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La Dolce Veto
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Expected 7 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 10:30:37
5 copies available
U.S. only
From debut author Caitlin Alice Gilbert comes a bold and emotionally resonant romance that flips the script on scandal, and shows the power of self-discovery, redemption, and a summer of love in a small Italian town.
When steamy text messages between tenacious US Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes and her opposing candidate, Levi Cross, go public just before the election, Izzy’s reputation takes a nose dive and her political career comes to a crashing end.
Desperate to have some time out she returns to the gorgeous Italian village of La Musa, which she last visited when she was nineteen, to lick her wounds and recover. Welcomed with open arms at the Villa Farentino by matriarch Anita, she doesn’t get the same reception from her grumpy son Benito who’s just returned from England to take over as mayor after his father, Rafaello, left town...and his wife.
But Izzy can’t escape politics or matters of the heart and she quickly becomes embroiled in the village’s mission to stop Rafaello’s greedy development company from building a 5-star hotel, and along the way discovers that there’s a lot more to Benito than she thought.
When Izzy unwittingly becomes the face of the proposed development her cover is blown and she has to decide - can she save the town, mend her broken heart, and have the life she’s worked so hard for or does she want to stay out of the limelight and risk it all?
When steamy text messages between tenacious US Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes and her opposing candidate, Levi Cross, go public just before the election, Izzy’s reputation takes a nose dive and her political career comes to a crashing end.
Desperate to have some time out she returns to the gorgeous Italian village of La Musa, which she last visited when she was nineteen, to lick her wounds and recover. Welcomed with open arms at the Villa Farentino by matriarch Anita, she doesn’t get the same reception from her grumpy son Benito who’s just returned from England to take over as mayor after his father, Rafaello, left town...and his wife.
But Izzy can’t escape politics or matters of the heart and she quickly becomes embroiled in the village’s mission to stop Rafaello’s greedy development company from building a 5-star hotel, and along the way discovers that there’s a lot more to Benito than she thought.
When Izzy unwittingly becomes the face of the proposed development her cover is blown and she has to decide - can she save the town, mend her broken heart, and have the life she’s worked so hard for or does she want to stay out of the limelight and risk it all?
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
42 people are currently reading
2317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 29, 2025
I wrote this book and I am proud of it :)
December 2, 2025
**READ FOR WORK
Loved this one so much, more to come!!!
Loved this one so much, more to come!!!
March 13, 2026
This was such a fun read / listen. I received an ARC and an ALC (thank you to Keeperton / Arndell and NetGalley) and was able to do an immersive read. I’ll start with praise for the audiobook - Anthea Greco is one of my favorites and she does an amazing job. I love her voice and she did amazing distinguishing between the various characters / accents. If you’re a fan of audiobooks - this is a good one to out on your list!
This was such a fun spin on the whole “American woman goes to European country to find herself” tale. I now want to run away to Italy and drink all the wine and eat all the pasta. The author really sells the setting. Our FMC Izzy is trying to reset after a tough and very public “scandal.” She rents a room from a woman and unknowingly moves in with the grumpy (and handsome) mayor of the town.
I enjoyed the plot of the book and the romance. This is one of the rare exceptions where a third act break up made sense. I wasn’t sure how we would wrap everything up with a HEA, but I was satisfied by the ending. I did find myself getting frustrated with the FMC towards the end of the story, but she came around.
This is an awesome debut novel and I would definitely recommend!
This was such a fun spin on the whole “American woman goes to European country to find herself” tale. I now want to run away to Italy and drink all the wine and eat all the pasta. The author really sells the setting. Our FMC Izzy is trying to reset after a tough and very public “scandal.” She rents a room from a woman and unknowingly moves in with the grumpy (and handsome) mayor of the town.
I enjoyed the plot of the book and the romance. This is one of the rare exceptions where a third act break up made sense. I wasn’t sure how we would wrap everything up with a HEA, but I was satisfied by the ending. I did find myself getting frustrated with the FMC towards the end of the story, but she came around.
This is an awesome debut novel and I would definitely recommend!
March 24, 2026
A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Keeperton, Arndell, and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for the ALC of La Dolce Veto.
La Dolce Veto follows the story of Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes, whose career takes a turn for the worse when steamy text messages between her and political opponent Levi Cross are leaked just before the election. Izzy escapes to the charming Italian village of La Musa, where she stays at the Villa Farentino.
Izzy soon discovers that she will have to share the villa with Benito Farentino, the newly elected mayor who is trying to save his hometown, and does not trust outsiders.
What to expect
-Debut novel
-Only one bed
-Forced proximity
-Small Italian town
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Politics
-Banter and romance
The narration by Anthea Greco was perfect and brought the story to life. She used distinct character voices and accents that added so much depth while listening.
Izzy was such a strong and capable female lead. I really admired her resilience throughout the story. La Dolce Veto gave me Under the Tuscan Sun vibes (which I loved, especially with the nod to the movie).
The humor, banter, and romance were perfectly balanced, making it such an enjoyable read.
I still can’t believe this was a debut, it was so well done. I finished the audiobook in less than 24 hours. I loved Caitlin’s writing style and didn’t want the story to end, it was such a charming and delightful book!
La Dolce Veto follows the story of Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes, whose career takes a turn for the worse when steamy text messages between her and political opponent Levi Cross are leaked just before the election. Izzy escapes to the charming Italian village of La Musa, where she stays at the Villa Farentino.
Izzy soon discovers that she will have to share the villa with Benito Farentino, the newly elected mayor who is trying to save his hometown, and does not trust outsiders.
What to expect
-Debut novel
-Only one bed
-Forced proximity
-Small Italian town
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Politics
-Banter and romance
The narration by Anthea Greco was perfect and brought the story to life. She used distinct character voices and accents that added so much depth while listening.
Izzy was such a strong and capable female lead. I really admired her resilience throughout the story. La Dolce Veto gave me Under the Tuscan Sun vibes (which I loved, especially with the nod to the movie).
The humor, banter, and romance were perfectly balanced, making it such an enjoyable read.
I still can’t believe this was a debut, it was so well done. I finished the audiobook in less than 24 hours. I loved Caitlin’s writing style and didn’t want the story to end, it was such a charming and delightful book!
March 7, 2026
3.75⭐, 2🌶️
Okay first of all - a moment for Caitlin, because this was such a unique debut release for her! This was such a fun book that plays off the jokes of so many famous “eat, pray, love” stories when a woman hits peak stress in life and goes to explore abroad. Isabella is a politician that just lost her election and escapes to a small town in Italy to recharge. Of course the home she is staying in has a HOT, GRUMPY, MAYOR, for a next “door” neighbor.
I loved that this book fit the political climate - how Isa is a politician dealing with so much misogyny is so apt. And then just the little bits of harassment throughout the book had my feminism raging. Then Benito dealing with his POS dad (and his ex, sorry she was not a positive character/ girls girl). so much drama in this book which definitely had me being like “I am NOT stopping this audiobook. What other household chores do I need to do?!”
💛Forced Proximity
🧡Grumpy x Sunshine
🇮🇹 Cozy Italian Small Town
🧡 Political Romance
💛New Beginning
So the romance for this book wasn’t my favorite - so much was going on for Isabella and Benito. Even how this book ended, I was a bit hesitant because it just felt like they both were in a weird space of still needing to find their happiest self (maybe a second book would help me?) Isabella is back in public office and Benito is finding his place in the world and I wanted more of them together, happy, and stable.
