A Taste of Limoncello

by Ariana Erazo

Three best friends: one I pined for, one I slept with, and one I’ve been quietly married to in my head for years.
Spencer is the first, my childhood accomplice, the object of my teenage fantasies, and the man I’ve never quite stopped wanting. And in a few short weeks, I’ll be standing at his wedding, watching him marry someone else.
Not at all devastating.
Dax is the second, a later addition to my life. Unshakably steady. Exceedingly protective. And generous, always, in meeting my every need. Even those of the one-night-favor variety meant to cure me of best friend number one.
Spoiler alert. It complicates things.
Now we’re crossing Italy together ahead of Spencer’s wedding. Which somehow means road trips in tiny cars, towels the size of rags, lemon-scented mishaps, and exactly one bed.
Which also means not falling into his arms. Especially not his bed… again. Or heaven forbid, against a lemon tree.
Why, you ask?
We’re just friends. That’s the verdict. Because unrequited love has always been my third and most steadfast best friend.
But by the time I leave Italy, at least one of them won’t be mine anymore.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Adult, Forced Proximity

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Ariana Erazo writes happy, funny stories full of heart, chaos, and characters you’ll want to hug—and maybe argue with. She’s a hopeless romantic with an overly positive outlook, a deep love for coffee, and an affection for all things bright, joyful, and a little messy. Her writing reflects her sunny outlook.
She lives in Florida with her husband and three kids, who keep her busy and caffeinated as she shuttles them between practices, games, and endless snack emergencies.

Reviews

[Alijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

This was such a breath of fresh air! Ariana Erazo did it again!

Daisy and Spencer are getting married in Italy. Daisy invites Spencer’s asshole dad and then realizes it was a horrible idea. So sending Dax and Ava to Italy early to somehow stop him from showing up is obviously the next best idea.

I love Dax and Ava sooo much. The banter, the Italian scene, the chemistry to best friends to lovers. It’s like a nostalgic romcom and I ate it up! I adored their friendship from the beginning.

I felt like I was living in this book with how it was written, fully 100% immersed and locked in. I full on was living in Ava and Dax’s heads during their push and pull of their emotions. Plus, imagining Dax in the small Fiat had me crying from laughter

This is by far one of my new favorite romance books.

[HeyGirl_Whatcha_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ariana Erazo for the advanced reader copy of your book A Taste of Limoncello 🍋 book 2 in the Love on the Rocks series.
This book exceeded my expectations! This is a young love romance (early 20’s), but this had yearning and angst, excellent banter, friendship, love, beautiful descriptions, an Italian adventure (with hilarious mishaps and fun), learning to trust yourself, and some truly great, emotion-filled open door spice🔥
I really enjoyed this book. I’d definitely recommend it. I think we all wish we had such a fun and tight knit friend group and could have a Dax in our lives.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured Italy in such a fun, romantic way of course there is gelato, pizza and my personal favorite linguine alle vongole. I felt like I was right there the whole time. The romance is a perfect slow burn, and the spice hits just right even in the beginning of the story it’s just chef’s kiss.

Dax- the kind of guy who somehow gets hotter every time you see him. And Ava my girl, you deserve everything. I loved how she knew what she wanted and didn’t hold back..

Ava has been in love with her best friend forever… Except he’s in love with someone else and about to get married in Italy, as the brides request Ava heads there early with the bride’s brother.

This one is full of heart, tension and just the right amount of heat. If you love a friends-to-lovers slow burn with dreamy travel vibes, definitely add this to your list.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and cute story. Dax and Ava were so sweet while their connection depended. He was such a wonderful guy. And the setting being in tally, just beautiful. I felt like I was transported there myself while reading this story. Not only did were I get a glimpse into Dax and Ava’s lives, but I got to live vicariously in Italy through this book, even if only for a little while. The sights, the smells, the wonderful food and more. Just an absolutely cute story.

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️
This was my first time reading a book by this author . I’m so glad I did! I absolutely loved it! Dax and Ava their friendship their banter . The best friends to lovers. I laughed I cried I felt every emotion! The connection the spice everything was top tier! Will definitely be reading more by this author! I received this book as an ARC read and these are my honest opinions.

[L Sh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the ARC! This was such a cute quick sweet read. I’m yearning for Italy now!

[Samiksha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Advance Reader Copy Review

The best kind of love doesn’t rush in—it’s tender and soft, rooted in friendship. May we all find a Dax along the way.”

This book is book 2 in the Love on the Rocks series, and honestly It feels like a breath of fresh Italian air ☀️

I LOVED this one because friends to lovers is my absolute favorite trope, and Ava & Dax delivered everything I wanted and more.

Ava and Dax’s friendship is the best part of the book - the chemistry, the banter, the comfort, the texts… it all feels so natural and lived-in.

The dual POV really elevated the story for me, especially Dax’s.
His “it’s always been her” energy , the protectiveness, the quiet longing, the way he never really let go of her in his heart…made me fall in love with his character instantly.

And Ava’s journey felt just as important
watching her grow into herself, choosing vulnerability, and slowly prioritizing her own needs was so empowering. And just being inside both their heads made me want to scream, "JUST COMMUNICATE!" but the slow burn made the payoff so much sweeter.

✈️ And can we talk about the SETTING??
Southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, lemon trees, cathedrals… I felt like I was on a full-blown vacation. This book made me want to book a flight immediately and sip limoncello by the sea 🍹🌊 (which I’ve never tried, but now I NEED to). And of course, the open-door spice in this setting is 🔥

I also really loved the friend group dynamic especially the girls supporting each other, hyping each other up, and just being there through everything. It added such a warm, loyal feel to the story.

If you love a spicy destination romance with a hero who is absolutely obsessed with his best friend, add this to your TBR immediately!

[Diana Meneses · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure to receive an ARC from the author of the book, and I am leaving an honest review.

What do you get when you mix a people pleaser woman with issues with rejection and a man that fears losing everyone? A match! I’m so glad I picked this book up, I was my first read by this author and I had so much fun.

This story follows Ava Vicente and Dax Hall, who slowly have become best friends while texting incessantly. Their friendship started after Spencer, Ava’s childhood friend, and Daisy, Dax’s sister get together as a couple. After Ava’s college graduation they have a ONS…and everything changes after that.

These two are so oblivious of their love…they try hard to stay in the friend zone, but when Daisy and Spencer get engaged, and send them to Italy together a few days before the wedding, they just can’t hide their feelings, and all the chemistry and tension that has been brewing just snaps.

Why is it so difficult to voice what we want when we are younger? Usually fear of rejection and of losing the comfort someone else gives us. For Ava and Dax, it comes with their past. I love stories where friends become lovers. And this one was so refreshing!! The description of the Italian coast was so good, I felt right there with them! All the yearning and pining…oof, sometimes I wanted to shake them both. Ultimately, they open up beautifully!

This book made me laugh out loud, yearn for gelato and reflect on the importance of being out spoken without losing ourselves. If you love friends to lovers with lots of feelings and great lightbulb moments; you should add this one to your TBR.

Thank you Ariana for letting me be part of this ARC Team.

[Swiftiequeen420 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I really enjoyed this book and the whole story and the tension and spice was fantastic. 😍😍 My one complaint is that he calls her "Sugarplum" 😅🥴🙈and it was just such an ick to me personally. But our FMC Ava has been in love with her best friend Spencer since they were kids. You would think this is a love story about the two of them right?? Well NO it is about her other best friend Dax who is her girl best friend Daisy''s twin brother and Spencer is Daisy's fiancé... I know what a twist right?! So Ava is trying to adjust and come to terms with the guy she has always been in love with not wanting her back and now marrying her best friend. That kind of rejection stings and leaves a lasting mark. Ava and Dax start texting and hanging out when she moves close to him for a job. The tension tensions so much and Dax is head over heels for her even if he won't admit it. When the two have to arrive early in Italy to keep the wedding on track just the two of them together the lines between friendship begin to really blur. Can Ava get over her unrequited love and move on or will she stay jaded? 👀👀

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Taste Of Limoncello

Thank you to the author Ariana Erazo for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I just finished the most refreshing, fun read! I fell head-over-heels for Ava and Dax immediately. Set against the backdrop of Daisy and Spencer’s Italian wedding, these two are tasked with running a diversion to keep a wedding crasher at bay. Watching them maneuver around their feelings while trying to save the big day was everything. If best friends to lovers is your trope, you need this on your shelf—I was laughing and smiling the whole way through. Ariana has a gift for making you feel like you’re right there in the scene. Highly recommend!

If you’re looking for a cute romance with a hint of spicy vibes then this is the book for you. Release date is April 30th.

A huge thanks to Ariana Erazo for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is released.

#arcreader #bookreview #romance #booksbooksbooks #bookrecs

[Yajaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ | Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵

Ava, is such a sweetheart. She is perfect! She’s falling in love with Dax while she’s also learning how to be open about it again.. She just wants someone to love her. But she knows what she wants. 😉

Dax, such a gentleman, protective and knows exactly what he wants. The pettiness and making it known she’s yours! I LOVE a yearning man. 🙂‍↕️

Eva and Dax chemistry is wonderful, they both flow together so effortlessly and the way they are crazy for each other is amazing. I love them so much!

1. The plane scene? My Jaw is still on the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled and kicked my feet that much oh my. How is that even possible lol
2. The drama?? Yes please. I couldn’t get enough of the drama. Loved every second of it.
3. The spiciness. 😮‍💨

The setting in this book! Woah. I felt like I was in Sorrento myself, Ariana did excellent writing details of the places that they were in and especially adding some Italian language into the book. 🇮🇹

Thank you to the author Ariana for gifting me an e-ARC

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 3/5 🌶️

📚 Review: I knew I’d love this one! (& I’m a sucker for anything lemon!🍋) The banter and joking between close friends, how they both know each other so well, the forced proximity of a wedding road trip- all great! I was a little frustrated along the way with the lack of communication… dude, just TALK to each other! Against a lemon tree… 🍋🤣 joking. Kind of. That being said, the spice was great- the perfect balance of plot and ‘omg, we can’t keep our hands off each other.’ Overall, this is going to be a great summer read! ☀️ (I need a glass of limoncello ASAP 🥵)

💬 Quote: “Villa Sole Limone. … When life hands you lemons, make limoncello.”
“My father used to say … if you have something good and you take care of it, it lasts forever … My grandfather said it, too…. They’re both gone, and you’re what I have left that’s good.”

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Dax + Ava

If you've seen People We Meet On Vacation.. this is kind of like that story and if you enjoyed that you'll enjoy this. Dax and Ava are friends and have been for a while, through a lot. Ava had/has feelings for Spencer who is getting married to Dax's twin sister... Yes, this is MESSY. & I AM HERE FOR IT.

Dax & Ava are tasked with heading to Italy before the wedding party arrives to ensure everything goes as planned.. Well, while they are trekking through Italy they are HOT and COLD.. It felt like I was re-living the movie mentioned above. When people don't outwardly state how they feel so actions are misunderstood.. which happens A LOT in this book.

But the thing is.. with A Taste of Limoncello it was always Dax.. He just didn't know it. We get to see their POVs from the past and it finally clicks.. This lightbulb moment is the push they need to get into each others arms, permanently.

[Sabreen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAKE UP BABE, ARIANA ERAZO’S NEW BOOK DROPPED!

Lord, what a beautiful read! As always the author excels with how much depth she gives every single one of her characters. Personally, I’m a firm believer that the reason the market is not overflowing with friends to lovers is because is takes someone special to be able to write this underrated, amazing trope with the depth and chemistry it could exude. Ariana has outdone herself, not many authors could achieve this. It’s been a couple hours since I finished reading and I’m still thinking about the characters. Ava deserved the whole damn world and I’m so happy she got her HEA!

Thank you for the opportunity to beta read for you again, Ariana! This is your best book yet!

[Rebecca Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Taste of Limencello wow where do I even start with this. I devoured this book and would have finished it in one go if life didn’t get in the way. I loved the chemistry between Ava and Dax and the way it continued to build from the first page to the last. I did not want this story to end and was dreading reaching the end of the book.
The lack of communication was frustrating at times as you could see how much they were into each other. But I did love the texts to each other, hidden glances and the way that everybody else could see the completely obvious way that these 2 were into each other.
I also love books set in Italy as I get to see more of the country where my grandparents were born.
I can’t wait to read what else this author offers.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a friends to lovers story in a dreamy Italian setting.

[Amanda Ballou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely FUN, REFRESHING read! A breathe of fresh, lemon scented air! I drank this book up, and found myself fully immersed in the story!

Dax and Ava are perfection! The banter, the relationship growth, them as individuals, all perfect! I was fully invested in their relationship from the start, it was sweet and messy in all the right ways.

Dax is protective and possessive in the best way. Ava has a mix of confidence and self doubt that many women feel, making her so easy to resonate with. Together, they brought such life to this story.

Ariana knocked this one clean out of the park!

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy, emotional, and beautifully addictive. A Taste of Limoncello is the kind of romance that feels bittersweet, chaotic, and impossible to put down.

At its core, it’s about unrequited love, complicated friendships, and the blurred lines between comfort and passion.

Spencer represents the past—the “what if” that never quite let go.
Dax represents the present—steady, protective, and dangerously easy to fall into.

And Italy?
It becomes the perfect backdrop for everything to unravel.

🍋 What makes it stand out:

* Messy love triangle dynamics
* Friends-to-lovers tension
* One bed trope 👀
* Emotional vulnerability + longing

It’s soft in moments, chaotic in others, and filled with that aching feeling of loving someone you might never have.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Limoncello was such an enjoyable escape. I loved the beautiful Italian atmosphere and how easy it was to get invested in the characters and their relationships. The story had a really nice balance of romance, emotion, and lighter moments that kept me wanting to keep reading.

It left me wanting to book a trip to Italy and pour a glass of limoncello immediately. A really sweet and comforting read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s not to like: best friends who might have feelings for each other, a wedding in Italy, and family drama. Ava has conflicted feelings about attending Daisy and Spencer’s wedding, as she’s had a crush on Spencer since college. Dax, Daisy’s brother, joins her in Italy a few days early to help with last minute details. The mutual attraction between these two starts to grow. A sweet romance story set in beautiful Italy and North Carolina. Thank you to the author for my Advanced Review Copy.

[Nancy Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars out of 5

This was such a great romance book. I loved all of the characters, especially the two main characters, Ava and Nolan.

Ava and Nolan start out as best friends but when they end up living in the same town, working for the same company and go early to Italy for a wedding, they become more than friends.

Loved this book. And the spice = yes please!

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana has done it once again! She wrote another book that I absolutely loved. I couldn't wait for Dax and Ava’s story, and the wait was definitely worth it. I am a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance, and these two and their story was perfect. I mean, there were some road bumps, which is to be expected, but it all turned out amazingly. I loved the setting, the emotions, their chemistry, the spice, I just loved it all. It was definitely a page-turner that had me hooked from the beginning. Highly recommend to lovers of friends to lovers!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what I think I love most about this book? The friendship of Dax and Ava 🥹🩷

Their texts and banter and friendship are so crucial to the plot, but the friendship they have is just beautiful. They are fun and watching them really pine secretly for each other is so romantic.

Their adventures on the way to Italy and once they arrive are so funny and just make you love them even more. This was just such a fun and romantic book. I loved it. 💛💛💛

[After The Last Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ❣️

Loved the story.... If anyone wants to read a very fresh, cute love story then this is for you.... No complications, everything easy and this book shows that communication is the main part in any relationship.... Yearning for Italy after reading this one 💞

[Elizabeth Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Limoncello by Ariana Erazo (Love on the Rocks Series)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: friends-to-lovers; road trip; one bed; best friend’s wedding; Italy setting
Spice/steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers romance, and this one absolutely delivered. Going in, I was a little wary because I don’t always love stories where the FMC has been “in love” with someone else for years and then pivots to a different friend—it can read like settling and feel unfair to the new relationship. That isn’t what happens here. Instead, this felt like finding your true self, recognizing that love can take different forms, and choosing the steady, long-term kind of love you can actually build a life around.
Ava is our recently graduated FMC, and Dax is the MMC in her tight-knit friend group—people who’ve known each other forever. It’s a running joke among their friends (and Ava’s family) that she’s loved Spencer for as long as she can remember, but it read to me less like epic, enduring romance and more like an idea she absorbed because everyone kept saying it. Watching Ava untangle that assumption—what was real, what was habit, and what she actually wanted—was one of my favorite parts.

The chemistry and banter between Ava and Dax is fantastic. Their shift from friends to lovers feels seamless because nothing about their dynamic changes overnight—they still tease, still spar, still understand each other in that easy, lived-in way. The internal back-and-forth (what am I feeling, what are they feeling, am I imagining this?) was so relatable, and I loved that the romance isn’t rushed; it’s rooted in trust and a deep friendship, which makes every step forward feel earned. The text threads—both between Ava and Dax and in the girls’ chat—had me laughing out loud, and the character growth across the story was a real standout for me. Overall, this was warm, funny, and quietly swoony in the best way.
If you like friends-to-lovers with great banter, a slow-burn payoff, and a “finding yourself” emotional arc, this is an easy recommendation.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into A Taste of Limoncello by Ariana Erazo expecting a fun, summery romance, and what I got was something that completely consumed me in the best way.

Ava pulled me in immediately. Her heart is messy, loyal, and still tangled up in a past she never fully let go of, and it felt so real watching her try to navigate those emotions while standing on the edge of losing someone she thought would always be hers. There is such a raw honesty to her journey that made every moment hit harder.

And Dax… he is everything. Steady, protective, and quietly intense in a way that sneaks up on you. The way he shows up for Ava, even when it complicates everything between them, had me completely hooked. Their connection is layered with tension, history, and undeniable chemistry that builds in such a natural, emotional way. Every look, every touch, every moment between them felt like it meant something bigger.

The Italy setting added this beautiful, immersive backdrop that made the entire story feel alive. From the lemon trees to the cramped road trips and those intimate, stolen moments, it all wrapped around the romance perfectly. It felt warm and chaotic and emotional all at once.

What really made this book stand out was Ariana Erazo’s writing. It is so smooth and emotionally driven, pulling you deep into the characters’ heads and hearts. She captures longing and uncertainty in a way that feels incredibly authentic, and I found myself completely invested in every decision Ava had to make.

This story is about love that lingers, the fear of letting go, and the courage it takes to choose something real even when it is not what you expected. It is emotional, a little messy, and full of tension in the best way.

If you love best friends, complicated feelings, and a romance that builds with both heart and heat, this one is absolutely worth the read. I did not want it to end.

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely snuck up on me in the best way.

What starts off feeling light, cute, and wholesome slowly builds into something so much deeper messy emotions, complicated relationships, and tension that just lingers in the best way.

Ava pulled me in immediately. She’s messy, loyal, and still holding onto a past she never fully let go of. Watching her navigate those feelings while trying not to lose someone she’s always counted on felt so real and hit way harder than I expected.

And Dax…
My heart 😭
He’s steady, protective, and quietly intense the kind of man who shows up without needing to be asked. The way he’s there for Ava, even when it complicates everything between them, had me completely hooked.

Their dynamic is everything you love about friends to lovers the tension, the history, the “we shouldn’t cross this line”… and then absolutely failing to stay away from each other. It’s soft, emotional, and filled with moments that just mean more.
And some of my favorite parts??


The nickname “Sugarplum” 🥹
Ava being his best man while he’s her maid of honour STOP
The way he tells her to text him when she gets somewhere… and then is already waiting nearby just in case
“You’re the only thing in my life I refuse to lose” yeah, I was unwell

This is also a workplace romance, and I loved how it blended into their already complicated dynamic. The friendships in this book were just as strong supportive, loyal, and always showing up for each other.

The spice is there, but it stays on the softer side just enough to give you that flutter without taking away from the emotional core of the story.

There were moments my heart genuinely broke for Dax, and that’s when I knew this book had me.
Such a cute, emotional, and comforting read that turns into so much more.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - April 30, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- soft spicy rom-com
- workplace romance
- best friends to lovers
- road trip romance
- forced proximity
- mutual pinning
- one bed
- Pining hero
- friends with benefits tension
- Italy setting

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows a Ava caught between two best friends. Spencer, the one she loved for years and is about to marry someone else. And Dax, the steady and protective friend who has always been there for her. Before Spencer’s wedding, she travels across Italy with Dax, and what starts as a simple trip slowly turns into a journey full of emotions, tension, and unexpected feelings.
This is one of the sweetest romance books I have read so far. This story truly felt like sunshine, lemon trees, and soft summer love. The Italy setting made everything feel dreamy and beautiful, and I loved how the road trip moments added so much charm to the story. Every little scene felt warm, peaceful, and full of emotion.
I especially loved the slow build of their relationship. The quiet tension, the meaningful conversations, and the way their feelings slowly grew stronger with every chapter made the romance feel natural and heartfelt.
Dax completely stole my heart. The way he cared for her, protected her, and loved her so deeply made this story feel incredibly warm. His character had that perfect balance of strength and softness that makes a romance hero unforgettable. Their chemistry felt effortless and full of longing, and every moment they shared made me smile.
It perfectly captured the cozy summer romance vibes while still giving emotional depth to the story.
Overall, this book felt sweet, soft, and full of heart. It’s the kind of romance that leaves you with a warm feeling even after the last page. Definitely a story that stays with you.
Thank you author for the ARC!

[Kira Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a best friends to lovers Romance and it was absolutely wonderful! It is a sweet, cute, and Beautiful Love Story between Ava and Dax. This is book two in the Love On The Rocks series.

Ava was once in love with her childhood best friend, spencer, until he chose Daisy instead. (To find out more on that, you need to read book 1, A Taste Of Champagne). Ava became friends with Daisy and remained Spencer's best friend however, she also became best friends with Daisy's brother, Dax. One night Eva and Dax have a ONS when she is feeling down and they agree to remain friends afterwards. When Ava returns back to her hometown after graduating college, she gets a job working with Dax. They find themselves spending more time together and feelings begin to grow into something more. Neither of them talk about it and keep misunderstanding until it all comes to a head while they are in Italy to help get everything ready for Spencer and Daisy's wedding. They agreed to be together while they are in Italy but they will not commit until they get home and find out where they stand. Will Dax leave Wilmington to return home to Georgia and will Ava finally admit the man she wants his Dax or will it all fall apart while they are still in Italy?

If you are looking for a beautiful best friends to lovers, miscommunication trope with the perfect amount of spice and a book with the absolute best Italian adventure scenes, then A Taste Of Limoncello is the perfect book for you!

Thank you so much, Ariana Erazo for allowing me to be a part of your team and to read an advanced copy of this book I truly loved every minute and every word!

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're the one thing in my life I refuse to lose"

I have been waiting for this book for what feels like forever! It was so worth the wait!!! When I say this book was absolute perfection I mean it! The entire story from beginning to end is absolute perfection. I was hooked from the prologue and devoured this. I didn't want this to end 😭

Ava- She's a people pleaser. A bit of an over thinker. Shes trying to heal and navigate getting over a past love while also working on herself. I loved her character. I was cheering for her from the beginning. She genuinely made me laugh. From the very beginning I just wanted her to get her HEA. Her group chat with the girls omg 🤣💀

Dax- He literally had me swooning before Ch. 1 even ended. I'm actually 99 percent sure I'm in love with him (don't tell my husband 🤫😝) he values his friendship with Ava so much. He's so kind and protective 😍 he becomes so vulnerable throughout this. Both of the MC's with grip at the heart strings.

There's definitely some misunderstandings that happen, some jealousy, mutual pining, fear of losing the foundation of the friendship that is built. Navigating from friendship to relationship is tricky. I loved that they both grew individually and together 😍😍 this was so realistic 💖 and just amazing to read as it all unfolded. They are messy and sweet. It's tender, raw, and just honest.

I adored their friendship. How he chose his nickname for her 😍😍😍 eeekkk soooo cute. These two had me SCREAMING at times. The tension is so thick occasionally that I couldn't help but yell! This is a rollercoaster of yelling, laughing, kicking your feet while giggling, swooning, getting teary eyed, and fanning yourself (it gets 🔥🔥🔥🔥)

When Ariana writes characters you feel like you know them personally. I'm not even talking about just the MC's. I find myself loving side characters in her stories as well. Her attention to detail makes you feel like you are there, and everything just plays out like a movie. Seriously her books need to be made into Rom-Coms!!!

This one is definitely on my favorites of all time list. I can't wait to have it sitting on my bookshelf next to the first book The Trouble With Champagne 🥂 you don't technically have to read that one first but I do recommend it as majority of the characters appear in both books and the timeline is a continuation. 💛


💛Workplace Romance
💛Friends to Lovers
💛Slow Burn High Heat
💛Dual POVS
💛Mutual Pining
💛Italian Vacation

[Mette Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

I’ll admit I was a bit unsure about this book before starting it. I wasn’t convinced it would be a match for me, but it didn’t take long before I was completely pulled in.

I’m a big fan of dual POV, and this book does it really well. Being inside both characters’ heads adds so much to the story — especially with all the miscommunication and misunderstandings between them. At times, it was definitely a little frustrating (in that very real, relatable way) where you just want to shout “just talk to each other!”

The dynamic between Ava and Dax is what truly carries the story. There’s a strong emotional tension between them, built on years of history, timing that never quite aligns, and feelings that neither of them fully knows how to handle. Watching those walls slowly come down was incredibly satisfying.

Ava’s journey, in particular, stood out to me. Letting go of something she’s held onto for so long — and allowing herself to feel something new — felt both realistic and emotional. And Dax… his need to protect himself from being second choice adds a layer of depth that makes his actions make sense, even when they’re frustrating.

The setting also adds a lot to the story. There’s something about the whole “traveling through Italy” vibe that makes everything feel a bit more intense, a bit more romantic, and a bit more chaotic in the best way.

Overall, this is a story full of longing, emotional tension, and slow realization. It’s messy, frustrating, and heartfelt — and that’s exactly what makes it work.