As soon as I read the blurb for The Friends-to-Lovers Project, I just knew I had to request it even though I hadn’t read anything by this author before but I love books about chefs and Italy. I’ve only been to Venice once before on a day trip from Lake Garda many years ago but the author did such a gorgeous job of describing the hidden parts of the city that I felt like I was experiencing it alongside Daisy. It definitely made me want to book a trip to go back.

I wasn’t sure why Daisy thought it would be possible that she and Jeremy could fall in love when it’s obvious that there aren’t any romantic feelings between them but I can understand that with lots of things in her life in flux (her Dad has passed away, she’s been dumped by her boyfriend and her brother is moving to Hawaii), she might be attracted to the stability of her best friend.

I like that Lorenzo had his own story rather than just being Daisy’s could-it-be-more holiday fling. He’s torn between wanting to take over from his surrogate father, Luigi in managing the Hotel Marchesi and rekindling his love of the violin, which was taken from him when he was involved in an accident. Unlike with Jeremy, there’s chemistry between Daisy and Lorenzo from the very beginning but with Daisy planning to reopen her late father’s restaurant in Los Angeles and Lorenzo so firmly rooted in Italy, they both have a lot to figure out before they can get their HEA.

The premise felt slightly ridiculous (and the idea of potentially running a lifelong friendship felt really silly to me), but this ended up being sweet and heartfelt and a good beach read.

This book is incredibly romantic and just so beautiful. A really easy to read book that will have a huge smile on your face whilst reading. Perfect characters. The best storyline. Fantastic.

First of all the cover was exquisite. It drew me in immediately. I loved the gorgeous scenic descriptions and it was so fun watching our MC in the quest for her heart to her good friend Jeremy or possibly an unexplored interest in the most romantic of settings. I enjoyed and reveled in every moment. Beautiful book!