The Book of Love

Love in Italy, Book 1

De: Leslie Pike

Narrado por: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

Opposites ignite in this sizzling, heartfelt, and irresistibly fun reverse age-gap romance from USA Today bestselling author Leslie Pike. Luca Dragoni has always been larger than life—charming, confident, and a little too sure of himself. Back in high school, he was the dreamer with his head in the clouds, hopelessly infatuated with Caroline Watson, the poised and untouchable queen of his teenage fantasies. Two years older and worlds apart, she was everything he wasn’t: grounded, serious, and achingly out of reach.

A decade later, fate brings them together again—this time in the sun-drenched streets of Rome. Luca is no longer the boy she once knew; he’s a man who lives life unapologetically, chasing freedom, passion, and every thrill that comes his way. Caroline, now a woman shaped by life’s hardships, is still the loyal, kind soul he remembers, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground, and her heart is guarded because of the scars from her past.

When their worlds collide, sparks fly. Luca’s carefree spirit clashes with Caroline’s practicality, but the magnetic pull between them is electric. He’s determined to show her that life is more than just survival, while she challenges him to grow up and find purpose. Can two people with such different outlooks on life find a way to make love last? Or is their passionate connection destined to be temporary?

©2025 Leslie Pike (P)2025 Leslie Pike

Zipping electricity

2025
"Let's not require an excuse to hold hands"

Una Meia, this sexy italian popsicle of a man called Luca Dragoni has knocked my socks off with his handsome, charming accent, so brilliantly done by Joe Arden. But sadly he's besotted by older Caroline Watson, whose heart is dead stone. Until the Positano's paradise vibe starts to thaw her. The food, the wine, the sand, the Mediterranean and sexy as sin Luca make her melt like olive oil.
What a way to come back to life, *sigh* Maxine matches tone to tone with Joe in narration.
Addictive tale of passion that heals and revives
5 stars for crackling electricity

Heartwarming Story! Amazing Audio

words cannot describe how much is book made me feel. it's such a beautiful love story that made my heart fill with warmth and made me long for Italy. Maxine and Joe once again did an amazing job at performing Luca and Carolyn!

Love and Italy

This is a darling love story. It’s a young love that evolves into real love. Luca and Caroline just had to wait for the right timing.

It’s not just romantic love we get within the pages, but familial love. It’s a nice way to show that love of family, culture and traditions set the foundations for a solid life. This story also showcases that forgiveness is a key ingredient in true happiness.

I did giggle a lot listening to Lucas’ inner dialogue and machismo. There were times he sounded so Italian and other times he sounded so hilarious. I appreciated the dynamic of opposites attract and it was spot on with this love story.

If there was one little thing that left me a bit disgruntled, it was that I wanted some justice for the great injustice committed against Caroline. I don’t want to give a spoiler, and it was just briefly mentioned, however it was too important to leave just hanging.

Lastly, does it ever get any better than listening to the Queen and King of voice acting? No it really doesn’t! Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden are joy to my ears.

A Love 10 Years in the Making

Luca and Caroline! Great love story. Low angst, just a man working hard to win the girl he knew he wanted since he first saw her in high school. Life happens but love prevails. Luca isn’t afraid to show his emotions and does everything he can to win his sweet Caroline. Perfect HEA and a sweet journey to get there.

Take me to it Italy

ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Love In Italy• Book 1

Narrated in dual By:
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell

Travel
Second chance
Childhood crush
Reverse Age Gap
He Falls First
Vacation Romance
Opposites Attraction

Someone take me to Italy please!
What a fun adventure to go on with Leslie Pike’s beautiful writing and Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden narrating.
Since they were 15 Luca has crushed on Caroline but as life moves quickly nothing came of the school boy crush, but 10 years later when Luca hears a familiar voice in his uncles? hat shop, it’s the beautiful Caroline all grown up. Hesitant on the re connection Caroline’s walls are up high, but slowly Luca pushes his way into her heart and from that moment on, nothing else matters.
This was such a sweet story, with so many beautiful tender family moments between both characters, something I love about Leslie’s writing is the joy she brings out of the families. Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden were so fun to listen to with their Italian accents, I highly enjoyed this dual narration for the fact that we got to experience both Joe and Maxine’s range with the accents. Today is a beautiful sunny day where I live and this book was the exact vibe I needed, I am jumping right into the next book, The Adventure as I am not ready to leave Italy.

Thank you Lara for the opportunity to listen and review.