A perfect summer/escapist read with gorgeous beaches, beautiful villas and stunning scenery.

Lola, fresh from a bad relationship, is attending her best friend’s wedding on the island of Sardinia. Also attending is Rhys, the groom’s best friend, with relationship problems of his own.

This was a good and believable fake dating experience with so many hilarious pre-wedding shenanigans from various groups at the wedding.

The description of the island will make you want to visit and is a testament to the author’s descriptive prowess.

I loved the various themes explored throughout the book- friendship, strength, courage, starting over, love and family.

The characters are very relatable and I was particularly rooting for the main characters as they navigate through the mess of their respective previous relationships.

I would recommend this to enjoy while on the beach or anywhere you read to escape from reality.

I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.

Let me start by saying that I really enjoy reading books by Kate Frist. Especially the ones that take place in Greece.
This book seems to center around Sardinia so I was excited to see what the change of location would bring. The first 3-4 chapters of this book were so frenetic with tons of characters partying at the bachelorette and bachelor party as well as the fallout from those, that I decided I was not finishing this book at chapter 6. It was too much and not an enjoyable read.

I am giving this 3 stars however because while it’s not my cup of tea, I have no doubt there will be many that enjoy the drama.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Lola Wild and Rhys Strickland are inadvertently drawn together when they attend the wedding of their best friends on the beautiful island of Sardinia. With their own love lives not going too well, Lola and Rhys decide to keep each other company without the fear of a romantic relationship coming between them however, fate has a fickle way of interfering and soon the beauty of the island starts to work its magic.

This is a really lovely summery story which captured my imagination from the start. I particularly enjoyed the glorious setting of Sardinia, with its azure blue sea, endless sunshine and the excitement of the coming wedding between Mirabel and Fab. All the trials and tribulations that go with organising a romantic wedding sit comfortably alongside the burgeoning friendship between Lola and Rhys and the deliciousness of a will they, won’t they friends to lovers romance. There are some darker elements to the story which add depth but ultimately it’s a beautiful love story between two rather special people who deserve a second chance at love.

The Island of Hopes and Dreams is the perfect summer holiday read with delightful characters who stay with you long after the story is finished.

I seem to have fallen in love with falling in love in the pages. I found this to be a pleasant story of Rhys and Lola navigating through a love pact to just get through a 10-day wedding. This isn't a rom-com where things go terribly wrong; it's a mature and so endearing story of two people who have lost themselves due to other people.

One thing I adored about this book, the narrator. I love listening to Mira Dovreni narrate, and one thing I noted was that you could hear her smile when she was reading the book. She was just like me, smiling as we watched two people fall in love with each but more importantly...themselves. They were a product of what had happened to them, and they just couldn't see it until they saw it in each other.

Not going to lie, the cover drew me in and then knowing I had an audiobook to listen to was second. The story is what won me over, and the writing sealed the deal. Kate drew on everyday experiences. The longing, the lust, the closeness of people. She gave them a couple of roadblocks for sure, but this book could be real life; it wasn't far-fetched and unbelievable, it wasn't what you just saw in the movies. I felt this could be a real experience, and for that reason, I just adored it. I just didn't like my namesake!! LOL.

Now I must go, I have a holiday to Sardinia to book!!

The Island of Hopes and Dreams by Kate Frost

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

With the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

My Opinion

Kate Frost has written some delightful novels and The Island of Hopes and Dreams really lived up to my expectations. This is a book that I would highly recommend as it was such an uplifting read. With some great descriptions this book will whisk you away to Sardinia.

Rating 4/5

Thank you netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read a copy of this book. A thoroughly enjoyable book set in most idyllic sounding Sardinia. A group of family and friends are staying in Sardinia to prepare for a wedding, two of the group, Lola and Rhys, decide to become a fake couple to try and stop their friends matchmaking. A great story well worth giving a read.

I loved being transported to Sardinia and Kate Frost captures the essence of a place so well that if you haven’t already visited, it will jump onto your bucket list.

The characters are skilfully drawn and the hurt Lola feels after being in a controlling relationship, will resonate with many readers. The classic fallout symptoms of guilt, shame and not being able to trust again are all sensitively dealt with and I enjoyed watching her blossoming relationship with Rhys.

Kate is a skilled novelist who offers an escape to a sun kissed island, a perfect summer read.

I love Kate Frost's books and feel this one is the best I have read. Wonderful narratives, lovely setting and descriptions. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Lola Wild, 32, has a stalker ex, Rhys Strickland, 33 has problems with an ex-girlfriend. They meet in Sardinia at the luxury wedding of common pals and enter into a fake relationship to keep said exes at bay. Obviously, it doesn't quite work like that, but I'm sure you're not surprised.

This is a quite a predictable account of a friends group holiday abroad, with minor dramas. There is nothing per se wrong with this book but it didn't hold my interest. It doesn't pass the Bechtel test and is really a one-note story. I also don't like this obsession with weddings. Not everyone needs to get married. Lola's ex is horrendous but I also thought Lola's friendship group was a bit vacuous.

This is an easy beach read that won't trouble your brain cells unduly so if you're looking for something light-hearted in a sunny clime, you can wile away a few hours on this forgettable fare.

Lola Wild has just come out of a really bad relationship so spending time with her friends on a hen's weekend is exactly what she needs. However, she also knows that this is the beginning of more change. Her best friend, Mirabel, is getting married in Sardinia and then she is staying there permanently. All of her other friends have established lives, married, with or without children as per their own choices. And here is Lola, with a great job in the music industry, but single. She hasn't really even shared what really happened with her ex, Jarek with any of them. They know bits and pieces but not the whole story.

What she probably doesn't really need is their friendly encouragement to hook up with someone while they are at the wedding destination. The last time that happened it was a disaster, and Lola doesn't need any more stories. It's a funny story now, but it definitely wasn't at the time.

By the time everyone arrives in Sardinia a month later she is ready, or at least she thinks she is. Everyone has come together to spend some time with the happy couple in the days leading up to the wedding. There is drama, of course, especially between the parents of the happy couple who aren't really getting along that well.

When she meets the groom's friend Rhys, she sees an opportunity to protect herself from the interference of her well-meaning friends. If she and Rhys can pretend that they have hooked up, there will be no more in appropriate suggestions. Rhys has his own reasons for agreeing to the arrangement. His ex has now coupled up with one of his old mates, and they are very much rubbing it in his face. It's just an uncomfortable situation all round.

Rhys isn't Lola's normal type. She normally goes for the really good looking, buff guys. Not that Rhys isn't good looking. He's just quiet, a man who loves crafting things out of wood, and a teacher. He is, however, also trying to figure out what he wants from life. Does he want to continue teaching or is there something else in his future?

When Lola receives texts from an unknown number and messages, she starts to get concerned that maybe Jarek knows where she is. She is, however, determined to have a great time and focus on her time in Sardinia and her best friend's wedding.

I have read a number of Kate Frost books now, and I really love how she includes the destination in her books. Sardinia is front and centre here, and had me wishing that I could go and spend time on the island.

I also loved the friendship dynamics, particularly among Lola's friends. It was more complication with Rhys's group but they still found a way to support each other. I loved seeing how everyone came together to support and protect Lola when she needed it.

I wanted to specifically mention the ending of this book, although no spoilers. Before he met Lola, Rhys had made some plans of what he was going to be doing for the next few months. I really liked that those plans weren't changed just because he had now met Lola. They had to work to build their budding relationship. It wasn't just...and now they live happily ever after. At least not straight away.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

I enjoyed reading The Island of Hopes and Dreams by Kate Frost. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

The Island of Hopes and Dreams enchanted me, lifted my spirits, and reminded me of the importance of friends. The story is wholesome but also includes past trauma that affects both main characters, Lola Wild and Rhys Strickland. Both are single, having not been in relationships in some time, however, the phantoms of their latest breakups threaten around around corner.

Lola unceremoniously left her ex after realizing his controlling nature. Unfortunately, she didn't leave before he broke her spirit, obliterated her confidence, and created a chasm between her and her family and friends. Lola's friends are well-meaning but continue to pressure her to find love. She's not allowed herself to open up nor is she willing to look for love, despite her friends' attempts. Her best friend, Mirabel's, wedding in Sardinia is a chance to escape the oppressive atmosphere, relax, unwind, and celebrate. If only that were true.

Rhys was left broken-hearted by someone he loved. He's spend the last few months trying to come to terms with the end of the relationship. However, who he thought was the love of his life is part of his friend group. He now has to be around her during the pre-wedding and wedding festivities. The time spent in Sardinia to celebrate Fabs' marriage to Mirabel is supposed to be special but revelations regarding his ex and one of his friends attempts to spoil the celebration.

Lola and Rhys are drawn to one another. When they find solace away from one of the first events of the week, it's unknowingly at the same location. A connection is made and, in an effort for Lola to get her friends off her back, and for Rhys to try and mask his unease, they form a fake relationship.

I absolutely adored The Island of Hopes and Dreams. While significantly focusing on Lola and Rhys, there are other themes threaded throughout the book. There is the wedding, of course, but even that comes with issues. I love the union of both friend groups and how they get along. The author wrote a wonderful story of learning to work through the past so it doesn't affect your present or future. The characters were perfectly crafted, three-dimensional, and created with depth, personality, and purpose. The setting was well-described, providing a very romantic atmosphere. This story is entertaining and I was engaged from the very beginning.

Another romance by Kate set on a beautiful island. This time friends gather in Sardinia to celebrate the wedding of Fabs and Mirabel. They each have their own set of friends. Mirabel’s friends are all female and Fabs are all male with one notable exception. She even went on the stag do. There’s a lot of back story to certain characters from many years ago. The actual cast of characters is extensive and there’s a lot going on. Some tough subjects are part of the narrative. Will Lola and Rhys become friends? Will their fake ‘love pact’ work out? The time after Sardinia is very interesting.

Kate Frost works her literary magic with every amazing book she writes. She invites us to beautiful and exotic locales that we can only dream of visiting. I am so thankful I found her wonderful books because I have become a world traveler without leaving my beach chair. Her latest romantic getaway takes us to Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea where the water is turquoise blue and the gentle breezes whisper on the white sand beaches. This is what paradise looks like and for Lola and Rhys it was the place where dreams came true as love snuck up on them like waves in a storm.

I was cheering for them from the moment they met on the “moon-bathed dock” where they both escaped to find a little peace and quiet after a long travel day. Rhys was smitten for Lola from the get-go, but knew he was way out of her league. When Lola proposed that they should fake-date while on Santorini for their best friend's wedding, he was shocked, but quickly agreed to her mischievous plan. Rhys thanked the stars above for sending Lola to him and vowed to make the most of every moment they had together. Of course, their fake dating became more as the romantic wedding destination cast a magical spell on the unsuspecting couple. Rhys felt like he had known Lola forever and when she needed to be rescued, he was right there by her side. The wedding of their friends Fabs and Mirabel was lavish, but also simple, as the happy couple began their new life together. Rhys and Lola’s time on Santorini was coming to an end, and they had to face reality once again. Will their bubble of happiness continue to surround them once they get home or will life and distance just get in the way?

Lola wants to move on with her life. Still recovering from a toxic relationship, she is determined to support her best friend, who is getting married in Sardinia. Lola, unsurprisingly, has trust issues, and she is determined not to fall in love again. Rhys wants to live his best life after an unexpected breakup, but his friend's forthcoming marriage means he has to face his ex again. At the pre-wedding celebrations, Lola and Rhys meet, and what starts as a way of saving face in Rhys' case and avoiding her friends' matchmaking efforts in Lola's blossoms into a friendship that promises so much more. It's a story with some familiar tropes, including a best friend's wedding, a fake relationship, and forced proximity. Still, this story offers a unique perspective and has a menacing undertone in the form of Lola's abusive ex. It's an emotional story with an engaging balance of friendship and angst. I like the romantic setting, the believable friendship dynamic and the gradual emotional commitment between Lola and Rhys.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

“The Island of Hopes and Dreams” by Kate Frost tells the story of Lola Wild and Rhys Strickland who are part of the festivities at their best friends’ extravagant wedding in Sardinia. Lola is recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship and Rhys was devastated to learn his ex is now engaged to one of his friends. At the wedding, they agree to pretend to be “into” each other to get their friends off their backs to move on with their lives. Of course, the sparks between them do begin to fly.

I enjoyed this book, although it took a little while for me to get into the story. But now I definitely want to visit Sardinia one day! Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

The Island of Hopes and Dreams by Kate Frost was a beautifully written book from start to finish which made it a perfect read for any time of the year. Just open your kindle/book and begin to dream of walking on white sand beaches and listening to the sea. You will be transported to the beautiful island paradise of Sardinia,
This was a perfect read and just what I needed to read, whilst sitting in my garden in the shade listening to the birds singing, This is the second book I have read from this author and I just love the way she writes - this book is so magical, a beautiful read about friendships and love. . . . . . I loved it

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books

This was definitely a cute closed-door romance and perfect for summer! I really enjoyed Rhys and Lola fake dating but also becoming friends in the process. They got to know each other so well and was glad that there was no third act breakup or anything super dramatic like that. Their love felt natural and just a perfect summer read.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Lola has recently come out of a relationship in which she wasn’t happy, she’s hesitant to find another boyfriend. Her friend Mirabel is getting married in Sardinia..

With her other friends in loving relationships Lola feels like she doesn’t fit in with them.

Then she meets Rhys, who is the best friend of Mirabel’s fiancé. He too is in the same situation and wants not to have his friends trying to find home a girlfriend.

They decide to have a fake relationship in order for their friends to not try fixing them up with someone. But as they are faking being together, they begin to have real feelings for each other.

We get to know about what happened in Lola’s previous relationship and how she feels seeing her friends happy in theirs. We also get to know more about Rhys.

I feel readers will relate to Lola. The story how important it is to be honest with friends and how this helps when you’re feeling vulnerable.

I loved the setting and the characters. There was a lot happening throughout the story which had you turning the pages.

I recommend this book.

Lola and Rhys are strangers travelling to Sardinia for a holiday culminating in their respective friend's lavish wedding. Lola is struggling after splitting with her domineering boyfriend, and her friends keep trying to match her with prospective boyfriends. Rhys is also struggling after his girlfriend left him - for another of his friends and they will both also be at the wedding. When Lola and Rhys meet they decide on a love pact, pretending they are together, so that they can be left alone.
The setting certainly sounds idyllic, especially as the groom's family are rich and they are all staying in luxury accommodation. I felt for both Lola and Rhys, it certainly helps me having a male main character that I can relate to. There are some wilder parties going on that I'd certainly be too old to enjoy, but there are no explicit spicy scenes that some readers might object to. The story shows how important it is to talk to one another and also the power of friendship. A good book to enjoy whilst sitting in the sun or equally sitting by the fireside remembering sunnier times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.