While I don't consider it a bad book, I doubt I will be reading the sequel. I also enjoyed seeing Violet's reactions to this new foreign land. Although I did wish the Italian dialogue would have been translated more, I still appreciated getting glimpses of the language. What did I like? The Italian setting is fantastic with great descriptions of the country and culture. I know there is a sequel, but I honestly don't see the point of splitting this story into two when nothing significant enough happens in this one to warrant a full novel. Then at the end we're left without any resolve. Actually, throughout the whole book it plays a very small role nothing important happens for a long while, turning it into a mundane, yet light, read. As for the painting mystery, I was left awfully underwhelmed. The latter is incredibly predictable for using the obvious 'least likely' character that I've seen done so many times (though I've read my fair share of mysteries). And when you add in alarming events that leaves you doubting everyone - you've got me hooked! But - yes there is a but - it simply does not deliver. Finding a 1700s painting with what looks to be your twin is a largely appealing plot line. She's ok at first, witty and outgoing, but because of her naivety and paranoia - mostly towards Luca - I was never able to really connect with her.Īs for the mystery elements - they're definitely intriguing. Even our main character, Violet, isn't very likeable. They all sort of blend together after a bit - swallowed by their matching arrogance. In fact, I was never really sure if they were actually friends or more like frenemies.

They don't get considerably close or draw any sort of group dynamic.

Unfortunately, their friendship never seems to bloom. Especially how the girls band together against the vicious daughters it feels like the start of a great alliance. I enjoyed this quite a bit at the beginning. We also have fun times: Plenty of parties, dancing, bonding with the girls. Which is a shame because in this setting it had the potential for extreme adorability. I eventually got exasperated by this whole ordeal, never growing to like him, nor did I feel any sort of rush from their romance.

Violet herself spends the bigger part of the book flip flopping between realizing he's a jerk, to fantasizing about him in the same instant. Sure it's got plenty of cute Italian boys, but when these boys go from sweet one minute to condescending the next, I was left feeling very irritated towards them - particularly Luca, the main love interest. I was super in the mood for a fun, cute, romantic story with an engaging mystery mixed in - and in Italy to boot! It started on a good note, but unfortunately, it didn't turn out as expected.

Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson