It Takes a Villa by Kilby Blades: Review

Sometimes you grab a book simply because the cover calls to you. Thisd charming cover called to me. Plus a trip to Italy! Who wouldn’t what that?

Check out my thoughts on this book below, due to publish this spring.

It Takes a Villa by Kilby Blades
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Amara (May 24, 2022)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1649372086

Synopsis:
For the reasonable price of $1, Natalie Malone just bought herself an abandoned villa on the Amalfi Coast. With a detailed spreadsheet and an ancient key, she’s arrived in Italy ready to renovate―and only six months to do it. Which seemed reasonable until architect Pietro Indelicato began critically watching her every move…

From the sweeping ocean views to the scent of the lemon trees, there’s nothing Pietro loves more than his hometown. And after seeing too many botched jobs and garish design choices, he’s done watching from the sidelines. As far as he’s concerned, Natalie should quit before the project drains her entire bank account and her ridiculously sunny optimism.

With Natalie determined to move forward, the gorgeous architect reluctantly agrees to pitch in, giving her a real chance to succeed. But when the fine print on Natalie’s contract is brought to light, she might have no choice but to leave her dream, and Pietro, behind.

It Takes a Villa by Kilby Blades Review

The author certainly captured me with the sweeping detailed views of the area where this lovely story is set. Ocean views, old timeless construction, charming towns that surround the Amalfi coast. It makes you want to sell everything, pack up, and go! Richly detailed, you get swept away by your dreams while reading this one.

Blades also gives us many strong points regarding the reality of taking on a huge project of updating old properties and starting over in a small town that is struggling to survive. A completely different way of living, the clashes of old ideas versus new, and the reality that six months is nothing when you are working on a massive undertaking.

The author had me with the overall story and the details but lost me with the annoying and unnecessary drama towards the end. The slow to develop romance was sweet but she killed it with a really strange and abrupt ending. Not sure why that happened.

Generally a great story concept, lovely characters, and a sweet romance. Fix the ending and it would be golden!

3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.