It Takes a Villa by Kilby Blades is now live!
When Natalie Malone arrives in Italy with a detailed spreadsheet, an ancient-looking key, the deed to her “new” house, she can’t wait to start her renovation. At the reasonable price of €1, she bought her abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast for a steal. Now, she’s on the hook to restore the crumbling estate within six months.
Easier said than done with grumpy architect Pietro Indelicato working to dismantle the town’s redevelopment program. When it comes to foreigners and restorations, he does not approve. His first impression of Natalie confirms his every unflattering notion, and he all-but tells her to quit.
He may not be wrong. She’s in over her head and going it alone. At least they agree on her duty to preserve the villa’s history. As time passes, he can’t decide which he wants more: to help her or to kiss her. In the end, he decides to do both.
***4 Stars***
A story set in a small, albeit fictional, Italian town?
Yes, please!
I’m a sucker for small town romances, but Italy is one of my favorite countries and was part of the lure that drew me to this book. That and the whole “$1” for a villa situation ~ because who hasn’t seen those ads?
And though there were part that did drag for me, and a bit of an abrupt (at least to me) ending, I enjoyed my time in Zavona with Natalie, Pietro and the eclectic group of people who we meet along the way.
I really liked Natalie and Pietro. Natalie is a dreamer, but a practical one. She isn’t afraid to put the time and work into getting done what needs to be done, but also has a bit of an issue asking for help. Pietro is honorable, though sometimes gruff and grumpy, but has a good heart and cares far deeper about things than most know.
Their journey to their HEA was quite interesting. They didn’t meet on the best of terms, but soon found that they shared a similar outlook on issues that mattered the most to them. It was fun to watch them become closer, thanks to the renovation and rehabilitation of the villa, and find out that not only was the physical attraction mutual, but that they connected on other levels.
As I said at the start, this was a fun read, but I will admit that there were times when the details about the renovation didn’t hold my interest. Also, that were a few situations that I wished had been fleshed out a bit more, especially that ending, but that’s a it’s not you, it’s me thing. As for the supporting cast of characters. Ellie and Carlota were my favorites, but I really liked the sognatori crew and how they all rallied around each other. So, if you want to take a bit of an Italian holiday at home and have a liking for HGTV DIY house things, then this is a book you should check out!
~ Copy provided by Valentine PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BmVC5E
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3gJfrKN
Nook: https://bit.ly/3HQ9CqK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3rNtkhx
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3Bg8N8l
Audible: Coming Soon!
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uO2irV
Meet Kilby
Kilby Blades is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist and a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist and she won an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018. She's been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly). She's an oenophile, a cinephile and, most of all, a glutton for a good story.
Connect with Kilby
Website: http://www.kilbyblades.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kilbyblades
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kilby-Blades/e/B01N4770M0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kilbybladesauthor
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