Book Review: It Takes Two by Lily Zante

Italian Summer Book 1

Rona's story, the first in the Italian Summer Series Rona Fernández left Verona with a clutch of happy memories. Her late night and frequent visits to the charming Gioberti's restaurant had raised some eyebrows but nobody was overly suspicious of why she would go alone each evening.

Not even her husband.

But back in Denver discontent soon pushes its way back into Rona's world and life soon pales in comparison to the memories of heady nights in Italy.

Married and still looking hot despite a baby and almost seven years of marriage, Rona prides herself on looking good and getting noticed. It's just a shame that her hard-working husband is too busy working to pay her much attention.

So when her sister asks for her help, back in Verona, how can she refuse? Especially when Gioberti's restaurant and its intriguing customers provide a pull for her that she finds hard to ignore.

After all, a harmless flirtation every now and then isn't such a bad thing. As long it stays that way.

But what happens when reality doesn't live up to expectations? Will it be too late to realize that what she had all along was far more precious than the things she thought she wanted?

Maybe winning her husband back will be the hardest thing of all...

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My Review:

This book was really hard on my emotions to read. I’m not a parent, so I wasn’t able to connect with that aspect of Rona’s life, but the feelings of a neglected wife resonated with me. I found it very easy to understand why she would make so many unwise decisions. I’m not sure I got a good feel for who Carlos was, though. He’s working hard to do the best for his family financially, but it felt to me like that was all the effort he was putting in to his family. What I couldn’t understand was why Rona was the only one everyone blamed. Yes, she was being selfish and made some very bad decisions in the moment, but the reasons she made those decisions were still valid. And maybe it all comes down to my own worldview. My experiences lead me to view this story from the perspective of the partner that felt left behind. And I know very well that in any relationship, it takes both partners to get anywhere – good or bad.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the boxed set.