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Love, Al Dente: A saucy Italian romance
A deliciously tantalising, will-they-won't-they culinary affair by bestselling Italian-Australian author Jenna Lo Bianco.
Alessio's a pedantic, uptight former chef of a renowned Australian restaurant who has vowed to never set foot in a commercial kitchen again.
Francesca's a passionate free-spirited Italian cook who lives and breathes pasta, and happens to be in desperate need of a knight in shining chef whites.
A centuries old pasta battle.
A little white lie.
And a whole lot of chemistry.
Will they be able to handle the heat in the kitchen?
Or will it be a recipe for disaster?
Alessio's a pedantic, uptight former chef of a renowned Australian restaurant who has vowed to never set foot in a commercial kitchen again.
Francesca's a passionate free-spirited Italian cook who lives and breathes pasta, and happens to be in desperate need of a knight in shining chef whites.
A centuries old pasta battle.
A little white lie.
And a whole lot of chemistry.
Will they be able to handle the heat in the kitchen?
Or will it be a recipe for disaster?
- GenresRomance
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
36 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Lo Bianco
5 books72 followersJenna Lo Bianco is a writer, educator, PhD Candidate, and advocate for Italian language education in Australia.
With nearly 60 publications to her name, Jenna is trusted nationally and internationally to write about all things ‘Italian’. She is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, regular contributor to Segmento Magazine, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade.
A romantic at heart, Jenna writes contemporary romances set in Italy that read like a fictional slice of ‘la dolce vita’, but are steeped in candour and truths – both the convenient and inconvenient – drawing upon her personal life experiences in Italy, and her intimate knowledge of the Italian language and culture.
She may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome’s most permanent residents.
With nearly 60 publications to her name, Jenna is trusted nationally and internationally to write about all things ‘Italian’. She is a Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, regular contributor to Segmento Magazine, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade.
A romantic at heart, Jenna writes contemporary romances set in Italy that read like a fictional slice of ‘la dolce vita’, but are steeped in candour and truths – both the convenient and inconvenient – drawing upon her personal life experiences in Italy, and her intimate knowledge of the Italian language and culture.
She may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome’s most permanent residents.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 3, 2025
Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
Jenna’s books make you want to get on an airplane and fly to Italy and experience what the historic, colourful and passionate country has to offer.
Her delicious chat of unique cuisine, the seamlessly beautiful love story, the romantic atmosphere and you even get an Italian language lesson, all this and so much more makes for a delightful read.
Alessio flees his high profile career as head chef and Australia saying he will not go back to a kitchen ever again.
Francesca is a wistful cook who lives and breathes pasta longing for a male chef for a centuries old pasta tournament.
A lie that’s just a harmless fib.
They enter each other lives at the right time and right place.
Will the heat in the kitchen get a little hot or is it about to go down the drain…
A delectable, enticing and pleasing read.
The chemistry between the two leads is off the page, the spice and steam level boils over.
The plot is inviting, the setting is glorious, there’s tempting food and an exciting atmosphere and the reader gets a beauteous escape to Italy.
Tantalise the tastebuds and be enchantingly transferred to a little town in Italy for an adventure of a lifetime.
Jenna’s books make you want to get on an airplane and fly to Italy and experience what the historic, colourful and passionate country has to offer.
Her delicious chat of unique cuisine, the seamlessly beautiful love story, the romantic atmosphere and you even get an Italian language lesson, all this and so much more makes for a delightful read.
Alessio flees his high profile career as head chef and Australia saying he will not go back to a kitchen ever again.
Francesca is a wistful cook who lives and breathes pasta longing for a male chef for a centuries old pasta tournament.
A lie that’s just a harmless fib.
They enter each other lives at the right time and right place.
Will the heat in the kitchen get a little hot or is it about to go down the drain…
A delectable, enticing and pleasing read.
The chemistry between the two leads is off the page, the spice and steam level boils over.
The plot is inviting, the setting is glorious, there’s tempting food and an exciting atmosphere and the reader gets a beauteous escape to Italy.
Tantalise the tastebuds and be enchantingly transferred to a little town in Italy for an adventure of a lifetime.
November 18, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. From the very first chapter it felt like I had been transported straight to Italy. With my own Italian background, I connected with this story in a way I have never experienced before. I kept reading my Mum lines from the book and saying things like "doesn’t this sound just like Nonna" or "just like our family". It felt so real and so familiar.
My mouth was watering at every food description, especially the pasta. The sensory writing was incredible. I could smell the tomatoes, hear the bubbling pots, and picture the kitchen just as vividly as if I were standing in my own Nonna’s house.
I was not expecting to cry but when Alessio uncovered his Nonna's history it hit me so hard. That generation went through so much and the way Jenna wrote those moments was gentle, emotional, and so respectful. It was truly beautiful.
The chemistry between Francesca and Alessio was exactly what I want in a romance. There’s a slow-burn tension at the start of their relationship that keeps you hooked, and it is warm, playful, rooted in tradition, cheeky, a little spicy, and full of spark.
A few of my favourite little moments and lines that made this book feel like home:
🍝 "Nonna thinks you're too skinny and she wants you to eat something"
🍝 "Boh"
🍝Nonna’s Virgin Mary bottle of Holy Water
🍝Palm Sunday palms
🍝The kitchen in the garage
🍝"Just this much”
🍝“You’ll know when”
🍝Sunday lunch at Nonna’s house
🍝 And of course a special shout out to Nonna Maria - I loved her so much.
I loved everything about this story and I already need more of Jenna Lo Bianco’s work in my life.
My mouth was watering at every food description, especially the pasta. The sensory writing was incredible. I could smell the tomatoes, hear the bubbling pots, and picture the kitchen just as vividly as if I were standing in my own Nonna’s house.
I was not expecting to cry but when Alessio uncovered his Nonna's history it hit me so hard. That generation went through so much and the way Jenna wrote those moments was gentle, emotional, and so respectful. It was truly beautiful.
The chemistry between Francesca and Alessio was exactly what I want in a romance. There’s a slow-burn tension at the start of their relationship that keeps you hooked, and it is warm, playful, rooted in tradition, cheeky, a little spicy, and full of spark.
A few of my favourite little moments and lines that made this book feel like home:
🍝 "Nonna thinks you're too skinny and she wants you to eat something"
🍝 "Boh"
🍝Nonna’s Virgin Mary bottle of Holy Water
🍝Palm Sunday palms
🍝The kitchen in the garage
🍝"Just this much”
🍝“You’ll know when”
🍝Sunday lunch at Nonna’s house
🍝 And of course a special shout out to Nonna Maria - I loved her so much.
I loved everything about this story and I already need more of Jenna Lo Bianco’s work in my life.
November 27, 2025
Jenna has this amazing ability of transporting you to Italy from the first page of all of her books!
Her newest release delivers ten fold, this time taking the reader to southern Italy
Very successful chef Alessio is travelling to find more about his paternal grandmother. After his career ended in Australia he has sworn off cooking again
Francesca is passionate about all things pasta and food, and determined to win a her home town’s pasta battle, only problem is the family chef must be male
Alessio rents Francesca’s apartment and soon a plan is formed which has Alessio pretending to be Francesca’s cousin and compete in the pasta battle.. the plan is fool proof right?! Well, all is well until they begin to spend more time together, and an undeniable attraction forms
Oh how I adored both Francesca and Alessio ♥️ they are equally fabulous, caring, supportive and fiercely loyal.
Featuring fabulous family traditions, delicious food and the perfect amount of spice, Love, Al Dente is a must read 🤩🙌
Thank you Macmillan for my gifted copy to review 🫶
🧡
Her newest release delivers ten fold, this time taking the reader to southern Italy
Very successful chef Alessio is travelling to find more about his paternal grandmother. After his career ended in Australia he has sworn off cooking again
Francesca is passionate about all things pasta and food, and determined to win a her home town’s pasta battle, only problem is the family chef must be male
Alessio rents Francesca’s apartment and soon a plan is formed which has Alessio pretending to be Francesca’s cousin and compete in the pasta battle.. the plan is fool proof right?! Well, all is well until they begin to spend more time together, and an undeniable attraction forms
Oh how I adored both Francesca and Alessio ♥️ they are equally fabulous, caring, supportive and fiercely loyal.
Featuring fabulous family traditions, delicious food and the perfect amount of spice, Love, Al Dente is a must read 🤩🙌
Thank you Macmillan for my gifted copy to review 🫶
🧡
October 28, 2025
Are you looking to escape to Italy? To hear the beautiful language? Taste the amazing food? Experience an Italian summer filled with love?
Well, look no further! Love, Al Dente is the book for you!!
I don’t know how Jenna does it, but I was immediately transported to southern Italy and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this adventure.
Francesca and Alessio ❤️
These two were perfecto! I loved them, their characters, their chemistry, their respect for eachother, the whole lot, they were just so enjoyable to read about and they made my heart so happy! There was just the right amount of saucy Italian spice in this one, bravo Jenna!
As much as I loved our two main characters, another favourite was Nonna Maria. Oh I loved this Nonna with all my heart. She didn’t miss a trick and was hilarious but also such a beautiful support for Francesca. I loved her so much.
This book is pure joy.
From Alessio’s arrival, the reason he was there, to the unraveling of the past and Francesca’s determination to win for her dad, plus the most incredible food descriptions, this book was just beautiful.
The family connections, the traditions, the romance, the food and Italian experience is everything you could wish for in a novel. I absolutely adored it and it’s getting all the stars from me!
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for the early copy.
Well, look no further! Love, Al Dente is the book for you!!
I don’t know how Jenna does it, but I was immediately transported to southern Italy and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this adventure.
Francesca and Alessio ❤️
These two were perfecto! I loved them, their characters, their chemistry, their respect for eachother, the whole lot, they were just so enjoyable to read about and they made my heart so happy! There was just the right amount of saucy Italian spice in this one, bravo Jenna!
As much as I loved our two main characters, another favourite was Nonna Maria. Oh I loved this Nonna with all my heart. She didn’t miss a trick and was hilarious but also such a beautiful support for Francesca. I loved her so much.
This book is pure joy.
From Alessio’s arrival, the reason he was there, to the unraveling of the past and Francesca’s determination to win for her dad, plus the most incredible food descriptions, this book was just beautiful.
The family connections, the traditions, the romance, the food and Italian experience is everything you could wish for in a novel. I absolutely adored it and it’s getting all the stars from me!
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for the early copy.
January 3, 2026
Jenna Lo Bianco took me to a small, quaint Italian village where I was immersed in the language and the traditional pasta making history. I loved the Festa Della Pasta challenge which produced pasta representative of the village. The smattering of Italian words and phrases throughout the book, including chapter numbers, had me reading in an Italian accent. On completing the book, I immediately researched pasta machines and cook books!
Read
January 28, 2026Get ready to be transported to Italy and feast your senses on all things pasta with Love, Al Dente by Jenna Lo Bianco.
Alessio, once an award winning chef in Australia has travelled to Italy to trace his Nonna roots, Francesca owns a restaurant with her Mum and Nonna, her one true passion is pasta making.
Alessio gets more than he bargains for with his accommodation above the restaurant, forcing him to face the demons of his past and an undeniable attraction to Francesca.
A little white lie by Francesca throws them together, where they try to fight there attraction.
An engaging read, with a passion for food at the forefront, lots of chemistry and spice thrown in, I really enjoyed this book.
The link to Alessios Nonna was an interesting little detail that I felt could have been expanded on a little to add a bit more depth to the story line.
I need to add Jenna's past books to my to be read pile!
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan for this delightful book to read.
Alessio, once an award winning chef in Australia has travelled to Italy to trace his Nonna roots, Francesca owns a restaurant with her Mum and Nonna, her one true passion is pasta making.
Alessio gets more than he bargains for with his accommodation above the restaurant, forcing him to face the demons of his past and an undeniable attraction to Francesca.
A little white lie by Francesca throws them together, where they try to fight there attraction.
An engaging read, with a passion for food at the forefront, lots of chemistry and spice thrown in, I really enjoyed this book.
The link to Alessios Nonna was an interesting little detail that I felt could have been expanded on a little to add a bit more depth to the story line.
I need to add Jenna's past books to my to be read pile!
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Pan Macmillan for this delightful book to read.
December 16, 2025
I basically lived in Southern Italy thanks to this fun Italian romance book! The main character, an uptight Australian chef, basically had a ‘When Harry Met Sally’ moment in the small town of Impastino when he ate a pastiocciotto. So naturally, I had to make these delicious treats myself, and they did in fact contain a ‘little drop of heaven’ inside, as mentioned in the book. So yummy!
Apart from escaping to Puglia, Italy for a while, and inspiring me to cook Italian treats, this book also had:
• a pasta competition and rivalry between the male chefs of the restaurants in the piazza,
• a search for the MMC’s family history and uncovering long-lost secrets,
• a spirited Nonna and Mamma,
• the Secret Life of Pasta lessons (chef’s kiss), and
• the cutest, most mysterious tazza della pasta, which taught me the correct ratio of flour to egg for making pasta!
The characters were realistic and lovable, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story, and how they incorporated the local history and produce into their food. I also loved their spicy scenes and trying not to get caught!
Like all her books, the author sprinkles Italian phrases throughout, so it even feels like you’re learning Italian as you read.
If you want to escape to Southern Italy for a while and love the idea of an uptight Australian chef being taught by a passionate Italian cook, then you’ll love this book!
Apart from escaping to Puglia, Italy for a while, and inspiring me to cook Italian treats, this book also had:
• a pasta competition and rivalry between the male chefs of the restaurants in the piazza,
• a search for the MMC’s family history and uncovering long-lost secrets,
• a spirited Nonna and Mamma,
• the Secret Life of Pasta lessons (chef’s kiss), and
• the cutest, most mysterious tazza della pasta, which taught me the correct ratio of flour to egg for making pasta!
The characters were realistic and lovable, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story, and how they incorporated the local history and produce into their food. I also loved their spicy scenes and trying not to get caught!
Like all her books, the author sprinkles Italian phrases throughout, so it even feels like you’re learning Italian as you read.
If you want to escape to Southern Italy for a while and love the idea of an uptight Australian chef being taught by a passionate Italian cook, then you’ll love this book!
November 19, 2025
Love, Al Dente whisks one away to Italy, where you can feel the sunshine kiss your skin, smell the ocean and you are immersed in history, culture, traditions, love and delicious food. It left me wanting to jump on a plane and experience it all for myself ☀️
It’s a story of working through grief, passion for all things food, cooking and Italy, it’s also about family history and of course love.
I loved how Allesio and Francesca helped and supported each other through their own troubles, while also reigniting their passion in the kitchen - being able to find pleasure and enjoyment in creating delicious dishes.
My heart was touched as I watched a relationship start to mend between mother and daughter and just the support and acceptance that our main characters gave one another too.
I also teared up at with Fransceca’s pasta - the Giacomini pasta and her explanation behind the dish - just beautiful. 🥰
Upon finishing this story, I had a desire to make homemade pasta and bite into a Pasticciotto - I may just have to spend a day in the kitchen 🧑🍳
Thank-you Jenna and @macmillanaus for this gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a story of working through grief, passion for all things food, cooking and Italy, it’s also about family history and of course love.
I loved how Allesio and Francesca helped and supported each other through their own troubles, while also reigniting their passion in the kitchen - being able to find pleasure and enjoyment in creating delicious dishes.
My heart was touched as I watched a relationship start to mend between mother and daughter and just the support and acceptance that our main characters gave one another too.
I also teared up at with Fransceca’s pasta - the Giacomini pasta and her explanation behind the dish - just beautiful. 🥰
Upon finishing this story, I had a desire to make homemade pasta and bite into a Pasticciotto - I may just have to spend a day in the kitchen 🧑🍳
Thank-you Jenna and @macmillanaus for this gifted copy, in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
Whenever I see a Jenna Lo Bianco book, I grab and pay for it immediately! I enjoy her writing, and love the mix of Italian and Australian characters. This was a great read. I could visualise everything - the town, the food, the people. It was easy to get absorbed in the world of the characters.
I thought it was a little ironic 'more sex' was asked for and supposedly delivered... and yet I was still wanting more! The first sex scene was basically a fade to black! What! I wanted all the details... So that was a little disappointing. The sexual tension was written very well though!
I expected more conflict than we were given as well, but maybe this is just Jenna's style? Jenna is good at writing healthy adult relationships, I'll give her that! I kept waiting for something BIG to occur and nothing did. In saying that, the pacing was good, and I enjoyed the backstory of Alessio's grandmother and the way that was uncovered.
I thought it was a little ironic 'more sex' was asked for and supposedly delivered... and yet I was still wanting more! The first sex scene was basically a fade to black! What! I wanted all the details... So that was a little disappointing. The sexual tension was written very well though!
I expected more conflict than we were given as well, but maybe this is just Jenna's style? Jenna is good at writing healthy adult relationships, I'll give her that! I kept waiting for something BIG to occur and nothing did. In saying that, the pacing was good, and I enjoyed the backstory of Alessio's grandmother and the way that was uncovered.
January 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this and was surprised how much of my Italian came back to me whilst reading this. When I was a child growing up in Germany we used to rent a bungalow near the beach at a lovely place in Italy and spent most of the 6 weeks at the beach. I learnt to speak Italian with all the kids and had such fun as I was with a whole group of local kids who showed me the best places for ice cream etc.
Reading this book was a joy to me. The only thing was that I wanted this book to go on and not end. I would love a second book about these characters.
I think it was really well written and I will read every book by this author. It made me fall in love with Italian and Italy again and I thank her for re awakening my memories.
It is a wonderful beach read and or a holiday read.
Reading this book was a joy to me. The only thing was that I wanted this book to go on and not end. I would love a second book about these characters.
I think it was really well written and I will read every book by this author. It made me fall in love with Italian and Italy again and I thank her for re awakening my memories.
It is a wonderful beach read and or a holiday read.
January 14, 2026
Reading Love, Al Dente felt like travelling through Puglia without leaving my chair. Jenna Lo Bianco’s writing is so vivid that I could almost taste the pasta, smell the olive oil, and feel the warmth of the Italian sun in every scene. The food isn’t just background — it’s part of the story, woven beautifully into the journey of Alessio and Francesca as they navigate love, passion and self-discovery. Following their relationship unfold against the backdrop of small towns, shared meals and heartfelt moments made me feel completely immersed in their world. It’s a story that engages all your senses and leaves you feeling full — emotionally and imaginatively — long after the final page.
January 22, 2026
An enjoyable, easy summer read. The storyline and characters were engaging, the writing was deliciously descriptive. It was easy to imagine myself in the tiny town of Impastino. Overall, it didn't go very deep: while the characters have their own flaws, these don't at any point get in the way of romance. Some of the plot lines seem to be woven in as almost an after-thought. I finished the book feeling like it could have been a bit longer, a bit more dramatic. But I can still happily say it was a pleasant read.
December 30, 2025
Jenna Lo Bianco and her descriptive and romantic storytelling have delivered once again. I was so excited to read another book of Jenna's and this one did not exceeded my expectations. This book transported me to Italy and I could taste the flavours and imagine I was in the piazza with Alessio, Francesca and Nonna Maria. I loved the relationships between the characters, the mystery, the food, the culture...and the heat. A beautiful and delicious viaggio to Southern Italy. Bravissima!
January 8, 2026
A stunning read and beautifully written. Jenna Lo Bianco’s use of the senses is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in the sights, smells, and textures of the south of Italy. Every page feels like a getaway for the senses, allowing the imagination to wander and linger. I truly adored this book and felt a strong connection to the themes and values woven throughout the story. An enriching, heartfelt read that I highly recommend.
November 15, 2025
Love, Al Dente is one of those books that will have you wanting to book a trip to Italy immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
Lo Bianco immerses you into the rural Italian landscape and the community that calls it home right from the start, beautifully setting the scene. Then comes the food, specifically pasta, and its connection back to land through ingredients. It's a writing style I really enjoyed.
The tension and slow burn between Alesso and Francesca was delicious. They were two characters that I was really drawn to.
Overall a refreshing read that I loved and I think it is my favourite by this author to date
Thank you to @macmillanaus for a copy to read.
Lo Bianco immerses you into the rural Italian landscape and the community that calls it home right from the start, beautifully setting the scene. Then comes the food, specifically pasta, and its connection back to land through ingredients. It's a writing style I really enjoyed.
The tension and slow burn between Alesso and Francesca was delicious. They were two characters that I was really drawn to.
Overall a refreshing read that I loved and I think it is my favourite by this author to date
Thank you to @macmillanaus for a copy to read.
February 19, 2026
3.5 down to a 3. The setting, the characters, the food is wonderful, but the sex scenes seem a bit gratuitous at times (I'm no way a prude, but the book wasn't sure if it was a raunchy novel or a foodie Italian adventure) This is a marked improvement though on the previous three novels I read last year.
February 8, 2026
Well done Jenna. My favourite of your titles yet!
The writing of food is perfection. I left like I was reading a recipe that I can replicate at home.
I love Francesca and Alessio. A beautiful relationship that grows along side the Italian summer.
The writing of food is perfection. I left like I was reading a recipe that I can replicate at home.
I love Francesca and Alessio. A beautiful relationship that grows along side the Italian summer.
November 12, 2025
This book has filled my tazza! It’s a good mix of tension, frustration, passion and above all love of land, family and new love.
December 9, 2025
Easy book to read and great to get lost in the little town of Impastino
January 8, 2026
Passionate, Romantic, Italian - beautifully descriptive and I loved being on the journey with Jenna, Francesca and Alessio !!
January 12, 2026
I must be the exception, as I really didn't love this book. I found it very predictable. I ended up skimming my way through to the end.
January 12, 2026
3.5*
Made me desperately want to escape to Italy
Made me desperately want to escape to Italy
December 4, 2025
Love Al Dente - Jenna Lo Bianco
Don't you love it when you read and adore a book by a "new to you" author and then check and they have more books already written for you to devour!!
This is exactly how I felt after reading this wonderfully tantalising love story about not just affairs of the heart but also of the stomach! Francesca and Alessio are both gorgeous characters and I think everyone should have a feisty and hilarious Nonna Maria!!
Jenna's knowledge and love of Italy shine off the pages and her descriptions of the food were so vivid that it's as if you can smell and hear it bubbling away. Yes, I'll definitely have what she's having!!
A wonderful feel-good read that will have you yearning for a trip to Italy!
4.8 ⭐️'s
Don't you love it when you read and adore a book by a "new to you" author and then check and they have more books already written for you to devour!!
This is exactly how I felt after reading this wonderfully tantalising love story about not just affairs of the heart but also of the stomach! Francesca and Alessio are both gorgeous characters and I think everyone should have a feisty and hilarious Nonna Maria!!
Jenna's knowledge and love of Italy shine off the pages and her descriptions of the food were so vivid that it's as if you can smell and hear it bubbling away. Yes, I'll definitely have what she's having!!
A wonderful feel-good read that will have you yearning for a trip to Italy!
4.8 ⭐️'s
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews