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Venetian Lessons in Love
An appassionata enemies-to-lovers Venetian romp by bestselling Italian-Australian author Jenna Lo Bianco.
Venice's most desirable bachelorette, Lucia Trevisan, has just had the best kiss of her life. If only she knew with whom.
After losing her parents in a tragic accident, and having her then eleven-year-old face splashed across every newspaper in Italy, Lucia will forever be known as l'Orfana. Years later, Lucia is a perpetual hot mess, hiding away from the outside world, running her parents' Italian language school.
When the school's future is threatened, Lucia must come out of hiding and fight back - despite the many distractions, like a masquerade ball and an electrifying anonymous encounter.
Between dates to uncover her mysterious kissing Casanova, the quest to save her beloved school, dodging paparazzi, and dealing with her infuriating - yet infuriatingly handsome - new neighbour, will Venice's most famous singleton sink or swim?
Mature content rated 3/5 chillies.
Venice's most desirable bachelorette, Lucia Trevisan, has just had the best kiss of her life. If only she knew with whom.
After losing her parents in a tragic accident, and having her then eleven-year-old face splashed across every newspaper in Italy, Lucia will forever be known as l'Orfana. Years later, Lucia is a perpetual hot mess, hiding away from the outside world, running her parents' Italian language school.
When the school's future is threatened, Lucia must come out of hiding and fight back - despite the many distractions, like a masquerade ball and an electrifying anonymous encounter.
Between dates to uncover her mysterious kissing Casanova, the quest to save her beloved school, dodging paparazzi, and dealing with her infuriating - yet infuriatingly handsome - new neighbour, will Venice's most famous singleton sink or swim?
Mature content rated 3/5 chillies.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
33 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Lo Bianco
5 books63 followersJenna Lo Bianco is a writer, educator, PhD Candidate, and advocate for Italian language education in Australia.
With nearly 60 publications to her name, Jenna is trusted nationally and internationally to write about all things ‘Italian’. She is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, regular contributor to Segmento Magazine, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade.
A romantic at heart, Jenna writes contemporary romances set in Italy that read like a fictional slice of ‘la dolce vita’, but are steeped in candour and truths – both the convenient and inconvenient – drawing upon her personal life experiences in Italy, and her intimate knowledge of the Italian language and culture.
She may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome’s most permanent residents.
With nearly 60 publications to her name, Jenna is trusted nationally and internationally to write about all things ‘Italian’. She is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, regular contributor to Segmento Magazine, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade.
A romantic at heart, Jenna writes contemporary romances set in Italy that read like a fictional slice of ‘la dolce vita’, but are steeped in candour and truths – both the convenient and inconvenient – drawing upon her personal life experiences in Italy, and her intimate knowledge of the Italian language and culture.
She may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome’s most permanent residents.
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December 29, 2024DNF @ 60% good god was I bored out of my mind. Narrative voice was so flat, which felt very unitalian as she wasn't constantly complaining (JOKING I LOVE YOU MY ITALX FRIENDS), and the writing was straight-up bland. Made my brain feel smooth. Not for me.
December 21, 2024
Lucia runs an Italian language school in Venice, which may be forced to shut unless she can find the money to buy out the other half of the business. Alex is the prickly neighbour who has an unexpected connection to Lucia’s past. Cute and fun read.
November 24, 2024
This was such a beautiful, sweet story! Fantastico!
Talk about being transported to Venice, I felt like I was actually there! This story had a lot of grief and pain, I shed many tears for l’Orfana. What a tragedy Lucia experienced at such a young age.
The journalists can’t seem to leave her alone, she’s faced with the potential loss of her parents Italian language school and amongst all this, she’s curious to find the man behind that incredible kiss!
Ahhh what a story. Amongst the tragedy there are some beautiful moments with her wonderful friendships with Francesco and Mariella, it was so beautiful. I was really intrigued by the mysterious, handsome neighbour as well and loved their banter! I found myself looking forward to their encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful novel. I love the way Jenna writes and the use of Italian words throughout the book really makes you feel like you’re in Italy. I went through all the emotions with this one and ended with a full, happy heart.
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Talk about being transported to Venice, I felt like I was actually there! This story had a lot of grief and pain, I shed many tears for l’Orfana. What a tragedy Lucia experienced at such a young age.
The journalists can’t seem to leave her alone, she’s faced with the potential loss of her parents Italian language school and amongst all this, she’s curious to find the man behind that incredible kiss!
Ahhh what a story. Amongst the tragedy there are some beautiful moments with her wonderful friendships with Francesco and Mariella, it was so beautiful. I was really intrigued by the mysterious, handsome neighbour as well and loved their banter! I found myself looking forward to their encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful novel. I love the way Jenna writes and the use of Italian words throughout the book really makes you feel like you’re in Italy. I went through all the emotions with this one and ended with a full, happy heart.
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2024
4⭐️ This book hit a soft spot for me as someone who loves Venice/Italy! The story was a little slow to start but once it had picked up, I was hooked! Such a unique storyline and I adored the Italian language scattered throughout the book 🩷
February 11, 2025
This was a lovely read. I really appreciate Jenna Lo Biancos' ability to write such distinctively different characters. She also writes lovely descriptions of the locations in her books and I'd love to take the books along on vacation there with me.
January 8, 2025
This book was ok, a very long and slow burn. The story line was cute and the connection between characters was nice but it definitely could’ve been shorted or added something to be more captivating
December 8, 2024
Oh to be in Venice again,, wandering the streets and alongside the canals. It has such a magical and mysterious feel to it, and any book I have read that is featured in Venice has that lingering quality about it. You become captivated in its n architecture, its winding laneways, the calli, the smell of pastries and the history behind every corner. This book is no exception to this conjuring of delightful imagery.
Lucia Trevisan was nicknamed L’Orfana when her parents died in a terrible accident, and her photo as an eleven year old, filled with grief and anguish became a worldwide phenomenon. Present day and she is in the spotlight again: the ownership of her language school is under threat of being taken from her (her parent’s legacy in Venice). In the middle of protecting the language School, and distracted by a kiss at a masquerade ball, Lucia becomes a viral hit when her bestie posted a desperately seeking kisser request on Instagram. Having to be thrust into the media spotlight again was quite a traumatic experience to capture in this story, all the while trying to fund her mystery kisser and raise funds to keep her school out of the hands of a mortal family enemy.
Ultimately this is a tribute to Venice and all its beauty and mystery. The romance on Venice with all of its charm and history and intimate nooks and crannies made for the perfect location for this development passion and the relationship between Lucia and Alex and you neighbour. This was a playful story and it created a light-hearted perspective to the tension between Lucia and Alex. It also brought to light the passion and the need to preserve history and tradition; Lucia’s language school was a beautiful way to tie in learning about Italy and Venice language in food sometimes is the best drawcard to life and love. Lucia’s passion for La Scuola Rosa (The Pink School) shone through this story, as did Alex’s love and continued handiwork making masks, carried down through his grandfather before him. And to read about some of the more heartfelt occurrences and similarities between their childhoods and families was a touching connection.
Lucia Trevisan was nicknamed L’Orfana when her parents died in a terrible accident, and her photo as an eleven year old, filled with grief and anguish became a worldwide phenomenon. Present day and she is in the spotlight again: the ownership of her language school is under threat of being taken from her (her parent’s legacy in Venice). In the middle of protecting the language School, and distracted by a kiss at a masquerade ball, Lucia becomes a viral hit when her bestie posted a desperately seeking kisser request on Instagram. Having to be thrust into the media spotlight again was quite a traumatic experience to capture in this story, all the while trying to fund her mystery kisser and raise funds to keep her school out of the hands of a mortal family enemy.
