3.5 Stars
One Liner: It was nice, but dragged a little
Eight years ago, on the leap day (29th Feb), wedding planner Sophie-Leigh Kirke proposed to her then-boyfriend, who broke her heart. She cut contact with him and moved on with her life.
Mountaineer Andreas is now back in her life, working for an adventure travel company; the same one with which her destination wedding company has been merged. With Andreas assigned as her guide, Sophie has to search for the perfect local for a destination wedding for the client.
Thrown together by circumstances, can the two sort out their past and decide their future? Will it be together or apart from one another?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Sophie and Andreas.

My Thoughts:
Well, I liked the premise of a second chance romance with a virtual tour of the Italian hills, never mind that I’m not into mountaineering. Imagine wanting to climb a mountain as part of your wedding. Shudder! Good if you like it. Not for me!
This is quite an angsty book where the tension between the lead couple starts almost at the beginning. Some of it was well done, especially Sophie’s arc.
We also get a lot of descriptions of the places they hike and explore to finalize the venue for the destination wedding. I did enjoy most of it. Who doesn’t like a virtual tour of a new place?
There are a few side characters we meet at the beginning, but they don’t have much role to play until the end (not even then, TBH). However, the reason for their presence is hinted at in the epilogue and the acknowledgments. This is apparently the first book in the series. There will be more with the same team, but different couples.
However, the storyline seems to drag on for a while. The book feels longer than it should have been. There’s also a lot of repetition about the MMC’s opinion about marriage and weddings.
What made this a 3-star instead of a 4-star was the MMC. Even after reading the book, I couldn’t actually see the reason for his actions (except that he acted like a man-child afraid of emotions and commitment). Maybe his inability to express his feelings is realistic, but he annoyed me quite a lot for the majority of the book. He did manage to pull himself together, though.
They also go around in circles a lot. Cutting down some of this (and making the book shorter) would have helped a lot and also shown the MMC in a better light.
The epilogue has nothing to do with this story, so it is more of a teaser for the next one.
To summarize, An Italian Wedding Adventure is a decent romance with travel, adventure, and some drama. It could have been better, but it does have its moments.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

An Italian Wedding had everything I usually love: a second-chance romance, a dramatic setting, a dash of emotional history, and yes, a wedding (or several). And while there were definitely moments that made me smile—especially the banter between Sophie and Andreas—I struggled to stay fully invested.

The biggest issue for me? Way too many details that didn’t feel relevant to the main story. I love a richly drawn setting as much as the next person, but at times it felt like the plot was taking a back seat to overly specific descriptions—of landscapes, side characters, logistics, you name it. I found myself skimming whole sections just to get back to Sophie and Andreas and their very slow-burn reunion.

That said, I did appreciate Sophie as a character. She’s smart, capable, and has the kind of quiet vulnerability that makes you root for her. Andreas took a while to warm up to (gruff is right), but once the emotional walls started coming down, I could see the connection. The big reveal about what actually happened eight years ago was satisfying—if a little delayed—and gave their arc some real emotional weight.

In the end, this was a charming read that just needed a tighter focus. If you’re in the mood for a gentle, scenic romance and don’t mind taking the long way around the plot, you might find it worth the trip.

A really sweet romance that would be a great holiday read, as it's set mainly in Italy and features a lot of weather chat that made me incredibly envious.

I'm not usually a fan of second-chance romances but this was done well. The pacing was perfect: not too fast but not too slow, either. There were quite a few characters that we never really learnt a lot about, which was a shame as it just made it feel overwhelming.

I do feel like this would've been better as a dual first person POV or at least naming the chapters from the perspective we were reading from. Additionally, some of the plot points and key events felt a bit too convenient, especially as we never got much background on their relationship: it was almost a guessing game trying to work out how serious it had been with nothing other than vague clues.

Second chance romance? I'm definitely here for it!
Being Italian, I was so curious to see how this was developed, so I had to read it! I don't know why, but sometimes when authors talk about Italy, they tend to use so many chlicés it's boring: I must say Leonie did a really great job because none of that is in that book. I was, indeed, surprised to find out the actual venue was not the Amalfi Coast but the Trentino!

I loved that the main characters are a bit older than usual for a romance. They have a shared history as well as individual pasts that influence their choices. This made them feel wiser and more reflective, as their decisions weren't solely based on their feelings for each other.
There are just two things I didn't enjoy: I felt that there were too many details at the beginning, with a lot of information that wasn't useful for the storyline. The number of characters was overwhelming, and at times, I got confused about who was who.

Leonie's writing style has great potential: I think that captured my attention the most. I'd have preferred if the story had been written in the first person rather than in the third.

