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The Friends-to-Lovers Project
If any place can turn two best friends into lovers, it’s Venice.
Well, only if you don’t have a dreamy tour guide like Lorenzo…
For LA chef Daisy Hogan, this trip to Venice is the start of her new life—inspiration for her California restaurant, saying yes to stability and basically fulfilling all her dad’s dreams. But then the trip goes sideways. And she’s left in the most romantic city in the world with her best friend, Jeremy. He’s stable, reliable. If she wants to salvage the future she planned, maybe she should fall for her friend?
So they agree to a friends-to-lovers project. What could go wrong?
Enter Lorenzo Fontana, hotel concierge by day, violinist in his dreams. He gave up music for a practical life in the city he loves, and to keep his job, he’s vowed to be Daisy and Jeremy’s personal guide to romance. Only he’s not supposed to be feeling this personal about their project…
With racing hearts and longing glances and gondola rides, Daisy begins questioning the project, her plans and even her future. Is it possible to live a life where the dreams she’s fulfilling are her own?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
Never Date a Roommate by Paula Ottoni
Not So Fast by Karen Booth
Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin
Well, only if you don’t have a dreamy tour guide like Lorenzo…
For LA chef Daisy Hogan, this trip to Venice is the start of her new life—inspiration for her California restaurant, saying yes to stability and basically fulfilling all her dad’s dreams. But then the trip goes sideways. And she’s left in the most romantic city in the world with her best friend, Jeremy. He’s stable, reliable. If she wants to salvage the future she planned, maybe she should fall for her friend?
So they agree to a friends-to-lovers project. What could go wrong?
Enter Lorenzo Fontana, hotel concierge by day, violinist in his dreams. He gave up music for a practical life in the city he loves, and to keep his job, he’s vowed to be Daisy and Jeremy’s personal guide to romance. Only he’s not supposed to be feeling this personal about their project…
With racing hearts and longing glances and gondola rides, Daisy begins questioning the project, her plans and even her future. Is it possible to live a life where the dreams she’s fulfilling are her own?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
Never Date a Roommate by Paula Ottoni
Not So Fast by Karen Booth
Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin
288 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
7402 people want to read
About the author
Paula Ottoni
15 books64 followersPaula Ottoni was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Denmark in 2016. Today she is married to a Dane and has two children. She completed a master’s in video game design at the IT University of Copenhagen and works as a game writer and narrative designer. She is learning to be a Viking, but winter swimming remains a locked achievement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 11, 2025
This book was a a cute read for me. It is in the Multicultural Interest and Romance genre. I feel that this book was definitely not in the comedy category. It is a short, easy read. I was able to finish it in one day. This is the first book that I have read by the author and will be reading her other books as well. The story sets place in beautiful Venice, which centers around a woman named Daisy.
She gets heartbroken by her boyfriend who dumps her. Now she is left with her best friend, Jeremy in Venice. She was not living in Venice, but vacationing there for inspiration for her restaurant. She lives in California. This woman is desperate to find love, in all the right places?! I felt like I needed to be there to tell her, “hey Daisy wake up! You are a single woman in the most gorgeous place, just let loose and have fun!” I’m reading this book and thinking that exact same thought throughout the entire time she is in Venice.
Back to the story, Daisy goes on a mission to make her best friend her new lover and future forever. Weird scenes occur and the story gets all over the place. Then, there is this handsome tour guide named Lorenzo, who is also there in Venice with her. She’s confused and emotional.
She did lose her father and just got dumped by her boyfriend, so she does have every right to feel the way she does. Her father wanted her to have stability in her life. I found the female main character Daisy to be annoying at times. Her best friend Jeremy was an okay character. Lorenzo is really the only character I enjoyed. The minor characters were all okay. So, who does she end up with, if anybody at all? What happens when she goes back home from Venice? What starts off as a friends to lovers trope, ends up being a triangle love trope. This is a very slow burn. It does have a lot of spice to it! I felt the ending was satisfying. Overall, I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Paula Ottoni and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on July 1, 2025! This author does have other books that look good, so you may want to check them out!
She gets heartbroken by her boyfriend who dumps her. Now she is left with her best friend, Jeremy in Venice. She was not living in Venice, but vacationing there for inspiration for her restaurant. She lives in California. This woman is desperate to find love, in all the right places?! I felt like I needed to be there to tell her, “hey Daisy wake up! You are a single woman in the most gorgeous place, just let loose and have fun!” I’m reading this book and thinking that exact same thought throughout the entire time she is in Venice.
Back to the story, Daisy goes on a mission to make her best friend her new lover and future forever. Weird scenes occur and the story gets all over the place. Then, there is this handsome tour guide named Lorenzo, who is also there in Venice with her. She’s confused and emotional.
She did lose her father and just got dumped by her boyfriend, so she does have every right to feel the way she does. Her father wanted her to have stability in her life. I found the female main character Daisy to be annoying at times. Her best friend Jeremy was an okay character. Lorenzo is really the only character I enjoyed. The minor characters were all okay. So, who does she end up with, if anybody at all? What happens when she goes back home from Venice? What starts off as a friends to lovers trope, ends up being a triangle love trope. This is a very slow burn. It does have a lot of spice to it! I felt the ending was satisfying. Overall, I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Paula Ottoni and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on July 1, 2025! This author does have other books that look good, so you may want to check them out!
July 31, 2025
3.5⭐
Super cute romance that will have you longing for a Venice vacation (hot tour guide not included).
I really enjoyed the plot with this! It very much reads like a fun rom-com movie. I loved the setting (I'm such a sucker for Italian settings in romance books/movies.) I liked the romance Lorenzo was a great character. The pacing of this book was great, it reads really quick and kept me engaged the whole time! Very easy to devour in one sitting! The only negative I really have is that I wish the love triangle or the whole friends to lovers project could have lasted a bit longer since that aspect did feel a little rushed but it did make sense for the book's length.
Time to pretend I'm in Venice for the rest of the week
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the audio copy!
*All Opinions are my own*
Super cute romance that will have you longing for a Venice vacation (hot tour guide not included).
I really enjoyed the plot with this! It very much reads like a fun rom-com movie. I loved the setting (I'm such a sucker for Italian settings in romance books/movies.) I liked the romance Lorenzo was a great character. The pacing of this book was great, it reads really quick and kept me engaged the whole time! Very easy to devour in one sitting! The only negative I really have is that I wish the love triangle or the whole friends to lovers project could have lasted a bit longer since that aspect did feel a little rushed but it did make sense for the book's length.
Time to pretend I'm in Venice for the rest of the week
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the audio copy!
*All Opinions are my own*
June 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Afterglow Books for allowing me to review the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Daisy and her long time friend, Jeremy, find themselves both single while in Venice. Both dumped they could get together. Is Jeremy her forever? Hence the name. But then we meet Lorenzo, the tour guide that brings the story into a love triangle.
This was a super cute and sweet summer read. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Daisy and her long time friend, Jeremy, find themselves both single while in Venice. Both dumped they could get together. Is Jeremy her forever? Hence the name. But then we meet Lorenzo, the tour guide that brings the story into a love triangle.
This was a super cute and sweet summer read. 3.5 stars rounded up.
June 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this arc. This was a cute book. It was an easy quick read that had me giggling throughout the whole thing. Daisy and Lorenzo are so adorable and I loved the double perspective. I liked how Daisy never really lost sight of what she wanted to do, even if the plans changed. I also liked how Lorenzo found bravery in Daisy to play the violin again, it made my heart happy. I did feel like there were a couple slow spots but then it picked right up again. I also liked the idea of this book with how she wanted to fall in love with her best friend but then plans changed. I loved the tension between Lorenzo and Daisy that was there from the beginning. I definitely recommend this book especially if you want a light hearted fun read!!
June 2, 2025
Daisy is fresh out of a relationship and given up on all “typical” timelines of marriage, kids, life goals after the break up. She’s traveling to Venice for restaurant inspiration and to restart the next chapter in her life.
She was planning to travel with her best friend, Jeremy, and his girlfriend until that crashes and burns when his girlfriend goes off with Daisy’s ex !!! Like WHAT!!! So what do they decide to do? Take the trip together ! I smell friends to lovers (obviously from the title, we knew this was the trope)…
Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong- because enter super hot tour guide, Lorenzo. Enter love triangle trope. Daisy finds herself also drawn towards Lorenzo, but would this mean she can give up on the expected timeline to keep her life on her planned track with Jeremy?
Cute romance, quick read. Narration was great !
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 7/1/25.
July 5, 2025
When I first requested this book, I TOTALLY thought this would be a friends to lovers situation based on the title but I was super wrong! I just visited Venice again (for the 3rd time) about a month ago and I was eager to return to the setting in the form of this book!
Daisy, our FMC, is visiting Venice with her boyfriend, her best friend Jeremy, and Jeremy’s gf. Daisy and Jeremy are both broken up with by their SOs, who were cheating with one another for a hot minute. In Jermey’s ex gf’s break up note, she said that Jermey and Daisy belong together. Therefore, Jermey and Daisy decide to give dating a shot!
Lorenzo is a super handsome Casanova type male who happens to work at the hotel Jeremy and Daisy are staying at. In hopes of getting promoted, Lorenzo sets out to help these two fall in love; however, Daisy and Lorenzo start to develop feelings for each other. The burn is ever so slow between these two and Daisy continues to try and date Jeremy for quite a while. Finally, Daisy is all in with Lorenzo until they have to deal with the real fact that they both live on different continents.
I enjoyed Daisy’s backstory of being a chef and her passion that resulted from losing her father. Lorenzo is my favorite character and has the most complexity. He was a very talented musician until he was injured which resulted in his hotel career taking off. Throughout the book, we see these two characters try to find themselves in these interests and try to figure out how things will work out between them.
Read this book if you like:
🇮🇹 love triangle
🍝 set in Venice and includes historic sites
🇮🇹 slow burn
🍝 forced proximity
🇮🇹 lying about their feelings
🍝 trying to avoid getting “caught” in the act
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Harlequinn Audio and the author for the Advanced Listener Copy of this one!
Daisy, our FMC, is visiting Venice with her boyfriend, her best friend Jeremy, and Jeremy’s gf. Daisy and Jeremy are both broken up with by their SOs, who were cheating with one another for a hot minute. In Jermey’s ex gf’s break up note, she said that Jermey and Daisy belong together. Therefore, Jermey and Daisy decide to give dating a shot!
Lorenzo is a super handsome Casanova type male who happens to work at the hotel Jeremy and Daisy are staying at. In hopes of getting promoted, Lorenzo sets out to help these two fall in love; however, Daisy and Lorenzo start to develop feelings for each other. The burn is ever so slow between these two and Daisy continues to try and date Jeremy for quite a while. Finally, Daisy is all in with Lorenzo until they have to deal with the real fact that they both live on different continents.
I enjoyed Daisy’s backstory of being a chef and her passion that resulted from losing her father. Lorenzo is my favorite character and has the most complexity. He was a very talented musician until he was injured which resulted in his hotel career taking off. Throughout the book, we see these two characters try to find themselves in these interests and try to figure out how things will work out between them.
Read this book if you like:
🇮🇹 love triangle
🍝 set in Venice and includes historic sites
🇮🇹 slow burn
🍝 forced proximity
🇮🇹 lying about their feelings
🍝 trying to avoid getting “caught” in the act
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Harlequinn Audio and the author for the Advanced Listener Copy of this one!
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Title: The Friends-to-Lovers Project
Author: Paula Ottoni @apaulaottoni
@harlequinbooks
Performed by Carly Robins and Wil Damron.
Releases July 1st (USA)
💘 Strangers-to-Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Tension, Passion, Spice, Vacation Romance.
Two best friends, Daisy and Jeremy, try to fall in love in Venice after both being dumped by their partners. Lorenzo, a bartender/concierge, tells them about hidden gems to help them fall in love and even volunteers to be their tour guide. They have a week to fall in love. Can they do it or perhaps maybe one falls for someone else?
This was a super sweet romantic read that ended up giving me all the feels. The setting was beautiful Venice. I wanted to jump right into the book and be there with them. The story flowed nicely, the inner monologues of both main characters were good, but maybe a bit long for the MMC. It showed you their worries and their vulnerabilities. They each found out what they really wanted in the end. This is a great short summer romance read.
Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC.
🌶🌶
Title: The Friends-to-Lovers Project
Author: Paula Ottoni @apaulaottoni
@harlequinbooks
Performed by Carly Robins and Wil Damron.
Releases July 1st (USA)
💘 Strangers-to-Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Tension, Passion, Spice, Vacation Romance.
Two best friends, Daisy and Jeremy, try to fall in love in Venice after both being dumped by their partners. Lorenzo, a bartender/concierge, tells them about hidden gems to help them fall in love and even volunteers to be their tour guide. They have a week to fall in love. Can they do it or perhaps maybe one falls for someone else?
This was a super sweet romantic read that ended up giving me all the feels. The setting was beautiful Venice. I wanted to jump right into the book and be there with them. The story flowed nicely, the inner monologues of both main characters were good, but maybe a bit long for the MMC. It showed you their worries and their vulnerabilities. They each found out what they really wanted in the end. This is a great short summer romance read.
Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC.
May 30, 2025
Finding love in Venice yes please!! I really enjoyed this dual POV contemporary romance that sees Daisy, an LA chef mourning the loss of her dead father and getting dumped at the same time as her best friend. The two entertain the idea that maybe they could love one another and their hotel barkeeper/former violin protogee volunteers to act as a guide to the most romantic places in the city.
The plan backfires though when Lorenzo finds himself falling for Daisy himself but can the two find a future for themselves outside Daisy's vacation?? This had great mental health and disability rep (grief, anxiety, damaged fingers) and was the perfect combination of spice with emotional depth. I really enjoyed it and thought the audio narration by Carly Robins and Will Damron was excellent!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of books like One last shot by Betty Cayouette or One Italian summer by Rebecca Serle with an important message about moving on after heartbreak and disappointment.
The plan backfires though when Lorenzo finds himself falling for Daisy himself but can the two find a future for themselves outside Daisy's vacation?? This had great mental health and disability rep (grief, anxiety, damaged fingers) and was the perfect combination of spice with emotional depth. I really enjoyed it and thought the audio narration by Carly Robins and Will Damron was excellent!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of books like One last shot by Betty Cayouette or One Italian summer by Rebecca Serle with an important message about moving on after heartbreak and disappointment.
September 29, 2025
***3.5 stars***
This was a cute, rom-commy romance perfect for late summer. I loved the setting of this novel. It took me straight back to my own adventures in Venice. I did have some trouble connecting to the romance and I'm not sure what that amorphous thing was that was putting me off. Both Lorenzo and Daisy were likable characters that were easy to root for. The pacing made the book extremely readable and quick to devour.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio, for the audio ARC!
This was a cute, rom-commy romance perfect for late summer. I loved the setting of this novel. It took me straight back to my own adventures in Venice. I did have some trouble connecting to the romance and I'm not sure what that amorphous thing was that was putting me off. Both Lorenzo and Daisy were likable characters that were easy to root for. The pacing made the book extremely readable and quick to devour.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio, for the audio ARC!
July 13, 2025
This was just okay. The title was a little misleading and if I never hear the word "crotch" in an intimate scene again that would be nice
June 11, 2025
I vacillated between a 2.5 and 3 stars for this one. There were parts I liked and parts I was meh about. Ultimately, I think I would give it a 2.75 so I rounded up.
The beginning of the book was cute, with an interesting plot and a fun and romantic setting. I loved the idea of trying to turn a friend into a lover, and realizing that chemistry can’t just be created just because you want it to. I also really enjoyed that it took place in Venice, which is a location I haven’t seen a lot of romance set in, but the history and activities made it a lot of fun to read.
Unfortunately, as the book went on I started to feel like it was dragging a bit. Partially I think that’s because the characters weren’t the most memorable and I didn’t connect with either of them. It is also very hard for me to get on board with an instalove romance, and although it can be done, this book didn’t quite succeed.
I did, however, appreciate that it kept me guessing who was going to give up their previous life since they were both very much tied to their respective counties. I also liked that despite the instalove, there was some practicality in how they got together that made it slightly more believable.
For the audiobook, the narrators were decent but I didn’t quite feel like they embodied the characters. Neither voice felt quite right.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Audio, and Paula Ottoni for proving a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
The beginning of the book was cute, with an interesting plot and a fun and romantic setting. I loved the idea of trying to turn a friend into a lover, and realizing that chemistry can’t just be created just because you want it to. I also really enjoyed that it took place in Venice, which is a location I haven’t seen a lot of romance set in, but the history and activities made it a lot of fun to read.
Unfortunately, as the book went on I started to feel like it was dragging a bit. Partially I think that’s because the characters weren’t the most memorable and I didn’t connect with either of them. It is also very hard for me to get on board with an instalove romance, and although it can be done, this book didn’t quite succeed.
I did, however, appreciate that it kept me guessing who was going to give up their previous life since they were both very much tied to their respective counties. I also liked that despite the instalove, there was some practicality in how they got together that made it slightly more believable.
For the audiobook, the narrators were decent but I didn’t quite feel like they embodied the characters. Neither voice felt quite right.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Audio, and Paula Ottoni for proving a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
September 5, 2025
*Thanks so much to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion*
DNF @ 70%
Initial thoughts:
I picked this book up because it is set in Venice and I will be going to Italy later this month. Unfortunately, this book was just fine, but forgettable. I'm glad it was short enough to breeze through.
About the book:
Daisey Hogan goes to Venice with her BF as well as her BFF and his girlfriend. She is hoping this vacation will inspire her again, as she is a burnt out chef in LA. EXCEPT, the first night of the trip Daisey's boyfriend and her best friend's girlfriend run off together. Daisey is frustrated because she is so far behind on her plan to find a stable partner, start a family, and start her own restaurant in LA. So she decides to make the most of the trip and see if her and her best friend, Jeremy, can fall in love. With the help of the hot concierge, Daisey sets off with determination to fall in love and start the happily ever after she planned for herself.
Things I enjoyed:
-This was set in Venice, so that was fun.
- It was short.
Things that weren't for me:
- This book was very predictable
- I did not feel the sparkle of Venice or the tension between the characters whatsoever. Everything just fell kinda flat for me, sadly.
- The male narrator took me out of things (not his fault, but if you're curious, see my thoughts about the audiobook)
About the audio:
The voices of the narrators were nice, but I was disappointed that the publishers did not find a male narrator with an Italian accent. The main male characters spoke English very well, but he also lived in Italy his whole life, so he would have an Italian accent and know how to pronounce Italian words and places properly. I realize this is picky of me, but it really took me out of the moment hearing about Italian landmarks from an Italian spoken with an American accent.
DNF @ 70%
Initial thoughts:
I picked this book up because it is set in Venice and I will be going to Italy later this month. Unfortunately, this book was just fine, but forgettable. I'm glad it was short enough to breeze through.
About the book:
Daisey Hogan goes to Venice with her BF as well as her BFF and his girlfriend. She is hoping this vacation will inspire her again, as she is a burnt out chef in LA. EXCEPT, the first night of the trip Daisey's boyfriend and her best friend's girlfriend run off together. Daisey is frustrated because she is so far behind on her plan to find a stable partner, start a family, and start her own restaurant in LA. So she decides to make the most of the trip and see if her and her best friend, Jeremy, can fall in love. With the help of the hot concierge, Daisey sets off with determination to fall in love and start the happily ever after she planned for herself.
Things I enjoyed:
-This was set in Venice, so that was fun.
- It was short.
Things that weren't for me:
- This book was very predictable
- I did not feel the sparkle of Venice or the tension between the characters whatsoever. Everything just fell kinda flat for me, sadly.
- The male narrator took me out of things (not his fault, but if you're curious, see my thoughts about the audiobook)
About the audio:
The voices of the narrators were nice, but I was disappointed that the publishers did not find a male narrator with an Italian accent. The main male characters spoke English very well, but he also lived in Italy his whole life, so he would have an Italian accent and know how to pronounce Italian words and places properly. I realize this is picky of me, but it really took me out of the moment hearing about Italian landmarks from an Italian spoken with an American accent.
July 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Paula Ottomi for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy, her boyfriend, her best friend and his girlfriend go on vacation to Venice. After 1 day, Daisy’s boyfriend and her BF’s (Jeremy) girlfriend leave together. Daisy and Jeremy realize life would be easier if they were in love and come to the conclusion that they should try to do just that while in Italy and enlist the help of the hotel concierge, Lorenzo.
Enjoyed the story and the premise was cute. The Italian high end hotel and all the sites of Venice was a great backdrop to the story.
Two parts made me cringe and roll my eyes. When Lorenzo channels Casanova it was bad enough but in a few parts the “Casanova” persona was talking to him. Not a fan. Luckily it was only in a few parts but unfortunately stuck with me. Next was dropping the love word after I believe 2-3 days. I mean, attraction, like, lust….sure but love? That’s some kind of crazy instalove stuff I struggle with.
Also, I listened to the audio so I’m unclear on the length but the chapters were long, 20+ minutes even on 1.5 speed. I’m strongly against long chapters.
I did enjoy how they each did what they needed to do to see their dreams through independently and the ending was good.
Daisy, her boyfriend, her best friend and his girlfriend go on vacation to Venice. After 1 day, Daisy’s boyfriend and her BF’s (Jeremy) girlfriend leave together. Daisy and Jeremy realize life would be easier if they were in love and come to the conclusion that they should try to do just that while in Italy and enlist the help of the hotel concierge, Lorenzo.
Enjoyed the story and the premise was cute. The Italian high end hotel and all the sites of Venice was a great backdrop to the story.
Two parts made me cringe and roll my eyes. When Lorenzo channels Casanova it was bad enough but in a few parts the “Casanova” persona was talking to him. Not a fan. Luckily it was only in a few parts but unfortunately stuck with me. Next was dropping the love word after I believe 2-3 days. I mean, attraction, like, lust….sure but love? That’s some kind of crazy instalove stuff I struggle with.
Also, I listened to the audio so I’m unclear on the length but the chapters were long, 20+ minutes even on 1.5 speed. I’m strongly against long chapters.
I did enjoy how they each did what they needed to do to see their dreams through independently and the ending was good.
June 17, 2025
ummm 3 stars with a .5 for the narrators!
overall liked it. writing and pacing was good but the title and synopsis felt misleading imo! i was hoping for more push and pull between a love triangle vibe. this was definitely not that.
the actual "friends to lovers project" is in the first maybe 25% of the book (i think). i can't remember exactly but it was INCREDIBLY short lived. then it just turns to a normal romance novel between lorenzo and daisy and idek what happens to her best friend honestly. did he even get home safe? wasn't he supposed to fly home with her?? i feel like with better outlining or editing or something, it probably could've been something more interesting between lorenzo and daisy from the beginning and focused more on their issues in terms of living on different continents and the crossroads they both were facing with their own dreams. i still would've read that and it would've been so much more intriguing as a whole.
narrators were lovely! absolutely love carly robbins and i don't think i've ever listened to will damron but i liked him lots too.
overall liked it. writing and pacing was good but the title and synopsis felt misleading imo! i was hoping for more push and pull between a love triangle vibe. this was definitely not that.
the actual "friends to lovers project" is in the first maybe 25% of the book (i think). i can't remember exactly but it was INCREDIBLY short lived. then it just turns to a normal romance novel between lorenzo and daisy and idek what happens to her best friend honestly. did he even get home safe? wasn't he supposed to fly home with her?? i feel like with better outlining or editing or something, it probably could've been something more interesting between lorenzo and daisy from the beginning and focused more on their issues in terms of living on different continents and the crossroads they both were facing with their own dreams. i still would've read that and it would've been so much more intriguing as a whole.
narrators were lovely! absolutely love carly robbins and i don't think i've ever listened to will damron but i liked him lots too.
May 15, 2025
I want to go to Venice.
Honestly, the romance was amazing but the way the author sets the magic of Venice, literally had me looking at hotels 🤣
Now I do love a friends to lovers romance, but the way the project came about felt a little odd to me. Jeremy and Daisy had zero chemistry but I can appreciate they were down in the love dumps.
As a half Italian myself, I have never been one to particularly feel romantic for Italian suave men, but Lorenzo was definitely my book boyfriend exception. He was the perfect mix of cheeky and gentlemanly.
And I really loved the ending, it was a quick straightforward fairytale everything works our ending, it made us and the characters work for it a little.
I definitely want to read more from Paula, and see what other places she makes me fall in love with.