Ultimately this is a tribute to Venice and all its beauty and mystery. The romance on Venice with all of its charm and history and intimate nooks and crannies made for the perfect location for this development passion and the relationship between Lucia and Alex and you neighbour. This was a playful story and it created a light-hearted perspective to the tension between Lucia and Alex. It also brought to light the passion and the need to preserve history and tradition; Lucia’s language school was a beautiful way to tie in learning about Italy and Venice language in food sometimes is the best drawcard to life and love. Lucia’s passion for La Scuola Rosa (The Pink School) shone through this story, as did Alex’s love and continued handiwork making masks, carried down through his grandfather before him. And to read about some of the more heartfelt occurrences and similarities between their childhoods and families was a touching connection.
March 21, 2025
“Venetian Lessons in Love” is a slightly predictable romance from Jenna Lo Bianco. It’s nevertheless a lovely read, and few romance fans will complain when it hits some familiar beats.
The novel is set in Venice, and the location is well evoked. This isn’t the tourist Venice, it’s the Venice where Italians live. The descriptions are vivid and readers will find themselves feeling as though they’re really there.
Lucia is an appealing character. She does perhaps wallow a little bit, but it’s easy to understand given the level of trauma she’s experienced. This is a vivid depiction of the harms that can come to people who are unwillingly made famous, and of the intrusiveness of people on social media.
Other characters are more lightly sketched. I found that only Francesco, her life long friend, and Alex, her neighbour, really came to life. However, since these are the two most critical characters after Lucia, that works fine.
Plot wise, this does have familiar beats and no-one is likely to encounter too many surprises. The exploration of Lucia’s trauma adds some much needed depth to the story, and is handled sensitively and well. There’s a substantial focus on her struggle to keep the business afloat, with her search for romance only one of multiple things she’s handling.
This is a well written novel, set in an unusual location. Many romance readers will enjoy it.
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
The novel is set in Venice, and the location is well evoked. This isn’t the tourist Venice, it’s the Venice where Italians live. The descriptions are vivid and readers will find themselves feeling as though they’re really there.
Lucia is an appealing character. She does perhaps wallow a little bit, but it’s easy to understand given the level of trauma she’s experienced. This is a vivid depiction of the harms that can come to people who are unwillingly made famous, and of the intrusiveness of people on social media.
Other characters are more lightly sketched. I found that only Francesco, her life long friend, and Alex, her neighbour, really came to life. However, since these are the two most critical characters after Lucia, that works fine.
Plot wise, this does have familiar beats and no-one is likely to encounter too many surprises. The exploration of Lucia’s trauma adds some much needed depth to the story, and is handled sensitively and well. There’s a substantial focus on her struggle to keep the business afloat, with her search for romance only one of multiple things she’s handling.
This is a well written novel, set in an unusual location. Many romance readers will enjoy it.
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
November 26, 2024
I am absolutely in love with Jenna Lo Bianco’s books and completely in awe that this is her third book in eleven months. I have no idea how she does it and each one has been amazing!
Lucia Trevisan lost both her parents in a terrible accident when she was just eleven years old. Taking advantage of the tragedy, a journalist captured a photo of the traumatised girl and its publication saw her thrust into the public eye and nicknamed L’Orfana. Ever since, she has tried to keep a low profile and stay away from prying eyes. But when the Italian language school she took over from her parents is under threat she must put herself back into the spotlight to save it. At the same time she is determined to uncover the anonymous man with whom she shared a romantic encounter at a masquerade ball, all while staying below the paparazzi’s radar.
Venetian Lessons In Love is another magical love letter to Italy. The Venetian culture, including theatre and food, takes centre stage and my mouth was watering throughout. The enemies to lovers romance is absolutely on point and I was unable to draw my eyes away from these pages. Jenna’s beautiful romances always leave me feeling buoyant following the emotional rollercoaster and Venetian Lessons In Love is no exception. An absolute must read for enemies to lovers fans or anyone just wanting to be transported to the canals of Venice.
