The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy

The Middle-Aged Virgin #2

by Olivia Spring

Can a holiday romance lead to long-term love?

When Sophia moves to Tuscany to join the hot Italian-stallion she’s fallen head over heels in love with, she dreams of an idyllic life filled with passion, pasta, sunshine and her favourite gelato.

But will the reality live up to the fairy-tale?

The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy is a fun, sexy sequel about stepping out of your comfort zone and keeping the spark alive in a relationship. If you like Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald, you’ll love the latest novel in Olivia Spring’s page-turning, romantic comedy series.

Pre-order today and get ready to join Sophia on her Italian adventures!

 

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2020

About the author

Olivia Spring is the bestselling author of more than twenty romance, romantic comedy and women’s fiction books.

Whether you want to fake date a hot Hollywood movie star in London, jet off to Paris with a handsome billionaire, enjoy some sun, sand and sea with a gorgeous Spanish DJ in Marbella or attend a castle wedding in the South of France, Olivia’s books will help you to escape reality and transport you to a dreamy romantic location. No ticket or passport required!

Olivia was born and raised in London and divides her time between the UK and Spain.

When she's not writing new steamy romcoms, Olivia can be found reading on the beach, enjoying cupcakes and cocktails and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!

For exclusive updates, join the Olivia Spring VIP club at
https://www.oliviaspring.com/

Reviews

[Gmr · Rating 3 out of 5]

When we meet Sophie, the initial shine of living in Italy with the love of her love and her new baby is starting to wear off. No longer is the setting picturesque, the village quaint, and the language lyrical. Now, it's so far from everything, hard to traverse, and a stumbling block to be understand by those who choose not to expand their horizons. In short, she's having a difficult time of things, and the change of locale, long distance between her and her friends, business maneuvers, and "well meaning" in laws are about to push her over the proverbial edge. Her other half, Lorenzo, is understanding of the changes she's going through and trying to be supportive, but allowing the wool to be pulled one too many times over his eyes has Sophie seeing red (with good reason!). Everything adds up to a disaster in the making, and that's not even factoring in the abruptly interrupted adult activities (by his mother no less!), run ins with the local elders at the grocery, and the suddenly can't be depended on coworker back in London. Sophie's a big girl, but even the best of us needs a helping hand at some point...

Personally, there was a bit too much focus on her getting her drive back for my own liking, but I get it, life happens, and that can certainly be a part of it. On the total plus side of things, Guli's influence is definitely hoot worthy, and let's just say she's not afraid of anything...and I do mean ANTHING! I love how she made learning a new language FUN (and rather practical!) again, and how she always had their backs no matter what. Speaking of which, that best girl friends act was definitely not an act from her gal pals from London either; true blue friends to the end. Alas, I can't get by without mentioning Lorenzo again. He means well, but ai mama, when it comes to his mother, it's like she can do no wrong! All in all, I'd say it seemed like a rather realistic portrayal of what could happen if we only allow ourselves to be happy, healthy, and let go...


**ebook received for review; opinions are my own

[Leane Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed and laughed out loud so many times during this book. I absolutely loved it. It was fun, sexy and very funny. With a good plot around relationships. Also set in Italy. What is not to love?!

Strong, career driven Sophia moves to Italy to be with her dishy boyfriend Lorenzo. Leaving a great support network, which includes two amazing best friends. Bella and Roxy who are based in London. Knowing no one, the area or the language and still having to run her London business, it’s not as easy as she thought. Especially since becoming a mum and facing the new mum challenges. This new life is the complete opposite to what she knows.

Sophia does what she does best to sort her new life out - makes a list. The amount of laugh out loud moments whilst working on this list will stay with me a long time.

Lorenzo was the most loviest, calm and understanding boyfriend and really looked out for Sophia. Their relationship really was special. One big issue. The mother in law. Who of course Lorenzo was really close to his mum and would do anything for. Oh I do love books with mother in laws featured, as I adore my mil so much. She is supportive, caring, lovely and we have a great relationship. The total opposite to what Sophia faces in Italy.

I loved all the characters but Geli needs a special shout out, wasn’t she just brilliant?!
Roxy is definitely the naughty best friend and Bella the good best friend, together they are the perfect combination for Sophia. I loved their friendship.

I was so excited throughout this and loved all the unexpected surprises. I love it when your reading a book and not expecting something and it happens and it leaves you squealing in delight or laughing your head off. It’s a must read.

[Oriana Blyth (_head_in_a_book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Olivia for asking me to read and review The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy. I absolutely loved it!!

Olivia has done it again!! She has created a book that is so completely relatable, that’s also funny, sexy and takes you to the most beautiful country in the world!!

Sophia is a first time mum, who has moved across the pond for her boyfriend, trying to fit in in a very small, closed minded Italian town. No wonder it all gets a bit too much!

