Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book.

Rose is attending her friend Luna’s wedding and alongside her Ben is also attending the same wedding for Marcus his friend.

Rose thinks that Luna shouldn’t rush into the wedding and is hoping to talk to her friend into delaying it, whereas Ben wants to wedding to go ahead as planned.

The story had many twists and turns. Marcus’s family and his aunt Aurora, who’s psychic are also eager for the wedding to go ahead and there’s plenty of funny moments and rituals that have to be done before the ceremony takes place.

I loved Aurora and her conversations with her dead husband.

I highly recommend this book.

My thoughts:
What a fun trip to Italy with engaging characters. The dog pretty much stole the show:)
The beginning of the book was a bit slow but things pick up pretty quickly.
All in all, an enjoyable read with a slow burn romance and humorous moments that made me laugh out loud.
This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

Let’s start with the name: Rose Loveheart. That’s not a character—that’s an AI-generated cupcake.

From page one, this book commits to a Hallmark-meets-horoscope energy that never lets up.
The plot is less “will-they-won’t-they” and more “oh-they-will-by-chapter-three.” By chapter five, I wasn’t wondering what would happen—I was wondering how long it would take to get there. Despite all this, it wasn’t entirely unenjoyable.

For me? It was a sugar-free cupcake: sweet, but ultimately unsatisfying.

When Rose discovers that her best friend Luna is engaged to Marco and getting married within days in Tuscany, she packs her bags and heads over in an attempt to delay the wedding. Yet when she meets Ben, the best man, she has to try to convince him as well, as he believes that love can conquer all. Soon Ben has Rose questioning whether her rules when it comes to love need to be rewritten.
A very cute read with plenty of delightful characters that added to the storyline. The enemies-to-lovers storyline works well with Rose at loggerheads with Ben, largely due to her own experiences with love, centered around her parents. The backdrop is amazing, and together with the twists and turns, this was an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Solid summer romance, perfect holiday read, few parts of the book I didn’t follow brilliantly but on the whole an enjoyable read

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 🌶️