Thank you NetGalley and Keeperton/ Arndell Books for an eARC/ ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Okay first of all - a moment for Caitlin, because this was such a unique debut release for her! This was such a fun book that plays off the jokes of so many famous “eat, pray, love” stories when a woman hits peak stress in life and goes to explore abroad. Isabella is a politician that just lost her election and escapes to a small town in Italy to recharge. Of course the home she is staying in has a HOT, GRUMPY, MAYOR, for a next “door” neighbor.
I loved that this book fit the political climate - how Isa is a politician dealing with so much misogyny is so apt. And then just the little bits of harassment throughout the book had my feminism raging. Then Benito dealing with his POS dad (and his ex, sorry she was not a positive character/ girls girl). so much drama in this book which definitely had me being like “I am NOT stopping this audiobook. What other household chores do I need to do?!”
💛Forced Proximity
🧡Grumpy x Sunshine
🇮🇹 Cozy Italian Small Town
🧡 Political Romance
💛New Beginning
So the romance for this book wasn’t my favorite - so much was going on for Isabella and Benito. Even how this book ended, I was a bit hesitant because it just felt like they both were in a weird space of still needing to find their happiest self (maybe a second book would help me?) Isabella is back in public office and Benito is finding his place in the world and I wanted more of them together, happy, and stable.
Thank you NetGalley and Keeperton/ Arndell Books for an eARC/ ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 19, 2026
Ummmm, YES A MILLION TIMES YESSSS!!
I loved this book sooo much, I couldn’t stop listening/reading.
It was so fun to read it brought me lots of laughs and a little bit of heartache. Definitely a fun time and so darn good.
Izzy and Benito are the it couple right now, I loved his gruff side his soft side and HIS JEALOUS SIDE!!!
Gahhh, and Izzy powerful and strong. But she’s still human.
I loved everything about this, from the meeting, to the drama, to the heartaches. It brought me joy that Izzy came out on top. She deserves it.
This book is told in only the FMC POV so there’s that, but when it is told this good, you don’t even miss the MMC POV. Do I wish I did know Benito’s thoughts? Of course the author did an amazing job with descriptions and feeling. 5 starts to the story 5stars to the narration!
This is the book you want to read this summer. So add to your TBRs
I loved this book sooo much, I couldn’t stop listening/reading.
It was so fun to read it brought me lots of laughs and a little bit of heartache. Definitely a fun time and so darn good.
Izzy and Benito are the it couple right now, I loved his gruff side his soft side and HIS JEALOUS SIDE!!!
Gahhh, and Izzy powerful and strong. But she’s still human.
I loved everything about this, from the meeting, to the drama, to the heartaches. It brought me joy that Izzy came out on top. She deserves it.
This book is told in only the FMC POV so there’s that, but when it is told this good, you don’t even miss the MMC POV. Do I wish I did know Benito’s thoughts? Of course the author did an amazing job with descriptions and feeling. 5 starts to the story 5stars to the narration!
This is the book you want to read this summer. So add to your TBRs
March 17, 2026
I did an immersive read for this and it was so much fun. It truly felt like one of those movies when the FMC goes to a small town in Italy and ends up falling in love with the town and a REALLY hot Italian man. I loved Izzy and her whole chaotic journey of self discovery. There was closed door spice, so if you’re not into graphic scenes, this is definitely the book for you! Thank you keeperton/arndell and the author for the arc!
November 26, 2025
So excited for this book!
March 18, 2026
Congresswoman Izzy—Isabella Rhodes—finds herself at the center of a political scandal when scandalous text messages between her and her opposing candidate are leaked. This causes her political career—something she worked so hard to build—to come to a crashing end. On top of this, she is dealing with the loss of the person she thought she loved, only to discover he was trying to one-up her in the campaign. As a result, she leaves California and flees to the small Italian town where she once studied abroad: La Musa.
It is here that she is warmly welcomed and accepted by Anita, the owner of the villa where she is staying during her relocation. Everyone she meets is kind, accepting, and willing to help her acclimate. However, Benito—Anita’s son, who has recently returned to his hometown to take over as mayor—is not as welcoming. Izzy soon finds herself pulled into another political situation as she tries to help save the small town of La Musa. All she wanted was to eat pasta, drink wine, and sleep without a care in the world. However, this begins to change as she develops deep feelings for the people and the town of La Musa.
This book has been on my radar since early January 2026! The cover, synopsis, and author immediately drew me in—and La Dolce Veto did NOT disappoint. I am beyond grateful to have read an ARC copy. It’s such a good book!
Izzy was written with so much love and emotion. I felt her sadness, anger, excitement, and love as I read. She has to be one of the strongest FMCs I’ve come across recently. She would get my vote in any campaign!
I loved—LOVED—Anita! She is such a strong supporting character and brings so much joy to Villa Farentino, both as a host and as a mother. I instantly fell in love with her, and I’m so glad she plays such a significant role in the story. I also really enjoyed Gica and the kindness he shows Izzy. These supporting characters added so much warmth to the overall story.
I was so invested in this book that I only stopped reading to feed my kids! Caitlin Gilbert did an amazing job with her debut novel. I’m so excited to see what she releases next because La Dolce Veto is BEAUTIFUL. Now excuse me while I go and imagine planning my trip to Italy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Gilbert, and Arndell Publishing for the ARC. This book is so good!
It is here that she is warmly welcomed and accepted by Anita, the owner of the villa where she is staying during her relocation. Everyone she meets is kind, accepting, and willing to help her acclimate. However, Benito—Anita’s son, who has recently returned to his hometown to take over as mayor—is not as welcoming. Izzy soon finds herself pulled into another political situation as she tries to help save the small town of La Musa. All she wanted was to eat pasta, drink wine, and sleep without a care in the world. However, this begins to change as she develops deep feelings for the people and the town of La Musa.
This book has been on my radar since early January 2026! The cover, synopsis, and author immediately drew me in—and La Dolce Veto did NOT disappoint. I am beyond grateful to have read an ARC copy. It’s such a good book!
Izzy was written with so much love and emotion. I felt her sadness, anger, excitement, and love as I read. She has to be one of the strongest FMCs I’ve come across recently. She would get my vote in any campaign!
I loved—LOVED—Anita! She is such a strong supporting character and brings so much joy to Villa Farentino, both as a host and as a mother. I instantly fell in love with her, and I’m so glad she plays such a significant role in the story. I also really enjoyed Gica and the kindness he shows Izzy. These supporting characters added so much warmth to the overall story.
I was so invested in this book that I only stopped reading to feed my kids! Caitlin Gilbert did an amazing job with her debut novel. I’m so excited to see what she releases next because La Dolce Veto is BEAUTIFUL. Now excuse me while I go and imagine planning my trip to Italy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Gilbert, and Arndell Publishing for the ARC. This book is so good!
March 24, 2026
4.5⭐️ rounded up cause I had ABSOLUTELY THE BEST TIME WITH THIS BOOK AND THE AUDIOBOOK!!!
I am a bit biased cause I love good Italian setting, small Italian town shenanigans and lines either in Italian or with Italian accent (the audiobook is MAGNIFICENT when it comes to all the accents!!!). Add the politics part and some family drama that is not overly dramatic but just the perfect amount of - I SIMPLY HAD THE BEST TIME WITH THIS STORY.
