Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Romance/Women's Fiction
Release Date: October 27, 2020
Rating: 5/5 stars
Synopsis:
Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers' retreat in coastal Italy. She's determined to finish writing the novel she's been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.
At the retreat, she's not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by "Aria," meets "Dutch," a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.
But then their real identities--Ava and Matt--must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there's the prickly situation with Matt's ex-girlfriend, who isn't too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can't love each other's lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?
Sarah's Review:
Sophie Kinsella has done it again! Kinsella is one of my favorite rom-com authors, and I went into this book with high hopes. It did not disappoint!
I think Ava was a super relatable, if not quirky, female lead. I really admire the way Kinsella made two polar opposite characters (Ava and Dutch) both extremely relatable. At times I was definitely siding with Dutch, and other times I was definitely siding with Ava. The friend groups added to the hilarity of the whole situation, and I loved all of the distinct personalities each of the friends showed.
This book was funny from the first page, but also evoked a range of emotions as the book went on. Towards the middle of the book I felt tension, and found myself outwardly cringing because of it. By the end of the book I had laughed out loud, cringed as mentioned, let a few tears escape, and smiled a lot!
We also got the representation of a hidden chronic disease which I really appreciate. The only way to continue to bring to light the reality that so many people suffer with silently is continued visibility of these diseases in all forms of media.
Way to go Sophie Kinsella! You've written another phenomenal book!
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