That's Amore

by Georgia Beers

Meet Lily Chambers–the hugely successful, book-tour loving, swoon-inducing romance writer at the pinnacle of her career. At least for now.

When Lily sent her last manuscript to her publisher, she had no idea it could be her last. Struggling with more than a terminal case of writer’s block, Lily has lost her passion. For writing. For romance. For life. How can she not feel like a fraud after being on her own for years?

Hoping to shake things loose, Lily’s BFF suggests she spend some time in one of the most romantic cities in the world: Rome. If the architecture, the history, and the food doesn’t inspire her, nothing will. Or it would, if Lily was able to look away from Marina Troiani, her witty, smart, and unassumingly beautiful Italian tour guide.

Marina makes Lily feel something. Finally. Slowly the words start flowing. But the age-gap and continent that separates them makes starting a new chapter together impossible. What’s even worse than torpedoing your career? Falling in love only to have your own HEA just out of reach.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Fiction, Queer, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

Lambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A burnt-out romance author + a gorgeous Italian tour guide + pasta-fuelled feelings 🍝 = a sweet, sapphic romcom 💕✨

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ This is a story about Lily Chambers who is a romance writer, her publisher sends her to Rome to help her with her writer’s block. Lily is a middle aged woman who has had great writing success in the past but now she is totally stuck. She books the penthouse suite in a boutique hotel. And she brings along her chihuahua, Reggie. One day out walking she meets a windowed American woman, Serena, who lives across the street from the hotel. Serena hosts a lot of parties and introduces Lily to her friend Marina. Marina is a food tour host in Rome. Lily and Marina become friends and then lovers. The angst occurs when Lily returns back to the US.

I liked the first half of the book, Lily‘s thoughts were interesting and familiar to me. I enjoyed the touristy descriptions of Rome, including the food and wine. Marina is 14 years younger and not happy with her parents trying to get her to work at the family business. The book is told from Lily‘s point of view and I don’t feel like I got to know Marina well. The friendship was believable but the romance was not there for me. The angst was predictable from the beginning, so the ending was just ok. This book had a great start but needed more intensity and longer time to develop the characters.

Thanks to Net Galley and BSB for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍🏽 Bookish Thoughts
Georgia Beers is an auto buy author for me and has been for years! This book would be a perfect beach read. I also loved that both FMCs were not in their 20s. Can we please get more romances with older FMCs!

Lily is a writer experiencing major writers block and ends up in Rome to reset. And she brings her adorable pup, Reggie, with her! She meets the very charismatic Marina on a tour with new friends. Marina is the tour guide. Marina offers to show Lily the city, and they slip into a casual relationship while Lily is there. I did love their chemistry and how the romance played out! 🥰

The only thing keeping this book from a 5 star is the third act breakup and how it was resolved. I am a certified third act breakup hater, and I especially did not love how easily Lily forgave. I was fuming. That said, this was still such a cute and adorable romance for the first 80 percent of the book. Solid 4.5 stars from me.

♥️ What to Expect
• Age gap romance
• Writer FMC
• Italian tour guide FMC
• Reggie 🐾
____

📅 Pub Date: August 12, 2025
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Stuffl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect summer novel. It is sweet, heartwarming, and lighthearted. And above all, it makes you long to visit Rome.

Writer Lily is experiencing writer's block and flies to Rome to find inspiration. However, love was not part of her plan...

I loved the fact that Marina showed Lily around the city. Since I have never been to Rome myself, I literally soaked up the descriptions of the various places and the culinary delights. It felt like I was in Rome with them.

And the chemistry between the two of them... oh my goodness! As soon as they met, I knew sparks would fly. I also really liked how their relationship developed, and even though Lily kept telling herself that the arrangement between her and Marina was just “casual,” the feelings on both sides were clearly palpable. Marina was just an absolutely wonderful character. She was so full of life, positivity, and energy. She was thoroughly likable, and it was completely understandable that she immediately set Lily's heart on fire.

The 3-act breakup was tough. Sure, I saw it coming, and it was no surprise that it happened for that particular reason. Still, it was really hard. Especially because it was only told from Lily's point of view. I suffered with her.

A truly beautiful age gap novel that I highly recommend. I read it on the beach during my summer vacation and it was just perfect for that! Well, and now I urgently need to go to Rome...

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Romance writer, Lily Chambers, has written many happily ever afters over the years but hasn’t had any luck in finding her own. At the moment, she’s suffering from a major case of writer's block and hasn’t even been able to start her next book. Frustrated and just about ready to call it quits, she decides to take that trip to Rome that her best friend suggested. If she can’t find inspiration for her next romance in one of the most romantic cities, where will she?


In Rome, Lily makes some friends, eats the savory food, drinks the delicious wine, and she meets Marina, a beautiful tour guide. Marina offers to show Lily around the city, and honestly, how can Lily turn that down? In between eating gelato and exploring the beautiful city, the women grow closer. Yes, Marina is beautiful, charming, and they have a connection, but Lily believes it wouldn’t work out. Besides the age gap, there’s also the whole thing of living on different continents that gives Lily pause. Will she ever get the happily ever after she writes so much about?


The chemistry Lily and Marina had was great, and I was glad that they got to know one another better. It wasn't just straight to the spice and that helped with the pace. The book was told from Lily's perspective, and although I did learn things about Marina, I would’ve liked to have had Marina’s perspective as well. That's just a personal preference of mine, but it would’ve helped me understand her better. There were parts of the book that I thought were aimed at getting a laugh from the reader, but it just fell flat for me. Beers detailed the setting and people in Rome that Lily encountered, and it felt like I tagged along. By the end of it, I craved Italian food, a glass of wine, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? Overall, it was an okay read and, although it wasn’t one of my favorites, I’m sure others will enjoy this slice of Italy.


💋Age gap
💋Sapphic Romance
💋First-Person Single POV


I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[paula a · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this eARC!

That's Amore is about a lesbian writer, both books and scripts, that has to run away from her home with her dog to Rome to try and get inspiration as she has been having a hard time writing. She meets an eccentric neighbour that leads her to a very gorgeous and younger Italian guide.

This book made me actually giggle, blush and feel my blood in all parts of my body. I enjoyed it quite a lot, specially the slowburn of something that could've been rushed. It takes me extra time to get into books when they're in first person, but it got easier as I adapted to the main character.

It took me some time to actually get hooked but the moment I reached certain part, it was impossible to let it go. There are many instances in which I needed to bite my fist because it was either extremely cute, or extremely hot.

If you're looking for a cute sapphic Summer romance, this is for you!

[vivi ʚɞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✮⋆˙ 3

after reading the synopsis, i was really excited to dive into this book, but i didn’t really connect with it as much as i’d hoped i would. don’t get me wrong, it was still a decent read; there were just some areas that fell flat for me.

throughout the whole book, it felt like marina was the more mature one out of the two, which is ironic given the age gap between the characters. i just felt like lily was a bit childish, and that made it difficult for me to want to keep reading, especially because the book was single pov. i really liked marina but felt like there wasn’t enough depth to her character to really get to know her. first-person, single pov isn’t really my thing though, so i understand that this affected my feelings on the book.

the romance itself was standard and cutesy, making this your typical run-of-the-mill romance book. there wasn’t anything that particularly stood out to me, but i appreciated it for what it was!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start. I love the way Beers crafts sentences….. Her stories always read like your pal catching you up on their life, your funny, clever and observant pal!
The book settles down! We only are privy to one pov. Unfortunately when things go awry, I'm not 100% in agreement with that p.o.v. I must admit my jaw literally dropped at the end of chapter 16!
I enjoyed this, but as I say didn’t quite agree with the narrators p.o.v. after the bump. However it was very interesting to read a book where I feel the main was a wee bit lucky and had I been the other mains pal, I’m not sure I would have advised her to that solution. Italy was the third main in this book, and I will confess to craving charcuterie and wine throughout! Another enjoyable read from a reliable writer.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC of the book.

 

That's Amore was a delightful no fuss relaxing vacation romance. It's a light and low angst read, a perfect palette cleanser. It's an age gap romance but as Marina is 35 and Lily's 49, it's a mature age gap story although both main character and love interest act a bit immaturely when it's conflict time. The book has miscommunication micro trope which is always a bit annoying but fits to beach/summer read type of romance like That's Amore.

 

I'm not usually a fan of 1st person & single POV romances but for That's Amore it fits perfectly. (Georgia Beers's books that I've previously read are written from 3rd person POV.) That's Amore is written so that it feels like Lily is either writing a long format journal or speaking to the reader. There are, for example, fun little snippets commenting her own thoughts or actions or choices.

 

I'm sure That's Amore is not based on true story nor is autobiographical but it's written so that it feels like it was author's own story. The main character in the book is a successful romance author who is searching for inspiration by traveling to Rome. She ends up writing a romance that sounds a lot like Georgia Beers's previous book, Whisk Me Away.

 

[Ariella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

I absolutely adored this book.

It was fun, easy to read, enjoyable and a little bit angsty.

I started this book with low expectations due to recent book reads, but this absolutely wowed me and was just so amazing.

I loved all the characters, I loved the FMCs. I loved Serena and her family/friends.

I thought the main character had so much chemistry with everyone that she met — not exactly romantic chemistry but just chemistry in general, she just clicked with everyone.

I loved how she writes romance books and when she’s stuck with her own book idea, she goes on this beautiful journey and just so happens to find love.

The descriptions of the places she went to in Europe are absolutely amazing. I could literally picture the rooms or the foods that she was eating — the author was so good at making you feel immersed in the whole story.

I loved the age-gap, I’m known for HATINGGG age-gap romances.
But this one?
I loved it.

The age-gap was very reasonable.
I didn’t feel like Marina was a child who was being preyed upon.
Straight romance authors take a note — YOU CAN WRITE AN AGE-GAP WITHOUT THE FMC BEING A CHILD.

The one thing that takes away from me being able to give this a 5 star rating, is the fact that we really only have one POV.
Marina seems like such an interesting and complex character, that it would have been lovely to know her inner thoughts and feeling, directly from her and not from the narration of Lily.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm... I'm not sure what to make of this. It certainly wasn't bad. But it wasn't great either. There were definitely scenes in this book that I really loved, but I still have this nagging feeling that something isn't completely right. There were a few things that irritated me a bit:

Beers seems to be repeating herself a bit in this book. Not only does the main character write a book about two pastry chefs (just like Beers' previous book—though this could also be a wink, of course), but she also mentions certain things more than once. For example, comments about the smell of Rome and that she feels so comfortable with Marina that it almost doesn't seem real. She also mentions a few times that she's never written so quickly before. Also after several activities she mentions that it is the most fun she's had in a long time. Plus, there's a whole lot of charcuterie.

One evening, Marina meets Lily's niece Chloe and arranges to go to the Spanish Steps sometime. Chloe said she'd read about it. Later that same evening, they went for a walk and happen to pass by the Spanish Steps, and Chloe said she'd read about it. It's possible, of course, but it still felt a bit like a minor mistake or a duplication.

There was a nice scene with Lily's niece Chloe, who comes to visit halfway through the book. While it was cute, it came a bit out of the blue. At that point, I didn't even know Lily had a niece, or even a brother. Then she suddenly showed up, and I read that they were very close. It felt like someone thought it would be nice to have a scene with a younger person like a niece, so Beers wrote and added it. After a long but fun chapter, Chloe leaves again. She's come all the way from the US to Rome for just one night in the book, but she's never really mentioned again after that.

Dog Reggie is very present in this book. In itself that's okay, but he also was in the bedroom during sex. That's such a mood killer for me.

The POV is Lily's. Though she is nice I did miss Marina's POV.

Most chapters are quite long. I prefer short ones.

All in all it was definitely a nice enough read, but a bit slow and not as sparkling as some older books by Georgia Beers. 3+⭐️

[Mirielen de Arantes Corrêa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the book a lot, but it didn't really work for me.
Georgia Beers is an amazing writer, so the writing per se was superb. I'm not a first-person kind of reader and this was one of the few books that the POV didn't bother me.
But I strongly disliked Lily. You know the “Entitled American Tourist” stereotype? Yeah, that was her. She decides to spend a couple of months in Rome (not a 2-weeks vacation) and yet, she doesn't bother to learn the basic of the language. I'm not saying holding entire conversations, but little survival phrases, “tourist guide dictionary” kind of thing. An almost-50 woman who can't even order an ice-cream herself bc “every place she had gone so far there was at least one person who spoke English” is so arrogant. Lily is always talking about the Italian words like is something exotic and how other people English is better than her Italian bc it's none. She's the one who temporarily moved to another country! She's always waiting for Marina to adapt to her needs. But at no point does she even consider learning at least one phrase in the language of the country she's living in and the language of the woman she likes. To tell the truth, I was half expecting the moment she was going to try paying things with US-dollar.
She's quite entitled, spoiled and not much a likeable human being. And since I had really strong feelings about her, and we meet everyone by her words, I couldn't connect with any other character in the story.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book by this amazing author

i loved the fact that the author in the introduction to this book stated that though she had been to touring europe she hadnt had a holiday romance to get the idea for this book.... because when you read it those are your actual thoughts but i believe it was based on all that yummy food and wine from italy..... makes me want to go there now...

lily chambers is a successful writer with many a book to her name but her recent case of writers block has her worried.... she just cant get the words or the storyline out....so what does her publisher do.... he sends her on a holiday to the most romantic place that he knows.... Rome where he hopes it will inspire her.....

Marina Troiani has dreams.... she wants to be a successful tour guide not stuck in her families hotel .... she has aspirations of her own and wants to see if being a tour guide will be the way she wants to go building up a business based on her knowledge of tours she can put together

so when lily joins her friends tour on that day with marina guiding it instead of enjoying the sights and sounds that marina was pointing out lily was watching marina.... and getting all sorts of ideas and some of them werent for her book....

have to say i really want to go to rome now and eat pasta drink that wine and see for myself how cool a tour guided trip would be over there... sounds like fun... but also this storyline was a definite hit for me.... could not put this book down...well who can when its a georgia beers book... she makes her characters and the places come alive... i sat there drooling over the food and wanting to drink wine that i dont even drink...

looking forward to the next book by this author

[Britni MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Upped this to 5/5 since I’ve been thinking about the book since I put it down. Even during a game of Cards Against Humanity…**

5/5

Before I jump into this, I am going to say that the smile that I was smiling while reading 85% (those third act break ups just gut me always) of this book has lingered well into the night! I loved Lily and Marina. I loved them individually, I loved them together, the only thing that could have made dreams dreamier would have been Marina's POV as well.

I have been on the sidelines eyeing a few different books by this author and for whatever reason as any reader knows, I just have not gotten there yet. Well, I am nothing if not a believer in *signs* and *destiny* so I do believe I was just waiting to read this one as my first.

I love an age-gap and this one is particularly good for me. I do not always love both of the MCs about equal amounts but in this one I really did. I would absolutely die in the heat that is emphasized quite a bit in this book, but as soon as I become a semi/maybe/not/definitely famous writer I am off to Rome to find my Marina.

This book felt like pure and true romance to me, not that I am an expert by any means by I mean…I read a lot of romance and this book totally encompassed exactly what I imagine and feel when I think of romance. Getting to follow Marina wine, dine and inspire Lily was a beautiful experience IMO. Sensual, intimate, romantic, understanding. All the goods that I wanted with this book, were right there for me on my tour!

For me the moral of this story was all the ways true love is inspirational.

Walk, don’t ride your Vespa, with a glass of your favorite wine (or coffee, or water..or whatever you want) to your favorite reading nook on August 12 to check out That’s Amore by Georgia Beers. I know that I will be stuffing my tar with way more of her work for future giddiness!

HUGE thank you to NetGalley and BoldStrokeBooks for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Georgia Beers is an auto-buy author for me. She has been consistently writing very good (four-star) books for a long time, and in the past few years she's been reaching five-star level.

So I'm surprised and disappointed by this dud. Maybe it's a warning sign when an author writes a book whose lead character is an author suffering from writer's block?

I was not connecting with this book early on, and it was headed for maybe three stars, until near the end. At that point I started to positively dislike the lead character, Lily, and really thought Marina deserved better.

Avoid this book. Pick up literally anything else by Beers instead.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the book more than I liked the book. The characters just didn’t connect with me and there were points I felt like I had to force myself to keep reading.

I know there are people who love her books but after trying a few while the ideas and plot are interesting I always find myself not enjoying the characters.

If you are a fan of Georgia Beers I feel like this will be a great book for you.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly middle of the road Georgia Beers romance novel about an author who temporarily moves to Italy to get over her writer's block and is inspired in her writing and personal life by a woman who leads food tours. She has the author in this book actually be the one writing what is clearly the plot of Beers's previous book, Whisk Me Away. It was an ok read, but not one of my favorite's of hers.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the free eARC.

Giving this 4 stars. It's an enjoyable and easy read (I got through more than 50% in one sitting) that will definitely satisfy you if you're looking for a lighthearted and comfortably predictable sapphic romance.

Bonus points for having older protagonists and a non-problematic age gap. Love to see an MC in her late-forties.

(Additional bonus points for the brief featuring of an aunt-niece relationship. As a new aunt, I ate this right up.)

There's some miscommunication trope near the end - seriously, I actually had to yell out loud at the MC for being a dumbass - and the ending maybe wraps up a little too quickly, but honestly that's to be expected from this genre. Gotta have that HEA.

Overall, I had a good time reading this one. It's nothing world-shattering, but I'm a sucker for sapphic romances, happy endings, and hot Italian ladies. If you are too, this may be for you.

[Richard Hernandez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lily is a terrible person. Very self-centered and all about what she wants and thinks she needs without thinking of others. I had to force myself to keep reading but it did not get better. Great narration, bad story with a MC I could not like.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books & author Georgia Beers for this wonderful ARC for my honest review.