Lucia Trevisan lost both her parents in a terrible accident when she was just eleven years old. Taking advantage of the tragedy, a journalist captured a photo of the traumatised girl and its publication saw her thrust into the public eye and nicknamed L’Orfana. Ever since, she has tried to keep a low profile and stay away from prying eyes. But when the Italian language school she took over from her parents is under threat she must put herself back into the spotlight to save it. At the same time she is determined to uncover the anonymous man with whom she shared a romantic encounter at a masquerade ball, all while staying below the paparazzi’s radar.
Venetian Lessons In Love is another magical love letter to Italy. The Venetian culture, including theatre and food, takes centre stage and my mouth was watering throughout. The enemies to lovers romance is absolutely on point and I was unable to draw my eyes away from these pages. Jenna’s beautiful romances always leave me feeling buoyant following the emotional rollercoaster and Venetian Lessons In Love is no exception. An absolute must read for enemies to lovers fans or anyone just wanting to be transported to the canals of Venice.
January 8, 2025
My third Jenna book. I liked this one, it was easy to read although it felt like it took a long time to get started!
Things I liked:
* Supporting cast were excellent as always
* A plot to get you hooked
* Beautiful setting and cultural references
Things I disliked:
* I usually enjoy the spattering of Italian but the amount of times 'Calle del Leone' and 'Venezia, Ovunque!' were written started to grate
* Lucia was annoyingly obstinate, especially when she was unnecessarily rude to Alex even after she discovered he was not paparazzi or anyone to worry about. It seemed at odds with her giving personality and how everyone else saw her, but perhaps that was the point...
* Alex's eyes were mentioned as being 'cinnamon' at least ten times. I think it's time for a new adjective :P
* I can't imagine people and the media being THAT interested in someone who lost her family at a young age, even twenty years later, it almost seems too farfetched but that's just me...
* Alex's speech at the end of the book felt slightly contrived and out of place, I dunno what it was but that's the feeling it gave me
Also I was confused at the 3/5 chillies rating. I would have rated it 2/5 - the sex scenes were not as detailed as in past books (still good, but if you're expecting something racy I suggest her two other novels!).
Things I liked:
* Supporting cast were excellent as always
* A plot to get you hooked
* Beautiful setting and cultural references
Things I disliked:
* I usually enjoy the spattering of Italian but the amount of times 'Calle del Leone' and 'Venezia, Ovunque!' were written started to grate
* Lucia was annoyingly obstinate, especially when she was unnecessarily rude to Alex even after she discovered he was not paparazzi or anyone to worry about. It seemed at odds with her giving personality and how everyone else saw her, but perhaps that was the point...
* Alex's eyes were mentioned as being 'cinnamon' at least ten times. I think it's time for a new adjective :P
* I can't imagine people and the media being THAT interested in someone who lost her family at a young age, even twenty years later, it almost seems too farfetched but that's just me...
* Alex's speech at the end of the book felt slightly contrived and out of place, I dunno what it was but that's the feeling it gave me
Also I was confused at the 3/5 chillies rating. I would have rated it 2/5 - the sex scenes were not as detailed as in past books (still good, but if you're expecting something racy I suggest her two other novels!).
December 10, 2024
brb taking a trip to Venice x
This book felt like a love letter, I was intrigued from the get go & the imagery and allure of Venice drew me in to the story 💌
I read majority of this book by the pool on a sunny day & I feel like it is a perfect holiday read! It took me a while to find my feet with the Italian words featured throughout this book. But after a while it felt like such a nice and authentic addition to the book. I also loved how the chapter numbers were in Italian! It was like I got to learn a new skill whilst also reading the book 🤭
Lucia was the kind of character you just root for to have a happy ending! Her efforts and love for her parents Italian language school that she is trying to save, mixed in with shameless paparazzi that she is trying to dodge and a kiss with a mysterious masked stranger... safe to say she has A LOT going on!
