My Roman Summer

by Bruna De Luca

For fans of Love and Gelato and Anna and the French Kiss, My Roman Summer is the next summer, sun-drenched romance set in the city of love.Sixteen-year-old Scottish-Italian Livia feels like an outsider, working in her ailing grandmother’s bar in Rome. Smug local boy, Guilio, works there too, and quickly becomes Livia’s nemesis. She is not going to be the cliché foreign girl who has a summer romance. But as Livia navigates family drama, newfound friendships and… Giulio, she starts to see the city (and herself) in a new light.

Genres: Young Adult, Young Adult Romance

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just a cute, fun YA contemporary. There seems to be an influx of summery YA books that take place in Italy and I am here for them! I loved the Italian setting and all the delicious food that the characters were making and eating. I also liked seeing the depiction of Scottish-Italian Livia trying to get in touch with her Italian roots (since she has lived in Scotland all her life). This book also had a very hallmark vibe with the “let’s save the family restaurant” plotline. The resolution of how they saved it required a bit of suspension of disbelief but it was still cute. This felt like the younger end of YA and is completely clean (nothing other than a couple of brief kisses at the end) so I think this would work well for a Middle Grade reader who wants to transition to YA. It was a bit young for me personally but I still thought it was really cute and enjoyable. That cover is just adorable too!

[Saebri · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECEIVED AN E ARC FROM NETGALLEY

This was actually so cute and wholesome! It was the perfect little read to get me out of a slump that I’ve been in! I do feel like there could have been more of a connection with Livia and Giulio though 🫣 there wasn’t much romance in my opinion so it kinda felt rushed at the ending, but hey I still enjoyed what was there. I would also like to say that it normally takes me at least 5 days to finish a book, but I read this in 24 hours 😃 so that’s amazing! Overall I give it 3.75⭐️

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Livia Nardelli and her mother are spending the summer in Rome because her Nona Adelina (Nina) who is 75 and has broken her leg. She is unable to run her long standing bar/cafe. This means that Livia's best friend, Isla, is running the mother's Caterina's Cat Casa in Edinburgh while Livia's father travels to take wedding photos. While Livia speaks Italian at home with her parents, she is intimidated by Nina and doesn't speak as much with her. Still, she is rather angry that her grandmother has signed her up for language classes instead of expecting her to help out at the bar. The reason behind this seems to be Giulio, the grandson of Nina's best friend, who passed away. Giulio's parents had a lot of difficulties, so he has become very close to Nina. Giulio is Livia's age, but helps extensively at the cafe, and lives next door. Livia heads off reluctantly to her language class, and finds that it is below her skill levels. It is not all a loss; she meets Kenzie and Ren, and starts meeting with them at the bar for language practice. Ren likes to cook, and brings treats, which interest regulars like Enrico, a retiree who used to run a restaurant in the area. The bar is having financial difficulties, and Livia suspects that Giulio is hiding things from her. When she finds them out, she hides them from her mother, who is in turn hiding things from Livia. With Nina still in the hospital, Livia and her new friends, along with Giulio (to whom she is warming) come up with a plan to try to save the bar. Will they succeed?
Strengths: I read so many depressing middle grade books that My Roman Summer was a delightful relief. Livia is perfectly happy to travel to Rome, and really wants to help out her grandmother. She's struggling with not feeling Scottish enough at home, and not feeling Italian enough in Rome, so watching her connect with her Italian roots was particularly intriguing. It is realistic that her grandmother needs help with her business, but also that Caterina isn't thrilled with having to put her own life on hold to come and sort out her mother, with whom she has a slightly troubled past and prickly relationship. I enjoyed seeing the regulars at the bar (which serves breakfast, so is really more like a cafe), and the neighborhood coming together to save the business was heartwarming, if a little unrealistic. Giulio is a great character. He's never really mean or unpleasant, and has the best interest of Nina and the bar at heart; it's just Livia's impression of him that causes her to dislike him. It doesn't hurt that he is cute, charming, and drives a vintage Vespa! There's a little sight seeing, and a light but very sweet romance that will suit high schoolers and middle schoolers alike. This is a great summer read, and I hope that de Luca's Evie in Venice is available in the US soon!
Weaknesses: I'm personally not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, but that's because if I hate someone, I hate them forever. Livia's initial dislike of Giulio is perfectly valid, as her growing trust in him, and there are many readers who enjoy this change of heart.
What I really think: This is a fantastic choice for readers who loved Callaghan's Lost In series but want a slightly longer young adult book with a little more angst. Really can't go wrong with a romance set in Italy like Rae's Wish You Were Italian, Henderson's Flirting in Italian, Bennardo and Zaman's Blonde Ops, and of course Welch's bestselling 2016 Love and Gelato.

[Klaudia Janek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: "Livia in Rome" is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Rome. Sixteen-year-old Livia, a Scottish-Italian teen, feels out of place as she spends the summer helping at her grandmother’s bar. Navigating the city’s sun-soaked streets, Livia confronts her dual heritage and struggles with her identity. She clashes with Giulio, a local boy working at the bar, who quickly becomes a rival...until he becomes a love interest. As family secrets unfold and friendships blossom, Livia discovers new facets of herself and the importance of family and belonging. The story beautifully captures the essence of Rome, complete with Vespa rides, gelato, and the warmth of its people. Through her journey, Livia learns about self-acceptance and the complexities of growing up in a third culture.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Teen readers will appreciate "Livia in Rome" for its relatable exploration of identity and belonging. Livia’s authentic voice and experiences as a third-culture kid provide a genuine connection for those who feel caught between different worlds. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic with Giulio adds an exciting tension, making the romance engaging and irresistible. The vibrant setting of Rome, filled with vivid descriptions of food, culture, and the bustling city, offers an enticing escape. Teens will enjoy the mix of humor, drama, and heart, finding both entertainment and reflection in Livia’s story. "Livia in Rome" is a great addition to a school library, offering insights into multicultural experiences and themes of identity and acceptance. If you happen to be in a MYP or DP library, the book aligns with the IB learner profile, particularly in promoting open-mindedness and being reflective. Livia’s journey encourages empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, reflecting the IB's emphasis on global awareness. I really enjoyed this book! I think some of the reviews are harsh in going after the enemies to something more trope...(not really lovers)....but for a middle/high school reader, this might be the first time they are experiencing this trope. It is age appropriate and has a happy for now ending. It will make you want to travel to Italy, learn Italian and make some new new friends in Rome. I really wish I had the physical copy of this book so I can have the scratch and sniff, with sprayed edges edition!!!! (not fair)

I read it as an ARC through #NetGalley, Scholastic and Chicken House. (Thank you!) It's officially out in the US on June 2, 2026. You'll love it and your students will love it!

https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/20...

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun, light and, summery. It’s also a bit of wish fulfillment for anyone who has dreamt of spending time in Italy.

Livia lives in Scotland with her parents who are from Italy. She hasn’t been back to Italy in a decade. Now her grandmother needs their help with her cafe, so Livia and her mom will be spending summer in Italy.

Livia is used to feeling like somewhat of an outsider in her every day life but it’s worse when they get to Italy. Her grandmother doesn’t seem excited to see her. And there’s a teenage boy there who seems to know Livia’s grandmother better than she does.

At first she can’t stand the guy. And he acts a bit suspicious of Livia right back.

But they wind up working together and also trying to save the restaurant together.

In the remaining time in Italy, Livia is rotating though mandatory (according to her grandmother) Italian lessons and a bit of site seeing.

I enjoyed the sites. I enjoyed the stories. The mentions of Italian foods. Interesting historical facts and Italian words that I wound up looking up. I even liked that Livia’s mom owns a cat cafe at home and this results in Livia comparing a lot of things to cats. I found that really cute.

This is lots of fun and it’s especially perfect at summer time when our minds are on travel.
I want to read the author’s next book too!

I tore through this book in about 24 hours.

I received an ebook arc of this book from NetGalley, thank you!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC.
Livia and her mother, who is Italian, but live in Scotland with her dad, are spending the summer in Rome because Livia's grandmother, Nina, has broken her leg. Nina owns a cafe so Livia and her mom are going to run it while Nina recovers in the hospital. Livia hasn't been to Rome in many years and while she speaks Italian at home, she still isn't entirely comfortable with the language and culture; therefore, her Nina enrolls her in a language class. Livia isn't happy about this since she was expecting to work in the bar. To make matters worse, a boy name Giulio works at the bar and seems irritated that Livia is there and is very protective of Nina. Giulio is very secretive and since the bar is in financial trouble, Livia is convinced that the handsome Giulio is up to no good, but as time goes on, suspects that he isn't. Will she find romance in Romantic Rome?
This was such a fun read and students, especially those who enjoy Love and Gelato, will enjoy this. The descriptions of Rome make me want to visit again. I liked that Livia made friends at language school and the slow-burn romance.
This is an Italian summer treat for sure!

[Emily Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the setting of Rome and how the story mixed romance, family drama, and self-discovery together. The atmosphere made the book feel warm and immersive, and I liked watching Livia slowly become more comfortable with both herself and her surroundings.
Livia was definitely my favorite part of the story. Even though I sometimes felt frustrated with the choices she made and how she went behind her mom and grandmother’s backs at times, I still loved her as a character because she felt realistic. She was trying to figure out who she was, where she belonged, and how to handle all the pressure around her, which made her easy to connect with.
Giulio took longer for me to warm up to because he could be overly confident and a little annoying at first. However, as the story went on and he started to settle down and genuinely help Livia, I liked him a lot more. Their relationship felt more meaningful once they both started opening up to each other.
Overall, this was a fun and emotional coming-of-age story with strong character growth, a beautiful setting, and a romance that developed naturally over the course of the book.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC read from NetGalley. This was a cute summer romance. I identified with the FMC, not knowing where she truly belongs in. I liked how the FMC & MMC finally got it together and the MMC was able to let the FMC know what was going on and her new class friends were able to help them save the coffee shop. They incorporated the language aspect which helped even the older crowd that the FMCs grandmother didn't want to upset in bringing in change. I liked how the FMC finally accepted that the MMC was cute and not just annoying with his smirk towards her. Then she got all jealous about a friend of his whom he sold his vespa to. Over all I liked the book. It had me giggling.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars – My Roman Summer by Bruna De Luca is a fun story! This book has it all – amazing scenery (Italy), light chemistry between the 2 main characters, interesting side characters, combining cultural heritages and messed up family relationships. This is a perfect story for the tween/younger teen reader. Also ideal for anyone that wants to get the travel bug for Italy and fusion food.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author and Chicken House for allowing me to read an ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: My Roman Summer
Author: Bruna De Luca            
Genre: YA  
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 

This was a quick, fun, read, but nothing unexpected. It all resolved about like I expected—with the added bonus of great scenery and lovely little local details. Lots of family drama and teenage angst, but this was an entertaining, cute read.

(Galley courtesy of Scholastic | Chicken House in exchange for an honest review.)

[addison☻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet YA romance set in Rome! Livia's grandmother's bar is close to closing, so she needs to figure out a way to keep it open. Conveniently, she keeps running into a local boy named Guilio, whom she despises and fears, and her Grandma likes him more than her. Read this book to figure out what happens!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Hospitalisation of a grandparent for a broken leg
Death of a friend mentioned (secondary character)