anxiety over a particular scene with torrential rain and a missing cat (Atilla), to that feeling of eager anticipation at the ending- will he or won't he? The pining and longing with the delicious slow burn - after a one night stand-turned into forced proximity due to (un)fortunate circumstances.

Berengario was an absolute kook, I adored him and his antics with his matchmaking schemes (can you say forced proximity - really forced) his nosy, curiosity and sneakiness just made the story😅

I, of course, loved Jules, Alex, Arco, Atilla- any book with fur kids is a 5 star from me.

Leonie once again hits the mark and has 'forced' me to add yet another stunning location to my travel bucket list.

My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

In Italy for Love is the second Leonie Mack book I have read this year. I love her easy writing style and really enjoyed this forced proximity romance that takes place in a rural, off the beaten path area of Italy. Her description of Italian community and rural lifestyle was done so well I was easily able to picture it in my mind as I read.

This story follows the romance of Julia and Alex. At the very beginning of the book, they have a one-night stand and never expect to meet again. Of course, we know how that is going to go! Yes, they end up being housemates when Julia goes to work for Alex's family and she needs a place to stay. Alex has lost someone important to him and does not want to have the feelings he is having about Jules. Jules is working through her own failed Italian relationship and looking to go back home to Australia soon. Definitely NOT the time to start a relationship. Throw in some meddling family and neighbors, a grumpy cat, rambunctious dog, olive harvest, Italian comfort foods, and just the allure of Italy itself and you have the makings for a beautiful romantic story. I was not disappointed, and highly recommend.

Aussie Jules Volpe moved to Italy for love, however it has turned into a disaster. When she broke up with her ex-partner Luca, it made sense for them to still share the B&B that they were running together. At least it seemed like a good idea at the time, but now the only the only thing that she wants is to go home. However, that isn't really possible given that she is broke, having spent her savings on the B&B and she doesn't have a valid passport. And there is the small matter of her dog Arco. She can't possibly leave him behind.

Jules is determined not to have to ask her parents for help, so she needs to come up with a plan B. Obviously she can't leave Italy so she goes to the furthest point north she can get to a small town called Cividale del Friuli, right on the border between Slovenia, Austria and Italy.

While standing on the ancient bridge over the Natisone river, she hears an accordion player. The player is handsome but Jules is not interested in men, especially broody men. However, she decides on a whim to ask Alex to dinner. After all, she is leaving the town to go and work on an olive farm. She will never see him again.

Unfortunately for Jules, when she arrives at the farm, there has been an incident which means that she can't stay in the room that was meant to be provided in exchange for working. The farm owner has an idea for lodgings though. It just happens to be in Alex's house. Awkward!

Alex is a man who has cut himself off from the world. He has his job, his very aloof cat and his hobby of repairing accordions late at night and that is all that he thinks he needs. The people who love him think that he needs more, and they are willing to plot and scheme to make it happen, whatever it takes.

Slowly Alex begins to let down his guard, and his admiration for Jules grows as he sees how hard she works on the olive farm. But for as long as they are both still determined that there future lies in different directions, there's only so much that the matchmakers can do!

Apart from the first book I read from Leonie Mack, which was set in Paris, all her books have been set in smaller European locations from the French mountain town of Chamonix to this time where the setting is the small town of Cividale del Friuli in the Lombardy region. The area comes to life in the pages, and the autumnal setting only enhances this! I also enjoyed the unique culture which reflects the location of the town.

So I only have one question now. Where to next Leonie Mack? Wherever it is I will be joining you!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and the Bookish Books Challenge hosted at Bloggin' Bout Books. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4.5/5

All The Feelings!

If you want a book that will make you laugh, mad, and possibly cry ( I did 🤭) with picturesque Italian countryside and the best meddling neighbors / family ever...then In Italy For Love is for you!

🌷The story follows Jules(Julia) on her adventure in Italy and her need to escape her past. To do so, she finds the most remote Italian place she can find, and there she runs into Alex.

🌷Alex is a broody grump with a lot going on, and love is the last thing on his mind. However, his meddling family/neighbors have other ideas.

🌷And...that's all you get because anymore will spoil all the journey this book takes you on.

🌷Do be warned :This book deals with heavy topics of grief and emotionally abusive relationship, and death of spouse, so please be cautious.

🌷Spice: 2 , passionate kissing, fade to black. Language : 1, not frequent cussing but it is there

Thank you, NetGalley and Leonie Mack for this amazing ARC!