I LOVE an enemies to lovers romance and I feel like the story really kicked into gear for me when Alex was introduced. The relationships/friendships in this book were so lovely (I need a ride or die like Francesco!!) The beauty, hardship, found family and mystery made this a great read! &&& I am a sucker for a love declaration in the rain ❣️
This book felt like a love letter, I was intrigued from the get go & the imagery and allure of Venice drew me in to the story 💌
I read majority of this book by the pool on a sunny day & I feel like it is a perfect holiday read! It took me a while to find my feet with the Italian words featured throughout this book. But after a while it felt like such a nice and authentic addition to the book. I also loved how the chapter numbers were in Italian! It was like I got to learn a new skill whilst also reading the book 🤭
Lucia was the kind of character you just root for to have a happy ending! Her efforts and love for her parents Italian language school that she is trying to save, mixed in with shameless paparazzi that she is trying to dodge and a kiss with a mysterious masked stranger... safe to say she has A LOT going on!
I LOVE an enemies to lovers romance and I feel like the story really kicked into gear for me when Alex was introduced. The relationships/friendships in this book were so lovely (I need a ride or die like Francesco!!) The beauty, hardship, found family and mystery made this a great read! &&& I am a sucker for a love declaration in the rain ❣️
November 26, 2024
Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
We as readers have been spoilt with three book releases in a year from this very popular author.
Jenna gifts her audience heartwarming Italian love stories.
An exotic location, a strong heroine, a dashing hero, a welcoming plot and a surprise or two, what more can you ask for in a successful and fulfilling romcom, affairs of the heart tale.
Lucia has a tragic incident from her past.
An accident that left her an orphan and her face was splashed over the tabloids.
Now as an adult she runs her parent’s language school and lives a quiet life.
Then the school is under threat of ownership and Lucia must step back into the spotlight to save it.
Then an invitation to a masquerade ball gives Lucia the perfect kiss from a mysterious stranger and a annoyingly hot neighbour begins to become a nuisance, Lucia’s life is busier than ever.
Will she save the school and find the man of her dreams and live happy ever after……
How you could not love to be swept away to the romantic waterways, mouthwatering food and the picturesque views of Venice.
A beautiful love letter that expresses it all in written form.
Emotions galore and tasty hangovers, get ready for your heart to be full.
A splendid holiday read.
We as readers have been spoilt with three book releases in a year from this very popular author.
Jenna gifts her audience heartwarming Italian love stories.
An exotic location, a strong heroine, a dashing hero, a welcoming plot and a surprise or two, what more can you ask for in a successful and fulfilling romcom, affairs of the heart tale.
Lucia has a tragic incident from her past.
An accident that left her an orphan and her face was splashed over the tabloids.
Now as an adult she runs her parent’s language school and lives a quiet life.
Then the school is under threat of ownership and Lucia must step back into the spotlight to save it.
Then an invitation to a masquerade ball gives Lucia the perfect kiss from a mysterious stranger and a annoyingly hot neighbour begins to become a nuisance, Lucia’s life is busier than ever.
Will she save the school and find the man of her dreams and live happy ever after……
How you could not love to be swept away to the romantic waterways, mouthwatering food and the picturesque views of Venice.
A beautiful love letter that expresses it all in written form.
Emotions galore and tasty hangovers, get ready for your heart to be full.
A splendid holiday read.
November 26, 2024
Venetian Lessons in Love by Jenna Lo Bianco is like a sumptuous Italian opera: fabulous settings, tragic heroine, evil villain and mysterious but gorgeous hero. Lucia has been known to all as l’Orfana since an intrusive photographer snapped a picture of her as an eleven year old child at the scene of the horrific accident which took the lives of her parents, along with others.
Now, twenty years later, Lucia is running what was her parents’ Italian language school from her inherited palazzo on the canal in Venice with the assistance of her two trusted friends, Mariela and Francesco. All is well in Lucia’s safe, secluded though lonely life until a blow is delivered which threatens to upset her fragile sense of well being.
A romantic, melodramatic story follows: Venice is an enchanting backdrop; Lucia is beautiful, vulnerable and, at times, maddeningly stubborn in her fear and mistrust of her handsome neighbour, Alex, with his intriguing, Australian-accented Italian.
This is a book for lovers of romantic fiction and, of course, Italy. Jenna Lo Bianco has written two previous books: The Italian Marriage and Love & Rome.
Published by Pan Macmillan
Now, twenty years later, Lucia is running what was her parents’ Italian language school from her inherited palazzo on the canal in Venice with the assistance of her two trusted friends, Mariela and Francesco. All is well in Lucia’s safe, secluded though lonely life until a blow is delivered which threatens to upset her fragile sense of well being.
A romantic, melodramatic story follows: Venice is an enchanting backdrop; Lucia is beautiful, vulnerable and, at times, maddeningly stubborn in her fear and mistrust of her handsome neighbour, Alex, with his intriguing, Australian-accented Italian.
This is a book for lovers of romantic fiction and, of course, Italy. Jenna Lo Bianco has written two previous books: The Italian Marriage and Love & Rome.
Published by Pan Macmillan
November 21, 2024
This was such a sweet and unique enemies to lovers read that has me wanting to book the next flight out to Venice!
The story centres around Lucia Trevisan who has just had the best kiss of her life. The only problem is she has no idea who it was with.
Between dates to uncover the mystery man, trying to save her parents beloved language school, dodging paparazzi, and dealing with her infuriating - yet infuriatingly handsome - new neighbour Alex, Lucia is one hot mess!
The angst and banter between Lucia and Alex and their pettiness when pushing each other’s buttons had me giggling. Yet at times, especially when they were at their most vulnerable, that I found my heart breaking.
I loved Lucia’s relationship with her friends and how supportive and protective they are of her. And I appreciated the glimpses of the ups and downs of their friendships too. It made them very relatable.
Lo Bianco has woven lots of Italian words throughout which, when paired with the wonderfully descriptive scene setting, gave a richness and depth to the story that I loved.
Venetian Lessons in Love is the perfect holiday read for those who love, or would like, a little taste of Italy.
Thank you to the author and Pan Macmillan for a gifted copy.
The story centres around Lucia Trevisan who has just had the best kiss of her life. The only problem is she has no idea who it was with.
Between dates to uncover the mystery man, trying to save her parents beloved language school, dodging paparazzi, and dealing with her infuriating - yet infuriatingly handsome - new neighbour Alex, Lucia is one hot mess!
The angst and banter between Lucia and Alex and their pettiness when pushing each other’s buttons had me giggling. Yet at times, especially when they were at their most vulnerable, that I found my heart breaking.
I loved Lucia’s relationship with her friends and how supportive and protective they are of her. And I appreciated the glimpses of the ups and downs of their friendships too. It made them very relatable.
Lo Bianco has woven lots of Italian words throughout which, when paired with the wonderfully descriptive scene setting, gave a richness and depth to the story that I loved.
Venetian Lessons in Love is the perfect holiday read for those who love, or would like, a little taste of Italy.
Thank you to the author and Pan Macmillan for a gifted copy.
February 27, 2025
Venetian Lessons in Love by Jenna Lo Bianco took me on a beautiful journey to Venice.
I really enjoyed reading the story of Lucia Trevisan who after losing her parents to a tragic accident when she was just eleven was thrown into the media spotlight for twenty years.
Lucia inherited half of her parents language school and has to find the funds to purchase the other half or risk having to work with an absolute monster of a man. The deadline looms in Lucia’s mind as she also deals with her new infuriating neighbor.
This was an enjoyable, easy to read book that left me feeling good after finishing. I would definitely read another of Jenna’s books.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan for my copy to read and review.
I really enjoyed reading the story of Lucia Trevisan who after losing her parents to a tragic accident when she was just eleven was thrown into the media spotlight for twenty years.
Lucia inherited half of her parents language school and has to find the funds to purchase the other half or risk having to work with an absolute monster of a man. The deadline looms in Lucia’s mind as she also deals with her new infuriating neighbor.
