The Villa Matisse was such a charming and atmospheric romance. The French Riviera setting added so much to the story — it felt warm, escapist, and full of personality, and it made the whole book really easy to sink into.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Alix and Luc. Their grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers chemistry was fun without feeling overly dramatic, and the banter between them kept the story moving at a really nice pace. Luc definitely starts off frustrating, but watching the layers come down over time made the romance feel believable.

Alix was probably my favorite part of the book though. She felt mature, resilient, and realistic as a single mother trying to balance work, family, and her own happiness. I liked that the story focused not just on romance, but also on her personal growth and confidence.

The cooking elements and villa setting gave the story such a cozy feel, and even with the lighter rom-com tone, there were still emotional moments that gave the characters depth.

Overall, this was a warm, entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance with beautiful scenery, lovable characters, and a good balance of humor and heart. Perfect for readers looking for an easy, feel-good escape with a touch of slow-burn romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.