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.

This is my first book read by Kathryn a freeman and it did not disappoint. I love an enemies to lovers with a fake dating trope.

Who doesn't love a book set in Italy? If the setting itself doesn't convince you to read, then let me say, this is one of the cutest rom-coms I've read in recent years! If you're looking for something that will transport you, look no further than THE ITALIAN JOB!

Apologies for the late notes, cleaning up my notebook! Thank you for the opportunity to review - the writing propelled me through this story and I enjoyed the tension created!

Readers appreciate the character development, with Anna’s need for control clashing with Jake’s laid-back nature. The setting in Italy provides a dreamy backdrop, adding to the book's escapist charm. Reviewers praise the balance between humor and heartfelt moments, making it a feel-good read that captures the magic of unexpected connections and second chances​. Overall, The Italian Job is a perfect pick for fans of rom-coms looking for a charming blend of romance, humor, and Italian scenery.

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.

The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman is a delightful read perfect for fans of lighthearted, humorous romance novels that follow the journey of an unlikely couple as they navigate the challenges of fake dating and discover the transformative power of love and self-confidence in a stunning Italian setting.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

I really enjoyed this adorable slow burn, enemies to lovers romcom! I loved the ex-con storyline, the castle atmosphere, and the childhood neighbor dynamic between the two. I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable book!

Emily and Jake are a great E2L pairing and I loved the Italian flair! A great breezy summer read that I'd recommend To friends

I love the whole travel/finding yourself/working in a castle in a strange land vibe that this book gives off. It was a really great read and the cover is FIRE.

I am devoted to the enemies-to-lovers trope, and there are a lot of bad enemies-to-lovers out there, but this one was not terrible. Another thing to add that I liked was the dual perspective, which is another thing I look for in books. I will say that my only problem was that the romance wasn't everything I thought it would be.

Other than that, this was a solid book that I genuinely enjoyed.

DNF at 20%

Women's fiction written by British authors can go one of two ways for me. They can either be an absolute smash with enough dry banter and English charm to compensate for the focus not being completely on the romance or I just don't vibe with them. This was unfortunately an example of the latter - a paint-by-numbers plot with characters that are too immature for their age that will eventually find themselves falling for each other in an exotic setting. Not even the promise of a beautiful Italian villa could keep me invested in this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Such an easy, great read! A happy ending is guaranteed and it kept me on my toes! 10/10 The characters are well written and the plot was easy to hang on to!

"The Italian Job" by Kathryn Freeman is a captivating and romantic novel that takes readers on a journey of love, adventure, and the magic of Italy. Freeman's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a tale of attraction, unexpected encounters, and the beauty of new beginnings. The book's relatable characters and engaging plot create an immersive reading experience that resonates with fans of romance. Freeman skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and the power of following one's heart, adding depth to the narrative. "The Italian Job" is a delightful reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places, leaving readers with a warm and contented feeling as they accompany the characters on their journey of romance and self-discovery in the enchanting backdrop of Italy.

This has been on my NetGalley shelf for over a year, and I still haven’t picked it up. I've tried, but it just isn't for me (right now). I hope other people enjoy it more than I did.

This was an interesting story, the romance itself was well-written, though a bit predictable for me. It is definitely not my all time favourite read ever, but I did enjoy it quite a bit.

Italian lake, the job that she always dreamt of, a special possibility to start over in a new place and set a new course for her life. Sound awesome, right? It would be perfect if not for the small, really tiny detail. The job is dedicated to two - a marriage who can together take care of the castle and maintain a hotel there.

The problem is, Anna is currently single. She is coping with a really hard breakup and doesn't want to even hear about any new man in her life. On the other hand, she really wants to get this job... So, she made up a plan to find someone who would be eager to move across the ocean and start a new chapter in Italy. Then she saw him...

Anna and Jake are not friends. They were neighbors, but their relations were correct, at least. So, now, when they are both on the hard track of life, they decide to cooperate and try to do something different. Because it won't be hard to pretend to be in love for the interview, right?

I adore this story. Not only it is set in Italy, near the breathtaking lakes, old castle, and wonderful view, but also shows that it is never too late to start over and find new opportunities to get a dream life.

I like Anna to have the courage to look for herself first. Because, to be honest, it is such bravery to leave everything behind and go to the other country without knowing the language or customs. I feel the spark between these two. I love to see how they are opening to yourselves and letting others discover the other sides of themselves.

It is full of humor, full of Italian vibes, and reading that was great entertainment even though I was definitely far away from Como or Garda Lake ;)

I received this book for free from netgalley for an honest review.

Really well thought-out book with amazing characters and amazing setting.

Kathryn Freeman delights once more in her latest romcom: The Italian Job.

Spending a year in a beautiful castle is one of Anna's dreams. The only issue? The job requirement needs two people... and the one person open for the job is a man she absoultely cannot stand, Jake. Pretending to be a couple is a challenge of itself. Keeping the italian job? That's something they plan on doing.

I definitely recommend fans of rom coms pick up any of Kathryn Freeman's books, but especially the Italian Job. I was able to connect easily with Anna and grew to like Jake as time went on. Freeman's descriptions had me wanting to book a ticket to Itally ASAP.