This was an enjoyable, easy to read book that left me feeling good after finishing. I would definitely read another of Jenna’s books.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan for my copy to read and review.
November 12, 2024
This is such a sweet story that absolutely transported me to Venice, wishing I was there to explore the wonderful sights and delicious sounding food.
I loved the Italian words mixed into the book, I felt like I was starting to get a good understand of what they meant by the end of it, it's truly a beautiful language.
The mystery and intrigue surrounding the introduction of Alex and the eventual meeting and tension between him and Lucia was delightful. There were some heart wrenching and heart warming moments and I am truly glad that the universe pushed them together the way it did.
I loved the Italian words mixed into the book, I felt like I was starting to get a good understand of what they meant by the end of it, it's truly a beautiful language.
The mystery and intrigue surrounding the introduction of Alex and the eventual meeting and tension between him and Lucia was delightful. There were some heart wrenching and heart warming moments and I am truly glad that the universe pushed them together the way it did.
May 29, 2025
This one took me a while to read. For about the first 100 pages or so there wasn't much happening and I almost stopped reading, but I pushed through and then from there the story picked up and I enjoyed it. Nothing too exciting happened throughout and I think this is what made it a bit hard to want to keep reading, but the characters were great and when the story did pick up it was quite a nice love story, it just would have been good if the whole book was more like the second half.
February 12, 2025
DNF. Enjoyed last two books by this author but this one fell flat for me. Wasn’t interested in the characters at all and skimmed the second half as felt like a slog. The Italian words also frustrated me in this one - in the last books they didn’t but I think it’s just because I wasn’t enjoying it overall.
February 26, 2025
3 stars because it is set in my favourite place in the world (after Sydney) Venice. But the florid language, the histrionics of the main character Lucia even bearing in mind her terrible traumatic history. the oddness of things like fires and fire pits, when these are apparently not allowed in Venice. Maybe 3 books in one year means things slip past that should be edited out.
May 15, 2025
An ok light read, a bit predictable. At times it feels like it's trying too hard to be serious and ends up overly dramatic. I also found having to stop and look up the English translations for words made it hard to get lost in the story, I guess the other alternative is to just not really know what the characters are saying sometimes ? Overall a nice story with a happily ever after
January 6, 2025
I really enjoyed her previous books, but this one was a little dry. The story was cute. The characters cute and I enjoyed reading about Venice but I just felt like I was waiting for the story to get going and it just didn’t.
January 6, 2025
Hallmark movie in a book. Cute story and easy read.
I feel it lacked guts, it seemed to skim over everything in its 340 pages. Characters lacked depth to pull you in and keep you engaged.
I’d say 2.75 stars. I don’t hate it but I wouldn’t run back to it or necessarily recommend it to anyone.
I feel it lacked guts, it seemed to skim over everything in its 340 pages. Characters lacked depth to pull you in and keep you engaged.
I’d say 2.75 stars. I don’t hate it but I wouldn’t run back to it or necessarily recommend it to anyone.
February 27, 2025
Lucia’s apartment sounds like a dreeaaaam. I enjoyed the melancholy parts of this book, and the way that the city was a main character. italian cinderella!
thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.
thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.
September 23, 2025
The story and the writing was very average, but the character of Venice was outstanding. The setting is what really compelled me to read this, as there was considerable predictability about the plot line itself. However this still makes me want to visit Venice oneway.
December 15, 2024
An easy read over many wet days - set in Venice where true love always happens!
December 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This is a great summer beach read!
January 1, 2025
Thank you Jenna for another gorgeous book. I loved the cast of characters and the way you wove their story together with stories of Venice.
January 14, 2025
A fun holiday read . A bit predictable but I tore through it .
January 22, 2025
Cute AHA couldnt really get past the main character annoying me/dialogue being a bit dry
January 26, 2025
3 ⭐️ found this different to Jenna’s other books, slow to start and would’ve preferred more development relationship development for Lucia but enjoyed the storyline *some spice
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews