Under An Italian Sky

by Lisa Hobman

Global box office sensation, Ruby Locke, is a long way from her Yorkshire roots. Together with her fiancé, movie heartthrob Tyler Harrison, they are Hollywood’s new glitterati.

Overnight, Ruby’s life implodes when her social media accounts are hacked with a multitude of vile posts, turning her into an international pariah. Even Tyler breaks off their engagement.

Confused and heartbroken, Ruby escapes to the beautiful island of Sicily to avoid the media scrutiny. With only a Yorkshire Terrier to comfort her, Ruby is befriended by a handsome, mysterious neighbour and slowly begins to heal. But are his intentions true?

When her Sicilian hideaway is compromised, Ruby is once again forced to relocate, this time to the stunning Isle of Skye, off the West Coast of Scotland. Here Ruby is left to question who wants to destroy her career, and also if the celebrity lifestyle is really for her...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

ebook

Published July 18, 2021

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks)]

DNF. Did not like the main character as all. She was self-centered, easily misunderstanding other’s intent and just not a very nice person. Maybe she would have changed somewhat if I read more, but I just didn’t care enough to find out.

[Zee Monodee]

While not a bad story - it reads easily enough, and can be good to while away some time on vacation - there was just too much 'absurdity' throughout to make it feel like a succession of absurd moments thrown in just to move along, not to actually advance the plot itself or help the characters. Main Character herself felt like she was just there as a foil for the cyberbullying angle (which was well-done and commendable of the author to tackle this). I mostly read on to find out who was behind the cyberbullying...and the reveal was entirely anticlimactic and lacking any true motive or reason (again, one of the 'absurdities' of this story - it doesn't really work, it doesn't really make sense...but it somehow fits into the tale, so there you have it)
Title was also misleading because not even a quarter of the book happens in Sicily, though I have to grant the locations were really well done throughout.

[Sammy]

Could have been a really good read, but has too much of the stuff I really hate about romance novels (characters that are complete idiots, a stupid falling-out of the main couple just as things are starting to go well because of a ridiculous misunderstanding that 5 seconds of communication could have fixed for starters). There are also some factual errors and an odd collection of different regional words/phrases and dialects from people who have supposedly all lived on the same island their entire lives.

So not for me. But if you don't mind issues like those, I'm sure you'll enjoy this well enough.

[Glen]

This book does not fit my stated criteria for 4 stars. While the writing, story, and characters are all good, they are not above average. However, it does have an "extra", and that part is so outstanding I broke my rules. The treatment of cyber bullying is well-researched, thoughtful, constructive, and eminently believable. I am always impressed by characters (and real people) that fight through and overcome their difficulties, whatever they are.

[Vicki Gailey]

I really only read this to find out who was behind the cyber bullying otherwise I probably would have left it as a DNF.

The main storyline revolves around Ruby who is victim of a social media hacking attached destroying her reputation, career and what ultimately was a showmance in one hit. Now in hiding she desperately wants to clear her name - which itself is not without setback.

I think what got me is that it strung out the who dunnit it with Ruby leaving it to her less than tech savvy manager to solve. The other bit was how she spent the book going on about her innocence, but when faced with a situation she chose to jump to a conclusion and fallout with the one person who had supported her.

Was looking forward to this as do enjoy books set in Italy but actually that was such a small part and most of it was in the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

[Kate Frost]

Under an Italian Sky was a joy to read. The setting of Sicily was gorgeous, yet it was the stunning location of Skye on the Scottish coast that utterly stole my heart. Ruby grew on me as a character and her story of hope and second chances was delightful, not to mention the underlying love story... Joyful escapism!

[Mary's Bookcase]

Beautiful locations, well drawn character and an engaging story - what is not to like?! I really enjoyed this novel, it is one of those brilliant summer reads that you can lose yourself in. I thought the story was brilliantly crafted, and it really made me stop and think about the whole "celebrity" culture.

I thought this book was something rather special and I am sure you will too!

[Jane]

Most of the book took place on the Isle of Skye so its kind of misleading. Italy was maybe 20% of the book. But good story weaving in the cyber bullying. Bit rich then the person who was trying to clear her name and angry because no one believed she hadn't said horrible things,then goes on to do the same to the love interest. No lessons learned there then. Lol.

[Beth Anderson]

Don’t appreciate dumb girl stories. Dumb millionaire actress stories are even worse. Prefer romances with smart, poor girls who get the handsome, rich guy.

[Gala]

I LOVED this book.

[Michaela Trueman]

The humour in this book kept me reading. It made me laugh so many times. The settings are gorgeous too, and there are some lovely side characters.