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Italian Rendezvous
A BRAND NEW escapist summer romance set along the glittering Italian Riviera.
Isla's life is in shambles after her fiancé dumps her and she loses her beloved grandmother, and she knows she needs an escape from it all. Her grandmother’s tales of her childhood on the Italian Riviera beckon Isla to the small coastal town of Mare Sereno on the glittering Ligurian Sea. Leaving behind her job as a history professor in San Francisco, she books a one-way ticket to the Riviera with the intention of drowning in pesto and limoncello all summer. Enter Enzo, a charming Vespa-riding local with a zest for life that threatens to turn tightly-wound-Isla’s world upside down. After a chance encounter involving broken pottery and spilled coffee, Enzo offers to be her guide, leading her on an adventure through picturesque landscapes, hidden beaches, and quaint villages that are straight out of a postcard. On the surface, he couldn’t be more wrong for Isla. With his carefree attitude and witty charm, he's one walking Italian cliche to Isla. But she has to admit–something about his dolce far nient e awakens something within her. As their chemistry intensifies, Isla is faced with a difficult decision–return to the familiarity of her past or embrace the unpredictability of a future with Enzo. With an ocean separating her old life from her new one, Isla must navigate conflicting emotions and overcome her own reservations. Don't miss this witty, sizzling summer romance along the Italian Riviera!
Praise for Italian Rendezvous
"A fun-in-the-sun romance! The perfect summer read!"
"It made me want to sip limoncello and eat pasta all summer."
"Fun, swoony characters you want to know!"
"The perfect amount of heart, comedy and sizzle!"
Isla's life is in shambles after her fiancé dumps her and she loses her beloved grandmother, and she knows she needs an escape from it all. Her grandmother’s tales of her childhood on the Italian Riviera beckon Isla to the small coastal town of Mare Sereno on the glittering Ligurian Sea. Leaving behind her job as a history professor in San Francisco, she books a one-way ticket to the Riviera with the intention of drowning in pesto and limoncello all summer. Enter Enzo, a charming Vespa-riding local with a zest for life that threatens to turn tightly-wound-Isla’s world upside down. After a chance encounter involving broken pottery and spilled coffee, Enzo offers to be her guide, leading her on an adventure through picturesque landscapes, hidden beaches, and quaint villages that are straight out of a postcard. On the surface, he couldn’t be more wrong for Isla. With his carefree attitude and witty charm, he's one walking Italian cliche to Isla. But she has to admit–something about his dolce far nient e awakens something within her. As their chemistry intensifies, Isla is faced with a difficult decision–return to the familiarity of her past or embrace the unpredictability of a future with Enzo. With an ocean separating her old life from her new one, Isla must navigate conflicting emotions and overcome her own reservations. Don't miss this witty, sizzling summer romance along the Italian Riviera!
Praise for Italian Rendezvous
"A fun-in-the-sun romance! The perfect summer read!"
"It made me want to sip limoncello and eat pasta all summer."
"Fun, swoony characters you want to know!"
"The perfect amount of heart, comedy and sizzle!"
306 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2023
218 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2023
A quick easy read🩷
June 25, 2023
There were some good parts to this book but sadly the heroine Isla wasn’t one of them. I found her impossible to engage with and lost any sympathy with her as she behaved in a whiny, aggressive way towards the hero Enzo who’d done nothing to warrant such treatment.
Whilst there was a sense of location, I never really felt I was truly there. Isla’s use of croissants instead of cornetti, describing her top floor set of rooms as her cottage and having brought dresses to wear instead of more practical clothing struck me as jarring. Also, being insulting and argumentative, does not make for ‘witty’. I found little to smile at.
Enzo was nice but really undeveloped as a character. Despite switching POV we really got a sense of who he was and what his back story was.
Isla’s behaviour was more like a 72 year old than a 32 year old. Her unwillingness to simply enjoy a holiday fling after what she’d been through struck me as strange and eventual, fast succumbing to seduction - on the beach of all places, struck me as totally unreal,for the character she’s been for so much of the book.
Other silly mistakes like describing Hampstead as being ‘outside London’ had me rolling my eyes in disbelief.
Ther was so much in this that could have been a five star read but it was all under-developed. I wanted to see Enzo tell Lucia and Valentina where to go. Instead he came across as almost frightened of them. Not a good luck for a hero.
Lots of good stuff and showing promise. However, this didn’t do it for me - sorry. But, I’ll try another book by this author.
Whilst there was a sense of location, I never really felt I was truly there. Isla’s use of croissants instead of cornetti, describing her top floor set of rooms as her cottage and having brought dresses to wear instead of more practical clothing struck me as jarring. Also, being insulting and argumentative, does not make for ‘witty’. I found little to smile at.
Enzo was nice but really undeveloped as a character. Despite switching POV we really got a sense of who he was and what his back story was.
Isla’s behaviour was more like a 72 year old than a 32 year old. Her unwillingness to simply enjoy a holiday fling after what she’d been through struck me as strange and eventual, fast succumbing to seduction - on the beach of all places, struck me as totally unreal,for the character she’s been for so much of the book.
Other silly mistakes like describing Hampstead as being ‘outside London’ had me rolling my eyes in disbelief.
Ther was so much in this that could have been a five star read but it was all under-developed. I wanted to see Enzo tell Lucia and Valentina where to go. Instead he came across as almost frightened of them. Not a good luck for a hero.
Lots of good stuff and showing promise. However, this didn’t do it for me - sorry. But, I’ll try another book by this author.
November 2, 2024
it was a nice read
It was a good read towards the end I felt a bit unsatisfied maybe after reading a lot of the books recommend by booktok I lost my romantic bone lol because I was left wondering did they end up together as a couple or just two good friends who have crush on each other but don’t want to be involved romantically especially him who is free spirited. I’ll have to read it again in hopes I catch it if they got into a romantic relationship that is solid or just friends with benefits just enjoying each others company no strings attached.
It was a good read towards the end I felt a bit unsatisfied maybe after reading a lot of the books recommend by booktok I lost my romantic bone lol because I was left wondering did they end up together as a couple or just two good friends who have crush on each other but don’t want to be involved romantically especially him who is free spirited. I’ll have to read it again in hopes I catch it if they got into a romantic relationship that is solid or just friends with benefits just enjoying each others company no strings attached.
September 22, 2023
Bit repetitive
Not keen on the constant use of the word smirking. June Patrick used it a lot. It’s not a very attractive expression and suggests being supercilious or similar. Bit ditsy.
Not keen on the constant use of the word smirking. June Patrick used it a lot. It’s not a very attractive expression and suggests being supercilious or similar. Bit ditsy.
January 27, 2024
3.7 rounded up. A fun, escapist read.
College professor Isla needs a serious break after losing her beloved grandmother and getting dumped by her slimeball ex. What better place than the beautiful Italian fishing village where her grandmother grew up? Hmmm, yes, imagining myself strolling down to the water, riding vespas along the coast, enjoying the slower pace.
She’s ready to get herself together, relax, maybe read, maybe plan her next semester . . . maybe not. But then Enzo flits into her world. A little adventure would be ok, right? He’s so laid back, the quintessential handsome and charming Italian man, in these beautiful surroundings. What could go wrong?
It’s been a few weeks since I read Italian Rendezvous, but the feel of it really stays. Parts of it are sticking with me and making me smile: sweet moments between Isla and Enzo, the trip to the beach, Vespa rides, hilarious family moments, friendships, and picturing the gorgeous Italian scenery comes to mind. You feel like you’re enjoying the cliffs, wine, coast, and culture—I’d 100% be up for a visit to this lovely town! Enjoy this breezy read.
Rating: 3.7
Steam: Very Low
Themes and Tropes: Escapist, Travel, Opposites Attract, Italy, Summer Fling, Small Town/Village
Pair With: Wines from Liguria, Italy
College professor Isla needs a serious break after losing her beloved grandmother and getting dumped by her slimeball ex. What better place than the beautiful Italian fishing village where her grandmother grew up? Hmmm, yes, imagining myself strolling down to the water, riding vespas along the coast, enjoying the slower pace.
She’s ready to get herself together, relax, maybe read, maybe plan her next semester . . . maybe not. But then Enzo flits into her world. A little adventure would be ok, right? He’s so laid back, the quintessential handsome and charming Italian man, in these beautiful surroundings. What could go wrong?
It’s been a few weeks since I read Italian Rendezvous, but the feel of it really stays. Parts of it are sticking with me and making me smile: sweet moments between Isla and Enzo, the trip to the beach, Vespa rides, hilarious family moments, friendships, and picturing the gorgeous Italian scenery comes to mind. You feel like you’re enjoying the cliffs, wine, coast, and culture—I’d 100% be up for a visit to this lovely town! Enjoy this breezy read.
Rating: 3.7
Steam: Very Low
Themes and Tropes: Escapist, Travel, Opposites Attract, Italy, Summer Fling, Small Town/Village
Pair With: Wines from Liguria, Italy
August 22, 2023
What a fun escapist read! Isla has gone to the Ligurian coast in Italy to mend a broken heart. Sad about her Nonna passing away and her own relationship suddenly ending, she heads for the birthplace of her beloved grandmother. There she learns more about herself and what she wants out of her life, while enjoying all the great things a more leisurely lifestyle can bring. A romance filled with good friends, great Italian food and wine - what’s not to like!
November 13, 2024
Italy, dreams do come true!
Heartbroken and grieving the loss of her grandmother, Isla goes to Italy and to her grandmother’s birthplace. Expecting to just spend the summer, she become immersed in learning so much about herself and learning to live in just the moment.
This is a wonderful, entertaining read. A feel good read.
Heartbroken and grieving the loss of her grandmother, Isla goes to Italy and to her grandmother’s birthplace. Expecting to just spend the summer, she become immersed in learning so much about herself and learning to live in just the moment.
This is a wonderful, entertaining read. A feel good read.
October 21, 2023
fun get-away read
Great escape to Italy! The vineyards, small Italian villages, cobblestone streets and wine make you feel like you’re right there! Sweet romance and story about making your life what you want it to be.
Great escape to Italy! The vineyards, small Italian villages, cobblestone streets and wine make you feel like you’re right there! Sweet romance and story about making your life what you want it to be.
January 16, 2024
Bella
Lovely book. Well written. Romantic, but not silly or "Hallmark" movieish.
Maybe a little predictable, but the scenery descriptions and the food and wine make up for it. Settle in with a glass (or two) of vino and enjoy.
Lovely book. Well written. Romantic, but not silly or "Hallmark" movieish.
Maybe a little predictable, but the scenery descriptions and the food and wine make up for it. Settle in with a glass (or two) of vino and enjoy.
June 27, 2024
Delightful story!
I really enjoyed this story set in this lovely town in Italy. The descriptions of the town and the people were so engaging and interesting. The main character, Isla learned so much about herself in this place that had a special meaning.
I really enjoyed this story set in this lovely town in Italy. The descriptions of the town and the people were so engaging and interesting. The main character, Isla learned so much about herself in this place that had a special meaning.
July 25, 2024
DNF @ 18% - Not bad or anything, just didn’t really strike my interest. Felt very predictable and I didn’t really care to read a book where I already could predict the ending. Also, slight plot hole in the fact that the Isla had multiple glasses of wine in one day and didn’t get blackout drunk 😂
June 29, 2023
Such a lovely heartwarming romantic story. I enjoyed immensely. Excellent writer
July 10, 2023
Very cute, fun read. Loved the backdrops and the lightness of most of the story.
Predictable ending, but that’s ok for an easy beach read. Enjoy this ‘limoncino’ moment.
Predictable ending, but that’s ok for an easy beach read. Enjoy this ‘limoncino’ moment.
July 12, 2023
A delightful story.
I really love this book. I stayed up all night to finish it.
The story gripped from the first page.
I didn’t want it to end.
Love finding a new author.
I really love this book. I stayed up all night to finish it.
The story gripped from the first page.
I didn’t want it to end.
Love finding a new author.
July 20, 2023
3.5 stars. This book was low stakes, fluffy, and comforting. It took me right back to the best parts of Italy!
September 17, 2023
Good, quick read. The Italian Setting is delightful.
February 16, 2024
The perfect escape!!! Loved it!
February 29, 2024
What a fun read! Loved it! However, I am now starving for some authentic, Mare Sereno pesto!
April 25, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ exactly what the description says, feel good romance, a woman entering a new era and finding herself again all while taking place in a small town of Italy and the help of a handsome stranger…
July 7, 2024
Nice fluffy escapism
Nice fluffy escapism but strangely, like much of today’s culture, seemed ever so slightly obsessed with drinking alcoholic beverages constantly
Nice fluffy escapism but strangely, like much of today’s culture, seemed ever so slightly obsessed with drinking alcoholic beverages constantly
September 13, 2024
It moved very slow,
June 25, 2025
I met the author at a pop-up event and she was super sweet. The story itself was cute and an easy read!
June 30, 2025
Very cute summer romance book. Too much wine tho it was a little unsettling how much they talk about drinking. I found it un realistic.
Other than that, it was very sweet. Happy Ending which I love.
Other than that, it was very sweet. Happy Ending which I love.
July 24, 2023
The setting for the story is wonderful. The main character, Isla, drove me nuts with her constant anxiety and second-guessing. It was over the top in terms of the content. Also, I never want to read another line about eyes sparkling.
July 21, 2025
Pretty corny.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews