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Adventure Weddings #3
An Italian Island Love Story
A BRAND NEW sun-soaked Italian summer romance for fans of Sarah Morgan, Mandy Baggot and Jill Mansell 🇮🇹💖 When wedding planner Toni Goschl arrives on the sun-drenched Tuscan island of Elba, she can’t wait to finally meet her online friend Gabri in person. There’s only one small problem… instead of the female florist she’d been expecting, waiting for her is heartbreakingly handsome, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, Gabriele Orzati. With only a week to go until the beach-front wedding Toni and Gabri are working on, they decide to make the best of an awkward situation and spend the time together as planned.
For seven unforgettable days, as Toni gets to know the breathtaking island – and the open-hearted man who calls Elba home – she finds it increasingly difficult, in the close quarters of Gabri’s clifftop villa, to resist turning their friendship into something more.
But Toni and Gabri both have heartache in their pasts, complex lives and commitments and as the week of the wedding gathers pace, real life swims back into focus. When the time comes for Toni to head home, there’s only one question she will have to answer - can a romance begun under the dreamy Italian sun ever become a happily-ever-after?
Let Leonie Mack whisk you away on the perfect summer escape full of sunshine, romance and Italian dreams. Not to be missed by fans of Jill Mansell, Mandy Baggot and Sarah Morgan.
Readers love Leonie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Hugely enjoyable romance set against a gorgeous backdrop. Loved the unique mix of weddings and adventure.’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The setting was glorious, I so love the beautiful locations and fascinating activities we are treated to in a Leonie Mack story. The story was fast paced with lots of interesting emotions being shared. The enforced proximity trope gave their relationship extra sparkle. And at times it really did sizzle!’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this book, which exceeded my expectations. It’s a fun & ultimately optimistic story about love & second chances. I would recommend it as a good summer read, or an escape to read during the colder days of winter.’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read, with a hint of spice, and a shed load of precarious situations where there is a second chance, close proximity and one-bed tropes explored!’ Reader review
Authors love Leonie
‘The perfect summer adventure!' Jennifer Bibby
'As funny as it is emotional, the story is full of tender moments and hilarious escapades as the pair travel across Europe – Leonie Mack creates a fabulous sense of place.' Helen Hawkins
'A wonderfully escapist read about second chances.' Carryl Church
‘I love her beautiful settings and brooding heroes!' Sarah Bennett
'A masterclass in how to put characters in near-impossible situations and bring them out on the other side in a totally believable way. A treat of a book – knotty premise, vivid characters and deft plot all equally good.
For seven unforgettable days, as Toni gets to know the breathtaking island – and the open-hearted man who calls Elba home – she finds it increasingly difficult, in the close quarters of Gabri’s clifftop villa, to resist turning their friendship into something more.
But Toni and Gabri both have heartache in their pasts, complex lives and commitments and as the week of the wedding gathers pace, real life swims back into focus. When the time comes for Toni to head home, there’s only one question she will have to answer - can a romance begun under the dreamy Italian sun ever become a happily-ever-after?
Let Leonie Mack whisk you away on the perfect summer escape full of sunshine, romance and Italian dreams. Not to be missed by fans of Jill Mansell, Mandy Baggot and Sarah Morgan.
Readers love Leonie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Hugely enjoyable romance set against a gorgeous backdrop. Loved the unique mix of weddings and adventure.’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The setting was glorious, I so love the beautiful locations and fascinating activities we are treated to in a Leonie Mack story. The story was fast paced with lots of interesting emotions being shared. The enforced proximity trope gave their relationship extra sparkle. And at times it really did sizzle!’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this book, which exceeded my expectations. It’s a fun & ultimately optimistic story about love & second chances. I would recommend it as a good summer read, or an escape to read during the colder days of winter.’ Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read, with a hint of spice, and a shed load of precarious situations where there is a second chance, close proximity and one-bed tropes explored!’ Reader review
Authors love Leonie
‘The perfect summer adventure!' Jennifer Bibby
'As funny as it is emotional, the story is full of tender moments and hilarious escapades as the pair travel across Europe – Leonie Mack creates a fabulous sense of place.' Helen Hawkins
'A wonderfully escapist read about second chances.' Carryl Church
‘I love her beautiful settings and brooding heroes!' Sarah Bennett
'A masterclass in how to put characters in near-impossible situations and bring them out on the other side in a totally believable way. A treat of a book – knotty premise, vivid characters and deft plot all equally good.
- GenresRomance
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Leonie Mack
17 books231 followersAfter leaving Australia ‘for a year’, Leonie never went home and now travels across Europe jotting down love stories wherever she goes. She has a degree in languages and is an expert at taking public transport and travelling under her own steam on foot or by bike. ‘Home’ is now in central Germany, in the vineyards along the Main river, where she spends her time writing happy endings in English and speaking German with bad grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 4, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Italy, sea and sun, nature and nice attention on detail make it everything right about this book. But the lack of general feeling in the writing, too fast paced without the necessary world building and chaos without resolution made me struggle with reading this. There's nothing wrong about the story, it just simply wasn't for me.
Overall, I give this book 2 stars.
Italy, sea and sun, nature and nice attention on detail make it everything right about this book. But the lack of general feeling in the writing, too fast paced without the necessary world building and chaos without resolution made me struggle with reading this. There's nothing wrong about the story, it just simply wasn't for me.
Overall, I give this book 2 stars.
April 29, 2026
This novel was a surprise for me. I saw the cute cover and I’ve read quite a few good Boldwood romances over the past couple of years. This one was also good, but also very different. It wasn’t just sun and sand and kissing. It was more of a deep-sea dive into emotions and self-image, how we see ourselves and our families before love, and how we have to relearn how to see ourselves in our new relationships. Wow, what an emotional journey.
If you like romances that dig deep into the human heart, this is definitely the novel for you! The author did a really good job of integrating these characters’ lives into the story, while simultaneously plotting a really satisfying ending.
If you like romances that dig deep into the human heart, this is definitely the novel for you! The author did a really good job of integrating these characters’ lives into the story, while simultaneously plotting a really satisfying ending.
April 28, 2026
It’s the 3rd book in the 4 book series called Wedding Planner however you can read each book as standalone, perfect Italian summer romance and perfect for those that like reading Jill Mansell, Sarah Morgan and Mandy Maggot.
When wedding planner Toni Goschl arrives on the sun-drenched Tuscan island of Elba, she can’t wait to finally meet her online friend Gabri in person.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster of holiday.
When wedding planner Toni Goschl arrives on the sun-drenched Tuscan island of Elba, she can’t wait to finally meet her online friend Gabri in person.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster of holiday.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Leonie Mack’s An Italian Island Love Story really said “pack your bags, we’re going to Italy… and also straight into your feelings,” and I, foolishly thinking I was signing up for a light beach read, was not emotionally prepared for how invested I’d become.
Published by Boldwood Books—thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
This book feels like golden hour stretched across an entire story—warm, glowing, and just a little bit deceptive, because underneath all that sunshine is something far more layered. Toni is the kind of heroine I instantly clicked with: organized, capable, holding her life together with careful precision… until she lands on Elba expecting to meet her online florist friend and instead meets Gabriele. And listen, the way that reveal unfolds? Immediate tension. Immediate intrigue. Immediate “oh this is going to get messy in the best way.”
Gabriele isn’t just a handsome surprise—he’s grounded, open, and quietly carrying his own history, which makes every interaction between them feel loaded without ever being overdramatic. What I loved most is how natural their connection feels. It’s not forced or rushed. It builds in these small, intimate moments—shared glances, conversations that go a little deeper than expected, the kind of proximity that makes it harder and harder to pretend this is just a temporary situation.
“There are some places—and some people—you don’t just visit. You feel them long after you’ve gone.”
And that’s exactly what this book does. It lingers.
The island setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a whole mood. The clifftop villa, the sea air, the wedding chaos quietly ticking in the background… it all creates this dreamy, almost suspended-in-time feeling where it makes perfect sense that two people would start to blur the lines between friendship and something more. But what really got me is that underlying question running through everything: what happens when real life comes back into focus?
Because this isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about whether love can survive outside of the bubble it was created in.
Toni and Gabri both carry past hurts and responsibilities that don’t magically disappear just because the setting is beautiful. And I appreciated that so much. It gives the story weight. It makes every choice feel a little heavier, every moment a little more meaningful. You’re not just rooting for them because they’re cute (which they are), but because you genuinely want them to figure it out in a way that feels real.
This is absolutely for readers who love romance with emotional depth wrapped in a soft, escapist aesthetic. If you’re into forced proximity, second chances, slow-burn tension, and that “we only have a short time but it feels like everything” energy—this will hit. It’s for the readers who want to be swept away but still feel grounded in the characters’ emotional reality.
And for me, this landed at a solid 4.5⭐ read. It’s immersive, heartfelt, and just self-aware enough to balance the dreamy setting with genuine emotional stakes. The kind of book you read with a drink in hand, pretending you don’t have responsibilities waiting for you on the other side.
So now I’m curious—do you believe a love that starts in a fleeting, sun-soaked moment can actually last… or is it meant to stay a beautiful memory?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
#AnItalianIslandLoveStory #LeonieMack #NetGalleyReads #BookReview #RomanceReads #WomensFiction #SummerReads #BeachReads #TravelThroughBooks #Bookstagram #CozyReads #RomanceCommunity #SlowBurnRomance #SecondChanceRomance #ReadersOfInstagram
Published by Boldwood Books—thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
This book feels like golden hour stretched across an entire story—warm, glowing, and just a little bit deceptive, because underneath all that sunshine is something far more layered. Toni is the kind of heroine I instantly clicked with: organized, capable, holding her life together with careful precision… until she lands on Elba expecting to meet her online florist friend and instead meets Gabriele. And listen, the way that reveal unfolds? Immediate tension. Immediate intrigue. Immediate “oh this is going to get messy in the best way.”
Gabriele isn’t just a handsome surprise—he’s grounded, open, and quietly carrying his own history, which makes every interaction between them feel loaded without ever being overdramatic. What I loved most is how natural their connection feels. It’s not forced or rushed. It builds in these small, intimate moments—shared glances, conversations that go a little deeper than expected, the kind of proximity that makes it harder and harder to pretend this is just a temporary situation.
“There are some places—and some people—you don’t just visit. You feel them long after you’ve gone.”
And that’s exactly what this book does. It lingers.
The island setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a whole mood. The clifftop villa, the sea air, the wedding chaos quietly ticking in the background… it all creates this dreamy, almost suspended-in-time feeling where it makes perfect sense that two people would start to blur the lines between friendship and something more. But what really got me is that underlying question running through everything: what happens when real life comes back into focus?
Because this isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about whether love can survive outside of the bubble it was created in.
Toni and Gabri both carry past hurts and responsibilities that don’t magically disappear just because the setting is beautiful. And I appreciated that so much. It gives the story weight. It makes every choice feel a little heavier, every moment a little more meaningful. You’re not just rooting for them because they’re cute (which they are), but because you genuinely want them to figure it out in a way that feels real.
This is absolutely for readers who love romance with emotional depth wrapped in a soft, escapist aesthetic. If you’re into forced proximity, second chances, slow-burn tension, and that “we only have a short time but it feels like everything” energy—this will hit. It’s for the readers who want to be swept away but still feel grounded in the characters’ emotional reality.
And for me, this landed at a solid 4.5⭐ read. It’s immersive, heartfelt, and just self-aware enough to balance the dreamy setting with genuine emotional stakes. The kind of book you read with a drink in hand, pretending you don’t have responsibilities waiting for you on the other side.
So now I’m curious—do you believe a love that starts in a fleeting, sun-soaked moment can actually last… or is it meant to stay a beautiful memory?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
#AnItalianIslandLoveStory #LeonieMack #NetGalleyReads #BookReview #RomanceReads #WomensFiction #SummerReads #BeachReads #TravelThroughBooks #Bookstagram #CozyReads #RomanceCommunity #SlowBurnRomance #SecondChanceRomance #ReadersOfInstagram
May 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐
👉 Two online friends in their thirties meet on an Italian island and find out they're not exactly who or what they thought...
📖 Story: Toni's first wedding as a wedding planner is happening soon on the Italian island of Elba. Her online friend Gabri, the wonderful florist, is going to do the flowers for this wedding too. Naturally, Gabri invites Toni to spend a week together to visit the island and do all the things before the wedding.
Toni's a single mom and a widow. Her parents are taking care of her 9 year old while she holidays solo for the first time.
When she arrives on Elba, she starts to chat –and flirt– with a handsome Italian man and they drink an espresso while she waits for Gabri.
You guessed it. The man is Gabri.
Gabri was waiting for a man Toni. And Toni was waiting for a woman Gabri. LOL
When they figured out their online friend was not of the same gender and they were supposed to spend a week together...that got weird and a tad cringe, not gonna lie.
But! It didn't last long and it turned out to be a cute read.
Both of them are still mending a broken heart in their own ways.
Both of them are very attracted to each other. And both of them decide to experiment and kiss because what could go wrong besides the kiss. And when that's done, they can move on from that. Because obviously, it'll not be the best kiss they ever had.
Obviously. Not.
What will they do now? Slide into bed together? How will their friendship survive? What will happen once her son, Cillian, comes to Elba?
🤓 What did I think of it?
I enjoyed it. It was a pleasant read.
It's a third person narration with a somewhat omniscient narrator which I usually love but it felt a bit weird at times for some reason.
I love that it wasn't just a summer fling with uncomplicated people that had simple lives. Both got baggage and have to open up to each other, trying to be in and protect their already battered hearts at the same time.
I didn't get swept off of my feet or cry which is why I didn't give it more stars.
But... ⛱️ This definitely made me want to go to Elba for a week or 200.
📚 Tropes: summer vacation, wedding planning, florist, paradisiac island, Italy, single mom, widow, male florist, Italian man with a moustache, summer fling
🌶️ Spice: closed doors (I think that's the case for most books by this publisher)
❌ Not a dual POV.
*I received an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author 🫶*
👉 Two online friends in their thirties meet on an Italian island and find out they're not exactly who or what they thought...
📖 Story: Toni's first wedding as a wedding planner is happening soon on the Italian island of Elba. Her online friend Gabri, the wonderful florist, is going to do the flowers for this wedding too. Naturally, Gabri invites Toni to spend a week together to visit the island and do all the things before the wedding.
Toni's a single mom and a widow. Her parents are taking care of her 9 year old while she holidays solo for the first time.
When she arrives on Elba, she starts to chat –and flirt– with a handsome Italian man and they drink an espresso while she waits for Gabri.
You guessed it. The man is Gabri.
Gabri was waiting for a man Toni. And Toni was waiting for a woman Gabri. LOL
When they figured out their online friend was not of the same gender and they were supposed to spend a week together...that got weird and a tad cringe, not gonna lie.
But! It didn't last long and it turned out to be a cute read.
Both of them are still mending a broken heart in their own ways.
Both of them are very attracted to each other. And both of them decide to experiment and kiss because what could go wrong besides the kiss. And when that's done, they can move on from that. Because obviously, it'll not be the best kiss they ever had.
Obviously. Not.
What will they do now? Slide into bed together? How will their friendship survive? What will happen once her son, Cillian, comes to Elba?
🤓 What did I think of it?
I enjoyed it. It was a pleasant read.
It's a third person narration with a somewhat omniscient narrator which I usually love but it felt a bit weird at times for some reason.
I love that it wasn't just a summer fling with uncomplicated people that had simple lives. Both got baggage and have to open up to each other, trying to be in and protect their already battered hearts at the same time.
I didn't get swept off of my feet or cry which is why I didn't give it more stars.
But... ⛱️ This definitely made me want to go to Elba for a week or 200.
📚 Tropes: summer vacation, wedding planning, florist, paradisiac island, Italy, single mom, widow, male florist, Italian man with a moustache, summer fling
🌶️ Spice: closed doors (I think that's the case for most books by this publisher)
❌ Not a dual POV.
*I received an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author 🫶*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the first two books in the Wedding Planners series, so naturally I wanted to read the latest in the series. I’m so glad I did as I loved this story & it more than lived up to my expectations!
Gabri & Toni are likeable main characters, both in their late thirties & with some difficult life experiences. Single mum Toni works at Great Heart Adventures/ I Do Destinations; she was widowed when her husband died in a climbing accident. Gabri is divorced, lives on Elba & is now a florist & reticent about his past life. They’ve worked together online, but are about to meet in person for the first time as Toni is visiting Elba for a holiday prior to the wedding they’ve been working on. Both their names could be male or female, so when they meet they are both surprised to discover they have made wrong assumptions about the other person! Over espressos near the ferry terminal they decide to make the best of the situation & continue with their plans for Toni to stay with Gabri whilst on holiday, despite the fact it’s become more complicated with the immediate sense of connection & attraction between them. But this is more than just a holiday romance. I sensed that they connected at a deeper level than just physical attraction. As they discovered more about each other’s painful past, they also learned together about dealing with grief & past hurts. There’s an unexpected emotional depth in the story, & maturity in the way each confronts past hurts. Toni’s nine-year-old son Cillian is a lovely character, who grounds them both, adding an additional dimension to their story.
I loved visiting Elba with Toni, & seeing it through her eyes as Gabri showed her his favourite places, & feeling Toni’s exhilaration as she learns to windsurf!! I love the way Leonie Mack conjures up the sights, sounds & aromas of the places we visit through her writing. It’s a lovely book, evocative of summer holidays, but gently & sensitively written in the way the author recounts how the main characters help each other move on from some tough life events.
Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Gabri & Toni are likeable main characters, both in their late thirties & with some difficult life experiences. Single mum Toni works at Great Heart Adventures/ I Do Destinations; she was widowed when her husband died in a climbing accident. Gabri is divorced, lives on Elba & is now a florist & reticent about his past life. They’ve worked together online, but are about to meet in person for the first time as Toni is visiting Elba for a holiday prior to the wedding they’ve been working on. Both their names could be male or female, so when they meet they are both surprised to discover they have made wrong assumptions about the other person! Over espressos near the ferry terminal they decide to make the best of the situation & continue with their plans for Toni to stay with Gabri whilst on holiday, despite the fact it’s become more complicated with the immediate sense of connection & attraction between them. But this is more than just a holiday romance. I sensed that they connected at a deeper level than just physical attraction. As they discovered more about each other’s painful past, they also learned together about dealing with grief & past hurts. There’s an unexpected emotional depth in the story, & maturity in the way each confronts past hurts. Toni’s nine-year-old son Cillian is a lovely character, who grounds them both, adding an additional dimension to their story.
I loved visiting Elba with Toni, & seeing it through her eyes as Gabri showed her his favourite places, & feeling Toni’s exhilaration as she learns to windsurf!! I love the way Leonie Mack conjures up the sights, sounds & aromas of the places we visit through her writing. It’s a lovely book, evocative of summer holidays, but gently & sensitively written in the way the author recounts how the main characters help each other move on from some tough life events.
Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Island of Elba, off the coast of Tuscany, is a magical place and I can see why so many couples wish to be married there. Our story begins as Toni, a wedding planner, is organizing her home life so she can jet off to Italy to oversee a sunset beach wedding. Toni was looking forward to spending time with her friend Gabri, who is the florist she had been corresponding with concerning the wedding plans. They had shared some personal aspects of their lives but had failed to convey exactly who they were.
Toni arrived by ferry to the island and didn’t see anyone she thought would look like Gabri, but she did strike up a conversation with a very handsome man who was also waiting for someone. They flirted (which Toni never did), over a cup of espresso until she decided to call Gabri. When her companion's phone rang, she looked up quizzically as he said with a thick Italian accent, “Ciao,Toni.” This would have been the perfect meet-cute for a summer romance rom-com but this was real life and Toni couldn’t have been more surprised.
Gabri wasn’t as concerned as Toni with the impropriety of the whole, comical situation, but he did wonder if he could remain only friends with her as his guest. You see, Gabri, thinking Toni was his new best “male friend”, offered to put her up in his home for the first week of her stay on the island. Now that he had met, and flirted with her, he knew their living arrangement would be a challenge for both of them. The magic of the island cast a spell over Toni and Gabri the moment they met and it was up to them to decide what to do about their feelings. Gabri would be the perfect host, because after all, they had known each other for over a year, albeit, only virtually. Toni wished she had never flirted with Gabri at the cafe but since she had, she may as well explore the feelings she had for him while joining him on adventures around the island. What could possibly go wrong?
Toni arrived by ferry to the island and didn’t see anyone she thought would look like Gabri, but she did strike up a conversation with a very handsome man who was also waiting for someone. They flirted (which Toni never did), over a cup of espresso until she decided to call Gabri. When her companion's phone rang, she looked up quizzically as he said with a thick Italian accent, “Ciao,Toni.” This would have been the perfect meet-cute for a summer romance rom-com but this was real life and Toni couldn’t have been more surprised.
Gabri wasn’t as concerned as Toni with the impropriety of the whole, comical situation, but he did wonder if he could remain only friends with her as his guest. You see, Gabri, thinking Toni was his new best “male friend”, offered to put her up in his home for the first week of her stay on the island. Now that he had met, and flirted with her, he knew their living arrangement would be a challenge for both of them. The magic of the island cast a spell over Toni and Gabri the moment they met and it was up to them to decide what to do about their feelings. Gabri would be the perfect host, because after all, they had known each other for over a year, albeit, only virtually. Toni wished she had never flirted with Gabri at the cafe but since she had, she may as well explore the feelings she had for him while joining him on adventures around the island. What could possibly go wrong?
April 28, 2026
📖 Title: An Italian Island Love Story
📖 Author: Leonie Mack
📖 Pages: 312 pages
📖Publisher: Boldwood Books
📖 Release Date: 29th April 2026
🇮🇹 Italian Backdrop
🪪 Mistaken Identity
👫 Forced Proximity
❤️ Friends to Lovers
💭 My Thoughts 💭
This is my first book I’ve read written by Leonie Mack and is book 3 in her wedding planners series. Please don’t let the fact it’s book 3 put you off from picking it up. It can completely be read as a standalone.
Gabi and Toni have been speaking over messages but never met or seen each other. Toni can’t wait to meet her new girlfriend Gabi and vice versa for Toni he can’t wait for a week with his new male friend. This is where the story begins. A huge case of mistaken identity and what are they going to do. Especially as Gabi has offered Toni to stay at his place over booking a hotel!
I enjoyed the dynamic of both characters and the dual POV we get throughout the book. I enjoyed that Toni was a single mum finally giving herself time alone which she throughly deserved. As a mum we often forget the importance of this.
Leonie’s writing was easy to navigate but full of love and depth for each character. I felt like I knew them instantly and was rooting for them both.
I particularly loved that Gabi was a male florist made me very happy to see he had followed his dreams into a predominately female industry.
There was spicy scenes but they were written beautifully and flowed so well with the pace of the story. It never felt like it was forced for the storyline always felt really natural with the pacing.
I will be sure to read more of Leonie’s books in the future.