Congress woman (ex congress woman?) Izzy escapes the States after “a sex scandal with barely any sex” and goes to a little town in Umbria, Italy. She was there for a study abroad program and plans to settle there, regroup and find a job as a florist (in a town that doesn’t even have a flower shop). The place she rented turns out to be - Villa Florentino - happens to be mayor’s house. Enter the mayor - Benito. The story is packed with just perfect Italian vibes!
There is some family drama as well as political one.
Overall this book was highly entertaining. I loved the politics aspect, it kept the story interesting, especially mixed with Benito’s family “drama”.
Whole book is written in Izzy’s POV with 1st person narration.
It’s little to no spice romance. It’s def not open door, more like “fade to black” one.
While the romance is very much a part of the plot it’s not main-main focus so just a heads up if you’re expecting extremely romantic read.
The audiobook definitely elevated my reading experience. Audio performance is amazing, and all the accents, especially Italian ones gave very true and strong Italian setting vibes.
Audio duration: ~10h
Listening speed: 2x
Narrator: Anthea Greco (I’m adding her to my list of fav narrators!)
Go for it if you want a good time, highly entertaining, easy read that will make you smile.
I have a lot of highlights and at least half of them is for lines that made me smile.
Check out my reading activity for some of the quotes ;)
Also: let’s take a moment to appreciate the cover and the title!!!
I am a bit biased cause I love good Italian setting, small Italian town shenanigans and lines either in Italian or with Italian accent (the audiobook is MAGNIFICENT when it comes to all the accents!!!). Add the politics part and some family drama that is not overly dramatic but just the perfect amount of - I SIMPLY HAD THE BEST TIME WITH THIS STORY.
Congress woman (ex congress woman?) Izzy escapes the States after “a sex scandal with barely any sex” and goes to a little town in Umbria, Italy. She was there for a study abroad program and plans to settle there, regroup and find a job as a florist (in a town that doesn’t even have a flower shop). The place she rented turns out to be - Villa Florentino - happens to be mayor’s house. Enter the mayor - Benito. The story is packed with just perfect Italian vibes!
There is some family drama as well as political one.
Overall this book was highly entertaining. I loved the politics aspect, it kept the story interesting, especially mixed with Benito’s family “drama”.
Whole book is written in Izzy’s POV with 1st person narration.
It’s little to no spice romance. It’s def not open door, more like “fade to black” one.
While the romance is very much a part of the plot it’s not main-main focus so just a heads up if you’re expecting extremely romantic read.
The audiobook definitely elevated my reading experience. Audio performance is amazing, and all the accents, especially Italian ones gave very true and strong Italian setting vibes.
Audio duration: ~10h
Listening speed: 2x
Narrator: Anthea Greco (I’m adding her to my list of fav narrators!)
Go for it if you want a good time, highly entertaining, easy read that will make you smile.
I have a lot of highlights and at least half of them is for lines that made me smile.
Check out my reading activity for some of the quotes ;)
Also: let’s take a moment to appreciate the cover and the title!!!
March 15, 2026
This book made me want to catch a flight to Italy IMMEDIATELY! Such a fun debut novel! Thank you to the publisher,Keeperton/ Arndell, for an early copy of this book!
This book is so enjoyable. It’s definitely giving its take on Eat, Pray, Love. After being caught in scandal, Izzy needs a change of scenery and goes to Italy to get a grip on herself. This is marketed as Women’s Lit/ Romance.
First, I love the absolutely beautiful setting. Caitlin did such an amazing job painting a vibrant and beautiful picture of Italy. Everything is so vivid, I truly felt transported.
I don’t want to say too much about the characters and what they go through because I don’t want to spoil anything. But they were enjoyable and kept me engaged and wanting to continue to pick this book up.
I did find there to be some pacing issues. Some scenes felt rushed. I wish the ending would have lingered on a bit more. It left me wanting much more. Especially if we are going to also categorize this as a romance. It did lean heavily into the women’s lit genre, but didn’t feel like it quite hit its intended mark.
However, it is a quick read that would be perfect for a day at the beach or even snacking on a charcuterie board and sipping some wine.
3.5/5 stars
This book is so enjoyable. It’s definitely giving its take on Eat, Pray, Love. After being caught in scandal, Izzy needs a change of scenery and goes to Italy to get a grip on herself. This is marketed as Women’s Lit/ Romance.
First, I love the absolutely beautiful setting. Caitlin did such an amazing job painting a vibrant and beautiful picture of Italy. Everything is so vivid, I truly felt transported.
I don’t want to say too much about the characters and what they go through because I don’t want to spoil anything. But they were enjoyable and kept me engaged and wanting to continue to pick this book up.
I did find there to be some pacing issues. Some scenes felt rushed. I wish the ending would have lingered on a bit more. It left me wanting much more. Especially if we are going to also categorize this as a romance. It did lean heavily into the women’s lit genre, but didn’t feel like it quite hit its intended mark.
However, it is a quick read that would be perfect for a day at the beach or even snacking on a charcuterie board and sipping some wine.
3.5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Where to start with this review? Firstly this is absolutely a 5 star read for me. From the very first sentence I knew this was a top read!! The story, the world building just incredible.
I love the characters, they had so much charm to them. I love the story of how she's a woman in Congress among all the men and she was making a difference. I loved how, when it ended she didnt give up ,she chose herself and found love in a country she loved in college. I love how strong all the women that was in this book, and hiw they overcame injustice. #Benizzy love it!! Now I want to see Italy for myself lol
Also the audiobook was fire 🔥 It kept me glued to the book
Thank you to keeperton/arndell for allowing to read/listen and review and net-galley
I love the characters, they had so much charm to them. I love the story of how she's a woman in Congress among all the men and she was making a difference. I loved how, when it ended she didnt give up ,she chose herself and found love in a country she loved in college. I love how strong all the women that was in this book, and hiw they overcame injustice. #Benizzy love it!! Now I want to see Italy for myself lol
Also the audiobook was fire 🔥 It kept me glued to the book
Thank you to keeperton/arndell for allowing to read/listen and review and net-galley
March 22, 2026
4.25/5 stars
i absolutely loved this book! the narrator did an amazing job. i truly felt transported to italy while reading this! i also just loved izzy, the fmc. she was so relatable. i feel like every woman has a horror story of thinking they could trust a man and getting burnt & when it has to do with your career it’s so horrible. i was also absolutely obsessed with benito. he was exactly what izzy needed! he was so grumpy, but seeing him tear down his walls and let izzy in was so heartwarming. this was such a wonderful read!!
i absolutely loved this book! the narrator did an amazing job. i truly felt transported to italy while reading this! i also just loved izzy, the fmc. she was so relatable. i feel like every woman has a horror story of thinking they could trust a man and getting burnt & when it has to do with your career it’s so horrible. i was also absolutely obsessed with benito. he was exactly what izzy needed! he was so grumpy, but seeing him tear down his walls and let izzy in was so heartwarming. this was such a wonderful read!!
March 16, 2026
I present to you the newest Emily Henry: Caitlin Alice Gilbert. This book is so smart, hilarious, personable, and fun. This novel is like if the town of GILMORE GIRLS transported to a small town in Italy. I fell in love with Izzy and Benito, and I absolutely loved the humor in these pages. Caitlin is a debut author to watch closely. I haven’t been this invested in a rom com since reading THE WEDDING PEOPLE in 2024. So good.
