Well done to Donna Ashcroft for another delightful novel that lifts and encourages the heart! This enemies to lovers’ romance set in Italy has lots of Donna Ashcroft charm. As always, it is well written with beautiful descriptions that put the reader in the centre of a stunning location.

In A Very Italian Wedding, we are dealing with a seriously flawed leading character. To be honest, Rose is not very likeable at times (nor is she supposed to be) due to her judgemental attitude and unrealistic rules but after a series of events, her world and views are turned upside down and she has to admit maybe she does not know as much as she thinks about love. She may be called by her regular clients the ‘Love Doctor’ in her relationship psychologist role, but her advice and views are tarnished by her parents who race into romantic liaisons, get married quickly only to end up divorced. Rose has been caught in their crossfire more than once. This draws sympathy from us as we know she has been shaped by repeated negative family experiences. And it has given her a jaded view of relationships as she measures every one by her parents’ failures. She does not have faith in ‘love at first sight experiences’ which has now happened to someone she cares deeply about: her best friend, Luna. So, although she is on her way from England to Italy to her best friend’s wedding, she has one mission, to talk her out of getting married. But on the plane she meets the groom’s best man, Ben, and he challenges her rigid beliefs. This sets up the story with lots of expected conflicts.

The tension mounts when Rose arrives, as everything begins to come undone. So many things go wrong and she is challenged on all sides as she encounters a very superstitious family and one member is a clairvoyant. The groom’s older family members definitely go against her fact laden viewpoint.

Handsome best man, Ben Pearson, is determined to keep the couple together while she is bent on the opposite. This puts them at odds and places them in some awkward positions but Rose Loveheart is determined to prove her point.

Ben is a wonderful character with a good heart who gets to share his viewpoint. He also goes through some dramatic changes but he is always likeable—especially when he won’t go along with a scheme to deceive Rose. Of course, you know from the start, these two will clash but also unite eventually—yet not until there have been some serious changes in their lives.

This novels addresses the fact that no marriage is perfect as no two persons are but through communication, understanding and forgiveness— situations can be resolved and that arguments in marriage are part of the fabric of wedding bliss.

Coco the dog is an amazing character with attitude plus and Rose’s reference to him as a demon is quite humorous at times. But he plays an important part in restoration and helping her overcome fear making us see that even dog’s can bring about change!

Rose redeems herself at the end as she manages to fix so many messed up relationships but not before she has altered her thinking. And these changes put the sparkle in the ending. Her transformation is quite dramatic and by the end we smile and breathe a sigh of relief that she has learned valuable lessons and put those revelations to use in helping others by restoring the broken relationships that transpire over the story. So in that respect, Rose becomes the hero! She cares about her friend and her family-in-law so what she does to bring back balance into their lives is done out of love, from the heart, not from head knowledge (which was flawed to begin with). And that means we are given a happy ending!

Donna’s stories always provide wonderful characters we care about, animals that we adore (though Coco was a bit different at first!), relationship issues that need rectification, themes that makes us feel love is essential in our lives and stunning settings that whisk us away as if we have gone on vacation. A Very Italian Wedding is all these things— along with being sincere, honest, heartfelt and pure. Thanks once again to Donna Ashcroft for another great story that tackles beliefs and restores the need for romance in our lives. Loved it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

Rose is heading over to Tuscany for her best friend, Luna’s wedding. She finds herself sat next to the best man, Ben.

Due to Rose’s past and her parents, she lives by a set of rules, rules she made also for her profession as a love doctor.

This was an enjoyable romance story. I loved the setting in Tuscany and enjoyed getting to know the groom, Marco, and his family. His Aunt Aurora was an eccentric and fantastic character, she made me smile a lot.

There was a lot of humour, as well as a more serious side to the story.

Coco the dog definitely stole the show in the story, I couldn’t help but laugh at her antics.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

When Luna, Rose's best friend, announces she engaged and is getting married in a few days Rose feels her professional life as 'The Love Doctor' crashing full pelt into her personal life. She hops on a plane determined to stop, or at least delay the impending nuptials however then she meets the best man, who seems intent on the wedding going ahead and Rose realises life is a lot more complicated than her set of 'rules' for relationships.


This is a great chick lit read; it's got a strong enemies to lovers theme and is a little predictable in a comfortable kind of way. The characters develop in the story, the setting is beautiful and. there are enough twists and turns to keep you interested. There's nothing shocking nor too heavy to deal with...I just really enjoyed it - in the way you enjoy a catch up with an old friend?

A very cozy rom-com. The plot was moving fast and there was one miscommunication part but it resolved fast. It is a slow burn and there is one open-door scene. Overall, I enjoyed this book as its perfect to read on summer vacation.

Thank you, @netgalley for my gifted copy of the audiobook. The publication date is June 5, 2025.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.

I thought this was a good, average romance. The cheesiness off the bat with a FMC called Rose Loveheart, a self proclaimed ‘love doctor’ who has been unlucky with love her whole life, made me giggle.

BUT, this book felt completely predictable. There was no other way I could have seen the epilogue going based on the first 100 pages. The explicit foreshadowing from the psychic Aunt Aurora removed any tensions that could have made this book more interesting. I just wanted more mess to be honest.

As characters, Ben and Rose seemed to lack the chemistry I needed to be convinced on their relationship. Everything was so rushed between Luna and Marco too. We know nothing about them apart from how they’ve known each other for less than a month, yet are supposed to root for them even when Marco is obviously a bad person. I wasn’t sold on either of these matches by the end.

I also found the writing off putting at points. I want to include some quotes from the book just so you can gauge the cringe factor before you decide to read it:

‘The man looming over her was gorgeous - with capital O, M and multiple Gs’

‘Ben paused, the smile disappearing momentarily before it reappeared like a dolphin performing a spectacular somersault out of the sea’

‘The look Rose gave him would have soured tiramisu.’

While not necessarily bad, this still failed to impress me at the end of the day.

Firstly. I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to have this ARC, I am incredibly grateful and very happy. I wasn't aware of Donna Ashcroft before reading this book but the cover drew me in and you know what? I'm so grateful i did read this, it was an easy read that made you feel good and was effortless. I loved watching the chemistry between Ben and Rose develop throughout the book, with the added bonus of it being set in Italy. Can't we all find love in Italy?! I'd even say it's more romantic than the city of love, aka Paris. If Emily in Paris can be converted to Italy, then we all can.

It had moments where I was kicking and giggling from this book, that I read it in one sitting and I didn't even realise where the time had gone.

A lovely, summery romance novel sure to bring a smile to your face.

Rose is travelling to Italy to attend her best friend's wedding to a man she's only known for a few weeks. She's travelling with the best man, Ben, a stranger who could not be more different from her. Rose is a relationship coach who has very strict rules about how to make a relationship work but has never found love of her own. Ben is a handsome charmer who has had his heart broken one too many times. Navigating the politics of an Italian family, Rose is determined to stop the wedding and Ben is determined to prevent her from carrying out her plan.

This was a classic will-they-won't-they, grumpy/sunshine storyline, with a bit of miscommunication thrown in for good measure. It took me a while to warm to the characters but the plot kept me hooked and I'm glad it did because by the end I was rooting for everyone!

There's a good amount of humour throughout, making it a light-hearted read that you can breeze through on a summery day (or a not very summery day when you want to dream of an Italian getaway).

A sun-soaked Italian escape with heart, humor, and unexpected romance!

Donna Ashcroft's "A Very Italian Wedding" transported me to the charming village of Bellemilia, where the cobblestone streets, lemon trees, and Aperol Spritz created the perfect backdrop for this delightful romance.

The story follows Rose Loveheart, a woman determined to save her best friend Luna from marrying her holiday fling Marco. From the moment Rose boards the plane to Italy and encounters the infuriatingly handsome Ben Pearson (Marco's best man), the chemistry and tension between them is palpable. I loved how their initial rivalry gradually transformed into something deeper as they navigated the beautiful Italian countryside.
Ashcroft excels at creating a vivid sense of place—I could practically taste the wood-fired pizza and feel the Mediterranean breeze while reading.

The setting feels like another character in the story, and the author's descriptions made me want to book a flight to Italy immediately!
While the plot follows a familiar romantic comedy structure, Ashcroft's engaging writing style and well-developed characters kept me invested throughout. Rose's character growth felt authentic as she learned to let go of her carefully constructed rules and embrace the unknown. Ben makes for a charming love interest whose layers are gradually revealed.

My only minor critique is that some conflicts felt slightly rushed toward the resolution, but this didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment.

"A Very Italian Wedding" delivers exactly what it promises—a heartwarming escape to Italy with relatable characters, witty banter, and a satisfying romance. Perfect for a summer read or whenever you need a literary vacation to sunny shores. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Sarah Morgan will find themselves right at home in Bellemilia.

"its Donna Ashcroft, its Donna Ashcroft" i sing as i find myself with the luckiest acceptance page to her latest book. Donna has yet to whisper a word wrong in my eyes. her books give me love,joy and a deep sense of being cuddled from every page. and this one didnt(of course it didnt) disappoint. i dont know how some authors do it. i dont know how some authors have so much talent. im truly in awe of it.
from the blurb i was getting fuzzy feeling and that only carried on as i read this book. i didnt want to put it down.
the Italian scene setting had me feeling warmer as if i was under their same sun hearing the same Italian voices which of course were such characters.
from the very first page until the end this was magical. the romance story was gorgeous.
Rose was clearly fearing love from her own parents marriage. so already i felt she was instinctive in her fear of love. when she gets a call from her best friend saying she is getting married, like soonish to her new beau Rose is on red alert and gets herself in a state needing to go there,to Italy and stop it, or at least postpone.
but on the flight she meets Ben. oh Ben. hello lovely Ben. but Rose doesnt think so(wont allow herself to more like). what she doesnt like is that hes the best man. and he is determined to make sure the wedding does happen. this causes them to clash. but the clash is covering something more brewing here. as they spend more time together there is clearly a connection.
they have both been hurt by love and life. but can they together find that its worth it. for something incredible? or will fear hurt too much to make the leap of love.
the banter and chemistry was sublime. and the story was perfectly paced for what it was. and i felt like the side characters all held their perfect place.
another lovely book by a lovely author.
i feel lucky to have the chance to read her books.

The story follows Rose, a pragmatic woman with firm beliefs about love and relationships—shaped largely by her parents’ failed marriage. When her best friend Luna plans a whirlwind wedding in Italy, Rose rushes in, determined to stop it. But her plans are quickly challenged by Ben, the best man who’s equally determined to make sure the wedding goes ahead.

The chemistry between Rose and Ben sparks instantly, driven by witty banter and opposing goals. Ben is undeniably charming and easy to root for—sweet, grounded, and emotionally open. Rose, however, may be more polarizing. Her judgmental attitude and emotional baggage make her harder to connect with early on, and a key miscommunication late in the story breaks the momentum for some readers. While she experiences growth, it may not be enough to fully redeem the romantic pairing for those who found them mismatched.

The secondary characters add much-needed charm and levity—Aurora and Coco in particular steal scenes with their vibrant energy. Luna and Marco’s relationship, however, feels underexplored, and giving them more focus might have deepened the emotional core of the story.

Though the romance may not fully land for everyone, the Italian setting is beautifully drawn. The scenic adventures along the villages and coastline provide a lovely sense of escape. The writing is breezy and accessible, making this an enjoyable, quick read.

A book, where the premise is a wedding in Italy? Sign me up! This adorable rom com has a cast of characters that you will never forget. From a yippy demon dog to a clairvoyant aunt, they will keep you chuckling throughout the whole story. Best man Ben will do anything to support best friend Marco as he is about to marry the woman of his dreams. On the other hand, there is best friend Rose who is a relationship expert and wants to put a stop to this quick wedding of her best friend. Will Ben be able to stop Rose from ruining this wedding? Will Rose be immune to Ben's charm? Will the spirits from beyond be able to push their own agenda? This is an adorable and quick read!

A Very Italian Wedding is the perfect romantic escape! From the stunning Italian setting to the swoon-worthy romance, this story had me hooked from the start. Rose’s personal growth is beautifully written, and Ben’s warmth and humor shine through every scene. Their chemistry felt so real, and the ending was full of heart. If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good escape that whisks you off to Italy, this one’s a must-read!

I was happy to receive this book as I have read many of Donna’s books and love them. When I started reading this it felt different from her other books,maybe as it was set in Italy. Rose is on her way to Italy to be bridesmaid at her best friend Luna’s wedding to Marco. She meets Ben, who is very charming and very good looking on the plane to the wedding and it turns out he is the best man.She is also taking Luna’s dog with her but they don’t like each other. Luna and Marco only met a few weeks ago and Rose is hoping she can stop the wedding. Rose works as a relationship doctor and has a tainted view of marriage. Her parents divorced many years ago and both have remarried numerous times so she is sceptical of finding true love. Ben on the other hand wants the wedding to go ahead. Ben drives them to Marcos parents villa,Rose hates being in a car abroad,as her parents had an accident in Paris when they were arguing,so she is not the best company. The wedding is in 3 days and Marco wants Ben to keep Rose away from Luna as he doesn’t want her trying to get Luna to call the wedding off. Marco’s family flit in and out of the the book,his parents and grandparents(who aren’t speaking) and his aunt who talks to her deceased husband and gets advice from him. You must read the book to see what Ben and Rose get up and will there be a happy ever after for all concerned. A good read but I do prefer Donna’s books set in Scotland.

Just a girl trying to postpone her best friends wedding to the love of her life because she doesnt believe in love. How could this go wrong?!
This story was fun and so flirty. I felt like we maybe should have got a little more of the engaged couple (Luna and Marco) than we did but it's still a good time. Rose and Ben have great banter and the chemistry was strong from the very start.

Huge thanks to Netgalley, Donna Ashcroft and the publishing team for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I do love a destination story. That being said, overall, I was not a fan of this book. The FMC Rose was SO unbelievably unlikeable right off the bat that even her redemption arc at the end couldn't save it for me. The premise of the story started off intriguing but it was mostly unbearable throughout. The MMC Ben was charming at times but his involvement in the manipulation of the FMC with his best friend was gross. Marco, the groom was an awful character and Luna being so immature and reactive was off-putting too. I loved the Aunt character that was a medium - she really brought a lot of color to the page. If you're looking for a beach read, this is a quick light read - but overall, wasn't for me.

Overall rating ⭐️⭐️
Overall spice 🌶️

I absolutely adore Donna Ashcroft so I was highly anticipating her next book! A very Italian Weeding did not disappoint. First off the cover drew me right in and is so gorgeous it makes you want to dive right in!
I love the character of Rose. She was so relatable and the best friend everyone wishes they had. She immediately jets off to help her friend from what she believes is the mistake of a lifetime by marrying a short fling.
Enter handsome love interest Ben whom she meets on the plane and plot twist he’s the best man! I love these kind of books! Obviously even though they are supposed to be somewhat rivals they land up falling for each other and e beautiful Italian scenery doesn’t hurt one bit either. It was so fun to indulge in this beautiful escapist novel and see if they succeed in stopping the wedding and find their own love story along the way! Be sure to check this one out you won’t be disappointed. Bookouture always has the most fun interesting , and cutting edge novels and they are the perfect books to dive into if you are looking for a great read for yourself, book club, or for someone else. I will anxiously be awaiting Donna’s next book.

This was such a cute read and I was hooked from chapter 1! Aunt Aurora was hilarious and I enjoyed how she always showed up at the perfect moment to share her physic abilities! The dynamic between our main character Rose and her best friend’s (Luna) dog (Coco) was to fun to watch evolve throughout the story. Of course, I enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope between Rose and our main man Ben! They both have something to overcome and needed each other to realize that to let love in! This a true feel good book and I would recommend it anyone who loves a happy ending for all!

A gorgeous taste of Italian sunshine, with Ashcroft's trademark heartwarming community and wonderful rich characters.
This is such a cute story, with plenty of twists and turns as Rose tries to navigate her friend's rushed wedding while being stuck with erstwhile unwanted travelling companion Ben. He's all in favour of the forthcoming nuptials of his best friend Marcus while Rose is worried that Luna is moving too quickly. With both of them on opposite sides of the fence where the wedding is concerned, sparks begin to fly but neither of them can quite resist the attraction between them.
With meddlign relatives and the supposedly psychic, the hilarious Aunt Aurora, Rose and Ben don't stand a chance.
I particularly loved Aurora and her conversations with her dead husband. Comic genius.

This was a fast paced, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance full of sunshine, wine and olives. I loved every sunshine filled page.

⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5 stars
A slow start, but I’m glad I kept reading!
Ben and Rose’s journey from guarded to vulnerable felt worth it in the end. I liked seeing them grow, especially as Rose began to let go of her rules and Ben let love back in. Some sweet, subtle moments and a satisfying finish!

Romance, Italian vibes, family drama... and a surprise twist at the end!
💍❤️‍🩹✨

I loved the Italian setting, it was the best part. While some things didn't exactly click for me, it was still an enjoyable read.

After her best friend Luna gets engaged rather quickly and plans to marry immediately, Rose is determined to convince her to postpone the wedding. Guided by her expertise, she thinks they are making a mistake. But on the flight there, she meets Ben, the best man. He is determined to make sure that the wedding happens. They clash at first, but the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow and she starts questioning her rules around love. They are both hurt by something in their past, but maybe together they'll be able to find their happily ever after.

Ben was a charmer and such a sweetheart. I liked him a lot.
But I didn't connect to Rose. She let her parents failed marriage rule not just her relationships, but the relationships of others too. I really disliked her at the beginning, but she did start to grow on me. Until the miscommunication happened. I just couldn't get into the story again or bring myself to root for her and Ben. The story lost me completely, I simply stopped caring. I tried, but Ben deserved someone better. I honestly don't think they were well suited for each other.
Not to mention the fact that everything felt completely rushed.

Also, I wish we got more of Luna and Marco. I feel like the story would've gain so much more substance that way. But I absolutely loved Aurora, she made the story more fun, and so did Coco.

I still enjoyed it, the banter, the scenery. I really loved their adventures along the villages and the coastline.
It was a quick read and I liked the writing. I would definitely read more books by this author.