Jessica’s Bookshelf Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Thankyou to @boldwoodbooks for my early arc copy via @netgalley prior to the release of the book✨
📖 Author: Leonie Mack
📖 Pages: 312 pages
📖Publisher: Boldwood Books
📖 Release Date: 29th April 2026
🇮🇹 Italian Backdrop
🪪 Mistaken Identity
👫 Forced Proximity
❤️ Friends to Lovers
💭 My Thoughts 💭
This is my first book I’ve read written by Leonie Mack and is book 3 in her wedding planners series. Please don’t let the fact it’s book 3 put you off from picking it up. It can completely be read as a standalone.
Gabi and Toni have been speaking over messages but never met or seen each other. Toni can’t wait to meet her new girlfriend Gabi and vice versa for Toni he can’t wait for a week with his new male friend. This is where the story begins. A huge case of mistaken identity and what are they going to do. Especially as Gabi has offered Toni to stay at his place over booking a hotel!
I enjoyed the dynamic of both characters and the dual POV we get throughout the book. I enjoyed that Toni was a single mum finally giving herself time alone which she throughly deserved. As a mum we often forget the importance of this.
Leonie’s writing was easy to navigate but full of love and depth for each character. I felt like I knew them instantly and was rooting for them both.
I particularly loved that Gabi was a male florist made me very happy to see he had followed his dreams into a predominately female industry.
There was spicy scenes but they were written beautifully and flowed so well with the pace of the story. It never felt like it was forced for the storyline always felt really natural with the pacing.
I will be sure to read more of Leonie’s books in the future.
Jessica’s Bookshelf Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Thankyou to @boldwoodbooks for my early arc copy via @netgalley prior to the release of the book✨
May 2, 2026
The movement of an oloid
I didn’t know the shape of an oloid before I read this book. It is constructed from two circles put together at right angles and it’s both a very appealing object and something that will move in a complicated course. Very fitting for the story of Toni and Gabri.
Also the thistles. I really appreciate how Leonie Mack creates characters that are mirrored in the surroundings. The house of Gabri and the island of Elba are fairy tale perfect and Gabri is such a lovely drawn character.
… except for the moustache… but never mind. It is a long and painful stretch of my imagination to visualize a beautiful man with a moustache but it’s healthy to push yourself to the limit from time to time.
The only reason that I don’t give this book six stars :) is that I dislike Toni. I applaud her final insights into herself but they were a long time coming. Of course it’s difficult to be a widow and a single parent but you CAN have fun and friends even if you are a mother. You might even consider a child a blessing and find happiness in doing Lego and visiting the beach and having playdates with other mums. But of course you could also think of your child as a bundle of responsibilities, cores, economic hardships and a love that hurts. Toni seems to be firmly in the second camp but the happy ending seems to hold a promise of changed thought patterns for her. But the story makes sense, the attraction between the characters is believable, they each have plausible hindrances to overcome, the writing is excellent and the setting is gorgeous. All in all a great read.
I’m looking forward to more books from the author. (I shall preorder them all as soon as they are available.)
I didn’t know the shape of an oloid before I read this book. It is constructed from two circles put together at right angles and it’s both a very appealing object and something that will move in a complicated course. Very fitting for the story of Toni and Gabri.
Also the thistles. I really appreciate how Leonie Mack creates characters that are mirrored in the surroundings. The house of Gabri and the island of Elba are fairy tale perfect and Gabri is such a lovely drawn character.
… except for the moustache… but never mind. It is a long and painful stretch of my imagination to visualize a beautiful man with a moustache but it’s healthy to push yourself to the limit from time to time.
The only reason that I don’t give this book six stars :) is that I dislike Toni. I applaud her final insights into herself but they were a long time coming. Of course it’s difficult to be a widow and a single parent but you CAN have fun and friends even if you are a mother. You might even consider a child a blessing and find happiness in doing Lego and visiting the beach and having playdates with other mums. But of course you could also think of your child as a bundle of responsibilities, cores, economic hardships and a love that hurts. Toni seems to be firmly in the second camp but the happy ending seems to hold a promise of changed thought patterns for her. But the story makes sense, the attraction between the characters is believable, they each have plausible hindrances to overcome, the writing is excellent and the setting is gorgeous. All in all a great read.
I’m looking forward to more books from the author. (I shall preorder them all as soon as they are available.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting challenges, great setting🌅
4-4.5🌟 stars
The plot here was somewhat out of the ordinary (I liked) and the couple's challenges too. Lonely recluse florist Gabri's squeamishness in the presence of blood: interesting, especially when the reason comes out. And the beach sea turtle nest and young Cillian's encounters with Gabri, who swore he did not like or want children: revealing and heartwarming. As for female lead single mother Toni, the story of her prior marriage is sad but maybe her clinging to excuses related to her previous husband went on a bit too long.
I never imagined a thistle was romantic but Toni and Gabri changed my mind!
The summer on the Italian Island of Elba (temporary exile home to Emperor Napoleon I, no less) was lovingly described and idyllic, despite several minor injuries incurred upon its rockier shores.
The pace of the storytelling was relaxed, not too slow or hurried, the intimacy scenes very vague in language though open door and not overly frequent or long. For me, the romance was perfect, with obstacles to overcome and real life issues to address. Overall, a really appealing summer romance.
I had not read the first two novels in this series and the first chapter did bring in people and history that confused me a bit, but after that it was smooth sailing and it was easily stand alone novel material. I had not read a Leonie Mack romance for a while and was happy to come back, though stories built around wedding planning are not one of my go-to tropes.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the novel; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
The plot here was somewhat out of the ordinary (I liked) and the couple's challenges too. Lonely recluse florist Gabri's squeamishness in the presence of blood: interesting, especially when the reason comes out. And the beach sea turtle nest and young Cillian's encounters with Gabri, who swore he did not like or want children: revealing and heartwarming. As for female lead single mother Toni, the story of her prior marriage is sad but maybe her clinging to excuses related to her previous husband went on a bit too long.
I never imagined a thistle was romantic but Toni and Gabri changed my mind!
The summer on the Italian Island of Elba (temporary exile home to Emperor Napoleon I, no less) was lovingly described and idyllic, despite several minor injuries incurred upon its rockier shores.
The pace of the storytelling was relaxed, not too slow or hurried, the intimacy scenes very vague in language though open door and not overly frequent or long. For me, the romance was perfect, with obstacles to overcome and real life issues to address. Overall, a really appealing summer romance.
I had not read the first two novels in this series and the first chapter did bring in people and history that confused me a bit, but after that it was smooth sailing and it was easily stand alone novel material. I had not read a Leonie Mack romance for a while and was happy to come back, though stories built around wedding planning are not one of my go-to tropes.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the novel; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to @netgalley @leoniemack and @boldwoodbooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Leonie Mack and I would definitely pick up more from this author! An Italian Island Love Story is a warm, escapist romance that blends sunshine, sea breezes, and emotional depth in a way that kept me completely hooked.
The story follows Toni, a carefully structured and relatable heroine whose tidy life starts to unravel the moment she arrives on Elba expecting to meet an online friend—only to be surprised by Gabriele instead. From that first meeting, there’s instant tension, curiosity, and the beginnings of a slow-burning connection that feels natural rather than rushed.
Toni is wonderfully written—organized, capable, but quietly carrying emotional baggage that shapes her decisions. Gabriele complements her beautifully: warm, steady, and layered in a way that makes their relationship feel grounded and real. I loved how their connection develops through small, intimate moments and meaningful conversations, creating a believable friends-to-lovers journey filled with both tenderness and tension.
The island setting truly shines here, becoming a character in its own right. Elba wraps the story in a golden, almost suspended-in-time atmosphere, with wedding chaos humming in the background. It’s dreamy and immersive, but there’s also a deeper question running throughout: can a holiday romance survive once real life returns?
Blending forced proximity, second chances, and a gentle slow burn, this is a heartfelt and immersive escape that balances romance with real emotional stakes.
This is the first book I’ve read by Leonie Mack and I would definitely pick up more from this author! An Italian Island Love Story is a warm, escapist romance that blends sunshine, sea breezes, and emotional depth in a way that kept me completely hooked.
The story follows Toni, a carefully structured and relatable heroine whose tidy life starts to unravel the moment she arrives on Elba expecting to meet an online friend—only to be surprised by Gabriele instead. From that first meeting, there’s instant tension, curiosity, and the beginnings of a slow-burning connection that feels natural rather than rushed.
Toni is wonderfully written—organized, capable, but quietly carrying emotional baggage that shapes her decisions. Gabriele complements her beautifully: warm, steady, and layered in a way that makes their relationship feel grounded and real. I loved how their connection develops through small, intimate moments and meaningful conversations, creating a believable friends-to-lovers journey filled with both tenderness and tension.
The island setting truly shines here, becoming a character in its own right. Elba wraps the story in a golden, almost suspended-in-time atmosphere, with wedding chaos humming in the background. It’s dreamy and immersive, but there’s also a deeper question running throughout: can a holiday romance survive once real life returns?
Blending forced proximity, second chances, and a gentle slow burn, this is a heartfelt and immersive escape that balances romance with real emotional stakes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A gorgeous, poignant love story about two people determined not to fall in love!
Wedding planner Toni is leaving her hectic life in Weymouth and heading for the beautiful island of Elba, where she will be helping her clients plan their wedding. She's looking forward to a week in the sun with her online florist friend Gabri. They've been chatting for a while, and although they have never spoken or met, there's a connection between them, and she can't wait to gossip with her over a glass of wine and relax on the beach with her.
There's just one problem. When Toni gets to Italy, Gabri is not the female friend she had expected, but a handsome male florist. The misunderstand and attraction to each other is mutual, but both Toni and Gabri have reasons to protect their hearts. Deciding to make the most of their situation, Toni agrees to spend the week as planned in Gabri's tiny house (of course there is only one bed!) but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to fight their attraction to each other.
After years on her own, and a tragic past, Toni finds herself drawn to the complex, gentle Gabri, who helps her to see that she deserves happiness and to put herself for once.
Gabri has his own difficult past and his own reasons for being alone but finds himself falling for Toni anyway.
When her time comes to leave the island, they both realise how much they mean to each other and have some tough decisions to make.
This is a beautifully written romance, with stunning scenery, incredible characters and a complex yet realistic story about finding love after heartache. It's the perfect summer beach read.
Wedding planner Toni is leaving her hectic life in Weymouth and heading for the beautiful island of Elba, where she will be helping her clients plan their wedding. She's looking forward to a week in the sun with her online florist friend Gabri. They've been chatting for a while, and although they have never spoken or met, there's a connection between them, and she can't wait to gossip with her over a glass of wine and relax on the beach with her.
There's just one problem. When Toni gets to Italy, Gabri is not the female friend she had expected, but a handsome male florist. The misunderstand and attraction to each other is mutual, but both Toni and Gabri have reasons to protect their hearts. Deciding to make the most of their situation, Toni agrees to spend the week as planned in Gabri's tiny house (of course there is only one bed!) but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to fight their attraction to each other.
After years on her own, and a tragic past, Toni finds herself drawn to the complex, gentle Gabri, who helps her to see that she deserves happiness and to put herself for once.
Gabri has his own difficult past and his own reasons for being alone but finds himself falling for Toni anyway.
When her time comes to leave the island, they both realise how much they mean to each other and have some tough decisions to make.
This is a beautifully written romance, with stunning scenery, incredible characters and a complex yet realistic story about finding love after heartache. It's the perfect summer beach read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Toni and Gabri are the main characters.
They’re connected online before they meet and have inadvertently made some assumptions about one another.
This online friendship has lead to a chance to meet will they still like one another and get along ??
The setting switches from Toni’s home in the UK as a single mum to a beautiful Italian Island.
The story is told from both of their perspectives. It gives a good insight into feelings thoughts and emotions. Helping to build a sense of whats happening at that time.
Toni , not ready or looking for a new relationship. Feels emotionally unavailable, guilty and wants to keep the balance of her busy single mum life. She feels like she’ll never have her happy ending!
Gabri is single and is shut away from the outside world after a failed relationship.
Can these two make this beautiful setting work its magic or are they destined to fail.
The sub plots allows them both to have a reason to be there and sets the scene beautifully. The setting is picturesque described with authenticity and makes you feel like summer is on its way. Some moments that make you chuckle and also a lovely lighthearted beach read.
Really enjoyed the characters progression in the story and was rooting for a happy ending.
Highly recommended this book and will be checking out previous books from this author.
Toni and Gabri are the main characters.
They’re connected online before they meet and have inadvertently made some assumptions about one another.
This online friendship has lead to a chance to meet will they still like one another and get along ??
The setting switches from Toni’s home in the UK as a single mum to a beautiful Italian Island.
The story is told from both of their perspectives. It gives a good insight into feelings thoughts and emotions. Helping to build a sense of whats happening at that time.
Toni , not ready or looking for a new relationship. Feels emotionally unavailable, guilty and wants to keep the balance of her busy single mum life. She feels like she’ll never have her happy ending!
Gabri is single and is shut away from the outside world after a failed relationship.
Can these two make this beautiful setting work its magic or are they destined to fail.
The sub plots allows them both to have a reason to be there and sets the scene beautifully. The setting is picturesque described with authenticity and makes you feel like summer is on its way. Some moments that make you chuckle and also a lovely lighthearted beach read.
Really enjoyed the characters progression in the story and was rooting for a happy ending.
Highly recommended this book and will be checking out previous books from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a huge fan of traditional romance, and after enjoying book one of this series, “An Italian Wedding Adventure,” I was really excited to return to this world. The description of this book immediately caught my attention, and I was looking forward to seeing how this story would unfold.
I connected with Toni and Gabri right away. There was something about their dynamic that pulled me in, and I found myself eager to see how everything would play out between them. Both characters carry the weight of past relationships, and I appreciated how the story handled those experiences with care. It added an emotional depth that made their connection feel more meaningful.
Gabri, in particular, stood out to me. He was not always easy to read, and just when I thought I had him figured out, there was another layer to uncover. That kept things interesting and made his character feel more real. I also liked watching Toni’s journey. As a single mother and someone who has been through loss, it was nice to see her slowly move forward and open herself up to something new.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It had heart, emotional growth, and a romance that felt earned. I would absolutely love to see a bonus epilogue for Toni and Gabri somewhere down the line, because I am not quite ready to say goodbye to them.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I connected with Toni and Gabri right away. There was something about their dynamic that pulled me in, and I found myself eager to see how everything would play out between them. Both characters carry the weight of past relationships, and I appreciated how the story handled those experiences with care. It added an emotional depth that made their connection feel more meaningful.
Gabri, in particular, stood out to me. He was not always easy to read, and just when I thought I had him figured out, there was another layer to uncover. That kept things interesting and made his character feel more real. I also liked watching Toni’s journey. As a single mother and someone who has been through loss, it was nice to see her slowly move forward and open herself up to something new.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It had heart, emotional growth, and a romance that felt earned. I would absolutely love to see a bonus epilogue for Toni and Gabri somewhere down the line, because I am not quite ready to say goodbye to them.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
May 1, 2026
An Italian Island Love Story by Leonie Mack
My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I give my honest opinion of it in the following review.
This book is the third book in the Adventure Wedding Planners series. I love this series and look forward to every story. This book follows Toni who lost her husband to a climbing accident 9 years before. She is mom to Cillian who was born after her husband died. Gabri has been alone for 5 years and is finally feeling mostly ok with his life but is lonely. Can Toni and Gabri find a way to come to terms with their pasts in order to begin a new future?
