The Book of Love cover art

The Book of Love

Love in Italy, Book 1

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The Book of Love

By: Leslie Pike
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
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About this listen

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
Contemporary Heartfelt
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Sweet with a side of Italian smexy. Luca is passionate and carefree, Caroline is grounded and practical, they are the opposite of each other but the chemistry between them after a decade apart is strong and sizzling. Luca was incredibly careful with Caroline and made her see how cared for she deserves to be, Caroline was far too patient with Luca and showed him that we all need a purpose. Their life together will be a fun mixture of how to live life to the fullest and wanting more from and for yourself.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell voiced Luca and Caroline brilliantly.

Luca & Caroline

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Listener received this title free

Leslie Pike pens another fabulous novel, a heartwarming romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. This first book of the “Love in Italy’ series is Luca Dragoni’s and Caroline Watson’s story and it is a romance that took years in the making, starting with Luca’s crush on her while in high school. Luca missed his chance with her in high school and they do not reconnect until ten years later, while Caroline was vacationing in Italy. Both grew more into their own now that they are in their twenties, though in Luca’s father’s eyes, he still had a way to go, especially with choosing a career in the family business. Caroline had put her life on hold to help take care of her mother, who suffered from strokes. She is also not interested in any romantic relationship, but Luca is determined to win over her heart by wooing her and then not giving up on her. There is so much to love about this book, a multilayered story with a lot of heart and charm. Speaking of charm, Luca’s charm will put a smile on your face and warm your heart, and what he does for Caroline’s parents is amazing. There is never a dull moment in this book, and the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Leslie Pike, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell deliver an outstanding performance portraying these characters, humanizing them and bringing them to life. I loved how they owned their roles, giving each a voice that was fitting, accents and all, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Arden nailed it as Luca, showcasing his charming personality perfectly, and his Italian accent was superb. Maxine was just as amazing in Caroline’s role, also showcasing all aspects of her personality, from her strengths and to her vulnerabilities, also nailing it with the Italian accent. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the side and secondary characters. As always, their pacing and tone are just right for the story and they capture all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling each one. These two entertaining storytellers are versatile voice artists and a pleasure to listen to.

Splendid Story & Narration🎧Compelling & Heartfelt

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