I really enjoyed this wonderful romance set in gorgeous Sardinia. The main characters were so lovely and real and I especially loved Rhys - the shy teacher who tries to overcome his self doubts. The couple was just perfect for each other and I loved reading how they realised it themselves.

The setting on Sardinia was something special and was so beautifully described.

I think this is my favourite Kate Frost novel to date!

The book tells the story of Lola and Rhys who are both guests at a huge 10-day wedding-vacation on Sardinia. Both are still hurt from past relationships and since their friends always try to set them up with somebody they decide to fake-date in order to get them off their backs. But of course fake-dating hardly ever stays fake in romance books...
I liked the story and could relate to the main characters but I felt that the story was too slow-burn. Even though the main story takes place over only a ten-day-period I felt there was a lot of to-and-fro. The setting of course is gorgeous and makes you want to visit Sardinia on your next vacation.
All in all an entertaining summer romance.

This is a great holiday read, the descriptions of Sardinia and the luxurious villas are beautiful. I found Rhys unrealistic (especially for a teacher), and the storyline was fairly predictable but non the less enjoyable.

Londoner Lola has just escaped a bad relationship, and is bound for the luxurious wedding of her best friend, Mirabel, on the island of Sardinia. Not only will Lola be losing her work colleague and best friend to Italy, but she knows she will have to endure the invasive set-up attempts of her friends during this wedding trip.

When she meets Rhys, who is licking his wounds after a painful breakup, they both realize a “fake dating scenario” can benefit them both. When wedding drama ensues and Lola’s ex continues to torment her, she relies on Rhys’ solid presence. Could the fake dating set-up be the first step to something more?

An enjoyable story, with Mediterranean breezes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

Lola seems to be the only one in her friendship group who is single. As best friend Mirabel's wedding approaches she is both looking forward to it and slightly dreading it. After all, her friends are always trying to set her up with a man, whether she wants it or not. If you can ignore the bizarre character names and the over-privileged nature of the wedding events, this is a great story on many levels. We have a classic over protective Italian mother, too much drinking leading to emotional outbursts and an abusive relationship. Nicely crafted and a good read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I believe this may be the first book I've read set on the island of Sardinia, and that automatically made me extra keen to read it, as I do love discovering new locations.

And Kate Frost has made Sardinia sound totally stunning and a wonderful sounding holiday destination. I think I will need to add it to my list of places to look at for holidays in the future.

As a big lover of fake dating, I was delighted to see some of that in this novel too where Lola and Rhys are both trying to avoid the glare of their friends meddling, in the lead up to the wedding they are all in Sardinia to celebrate.

Rhys is an absolute doll of a man, he's down to earth and all around lovely. Not the most obvious man to go for out of the group that includes some Italian hunks but there is something about him that I couldn't help but fall for. He's also dealing with the fact that his ex-love of his life is now dating another of his friends, and they are all at this wedding.

Lola though has an even more problematic recent dating record. The specific incident that is keeping her friends entertained was rather embarrassing, and before that her previous ex was a total and utter nightmare. And one she is trying her hardest not to reveal to everyone.

Lola's storyline in particular adds a lot of depth to this novel, which balances out the lightness of the wedding and its lead up.

I loved seeing the two groups of friends start to get to know each other, as well as seeing Mirabel and Fabs get ready for their pending nuptials.

There is a fabulous cast of characters, gorgeous setting and all around highly enjoyable and entertaining story.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book centers on Lola and her close-knit group of friends. When one of them gets engaged, they all gather for a destination weekend to celebrate. Lola is still reeling from a painful past relationship, while Rhys is dealing with the awkwardness of his ex-girlfriend leaving him for one of his friends—tensions that add some emotional weight to their gathering.

Although the book is charming, it’s also quite predictable. It was an easy, light read, but not one of my favorites overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC.

'The Island of Hopes and Dreams' was the first novel I have read by Kate Frost - thank you to Netgalley for my ARC (this has not affected my review). Lola is recently out of a negative (borderline abusive) relationship. Her best friend, Mirabel, is about to get married, and Lola has hidden the truth from her friends as she supports Mirabel. Her friends are keen to set her up with a new boyfriend, so in the lead up to the wedding she meets one of the groom's friends who is also in a similar position (his ex left him for a friend and both are also part of the wedding party). They have pact - to pretend to fall for each other to stop the well-meaning match making. A great holiday read, the careful plot puts this above the average escapist read - whilst it ends with hope there are several dramatic twists along the way.

I really enjoyed this one. A lot of interesting characters in Lola, Rhys, Mirabel, Fabs and many more. The story centres on a wedding in Sardinia and all that involves with families meeting for the first time. What made it more enjoyable for me is that I have read it while holidaying in Italy on the shores of Lake Garda.

The story centers on Lola, newly single and skeptical about love, who travels to Sardinia for her best friend Mirabel’s wedding. Surrounded by couples and picture-perfect lives, Lola feels like an outsider—until she meets Rhys, the groom’s best friend, who’s also craving a break from the pressure. Together, they agree to fake a relationship to keep everyone at bay—but their connection soon begins to feel very real.

Although the fake-dating setup is well-trodden territory, Frost makes it fresh with well-drawn characters and emotional nuance. Lola’s personal journey—shaped by past trauma, self-doubt, and the discomfort of watching others seemingly have it all—is handled with honesty and care. Rhys isn’t just a romantic interest; he’s given his own backstory and depth, making their growing bond believable and rewarding.

For anyone navigating their thirties and feeling out of step with those around them, Lola’s experience will feel especially relevant. The book also gently highlights the value of open, honest conversations and how much we all benefit from connection and vulnerability. A delightful, thoughtful romance full of heart, humor, and scenic charm—perfect for readers who enjoy emotional journeys with a satisfying, hopeful ending.

Another wonderful read from Kate Frost! Her descriptive narrative and relaxed style of writing take you to wherever her book is set - in this case, the beautiful island of Sardinia, in Italy.

Not only does she write relatable characters, she also tackles difficult topics in a sensitive way.

You can almost feel the sun on your skin and hear the waves lapping on the beach, the sand beneath your feet, and the romantic allure of the island, as the story unfolds.

Kate Frost's books are perfect for travelling the world, her words evoking the sights, scents, and sounds of each place she takes you to visit. The Island of Hopes and Dreams is truly magical. Highly recommend!

Plot: Lola’s friend Mirabel is marrying Fabs on the island of Sardinia. Lola is trying to escape her ex who has been stalking her. At the same time her besties are trying to hook her up with a hot Italian. Fabs’ best friend Rhys just found out his ex, Zoe, is dating one of his best friends. Since they are all in Sardinia for the wedding, it’s hard to escape the hurtful reminder. When Lola and Rhys happen to meet up one evening, confiding in one another, they make a dating pact. They pretend to date to get Lola’s friends off her back and to show Zoe he has moved on. However, they don’t expect to fall in love.

My Thoughts: I love reading books set in other countries as I get to learn about other cultures. What we call a bachelor/bachelorette party, they call a hen do and stag do. This was a cute story with the right amount of drama. I would’ve been ok with a little more spice, but overall it was cute. I did feel the part with the stalker-ex was a bit of a letdown. He was pretty mild to me.

What to Expect:
-fake dating
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-confident FMC vs insecure MMC
-fade to black

‘ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really enjoyable romance with a hero and heroine who really engaged my interest and a foreign setting which was so evocative, I felt I was actually there.
I loved Lola and Rhys story and the development of a journey for both of them but I did find the large cast of characters somewhat overwhelming. I have noticed a recent trend for books to have a cast of thousands (yes, I know I’m exaggerating!) and in some case, there are simply too many characters to capture my interest and this book was one of those.

The author is an excellent writer and I’ll read more of her books.

Lola and Rhys have something in common; they want to avoid being set up by their friends at wedding they are both attending in Sardinia! So they make a love pact - they will pretend to get together so their well meaning friends leave them alone. This initially works really well, but their exes involvement complicates the situation, but probably not as much as the fact that, over the time they are in Sardinia they fall in love. But each is plagued by the question: 'Is it only me...'

This is a perfect book to read on your summer holidays, evoking hot days, wonderful food and beautiful scenery. I think the Sardinian tourist board should be paying Kate Frost as, I for one, have Sardinia on the list for my next holiday! The characters were likeable and relatable and the situations well set up. There were twists and turns, some of which you could see coming, others which took me by surprise. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for other titles by this author.

A wedding in Sicily should be idyllic. Both newly single and broken hearted, Lola and Rhys pair up to stop well meaning friends arranging romances and to help Rhys cope with witnessing the happiness of his ex and her new partner. Hard to put down, bringing out all the emotions, a perfect holiday read.

A lovely, romantic story, perfect for reading on a summer holiday. Also makes me want to visit Sardinia, it sounds beautiful!

Closing the final chapter, I wanted to return to Italy and the UK. Romantic escape reads afford booklovers the luxury to leave their cares behind upon diving into the idyllic scenes. As readers immerse themselves in Lola and Rhys' story while preparing for Mirabel's wedding, shenanigans ensue. Will Lola's past heartbreaks give Rhys a chance or is their 'relationship' been deemed a timeshare?

I was looking forward to reading this book by Kate Frost, and it did not disappoint.
It was set in the lovely place of Sardinia, and throughout the book it was easy to imagine you were also there. I enjoyed reading about the romance of Rhys and Lola and the will they wont they relationship.
This is a great summer read.

A great romantic read. Perfect beach book. The characters were engaging and the book fast paced. The scenery was perfect and i could imagine the fluffy clouds. I really loved the friendships and Lola was a great person and her friendship with Rhys was thought out and believable. The ex boyfriend and past history that unfurls and how it unfolds are true to life and believable. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Lola's friends want to matchmake for her, at her friend Mirabel's wedding she meets up with Rhys who has problems of his own and they decide to help each other out.