As someone who was fortunate enough to go on an Italian class trip to Italy (including Venice) my senior year of high school and who yearns to go back after another trip to the most gorgeous country for my honeymoon, I am ready to read just about anything set in Italy. When you add in being in a fandom and some romance, I am sold. I enjoyed this read but it was very predictable every step of the way. Sure, lots of romances are predictable. That is kind of the point of romance books— the happily ever after is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it just felt like I knew exactly where every step of the book was going and when secrets being kept and revealed are major parts of the plot, I want to be a little surprised here and there even if I can guess a lot. The story is cute overall and I bet I would have loved it even more when I was a teen. I did appreciate that Evie was working through her grief and the expectations others have for her throughout the story, too. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Love Unmasked by Becky Dean is a charming and sweet romance set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice. Following Evie Whitmore, a talented but self-doubting art student, this book has all the right elements for a cozy, swoon-worthy read: a bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and a lovely setting steeped in history and intrigue.

Evie is on a school trip to Venice—an ideal setting for someone whose heart is set on both art and a hidden passion for Elven Realms, a popular fantasy novel series. When rumors surface about an underground fan club for the books, Evie, ever the curious and cautious people-pleaser, sneaks away to find it, masked and anonymous. However, her plans don’t go exactly as expected when she crosses paths with Angelo, a mysterious and handsome stranger who shares her love for the novels and seems to have secrets of his own.

The premise has a fun, almost Ladybug/Cat Noir-esque quality to it, with Evie’s masked encounters bringing a sense of adventure and intrigue. However, the romance, which hinges on their mystery-solving quest through Venice’s labyrinthine streets, felt a little too rushed for my taste. Evie and Angelo’s first meeting, inside their hotel instead of during their nocturnal search for the fan club, didn’t quite have the build-up I was hoping for. I personally would have enjoyed seeing them connect during one of their mystery hunts, giving their growing connection a bit more time to blossom.

That said, the romance between Evie and Gabriel, her initially distant schoolmate, was much more satisfying to me. Watching their friendship transform from awkward partners to true confidants was one of the highlights of the book. The slow-burn development of their bond felt real and relatable, and it made me root for them as a couple more than I did for Evie and Angelo during the masked moments.

One small suggestion I have is regarding Evie’s Guide to Elven Realms—a crucial part of the story that introduces the lore and significance of the novels that drive much of the plot. I think it would have been helpful if this guide was moved to the front of the book, before the story kicks off. It would allow the reader to better understand the world Evie is so passionate about and make it easier to follow along with her search for the fan club. A clearer introduction to this fantasy universe might have enhanced the connection to the mystery and romance elements of the story.

What I particularly appreciated was the way Dean delves into Evie’s complicated relationship with her mom. The pressure to be "perfect" and meet expectations is something many readers will relate to, and I loved how the book showcased both sides of this dynamic—encouraging self-advocacy while maintaining respect for authority. This nuanced portrayal of family relationships added depth to Evie’s character and made her feel all the more authentic.

Overall, Love Unmasked is a delightful read, perfect for fans of light romance with a touch of mystery. The setting of Venice is vividly captured, and the themes of self-discovery, friendship, and romance are well-executed. If you’re looking for a sweet, slow-burn romance with a splash of adventure, I’d highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley for a review. 4.5- This was such a cute story! And was something I dreamed would happen to me through most of High School- Traveling, cute/ nice guys, and a cool nightclub based on your favorite series?!? What is there not to love. It didn't seem realistic, but I didn't care about that part as much.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters had such depth and the story was wonderful. These teen characters could have been annoying but they were whole people encouraging each other to be themselves. I loved the setting of Venice and the fantasy world interwoven into the real life of the characters. Will absolutely recommend to friends.

Love Unmasked is a wholesome romance, but more than that it is an observation into the masks we wear to fit in with different groups. This is a great, well-written read that kept me hooked to the end. I loved how it weaves between imagination and reality with the elven realms and the parts of ourselves we keep hidden to please others and/or to fit in to the mold of other's expectations of ourselves. Highly recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Love Unmasked follows our main character Evie through a school trip to Venice! They are there to work on an architecture assignment as a final grade before they graduate high school. Evie also has a secret agenda to sneak out at night to attend a fan club for her favorite books that are based around Venice!

While sneaking out she runs into another masked fan of the fanbase and they instantly connect on their love of the books and the adventure they are sharing. They agree to take off their masks on the last night of the weekend to see who they are and if they can continue their relationship in the 'real world.'

Back in the real world, Evie is matched up with Gabriel on her project. He is a new transfer and a very closed off, untrusting individual that Evie is determined to make friends with. Soon Evie has to make the difficult decision of who she wants: Gabriel the rough and tumble bad boy or Angelo the stranger that she can tell her secrets to.