Honestly, the romance was amazing but the way the author sets the magic of Venice, literally had me looking at hotels 🤣
Now I do love a friends to lovers romance, but the way the project came about felt a little odd to me. Jeremy and Daisy had zero chemistry but I can appreciate they were down in the love dumps.
As a half Italian myself, I have never been one to particularly feel romantic for Italian suave men, but Lorenzo was definitely my book boyfriend exception. He was the perfect mix of cheeky and gentlemanly.
And I really loved the ending, it was a quick straightforward fairytale everything works our ending, it made us and the characters work for it a little.
I definitely want to read more from Paula, and see what other places she makes me fall in love with.
July 2, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, The Friends-to Lovers Project. This was about Daisy, who takes a vacation to Venice with her boyfriend, her best friend Jeremy, and his girlfriend. On their first day of vacation her boyfriend and her best friend's girlfriend run off together, leaving her and Jeremy shocked and heartbroken. As they're talking at the hotel bar that night, they start thinking about how everyone says they should be together, but they've always been best friends and nothing more. They decide that maybe they should see if they could fall in love with each other while on this vacation, and they call it the Friends-to-Lovers Project. The bartender, Lorenzo, overhears and offers to help them get the most romantic experience while in Venice. Daisy gets butterflies immediately just looking at Lorenzo, and talking to him after his kind offer to help them. So her plan is to fall in love with Jeremy while they're in Venice together, but as much as she tries to ignore it sparks are flying between her and Lorenzo. I absolutely adored this book! I devoured this story, I couldn't put it down! The storyline, the setting in Venice, the characters, everything was perfect! I couldn't get enough! This is everything I love in a romcom! This book was incredible! 💜📚
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of The Friends-to-Lovers Project, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of The Friends-to-Lovers Project, in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
(4.5 stars) This book was like a cozy romcom movie combined with a blanket and your favorite snacks. All the right vibes!
The book had me smiling from chapter one. The characters felt like real and fun and totally lovable. I appreciated that it wasn’t just the usual friends to lovers trope. Like “oops, we fell in love. You were right here all along” storyline. No, the author gave the trope a fresh spin, and honestly? I was here for it. It felt more…idk…real.
The character’s chemistry was on point. Their banter was Chef’s kiss. And the emotional moments were there throughout the entirety. It’s this kind of story that makes you root for the characters like they’re your own friends.
If you’re into romcoms that are sweet, but heartfelt without drama overload, full of characters that you want to be friends with, then give this one a try.
The book had me smiling from chapter one. The characters felt like real and fun and totally lovable. I appreciated that it wasn’t just the usual friends to lovers trope. Like “oops, we fell in love. You were right here all along” storyline. No, the author gave the trope a fresh spin, and honestly? I was here for it. It felt more…idk…real.
The character’s chemistry was on point. Their banter was Chef’s kiss. And the emotional moments were there throughout the entirety. It’s this kind of story that makes you root for the characters like they’re your own friends.
If you’re into romcoms that are sweet, but heartfelt without drama overload, full of characters that you want to be friends with, then give this one a try.
June 8, 2025
Thank you so much Netgalley for giving me access to this book.
The friends to lovers troupe that didn’t quite make it.
This was such a fab idea for a book and going into it I was super excited! I love a best friend turned lover type of romance and had high hope that this would give me all the feels. Unfortunately, for me it didn’t really make sense and didn’t hit how I thought it would.
It was nice book and the romantic setting of Venice instantly struck my mind with visions of the book playing out in my mind.
Daisy finds herself single on a trip that was meant to be full of romance and magic, alongside her best friend Jeremy. Daisy strikes up an idea that they should have a go at progressing their friendship into something else and what better location than Venice.
For me it was really clear from the get go that there was no spark between Daisy and Jeremy and therefore I struggled to get on board with this idea of a genuine connection. I found Daisy to be super annoying and felt the pace of the book was too fast. Things went from 0-100 really quick and whilst sometimes I think that’s a good thing. It didn’t work for me this time.
It became more of a holiday romance book for me, and when Lorenzo is introduced I felt like Jeremy became a side character.
It was a cute idea and there were some sweet moments with Daisy and Lorenzo, it was an easy, short read.
The friends to lovers troupe that didn’t quite make it.
This was such a fab idea for a book and going into it I was super excited! I love a best friend turned lover type of romance and had high hope that this would give me all the feels. Unfortunately, for me it didn’t really make sense and didn’t hit how I thought it would.
It was nice book and the romantic setting of Venice instantly struck my mind with visions of the book playing out in my mind.
Daisy finds herself single on a trip that was meant to be full of romance and magic, alongside her best friend Jeremy. Daisy strikes up an idea that they should have a go at progressing their friendship into something else and what better location than Venice.
For me it was really clear from the get go that there was no spark between Daisy and Jeremy and therefore I struggled to get on board with this idea of a genuine connection. I found Daisy to be super annoying and felt the pace of the book was too fast. Things went from 0-100 really quick and whilst sometimes I think that’s a good thing. It didn’t work for me this time.
It became more of a holiday romance book for me, and when Lorenzo is introduced I felt like Jeremy became a side character.
It was a cute idea and there were some sweet moments with Daisy and Lorenzo, it was an easy, short read.
August 31, 2025
“If any place can turn two best friends into lovers, it’s Venice.”
This truly sounded like it was going to be such a cute, fun read. The premise had so much potential and I really felt it fell short. I truly started reading with the full expectation that I would fully enjoy this story. And I found myself bored through a lot of it and would have dnf’d if it weren’t an arc. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this wasn’t it. I don’t know how Daisy thought she and Jeremy would make a good couple. I barely believed them as friends, much less best friends who could become more. Their connection seemed shallow at best. And, something about Lorenzo irritated me and almost gave me the Ick. I feel like the minute he was introduced he was overpowering as a character. The insta love seemed a bit too rushed and unrealistic. A lot of it just seemed awkward for me. I thought the ending was sweet and the story had so much unrealized potential.
Thank you, Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book. The content of my review was not affected by this in any way.
This truly sounded like it was going to be such a cute, fun read. The premise had so much potential and I really felt it fell short. I truly started reading with the full expectation that I would fully enjoy this story. And I found myself bored through a lot of it and would have dnf’d if it weren’t an arc. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this wasn’t it. I don’t know how Daisy thought she and Jeremy would make a good couple. I barely believed them as friends, much less best friends who could become more. Their connection seemed shallow at best. And, something about Lorenzo irritated me and almost gave me the Ick. I feel like the minute he was introduced he was overpowering as a character. The insta love seemed a bit too rushed and unrealistic. A lot of it just seemed awkward for me. I thought the ending was sweet and the story had so much unrealized potential.
Thank you, Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book. The content of my review was not affected by this in any way.
June 12, 2025
3.5⭐️
“I’m blessed to be here in Venice. To be dumped by a man I didn’t really love. To have a best friend who didn’t fall for me. I’m blessed to have met Lorenzo.”
This book was so cute! Who doesn’t dream of going to Italy and meeting the perfect Italian man!? I loved the romance between Daisy and Lorenzo and how supportive they were of each other and their own dreams! This is the perfect book for the summer and the narrators were amazing!
Tropes:
🇮🇹Vacation Romance
🇮🇹Dating Lessons
🇮🇹Insta-Love
🇮🇹Dual POV
“I’m blessed to be here in Venice. To be dumped by a man I didn’t really love. To have a best friend who didn’t fall for me. I’m blessed to have met Lorenzo.”
This book was so cute! Who doesn’t dream of going to Italy and meeting the perfect Italian man!? I loved the romance between Daisy and Lorenzo and how supportive they were of each other and their own dreams! This is the perfect book for the summer and the narrators were amazing!
Tropes:
🇮🇹Vacation Romance
🇮🇹Dating Lessons
🇮🇹Insta-Love
🇮🇹Dual POV
June 14, 2025
4.5 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ALC (out 7/1)
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, is the inst love a little over the top? Perhaps, but it's so stinking cute. I was on the fence at first when Daisy was trying to hard to force something with Jeremy. But thankfully they gathered early on that friends is all they could be. Lorenzo, gah adore him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and falls helplessly in love with Daisy. I liked how the ending played out. It was immediately picture perfect, but they found their way.
Spice: open door
Format: ALC (out 7/1)
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, is the inst love a little over the top? Perhaps, but it's so stinking cute. I was on the fence at first when Daisy was trying to hard to force something with Jeremy. But thankfully they gathered early on that friends is all they could be. Lorenzo, gah adore him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and falls helplessly in love with Daisy. I liked how the ending played out. It was immediately picture perfect, but they found their way.
May 31, 2025
3 stars ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
a really cute and quick read.
the setting was stunning and gave the perfect summer abroad vibes and spicy romance.
i did find certain aspects of the book a bit unrealistic. daisy and jeremy attempting to fall for one another by going from friends to lovers while knowing they have no feelings for one another just cause jeremy’s ex said they were made for one another was just so weird to me. i feel like it was so pointless especially because it didn’t last long at all. i feel like this book could have easily just been about a vacation romance and completely get rid of jeremy’s character lol. he was just a useless side character imo.
a really cute and quick read.
the setting was stunning and gave the perfect summer abroad vibes and spicy romance.
i did find certain aspects of the book a bit unrealistic. daisy and jeremy attempting to fall for one another by going from friends to lovers while knowing they have no feelings for one another just cause jeremy’s ex said they were made for one another was just so weird to me. i feel like it was so pointless especially because it didn’t last long at all. i feel like this book could have easily just been about a vacation romance and completely get rid of jeremy’s character lol. he was just a useless side character imo.
June 3, 2025
Honestly, this was cute. I didn't do anything crazy memorable, but I thought it was a fun summer listen. The title is a bit misleading since it doesn't revolve entirely around the friends-to-lovers aspect, but once I get past that, it was a quick listen. I loved Daisy and Lorenzo's chemistry, and I almost wish that was a bigger focus in this, rather than being diluted by this project they're working on/towards. But overall, if you're looking for a fun and almost mindless palate cleanser, I recommend it!
🎧 / 3.5⭐️
Thank you to Harlequin Audio via NetGalley for this Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
🎧 / 3.5⭐️
Thank you to Harlequin Audio via NetGalley for this Audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
June 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the audio ARC!
3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🎧 AUDIOBOOK review 🎧
The audio was good! I love Carly Robbins so anything she narrates is good! It flowers nicely and both the male and female narrators did a great job.
The story was super cute! A sweet summer romance. When the friends to lovers projects fails Daisy finds her true love!
3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🎧 AUDIOBOOK review 🎧
The audio was good! I love Carly Robbins so anything she narrates is good! It flowers nicely and both the male and female narrators did a great job.
The story was super cute! A sweet summer romance. When the friends to lovers projects fails Daisy finds her true love!
August 27, 2025
4.25 stars
September 2, 2025
This didn't work for me. I was cringing so hard when they tried to force their friendship and she was sniffing around the italian dude... NO.
The whole thing did not work for me.
2,5 stars
The whole thing did not work for me.
2,5 stars
April 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Afterglow Books for letting me review this ARC.
The Friends to Lovers Project was such a sweet and charming read. I loved the Venice setting, it added such a dreamy vibe to the story. Daisy’s plan to turn her friendship with Jeremy into something more was cute in theory, but watching her unexpected connection with Lorenzo unfold kept me hooked.
The friends-to-lovers angle had a fun twist with the love triangle, and the characters felt really genuine. It’s a light, romantic escape with just the right amount of heart and tension. Definitely recommend if you enjoy slow-burn romances in beautiful places!
The Friends-to-Lovers Project is scheduled for release on July 1, 2025. Be sure to add it to your reading list for a captivating romantic escape.
The Friends to Lovers Project was such a sweet and charming read. I loved the Venice setting, it added such a dreamy vibe to the story. Daisy’s plan to turn her friendship with Jeremy into something more was cute in theory, but watching her unexpected connection with Lorenzo unfold kept me hooked.
The friends-to-lovers angle had a fun twist with the love triangle, and the characters felt really genuine. It’s a light, romantic escape with just the right amount of heart and tension. Definitely recommend if you enjoy slow-burn romances in beautiful places!
The Friends-to-Lovers Project is scheduled for release on July 1, 2025. Be sure to add it to your reading list for a captivating romantic escape.
November 3, 2025
Thank you for the ALC NetGalley & Harlequin Audio in exchange for an honest review 🎧
This was a sweet romance with the backdrop of Venice that I fully enjoyed. The development of the story was gradual and flowed naturally. I liked the tension between the leads and the narration was wonderfully done. I was curious how it would resolve and was happy that they prioritized personal goals.
This was a sweet romance with the backdrop of Venice that I fully enjoyed. The development of the story was gradual and flowed naturally. I liked the tension between the leads and the narration was wonderfully done. I was curious how it would resolve and was happy that they prioritized personal goals.
November 1, 2025
This is a tender, heartfelt romance set against the romantic backdrop of Venice. After a painful breakup, Daisy joins her best friend Jeremy on a trip meant to help her heal—but the vacation soon stirs up unexpected emotions. As Daisy tries to sort through her lingering heartbreak, her friendship with Jeremy deepens in ways she didn’t anticipate. Then comes Lorenzo, a charming Italian tour guide whose easy warmth and flirtation add both excitement and confusion to her journey.
Ottoni beautifully captures the tension between comfort and desire, friendship and passion, making Daisy’s emotional turmoil feel authentic. While Daisy’s need for love can sometimes feel overwhelming and the pacing wavers in places, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying mix of heart, introspection, and sensuality. With its slow-burn triangle, cross-cultural charm, and emotional depth, The Friends to Lovers Project is a short yet engaging read that explores how heartbreak can open the door to unexpected love.
Ottoni beautifully captures the tension between comfort and desire, friendship and passion, making Daisy’s emotional turmoil feel authentic. While Daisy’s need for love can sometimes feel overwhelming and the pacing wavers in places, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying mix of heart, introspection, and sensuality. With its slow-burn triangle, cross-cultural charm, and emotional depth, The Friends to Lovers Project is a short yet engaging read that explores how heartbreak can open the door to unexpected love.
July 22, 2025
thank you to paula ottoni, harlequin audio & netgalley for an arc of this book. all opinions are my own. ♡
₊˚⊹⋆ first thoughts: this has been on my watch list for a couple months now, so i was super stoked to get the honor of getting an e-arc for this pretty lil baby! friends-to-lovers with a third party in VENICE?? please!
₊˚⊹⋆ final thoughts: team lorenzo! this was a cute lil read. friends, lovers and dreams coming true for everyone. really enjoyed this book!
₊˚⊹⋆ first thoughts: this has been on my watch list for a couple months now, so i was super stoked to get the honor of getting an e-arc for this pretty lil baby! friends-to-lovers with a third party in VENICE?? please!
₊˚⊹⋆ final thoughts: team lorenzo! this was a cute lil read. friends, lovers and dreams coming true for everyone. really enjoyed this book!
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