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Love on Lake Como
244 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Joy Skye
13 books23 followersJoy lives on the seductive island of Corfu with her four dogs and an embarassing number of cats.
Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.
She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number four, due to be released later this year.
She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!
Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.
She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number four, due to be released later this year.
She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 9, 2026
3.75*
A beautiful setting, mouth watering food, and a handsome hero. There was much to like about Love on Lake Como. Having spent time there some years ago I was looking forward to being reacquainted with this gorgeous location.
Following heartbreak from a failed relationship, (Indigo) Indie Summers is persuaded to take up a job as a concierge at Villa Adeste, a Sublime Retreats luxury villa. Her confidence is at rock bottom and Indie is unsure if she can cope with the demands of the guests whose expectations are high but her sister Rose, the head chef at the Villa, is a superb backup when Indie has a wobble. In dealing with the Texan Six, a group of boisterous Americans, Indie finds her feet and confidence again. Love is unexpected when she meets Marco, a rather serious security guard outside a nearby celebrity’s villa who shoos her away. Marco has his own history which comes to light in a rather dramatic way.
This is very much a slow burn romance. I enjoyed the will they/won’t they aspect as these two people tiptoe around each other, each wondering if they dare trust again and take a chance.
The setting of Lake Como and Bellagio is superbly described and I now want to go back! The close relationship between sisters Rose and Indie was lovely to see and with its touches of humour and some excellent supporting characters (Aunt Juniper was just wonderful) this was a lovely read to while away a few hours. My one slight disappointment was the ending; after the gentle pace of the story we were suddenly at the conclusion and an Epilogue. This seemed rather rushed and I would have liked to see a little more development of the story before this sudden conclusion.
A beautiful setting, mouth watering food, and a handsome hero. There was much to like about Love on Lake Como. Having spent time there some years ago I was looking forward to being reacquainted with this gorgeous location.
Following heartbreak from a failed relationship, (Indigo) Indie Summers is persuaded to take up a job as a concierge at Villa Adeste, a Sublime Retreats luxury villa. Her confidence is at rock bottom and Indie is unsure if she can cope with the demands of the guests whose expectations are high but her sister Rose, the head chef at the Villa, is a superb backup when Indie has a wobble. In dealing with the Texan Six, a group of boisterous Americans, Indie finds her feet and confidence again. Love is unexpected when she meets Marco, a rather serious security guard outside a nearby celebrity’s villa who shoos her away. Marco has his own history which comes to light in a rather dramatic way.
This is very much a slow burn romance. I enjoyed the will they/won’t they aspect as these two people tiptoe around each other, each wondering if they dare trust again and take a chance.
The setting of Lake Como and Bellagio is superbly described and I now want to go back! The close relationship between sisters Rose and Indie was lovely to see and with its touches of humour and some excellent supporting characters (Aunt Juniper was just wonderful) this was a lovely read to while away a few hours. My one slight disappointment was the ending; after the gentle pace of the story we were suddenly at the conclusion and an Epilogue. This seemed rather rushed and I would have liked to see a little more development of the story before this sudden conclusion.
June 10, 2026
Love on lake Como is the first book I’ve read by joy Skye and now I want to go and read all her back catalogue. What an absolute perfect setting - I’ve travelled a lot of Italy but haven’t visited the lakes yet. This book has had me googling holidays in Lake Como.
Everything about this book was dreamlike from the setting, to the cast, the food and drink, I loved everything about it - I can almost feel the sun on my back and taste the sublime food, my mouth is literally drooling writing this.
When Indie’s life in London falls apart, what better place to lick her wounds than Italy. Indie’s twin sister Rose worked as a chef at Villa Adeste in Lake Como and persuaded Indie that the best place to lick her wounds and get over the ‘shit show’ that her life had become - dumped by best friend who decided to move in with the love of her life, dumped by her VERY married boyfriend and looking to avoid her rather smelly, slightly sleezy landlord who moved himself in would be to take a job as a concierge looking after exclusive guests.
I’d have been in that plane in a heartbeat - to say the Villa was stunning was an understatement and despite Indie’s reservations she’s soon sucked into Italian life. An unexpected encounter with a certain security guard might have helped settle her into her unexpected new life.
Love in Lake Como delivered just the right amount of love, drama and a huge dollop of sensory overload - the smells and tastes oozed from the pages! Reading on a wet Saturday afternoon this was the perfect pick me up that left me dreaming of summer holidays. I loved the twins relationship, Rose definitely played the know all older sister, even if it was technically only by a few minutes - persuading Rose to move out to Italy turns out to be the best idea she had for both of them.
I fully intend to start at book 1 in Joy Skye’s Sublime Retreats Romances series - this was book 7!! I’m not sure quite how I’ve never come across them before.
Everything about this book was dreamlike from the setting, to the cast, the food and drink, I loved everything about it - I can almost feel the sun on my back and taste the sublime food, my mouth is literally drooling writing this.
When Indie’s life in London falls apart, what better place to lick her wounds than Italy. Indie’s twin sister Rose worked as a chef at Villa Adeste in Lake Como and persuaded Indie that the best place to lick her wounds and get over the ‘shit show’ that her life had become - dumped by best friend who decided to move in with the love of her life, dumped by her VERY married boyfriend and looking to avoid her rather smelly, slightly sleezy landlord who moved himself in would be to take a job as a concierge looking after exclusive guests.
I’d have been in that plane in a heartbeat - to say the Villa was stunning was an understatement and despite Indie’s reservations she’s soon sucked into Italian life. An unexpected encounter with a certain security guard might have helped settle her into her unexpected new life.
Love in Lake Como delivered just the right amount of love, drama and a huge dollop of sensory overload - the smells and tastes oozed from the pages! Reading on a wet Saturday afternoon this was the perfect pick me up that left me dreaming of summer holidays. I loved the twins relationship, Rose definitely played the know all older sister, even if it was technically only by a few minutes - persuading Rose to move out to Italy turns out to be the best idea she had for both of them.
I fully intend to start at book 1 in Joy Skye’s Sublime Retreats Romances series - this was book 7!! I’m not sure quite how I’ve never come across them before.
June 1, 2026
Indie flees her old life to work a summer at a Lake Como villa, hoping for a fresh start and clues about her missing father. She never expects to clash with Marco, the handsome, brooding bodyguard next door. Opposites attract, secrets surface, and summer works its magic.
Sun-drenched, funny, and so romantic — pure escapism. Joy Skye paints Italy perfectly, and their slow-burn love is lovely. Warm, uplifting, and happy — the perfect holiday read.
Themes of healing and fresh starts; sweet, gentle romance.
Sun-drenched, funny, and so romantic — pure escapism. Joy Skye paints Italy perfectly, and their slow-burn love is lovely. Warm, uplifting, and happy — the perfect holiday read.
Themes of healing and fresh starts; sweet, gentle romance.
May 14, 2026
Love on Lake Como is the first book I have read by Joy Skye although it is part of the series of her Sublime Retreats novels. I was initially attracted to the beautiful location of the setting and the premise of the story of new beginnings for both the main characters, Marco and Indie.
I really enjoyed all the delicious foodie descriptions - Indie's twin sister Rose is a chef in the exclusive Villa Adeste, and she convinces Indie to come out after her life in London implodes around her. I thought the meet cute of Marco and Indie's primary attraction at the villa of a very well known celebrity was sweet and I liked how their romance blossomed over the course of the book.
There was not much peril in the storyline, and for me the novel lost a star for a couple of reasons: 1) the secondary characters we needed to care about were not very fleshed out and many unanswered questions about what had happened to them in the past to warrant their appearance. Perhaps they were in a previous book? and 2) the ending was a bit too neat!
Overall a cute summer read - take it to Italy along with your appetite!
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed all the delicious foodie descriptions - Indie's twin sister Rose is a chef in the exclusive Villa Adeste, and she convinces Indie to come out after her life in London implodes around her. I thought the meet cute of Marco and Indie's primary attraction at the villa of a very well known celebrity was sweet and I liked how their romance blossomed over the course of the book.
There was not much peril in the storyline, and for me the novel lost a star for a couple of reasons: 1) the secondary characters we needed to care about were not very fleshed out and many unanswered questions about what had happened to them in the past to warrant their appearance. Perhaps they were in a previous book? and 2) the ending was a bit too neat!
Overall a cute summer read - take it to Italy along with your appetite!
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2026
With the invite to help out at a luxurious villa in Lake Como and escape her manipulative ex, Indie packs up and leaves London behind to help her sister and maybe even grow closer to her father.
What she doesn’t expect is to meet brooding bodyguard Marcus.Not ready for a new relationship, Indie has her guard up, while Marcus is also dealing with his own past traumas.
Initially, I was expecting a bit more from this. I wasn’t really able to fully connect with Indie, and I expected more emotion around the issues with her ex and her relationship with her father. To me, those parts felt a little glossed over. Even though a big theme throughout the story was that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, it still felt like it all just happened without much build-up.
I did like all the background characters though, Al, Rose, Enzo and Juniper, and the little connections they all had throughout the story.
I also wasn’t that thrilled with the epilogue. Yes, my go to is something that’s a cheesy predictable romcom, but this one just felt a bit off and anticlimactic for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.
