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The Italian Job
Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancé.
A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…
When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…
…With the last man on earth she’d choose!
The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!
A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…
When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…
…With the last man on earth she’d choose!
The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2022
364 people are currently reading
7594 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Freeman
28 books446 followersI was born in Wallingford, England and have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, former pharmaceutical industry employee I’m now a self-employed medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 586 reviews
December 7, 2023
WHY IS THIS MY NEW DREAM JOB?
April 25, 2022
I think so far this is my favorite book of the author! I consider myself as a devoted fan of enemies to lovers trope and when you add the perfect location: a castle in Lake Como and pretending lovers trope into the equation: this turns into an addictive reading!
Anna Roberts- such a great organizer, aspiring chef, playing by rules, exemplary daughter who is raised by her police officer dad, just lost her job, her home by being cheated on her boyfriend who is also her boss at the restaurant, coming from powerful family of the town!
She barely finds a job: thanks to Miles-the cheater douchebag who insists to take her back and his family owns most of the restaurant at the town.
Anna returns back to the childhood house, living with her dad. And returning back to home also brings out the memories of her childhood nemesis bad boy Jake Tucker, who had time in prison because of punching her ex- Miles and he rejects to talk about the reason why he kicked his ass. He loses his job at fire station because of being convicted and he barely finds handy man jobs. Everybody is talking behind his back. He has to fix his reputation and start over.
When Anna checked for her dream job: she finds one year commitment at a castle- Lake Como: where she can practice her culinary skills but then she realizes the job is for couple: she needs someone to manage the entire castle with her, pretending her boyfriend. And only one man is desperate to leave town and find a proper job immediately: yes: the same man teasing her nonstop, calling her “Saint Anna”, her long time nemesis and bad boy neighbor Jake Tucker!
Interestingly the couple they had an interview who are the owners of the castle want them start the job immediately!
If Anna and Jake manage not to kill each other, burying the hatchets for one year, they can also manage the entire place properly! But they didn’t count the high chemistry and palpable attraction with them. What if they can be real friends or what if they want to be more than friends!
Well: it was enjoyable, fun read! I got a little mad at Jake who kept thinking little about himself and his insecurities made him a big jerk at the beginning of the book. But I learned to like him. At some parts both Anna and Jake made me nervous. I want to grab them by their necks and force them come clean about their feelings. They kept making assumptions about each other. That was truly exhausting.
Overall: it was still entertaining example of great enemies to lovers trope!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Anna Roberts- such a great organizer, aspiring chef, playing by rules, exemplary daughter who is raised by her police officer dad, just lost her job, her home by being cheated on her boyfriend who is also her boss at the restaurant, coming from powerful family of the town!
She barely finds a job: thanks to Miles-the cheater douchebag who insists to take her back and his family owns most of the restaurant at the town.
Anna returns back to the childhood house, living with her dad. And returning back to home also brings out the memories of her childhood nemesis bad boy Jake Tucker, who had time in prison because of punching her ex- Miles and he rejects to talk about the reason why he kicked his ass. He loses his job at fire station because of being convicted and he barely finds handy man jobs. Everybody is talking behind his back. He has to fix his reputation and start over.
When Anna checked for her dream job: she finds one year commitment at a castle- Lake Como: where she can practice her culinary skills but then she realizes the job is for couple: she needs someone to manage the entire castle with her, pretending her boyfriend. And only one man is desperate to leave town and find a proper job immediately: yes: the same man teasing her nonstop, calling her “Saint Anna”, her long time nemesis and bad boy neighbor Jake Tucker!
Interestingly the couple they had an interview who are the owners of the castle want them start the job immediately!
If Anna and Jake manage not to kill each other, burying the hatchets for one year, they can also manage the entire place properly! But they didn’t count the high chemistry and palpable attraction with them. What if they can be real friends or what if they want to be more than friends!
Well: it was enjoyable, fun read! I got a little mad at Jake who kept thinking little about himself and his insecurities made him a big jerk at the beginning of the book. But I learned to like him. At some parts both Anna and Jake made me nervous. I want to grab them by their necks and force them come clean about their feelings. They kept making assumptions about each other. That was truly exhausting.
Overall: it was still entertaining example of great enemies to lovers trope!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
July 10, 2022
(4,5 stars)
"And I want you like you wouldn´t believe. I wake up wanting you, go to bed wanting you."
This is a two POV book, told by the POVs of Jake and Anna. It is written in third person perspective.
Anna and Jake were so different that it was so interesting to read their story. On one hand we have Anna who is really organized and rule-loving (Jake calls her "Saint Anna") and on the other hand we have the broody, rule-breaking ex-con Jake. I simply loved the romance between the two of them. The bickering was soo good, the constant teasing and the chemistry between them! We have a fake dating trope and he also falls first. The are not really childhood friends but have been neighbors since they were little and then grew to dislike each other. The tension between them is so good throughout this book and the slow-burn is real.
I really loved the side characters especially Sara and Will. You could really feel the smalltown vibes of this cute italian village and I loved how everybody was so friendly and nice to each other. All of them welcomed Jake and Anna with open arms and it was so cute to see their community. I loved Jakes sisters, they were so funny and I loved their family bond so much.
Plotwise this really was a perfect summer read. It was cute, the italian village vibes were there, I loved the castle and how everything was described and the romance was really good. So why did I give this book 4,5 stars? In my opinion the spicy scenes could have been a little more spicier if you get what I mean. I would have also loved for the ending to be a bit more tthorough in explaing everything and showing how each character ended up, it felt a little bit rushed to me. Other then that the pacing was really good.
Overall it was a fun summer read that made me dream myself away to Italy.
trigger warnings: assault, cheating, misscarriage (all of them just mentioned)
"And I want you like you wouldn´t believe. I wake up wanting you, go to bed wanting you."
This is a two POV book, told by the POVs of Jake and Anna. It is written in third person perspective.
Anna and Jake were so different that it was so interesting to read their story. On one hand we have Anna who is really organized and rule-loving (Jake calls her "Saint Anna") and on the other hand we have the broody, rule-breaking ex-con Jake. I simply loved the romance between the two of them. The bickering was soo good, the constant teasing and the chemistry between them! We have a fake dating trope and he also falls first. The are not really childhood friends but have been neighbors since they were little and then grew to dislike each other. The tension between them is so good throughout this book and the slow-burn is real.
I really loved the side characters especially Sara and Will. You could really feel the smalltown vibes of this cute italian village and I loved how everybody was so friendly and nice to each other. All of them welcomed Jake and Anna with open arms and it was so cute to see their community. I loved Jakes sisters, they were so funny and I loved their family bond so much.
Plotwise this really was a perfect summer read. It was cute, the italian village vibes were there, I loved the castle and how everything was described and the romance was really good. So why did I give this book 4,5 stars? In my opinion the spicy scenes could have been a little more spicier if you get what I mean. I would have also loved for the ending to be a bit more tthorough in explaing everything and showing how each character ended up, it felt a little bit rushed to me. Other then that the pacing was really good.
Overall it was a fun summer read that made me dream myself away to Italy.
trigger warnings: assault, cheating, misscarriage (all of them just mentioned)
November 2, 2024
╰┈➤ 4 stars!
this is my first kathryn freeman book; let me tell you it did not disappoint. an enemies to lovers with a mix of fake dating tropes in lake como?! if that doesn't make you want to read the book then i don't know what will!
this is my first kathryn freeman book; let me tell you it did not disappoint. an enemies to lovers with a mix of fake dating tropes in lake como?! if that doesn't make you want to read the book then i don't know what will!
June 2, 2022
5☆ A Spicy Rom Com
The Italian Job is a spicy Rom Com that I couldn't put down.
Would you take on a once in a lifetime job with someone you didn't particularly like and pretend to be madly in love with them?
Well that's exactly what Anna and Jake did. Both of them are having a really crappy time what with one thing after another, so when Anna hatches a plan and drags Jake along for the ride, it's never going to be smooth sailing.
But one thing is for certain their sexual chemistry sparks between them, if only they wasn't so stubborn to realise it.
With plenty of snark, wit and cheeky banter I absolutely loved watching Anna and Jake take on the castle together!
The Italian Job is a Feel-good Rom Com and was exactly what I needed.
Once again Kathryn Freeman has written an absolute gem of a story. If you haven't yet had the privilege of reading one of her books, then I highly recommend you grab a copy and whisk yourself away to Lake Como a little piece of paradise!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and One More Chapter for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2022/0...
The Italian Job is a spicy Rom Com that I couldn't put down.
Would you take on a once in a lifetime job with someone you didn't particularly like and pretend to be madly in love with them?
Well that's exactly what Anna and Jake did. Both of them are having a really crappy time what with one thing after another, so when Anna hatches a plan and drags Jake along for the ride, it's never going to be smooth sailing.
But one thing is for certain their sexual chemistry sparks between them, if only they wasn't so stubborn to realise it.
With plenty of snark, wit and cheeky banter I absolutely loved watching Anna and Jake take on the castle together!
The Italian Job is a Feel-good Rom Com and was exactly what I needed.
Once again Kathryn Freeman has written an absolute gem of a story. If you haven't yet had the privilege of reading one of her books, then I highly recommend you grab a copy and whisk yourself away to Lake Como a little piece of paradise!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and One More Chapter for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2022/0...
April 27, 2022
I have read a book by this author in the past and enjoyed it, so when I saw she'd written an enemies to lovers romance set in an Italian castle, I requested that arc SO QUICK!
Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I didn't get on with the writing style at all, and found the characters really frustrating. The author told us they felt emotions, but I didn't see it in the characters at all. Anna was stubborn and described as angry/hurt, but none of her behaviour showed that at all. Jake was mean to Anna for no reason all the time - who would act that way towards someone they barely know? Felt like he was a teenager, right down to the compliments he gives her ('nice legs' - who would say that and get a positive reaction ????? creep).
I didn't want these characters to get together, so I just couldn't enjoy this as a romance. DNF at 20%.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Kathryn Freeman for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I didn't get on with the writing style at all, and found the characters really frustrating. The author told us they felt emotions, but I didn't see it in the characters at all. Anna was stubborn and described as angry/hurt, but none of her behaviour showed that at all. Jake was mean to Anna for no reason all the time - who would act that way towards someone they barely know? Felt like he was a teenager, right down to the compliments he gives her ('nice legs' - who would say that and get a positive reaction ????? creep).
I didn't want these characters to get together, so I just couldn't enjoy this as a romance. DNF at 20%.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Kathryn Freeman for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2022
I was excited for this rom com set in an Italian castle but the romance fell a little flat for me. I didn’t buy the characters and their connection as much as I would have liked. The writing was fine, but it was still a story I had to push through to finish instead of get swept away. Anna has just duped her boyfriend who is rich and powerful and cheated on her. She had worked in his restaurant and lived with him so this has left her unemployed, homeless, and back in her dad’s house. She finds the perfect job, being a cook in an Italian castle but the only catch is they are only interested in a castle. Jake is trying to get his life back on rack after serving six months in prison for hitting Anna’s ex and is finding himself black listed from getting a decent job. When Anna asks Jake if he would come with her and pretend to be her boyfriend and take care of the castle he agrees. The two of them snipe each other more like teenagers than enemies but eventually their fake relationship feels a lot less fake.
April 13, 2022
If you were to sit down with this book, a bottle and a shot glass and decide to down one every time you read ‘groin’, ‘breasts’, ‘cocky’ or ‘sex’ you’d be drunk sooner than you think!
I loved ‘Mr. Right Across The Street’ and eagerly chose this one, thinking it was the same writing style. It wasn’t. The cover, the premise, and the setting held my attention and propelled me forward in the story. Unfortunately, while they had many redeeming points, the characters did not hold my attention and I could not make connections with them. Bad boy, Jake Tucker, only sees the girl next door, Anna Roberts, as a breasty organizer with a curvy butt who makes lists. All he thinks about is sex. Anna is wishy-washy. It annoyed me that in such a beautiful part of the world, she was wanting to make lists and get straight to work rather than investigate and start afresh - her whole reason for travelling halfway around the world!
I could see that Freeman was subtly trying to make readers aware that her characters were driven by the most basic needs - the need to feel loved and accepted by others. Where her other book was sweet, feel good and infused with a few giggles, I felt this one was bordering on crass and lewd. It had none of the humour I was expecting. It had so much potential. I hope this book finds the right reader.
I was gifted this book by Kathryn Freeman, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved ‘Mr. Right Across The Street’ and eagerly chose this one, thinking it was the same writing style. It wasn’t. The cover, the premise, and the setting held my attention and propelled me forward in the story. Unfortunately, while they had many redeeming points, the characters did not hold my attention and I could not make connections with them. Bad boy, Jake Tucker, only sees the girl next door, Anna Roberts, as a breasty organizer with a curvy butt who makes lists. All he thinks about is sex. Anna is wishy-washy. It annoyed me that in such a beautiful part of the world, she was wanting to make lists and get straight to work rather than investigate and start afresh - her whole reason for travelling halfway around the world!
I could see that Freeman was subtly trying to make readers aware that her characters were driven by the most basic needs - the need to feel loved and accepted by others. Where her other book was sweet, feel good and infused with a few giggles, I felt this one was bordering on crass and lewd. It had none of the humour I was expecting. It had so much potential. I hope this book finds the right reader.
I was gifted this book by Kathryn Freeman, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 10, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Italian Job was so much fun to read. First, they are going to Italy which is a place I can't wait to see. Then, they are staying and working in a castle. Uhm, yes, can I please work with them? It also doesn't hurt that I really liked Anna and Jake throughout the book either. It was definitely a neighbors to lover's romance, which I devoured like crazy. Plus, her ex being a complete douche canoe didn't hurt either.
Besides the traveling, we did get some drama. Of course, it was easy to overlook because the romance made it all up to me. Seriously, I really enjoyed watching these two dance around one another until they truly admitted their feelings. The ending was also really freaking cute and made me smile.
In the end, I adored this and can't wait for next romcom Kathryn writes.
The Italian Job was so much fun to read. First, they are going to Italy which is a place I can't wait to see. Then, they are staying and working in a castle. Uhm, yes, can I please work with them? It also doesn't hurt that I really liked Anna and Jake throughout the book either. It was definitely a neighbors to lover's romance, which I devoured like crazy. Plus, her ex being a complete douche canoe didn't hurt either.
Besides the traveling, we did get some drama. Of course, it was easy to overlook because the romance made it all up to me. Seriously, I really enjoyed watching these two dance around one another until they truly admitted their feelings. The ending was also really freaking cute and made me smile.
In the end, I adored this and can't wait for next romcom Kathryn writes.
May 2, 2022
3-3.25 stars
Right away the cover caught my eye scrolling through Netgalley’s romance category of their site. Couple that with enemies-to-lovers + fake dating + forced proximity + living abroad in an Italian castle = my curiosity was piqued. Enemies-to-lovers + fake dating + forced proximity trope mashup tends to be akin to reading catnip for me 🐱🫣😂.
Unfortunately, I can’t say The Italian Job succeeded as much as I wanted it to. Now before I go further, it’s not going to be one of those kind of reads I’m going to be gobsmacked if most ratings might be higher. So you might want to take some of the following with a grain of salt. Because it falls more under the category where I could see how others might enjoy it more. As for myself, the majority of the first 2/3 of TIJ left me feeling rather meh tbh.
Finding a connection with the characters so often felt just out of reach during this portion due to a few reasons.
✎ A little naturally is due to my typical aversion to third-person POV romance (although there are exceptions, i.e. Lauren Layne). The writing felt just a little bit stilted & green. Nonetheless, that wasn’t the worst version by any means.
✎ I had more issues with the writing feeling repetitive. Such as…
After that, finally, the last 1/3 found the writing found its flow(I really would’ve liked this one so much more significantly had the author found it sooner & toned down the repetition a bit) & I started to enjoy TIJ as well as h & H & even started to invest in them a little by the end. I also thought the little bits of side romance with their parents (his mom is a widow, her dad has been divorced a long time) was sweet & there were some nice side characters (his older sister ratting him out on some of his childhood secrets was funny). I didn’t mind all the drama that unfolded in this part, but I do wish it was spaced out some with parts of it beginning sooner so it wasn’t quite so rushed through.
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Right away the cover caught my eye scrolling through Netgalley’s romance category of their site. Couple that with enemies-to-lovers + fake dating + forced proximity + living abroad in an Italian castle = my curiosity was piqued. Enemies-to-lovers + fake dating + forced proximity trope mashup tends to be akin to reading catnip for me 🐱🫣😂.
Unfortunately, I can’t say The Italian Job succeeded as much as I wanted it to. Now before I go further, it’s not going to be one of those kind of reads I’m going to be gobsmacked if most ratings might be higher. So you might want to take some of the following with a grain of salt. Because it falls more under the category where I could see how others might enjoy it more. As for myself, the majority of the first 2/3 of TIJ left me feeling rather meh tbh.
Finding a connection with the characters so often felt just out of reach during this portion due to a few reasons.
✎ A little naturally is due to my typical aversion to third-person POV romance (although there are exceptions, i.e. Lauren Layne). The writing felt just a little bit stilted & green. Nonetheless, that wasn’t the worst version by any means.
✎ I had more issues with the writing feeling repetitive. Such as…
—Usually, the bickering banter between them is one of my favorite things — I’m practically an ETL junkie for this par for the course aspect of the trope —, but there was so much ‘wash, rinse & repeat’ in their assumptions. Their reactions to almost any barb or whenever any insecurities were stumbled across read much more like two overdramatic teenagers. They were so touchy to anything out of the other’s mouth. Even when the other wasn’t trying to needle them. Basically, I would begin to feel like things were turning a corner & then bam, one of them would get insulted(frequently minor or nonexistent slights imo), shutdown immediately & pout.
— I have no problem with the fact Jake . That said, lets just put this way, if that word was turned into a drinking game each time I read it, I would’ve been drunk by the end 🤦🏻♀️. I mean sometimes it was definitely pertinent to mention, but the rest of the time not so much.
After that, finally, the last 1/3 found the writing found its flow(I really would’ve liked this one so much more significantly had the author found it sooner & toned down the repetition a bit) & I started to enjoy TIJ as well as h & H & even started to invest in them a little by the end. I also thought the little bits of side romance with their parents (his mom is a widow, her dad has been divorced a long time) was sweet & there were some nice side characters (his older sister ratting him out on some of his childhood secrets was funny). I didn’t mind all the drama that unfolded in this part, but I do wish it was spaced out some with parts of it beginning sooner so it wasn’t quite so rushed through.
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
May 10, 2022
Rating: 3
Publication Day: 5/6/22
This book had so much potential to be five stars. While I did enjoy it I definitely didn’t love it. It started out really strong, I immediately liked both main characters but that didn’t last. The writing style felt different and I liked how we got both sides of the characters without it necessarily being 2 different POVs. I liked how strong and determined Anna was. She wanted the job in Italy and would even work and live with her enemy Jake in order to get it. Jake was your typical bad boy character. He was sexy beyond belief, charming, and misunderstood by everyone. I wish his character had more depth and wasn’t written to be such a cliche.
My main problem with this book was the miscommunication and the constant bickering. As you all know I love enemies to lovers but I don’t like toxic relationships. It could just be me but I found this one to be a little toxic. How they interacted together in the beginning didn’t make me swoon or make me happy, instead it reminded me of an unhealthy relationship. It got to the point where I didn’t really want them to end up together. They didn’t know how to communicate with one another and were just constantly angry and mean towards each other. Also, so much time was spent on describing Anna’s body and not in a good way. It definitely added to why I couldn’t connect more with Jake.
Honestly, I was expecting a cute romcom and sadly didn’t get that. Even though I didn’t enjoy it, I definitely think others might. This is one that you have to try for yourself.
Thank you so much @harpercollins for the #gifted copy on #netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Day: 5/6/22
This book had so much potential to be five stars. While I did enjoy it I definitely didn’t love it. It started out really strong, I immediately liked both main characters but that didn’t last. The writing style felt different and I liked how we got both sides of the characters without it necessarily being 2 different POVs. I liked how strong and determined Anna was. She wanted the job in Italy and would even work and live with her enemy Jake in order to get it. Jake was your typical bad boy character. He was sexy beyond belief, charming, and misunderstood by everyone. I wish his character had more depth and wasn’t written to be such a cliche.
My main problem with this book was the miscommunication and the constant bickering. As you all know I love enemies to lovers but I don’t like toxic relationships. It could just be me but I found this one to be a little toxic. How they interacted together in the beginning didn’t make me swoon or make me happy, instead it reminded me of an unhealthy relationship. It got to the point where I didn’t really want them to end up together. They didn’t know how to communicate with one another and were just constantly angry and mean towards each other. Also, so much time was spent on describing Anna’s body and not in a good way. It definitely added to why I couldn’t connect more with Jake.
Honestly, I was expecting a cute romcom and sadly didn’t get that. Even though I didn’t enjoy it, I definitely think others might. This is one that you have to try for yourself.
Thank you so much @harpercollins for the #gifted copy on #netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2022
An enemies-to-lovers, fake dating romance set within a beautiful castle in Lake Como, Italy. I don't know about you, but that simple description is all the convincing I'd need to pick this up. But let me tell you more!
The banter between Anna and Jake was superb! Jobless and desperate, an online search leads Anna to discover an opportunity for a one-year contract to manage a Lake Como property. The only problem? The owners are looking to hire a couple. Complete opposites and constantly bickering, neighbour Jake Tucker may not seem like the best choice to tag along, but an escape from his current life is exactly what he needs.
Recently released from a six-month prison sentence and constantly misjudged, the uphill journey of ex-firefighter Jake finding his place again was really great. He was fiercely protective but also incredibly warmhearted. With a cheating ex-boyfriend still plaguing Anna's thoughts, I loved seeing Jake guide Anna to find her confidence again.
And with a touch of meddling drama attempting to ruin their stay, this story was truly a fun time!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for review
The banter between Anna and Jake was superb! Jobless and desperate, an online search leads Anna to discover an opportunity for a one-year contract to manage a Lake Como property. The only problem? The owners are looking to hire a couple. Complete opposites and constantly bickering, neighbour Jake Tucker may not seem like the best choice to tag along, but an escape from his current life is exactly what he needs.
Recently released from a six-month prison sentence and constantly misjudged, the uphill journey of ex-firefighter Jake finding his place again was really great. He was fiercely protective but also incredibly warmhearted. With a cheating ex-boyfriend still plaguing Anna's thoughts, I loved seeing Jake guide Anna to find her confidence again.
And with a touch of meddling drama attempting to ruin their stay, this story was truly a fun time!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for review
April 29, 2022
This book felt like it was written my a misogynistic man. Anna the heroine couldn’t stop “tearing up”. The hero Jake couldn’t go a chapter without saying how big Anna’s breasts are or how curvy she is. I almost stopped reading it multiple times. All in all I did not enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2022
With cute cover like this I don't know I expected more, then what I got. Kind of repetitive story and leads without any chemistry.
November 8, 2025
Edit: it’s been little over a year since I read this book but I’m still mad about this!
The amount of time they said, “groin” & “arousal“should be considered a punishable offense .
The amount of time they said, “groin” & “arousal“should be considered a punishable offense .
August 14, 2024
Dnf @ 10%
Immediately no 💀
The writing is terrible and I hate the characters
Immediately no 💀
The writing is terrible and I hate the characters
April 27, 2022
4,5⭐️
What a lovely surprise!
I was expecting this to be good, but not as good as it was.
It's a beautiful romance, with a bunch of tropes that I absolutely love and it's in Italy, what is there not to like?
The characters were all so interesting, the plotline was so smooth and not rushed and it was so heartwarming.
There are moments to make you happy, moments to make you wish you were in the book and also moments that make you so upset with how the characters are reacting, but with everything combined you get this incredible story.
I got this arc but I can not wait for the actual book to be published so I can purchase it and read it again!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange of my honest review.
What a lovely surprise!
I was expecting this to be good, but not as good as it was.
It's a beautiful romance, with a bunch of tropes that I absolutely love and it's in Italy, what is there not to like?
The characters were all so interesting, the plotline was so smooth and not rushed and it was so heartwarming.
There are moments to make you happy, moments to make you wish you were in the book and also moments that make you so upset with how the characters are reacting, but with everything combined you get this incredible story.
I got this arc but I can not wait for the actual book to be published so I can purchase it and read it again!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange of my honest review.
January 21, 2025
so swoony ;)
April 22, 2022
Imagine you have the opportunity to live in an extraordinary castle on Lake Como in Italy. For Anna Roberts, this is the opportunity of a lifetime; however, there is one nagging problem. Anna's dream job is for a couple, and she is single. Anna needs a man to pretend to be her serious boyfriend. How else can Anna obtain employment?
Anna's neighbor Jack Tucker agrees to take the job, but he and Anna have never gotten along. As they set off for Italy, unexpected and humorous challenges await the "couple." Claiming to be a twosome is more arduous than they expected. Can the underlying stress between the two be avoided as they "appear" cheerful and in love? Is this out of the question? Will they successfully pull off the ruse for their employers?
The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman is amusing and charming. The tension between Jake and Anna, who have opposite temperaments, is delightful. Romance bookworms will fall in love with this heart-warming book.
The Italian Job is available for purchase on May 6th.
Thank you, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley, for allowing me to review this glorious book. Your kindness is truly appreciated.💘
Anna's neighbor Jack Tucker agrees to take the job, but he and Anna have never gotten along. As they set off for Italy, unexpected and humorous challenges await the "couple." Claiming to be a twosome is more arduous than they expected. Can the underlying stress between the two be avoided as they "appear" cheerful and in love? Is this out of the question? Will they successfully pull off the ruse for their employers?
The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman is amusing and charming. The tension between Jake and Anna, who have opposite temperaments, is delightful. Romance bookworms will fall in love with this heart-warming book.
The Italian Job is available for purchase on May 6th.
Thank you, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley, for allowing me to review this glorious book. Your kindness is truly appreciated.💘
May 26, 2022
This book had so much potential.
Enemies to lovers in Italy? It could've been perfect.
Unfortunately, I couldn't move past the childish bickering. It didn't help that the only compliments they had for each other were about their bodies. It did get better by the second half of the book but at that point, it was already too late to feel the chemistry and connection between them.
Also, the writing was filled with sexism, I spent half the book rolling my eyes.
I guess this wasn't for me.
Enemies to lovers in Italy? It could've been perfect.
Unfortunately, I couldn't move past the childish bickering. It didn't help that the only compliments they had for each other were about their bodies. It did get better by the second half of the book but at that point, it was already too late to feel the chemistry and connection between them.
Also, the writing was filled with sexism, I spent half the book rolling my eyes.
I guess this wasn't for me.
January 28, 2024
it was giving 'película alemana que ponen a las 19:00 un domingo en antena 3' vibes
May 6, 2022
When the job of a lifetime falls into Anna’s lap, she jumps at the chance to take it. Only one problem—the job needs to be filled by a couple. Anna gets the bright idea to ask Jake, her annoying former neighbor and ex-con looking for a steady job, to pretend to be her fiancé.
Anna needs to escape her cheating ex and former boss, and Jake needs to escape a life where his past overshadows his future. Both are willing to risk deceiving their potential employers to get a fresh start, and don’t expect their hair brained plan to actually work.
Jokes on them though because now they’re stuck pretending to be in love with each other for the next year. At least they can hate each other comfortably while living in Italy in a frigging castle, right?
Anna and Jake start off like oil and water, but despite their differences they were really well balanced once they stopped hating each other. I really loved their banter and watching the inevitability of their relationship as they continued to fake date. This was cute and funny and will definitely be a perfect beach read this summer!
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this early!
Anna needs to escape her cheating ex and former boss, and Jake needs to escape a life where his past overshadows his future. Both are willing to risk deceiving their potential employers to get a fresh start, and don’t expect their hair brained plan to actually work.
Jokes on them though because now they’re stuck pretending to be in love with each other for the next year. At least they can hate each other comfortably while living in Italy in a frigging castle, right?
Anna and Jake start off like oil and water, but despite their differences they were really well balanced once they stopped hating each other. I really loved their banter and watching the inevitability of their relationship as they continued to fake date. This was cute and funny and will definitely be a perfect beach read this summer!
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this early!
April 23, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this ARC!
I really wish I enjoyed this read more. It had potential but I found the writing style difficult to engage with and stay connected to.
The characters were okay but I did find Anna rather whiny and Jack off-putting. The romance didn't really sell well for me. It felt forced in a lot of places, especially with how antagonistic they were to each other. I know this is marketed as enemies to lovers but this particular brand of it wasn't my cup of tea.
What I did enjoy was the setting. The author did a really good of immersing you in the Italian backdrop but I definitely wanted more. Overall, okay read.
I really wish I enjoyed this read more. It had potential but I found the writing style difficult to engage with and stay connected to.
The characters were okay but I did find Anna rather whiny and Jack off-putting. The romance didn't really sell well for me. It felt forced in a lot of places, especially with how antagonistic they were to each other. I know this is marketed as enemies to lovers but this particular brand of it wasn't my cup of tea.
What I did enjoy was the setting. The author did a really good of immersing you in the Italian backdrop but I definitely wanted more. Overall, okay read.
May 1, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this was amazing. Italy? Enemies to lovers? Fake dating? It sounded like a perfect read. But I had to DNF due to the writing. It just wasn't my taste, and I did not feel connected to the characters at all. While this book wasn't for me, it may be a great book to someone else. The writing just wasn't my style. I felt as if I was being told how the MCs feel, rather than reading and understanding their actual emotions. I also felt like the banter/communication between the two MCs was lacking any chemistry. I'm sad to say I couldn't finish it, as I had high hopes for this one.
The premise of this was amazing. Italy? Enemies to lovers? Fake dating? It sounded like a perfect read. But I had to DNF due to the writing. It just wasn't my taste, and I did not feel connected to the characters at all. While this book wasn't for me, it may be a great book to someone else. The writing just wasn't my style. I felt as if I was being told how the MCs feel, rather than reading and understanding their actual emotions. I also felt like the banter/communication between the two MCs was lacking any chemistry. I'm sad to say I couldn't finish it, as I had high hopes for this one.
July 14, 2025
Cute vacation read, not really my style
April 2, 2024
Tengo que confesar que empecé a leerme el libro porque la sinopsis me recordó a un fanfic que escribí con 14 años. Solo que en vez de Italia era Irlanda, y en vez de un Jake Tucker había un Niall Horan. En fin, que no tenía mucha fe y comencé pensando que era un libro sin más, para leer de chill y desconectar en mis ratos libres.
Resulta que me ha encantado. Aunque los protagonistas discuten mucho y es un cute enemies to lovers, encontré todas sus actitudes muy coherentes, que es lo que más me suele chirriar en este tropo. Me ha gustado mucho el personaje de Jake porque veía muchas veces la forma de ser de mi novio en él (además, ambos tienen unos bíceps tremendos, todo hay que decirlo) y el final me ha dejado el pechito calentito. Vaya, que me lo he metido por el culo con mucho gusto.
Resulta que me ha encantado. Aunque los protagonistas discuten mucho y es un cute enemies to lovers, encontré todas sus actitudes muy coherentes, que es lo que más me suele chirriar en este tropo. Me ha gustado mucho el personaje de Jake porque veía muchas veces la forma de ser de mi novio en él (además, ambos tienen unos bíceps tremendos, todo hay que decirlo) y el final me ha dejado el pechito calentito. Vaya, que me lo he metido por el culo con mucho gusto.
July 25, 2024
4.5 porque es una lectura rapidilla y me ha gustado
May 31, 2022
[Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
2'5 estrellitas.
De verdad que me sabe mal puntuarlo tan bajo porque es una autora que me hace pasar buenos ratillos pero es que me ha faltado la chispa y el encanto que he encontrado en otros libros suyos. El punto de partida es muy "romance reasons", que me parece estupendo, pero la protagonista me ha parecido bastante insufrible en muchos momentos, se abusa de la falta de comunicación, hay situaciones simplonas a tope y, bueno, el final es demasiado ñoño. Encima no leemos los guarrerismos, así que peor. En fin, otra vez será
2'5 estrellitas.
De verdad que me sabe mal puntuarlo tan bajo porque es una autora que me hace pasar buenos ratillos pero es que me ha faltado la chispa y el encanto que he encontrado en otros libros suyos. El punto de partida es muy "romance reasons", que me parece estupendo, pero la protagonista me ha parecido bastante insufrible en muchos momentos, se abusa de la falta de comunicación, hay situaciones simplonas a tope y, bueno, el final es demasiado ñoño. Encima no leemos los guarrerismos, así que peor. En fin, otra vez será
March 17, 2025
Faking a relationship to secure a dream job… what could possibly go wrong? Especially when the “fakers” involved are enemies who need to swallow their pride and pretend to be a loved-up couple in order to secure the hosting job on Lake Como.
You know this is going to implode spectacularly, but it is fun watching the lead up to these events. In this steamy romance story, Anna and Jake have plenty of good reasons to head to Italy. Not just in terms of work, but to leave their past behind and use Lake Como as a chance to start afresh – even if it is with their enemy. I really enjoyed watching these early stages of their relationship because the banter and arguing between the characters was entertaining… I was just desperate to see when the metaphorical line would be crossed from enemies to lovers.
Anna and Jake seem to do a pretty good job at convincing everyone around them that they are a couple. Even when the boss’s son decides to stay at the castle, their act isn’t rattled. I was curious to see how long it would take before Anna and Jake see the better sides to each other and I loved watching the romance develop. Whilst it does make for a predictable story, it was an easy read and one you could easily escape in to. Combined with the delightful setting, it did feel like you were on holiday in Italy and I could vividly picture the beautiful castle on Lake Como’s shores.
Both Anna and Jake have their own vulnerabilities and I liked seeing how there was more to Jake’s past than what Anna initially believed. Indeed, past faces make their appearance at the castle and I was interested to see how this would impact the couple’s fledgling relationship, as well as whether this would impede their role in Italy. Freeman plays on the contrast between Anna and Jake, to the point that I felt sorry for Jake. Often he feels like he is not worthy of Anna’s affections – real or fake – and that people judge Jake based on his appearance and background. It was lovely to see him believe in himself more as the novel progressed, as well as how Anna softens through Jake’s friendship.
A great escapism read with a happy ever after, it was good to read and fun. I loved seeing Anna and Jake come together in a relationship, but have to admit, their arguing was good as well!
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You know this is going to implode spectacularly, but it is fun watching the lead up to these events. In this steamy romance story, Anna and Jake have plenty of good reasons to head to Italy. Not just in terms of work, but to leave their past behind and use Lake Como as a chance to start afresh – even if it is with their enemy. I really enjoyed watching these early stages of their relationship because the banter and arguing between the characters was entertaining… I was just desperate to see when the metaphorical line would be crossed from enemies to lovers.
Anna and Jake seem to do a pretty good job at convincing everyone around them that they are a couple. Even when the boss’s son decides to stay at the castle, their act isn’t rattled. I was curious to see how long it would take before Anna and Jake see the better sides to each other and I loved watching the romance develop. Whilst it does make for a predictable story, it was an easy read and one you could easily escape in to. Combined with the delightful setting, it did feel like you were on holiday in Italy and I could vividly picture the beautiful castle on Lake Como’s shores.
Both Anna and Jake have their own vulnerabilities and I liked seeing how there was more to Jake’s past than what Anna initially believed. Indeed, past faces make their appearance at the castle and I was interested to see how this would impact the couple’s fledgling relationship, as well as whether this would impede their role in Italy. Freeman plays on the contrast between Anna and Jake, to the point that I felt sorry for Jake. Often he feels like he is not worthy of Anna’s affections – real or fake – and that people judge Jake based on his appearance and background. It was lovely to see him believe in himself more as the novel progressed, as well as how Anna softens through Jake’s friendship.
A great escapism read with a happy ever after, it was good to read and fun. I loved seeing Anna and Jake come together in a relationship, but have to admit, their arguing was good as well!
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
I think I may need to jump into Lake Como to cool off, after reading this!
For the sexual chemistry between Anna and Jake is beyond sizzling - it is coming out of my kindle so clearly, and making me hot - even if they are trying to ignore it most of the time
After all they did agree to be in a fake relationship in order to secure a job in a castle on Lake Como for a year, as both need a break from their regular lives.
I do love a fake romance, I also love an enemies to well at least friends, I'll let you discover if it's anything more tropes, and this has those plot points in spade. But it also has a man who has had a troubled past trying to get his life back on track, and Anna who has been messed about a few times in her life, leading her to have very little self confidence.
This is just pure fun, I was completely and utterly absorbed by it, could picture the castle so clearly and loved every bit of dialogue between Anna and Jake.
And that's before I mention the couple of men I love to hate in the story, and all manner of other characters that I enjoyed getting to know.
It's just another fabulous book from one of my favourite authors, I loved it so much.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For the sexual chemistry between Anna and Jake is beyond sizzling - it is coming out of my kindle so clearly, and making me hot - even if they are trying to ignore it most of the time
After all they did agree to be in a fake relationship in order to secure a job in a castle on Lake Como for a year, as both need a break from their regular lives.
I do love a fake romance, I also love an enemies to well at least friends, I'll let you discover if it's anything more tropes, and this has those plot points in spade. But it also has a man who has had a troubled past trying to get his life back on track, and Anna who has been messed about a few times in her life, leading her to have very little self confidence.
This is just pure fun, I was completely and utterly absorbed by it, could picture the castle so clearly and loved every bit of dialogue between Anna and Jake.
And that's before I mention the couple of men I love to hate in the story, and all manner of other characters that I enjoyed getting to know.
It's just another fabulous book from one of my favourite authors, I loved it so much.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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