*All opinions are my own and in no way influenced by netgalley or the author*

Let me tell you something - my work are lucky I haven’t run off to the Italian countryside after reading this book!

After a failed business (and relationship), Jules finds herself without money or a passport in the depths of the Italian countryside. Here she meets a charming & mysterious accordion player and sparks fly. Except, Alex isn't ready for serious, and neither is she. And anyway, once her passport arrives. she'll be gone in a flash, won't she?

The chemistry between the two, the will-they-won't-they, and the reasons behind their reluctance to allow their feelings reign over their heads, had me devouring every page and the imagery had me longing for pastures far.

Romance, adventure, poignancy and a barrel of laughs thrown in make this a wonderful read. I had a giggle, sighed with wistfulness over the setting, and had to hold back a tear for what couldn’t be.

I enjoyed reading In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Julia Volpe's Italian dream seemed to have turned into a nightmare. Julia was preparing to leave but there are two things that are keeping her from leaving--her passport has expired and she's broke. Julie breaks up with her ex boyfriend Luca and decides to work in an olive farm so she could earn some money, get her passport and return back to Australian. While working at the farm, she meets Alex, a handsome and charming man. Julia didn't want to fall in love but the chemistry between Alex and Julia is starting to develop. Alex too had wanted to take a break from love life but when he meets Julia, things are different.

This book was great and well written. I actually liked how Julia is independent without depending on any others. There were some emotional parts but at the same time there are some happy moments in the book as well. The stories, the background story of Alex was very well told and it was emotional to read those parts. I also like the side characters, Arco and Attila.

Overall, this is a great romance novel and worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

I simply adore anything Leonie Mack writes. She really captures the culture of her setting so well and creates characters that feel like family and home. Jules and Alex were such sweet characters and Mack navigated the history and trauma of the Alex's past well. Jules also carried her own baggage that affected the relationship and while you could feel the heaviness at times, you also felt the joy and hope threaded through those times. The secondary characters were also perfection as well. Such a sweet, heartfelt read.
Thanks to #Boldwood Books and #NetGalley for the ARC.

Julia has been in Italy for the last three years. But a business that has made her penniless, an ex that has moved on, has now made her homeless and penniless, now it's time to go back home to Australia. 

But needing a few more weeks to tie up loose ends in Italy the best thing to do is work in a vineyard in exchange for room and food. 
But things don't go quite as planned when she has to stay with her one-night stand. 

Can Alex and Julia keep things professional over the next few weeks and will they be able to let each other go? 

I love the character of Berengario and his meddling ways. 

Both Julia and Alex are trying to heal, but I love the understanding they have towards one another. The two characters need to learn to love one another and be in the present rather than worrying about the past or their possible future. 

This author always impresses me with a narrative that will touch your heart and characters you can't help but cheer for. Another fantastic novel.

This was a really cute book! I really enjoyed it! I love reading books based in other countries! Thank you for providing this for me!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced copy, these are my thoughts:

Jules is running away from her ex, her problems and foolish decisions. In yet another decision made in the spur of the moment, she finds herself in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Italy, and asking a stranger to dinner.
Alex is “not available” but can’t help but be drawn to Jules. Instead of dinner, they grab a drink. The easy conversation and the prospect of never seeing each other again has Alex and Jules spending the night together. But what happens when the one you’re not meant to see ever again, is brought to your doorstep and looking for temporary shelter?

This was an entertaining book. I very much enjoy an escapist romance and am fascinated with Italy. Reading about Cividale del Friuli - its people, the landscape, the language and a little bit about the region’s history, was fascinating. By the end of the book, I wanted to, some day, go and visit this region of Italy.

I liked Jules and Alex together; they had great chemistry and when they weren’t thinking too much and letting their fears take over, their relationship flowed in a way that was sweet and comfortable. However, Alex was very hot and cold and made me want to give him a good shake at times. He was traumatised and heartbroken and his behaviour was justified, but I wanted him to step up and over come his issues. I didn’t want him to lose the opportunity to find love and happiness because of his fears. The nosy friends and neighbours ended up being one of my favourite parts of the story. They really did live up to their local motto and ended up saving the day. Jules, for someone who was nursing a broken heart and a broken dream, was ever the romantic. She was also hard working and adapted well to the constant changes in her situation.

Both main characters are endearing, with emotional depth that enriches the story. The romantic tension between them builds steadily throughout the book.

The town's setting is beautifully portrayed, with vivid descriptions of the landscape, the farm, the forests, and local traditions. The townspeople, though prone to gossip, look out for each other. All of these add warmth to the story.