For those who love outdoor activities and are looking for something fun and adventurous, this book might be just for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books, who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read The Italian Wedding Adventure. The “Adventure” was definitely the main theme of the book. I didn’t realize there would be so many details about mountain climbing, hiking, etc. It’s not really my thing, but I still enjoyed the book. This book would actually make a great movie. I wish I could have seen the views from the mountains, the lakes, and villages of Italy. The romance was good enough. Again, it would make a great movie with a really hot rugged actor to play Andreas.
Overall I enjoyed the book.

⭐️ 3/5
Third person POV, dual narrative
Linear timeline
MF Romance
FMC: Sophie | MMC: Andreas
Main setting: Italy
This book cover is so vibrant and fun! Though I’m surprised there weren’t any mountains anywhere in the scene…

I was really excited for this because I’m an event planner and love to travel, especially expedition type travel. The concept is so fun and I was looking forward to them rekindling their relationship amongst challenging environments and terrain. The storyline got very redundant and scattered at times. I was very put off my just how many times we hear Andreas talk about not approving of marriage or being marriage material. I didn’t like the negative mindset either of them had, and it wasn’t into a cute little bantering way. It really felt at times that they aren’t meant for each other and shouldn’t be together again.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for an electronic ARC of this book which was provided to me via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thanks Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this very cute book in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie is a wedding planner, her agency specialises in Destination weddings so she's always looking for her new adventure. A one of a kind request from an adventurous couple will change not only the future of her wedding enterprise but also Sophie's own life.
In order to plan this wedding and make her clients' wishes come true Sophie has to get back in touch with her ex Andreas, their relationship ended 8 years before after she proposed to him and he refused.

For both Sophie and Andreas this will be a chance to rediscover themselves and their feelings, to talk a bit more and clarify some things left unsaid so long ago.

It won't be long before old feelings start to resurface (were they really ever gone completely?) and both of them, helped by some hikes and the beauty of the Italian Alps, will find themselves rebuilding that connection in no time!

An Italian Wedding Adventure is a cute little romance, the perfect read while on holiday or just before going on one, to get in that vacation mood. I'd maybe have appreciated a bit more of the backstory between the 2 main characters. We've been told that they dated for almost a year only to go two separate ways for 8 years after that, yet apparently they are each other's happy handing and soulmate so those 10months must have been quite something and I would have loved to know more in order to build a stronger connection with them and root for them even more while reading the story.

I must say, I'm very picky and the attention to details for me is key... so I'd appreciate if editors would put a bit more effort and care when foreign languages are used, as some of the Italian phrases in this book were not 100% accurate. I appreciate that Andreas is not native Italian, but it says on the book that he's fluent and could basically almost pass for one, hence why my comment... Other than that, a very pleasant read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.75 stars

This book was so close to a 4 star read for me, the only thing that held it back, is that I struggled initially to get absorbed into the story. I think for the most part, this is because especially the mmc was a little unlikable, this definitely changed throughout the book but it was hard to root for him at the beginning! (It was very nice seeing his character progression)

I loved the diverse cast of characters, who felt unique and made it fun to read about them and how they fit into the story. I also particularly loved the setting and how it felt like the author fully integrated the mmc’s background into the story, including the different languages he knows and uses, his love of climbing and the technical language used to go alongside that.

If you are a fan of climbing or wedding planning, you will particularly enjoy this book.
This story had passionate characters, second-chance romance, miscommunication, character progression and a slow-burn.

(I was very much looking forward to the epilogue and would have loved to have had more from the mc!)

I will definitely read from Leonie Mack again!

An Italian Wedding Adventure by Leonie Mack is my first experience reading this author’s work. The blurb interested me immediately and I couldn’t wait to dive into it. This is a second-chance romance set in the beautiful country of Italy and I have to say the first one-third of the book held my interest, mostly because of the excellent description of that country by this author. On the other hand, from that point on the story line seems to drag a bit. I felt as though Sophie and Andreas were experiencing the same things over and over and over, just written a bit differently each time. I think I would have enjoyed it better if it had been a bit shorter with less redundancy the second half of the book. That being said, it was an enjoyable contemporary second chance romance and I would recommend it if you’re a fan of Italy. I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sarah spontaneously proposed to her boyfriend Andreas 8 years ago but he rejected her and left her heartbroken. Now, the wedding planning company she works for has merged with the outdoor adventure company that he works for. They are thrown back into their unresolved past and the drama that comes with it. It would be a cute summer read but I feel like it could have been shortened. There were parts that dragged on and seemed unnecessary to the story.

This is a perfect lazy Saturday afternoon read. Loved it . A wedding company and an adventure centre join force. You learn about climbing. Makes you want to go to Italy. The romance part is very deep . Read in one go. Brilliant ending. Hard to review but a fab romantic read .

✨🍋 An Italian Wedding Adventure by Leonie Mack 🍋✨

This book was like a romantic escape to the Italian coast—sun-soaked, heart-filled, and full of that delicious chaos only a wedding can bring. I laughed, I sighed, I may have googled Amalfi flights halfway through. 💌

It’s not just about the dresses or the drama (though there’s plenty of both). It’s about second chances, unexpected love, and finding the courage to say yes—not just to someone, but to yourself.

If you’re in the mood for a book that feels like a vacation for your heart—with stunning scenery, charming characters, and a story that wraps around you like a warm summer breeze—this one’s for you. 🇮🇹💍💕

#BookReview #RomComReads #AnItalianWeddingAdventure #LeonieMack #RomanceBooks #EscapeIntoAStory #BooksToMakeYouSmile #BookstagramRecs

Leonie Mack knows how to fulfill the statement, “a book takes you to a different place” and for this momma of four, I was in the beautiful land of Italy! This book was so descriptive and just had the sweetest story! Such a fun read.

This book offers a breezy, heartwarming escape, filled with witty banter, endearing mishaps, and just enough chemistry to keep the pages turning. The love interest is suitably charming, with enough depth to make their dynamic engaging, even if some of their conflicts feel a bit predictable.

While the book excels in humor and sweet moments, the protagonist’s personal growth occasionally takes a backseat to the romantic plot. A deeper exploration of their emotional journey could have added more weight to their happily-ever-after.

That said, the supporting cast adds plenty of fun, and the romantic tension is well-paced, making it easy to root for the central couple. The writing is light and engaging, perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story with a few laughs along the way. If you don’t mind a little predictability and enjoy banter-filled romance, this book is a charming pick—just don’t expect too much introspection between the meet-cutes and grand gestures.

When a destination wedding planner and a professional mountaineer are unexpectedly reunited through work, the past comes rushing back. Eight years ago, Sophie-Leigh proposed to Andreas—and he turned her down. Now, their companies have merged, and they’re forced to collaborate on a summit-top wedding in Italy. What starts as awkward tension slowly unravels into something deeper, as long-buried feelings and misunderstandings come to light.

Though I’m usually not drawn to second-chance romances, this one won me over. The story leans into miscommunication and emotional vulnerability, making the eventual reconnection feel thoughtful and well-earned. It’s a very slow burn, but in a way that builds intimacy and reflection over heat.

The writing style—third person alternating between Sophie and Andreas each chapter—was a bit disorienting at first, and the pacing dragged slightly in parts. Still, the emotional journey and the characters’ personal growth stood out.

This book has little to no spice, so if you prefer clean romance with emotional depth and beautiful backdrops, this one is a cozy, heartfelt read.

Rating: 3.75/5 – A tender, quiet, and emotional second-chance story about love, timing, and learning to trust again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Sophie-Leigh, 34, is a wedding planner and marriage delebrant for I Do Destinations. Eight years ago she had asked her South Tyrolean boyfriend Andreas to marry her but he had said no and broken her heart. Andreas, 40, is a mountaineer who hates weddings, loves risks and swears impressively in German. He works for an adventure travel company when it is suddenly bought up by Sophie's boss who sees potential in combining their two businesses. They have clients, a couple named Lily and Roman, who want to get married on top of a mountain and have fixated on the mountains close to Lake Garda in Italy. Sophie and Andreas have to reluctantly work together to make this happen, awakening old feelings in the process.

This story is extremely predictable and also drags in the middle when the two of them do nothing but bicker. They have the worst communication skills and never say what they really think or want, when it's clear to everyone else. Gruff mountaineer Andreas is hard to like especially when we find out the silly reason why he said no back then. But it was Sophie's stupid decision to block his phone number, without which everything could have been resolved years ago.

Also, there is a lot of assumption that the reader knows the Italian and German that was sprinkled throughout and knows what a via ferrata is. However, I liked the Italian setting, the wedding on the mountain and the speech in the cave. It redeemed a lot. If you like second chance romances that feature weddings, mountains and Italy, this is for you.

Eight years ago, on February 29th, wedding planner Sophie-Leigh Kirke took a bold step and proposed to the man she loved. But when her boyfriend Andreas turned her down, heartbroken Sophie walked away, cutting all ties with the gruff mountaineer and moving on with her life.

Now, Sophie works for a destination wedding agency that has merged with an adventure travel company, creating unique ceremonies for outdoor lovers. She’s shocked to find that Andreas is part of the team—and even worse, he’s been assigned as her guide for a scouting trip to Italy, where they’ll search for the perfect spot for a summit-top wedding.

As they’re thrown together to help another couple’s romantic dreams come true, Sophie can’t shake the memories of the dreams she once had with Andreas. When the truth about what really happened between them all those years ago finally comes to light, Sophie must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love again and open her heart to a second chance with Andreas.

I feel like a cute, cozy, but hot love story! I think they plot could have come together a little sooner and less words/chapters. Felt like it was dragging a bit but it was still a cute read. nothing crazy.

That was an amazing ride around Lake Garda and getting to know the team of Great Heart Adventure Weddings.

Sophie, a wedding planner has to plan an event for her clients where they can say their vows on a mountain summit in front of a cross. Only one man can help her and that's her ex who rejected her naive proposal eight years ago.

My Analysis

> Character development
Kudos to the author for the expert handling of emotions and delivering character arcs that tug at heart strings. Sophie and Andreas are written with care and compassion, to understand the nuances that drive their decisions in the past and present timelines. I found the intimacy in Chapter 17 was slightly off-character for Sophie due to missing transition. There could be a dialogue which resurfaced their emotions and then moving on to the intimacy.

> Pacing
It's not something I could read in one sitting. I was repeatedly looking up the places in the map and looking for translation of German and Italian dialogues. Yet, the story calls you back with its gripping premise and outstanding storywriting. Less fortunate aspect was when I wasn't sure whether the current section was from Sophie's POV or Andreas's. A section title would help with this.

> Tropes
An out and out second chance romance, the story touches on the standard elements from past and present timelines. I liked that the reason for breakup is revealed and discussed early into the story. There are also parts of workplace romance as Sophie and Andreas have to focus on tasks for the wedding in middle of their own reflections.

> Setting
The title is apt for this love story. The descriptions of Lake Garda and the view points from rock faces are the stars of this book with adequacy being the key. If nothing, it's worth reading the book just to make it to that Cima Rocca summit.

Who Is This Book For?
Wedding romance, mountaineering aficionado and wanting to travel to Italy

Eight years ago, on 29th February, wedding planner Sophie took matters into her own hands and proposed to the man she loved. But when her boyfriend Andreas rebuffed the romantic gesture, heartbroken Sophie cut all contact with the gruff mountaineer, determined to get on with her life. When the destination wedding agency she works for merges with an adventure travel company to create unique ceremonies for outdoor enthusiasts, Sophie is horrified to discover Andreas works there. Even worse: he's been assigned as her guide for a scouting trip to Italy, in search of the perfect location for a summit-top wedding. Thrown together to make another couple’s romantic dreams come true, all Sophie can think about are the dreams she once had for them. But when the truth of what actually happened eight long years ago finally emerges, will Sophie risk imagining a happily-ever-after and opening her heart to Andreas again…?

First of all, I LOVED the setting and supporting imagery and scenery Leonie Mack provides in her writing. I enjoyed escaping to Italy to follow Sophie and Andreas through Europe. It is the perfect summer adventure read that is equal parts romantic, funny, and emotional . The chemistry of these second-chance lovers had me devouring the book to find out if they get they get their HAE! I appreciate the author's ability to create a gruff male character that has trouble expressing himself, while still remaining authentic and earnest.

This is a fun and flirty adventurous romance to pack on a summer trip this year!

Wedding planner Sophie has been tasked with arranging a ceremony at the summit of a mountain. Her employer sees this as an opportunity to merge with an outdoor adventure company. Through the merger, Sophie reconnects with Andreas, a mountain climber who she proposed to eight years previously and has not seen since.

While scouting locations around Lake Garda, Sophie and Andreas soon realise that there is still a spark between them. The question of whether they can put their past behind them changes into whether they could have a future together.

I first started reading Leonie Mack’s books because many of them are set in Italy. Leonie’s beautifully descriptive writing does justice to the dramatic scenery of Lake Garda. I enjoyed the little details about mountain climbing and the local culture that were peppered throughout the book.

While there are plenty of light-hearted moments the book leans a little more to the romance end of the romcom scale. The ability to create gruff, awkward male characters who have difficulty expressing their feelings and yet end up endearing themselves to one is something that the author excels at.

I find that my frustration with characters being stubborn about revealing how they really feel about each other is directly proportional to how much I like the couple. This book had me ‘tempted to curse something full of consonants.’

A shout-out to the author for sneaking in a line of Austen.

Thank you to Leonie Mack, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free eARC.