I don't know how to say it other than that I really loved this story. I loved the Italian Island setting, I loved the meet cute (I don't want to give that one away), I wasn't even put off by the angst because I thought it fit these characters. Leonie Mack writes in such an easy going way that I easily fall into the story. This is kind of an insta love book which is not normally my thing. I didn't mind it in this case because of the age and experience of the characters. I felt they knew their own hearts well enough to recognize the love they were feeling even though they were unsure at first. Oh, and there are sea turtles! I think readers will love this second chance for love story as much as I did. You do NOT need to read the previous books in the series in order to understand and enjoy this one. I can't wait for the next.
My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I give my honest opinion of it in the following review.
This book is the third book in the Adventure Wedding Planners series. I love this series and look forward to every story. This book follows Toni who lost her husband to a climbing accident 9 years before. She is mom to Cillian who was born after her husband died. Gabri has been alone for 5 years and is finally feeling mostly ok with his life but is lonely. Can Toni and Gabri find a way to come to terms with their pasts in order to begin a new future?
I don't know how to say it other than that I really loved this story. I loved the Italian Island setting, I loved the meet cute (I don't want to give that one away), I wasn't even put off by the angst because I thought it fit these characters. Leonie Mack writes in such an easy going way that I easily fall into the story. This is kind of an insta love book which is not normally my thing. I didn't mind it in this case because of the age and experience of the characters. I felt they knew their own hearts well enough to recognize the love they were feeling even though they were unsure at first. Oh, and there are sea turtles! I think readers will love this second chance for love story as much as I did. You do NOT need to read the previous books in the series in order to understand and enjoy this one. I can't wait for the next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always look forward to Leonie Mack’s books, and An Italian Island Love Story was such a warm, feel-good escape. The setting on the island of Elba was beautifully described and honestly made me want to jump on a plane and soak up the sunshine myself. It felt like the perfect spring or summer read: light, hopeful, and easy to get lost in.
Toni was very relatable as a single mom trying to balance real life, past hurt, and the idea of opening her heart again. Gabri also carried his own emotional baggage, which made their connection feel genuine rather than rushed or overly perfect. I especially liked that their relationship began online and that they both had assumptions to work through once they finally met. Watching them slowly grow, both individually and together, kept me invested in their story.
While parts of the plot were a bit predictable, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. Sometimes you just want a story that feels comforting and uplifting, and this one delivered. I found myself rooting for a happy ending the whole way through.
Overall, I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s a sweet, heartwarming read with beautiful scenery, emotional depth, and characters you genuinely care about. A lovely escape that left me smiling.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my eARC!
Toni was very relatable as a single mom trying to balance real life, past hurt, and the idea of opening her heart again. Gabri also carried his own emotional baggage, which made their connection feel genuine rather than rushed or overly perfect. I especially liked that their relationship began online and that they both had assumptions to work through once they finally met. Watching them slowly grow, both individually and together, kept me invested in their story.
While parts of the plot were a bit predictable, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. Sometimes you just want a story that feels comforting and uplifting, and this one delivered. I found myself rooting for a happy ending the whole way through.
Overall, I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s a sweet, heartwarming read with beautiful scenery, emotional depth, and characters you genuinely care about. A lovely escape that left me smiling.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wish that I was able to give 3.5 stars.
Was this the greatest love story I have ever read? No but I was enamoured by the story of two people who had developed an online relationship through work not realizing the true gender of each other.
Toni is a young widow with a young son who will be the wedding planner for a wedding on the island of Elba. Before the wedding she has some time to take a much needed vacation spending time doing girlie things with Gabri and staying with her in her home. Once on the island Toni discovers that Gabri is actually a very handsome man.
Even so she decides to still stay with him, they are friends after all.
They both are not in a position to entertain beginning a relationship but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. They both have constraints of past baggage that leads to assumptions on both sides as to their availability to start something new. I loved how their relationship developed over the two weeks and how the story told it from both of their perspectives.
Elba has now been added to my bucket list as I could almost feel the breezes on my face while imaging the beautiful views.
This is a feel good story with loveable characters and great scenery. The perfect book to read on a rainy day with a cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Was this the greatest love story I have ever read? No but I was enamoured by the story of two people who had developed an online relationship through work not realizing the true gender of each other.
Toni is a young widow with a young son who will be the wedding planner for a wedding on the island of Elba. Before the wedding she has some time to take a much needed vacation spending time doing girlie things with Gabri and staying with her in her home. Once on the island Toni discovers that Gabri is actually a very handsome man.
Even so she decides to still stay with him, they are friends after all.
They both are not in a position to entertain beginning a relationship but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. They both have constraints of past baggage that leads to assumptions on both sides as to their availability to start something new. I loved how their relationship developed over the two weeks and how the story told it from both of their perspectives.
Elba has now been added to my bucket list as I could almost feel the breezes on my face while imaging the beautiful views.
This is a feel good story with loveable characters and great scenery. The perfect book to read on a rainy day with a cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second in the Adventure Weddings series that I've read. This time, florist Gabri, a man who has opted for the quiet life since the break down of his marriage is hosting his friend Toni. Someone who he has been chatting to for a while via email and has just assumed is a man. Single mother Toni, who is visiting the Italian Island to help organise a wedding believes that the florist friend she has made online is a woman. When they finally meet, the pair begin to question what they really want out of life.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this story was Toni's son. I'm usually not all that keen on books that feature children as part of the story and who are impacted by the developing romance. When it's done well though, it works well, as it does here. Gabri believes that he wants nothing to do with children, but spending time with Toni's son, almost by accident, completely changes how he looks at things.
These are both characters that take some time to come to terms with their feelings. I've often read books where one or the other characters has issues or struggles, but in this case it's both, which does make it a little slower to get there, but I still really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this story was Toni's son. I'm usually not all that keen on books that feature children as part of the story and who are impacted by the developing romance. When it's done well though, it works well, as it does here. Gabri believes that he wants nothing to do with children, but spending time with Toni's son, almost by accident, completely changes how he looks at things.
These are both characters that take some time to come to terms with their feelings. I've often read books where one or the other characters has issues or struggles, but in this case it's both, which does make it a little slower to get there, but I still really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
April 17, 2026
Leonie Mack writes great rom-coms and I want to read them all!
This is another fab instalment in the Wedding Planners series and I’m loving how with each book we learn more about secondary characters from previous books. An Italian Island Love Story follows Toni who we have met briefly before, a widow and single mother working for the merged adventure sports and wedding company which this series centres around.
Toni has become firm online friends with Gabri, an Italian florist they use for weddings based on the island of Elba. Before running her first wedding over there (and the first wedding she’s attended since becoming a widow 9 years ago), she is due to stay with Gabri for a week but Gabri is all she seems because she is actually he.
Gabri is Gabriele who thought Toni was a male Tony but they decide to go ahead with the week together despite a spark between the two of them.
This leads to a week of fun, flirting and trying to muddle through issues with past relationships in order to ever move on. I loved the relationship between Toni and Gabri. There were sensitive moments and topics covered in a delicate manner. I also loved Toni’s mom - she was awesome!
The storyline was both sweet and funny! I knew it would end with a happily ever after but I love the route Leonie took to get there.
This was such a fun and lighthearted book to read and was the perfect antidote to a stressful week!
I can’t wait for the last book in this series. I’ll be eagerly awaiting it 💚
This is another fab instalment in the Wedding Planners series and I’m loving how with each book we learn more about secondary characters from previous books. An Italian Island Love Story follows Toni who we have met briefly before, a widow and single mother working for the merged adventure sports and wedding company which this series centres around.
Toni has become firm online friends with Gabri, an Italian florist they use for weddings based on the island of Elba. Before running her first wedding over there (and the first wedding she’s attended since becoming a widow 9 years ago), she is due to stay with Gabri for a week but Gabri is all she seems because she is actually he.
Gabri is Gabriele who thought Toni was a male Tony but they decide to go ahead with the week together despite a spark between the two of them.
This leads to a week of fun, flirting and trying to muddle through issues with past relationships in order to ever move on. I loved the relationship between Toni and Gabri. There were sensitive moments and topics covered in a delicate manner. I also loved Toni’s mom - she was awesome!
The storyline was both sweet and funny! I knew it would end with a happily ever after but I love the route Leonie took to get there.
This was such a fun and lighthearted book to read and was the perfect antidote to a stressful week!
I can’t wait for the last book in this series. I’ll be eagerly awaiting it 💚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Toni is asked to be the wedding planner for a special occasion in Elba, the first time that she had fronted for her employer. She decides to have some time before the actual wedding for a holiday, staying with the florist Gabi, with whom she has been corresponding by email for quite a few months, before her son and mother join her for the second week. The only problem when she arrives is that Gabi, who she thought was a girl, turns out to be a man and conversely Gabi was expecting a man.
I did struggle to get into this story, although this isn't a problem with the story itself, more a matter of my preferences. The location sounds lovely and both Toni and Gabi are nice people, but both have their problems with Toni being widowed some years before and Gabi almost hiding on the island. The story is in two halves, with just the two main characters in the first part and then the wedding party plus Toni's son and mother being in the second and I began to enjoy the story more. There are a couple of slightly spicy, but not explicit scenes which did fit the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I did struggle to get into this story, although this isn't a problem with the story itself, more a matter of my preferences. The location sounds lovely and both Toni and Gabi are nice people, but both have their problems with Toni being widowed some years before and Gabi almost hiding on the island. The story is in two halves, with just the two main characters in the first part and then the wedding party plus Toni's son and mother being in the second and I began to enjoy the story more. There are a couple of slightly spicy, but not explicit scenes which did fit the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
May 1, 2026
Wedding planner Toni has been speaking to a friend online as she is preparing for an upcoming wedding. When she arrives in Tuscany on the island of Elba, she learns that her friend Gabri is a man. As they work together and prepare for the upcoming wedding, their feelings for each other grow.
We see how they navigate the emotional experience from their previous relationships. I enjoyed the reflective themes of the story and how Toni and Gabri work on themselves, navigate their pasts, and seek to build a new future open to love.
I thought the exploration of their feelings for each other was well-paced and allows us as the reader to understand Toni’s past and Gabri’s feelings toward Toni. It’s a great character-driven story!
Over the course of the book, they wonder if there is a possibility of a relationship building outside of the online world and one that could enter the real world. I enjoyed the reflective themes of the story and how Toni and Gabri work on themselves, navigate their pasts, and seek to build a new future open to love.
Thank you to Leonie Mack and Love Books Tours for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
We see how they navigate the emotional experience from their previous relationships. I enjoyed the reflective themes of the story and how Toni and Gabri work on themselves, navigate their pasts, and seek to build a new future open to love.
I thought the exploration of their feelings for each other was well-paced and allows us as the reader to understand Toni’s past and Gabri’s feelings toward Toni. It’s a great character-driven story!
Over the course of the book, they wonder if there is a possibility of a relationship building outside of the online world and one that could enter the real world. I enjoyed the reflective themes of the story and how Toni and Gabri work on themselves, navigate their pasts, and seek to build a new future open to love.
Thank you to Leonie Mack and Love Books Tours for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
May 2, 2026
I’m always drawn to a good summer romance, and this book had many elements I genuinely enjoyed. We follow two main characters who are trying to move forward with their lives but feel stuck. Both carry the weight of past relationship trauma holding them back, which makes them hesitant to form new connections and afraid of opening themselves up again.
When a misunderstanding about each other’s gender (names) leads them to spend a few unexpected days together, what begins as light-hearted fun slowly develops into something more. Their time together is filled with cute interactions that build intimacy, even as both try to keep emotional distance.
There is quite a bit of miscommunication, some of which could easily have been avoided. Still, it’s understandable given how guarded they both are and how afraid they are of getting too attached or confronting what that might mean. The setting added to the overall charm and gave the story an atmosphere that was easy to sink into.
While I did wish for a bit more emotional depth in certain places, this was ultimately an enjoyable and comforting read that delivered what I was hoping for.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a misunderstanding about each other’s gender (names) leads them to spend a few unexpected days together, what begins as light-hearted fun slowly develops into something more. Their time together is filled with cute interactions that build intimacy, even as both try to keep emotional distance.
There is quite a bit of miscommunication, some of which could easily have been avoided. Still, it’s understandable given how guarded they both are and how afraid they are of getting too attached or confronting what that might mean. The setting added to the overall charm and gave the story an atmosphere that was easy to sink into.
While I did wish for a bit more emotional depth in certain places, this was ultimately an enjoyable and comforting read that delivered what I was hoping for.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2026
I was completely sold on this from the very first page. The Italian escapism is perfect! I could practically see the sparkling sea, smell the lemon and cypress trees, and picture myself sipping a limoncello spritz in the sunshine.
Toni arrives on the island of Elba for a wedding planning job, with plans to enjoy a week’s holiday beforehand staying with florist “Gabri, only to discover that Gabri is actually Gabriele and very much not who she expected. That initial mix-up sets the tone for what becomes a heartfelt, slow-burn, and beautifully complicated romance.
What I really appreciated was how real this love story felt. Toni is navigating life as a widow with a young son, while Gabri is dealing with his own emotional baggage. Neither of them is perfect, and their connection reflects that, messy, hesitant, and sometimes uncertain, but all the more meaningful because of it.
This isn’t a whirlwind, everything-falls-into-place kind of romance. It’s layered, emotional, and grounded in real-life complications, which made it feel authentic and relatable.
A warm, atmospheric read with depth, heart, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension.
Toni arrives on the island of Elba for a wedding planning job, with plans to enjoy a week’s holiday beforehand staying with florist “Gabri, only to discover that Gabri is actually Gabriele and very much not who she expected. That initial mix-up sets the tone for what becomes a heartfelt, slow-burn, and beautifully complicated romance.
What I really appreciated was how real this love story felt. Toni is navigating life as a widow with a young son, while Gabri is dealing with his own emotional baggage. Neither of them is perfect, and their connection reflects that, messy, hesitant, and sometimes uncertain, but all the more meaningful because of it.
This isn’t a whirlwind, everything-falls-into-place kind of romance. It’s layered, emotional, and grounded in real-life complications, which made it feel authentic and relatable.
A warm, atmospheric read with depth, heart, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension.
May 1, 2026
Back with book 3 in the I Do/Great Heart Adventure Weddings series, and this time we see Toni get her story.
We have met Toni briefly previously, as someone that works at Great Hart and is a widow with a young son. We heard a bit about Gabri, the Italian florist previously. Now is the time to see them discover the magic of weddings!
I love continuing to get glimpses into the stories of previous couples from the series. They felt so real in their moments that its good to see life continues, even for fictional characters.
We spend a lot of time on the beautiful Italian island of Elba, it is described absolutely beautifully, and I loved learning about the Loggerhead Turtles too, how amazing are they! When not in Italy we are back in Weymouth, I definitely preferred the Italian action!
Toni's nine-year old son, Cillian, makes some super sweet appearances, and some of the things he comes out with is so endearing.
I generally prefer my romances a little steamier, but this was super sweet to read. We got a glimpse in the epilogue as to the storyline for book 4 in this series, and I will definitely be back to follow along!
We have met Toni briefly previously, as someone that works at Great Hart and is a widow with a young son. We heard a bit about Gabri, the Italian florist previously. Now is the time to see them discover the magic of weddings!
I love continuing to get glimpses into the stories of previous couples from the series. They felt so real in their moments that its good to see life continues, even for fictional characters.
We spend a lot of time on the beautiful Italian island of Elba, it is described absolutely beautifully, and I loved learning about the Loggerhead Turtles too, how amazing are they! When not in Italy we are back in Weymouth, I definitely preferred the Italian action!
Toni's nine-year old son, Cillian, makes some super sweet appearances, and some of the things he comes out with is so endearing.
I generally prefer my romances a little steamier, but this was super sweet to read. We got a glimpse in the epilogue as to the storyline for book 4 in this series, and I will definitely be back to follow along!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m back in my happy place with another Leonie Mack love story set in a gorgeous location: the island of Elba, Italy.
English wedding planner Toni is headed to Elba for her latest client, and going early to stay with her friend and wedding florist, Gabri. Who she thinks is a woman. Gabri thinks his buddy Toni is a guy and they’re in for some fun exploration of the island. They’re stunned when they put it together (after they’ve both felt some simmering attraction).
And so why not enjoy the beautiful island (and each other) for the week before reality sets in—work at the wedding and Toni’s nine-year old son joining them. Toni and Gabri both have walls up, remnants from different kinds of heartbreaks. They’ve both shut people out for so long, trying to protect themselves, and neither has felt these emotions or any passion for a while…
Loved it! Between the gorgeous setting, heartfelt moments and conversations, and passion you can just feel as you read, I was enamored throughout this book. Now I’ve added another must-visit destination to my bucket list!
English wedding planner Toni is headed to Elba for her latest client, and going early to stay with her friend and wedding florist, Gabri. Who she thinks is a woman. Gabri thinks his buddy Toni is a guy and they’re in for some fun exploration of the island. They’re stunned when they put it together (after they’ve both felt some simmering attraction).
And so why not enjoy the beautiful island (and each other) for the week before reality sets in—work at the wedding and Toni’s nine-year old son joining them. Toni and Gabri both have walls up, remnants from different kinds of heartbreaks. They’ve both shut people out for so long, trying to protect themselves, and neither has felt these emotions or any passion for a while…
Loved it! Between the gorgeous setting, heartfelt moments and conversations, and passion you can just feel as you read, I was enamored throughout this book. Now I’ve added another must-visit destination to my bucket list!
April 25, 2026
Received this in advance of its publication date.....
It was a delightful read, which was nice and easy, with hardly any angst and also it wasn't too spicy, with the majority of scenes being suggested and closed door.
From nearly the very beginning you could feel the tension as soon as Toni and Gabri met, and then as it slowly started to build up, even though both of them were trying to deny it, as they were both facing traumas from their past. And then when friends and family become involved....
My only slight slight disappointment was with the ending, as I would have loved to have seen what happened next between the MCs, but instead in the epilogue, it just primarily focused on the characters, which I presume of the next book.
Besides this it was an enjoyable read.
🌞 Summer Romance
⛱️ Italian Background
💕 Strangers / Friends to Lovers
🖤 Both dealing with past traumas
🤱🏻 Single Mum
It was a delightful read, which was nice and easy, with hardly any angst and also it wasn't too spicy, with the majority of scenes being suggested and closed door.
From nearly the very beginning you could feel the tension as soon as Toni and Gabri met, and then as it slowly started to build up, even though both of them were trying to deny it, as they were both facing traumas from their past. And then when friends and family become involved....
My only slight slight disappointment was with the ending, as I would have loved to have seen what happened next between the MCs, but instead in the epilogue, it just primarily focused on the characters, which I presume of the next book.
Besides this it was an enjoyable read.
🌞 Summer Romance
⛱️ Italian Background
💕 Strangers / Friends to Lovers
🖤 Both dealing with past traumas
🤱🏻 Single Mum
March 22, 2026
This is one of those times I wish half stars weee a thing because this was a 3.5 for me. Toni and Gabri have been email friends for a year, both in the wedding business, and now is their time to get to hang out on an Italian island together. A full week before a wedding event they’ll be part of. Toni, a widower and mom, arrives and is looking for her girly week gal-pal. Gabri, a complicated Italian (aren’t they all) mane arrives looking for his week long fishing buddy. And from there you can guess how this develops.
What I enjoyed was that this wasn’t insta-love at first sight. Attraction sure, but the shock of realizing their errors was comical and very much at the forefront for the first few days. Overall I did enjoy the story and there were some sweet moments between these characters and the surrounding characters.
What I enjoyed was that this wasn’t insta-love at first sight. Attraction sure, but the shock of realizing their errors was comical and very much at the forefront for the first few days. Overall I did enjoy the story and there were some sweet moments between these characters and the surrounding characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
The Great Destinations adventure wedding agency - I have been following since it was set up (3 books ago) and I am very much invested in seeing all the single members get attached one by one.
This plot was a surprise - who would have thought Toni (I always had the tough lady impression of her) would lose her heart finally when she was finally the on-site planner at a wedding. But the story of her life hasn't been easy and my heart was in knots for her, torn between having to honour the memory of her previous husband and wanting to be in love for herself while also not wanting to mess up the relationship with her son.
But - I am a sucker for happy endings. & I am looking forward to the next member of the agency getting hitched! (plus super excited about the upcoming wedding of the original wedding planner)
The Great Destinations adventure wedding agency - I have been following since it was set up (3 books ago) and I am very much invested in seeing all the single members get attached one by one.
This plot was a surprise - who would have thought Toni (I always had the tough lady impression of her) would lose her heart finally when she was finally the on-site planner at a wedding. But the story of her life hasn't been easy and my heart was in knots for her, torn between having to honour the memory of her previous husband and wanting to be in love for herself while also not wanting to mess up the relationship with her son.
But - I am a sucker for happy endings. & I am looking forward to the next member of the agency getting hitched! (plus super excited about the upcoming wedding of the original wedding planner)
May 2, 2026
Another book from Leonie Mack that has me yearning for Italian hills, beaches and culture.
Toni still struggles with her identity past being a mother and loss, 9 years after her husband’s tragic death. A chance to take a week’s holiday before the wedding she’s dreading is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with the florist friend she’s been messaging back and forth…
Only Gabri isn’t the female florist she expected, and Toni is definitely not the man he was expecting!
A chronic case of mistaken identity leads to almost kisses, and more than a bit yearning, all tied in wonderfully with the struggles they are both dealing with, and wonderful and immersive details of their fabulous surroundings.
My only wish is that there was a little more time devoted to the ending - Toni & Gabri definitely deserve it.
Toni still struggles with her identity past being a mother and loss, 9 years after her husband’s tragic death. A chance to take a week’s holiday before the wedding she’s dreading is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with the florist friend she’s been messaging back and forth…
Only Gabri isn’t the female florist she expected, and Toni is definitely not the man he was expecting!
A chronic case of mistaken identity leads to almost kisses, and more than a bit yearning, all tied in wonderfully with the struggles they are both dealing with, and wonderful and immersive details of their fabulous surroundings.
My only wish is that there was a little more time devoted to the ending - Toni & Gabri definitely deserve it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Italian Island Love Story is a fantastic mistaken identity, close-proximity, strangers-to-lovers story, with a young widowed mother of one, Toni, finding herself in Elba, a small Italian Island, to work on a wedding, where she goes to stay with the florist Gabri, only to find out that she is a he!
I love that it wasn't drawn out too much; they express their attraction quickly. However, the emotional angst is REAL, and it is brilliantly done!
Tying in Gabri's accidental meeting with Cillian, Toni's son, and how their relationship develops is another plus in the story.
And I loved the little learning points dropped in about foraging, flowers, and turtles!
Such a cute, lovely story, perfect for that holiday read!
I love that it wasn't drawn out too much; they express their attraction quickly. However, the emotional angst is REAL, and it is brilliantly done!
Tying in Gabri's accidental meeting with Cillian, Toni's son, and how their relationship develops is another plus in the story.
And I loved the little learning points dropped in about foraging, flowers, and turtles!
Such a cute, lovely story, perfect for that holiday read!
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