I don't have much to say about this book, because nothing was happening. I'm actually truly fascinated by people who can sustain 200+ pages of nothing happening. Sure they have unsupportive parents, they used to be friends (terribly communicated to the reader). There's just no tension, no real conflict, awkward writing. I really don't enjoy writing this review because I enjoy Harlequin romances and I don't want to tank the future of sapphic romances in the main line but this was not entertaining.

*Possible Spoilers*

“Her Fake Wedding Date in Sicily” by Jenny Lane is a short friends to lovers. While not my personal cup of tea, Eliza and Mia definitely have potential to be a long-lasting and healthy relationship.

I’m not in love with the title. “Her Fake Wedding Date in Sicily” sounds wordy and honestly like a mediocre Harry Styles 1D fanfic. I would’ve preferred a title that doesn’t give the entire plot away from the front cover. Obviously the fake dating trope isn’t new or imaginative, but personally, I like having to read a book's synopsis to find out what it's about.

Eliza and Mia are your classic grumpyish x sunshine couple. Their meet-cute wasn’t my favorite, it kind of gave me the ick. Mia sees Eliza at a library, and thinks she’s hot. So she grabs a book and sits in a chair close to the other woman so that she can check her out better. Slightly giving stalker vibes. The prose style is responsible for the bulk of that ick; it reads as though Lane’s not comfortable writing this sort of interaction.

Speaking of the prose, there was an awful lot of telling and not a lot of showing, in part because there’s a distinct lack of chemistry between the women. Sentences feel clipped and awkward, which contributes to the lack of tension. A romance hinges on investment in the couple and Lane didn’t deliver the pizazz of new love for me.

I do think that personality-wise they suit each other well. Eliza and Mia’s love language is definitely words of affirmation, it’s cute seeing them hype each other up. I like how they push each other to step out of their comfort zones. They’re good for each other. Both women have overbearing, absent parents, and I liked how they drew strength from each other to start fighting their demons. I felt like neither fully stood up for themselves, but I suppose that getting those types of parents to listen will be an ongoing battle.

This is to be expected, but I’m just going to put it out there. The plot/character development is not spaced out or gradual. It happens in one congealed lump at the end of the book. Dealing with the psychological aftermath of unsupportive parents takes way longer than 75 pages. Some development is there though, so I give the book credit.

Can White authors stop writing their Black characters with the main physical trait being that they’re curvaceous? I understand that representation matters, and that stereotypically, Black women aren’t stick thin, but we don’t romanticize/sexualize White women’s skinny legs or narrow feet. When you mention the fact that your Black character has luscious curves almost every time you describe her appearance, it starts feeling like she’s a token ethnic character.

I think that “Her Fake Wedding Date in Sicily” is a fun read. You can turn off your brain and watch two women fall in love. It’s exactly what I wanted out of the book. The characters are likeable enough, and the plot is easy to follow. I recommend giving it a read if you want a summery friends to lovers/fake dating romance that has a classic happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so good. I didn't want to put it down. Such an amazing romance story that ended with a happily ever after.

This is a breezy, feel-good romance that perfectly captures the charm of a fake-dating trope set against the lush backdrop of a Sicilian wedding. When driven CEO Eliza agrees to pose as heartbroken heiress Mia’s girlfriend for a week of family festivities, sparks fly in ways neither of them expected. The setup is classic rom-com, but Lane infuses it with a fresh, queer twist, full of flirtatious banter, warm humor, and slow-burn chemistry that crackles from the very first chapter.

This debut is a delightfully escapist read—sun-soaked, swoony, and low on angst—ideal for anyone in the mood for a light-hearted romance with emotional payoff. The Mediterranean setting adds a dreamy atmosphere, while Eliza and Mia’s growing connection offers just enough depth to make their relationship feel real and rewarding even with the short timeline. With its mix of a fun wedding, heartfelt moments, and sizzling attraction,

This was a good book! Not quite what I was expecting, but thought it was a nice story nonetheless! I love a good “fake dating” turned into true feelings for each other story.

If you enjoy books about fake relationships that become real, this is the book for you! Even though it was a whirlwind fake romance a week long, it did not feel rushed.
A great book and I would recommend!

All the things you hope a category romance will be! Excellent pacing, romantic as heck, and the aspirational setting of Sicily has me wanting to buy a ticket to paradise. I look forward to more books.