March 19, 2026
Okay, this was giving allllll the romcom vibes! I feel like the book pokes fun at the ‘American woman trying to move to Italy and start over’ thing, but I love that plot so much! Paired with small bits of the political world, it made for such a fun read. I love how fierce Isabella is when she’s in her political element, and I enjoyed her stance on the world. Absolutely loved the small town setting! A great and quick read.
Thank you Arndell and Keeperton for the gifted copy!
Thank you Arndell and Keeperton for the gifted copy!
March 24, 2026
I absolutely loved this. I listed to the audio book and was hooked. The MFC was an intelligent woman who ran into some bad luck. She needed a reset and the MMC helped her do just that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fun read. I really enjoyed the story and the romance. Also this really made me want to go to Italy 🇮🇹 lol
Read
March 8, 2026After steamy text messages between US Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes and her rival candidate Levi Cross are leaked just before the election, Izzy’s reputation implodes and her political career comes crashing down. Desperate for a way to escape, she returns to the small Italian village of La Musa, where she travelled once a long time ago. While the Farentino family welcomes her with open arms, their grumpy son Benito (newly returned to take over as mayor) seems less than thrilled to have her there. Between small town politics, family drama, and a fight to save the village from a greedy development project, Izzy soon realises that running away from her life might not be as simple as she hoped.
First of all, a moment for Caitlin Alice Gilbert because this was such a unique and fun debut.
Izzy is a politician dealing with scandal, misogyny, and the fallout of a very public mistake, and I really appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from that reality. The way she’s treated by male colleagues and someone she once trusted was frustrating in the most real way.
The setting was absolutely one of my favourite parts of the book. The picturesque Italian village of La Musa felt so cozy and charming that it genuinely made me want to book a ticket to Italy immediately. The Farentino family (especially Anita) were all so sweet and welcoming, just what Izzy needed after everything she’d been through. And of course, right next door is Benito, the grumpy mayor who is dealing with his own complicated family drama after his father abruptly left town. Their dynamic gives that classic grumpy x sunshine tension, mixed with forced proximity and plenty of small-town chaos.
Between the political elements, the development conflict threatening the town, Benito’s issues with his father and past relationship, and Izzy figuring out what she actually wants out of life, the book kept me hooked the entire time. The audiobook narrator was amazing, and all I wanted to do was listen to this book (I did listen to it while playing a lot of Pokopia)!
Because both Izzy and Benito are dealing with so many personal struggles, their relationship sometimes felt like it took a backseat to everything else happening in the story. By the end, it felt like they were both still figuring themselves out individually, and I would have loved a little more time seeing them together once they’d reached a more stable place.
Overall though, this was a really enjoyable debut that balanced romance, personal redemption, family drama, and politics in a way that kept the story engaging without making the political side feel overwhelming.
If you enjoy romance with a bit of realism, slow-burn tension, and cozy small-town vibes—with a dash of political drama—this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for what Caitlin Alice Gilbert writes next.
💛 Forced Proximity
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🇮🇹 Cozy Italian Small Town
🧡 Political Romance
💛 Fresh Start / Reinvention
Thank you to Keeperton/Arndell Books for the eARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review!
First of all, a moment for Caitlin Alice Gilbert because this was such a unique and fun debut.
Izzy is a politician dealing with scandal, misogyny, and the fallout of a very public mistake, and I really appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from that reality. The way she’s treated by male colleagues and someone she once trusted was frustrating in the most real way.
The setting was absolutely one of my favourite parts of the book. The picturesque Italian village of La Musa felt so cozy and charming that it genuinely made me want to book a ticket to Italy immediately. The Farentino family (especially Anita) were all so sweet and welcoming, just what Izzy needed after everything she’d been through. And of course, right next door is Benito, the grumpy mayor who is dealing with his own complicated family drama after his father abruptly left town. Their dynamic gives that classic grumpy x sunshine tension, mixed with forced proximity and plenty of small-town chaos.
Between the political elements, the development conflict threatening the town, Benito’s issues with his father and past relationship, and Izzy figuring out what she actually wants out of life, the book kept me hooked the entire time. The audiobook narrator was amazing, and all I wanted to do was listen to this book (I did listen to it while playing a lot of Pokopia)!
Because both Izzy and Benito are dealing with so many personal struggles, their relationship sometimes felt like it took a backseat to everything else happening in the story. By the end, it felt like they were both still figuring themselves out individually, and I would have loved a little more time seeing them together once they’d reached a more stable place.
Overall though, this was a really enjoyable debut that balanced romance, personal redemption, family drama, and politics in a way that kept the story engaging without making the political side feel overwhelming.
If you enjoy romance with a bit of realism, slow-burn tension, and cozy small-town vibes—with a dash of political drama—this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for what Caitlin Alice Gilbert writes next.
💛 Forced Proximity
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🇮🇹 Cozy Italian Small Town
🧡 Political Romance
💛 Fresh Start / Reinvention
Thank you to Keeperton/Arndell Books for the eARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Everything is falling apart in the most public, humiliating way possible, and instead of fixing it, we’re romanticizing the wreckage with a one-way ticket to Italy—honestly, the drama of it all. Reviewing La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert. Published by Keeperton Audiobooks | Arndell—huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC and ALC.
This story drops you straight into scandal and never really lets you settle, which I appreciated. Izzy’s life doesn’t just crack—it implodes—and what follows isn’t some perfectly packaged reinvention. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and full of second-guessing. She runs to La Musa thinking distance will fix things, but instead she’s forced to sit with herself… which might be worse.
The Italian village setting is everything you want it to be: warm, chaotic, a little nosy, and completely charming. It wraps around Izzy like a soft place to land, even when she doesn’t quite know how to exist in it yet. The side characters bring so much life to the story, and the sense of found family really carries the emotional weight.
Benito starts off firmly in his grumpy era, but what makes him work is that he’s not just there to be the love interest. He has his own baggage, his own responsibilities, and his own complicated relationship with the town. Their dynamic feels grounded—less fantasy, more “two people figuring it out in real time.”
What stood out most is how the book handles identity. Izzy isn’t just recovering from a scandal—she’s grieving the version of herself she thought she’d be. And that thread runs deeper than the romance, which I really liked.
And the audiobook? So well done. Anthea Greco brings an incredible level of nuance to the narration. From the subtle emotional shifts to the distinct character voices and accents, it never feels flat or repetitive. It actually enhances the story, especially in those quieter, introspective moments where Izzy is spiraling internally. It’s the kind of performance that makes you want to keep listening just one more chapter.
“Love makes me strong… even when I don’t know if it loves me back.”
That line hit harder than expected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This is for readers who want more than just a love story. If you like character-driven books, small-town charm, a bit of chaos, and a main character who feels real instead of perfect, this one’s worth picking up—especially in audio.
So what would you do—disappear somewhere beautiful to start over, or face everything head-on where you are?
#LaDolceVeto #BookReview #NetGalley #AudiobookReview #WomensFiction #RomanceReads #ARCReview #Bookstagram #CozyReads #ItalySetting #SlowBurnRomance #FoundFamily #ReadersOfInstagram
This story drops you straight into scandal and never really lets you settle, which I appreciated. Izzy’s life doesn’t just crack—it implodes—and what follows isn’t some perfectly packaged reinvention. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and full of second-guessing. She runs to La Musa thinking distance will fix things, but instead she’s forced to sit with herself… which might be worse.
The Italian village setting is everything you want it to be: warm, chaotic, a little nosy, and completely charming. It wraps around Izzy like a soft place to land, even when she doesn’t quite know how to exist in it yet. The side characters bring so much life to the story, and the sense of found family really carries the emotional weight.
Benito starts off firmly in his grumpy era, but what makes him work is that he’s not just there to be the love interest. He has his own baggage, his own responsibilities, and his own complicated relationship with the town. Their dynamic feels grounded—less fantasy, more “two people figuring it out in real time.”
What stood out most is how the book handles identity. Izzy isn’t just recovering from a scandal—she’s grieving the version of herself she thought she’d be. And that thread runs deeper than the romance, which I really liked.
And the audiobook? So well done. Anthea Greco brings an incredible level of nuance to the narration. From the subtle emotional shifts to the distinct character voices and accents, it never feels flat or repetitive. It actually enhances the story, especially in those quieter, introspective moments where Izzy is spiraling internally. It’s the kind of performance that makes you want to keep listening just one more chapter.
“Love makes me strong… even when I don’t know if it loves me back.”
That line hit harder than expected.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This is for readers who want more than just a love story. If you like character-driven books, small-town charm, a bit of chaos, and a main character who feels real instead of perfect, this one’s worth picking up—especially in audio.
So what would you do—disappear somewhere beautiful to start over, or face everything head-on where you are?
#LaDolceVeto #BookReview #NetGalley #AudiobookReview #WomensFiction #RomanceReads #ARCReview #Bookstagram #CozyReads #ItalySetting #SlowBurnRomance #FoundFamily #ReadersOfInstagram
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
La Dolce Veto is an easy read, very ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ coded. It even mentions EPL and women on soul-searching missions in different countries, so it was intentional, and I am totally here for it, because who doesn’t wish they could just escape their current life to Italy?
I think it’s a huge miss to throw this into the Women’s Lit category, as it’s setting expectations for huge character growth and this massive arc that doesn’t really happen here. BUT! I think this very much fits in the romance category, and maybe even romcom because of the pacing. Which is totally fine by me because I love that genre.
All of that to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really appreciate the commentary on the double standards faced by women in politics and the public eye. The Farentino family is everything you expect and want, full of life, opinions, and personality. They really shone in this story.
Izzy is easy to love, but she feels younger than she is because of many of her responses and insecurities. They just didn’t feel authentic to me for someone who has spent their entire life pursuing a career in politics.
The romance here is sweet, with fade-to-black scenes that keep this story from tipping over into a spicy romance. I think that’s a smart choice given the plot and storyline, but I do wish I felt more tension and yearning between Izzy and Benito.
My only gripe about this was that I didn’t love the ending. For romance, it was a little lackluster in terms of how the relationship comes together, it just didn’t crackle the way it should. For Women’s Lit, the character growth is too weak because she very surface-level realized she was made for politics, needs to believe in herself, and stop caring so much about the opinions of others. That’s not transformative enough for the genre.
I’d recommend this book for people looking for an easy beach read, I think it will find it’s proper audience.
Our narrator, Anthea Greco, did a phenomenal job! There are multiple accents, ages, genders, etc represented here and she did such a wonderful job at making them unique, creating an immersive experience!
Thank you to NetGalley, Keeperton Audiobooks | Arndell, and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for an early copy of this audiobook!
I think it’s a huge miss to throw this into the Women’s Lit category, as it’s setting expectations for huge character growth and this massive arc that doesn’t really happen here. BUT! I think this very much fits in the romance category, and maybe even romcom because of the pacing. Which is totally fine by me because I love that genre.
All of that to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really appreciate the commentary on the double standards faced by women in politics and the public eye. The Farentino family is everything you expect and want, full of life, opinions, and personality. They really shone in this story.
Izzy is easy to love, but she feels younger than she is because of many of her responses and insecurities. They just didn’t feel authentic to me for someone who has spent their entire life pursuing a career in politics.
The romance here is sweet, with fade-to-black scenes that keep this story from tipping over into a spicy romance. I think that’s a smart choice given the plot and storyline, but I do wish I felt more tension and yearning between Izzy and Benito.
My only gripe about this was that I didn’t love the ending. For romance, it was a little lackluster in terms of how the relationship comes together, it just didn’t crackle the way it should. For Women’s Lit, the character growth is too weak because she very surface-level realized she was made for politics, needs to believe in herself, and stop caring so much about the opinions of others. That’s not transformative enough for the genre.
I’d recommend this book for people looking for an easy beach read, I think it will find it’s proper audience.
Our narrator, Anthea Greco, did a phenomenal job! There are multiple accents, ages, genders, etc represented here and she did such a wonderful job at making them unique, creating an immersive experience!
Thank you to NetGalley, Keeperton Audiobooks | Arndell, and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for an early copy of this audiobook!
March 9, 2026
La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert
5 ⭐️ | 1 🌶️
Thank you to Keeperton and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
All – this will be your next vacation read. It is sweet, romantic, and the FMC is hilariously relatable. I haven’t ventured outside of romantasy, historical romance, or dark romance in years, but this book reminded me just how fun, charming, and delightfully silly a good romance can be.
After a late-night text turns into a full-blown political scandal, Isabella—one of the youngest congresswomen—watches her career implode overnight. With nothing left tying her down in the states, she books a one-way ticket to La Musa, a small Italian town she once loved during her study abroad days. This is her reset and a time for her to relax, drink wine and explore life outside of politics.
But La Musa isn’t quite how she remembers it—quieter, sleepier, and far less touristy. She settles into Villa Farentino, where the warm and wonderful Anita welcomes her with open arms (and plenty of home-cooked meals). The only problem? Anita’s son Benito. He’s the town’s newly elected mayor, decidedly unimpressed with Izzy, and convinced she’s just another American trying to Eat, Pray, Love her way across Europe.
As Izzy falls for the town’s charming streets and tight-knit, mostly women-owned businesses, she’s horrified to learn Benito’s plan to modernize La Musa with luxury hotels and big upgrades—changes that could force beloved local shops to close their doors. Suddenly, her quiet escape turns into something much bigger… and a clash with the very mayor she’s stuck living with.
La DolceVeto serves us more than just a swoony, soft enemies-to-lovers romance—it’s a delicious story about staying true to yourself, carving your own path, and having the courage to stand up for what’s right. The fact that this is Caitlin’s debut novel is honestly wild. If this is her starting point, I cannot wait to see what she cooks up next—because I will 100% be back for more.
5 ⭐️ | 1 🌶️
Thank you to Keeperton and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
All – this will be your next vacation read. It is sweet, romantic, and the FMC is hilariously relatable. I haven’t ventured outside of romantasy, historical romance, or dark romance in years, but this book reminded me just how fun, charming, and delightfully silly a good romance can be.
After a late-night text turns into a full-blown political scandal, Isabella—one of the youngest congresswomen—watches her career implode overnight. With nothing left tying her down in the states, she books a one-way ticket to La Musa, a small Italian town she once loved during her study abroad days. This is her reset and a time for her to relax, drink wine and explore life outside of politics.
But La Musa isn’t quite how she remembers it—quieter, sleepier, and far less touristy. She settles into Villa Farentino, where the warm and wonderful Anita welcomes her with open arms (and plenty of home-cooked meals). The only problem? Anita’s son Benito. He’s the town’s newly elected mayor, decidedly unimpressed with Izzy, and convinced she’s just another American trying to Eat, Pray, Love her way across Europe.
As Izzy falls for the town’s charming streets and tight-knit, mostly women-owned businesses, she’s horrified to learn Benito’s plan to modernize La Musa with luxury hotels and big upgrades—changes that could force beloved local shops to close their doors. Suddenly, her quiet escape turns into something much bigger… and a clash with the very mayor she’s stuck living with.
La DolceVeto serves us more than just a swoony, soft enemies-to-lovers romance—it’s a delicious story about staying true to yourself, carving your own path, and having the courage to stand up for what’s right. The fact that this is Caitlin’s debut novel is honestly wild. If this is her starting point, I cannot wait to see what she cooks up next—because I will 100% be back for more.
March 23, 2026
La Dolce Veto tells the story of a woman who becomes the victim of a scandal caused by her ex-situationship/friend. As a result, she chooses to give up her political career ambitions. She then moves to a small town in Italy, where she begins to rediscover herself while navigating a community dealing with its own struggles. There, she meets Benito, a man who challenges her perceptions and helps her see her situation in a new light.
I truly loved this story and the way it unfolded. At first, I was worried it wouldn’t be deep enough to fully explore the characters’ development, their relationships, and the resolution of their struggles. However, Caitilin Alice Gilbert managed to do so in a way that felt inspiring, thoughtful, and engaging.
The beginning is striking, especially with its feminist themes. Throughout the story, we witness the obstacles and realities faced by women, which adds an important layer of depth. The ending is particularly inspiring and offers hope to women who want to reclaim their power in a society that is still not fully equal.
I absolutely loved Izzy. She is a brilliant, determined woman with a strong personality that allows her to stand her ground and speak her mind. At the same time, she has a softer, more vulnerable side. She is a dreamer who isn’t afraid to express her feelings, fears, and doubts. Benito, on the other hand, remains somewhat mysterious. He is deeply protective of those he loves, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
I also really appreciated the development and evolution of both characters; it felt genuine and touching. I especially enjoyed that the story doesn’t end with everything perfectly resolved. Instead, it embraces uncertainty, showing characters who are still questioning their future, which made the ending feel more realistic and meaningful.
I truly loved this story and the way it unfolded. At first, I was worried it wouldn’t be deep enough to fully explore the characters’ development, their relationships, and the resolution of their struggles. However, Caitilin Alice Gilbert managed to do so in a way that felt inspiring, thoughtful, and engaging.
The beginning is striking, especially with its feminist themes. Throughout the story, we witness the obstacles and realities faced by women, which adds an important layer of depth. The ending is particularly inspiring and offers hope to women who want to reclaim their power in a society that is still not fully equal.
I absolutely loved Izzy. She is a brilliant, determined woman with a strong personality that allows her to stand her ground and speak her mind. At the same time, she has a softer, more vulnerable side. She is a dreamer who isn’t afraid to express her feelings, fears, and doubts. Benito, on the other hand, remains somewhat mysterious. He is deeply protective of those he loves, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
I also really appreciated the development and evolution of both characters; it felt genuine and touching. I especially enjoyed that the story doesn’t end with everything perfectly resolved. Instead, it embraces uncertainty, showing characters who are still questioning their future, which made the ending feel more realistic and meaningful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert was such a lovely story. It follows our FMC, a woman politician dealing with an incredible loss, one that hits both personally and politically. After having her dreams and heart trampled on, she leaves for Italy on a journey to reset and begin again.
One of the things I loved most about this story is that the FMC is a strong, caring woman who uses her voice to stand up for what is right. It felt like the author really anchored her in the knowingness of her life’s work and the courage of her heart. Being a woman in politics is already incredibly challenging, and the story reflects many of the realities women face that their male counterparts often don’t. That layer of authenticity gave the story a relatability that I really appreciated as a woman, and as someone who cares deeply about the world and the people in it. I found myself loving the FMC from the very beginning.
Her journey takes her through Italy as she explores the country, but she’s also inadvertently exploring her own vulnerabilities and the events that led her to this moment in her life.
The supporting characters bring charm and add depth to the overall pulse of the story. There are some enemies to lovers, slow burn vibes woven in, and I thought the unfolding of the romantic elements was incredibly sweet.
Both the FMC and MMC are on paths of growth, and witnessing those moments felt endearing and added even more heart to the story.
In many ways, the story blossoms like a lotus flower. From the muck, something truly beautiful blooms. I loved it.
I received this book as an ALC. All the opinions above are entirely my own. Thank you to the author, Caitlin Alice Gilbert and Keeperton for this audiobook.
One of the things I loved most about this story is that the FMC is a strong, caring woman who uses her voice to stand up for what is right. It felt like the author really anchored her in the knowingness of her life’s work and the courage of her heart. Being a woman in politics is already incredibly challenging, and the story reflects many of the realities women face that their male counterparts often don’t. That layer of authenticity gave the story a relatability that I really appreciated as a woman, and as someone who cares deeply about the world and the people in it. I found myself loving the FMC from the very beginning.
Her journey takes her through Italy as she explores the country, but she’s also inadvertently exploring her own vulnerabilities and the events that led her to this moment in her life.
The supporting characters bring charm and add depth to the overall pulse of the story. There are some enemies to lovers, slow burn vibes woven in, and I thought the unfolding of the romantic elements was incredibly sweet.
Both the FMC and MMC are on paths of growth, and witnessing those moments felt endearing and added even more heart to the story.
In many ways, the story blossoms like a lotus flower. From the muck, something truly beautiful blooms. I loved it.
I received this book as an ALC. All the opinions above are entirely my own. Thank you to the author, Caitlin Alice Gilbert and Keeperton for this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC (3.75⭐️)
Review of La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert 🇮🇹❤️
This was such a fun and immersive read! From the very beginning, I was completely swept away by the Italian setting - honestly, it made me want to book a flight, drink all the wine, and eat all the pasta!!!🍝🍷✈️
The story follows Izzy, a rising US Congresswoman whose career crashes after a very public scandal, sending her fleeing to a small Italian village to reset and rediscover herself. What I loved most was how the book balanced that “starting over” trope with deeper themes of identity, redemption, and choosing the life you actually want.
The setting was definitely a standout. The small-town Italian vibes felt so vivid and cosy, and the stakes around saving the town from development added an extra layer to the story that made it more than just a romance.
And speaking of romance… I loved the dynamic between Izzy and Benito. You’ve got that grumpy mayor energy mixed with forced proximity, and it just works. Their tension and growth felt natural, and I appreciated that the relationship didn’t feel rushed (HELLO SLOW BURN)🔥
That said, there were moments (especially towards the end) where Izzy’s choices got a little frustrating. But honestly, it added to her realism, and I liked seeing her growth by the time everything wrapped up.
Overall, this is such a strong debut. It’s equal parts escapist, emotional, and romantic, with a setting that completely steals the show. If you love small town romance, a bit of drama, and a “finding yourself” journey, this is definitely one to add to your list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️ (3.75 stars)
La Dolce Veto is out 7th April.
Thank you to Caitlin Alice Gilbert, Arndell, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert 🇮🇹❤️
This was such a fun and immersive read! From the very beginning, I was completely swept away by the Italian setting - honestly, it made me want to book a flight, drink all the wine, and eat all the pasta!!!🍝🍷✈️
The story follows Izzy, a rising US Congresswoman whose career crashes after a very public scandal, sending her fleeing to a small Italian village to reset and rediscover herself. What I loved most was how the book balanced that “starting over” trope with deeper themes of identity, redemption, and choosing the life you actually want.
