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Wish You Were Italian
(If Only . . . #2)
by
Pippa has always wanted to go to Italy … but not by herself. And certainly not to sit in art school the entire summer learning about dead guys’ paintings. When she steps off the plane in Rome, she realizes that traveling solo gives her the freedom to do whatever she wants. So it’s arrivederci, boring art program and ciao, hot Italian guys!
Charming, daring, and romantic, Br ...more
Charming, daring, and romantic, Br ...more
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Kristin
It is a standalone. Each book in the If Only romance line is meant to be read independently.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Wish You Were Italian (If Only . . ., #2)
I was lucky enough to beta this book for Kristin, and it's one of the cutest stories I've ever read.
There's ITALY!
And GELATO!
AND HOT BOYS!
Just a warning, ladies, that "sexy local" in the blurb is mine. So hands off!
...more
There's ITALY!
And GELATO!
AND HOT BOYS!
Just a warning, ladies, that "sexy local" in the blurb is mine. So hands off!
...more
I loved working on this book and I'm so excited to be able to share it! Eeeeep!
...more
May 25, 2015
rehathebookghoul
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
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Reading this book was like watching a movie. Excellent job !
Jul 28, 2013
Kathy
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
for-deb,
2014,
rated-pg,
contemporary-ya,
authors-i-like,
world-travel,
favorite-ya,
review-book
Affascinante! This book was totally charming. Maybe it’s because I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, ever since I was very small. I still hope to get there one day, especially after reading this book.
While I think it’s totally insane to send your seventeen-year-old daughter alone to Italy, it did make for a fun plot here. Pippa goes to Italy to study art. Once she arrives she decides to go her own way and explore the country she has always wanted to see and photograph. Pippa was pretty likable, ...more
While I think it’s totally insane to send your seventeen-year-old daughter alone to Italy, it did make for a fun plot here. Pippa goes to Italy to study art. Once she arrives she decides to go her own way and explore the country she has always wanted to see and photograph. Pippa was pretty likable, ...more
TOTES ADORBS! Yup, I said it. (Please don’t tell me husband… I endlessly tease him when he jokingly says anything even close to “adorbs” or “totes”, so this will have to remain our little secret… ;)) I Wish You Were Italian was the type of contemporary story that I love so much. In a reading slump? Looking for a quick story to read on a chilly, rainy afternoon? This is the perfect book to get you through a I-don’t-know-what-to-read-today type of situation. It will leave you smiling and swooning
...more
I'm not going to rate this as I made it less than 50 pages before deciding not to continue. I can't tell if I'm just seriously not in the mood or if I simply dislike Pippa's voice. She comes across as supremely naïve and sheltered, but then she chooses to do this really wild thing with little reason and zero justification. It's like 13 Little Blue Envelopes with a lobotomy (complete with someone giving her nonsensical tasks to do, only instead of an older, wiser aunt, it's her ditzy friend).
...more
I'd like to write a concise, logical review for this book, but I HAVE DIED FROM THE SWOON!
Perfectly paced, lovingly described...and did I mention THE SWOON? I loved this!!! ...more
Perfectly paced, lovingly described...and did I mention THE SWOON? I loved this!!! ...more
Love. Love, love. Love, love. Love. So flipping cute and left me with happy sighs:)
Aug 04, 2018
Natalie
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2018,
summery-reads
I got some serious whiplash from the main character constantly changing her mind about what guy she liked. I also didn’t like that her entire Italian summer was based on a lie, or the way she treated her parents. She went on and on about how horrible her parents were for sending her to summer school in Italy. You know, Italy? A gorgeous Mediterranean paradise? What part of them sending her to Italy makes them horrible people? She lied to her parents for the entire book and it really detracted fr
...more
This was a fun and funny book! I love all things Italian - music, food, history, culture - and I so enjoyed reading about Pippa's spontaneous trip of a lifetime. There is all sorts of typical teenage emotion, but there are a couple of "surprises" along the way and a shock toward the end. I want to travel to Italy and eat all the pizza and gelato I can! ;)
...more
Sep 30, 2013
Princess Bookie
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2014-debut-challenge,
read2014
My Thoughts: I really really loved this one!
I've always wanted to travel somewhere interesting so going on this trip with Pippa was pretty darn cool.
Pippa gets sent away to attend school for a few months but instead she finds herself taking a little adventure. Instead of going to the school she sees the sights such as Rome and a few other little places. Pippa was such a fun character. I loved her voice and I loved how she cared about people.
I also loved her adventures. I liked seeing things righ ...more
I've always wanted to travel somewhere interesting so going on this trip with Pippa was pretty darn cool.
Pippa gets sent away to attend school for a few months but instead she finds herself taking a little adventure. Instead of going to the school she sees the sights such as Rome and a few other little places. Pippa was such a fun character. I loved her voice and I loved how she cared about people.
I also loved her adventures. I liked seeing things righ ...more
An advance copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
This adorable little romp in Italy is exactly what I needed after the more serious and fantastical fare I've been reading lately. Whenever I need a good palate-cleanser, I turn to fluffier YA contemporary novels, and sometimes I hit the jackpot and end up reading really endearing stories like this one. I enjoyed this one so much that it made me not w ...more
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
This adorable little romp in Italy is exactly what I needed after the more serious and fantastical fare I've been reading lately. Whenever I need a good palate-cleanser, I turn to fluffier YA contemporary novels, and sometimes I hit the jackpot and end up reading really endearing stories like this one. I enjoyed this one so much that it made me not w ...more
Wishing I were in Italy
Like I've said before, I think I've got a thing for Italy right now. I don't understand why because I was just there a few weeks ago. I guess I got to back and visit my fam again. Anyways, this was another book in the If Only romance series. Like Not in the Script, it's cute, funny, light and can totally be read as a stand-alone. All these books seem to have in common is the fact that they are adorable, teenage romance novels.
So first the writing. Unlike the other book, ...more
Like I've said before, I think I've got a thing for Italy right now. I don't understand why because I was just there a few weeks ago. I guess I got to back and visit my fam again. Anyways, this was another book in the If Only romance series. Like Not in the Script, it's cute, funny, light and can totally be read as a stand-alone. All these books seem to have in common is the fact that they are adorable, teenage romance novels.
So first the writing. Unlike the other book, ...more
To see full review click on one of the following links:
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Booklikes
I will give this to this book. I was almost, almost willing to give it a pass. When it first started I was able to forgive bad characters, bad decisions, bad everything really because of Rome.
Because any book that features Italy, well, has that to its advantage. Italy can at least hide some of a bad books very obvious flaws. And it was doing a pretty good job with Wish You Were Italian until the love triangle from hell swa ...more
My blog
Booklikes
I will give this to this book. I was almost, almost willing to give it a pass. When it first started I was able to forgive bad characters, bad decisions, bad everything really because of Rome.
Because any book that features Italy, well, has that to its advantage. Italy can at least hide some of a bad books very obvious flaws. And it was doing a pretty good job with Wish You Were Italian until the love triangle from hell swa ...more
This story provided one of the best times I've ever had reading a book. Pippa is a very realistic teenager with a great heart, an awesome personality, and the universal need to find her place in the world. For Pippa, that place happened to be Italy -- where her adventures were amped up on every new page. All of the characters felt very real to me, and I loved the story itself, but the true romance in this book happens when the reader falls in love with Italy! The setting was stunning. The person
...more
A delightful summer romance, perfect for vacation reading! Rae doesn't shy away from dealing with some heavier issues, like family dysfunction, but mixes it in nicely with the romance and humor. I was warned that I would crave gelato while I was reading it, and they weren't lying. I need some, STAT. It also makes me really want to go to Italy! Also, as my devoted readers know, I do not write kissing scenes well, nor do I particularly appreciate them in others' books. (I believe the phrase, Not a
...more
Jul 01, 2013
Dahlia
added it
This was exactly what I wanted it to be - light, fun, and wonderfully descriptive of the great Italian setting. I love the way the passion for Italy comes through here, and that the MC feels it too. I loved her excitement for the culture and history, and the way it felt so true to life and my own experiences when I traveled both as a teen and now. I could've done without constantly wanting to lick my e-reader in the hopes it would taste like gelato, but you win some, you lose some.
...more
Adorable read. Sometimes you just need to swoon and sigh and I did. Many times. Also, I want to visit Italy. Definitely on my goal list!
I love stories like this and can't wait to read what she writes next!! ...more
I love stories like this and can't wait to read what she writes next!! ...more
May 05, 2014
Tiana
added it
Loved! There were some sight-seeing parts that got a little long for me (probably because I have never been there myself to really set the scene) but I loved all the interactions with Darren and Pippa. Super cute read with the just the right amount of sweetness.
Wish You Were Italian Tells the story of Pippa who is upset about being sent off to Italy to attend at a summer art program that she wants nothing to do with. Sure, the idea of going to Italy is wonderful but-
a) She doesn't want to go alone
b) Pippa is into photography not art work
c) She knows this trip is her parents way to get rid of her for the summer so they can focus on opening their own art exhibit.
d) This is her last summer to spend with her best friend Morgan before Senior year starts ...more
At first glance, one may consider this book to be a "cutesy" read wrapped up in a pretty little bow. I admit that I fell victim to that judgement before I even read the first page. But then as I dove into this novel, I soon realized there was so much more to this story than just a summer romance in Italy. The main character Pippa struggles with her own identity, separate from her parent's expectations, and the complexity of what it means to choose your own destiny. There's a strong presence of ...more
There are moments in life when we wish to do something yet our fears hold us back. Can relate? The book I’m reviewing on my blog today might be the one for you!
Wish You Were Italian is the definition of a worthwhile self-discovery. It is a tale that will truly inspire readers (especially teens) to face their fears, go on an adventure, and grab the opportunities that come their way. I really love it when a novel encapsulates everything that a person goes through in life. Not only do readers relat ...more
Wish You Were Italian is the definition of a worthwhile self-discovery. It is a tale that will truly inspire readers (especially teens) to face their fears, go on an adventure, and grab the opportunities that come their way. I really love it when a novel encapsulates everything that a person goes through in life. Not only do readers relat ...more
Be sure to read my full review at What Sarah Read
When I first picked up this book I was expecting a light-hearted “fluffy” read about a young girl travelling through Italy; a story full of adventure (and misadventure), beautiful scenery and, of course, romance. This book definitely delivered on all those points, but what I wasn’t expecting what a touching story of a young woman struggling to find her identity and break free of her parents expectations. The story of Pippa and her voyage of self-d ...more
When I first picked up this book I was expecting a light-hearted “fluffy” read about a young girl travelling through Italy; a story full of adventure (and misadventure), beautiful scenery and, of course, romance. This book definitely delivered on all those points, but what I wasn’t expecting what a touching story of a young woman struggling to find her identity and break free of her parents expectations. The story of Pippa and her voyage of self-d ...more
Jan 14, 2014
Alexa
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Alexa by:
Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner)
Shelves:
friends-with-arcs
FIRST THOUGHTS:
Bonus points for the boy! So. EFFING. Cute. Also, I now want gelato. And to go to Italy.
REVIEW:
There's nothing quite like the warm fuzzies one gets from reading a fun, summery contemporary! Wish You Were Italian is just the type of delightful read I like as the warmer weather starts to arrive. It's got a great cast of characters, a surprisingly compelling story and an amazing exotic locale (actually, more than one of them!). All these elements combined to create an awesome story ...more
Bonus points for the boy! So. EFFING. Cute. Also, I now want gelato. And to go to Italy.
REVIEW:
There's nothing quite like the warm fuzzies one gets from reading a fun, summery contemporary! Wish You Were Italian is just the type of delightful read I like as the warmer weather starts to arrive. It's got a great cast of characters, a surprisingly compelling story and an amazing exotic locale (actually, more than one of them!). All these elements combined to create an awesome story ...more
Jul 12, 2014
Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Light, fun, and totally sweet, Wish You Were Italian was a true delight. From the wonderfully described Italian scenery, to the adorable romance, this book was fantastic. Loved it!
The best part of this book, hands down, was the wonderful description of the Italian sites the characters visit. Not only the visual of the monuments, but the awestruck feeling you get when you see something so old and magnificent. The author did a great job encompassing what it feels like to see the ancient sites, whi ...more
The best part of this book, hands down, was the wonderful description of the Italian sites the characters visit. Not only the visual of the monuments, but the awestruck feeling you get when you see something so old and magnificent. The author did a great job encompassing what it feels like to see the ancient sites, whi ...more
I have never been a huge contemporary fan. I usually end up finding them a little silly and over the top. But every once in a while I get in the mood to read one. I am so happy that I decided to read Wish You Were Italian! The story was absolutely adorable, the characters were so much fun, the writing was fast paced and interesting and everything felt so realistic! If every contemporary was like this one, I would be a fan for life!
Pippa is forced to attend on art program in Florence, Italy for ...more
Pippa is forced to attend on art program in Florence, Italy for ...more
Pippa goes to Italy for a really cool summer school art course. Pippa ditches said course for hot guys! Pippa decides between hot guy #1, Darren, an American with curly hair and a chipped tooth and hot guy #2, Bruno, an Italian with an 8 pack and a problem with consent. Pippa's life is so very hard.
Ignoring the fact that this book creates huge unrealistic for Italy, the parts where Pippa described Italy was gorgeous. Slightly overdone but still the prose was nice.
Everything else about this book ...more
Ignoring the fact that this book creates huge unrealistic for Italy, the parts where Pippa described Italy was gorgeous. Slightly overdone but still the prose was nice.
Everything else about this book ...more
3.5 stars. After I finished Not in the Script yesterday, I picked this up from the library and stayed up late reading. I hate to compare it to NITS, since they are totally different stories by different authors, but I must say I preferred NITS to Wish You Were Italian.
Still, it's set in Italy! I did a semester in London, so I could kinda picture what Pippa's adventure would be like. It seemed a bit sad that her parents seriously didn't figure out where she was for so long. I would totally freak ...more
Still, it's set in Italy! I did a semester in London, so I could kinda picture what Pippa's adventure would be like. It seemed a bit sad that her parents seriously didn't figure out where she was for so long. I would totally freak ...more
I love the first line of the blurb--Pippa has always wanted to go to Italy...but not by herself. Well, by herself is exactly what she got. I was amazed that Pippa's parents would sent her there by herself--she is only seventeen, after all. I barely send my sixteen year old to the store by himself, let alone halfway across the world. Anyway...Pippa isn't too excited about going, since she almost feels forced into it. Her best friend is determined to help her make the best of it by giving her a jo
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Adult Conte...: #7 Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae | 2 | 8 | Feb 13, 2017 07:20AM | |
| Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 1 | Jun 30, 2016 07:27PM |
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“Did you already forget how to promise?” I worm my pinkie around his and squeeze.
He squeezes back and lowers our joined hands to the bed. My heartbeat is strong in my ears. Do I pull away first? Do I wait for him to? What if he doesn’t? What if we fall asleep like this?
“I promise I don’t write mushy, girly stuff,” he says. “I just like to keep track of what’s going on, you know? The places I go, the things I find. The people I meet.”
I could be imagining it, but the hold on my hand seems to be tighter.
“I know one day I’ll want to look back,” he continues, “and I don’t trust my memory alone to remember everything. What’s important to me right now might not be later, but that doesn’t mean I want to forget it.” He yawns and his eyes get watery, tired.
I fight the temptation to yawn myself. “I think you’ve just made an excellent case for diaries. Maybe I’ll start keeping one.”
He yawns again and his grip on my pinkie loosens, but we’re still mostly hooked together. “It looked like you already were,” he says in a fading whisper. His eyes drift closed.
I stare at his relaxed face, pale in the dim light. Nearly asleep, he looks vulnerable. Like I could tell him anything I wanted and he wouldn’t remember it in the morning.
When I first met him, I thought he was attractive but not in an omg-he’s-the-most-gorgeous-thing-I’ve-ever-seen way. But somehow, now that I know him, how his light brown eyes can sear right through me, how the corner of his mouth turns up when he laughs, how he blushes when he’s caught wearing a headband, I can see that he really is beautiful.
His hand twitches and his breathing slows, deep and heavy. In an instant he’s fallen asleep, and I’ve fallen even harder for him.”
—
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He squeezes back and lowers our joined hands to the bed. My heartbeat is strong in my ears. Do I pull away first? Do I wait for him to? What if he doesn’t? What if we fall asleep like this?
“I promise I don’t write mushy, girly stuff,” he says. “I just like to keep track of what’s going on, you know? The places I go, the things I find. The people I meet.”
I could be imagining it, but the hold on my hand seems to be tighter.
“I know one day I’ll want to look back,” he continues, “and I don’t trust my memory alone to remember everything. What’s important to me right now might not be later, but that doesn’t mean I want to forget it.” He yawns and his eyes get watery, tired.
I fight the temptation to yawn myself. “I think you’ve just made an excellent case for diaries. Maybe I’ll start keeping one.”
He yawns again and his grip on my pinkie loosens, but we’re still mostly hooked together. “It looked like you already were,” he says in a fading whisper. His eyes drift closed.
I stare at his relaxed face, pale in the dim light. Nearly asleep, he looks vulnerable. Like I could tell him anything I wanted and he wouldn’t remember it in the morning.
When I first met him, I thought he was attractive but not in an omg-he’s-the-most-gorgeous-thing-I’ve-ever-seen way. But somehow, now that I know him, how his light brown eyes can sear right through me, how the corner of his mouth turns up when he laughs, how he blushes when he’s caught wearing a headband, I can see that he really is beautiful.
His hand twitches and his breathing slows, deep and heavy. In an instant he’s fallen asleep, and I’ve fallen even harder for him.”
“Room here,” she says, proceeding to draw a line of the route. It doesn’t look too far.
I stand, taking the map from her, and manage to get out a comprehensible “Grazie,” which my Rick Steves’ Phrase Book says is actually pronounced graht-seeay. Who knew? She smiles again and everything seems to be perfect until I lose my mind and give her a slight bow. I’m in Europe, not Asia.”
—
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More quotes…
I stand, taking the map from her, and manage to get out a comprehensible “Grazie,” which my Rick Steves’ Phrase Book says is actually pronounced graht-seeay. Who knew? She smiles again and everything seems to be perfect until I lose my mind and give her a slight bow. I’m in Europe, not Asia.”
