I picked up Love & Gelato because I thought it would be a cute YA contemporary romance. And it was. But it was so much more than that. The unexpected mystery of Lina's mother's journal and the secrets really had me hooked. I wanted to know more about what had happened just like Lina. Florence, Italy as the setting of the story was also nice. It felt like a vacation in covid times. I was there for the friendship

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to lovers

between Ren and Lina. And Howard's kindness was amazing

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He's what people think Severus Snape is/should have been. I cried when Howard and Lina had their conversation about Howard becoming her father figure and that he would welcome and care for her as his own. It was such a sweet moment and a great conversation.

I felt like the drama between Mimi, Ren, Thomas and Lina was a little unnecessary but definitely fine for a YA contemporary romance.

I really recommend Love & Gelato to those who are looking for a contemporary story with a mystery and some romance on the side.