The setting was definitely a standout. The small-town Italian vibes felt so vivid and cosy, and the stakes around saving the town from development added an extra layer to the story that made it more than just a romance.
And speaking of romance… I loved the dynamic between Izzy and Benito. You’ve got that grumpy mayor energy mixed with forced proximity, and it just works. Their tension and growth felt natural, and I appreciated that the relationship didn’t feel rushed (HELLO SLOW BURN)🔥
That said, there were moments (especially towards the end) where Izzy’s choices got a little frustrating. But honestly, it added to her realism, and I liked seeing her growth by the time everything wrapped up.
Overall, this is such a strong debut. It’s equal parts escapist, emotional, and romantic, with a setting that completely steals the show. If you love small town romance, a bit of drama, and a “finding yourself” journey, this is definitely one to add to your list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️ (3.75 stars)
La Dolce Veto is out 7th April.
Thank you to Caitlin Alice Gilbert, Arndell, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
La Dolce Veto is a book about surviving scandal, finding renewed purpose in life, and being able to open one's heart up to love. I felt that what Izzy Rhodes went through in the prologue was pretty accurate of what women have gone through in real life and it angered me. The way that she was treated by male colleagues and someone she thought she had loved, left an extremely sour taste. Despite the way the book started, it did get better for Izzy. I felt that the way Benito's family opened up their home to Izzy, was exactly what she needed despite the less than welcoming attitude from Benito. While the move to Italy seemed to have been a way to escape from the media attention surrounding her scandal, it ended up being just the push she needed to return to what she did best, helping people.
Overall, I thought that this was definitely a story about redeeming oneself. I felt that each character's development was well written. I do wish there was more background into Benito and Sutton's relationship as this did play a big part in Benito's character arc. I also felt that certain parts of the story were a bit rushed when they shouldn't have been. Despite all this, the story kept me hooked and I was satisfied with the ending. This definitely gives romcom. The backdrop of Italy made it feel like a version of Under the Tuscan Sun.
When it comes to who I would recommend this book to, I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a bit of realism in their fiction. I would also recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance with forced proximity and slow burn tension.
Thank you Keeperton | Arndell for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, I thought that this was definitely a story about redeeming oneself. I felt that each character's development was well written. I do wish there was more background into Benito and Sutton's relationship as this did play a big part in Benito's character arc. I also felt that certain parts of the story were a bit rushed when they shouldn't have been. Despite all this, the story kept me hooked and I was satisfied with the ending. This definitely gives romcom. The backdrop of Italy made it feel like a version of Under the Tuscan Sun.
When it comes to who I would recommend this book to, I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a bit of realism in their fiction. I would also recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance with forced proximity and slow burn tension.
Thank you Keeperton | Arndell for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isabella Rhodes heads to a sleepy town in Italy to escape a sexting scandal that led to the loss of her Congressional seat. She has no idea what's next for her, but what she does know is that she wants to leave politics (and the inherent misogyny of it) and the pitfalls of public life behind. And an affair with a sexy Italian stranger wouldn't hurt either.
What Izzy actually finds in Italy, though? It's way more than she bargained for.
I went into this thinking it was an "America woman moves to Italy to find love" story, but what I got was a story about self-love, determination, and the power of women lifting each other up. The feminism and "women helping women" vibes of this book are perfection. And I adored how La Musa was illustrated so well that it seemed almost like another character in the story.
While the actual love story in this book felt like a bit of a subplot, that worked for me. More than being a romance, this was a book about a woman hell-bent on losing herself in La Musa who ends up finding her spark again instead. And I ate it up.
In fact, I was so caught up in the story I was bouncing back and forth between audio and ebook copies so I didn't have to stop reading. The audiobook was well-narrated by Anthea Greco. She handles the multiple voices and accents well, and I enjoyed her pacing.
Read if you like:
★ Forced proximity
★ Found family vibes
★ Grumpy × sunshine
★ Cozy Italian small town
★ Strong FMC
★ Mild political scandal
★ Light spice
4⭐️/5
Thank you to Keeperton/Arndell, NetGalley and the author for gifted eARC and ALC copies. All opinions are my own.
What Izzy actually finds in Italy, though? It's way more than she bargained for.
I went into this thinking it was an "America woman moves to Italy to find love" story, but what I got was a story about self-love, determination, and the power of women lifting each other up. The feminism and "women helping women" vibes of this book are perfection. And I adored how La Musa was illustrated so well that it seemed almost like another character in the story.
While the actual love story in this book felt like a bit of a subplot, that worked for me. More than being a romance, this was a book about a woman hell-bent on losing herself in La Musa who ends up finding her spark again instead. And I ate it up.
In fact, I was so caught up in the story I was bouncing back and forth between audio and ebook copies so I didn't have to stop reading. The audiobook was well-narrated by Anthea Greco. She handles the multiple voices and accents well, and I enjoyed her pacing.
Read if you like:
★ Forced proximity
★ Found family vibes
★ Grumpy × sunshine
★ Cozy Italian small town
★ Strong FMC
★ Mild political scandal
★ Light spice
4⭐️/5
Thank you to Keeperton/Arndell, NetGalley and the author for gifted eARC and ALC copies. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🇬🇧
I decided to request this book because it was set in Italy. As an Italian, I HAD TO READ IT.
I started this book this morning and couldn't put it down. I immediately connected with the writing and the plot, though the fact that it was only from a POV broke my heart (BUT IT RECOVERED HUGELY).
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found Izzy's growth to be very progressive and meaningful. It taught me many important lessons, and I recommend it to anyone who feels lost and defeated, stuck in limbo. It's a story about rebirth and awareness. What especially struck me was the concept of learning to "accept" defeats, gaining more strength and self-awareness from them
🇮🇹
Ho deciso di richiedere questo libro ispirata dal fatto che fosse ambientata in Italia, da italiana DOVEVO LEGGERLO
Ho iniziato questo libro stamattina, non sono riuscita a posarlo. Ho avuto un click immediato con la scrittura e anche con la trama, anche se il fatto che fosse un solo pov mi ha spezzato il cuore (MA HA RECUPERATO ALLA GRANDE).
Nel complesso mi è piaciuto questo libro, ho trovato che la crescita di Izzy sia stata molto progressiva e significativa. Mi ha lasciato dentro molte lezioni importanti e lo consiglio a chiunque si senta "perso" e "sconfitto", fermo in un limbo. È una storia che parla di rinascita e consapevolezza.
Mi è rimasta impresso sopratutto il concetto di imparare ad "accettare" le sconfitte, prendere più forza e autoconsapevolezza da esse
I decided to request this book because it was set in Italy. As an Italian, I HAD TO READ IT.
I started this book this morning and couldn't put it down. I immediately connected with the writing and the plot, though the fact that it was only from a POV broke my heart (BUT IT RECOVERED HUGELY).
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found Izzy's growth to be very progressive and meaningful. It taught me many important lessons, and I recommend it to anyone who feels lost and defeated, stuck in limbo. It's a story about rebirth and awareness. What especially struck me was the concept of learning to "accept" defeats, gaining more strength and self-awareness from them
🇮🇹
Ho deciso di richiedere questo libro ispirata dal fatto che fosse ambientata in Italia, da italiana DOVEVO LEGGERLO
Ho iniziato questo libro stamattina, non sono riuscita a posarlo. Ho avuto un click immediato con la scrittura e anche con la trama, anche se il fatto che fosse un solo pov mi ha spezzato il cuore (MA HA RECUPERATO ALLA GRANDE).
Nel complesso mi è piaciuto questo libro, ho trovato che la crescita di Izzy sia stata molto progressiva e significativa. Mi ha lasciato dentro molte lezioni importanti e lo consiglio a chiunque si senta "perso" e "sconfitto", fermo in un limbo. È una storia che parla di rinascita e consapevolezza.
Mi è rimasta impresso sopratutto il concetto di imparare ad "accettare" le sconfitte, prendere più forza e autoconsapevolezza da esse
March 17, 2026
4.25 stars
What a fantastic debut from Caitlin Alice Gilbert! I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anthea Greco, and she absolutely elevated the experience. Her voice is so engaging, and she did an incredible job distinguishing between the various characters, accents, and personalities. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is definitely one to add to your list.
This story made me want to book a flight to Italy immediately. It’s such a fun, escapist read with beautiful atmosphere and charm. The plot follows Izzy, a fierce and determined FMC who, after being caught in a scandal that derails her political career, escapes to Italy to regroup and figure out her next steps. It definitely gives its own spin on Eat, Pray, Love vibes, with a mix of self-discovery, romance, and a touch of drama.
I really loved the storyline and especially Izzy as a character, her strength and determination made her easy to root for. That said, my one gripe was the ending. Since this is marketed as women’s fiction/romance, I found the romantic resolution a bit lackluster. It didn’t quite have the spark or payoff I was hoping for.
Even so, I still found this book completely addictive. I was fully immersed from start to finish, and the narration only enhanced that experience. Anthea Greco truly brought the story to life with a dynamic and engaging performance across multiple voices and tones.
Overall, a fun and compelling debut that I’d absolutely recommend, especially in audio format!
What a fantastic debut from Caitlin Alice Gilbert! I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anthea Greco, and she absolutely elevated the experience. Her voice is so engaging, and she did an incredible job distinguishing between the various characters, accents, and personalities. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is definitely one to add to your list.
This story made me want to book a flight to Italy immediately. It’s such a fun, escapist read with beautiful atmosphere and charm. The plot follows Izzy, a fierce and determined FMC who, after being caught in a scandal that derails her political career, escapes to Italy to regroup and figure out her next steps. It definitely gives its own spin on Eat, Pray, Love vibes, with a mix of self-discovery, romance, and a touch of drama.
I really loved the storyline and especially Izzy as a character, her strength and determination made her easy to root for. That said, my one gripe was the ending. Since this is marketed as women’s fiction/romance, I found the romantic resolution a bit lackluster. It didn’t quite have the spark or payoff I was hoping for.
Even so, I still found this book completely addictive. I was fully immersed from start to finish, and the narration only enhanced that experience. Anthea Greco truly brought the story to life with a dynamic and engaging performance across multiple voices and tones.
Overall, a fun and compelling debut that I’d absolutely recommend, especially in audio format!
March 18, 2026
Thank you Netgalley, Keeperton and Arndell for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
3.25
This was a fun summer romance! The author makes the reader travel to Italy through her vivid descriptions and lovely characters. I had a fun time reading!
This novel is very low-angst and low-tension which is not my favorite but definitely perfect for a cozy read. I was very invested at the beginning but the story lost me in the middle. I wasn't very invested in their relationship and thought they could have had more chemistry. I did not see much romantic development in their relationship and especially towards the end, it was very back and forth, giving me whiplash. There wasn't much romantic connection between our love interests sadly and the conflicts were solved very quickly. I found myself a bit bored at times.
I did love the side characters! I found them very charming and they really added to the overall atmosphere of the small Italian town. I also liked the political aspects, though I felt they were a bit rushed and took over the romantic plot; there could have been a better balance between the romance and the political plot. I found the characters' arcs were not completely tied at the end and their growth could have been more detailed.
I did really like the writing! I found it refreshing.
Overall, a cute fun read for when you need to escape reality and go on a trip to Italy!
3.25
This was a fun summer romance! The author makes the reader travel to Italy through her vivid descriptions and lovely characters. I had a fun time reading!
This novel is very low-angst and low-tension which is not my favorite but definitely perfect for a cozy read. I was very invested at the beginning but the story lost me in the middle. I wasn't very invested in their relationship and thought they could have had more chemistry. I did not see much romantic development in their relationship and especially towards the end, it was very back and forth, giving me whiplash. There wasn't much romantic connection between our love interests sadly and the conflicts were solved very quickly. I found myself a bit bored at times.
I did love the side characters! I found them very charming and they really added to the overall atmosphere of the small Italian town. I also liked the political aspects, though I felt they were a bit rushed and took over the romantic plot; there could have been a better balance between the romance and the political plot. I found the characters' arcs were not completely tied at the end and their growth could have been more detailed.
I did really like the writing! I found it refreshing.
Overall, a cute fun read for when you need to escape reality and go on a trip to Italy!
March 18, 2026
🎧📖 La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert
Audiobook ALC
Release date: April 7th
This story completely surprised me in the best way. La Dolce Veto follows disgraced U.S. Congresswoman Isabella Izzy after a public scandal ends her political career. Looking for space to heal, she escapes to a small Italian village she once loved only to find herself pulled into local politics, a fight to protect the town from greedy development, and an unexpected connection with the grumpy new mayor, Benito.
The cover immediately caught my eye, but this book is so much more than a pretty cover. I really enjoyed the political aspect of the story, it’s not something I’ve read often in romance, and it added depth without overpowering the love story. The Italian setting and close knit family dynamics were such a highlight; everyone felt warm, welcoming, and full of heart.
I really enjoyed the audio. The narrator did a fantastic job and kept me engaged the entire time. The pacing was great and easy to follow, which made this a fun and immersive listen.
My only small critique is that I wished the ending gave us a little more.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging listen filled with second chances, self discovery, and summer in Italy vibes 🇮🇹✨
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
💛 Thank you to Keeperton, Arndell, NetGalley, and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for the review copy and the opportunity to be part of the ARC team.
Audiobook ALC
Release date: April 7th
This story completely surprised me in the best way. La Dolce Veto follows disgraced U.S. Congresswoman Isabella Izzy after a public scandal ends her political career. Looking for space to heal, she escapes to a small Italian village she once loved only to find herself pulled into local politics, a fight to protect the town from greedy development, and an unexpected connection with the grumpy new mayor, Benito.
The cover immediately caught my eye, but this book is so much more than a pretty cover. I really enjoyed the political aspect of the story, it’s not something I’ve read often in romance, and it added depth without overpowering the love story. The Italian setting and close knit family dynamics were such a highlight; everyone felt warm, welcoming, and full of heart.
I really enjoyed the audio. The narrator did a fantastic job and kept me engaged the entire time. The pacing was great and easy to follow, which made this a fun and immersive listen.
My only small critique is that I wished the ending gave us a little more.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging listen filled with second chances, self discovery, and summer in Italy vibes 🇮🇹✨
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
💛 Thank you to Keeperton, Arndell, NetGalley, and Caitlin Alice Gilbert for the review copy and the opportunity to be part of the ARC team.
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