I want to say thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.

Apart from the slightly awkward (not in a bad way) intimate scenes, which seemed to lean more porn story cheesy (my only issue) this was a fantastic book, and an amazing summer read or anytime read! I really thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters had depth, which is missing a lot in some romance books lately, they made you fall in love with them. Except for the jerk she matched with, you will completely agree with me on that. I love the descriptions of everywhere and everything they were perfectly done and not way too much detail that you just loose interest. I also didn't realize it was part of a series but you can completely read it without reading the others!

I couldn't put this book down, I loved the banter, I loved the main characters. As soon as I started it I fell in love and hated when I had to put it down. It's draws you in and I finished it in a couple hours, and it's going to live rent free in my mind for a while. Apart from a few emotional scenes and moments this was sweet and cute and hot and in a way really cozy. I've really missed true romance books that actually make you feel something and immerse you in the story so you never want to leave. It's been a while since I've had a book I really didn't want to put down! So if you need a great anytime, or great summer/ beach/ vacation read, this is it. I will hype this book up always as the perfect fit for all of those!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to read this book and fall in love with it!

she knew exactly what she was doing when she said: “let’s throw a hopeless romantic in a hot italian hotel and make her fall in love with the one man she literally cannot touch.”

let’s set the scene:
you’re in italy. you’re in a love hotel. your “perfect match” dips on you. and the only man around to take you on your romantic itinerary full of wine tastings and boat rides? the staff member (love alchemist) assigned to you. aka: romeo. aka: mr. grumpy italian dreamboat.

trope rundown:
• forbidden romance (staff x hotel guest)
• opposites attract (grumpy x sunshine)
• fake dating energy but not really
• forced proximity
• matchmaking but make it ✨cursed✨

now the facts:
1. romeo & sammie had chemistry. like, real chemistry. their banter? banging. like i’d watch them flirt in a reality show kind of way. romeo is moody, sarcastic, and hot. sammie’s a certified lover girl who keeps getting her heart stomped on by men with the emotional range of a teaspoon. they balance each other out like gelato and heartbreak.

“they always leave me.”
girl. same. same. same. sammie speaks for the broken-hearted and slightly delulu.

2. the concept eats. a matchmaking hotel in italy? i’m eating that up like tiramisu. it’s giving love island x hallmark x open door romance. i was ✨invested✨.

3. the writing? light + breezy. you can read this with two brain cells and a matcha latte. and that’s a compliment. the chapters are short (bless up), the pacing is solid, and it doesn’t pretend to be deeper than it is. it’s just a sweet lil getaway read. like a vacation romance you pretend didn’t mean anything until you start crying on the plane home.

4. what didn’t work? ok let’s be real. the forbidden romance tension was basically… nonexistent. like y’all keep SAYING “we shouldn’t” but then proceed to do it anyway with zero inner turmoil. where’s the angst?? the slow burn? the pining? give me some emotional DAMAGE!!

and yeah, some of the dialogue had me side-eyeing my kindle. romeo would switch to italian mid-spice scene and i’d be like… pls. not now. it got corny. but not enough to ruin the vibe?

⸻

final thoughts:
this book isn’t revolutionary. it’s not gonna leave you wrecked and sobbing on the bathroom floor. but it will make you smile. it’ll make you blush. it’s sweet, flirty, and hella readable. like a fizzy prosecco on a hot day — not deep, but hits the spot.

very cute. very fun. very 3.75 stars.

romeo, call me.

*thank you netgalley, the author, and the publishing team for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the flow of this book. The point of view switches between Sammie and Romeo effortlessly. I dream of vacationing in Italy and after reading this I can't wait to go. I found Sammie's character to be very sweet and caring. I absolutely fell in love with Romeo. I had a difficult time putting this book down and read late into the night to finish it. Every woman deserves a Romeo.

This book was so great! It was well written and the characters were so relatable. I really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it to others!

I won't give a review publicly because I didn't love this book. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, the banter wasn't hitting the way I wanted it to. It lacked depth and emotional connection. Just wasn't my favorite.

This is the second book I have read in this series. I love the thought of a hotel that you go to and meet the love of your life thru them matching you up. However, when Samantha arrives, her luck doesn't seem to be in her corner. Her match is rude; she's not really attracted to him and then he has to leave for a family emergency. So, since Samantha ends up alone on all the group dates, her Lover Alchemist Romeo ends up tagging along on most of them. As they grow closer and their attraction continues to sizzle, Romeo knows he has to stay away since guests and staff are not allowed to date.
Travel along for the great spice, the sexy Italian that Romeo speaks. and the romantic Italy attractions they go to on the group dates. I promise you won't be disappointed.