This was a sweet and sassy romcom. I loved it. I hope Portia keeps sharing her work with us. Pick this one up on publication day!

My first book by Portia MacIntosh, finally! Her name kept coming up here and there, and this was a very promising story to get to know this author.

From the beginning I was not amused by some of Robin's co-workers, what a weird atmosphere. But then again, probably not that different from lots of things going on in our current society. I appreciated the theme of living up to expectations and not feeling good enough (hence a place on that special shelf on Goodreads): how we need to work on our body when going on holiday, what we need to express at work instead of doing a proper job that you were hired to do... Robin's boss commenting on how she dresses was an absolute nightmare.

But once the story hit Bari, I was enchanted by the lovely Italian stallion, who wouldn't be? So yeah, looking forward to my next book by Portia MacIntosh, but let me admit I was a bit taken aback with emphasizing family values, it doesn't always work like that in the first place, and second: a bit of a cliche when it comes to Italians?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Portia MacIntosh has delivered another delightful read with this brilliant romantic summer story, perfect for a holiday escape. Robin, a likable character, finds herself on a work trip to Italy where she hopes to impress her crush, James, and reconnect with her childhood penpal, Andrea. The charming setting, laugh-out-loud moments, and unexpected twists make it a page-turner. Andrea's character is endearing and adds a perfect romantic touch, making this book a must-read for fans of cozy, fun romances.

Any book by Portia MacIntosh is a great read but this one was just brilliant and I couldn’t put it down.
It has everything, the perfect summer setting, romance and plenty of laugh out loud moments.
Robin was a likeable character and Andrea was just perfect and so romantic. Then there was also the characters who you love to hate and at some points I felt like shaking Robin so she could see peoples true colours. (No spoilers)
A brilliant romantic summer story which will be a perfect holiday read. Im hoping for a sequel and to hear more about Andrea and Robins families.
Thanks to NetGalley, Portia Macintosh and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Loved this romantic dream novel….. When Robin finds out she's going on a work trip to Italy she can't wait for a week away in the sunshine, away from the daily grind. So what if there's a client pitch to do while they're there? The thing Robin is most excited about is the chance to show her work crush, James, what she's really like outside of work, and divert his attention from Liz, her work rival.
To make things even better, Robin realises that the town they're going to in Italy is the same place that her childhood penpal, Andrea is from. So it's the perfect time to re-connect and finally meet her old friend over some delicious Italian food and wine (between work obviously...) But when Andrea doesn't turn out to be the person Robin thought, things get a little complicated...
This is a cozy quick read...a fun read. Curl up in a comfy chair with a warm afghan, a cup of steaming tea, a delicious scone and enjoy...

I loved this. Oh, my god I loved this so much. This is the 16th book I’ve read by Portia MacIntosh (which feels crazy to type, especially because I know she has many more that I haven’t gotten to) and I didn’t think anything would top my love for Stuck On You but I’m obsessed with this. Easy 5 stars.

Let’s start with what I loved the most: Andrea. I am so in love with Andrea. Top tier love interest. I also really liked Robin, but Andrea? Robin really is right when she calls him perfect. They are both such good characters, by themselves but even more so together. Their interactions were the perfect mix of funny and friendly yet the romance was just so good and so clear to see how it developed. Him saying ‘Robin, no!’ in relation to food was so cute and funny, every single time.

I wanted to see even more of Robin’s parents because I adored them. The ‘push her in the sea’ conversation literally made me laugh out loud multiple times. I loved the inclusion of family in general - Andrea’s family was also great to read about. The story was fun, the setting was great, and all of the characters were so well developed. I didn’t like Robin’s coworkers but tbh they weren’t written to be likeable, so that’s understandable.

Towards the end I got curious what Andrea was saying when he was speaking Italian, and pulled out Google translate. At first I thought it was fun to just read it and not know the meaning, like Robin didn’t when he spoke, but wow is it worth translating. You’ll fall even more in love with Andrea (like I did!) if you do.

I already know that I’ll be rereading this. I’m intrigued to do so via audio (because Karen Cass always does amazing) to hear the Italian parts, just because that sounds fun. Obviously I cannot recommend this enough. It’s a fast and fun read, and very reminiscent of other Portia MacIntosh books. I think if you’ve read and enjoyed books by her before, you’ll do so again with this & if you haven’t, it will make you want to pick up more.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read this as an ARC on NetGalley
What/who we want isn't always what/who we need. This book was about Robin believing she wanted 1 thing and 1 person and finding out that her heart wanted another. This was a perfect love story with plenty of fun and laughs along the way!

It’s All Sun and Games by Portia MacIntosh
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 11 July 2024

When Robin learns she's going on a work trip to Italy, she's thrilled about the break from routine and the opportunity to impress her work crush, James, away from the office and outshine her rival, Liz.

The trip becomes even more enticing when Robin realises the destination is the hometown of her childhood penpal, Andrea, providing a chance to reconnect. However, Andrea isn't who Robin expected, complicating matters. Amidst delicious Italian food and work obligations, the week promises sun, games, and unexpected romance.

This book was a quick read, typical of Portia MacIntosh's work. It's a perfect beach read, featuring travel, vacations, weddings, a fake relationship, and the classic 'one bed' scenario.

MacIntosh's descriptive writing immerses you in the setting, and the charming family dynamics and quirky side characters enhance the experience. The flirtation and humour are on point, reflecting MacIntosh's signature style. The Italian translating provided perfect comedic relief.

However, I felt the male lead's reaction to the female lead's work requirements was overly dramatic and could have been toned down.

Although the romance is closed-door, a bit more spice would have been appreciated.

Overall, it's an enjoyable summer read that I highly recommend.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author, Portia MacIntosh, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Portia MacIntosh writes another entertaining novel with It's All Sun and Games. This laugh out loud story is filled with humor and romance in the picturesque setting of Italy. Robin eagerly anticipates her work trip to Italy, seeing it as an opportunity to break free from her mundane routine and impress her work crush, James. The author portrays Robin's excitement and nervousness, making her a very relatable and endearing character. The dynamics between Robin, James, and her work rival, Liz, add a nice layer of tension. This book contains friends to lovers, only one bed, and fake dating tropes. This novel is heartwarming and witty, and perfectly captures the essence of a romantic summer getaway!

Title: It's All Sun and Games by Portia MacIntosh

Release Date: July, 11th, 2024

3.5 Stars

"It's All Sun and Games" by Portia MacIntosh is a delightful, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that promises a summer filled with sunshine, romance, and a touch of intrigue.

This book is a perfect escape for readers looking for a light-hearted and entertaining story, set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy.

Robin is thrilled when she learns she's going on a work trip to Italy, seeing it as an opportunity to escape the daily grind and show her work crush, James, her true colours away from the office. Her excitement grows when she discovers that the town they're visiting is where her childhood penpal, Andrea, lives, giving her the chance to reconnect with an old friend.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Andrea turns out to be not quite what Robin had imagined, leading to a series of comedic and romantic entanglements.

The novel is a masterful blend of a friends-to-lovers trope, a fake dating scenario, and the classic only-one-bed situation, all of which add to the charm and humour of the story.

MacIntosh's writing is both funny and heartwarming, with a knack for creating relatable characters and engaging storylines. The setting in Italy is vividly described, making readers feel as if they are experiencing the trip alongside Robin. The inclusion of travel, vacation, weddings, and a fake relationship adds to the book's appeal, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read.

The family dynamics and the quirky side characters bring an added layer of depth and humour to the story, while the flirtation and the romantic tension keep the pages turning. Despite being a closed-door romance, the book is rich with emotion and the promise of love.

"It's All Sun and Games" is the perfect beach read, offering a feel-good story that is both funny and well-written. It's a quick, light, and enjoyable read that is sure to brighten any summer day.

Whether you're looking for a romantic escape or a good laugh, this book has something for everyone.

Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Portia MacIntosh & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I immediately wanted to read the book when I saw this author's name! This was no exception. It's the perfect beach read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.5 rounded up. I devoured this book in a day. I love Portia MacIntosh's books and writing, so I knew this would be enjoyable for me. This book is the perfect beach read. You have a little bit of everything ....travel, vacation, weddings, a fake relationship, and ya know....one bed! I loved the setting and the descriptions mad eye feel as if I was there, the family was adorable, the side characters were quirky, the flirtation...and the humor....all the things I love about her books. The one thing I didn't like was when the MMC stormed off when the FMC had a work requirement. It was an unrealistic requirement, but he knew the deal and I felt it was overly dramatic to leave room for a grand gesture of sorts. The Italian translating ...omg I laughed out loud. I know this isn't her thing, but I would've loved to see some spice in there...for those that look for that it is closed door. Don't let that dissuade you though...this was such a quick, light, enjoyable read for the summer!