Book Review: Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson

Title: Flirting in Italian
Author: Lauren Henderson
Links: Website
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!
Rating:
*** 3.5 enjoyable but lacked a few things.
Thoughts:
I really like the cover for this book, such bright colors. After reading Anna and the French Kiss, I've found I really enjoy reading contemporary books set in foreign countries, well foreign to me and the character of course. So, starting from the first page I was expecting to love this book or at least really enjoy it. Unfortunately, the book didn't quite reach my standards, although I really enjoyed the first half.
The characters in Flirting in Italian were enjoyable to read about. The main character was very interesting to follow, she had a love for art which I found intriguing considering not many of today's YA female characters are interested by that. The writer wrote her point of view in a way where you can feel as though you were the one whom has an interesting in art. Now, the main love interest. He was really something, saying one thing one moment and another the next. He was really mysterious and I would've liked him more if I'd gotten to know more about him but for now he was ok. I wish I'd gotten to know the other characters more throughout the story. The girls were really amusing to read about though, because of their personalities.
I had a hard time understanding the plot and genre considering it kept alternating. At one moment the main character was trying to figure out why the portrait of the girl in the museum looked like her and the next, she was thinking about the guy she meets. I really enjoyed the setting of this book though. Italy, I can't say I've read many, if any books set there and I really found myself emerged in how gorgeous it felt and sounded. The writing was descriptive and had a consistent pace.
The romance was rather interesting, but not really for me. It was cute but at the same time it felt sort of childish how they avoided each other and didn't know what to do or say. The ending was...

Yes, exactly as the GIF indicates.. I did not expect it and left me completely shocked and sitting there holding my nook and thinking "what just happened?" 
I recommend this to anyone looking for a cute, fast read set in a gorgeous setting and w/ lots of dancing and foreign guys. It's a really great contemporary read, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't my favorite.
First sentence: quoted from arc, may change.

"The picture in front of me is like a magnet, drawing me closer and closer, till my shoulder is nearly brushing against its antique gold carved frame."