I think this is such a cute little romance! I enjoyed the characters and I think they are written well and written their age which I appreciate. I absolutely loved how Venice was described and it really made me want to go and see the sights too.

The complex relationship Evie has with her mom and the stress she is under to be 'perfect' is relatable and it's nice to see the author approach it from both angles that it is important to advocate for yourself but it is important to be respectful and honest to those in authority.

I think my favorite part was watching Evie and Gabriel's relationship grow from definitely not friends to growing comfortable and sharing parts of themselves they might not have been able to share before!

Overall I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a sweet little romance with a little bit of slow burn but not too much!

In this enchanting and mystery-filled romance, Love Unmasked sweeps readers into the atmospheric magic of Venice, where hidden passions, secret identities, and the thrill of first love converge beneath the city’s iconic masks. Combining the allure of adventure with the emotional depth of self-discovery, this story is perfect for fans of swoony YA romance and compelling mysteries.

Evie Whitmore is a relatable and engaging protagonist—a people pleaser longing to break free and embrace her true self. Her hidden love for Elven Realms, a book series that has shaped her dreams and identity, adds a rich layer to her character. The art and architecture trip to Venice becomes more than an educational excursion; it’s the catalyst for Evie’s greatest adventure yet.

The masked stranger, Angelo, is the perfect mix of intrigue and charm. Their shared quest to unravel the secrets of the underground Elven Realms fan club feels like a fairy tale come to life, set against the moody canals, crumbling palazzos, and moonlit alleyways of Venice. The labyrinth-like setting mirrors Evie’s emotional journey, as she navigates friendship, trust, and the pull of this enigmatic stranger.

Adding complexity is Gabriel Martinez, the loner with a reputation and Evie’s unlikely trip partner. Gabriel’s presence brings tension and questions: does Evie really know him? And how do the masks we wear—literal or otherwise—shape the way we see and are seen by others?

This book excels in its richly atmospheric setting and clever intertwining of mystery and romance. It’s a love letter to Venice and to the stories that shape our lives, reminding readers of the magic that happens when we dare to unmask our hearts. The slow-burn romance, sprinkled with clues and clandestine encounters, builds to a satisfying reveal that will leave readers swooning and turning the final page with a smile.

A perfect escape for YA readers who love secret identities, bookish quests, and enchanting destinations, this novel delivers a magical journey of love, identity, and the courage to embrace who you truly are. Fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jennifer E. Smith will find themselves lost in this Venetian masquerade.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for this arc.

I found this book entirely enjoyable.

The main plot point of Evie sneaking out to find the secret club was so fun, maybe because I also enjoy fantasy and cosplay, and I really liked that the we got to see things that happened inside of the club and not just the search for it.

I also enjoyed Evie’s story outside of the fantasy club. Her anxieties and personality were very realistic for someone her age, and I definitely found myself rooting for her to break some rules and slow down a little.

The romance side of the story was also very cute. I loved reading about them having fun and flirting; getting to see Venice together. They felt like complimentary personalities, once they broke down their walls enough to see each other as complex people.

Overall this was a great read, a cute story with a hopeful ending, and I would recommend/pick up more books from this author in the future.

Hmm. Well, this was a bit disappointing.  I love a cute mystery romance and I was waiting for this to be one. Evie sneaks out to an underground club that celebrates this particular fantasy book series. She ended up colliding with a stranger that also loved this fantasy series. Which by the way was thrown around like I’m supposed to know all the characters and plot lines. Super frustrating. Evie thought no one in her life would understand it so she kept this part of her life hidden. I never saw her being different when she was masked. I would have thought wearing a mask might help her be stronger,  more assertive,  and more bold.  It didn't.  I guessed the Angelo character from the beginning. The romance was okay and not so memorable. And honestly the story itself was a bit boring. Though I appreciated the setting of Venice, Italy. The ending was a bit anticlimactic. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

When Evie’s class goes to Venice, the city where her favorite fantasy book series is set in and a secret club based off the series is located, she knows she has to go. When she gets there, and meets another masked stranger, she isn’t sure if she had met him before or not. There’s no way, right?
I really enjoyed this book! This one’s for the fantasy and contemporary ya lovers for sure. I was especially happy that the book was friends to lovers more than enemies to lovers. I feel that the ‘they hate each other in real life but are falling in love under masks’ trope is so overused, so I loved seeing how the author adjusted the trope. I loved the sprinkles of Venice culture and the witty banter. The strong friendships and the fun inside jokes between them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacourte for an eARC of this book.

I rated this 3.5 stars rounded up!

This was such a wholesome, lighthearted read.

Evie is a rule-following, people-pleasing, straight-A student who wants to believe she has everything figured out. On a school trip to Venice, she is paired up with a grumpy boy who is handsome but annoying.

What nobody knows is that Evie has an obsession with a popular fantasy book series. A secret underground club in Venice that centers around said series calls Evie’s name. On the first night, she sneaks out, she runs into a stranger also dressed in cosplay attire, coincidentally heading to find the same underground club she is.

During the day, she tries to weasel her way into Gabe’s (aka grumpy boy) heart, while he resists but also tries to teach her to say no and stop her people-pleasing tendencies. But at night, her adventures with Angelo (aka mystery boy) seem to whisk her away into magical feelings too.

All in all, this book was an amazing read and of great quality for its genre (young adult romance). The setting brought me back to my own trip to Venice, and it was so nostalgic! I loved Evie’s character and related to her more than I care to admit.

I do think that the middle could have used a bit more to forward the plot. In my opinion, it slowed down a little too much, BUT the ending really came through!

Tropes:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
-Love triangle…?
-Secret Identities


Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a cute, sweet teen romance. The main character seemed stiff and I struggled to connect with her. But I'm a sucker for a grump, so I liked the MMC.

It was definitely predictable and I would have liked more explanation in certain scenes, rather than it suddenly being the end of a chapter and then a new day. I felt like there was a lot that was missed.

Overall, I liked it and I feel like the junior high students in my library will like it also.

Following Evie on secret journey through Venice was so fun and cute! If you're looking for a fun, quick, light hearted read this is it! I loved the banter between Gabriel and Evie and often kept forgetting how young they were!

It was exciting to be emerged in a world within the world seeing how passionate Evie was for the Elven Realms and it was fun cheering on a fellow book nerd.

Absolutely would recommend this to anyone!

This was such a sweet and enjoyable book! The grumpy/sunshine romance trope is one that you may enjoy. I thought it was great how Gabe and Evie fell in love in both worlds, it was an interesting element that I hadn't seen before!

so this was cute! my first dean book, but definitely not my last— this book was like teen catnip. i love when ya books are set outside of the states, and the cosplay aspects of this were SO FUN— we need more nerd girls & guys in ya!! so many kids love cons and cosplaying!! the romance was a little slow, but in a world of zooming ya books, i appreciated it. i thought both our leads were very well fleshed out & i enjoyed their relationship— unfortunately, since this is a ya, i can’t really talk to their chemistry or anything like that; they’re kiddos to me! having fun! a lil teen fling! but it was adorable, the plot was super fun & unique, and i think teens will love this.

I was an immediate fan of this book from the very beginning! I have never read this author work before and now I want to look into their previous works!

>What I Liked
I've dreamed of visiting Venice, so I enjoyed exploring it on page.

Dean did a great job rounding out the side characters of Evie's friend group. Even with their small amount of page time, they were distinct. Evie also had a very natural character voice.

>What I Struggled With
My suspension of disbelief was stretched by a few aspects in the novel. The fact that Evie didn't figure out who Angelo was from his voice and mannerisms after several nights seemed a little a little off. I also struggled to believe that Angelo didn't realize who Evie was. The scope of the secret club also seemed a little too large. It might have made more sense if Evie's school trip had coincided with a secret fan convention that was happening rather than a year-round thing,

It's not uncommon for characters to fall in love unrealistically fast, but Evie and Gabriel going from being essentially strangers to a couple in a few days seemed a little too quick.

>Overall
While predictable, Love Unmasked will likely delight readers looking for a lighthearted YA romance.

Cautions: eight kisses; moderate romance

This was such a cute, fun read! If you love the grumpy/sunshine romance trope, I can't recommend this enough. The supporting characters were fun and I loved the setting of Venice (it's on my short list of bucket list travel places). Seeing Evie try to figure out who Angelo is was fun, even though we, the reader, obviously know who it is. I do think Evie's family felt really flat -- which, we don't see much of them, so I get it, but I don't even think we learn her siblings names at all. That was really my only gripe. Otherwise, I thought this was an enjoyable read and a nice palate-cleanser after some of the heavier stuff I've read lately.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love Unmasked follows Evie, a popular go-getter high schooler, as she attends a school trip to Venice. They're there to study art and architecture, but Evie also has secret plans to hunt down a hidden fan club for her favorite fantasy book series. To make it more complicated, she meets another fan who could possible be from their school but doesn't know who they are because they're both wearing masks. Plus, Evie's nerdy interests are kept secret from her friends at school in order to maintain her image. But her secrets are in danger of coming out when she starts for falling for the new guy at school during the day and her masked friend at night.
This book was a fun adventure through Venice full of good food, friendship, and sights. Evie and Gabe are an opposites attract type of duo, and the author does a great job at highlighting how their differences bring out the best in each other. This book is perfect for fans of Love and Gelato and Twelfth Knight, with a really great focus on fandom community. I would definitely recommend to patrons at my library.

When reading the description of this book, it sounded totally up my alley! Plus, I’ve read and really liked previous books by this author. I loved that it was set in Venice—some place I hope to go to one day. While this specific title fell a little flatter for me than the author’s other books, it was still cute and I appreciate that it’s a safe read for even younger teens.