An aspiring Fashion Designer travels to Italy to pursue her dreams and finds love. I enjoyed the witty banter, humor and fun characters. This story was light-hearted while also including the depth of the main character’s journey in the fashion industry.

Cute! Ciao for Now is a fun, light-hearted story about fashion student Violet and her month in Italy. While in Rome, Violet bonds with her colleagues and finds inspiration for her collection all while falling for Matt, the son of her professor.

I enjoyed the read mostly due to the fabulous setting in the world of fashion and Italy. While I found Violet and Matt charming together, some of their interactions left me confused as it felt like there was insta-love at one moment, enemies-to-lovers in another, and so on. Still, there is plenty to like and some great moments throughout including a measurement tutorial and exploring Capri. Recommended to anyone looking for a story that combines fashion, romance, and Italy! 3.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

When I saw this book had Italy and fashion design in it, I said sign me up! I usually like enemies to lovers, but the main pairing didn’t excite me at first. I thought they were a bit annoying and almost didn’t want to finish the book. Luckily, they did turn things around by the end.

If you’re a fan of Italy and are a Project Runway viewer like myself, I think you’ll find this to be a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley as usual for a copy of this for a review.

I could not put this book down! I loved the whirlwind romance we experience with Violet and Matt. This book is definitely more fast-paced but amazingly written so that you don't even notice. It is also single, first-person POV.

The tension we start with through Violet and Matt's relationship can be felt through the text. This story had me up all night laughing out loud, blushing, crying, and smiling so hard. Violet is also such a relatable character that you truly understand her and go through her journey in Rome alongside her. Her character development is also so beautiful and is wrapped up incredibly. I do wish we could have seen more of Violet and Matt post-convention, though the ending also ties up everything well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's American fashion student Violet's first day in Rome when she has the opposite of a meet-cute with a handsome man in a cafe. In a moment that can be chalked up to jet lag and extreme clumsiness, Violet knocks over a table, spills coffee, and destroys the man's computer. Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is also incredibly grumpy and prickly and has no patience for Violet or interest in her.

Until, Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is revealed to be one of Violet's housemates for the summer, and the son of the professor who is her mentor. Violet and Matt will be sharing meals for the duration of her stay in Rome. The tight but beautiful quarters mean that sparks fly. Can these two find a middle ground?


- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- grumpy/sunshine


A classic romance set in Rome in the summer. What's not to like? This book had everything in just the right measure. The right amount of tension was provided by the duration of Violet's stay (one month) and the terms of her visit (a competition). Each of the character tropes was presented in a way that felt real, especially once they each went and did some soul searching. The pace was exactly right and the story didn't drag.

I loved that Violet was an older student trying to make it work - it made me root for her from the start. Her honesty with herself about where she was in her life's journey was refreshing and relatable.

The scene where Violet has happy hour in the backroom of the fabric store was such a beautiful moment, and I loved the way she honored those women later in the book.

I think this will be a satisfying summer read.

The things I didn't like were mainly distractions: the subplot with Holly (they weren't even that close of friends so who cares what she thinks); I didn't love that the one black man was flamboyantly gay - I know that this person exists but it feels a little cheap; how much Violet was hung up on Greg - I know that it was important for the plot but it didn't square with the her as this dynamic, hard-headed woman determined to make it on her own.

After relishing the rollercoaster ride of Talk Bookish to Me, I was ecstatic to receive an ARC of Ciao For Now by Kate Bromley!

Kate's characters are well-developed and relatable and she has excellent attention to detail. While I really enjoyed Ciao for Now and all of the characters, the love story fell a little flat for me and the connection between Violet, a fashion designer, and Matt, a screenwriter, just didn't have the spark I was expecting.

Violet is in Rome for a month trying to win a fashion design competition and prove to herself that even though she once abandoned her dreams, she has what it takes now that she's returned to design school in her late 20s. Matt turns out to be in Rome visiting his mother, Violet's professor. The two initially meet when Violet bumps into Matt in a cafe and ends up breaking his laptop and drenching them both in coffee. Violet and Matt are in the same house for the month, but they ended up only really spending one weekend together before they spend an entire year apart, with no contact, focusing on their own careers before deciding to go all in on a relationship the first time they meet up again.

The characters were all fun and this was an enjoyable read, but I didn't find myself excited that Violet and Matt ended up together in the end. I felt like there needed to be something more to their story.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of Ciao for Now (coming June 6, 2023) in exchange for my honest review.

First I would like to say thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Grayson House, & NetGalley for this eArc! Ciao For Now follows a fashion designer, Violet, who travels to Rome for an internship. Throughout the book we see friendships between Violet and other character blossom, especially with Mateo. Something that will always captivate in a book is banter. The banter between Violet and Mateo had me smiling because it was so charming and not over done. Although this is a romance it heavily focuses on Violet’s life and struggles. I feel that I enjoyed this book even more because I was able to connect with both Violet and Mateo. Being able to understand characters on another level due to similar experiences is always the best feeling. The book also feels complete, by that I mean that I feel that Violet’s character got the peace and development that she deserved. If you’re looking for a genuinely funny rom com set in Italy then this is your book. Make sure to get it on its release date of June 6th, 2023!!

Ciao for Now is the story of Violetta (Violet) who, at the age of 29 is finally pursuing her fashion designer dreams and has landed a coveted one month internship in Italy.

If I could pick one word for this book, it would be "delightful." Violet and her two classmates, Marco and Holly, are participating in the internship of a lifetime, one month in Italy learning about a fashion label while living with one of the fashion professors. What neither of them bargained for, was the professor's son, Matteo (Matt), also being there.

After literally running into Matt in a local coffee shop, Violet is shocked to find he will be also living in the same apartment. What starts as barely tolerance turns to attraction between the two.

Violet's experiences and inner dialogue were spot on. I enjoyed her inner joke of "Oh I'm totally fine/not really I'm going to overanalyze this forever." She had some life experiences and was learning and growing from them. Watching her grow as herself and identify some less than great personality behaviors was refreshing.

The relationship between Violet and Matt progressed organically through the book. I liked that they were both aware of themselves, their situation, but still got together.

This was a great, fun read. I enjoyed the characters, the story, and a little bit "finding yourself." I loved that Italy was a character as much as the people. The cast of characters added to the story. It was nice to have another main character that was approaching 30 and didn't have all the answers.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC! Out June 6, 2023!

this felt like it was written for a Disney Movie.... I only made it 100 pages. It was far too cheesy and forced, and I also really didn't like the way the female and male MCs met, she broke his laptop and then they "flirted" for like forever afterwards and he wasn't really ever mad. It was bizarre and unrealistic

They say never judge a book by its cover, but that wasn’t the case for me here. I applied for this ARC on Netgalley because I loved the cover and Im so glad I got the opportunity to read it. This is my first book by Kate Bromley but certainly isn’t goint to be my last.

I loved how the main characters met. It was so unexpected and so far from the usual meet-cute. The banter between the main characters had me smiling and giggling. Loved the scenery in which this book takes place, the trip to Capri had me wanting to get on an airplane ASAP.

The secondary characters development was great. You get to meet so much people here from her classmates, family and new acquaintances in such a short book. Every single one had an important part on our heroine growth that is difficult to believe this book was so short.

This is definitely a book I’ll recommend for you to pick if you are looking for a light read with enemies to lovers/close proximity/grumpy x sunshine troupes.

TThis is a funny, cute, and lighthearted rom com set in Italy. This book is about Violetta who goes by Violet and Matteo who goes by Matt. Violet is almost 30 years old and is on a fashion internship in Rome for a month along with two other classmates Holly and Marco. On the first day in Rome Violet runs literally into Matt at a cafe and later that day Violet finds out that Matt is the son of the professor she will be staying with for her time in Rome.

I thought Marco was hilarious and a good friend to Violet, but Holly was not my favorite at the beginning. I enjoyed the banter between Matt and Violet and how their relationship progressed from hate to friends to more. I feel like this is more a book about a woman finding herself and realizing that it is never too late to chase your dreams than a romance book though I still liked the book.

I did not like this book's ending, which left me disappointed and wanting more. I have a pet peeve about romance books and the time the couple gets back together based on how much of the book is left. I cannot stand it when a couple gets back together right when the book ends or when the ending leaves you with my questions than answers about how the couple is going to make their relationship work.

Release date 06 Jun 2023

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Kate Bromley for the copy of the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Landing her dream internship, Violetta is off to Italy with two of her classmates to spend a few weeks living in Rome while creating gorgeous fashion creations. But things become less magical when she accidentally trips in a cafe on her first day there, sending a drink all over a man and his computer. Things get even worse when Violet realizes he's their host's son. As time goes on will Violet risk her fashion dream for love? Or is love the distraction that will keep her from hard earned dream.

I was so excited for another Kate Bromley book! TALK BOOKISH TO ME, is one of my most re-read books. CIAO FOR NOW, is definitely on par.

What I liked:
-I like how Kate writes 'older' heroines. I love the maturity and realism.
-I also loved the descriptions of the Italian countryside and cities.
-I also appreciate the plots of working through self-care issues and other problems.

What I didn't like:
-Bromley has a theme in her books where there is always long amounts of time that the main characters go through in her third act of all her books. It's a pattern I'm coming to expect, and I don't like knowing it's coming. Makes the ending a little blah because they're now predictable. (More than the typical pattern of romance novels.)

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to whatever Kate wants to throw at me next.

My thanks to Netgalley, Graydon Books, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A delightful sunny breeze of a book. This read was everything I hoped for. A charming meet cute, instant disdain with obvious sexual tension, witty banter, and the grand gestures I love in an HEA. Ciao For Now makes me want to read everything by Kate Bromley!

This was just such a fun, light and refreshing read – I was charmed from the first page right through to the end. I have to say I think Kate Bromley’s books just keep getting better for me, and Ciao For Now might be my new favorite from her. This one had a great combination of tropes (listed above) and brought some excellent snarky, fun banter to the mix as well.

I loved the setting and desperately want to visit Rome / Italy after reading – it definitely had a little bit of Emily in Paris type vibes for me (in that I could totally see Emily aka Lily Collins in the role of Violet). I thought Violet and Matteo were excellent characters, I enjoyed their contrasts, their interactions and the slow tension between them.

I was invested in them from the start and wanted to see things come together for them – and while I was so upset with Violet at one point (no spoilers), I was really impressed and pleased with how it all came together in the end. In addition to our two mains, I did enjoy the weave in of the other side / background characters – as the story was more centrally focused on Violet’s personal journey and romantic one, they did not feature as much but I felt it was the right balance for this story (quick shout out to Marco though because he may have been secondary, but he shined and made me laugh).

The flow and pacing of the story was great for me, it’s a short and sweet book that keeps you eagerly flipping the pages. I also was forced to laugh out loud a few times, in particular a certain scene that involves a staged conversation and its accompanying fall out really had me chuckling. I really appreciated that while this was a romance and it was central to the story, it also had a strong thread of Violet coming to terms with herself and finding love for herself too. Overall, just a really lighthearted and fun read – definitely one I’ll recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley, HTP Books and Graydon House Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

4.5 ⭐

In "Ciao For Now", by Kate Bromley, Violet is in her late-twenties and feeling like life has passed her by. When she gets up the courage to apply for a fashion internship in Italy, she has no idea how her life is about to change. Not only does the fashion world open up for her, but she has a meet-cute with the moody and grumpy Matteo. As she progresses with her fashion designs, the relationship between Violet and Matteo grows as well.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Violet and Matteo, and I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. It's nice to see people who root for each other, rather than trying to tear each other down. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Little known fact about me- If it's a romance set in Italy, there's a 90% chance I'm going to love it... and Ciao For Now was no exception! I had never read a Kate Bromley book before but I was a big fan of her writing style and how quickly I got sucked into this book.

What I loved:

- Grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers, hilarious meet cute (or meet un cute)
- Italy setting!
- Not only is Ciao For Now set in Italy, but it also has a setting in the fashion industry of Rome. Needless to say, I was hooked from the synopsis.
- Violet and Matt. I mean these two had instant chemistry for me and it just increased throughout the book
- Ciao For Now kinda gave me Emily in Paris vibes and I loved that!


All in all, Ciao For Now is perfect for a romance lover or anyone looking for a summer read! Give this one a try!

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Kate Bromley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Ciao for Now
By: Kate Bromley
Review Score: 5 Stars

Five Key Feels
-A fashion novel set in Rome? Count me in.

-I loved the friendships built in this book, particularly between Violet and Marco.

-Violet and Matt’s chemistry is off the charts.

-It was so fun to see the evolution of their designs, and how it all fit into the fashion world.

-No spoilers, but I loved the ending of this book!

——

Ciao for Now was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: 6/6/23

Y’all, this book seriously surprised me. I figured I would like it, but I didn’t expect to LOVE it.

The setting, the storyline, the character development…everything was top notch and engaging. It was so fun to fully step into Violet’s life as she works to become a fashion designer. I also loved seeing all of her relationships evolve, and of course, I loved her interactions with Matt.

This book screams beach read. I could not put it down!


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From the moment I read the title, Ciao For Now, I was excited about this book - a romcom based in Rome? Yes, please!! Add in the fact that its by Kate Bromley, an author I've read and know I enjoy, and I went into this one with very high expectations and was not disappointed. Fans of Emily Henry, will love Bromley's quirky characters and quick-witted banter. The story follows Violet, who at 29 is only just finishing up design school and much older than everyone else in her class. Despite it all, she takes it in stride, ready to make the most of a month long internship in Rome. However, upon landing in Italy, the first thing she manages to do is ruin a man's laptop in a café - and that man, Matt, just happens to be the son of the professor that is hosting her during her stay. Oops. What starts off as loathing, quickly develops into something more that any fans of the enemies to lovers trope will enjoy. I found the story and characters rather delightful, though Matt did come off as more American than someone raised in Italy, overall I still very much enjoyed reading as their story unfolded.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, it was so much fun! Kate really writes the best banter, I couldn’t help but laugh all throughout this one! If you are a fan of grumpy-sunshine (or enemies to lovers that’s not over done), this is a MUST for your tbr.

This book managed to discuss important themes like being honest in relationships, prioritizing yourself, and accepting past mistakes ALL while staying light-hearted and fun. Now, how can I book a flight to Italy and find my soulmate?

Where do I even start?? Honestly, every page of this book drew me in. The characters were funny, real, engaging, and overall made me feel like I was part of this story.
And the setting - ROMA! Could there be a better, more romantic or beautiful place for a fashion student and writer to fall in love??

The dialogue is witty and engaging - it’s the kind of conversation that makes you forget you’re reading a book and not standing right there listening to the conversation!

The side characters are also perfection! Louisa was my favorite and made me think of the summer I was able to spend in Italy and all the amazing people I met. And Marco! He is the wingman we all need in our lives!

Matt and Violet will make you fall in love with this story and with everything that makes it uniquely them.

I’m counting down the days until I can have the physical copy in my hands!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Synopsis: With her thirties rapidly approaching and a mountain of student debt looming over her, Violet Luciano’s dream of finishing design school and working in fashion has cost her everything. So when she lands an internship at an up-and-coming fashion brand in Rome, she brings her A game to Italy. With nothing left to lose, Violet plans to win the competition among the interns for the ultimate prize—a job at a New York label.

But when a coffee run goes wrong and Violet accidentally destroys a stranger’s laptop, all of the apology Americanos in the world won’t help her. Because it turns out that the man from the café is Matteo, her professor’s eternally grumpy son, who thinks she’s a clumsy American…and maybe a stalker. Their animosity (and undeniable chemistry) grows as together they’re forced to face a summer of chic parties, adventures through Rome, and living under the same roof!