This book is grumpy-sunshine, forced-proximity goodness that occasionally gives serious Noah and Allie vibes (The Notebook.) The backdrop of northern Italy in the fall is an extra delight.

🌰Lovely, country fall vibes in Friuli🍂🍃

3.5🌟stars
The setting in this romance was glorious and I loved the author's descriptions of the people and landscapes of the Friuli countryside in the extreme northeast of Italy. Agricultural abundance, both wild and cultivated, and chilly vistas, it made me want to go there, wrapped up in a cozy blanket by the fire and sip the oil of newly-harvested olives and savor freshly picked and roasted chestnuts. Really a great touch.

Jules, the Australian female lead, was a great character. She's resilient, ready to go the extra mile to get a job done and fit in, even when it means endangering herself to rescue a pet! She's had hard knocks and is down to her last financial resources, but she is a positive personality ready to work hard and take chances for joy, love and life. And secondary characters like Berengario added some whimsy and humor as they got involved in Alex's stalled life.

Alex, the Italian widower ML I found a bit off-putting, with his home in limbo and disarray and his stubborn attitude toward taking any emotional risks. My perception of him and the romance was probably influenced by the third person narrative which I find builds distance between me and the characters.

Overall, the romance had a very slow build despite their initial encounter and I only got really emotionally stuck into their relationship when the threat of separation loomed large and immediate.

I also would have liked a bit more detail filled in regarding the two leads' backstories. Alex's marriage and dead wife Laura are but nebulous shadows and Jules' years in Parma with Luca a sad footnote very sketchily alluded to.

All points weighed, I don't regret reading In Italy for Love but found it a bit slow going and the male lead could have been more appealing emotionally.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

good romance and loved how they found love and each other. They survived their trials and found their way back to each other. another great romance.

If you love slow romance, travelling leads, then you should give this story a try. 'In Italy for Love' is a slow romance with a good plot that conveys the story in a gripping way. The story might seem very slow in the first few chapters but the pace will quicken as you get in to the story. I loved how the scenario is described and also the country side setup. Overall, it's a good story.

Once again, I lost my heart to a book by Leonie Mack. She has imagined some of my favourite book boyfriends, and Alex is on a whole new level. The setting, on the border of Italy and a few other countries, including Slovenia and Austria, was absolutely perfect for conveying the frustration that Jules felt, escaping from an unbearable situation.
It was difficult even to imagine how Jules and Luca had found themselves in a situation where they would share a home but not their lives. Having moved to Italy, she thought she had found her life partner. Those thoughts soon ended when they drifted apart, and then he began a new relationship that saw him making her homeless. So, I knew from very early in the book that I disliked Luca, but I initially felt pity for Julia as her situation seemed helpless as she needed a passport to get home to Australia. Pity soon proved to be the wrong choice as a stoic version of Julia, the victim, soon emerged, and I discovered that she was determined, empathetic and certainly not scared of risk.
The town of Cividale del Friuli was easy to imagine. This author has a knack for descriptions, and I could picture everything from the Olive Farm to the bridge over the Natisone River. I could almost hear the tunes from Alex’s accordion as he practised in the streets. The connection between Alex and Julia sizzled despite them both being determined that they had no interest in starting a relationship anytime in the foreseeable future.
Of course, Leonie Mack develops a thorough supporting cast, and some of my favourite moments resulted from the exchanges between the villagers and at the Olive Farm. However, it was the unchoreographed dance between Alex and Julia that held my attention as they skirted around their growing feelings and hid behind their avoidance of heartbreak.
This book gave me everything I needed, from a beautiful romance to a couple of furry characters: a Persian cat, Attila, and Arco, the Lagatto Romagnolo dog – yes, I had to google that, too!
Another new favourite book and new destination added to my bucket list. I definitely need to visit Italy.

This book tells an adorable tale of two people unexpectedly coming together while leaving behind their scarred pasts. The author has masterfully portrayed the chemistry between the two main characters, making the reader deeply engaged in their journey. The story also features two lovable pets—a dog and a cat—who add a heartwarming touch to the narrative. With charming descriptions of rural Italy, the olive plucking season, and close-knit communities, the story becomes even more captivating. The well-developed characters and seamless plot flow add to its appeal, making it a truly engaging read.

This is the second book I’ve read by Leonie Mack, and once again, the author didn’t fail to deliver. Her ability to blend romance, setting, and character growth has made this another delightful reading experience.

This book will appeal to anyone looking for a feel-good, escapist romance with the added allure of Italian culture and countryside.