Sophia is a wonderful character and I really connected with her this time around. I could relate to the challenges of being a new mummy, and Olivia has voiced how so many women feel when they’ve just pushed a small person out of their body!!

Lorenzo is the most supportive and understanding partner in the world and I swooned whenever he was around!!

Also, that mother in law!!!! She has a nerve that’s for sure!! I won’t say anymore but you need to read this book to find out what I mean!!!!!

Wonderfully written and I cringed and laughed out loud so much!! An absolute triumph in my opinion and worthy of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama’s boy
This is a very funny and relatable romantic comedy about Sophia and her wonderful adventures in Italy! Leaving London, she has moved to Italy with her gorgeous partner Lorenzo and their bambino Leo. It sounds just divine! But the dream seems to be quite different from her reality.
Sophia misses her two closest friends Bella and Roxy (who are her support system), she has troubles with the language, issues with her HR firm back in London, has seemingly ‘lost’ her s3x drive, AND has problems with Lorenzo’s mother Marta. Maybe she just needs a little help, and perspective. Thinking about and writing out her MAP plan was a great start, and with the help of her new friends Geli and Holly. (P.S. I would LOVE a friend like Geli – what a hoot!)
I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story, but some of my (MANY) highlights were the Italian language lessons, the spunkgate episode (seriously LOL moment), the magical vespa tour in Florence (SWOON), the gelato special organised by Lorenzo (MORE swoon), the way Geli stood up to Marta, and well… just Lorenzo. I can only IMAGINE what he looks like… WOW! The entire ’sisterhood’ vibe I got from this story was just fantastic!
This was a fun and VERY entertaining read, but whilst it wasn’t a short book, I wasn’t ready for it to end yet! I NEED to know what happens next for this wonderful little family… I’m living vicariously through their adventures! So, please, please, PLEASE tell me that there will be another book Olivia!!!
It was my first time reading this author’s work, and now I look forward to reading more! I give this wonderful book four and a half Tuscan stars! And thank you for the bonuses!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Depressing and Cliched

I read the first book of the series, and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this one left me feeling completely flat. It's pretty much just about the heroine adjusting to her life as a new mother, wife, and immigrant to Italy who happens to have the mother-in-law from hell (which her husband is completely clueless about). Honestly, this book just felt like a series of downers, not a “feel-good romantic comedy” whatsoever. I actually found it kind of sad and depressing, which was not what I was hoping for. All the cliches of what can go wrong with having a difficult mother-in-law and a new baby while trying to run a business and living in a new place where you don't speak the language happened. I didn't feel like the author put any new twists on them to make them unique to our heroine, who I really did enjoy the previous book. The humor mostly fell flat or was almost too pat. As such, I do not feel like I can recommend this book as a romantic comedy. Downer family drama, yes; romantic comedy, no.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a good laugh reading this book. The main character - Sophia - is a self made woman, with her own PR business, who had a baby, moved to Italy (without speaking a word of Italian), has a wonderful (and gorgeous) husband and a very present mother in law. Take all these and mix with a bit of depression, insecurity, difficulty with the business and employees, personal insecurities in relation to her husband and above all, a treacherous mother in law, and the result is the book. There are some steamy scenes, a very serious case of abuse, the joy of learning a little bit of a foreign language and that of making friends with people with whom you can talk, a lot of love, friendship and the difficult art to put people in their appropriate places. All serious matters are lightly treated - but no less important - and throw some needed light in life after having a baby. I really, really enjoyed reading this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes moving to Italy is not all it is cracked up to be...but it can be an experience

The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy is the second book in The Middle Aged Virgin series. It is the continuation story of Sophia. I will confess that I have not read the first book in this series but still really found this book to be charming and funny. it seems that Sophia has decided to take a chance on love, and with an Italian no less. So cue the homemade pasta, red wine, Italian language and an overbearing and sometimes sabotaging mother in-law, along with moving to Italy, having a baby, running a business, not speaking the language and so much more that is all woven together with wonderful characters and a funny but honest take on it all. I laughed, I cried and I felt like taking the mother in-law out (and not for drinks) as our h sometimes stumbles and sometimes struts through her the outcomes of her new choices in life.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Girl Well Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

A special thank you to the author, Olivia Spring, for inviting me to participate in the blog tour and for generously providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophia traded grey and rainy London for lush and sunny Italy to be with her boyfriend, Lorenzo. Initially enchanted by the pretty medieval hilltop town with its quaint cobblestone streets and postcard views, she thought she would be spending her days basking in the Italian sun while eating pasta and gelato with her handsome man and adorable baby. But instead, Sophia is missing her friends, struggling with the language, and not connecting with Lorenzo's mother. And to top it off, the woman who she left in charge of her successful PR firm isn't cutting it—Robyn is forgetting to respond to important clients and missing deadlines. Oh and she's also lost her sex drive.

Will the pressure be too much for Sophia? Will she be able to get her groove back and have her happily ever after?

If you are a fan of Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk, then this book is for you! The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy is a rom-com for the modern woman who is trying to juggle it all.

Spring's second instalment in the series offers up strong and relatable characters. She infuses her stories with humour and heat (warning: some may be offended at the language and sex scenes). Spring writes an honest account of the struggles of being a new mother and the pressure to look like you have everything under control without any assistance, when in fact, everybody needs help at one time or another. Sophia is what we need more of—she is a leading lady who is not afraid to take control of what isn't working in her life. Readers will be rooting for her as she is trying to regain her mojo in the bedroom while navigating her way living in another country.

I adore all of Sophia's friends. Readers of Olivia's other books will be thrilled to see Roxy and Bella, and be delighted to meet Geli. This is where Spring really hits her stride—the scenes with Geli are some of the best in the book.

The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy can function as a standalone novel, or can be the sequel to The Middle-Aged Virgin. Congratulations, Olivia on another smart, sassy, and sexy book!

[Hayley Richell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Spring is one of my favourite authors and I love every single book that she writes, so I was super happy when she asked me to review this book! I really wanted to know hat would happen to Sophia in Italy and read this book in a matter of a few days!

After I finished The Middle Aged Virgin, I just knew I had to find what happened next to Sophia, the baby and Lorenzo.

As predicted, I fell back into her life and could just imagine a the little Italian village where she was currently living. The residents are rude and don’t speak english and her mother in law is just as horrible as I imagined her to be. The thing with Olivia’s writing is that I could just picture Martha and her lack on speaking the English language (or can she)?

Honestly I loved the deepening relationship between Lorenzo and Sophia, the surprise trip to Florence and the surprise arrangements during the trip. If I was more confident, I would love to drive around the city on a vespa - how cool would it look?

Sophia is also lonely and struggling learning Italian - so luckily she combines both together and goes to classes and meets some new friends!

I really could write every single thing that happened in this book, but instead I will just summarise the bits I loved most: the friendships Sophia has - both old and new, the struggle with trying to have the body she reads about in all the beauty magazines, struggling with not only the locals but also the mother in law and lastly the love she has for Lorenzo and how he helps her with all different aspects of her life!

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

We join Sophia in the beautiful setting of Italy. She has recently moved there to set up home with her amazing Italian boyfriend. She is also a first time mum and is trying very hard to fit in.
Her boyfriend Lorenzo comes across as being a wonderful, attentive boyfriend and dotes on Sophia and their baby but with lots of close minded locals and a mother-in-law from hell, she struggles to cope and so we follow the trials and tribulations of her life in Italy.
I absolutely loved Sophia, she really is a great, down to earth and realistic character. During the book there were quite a few laugh out loud moments that really made me chuckle!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and revisiting Sophia and it gets a very well deserved 5 stars!

[Nicole Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the honest and sometimes hilarious take on being a new mom. Of meddling mother in law's and trying to feel comfortable in your own body after having a baby. Can you imagine trying to speak a new language and accidentally telling your mother in law you love penis when you mean to compliment her cooking? 🤣 Sophia's friends Roxy and Bella make an appearance and you're thrust back into their outrageous non-filtered friendship. I really enjoyed this book, I don't think you'd have to read the first book before enjoying this one, but the first book was a great story as well! If you need a feel-good story, go grab a copy. Thank you to the author for my ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious tale of Sophia, the character we were introduced to in The Middle Aged Virgin, and her quest to settle in to life in Italy with her gorgeous boyfriend Lorenzo and son Leo. There were so many laugh out loud (and cringey) moments in this book, I literally wanted to facepalm myself at the situations Sophia gets herself into.

From wonderful new friendships to dealing with the mother in law from hell, Sophia sets out to make her time in Italy one to remember. A brilliant 5 star read from me!

[Angela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow-up to The Middle-Aged Virgin book.
Sophia (our FMC) has just moved to Italy and set up home with her amazing Italian boyfriend and their little baby boy Leonardo.

She is a first time mom, and trying to fit in in every way. A new home, she doesn't speak much Italian, new surroundings, trying to find friends and the dreaded mother in law.

Her boyfriend Lorenzo (MMC) comes across as a loyal, attentive boyfriend, which he is. He cares for Sophia very much. But he also loves his momma very much and wants to make her happy.

This is almost impossible as everything Sophia seems to do or say does not impress her. She is very closed minded and used to her ways, the old ways.

We follow Sophia through the trials and tribulations of her new life in Italy and how she handles and adjusts to it.

It is a really great book. With a lot of laughs, some crying, some healing and did I mention a lot of laughs?


I would like to thank the author Olivia Spring for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula Leidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the first in the series, The Middle-Aged Virgin. I literally read the first one and started reading the second one immediately. These two books made me laugh out loud several times. Ms Spring has an amazing future awaiting her and I look forward to reading more of her books. I can totally feel for Sophia and what she goes through to get her life to be more balanced.

[Anitajt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia has moved to Italy with Lorenzo and baby Leo. All should be perfect, but Sophia hadn’t factored on her mother in law Marta!
You will be entertained yet again in the trials and tribulations of Sophia’s life. one thing is for sure , nothing ever goes to plan, then again that’s what friends are for. Great story and great fun.

[Helen Purchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sequel! It picks up right where the first book leaves us, I wish there was a third! I found them easy to read and killed a journey back to Hampshire from the Lake District. Enjoy! And please write a third in this series Olivia!

[Lisa Mullender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel

After enjoying the first one it was nice to see what the characters were up to and their adventures in italy. I thought Geli seemed a great character. It would be cool if there was a book about her adventures

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed this book so much. Loads of romance with a side serving of humour thrown in. Well written characters, with a strong story. I am hoping there will be a 3rd book

[Ejatu Bah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The list is back but this time for family life. I really enjoyed getting back into this duet books. I loved the characters and the overall story. I did feel that the book could have been a bit shorter.

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle aged woman takes her chance on love with an Italian but it is not without snags along the way. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review

[MISS JENNIFER L JOLLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, well worth reading!

Great characters, lovely well written story. I couldn't put it down! Lots of laugh out loud moments too. Highly recommend!

[Emma Mcvittie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I liked this book much more than the first one.An honest insight to motherhood,sexy scenes and lots of laughing.I really like this side of Sophia.

[Jo Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Olivia’s writing, in part because she perfectly encapsulates romance and comedy within her books, and the balance between the two is sheer perfection. This book is the sequel to The Middle-Aged Virgin, and I would really recommend that you read the first book before reading this. It could be read as a standalone, but you will get so much more from the story if you understand the dynamics between Sophia and Lorenzo, and between Sophia and her best friends Roxy and Bella.

This book sees Sophia living with Lorenzo and their baby Leo in a small Italian village, with Lorenzo’s disapproving mother living close by. As Sophia attempts to find her feet in a location where barely anyone speaks English, it is not quite as idyllic as it could be. In addition to handling motherhood, living in a foreign country, and dealing with disapproval on a daily basis, Sophia is still trying to oversee her beauty PR company in London.

The humour and cringe-worthy moments hit so hard, that it’s impossible to read this book without crying with laughter and dying a little inside at the most cringe-worthy of moments! I loved that female friendship is given so much value in Olivia’s books, and this was no exception. Not only does Sophia have support from Roxy and Bella, she also gains new friends in a young au pair called Holly and Geli, the woman who becomes so much more than just her Italian teacher. They all provide such a wonderful boost for Sophia and help her regain a little of the old confident Sophia back.

This gorgeous book is such an effortless 5 stars for me, it honestly has everything, love, very hot sex with the delectable Lorenzo, laugh out loud moment, and girl power in its’ truest sense.

[Hannah Clarke (Love Books Actually) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the ‘Middle-Aged Virgin’ series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I struggled to warm to Sophia in the first book so I was intrigued to read more on her new life in Italy with her gorgeous son Leo and boyfriend Lorenzo. Sophia is a warm relatable character just trying to be the best mum, girlfriend and friend as well as keeping her business going and now living in a new country where you don’t speak the language.. on top of that to contend with a mother in law from hell (I mean oh gosh what a cow!) and if that wasn’t enough.. those body worries niggling at the back of your mind which I’m sure a lot of women go through after a birth (myself included!) I really felt for Sophia during a lot of the book. I like that Olivia includes tough every day issues but she has a fantastic way of balancing this out with lots of laugh out loud moments (one scene will have you picking your jaw up from the floor!!) also focusing on friendships new and old, I loved Geli (everyone needs a Geli in their life) plus was really lovely to catch up with Bella and Roxy again. Let’s not forget dreamboat Lorenzo with a heart of gold.. you could quite clearly see how besotted he was with Sophia but I was frustrated with him at times when I wish he would stand up to his mother! A huge thank you to Olivia for inviting me along to her blog tour and for the ARC which I really enjoyed.

[Emma Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIFTED

I loved this book even more than the first one 😍 it was so light, fun and hilarious, but also touched on important issues like the struggles of motherhood, the blurred lines of abuse and also loneliness.

Sophia is such a relatable character, and I love how caring she is, I just want to be her friend! I can’t wait to read more Olivia Spring novels 🥰

[Lucy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author sent me a copy of this book in return for an honest review. After reading The Middle Aged Virgin and loving it, I was intrigued to see where Sophia went next. This book was just as funny, and also at times heart-wrenching, as the first instalment. The story truly shows that it doesn’t matter how old you are, if you want something you can achieve it 💕