What she doesn’t expect is to meet brooding bodyguard Marcus.Not ready for a new relationship, Indie has her guard up, while Marcus is also dealing with his own past traumas.
Initially, I was expecting a bit more from this. I wasn’t really able to fully connect with Indie, and I expected more emotion around the issues with her ex and her relationship with her father. To me, those parts felt a little glossed over. Even though a big theme throughout the story was that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, it still felt like it all just happened without much build-up.
I did like all the background characters though, Al, Rose, Enzo and Juniper, and the little connections they all had throughout the story.
I also wasn’t that thrilled with the epilogue. Yes, my go to is something that’s a cheesy predictable romcom, but this one just felt a bit off and anticlimactic for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the first time I'd read a book by Joy Skye and it was a lovely, light-hearted read, consumed in a few hours.
Indigo (Indie) has had enough of life in England. Her relationship and living arrangements have both gone horribly wrong and now she has no job and no-where to live. Fortuitously there's a concierge job going where her twin sister Rose works at a luxury, Sublime Retreats, villa on Lake Como. Indie is soon managing the needs of the Texan Six, holiday makers who are keen to make the most of the villa, the food and the drink. Meanwhile she meets the mysterious Marco and there is an instant spark. Can Indie risk another relationship? Read and find out.
As with most romance books, the time scale doesn't really equate to real life and the ending is predictable, just go along for the ride.
Indigo (Indie) has had enough of life in England. Her relationship and living arrangements have both gone horribly wrong and now she has no job and no-where to live. Fortuitously there's a concierge job going where her twin sister Rose works at a luxury, Sublime Retreats, villa on Lake Como. Indie is soon managing the needs of the Texan Six, holiday makers who are keen to make the most of the villa, the food and the drink. Meanwhile she meets the mysterious Marco and there is an instant spark. Can Indie risk another relationship? Read and find out.
As with most romance books, the time scale doesn't really equate to real life and the ending is predictable, just go along for the ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love Love on Lake Como because the setting sounded like the perfect summer escape, and Lake Como was definitely my favourite part of the book. The Italian backdrop gave it a lovely holiday feel and made the story easy to picture.
Unfortunately, the romance didn’t fully work for me. I liked the idea of Indie starting over and finding herself again, but I struggled to connect with the characters and I didn’t really feel the slow-burn between Indie and Marco as much as I wanted to.
It was still an easy, light read, and I can see other readers enjoying the escapist setting and second-chance-at-life theme, but it wasn’t completely for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Vinci Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
#LoveonLakeComo #NetGalley
Unfortunately, the romance didn’t fully work for me. I liked the idea of Indie starting over and finding herself again, but I struggled to connect with the characters and I didn’t really feel the slow-burn between Indie and Marco as much as I wanted to.
It was still an easy, light read, and I can see other readers enjoying the escapist setting and second-chance-at-life theme, but it wasn’t completely for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Vinci Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
#LoveonLakeComo #NetGalley
May 27, 2026
Wonderful romance with the backdrop of the gorgeous Lake Como. This is a beautiful warm-hearted love story. Two characters both hurt and betrayed in their former lives looking for some respite and time away. I loved Indie and Rose’s relationship- always being there for each other and being the one to have confidence when the other was doubting. Aunt Juniper sounded great too.
Indie and Marco had the chemistry from the very beginning and I loved how they both seemed to understand one another right away. The perfect summer romance and has me now searching for holidays in Italy.
Indie and Marco had the chemistry from the very beginning and I loved how they both seemed to understand one another right away. The perfect summer romance and has me now searching for holidays in Italy.
June 14, 2026
Now when SJ pops up in my email on her year out to ask if I would like to read and take part in a blog tour, I know it’s going to be a super special read. Throughout the time I have known her she has never let me down and every read she’s said I think this is right up your street she has been completely bang on.
Love On Lake Como stole my heart almost instantly. Not only do I want to visit because it sounds truly idyllic in so many ways, it’s also made me feel extremely wistful for that sense of connection. This story was funny from the start but there is oh so much to unpack. Families, secrets, lies and heartbreak just to name a few.
When we meet Indie she’s going through a lot and Rose her twin has the perfect escape come join her in Lake Como, Quite quickly Indie starts to discover herself again. It was great to meet the sisters see their connection and how different they are and to see the change in Indie as she embraced Lake Como and all it had to offer.
This is where I have to mention the wonderful Marco. He’s brooding demeanour had me almost instantly. I knew there was so much more to his story and wow.
The slow-burn of this read and the romances and friendships that formed had me truly captivated from start to finish.
This is a book for anyone who has lost their sense of self. It’s a story of hope, fresh starts and beautiful new beginnings.
If anyone else has already devoured anymore from Joy Skye tell me what to read next. Be sure to check out the other reviews on this treat.
Love On Lake Como stole my heart almost instantly. Not only do I want to visit because it sounds truly idyllic in so many ways, it’s also made me feel extremely wistful for that sense of connection. This story was funny from the start but there is oh so much to unpack. Families, secrets, lies and heartbreak just to name a few.
When we meet Indie she’s going through a lot and Rose her twin has the perfect escape come join her in Lake Como, Quite quickly Indie starts to discover herself again. It was great to meet the sisters see their connection and how different they are and to see the change in Indie as she embraced Lake Como and all it had to offer.
This is where I have to mention the wonderful Marco. He’s brooding demeanour had me almost instantly. I knew there was so much more to his story and wow.
The slow-burn of this read and the romances and friendships that formed had me truly captivated from start to finish.
This is a book for anyone who has lost their sense of self. It’s a story of hope, fresh starts and beautiful new beginnings.
If anyone else has already devoured anymore from Joy Skye tell me what to read next. Be sure to check out the other reviews on this treat.
June 11, 2026
What a sweet romance! Rose is the chef at Villa Adeste on Lake Como in Italy. Her twin, Indigo, known as Indie, needed a break from Great Britain after a disastrous romance. She joined the staff of Sublime Retreats which operates Villa Adeste. The twins find romance with the van driver and with a security guard at a nearby estate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2026
pick me up read
This book is such a wonderful pick me up read, we all face ups and downs in our lives so it´s important to never give up hope things will eventually change for the better again. Indie and Marco are both such wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about how they slowly let their guard down and let each other in in spite of all the hurt and disappointment they faced in their past.
This book is such a wonderful pick me up read, we all face ups and downs in our lives so it´s important to never give up hope things will eventually change for the better again. Indie and Marco are both such wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about how they slowly let their guard down and let each other in in spite of all the hurt and disappointment they faced in their past.
June 8, 2026
Thank you Vinci Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was such a cute summer romance. We get everything for a perfect sweet romance, a heartache, new possibilities, a beautiful Italian setting and a handsome Italian.. What else do we need?
this is a perfect beach read, or a Lake Como read (😉) so grab a copy, make yourself a cocktail and enjoy.
This was such a cute summer romance. We get everything for a perfect sweet romance, a heartache, new possibilities, a beautiful Italian setting and a handsome Italian.. What else do we need?
this is a perfect beach read, or a Lake Como read (😉) so grab a copy, make yourself a cocktail and enjoy.
June 4, 2026
3.25- 3.5 ⭐️
When Indie's life implodes and her sister offers her a job in beautiful Como she can't say no. (Would you?) Working for a luxury travel company as the concierge she is tasked with looking after every part of her guests stay, whilst having the pleasure of working alongside her chef sister, Rose.
Enjoying the fresh start and with plans for no men or drama, Indie takes herself sightseeing only to bump into gorgeous but grumpy bodyguard Marco. It seems he is never far away and maybe Italy has bigger plans for Indie.
This book is part of a wider 'Sublime Retreats' series comprised of different standalone stories. At just shy of 250 pages this is a quick romance read set in sunny climes and perfect for getting you in the holiday mood. That said, there are some tougher themes explored including complex family dynamics, trauma and ill health so it packs a lot in. I really liked the sister's great aunt and the three women's relationship.
N.B was gifted a copy of this book
When Indie's life implodes and her sister offers her a job in beautiful Como she can't say no. (Would you?) Working for a luxury travel company as the concierge she is tasked with looking after every part of her guests stay, whilst having the pleasure of working alongside her chef sister, Rose.
Enjoying the fresh start and with plans for no men or drama, Indie takes herself sightseeing only to bump into gorgeous but grumpy bodyguard Marco. It seems he is never far away and maybe Italy has bigger plans for Indie.
This book is part of a wider 'Sublime Retreats' series comprised of different standalone stories. At just shy of 250 pages this is a quick romance read set in sunny climes and perfect for getting you in the holiday mood. That said, there are some tougher themes explored including complex family dynamics, trauma and ill health so it packs a lot in. I really liked the sister's great aunt and the three women's relationship.
N.B was gifted a copy of this book
May 20, 2026
A sweet but relatively lightweight and by-the-numbers romance. Probably a good beach / holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Enjoyed reading. On the blog tour
May 28, 2026
An enjoyable read set in Italy on beautiful Lake Como!
Review of advance copy
A quick and light read, this is a cosy vacation romance without much complexity, but you get a healthy dose of beautiful Italian scenery and delicious food descriptions.
Review of advance copy
A sweet romance. A delightful visit to Italy. Twins work together and eventually find their significant others. Engaging story. A nice variety of characters. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews