Book: La Dolce Veto by Caitlin Alice Gilbert
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
Thank you to the author and to Keeperton/Arndell and NetGalley for the gifted copies - I received the ebook and the audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I was able to do a tandem read for this great debut romance! I really love listening and reading at the same time. Likewise, I feel like I get so much more out of the experience - I wish all advance reads were this way!
La Dolce Veto is the story of a congresswoman, Isabella Rhodes (Izzy), whose career tanks when sexy text messages between her and her opponent Levi Cross are leaked just before the election. Of course, the man gets elected and the woman gets shamed. She leaves the USA and goes to Italy, where she had previously gone to study. She shares a villa with Bentio Farentino, who is the elected mayor of La Musa Italy and his mother. Bentio is trying to save La Musa. He is hot, grumpy and everything you hope for in a foreign man!
I am seriously surprised that this is a debut! The book was really great - reminded me of Under the Tuscan Sun (which I loved) with a little Eat, Pray, Love for good measure. The writing is relaxed and flowing. It is just so good, especially this time of year when everything feels springish and alive. This is the perfect spring/summer read!
The characters were great! The banter was cute and funny. I loved the narration of the audiobook as well - Athena Greco was amazing. I loved how well she brought the book to life! Not only that, but I really felt Izzy's embarrassment, felt the bonds between the characters, and made the story really pop. She used different voices and really gave it so much depth!
You will love this if you love the movies I referenced above. This is a fun, easy read!
Tropes:
One Bed
Forced proximity
Small Italian town
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Politics
Cute banter
4.5 / 5 stars
1 / 5 spice