Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gemma is living her perfect life. She’s dating a kind and practical man, and she’s up for a promotion for a Chief Editor position at her company. Everything is going great - until she’s passed over for her work nemesis, Ben McDonald. On top of that, she doesn’t have a plus one to her half-sister’s destination wedding in Italy when her boyfriend is unable to go because of work. When her friend offers to find her a blind date to pretend to be her boyfriend, she jumps at the chance. That is until she realizes her fake boyfriend is none other than her nemesis, Ben. It’s too late to turn back, so the two play nice and decide to enter the charade. Set against the romantic backdrop of Tuscany, Gemma begins to realize there’s more to Ben than meets the eye. But will she give up stable and reliable for the chance at true love?

Gemma means well, but it was really painful witnessing her be a doormat for everyone. Her boss takes her for granted, her boyfriend doesn’t truly accept her as she is, and her family treats her horribly. It’s hard to root for a heroine that doesn’t seem to root for herself. When Ben tries to point out the ways her family takes advantage of her, she stubbornly sticks to her guns of wanting to take care of others. In fact, there’s a moment where she’s literally taking care of wedding duties for her ungrateful sister while she’s battling the stomach flu. I know she’s meant to grow as a character and gain a backbone, but it was painful watching her get there.

I very much enjoyed her scenes with Ben. The banter was witty and there was definitely some heat between the two. I found Ben to be straightforward, but kind. He truly cares for Gemma and wants the real her to shine through. He champions her and wants to stick up for her, if she will only allow him the chance. To be honest, I don’t think Gemma having a boyfriend was necessary. It didn’t really add to the plot. I think the story would have still worked if she made up a boyfriend.

Overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.

A beautiful Italian setting. A wedding. Romance and laughs and tears. I enjoyed this story and needed to see what the outcome would be for the main characters. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved every minute of this book! The anticipation and the dialogue kept me hooked every step of the way. It felt natural and true to life in what we all know is a love story so I appreciated it a great deal.

This book has possibly one of the very best anticipatory kisses I have ever had the longing to read! Throw in a Tuscan landscape, some classic enemies to lovers and controversial yellow bunting and you have yourself a truly marvellous romantic romp that is perfect to cwtch up with. I defy anyone not to fall in love with Ben. Highly recommend!