That’s Amore was molto fantastico! It was a wonderful and supremely entertaining wlw by Georgia Beers. Actually, this is my first book by this author but she’s a highly acclaimed and prolific sapphic writer, so I was extremely excited. I really enjoyed this book and feel like Georgia Beers delivered a feel good, sweet and uplifting wlw romance! I will certainly look for more from her.

This is the story of Lilly & Marina and is filled with joyful moments & happy times, along with some real life obstacles to overcome. Lilly is a romance writer who can’t find love and at the moment can’t seem to find inspiration to write about it either. She wishes to find what we all do, real & lasting romantic love. It’s something she makes a living writing about but has been beyond her grasp. As she deals with a monster case of writer's block, she is encouraged to go to Rome, Italy…one of the world's most romantic cities! She figures that the beauty of Rome with its rich history, iconic architecture, charming streets & lively atmosphere, she’ll find her muse once again. And she does but in the form of a gorgeous young Italian woman, Marina!

Lilly meets Marina and is captivated by her. Marina becomes her personal tour guide, taking her to some of the most beautiful sites Italy has to offer. It is clear that the two have a great chemistry that only builds stronger the more time they spend together. Upon each new tourist attraction and iconic destination, Lilly is more and more enthralled by Italy and especially by Marina. She feels her gusto for writing and for life returning to her! It’s lovely to see the sweet connection and building attraction with each page.

The gradual build up of feelings and emotions is lovely and done so at a believable pace. Of course the age gap poses itself as an obstacle but the real issue is the distance. Lilly just can’t see a future whereby they can overcome these challenges and find everlasting happiness together. Enter the inevitable 3rd act break up. But it’s how they overcome that highlights how special their relationship is and how incredible it can be in the future!

Beers does a wonderful job of capturing some of the unique qualities and beauty of Rome. I felt immersed in Italian culture and cuisine. I truly enjoyed watching two courageous and beautiful women who come from different cultures and countries be brave enough to chose love. They chose each other when it wasn’t the easy choice. I definitely recommend this wonderful, light hearted and romantic wlw story with a HEA we all wish for.

[SusieQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly delightful story that captured my attention from the very beginning and held it right through to the final page. I was completely drawn into the world the author created, and particularly the first three quarters of the book felt exceptionally strong — easily deserving five stars. The pacing, the emotional build-up, and the character development during this part were all beautifully done.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lily and Marina. Their relationship is portrayed in such a gentle, natural way — starting off tentatively and gradually evolving into something deeper and more meaningful. Their growing connection felt authentic and emotionally resonant, making it easy to invest in their journey.

One of the highlights for me was the setting: the vibrant city of Rome. It’s clear the author has a genuine familiarity with the city — the descriptions are vivid and accurate, painting a realistic picture that brought back my own memories of Rome. The atmosphere, the street scenes, the food, the energy — it all felt alive on the page.

I also appreciated the roles of the niece and the neighbor. While they’re not central characters, their presence enriches the story in a subtle but impactful way. They provide emotional depth and insight into the main characters, and help move the story forward in thoughtful ways.

The break-up between the main characters is handled with sensitivity — the emotional pain is palpable, and I appreciated that it wasn’t overly dramatic but rather felt real and raw. That said, I did feel a little more emotional clarity or explanation could have deepened this part of the story. I found myself wishing for more empathy from Lily’s side and more proactive communication from Marina. Their actions made sense to some degree, but the underlying motivations could have been explored more explicitly, especially since they reconnect later on. As a result, the final portion of the book felt slightly less satisfying to me.

The ending, while heartfelt, also felt a bit rushed — especially after such a rich and immersive buildup. It’s somewhat ironic to say this about a book that offers so many pages of enjoyment, but I truly would not have minded if the resolution had been drawn out a bit more.

And of course, I can’t finish without mentioning Reggie — the loyal and grounding presence throughout the story, who brings a sense of continuity and connection to everyone around him. A small but memorable part of the narrative.

I confirm that I received a copy of this book and that I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[The Bookish Enby · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's Amore by Georgia Beers was definitely one of my favourite books of 2025. A definite 4.5 stars for a fun, swoon-worthy romance.

Lily Chambers is a rich, famous, and highly successful romance writer, with one big problem. She's struggling with deadlines and a serious case of writer's block. In a last-ditch attempt to find her passion for writing, she heads to Italy—although she doesn't expect to find a different kind of passion with her tour guide. Marina is beautiful, fun, and way too young for Lily. But as the two women explore Rome together, the spark between them only grows.

There are a few reasons why I loved this book, but the writing and the characters are definitely the main ones. Lily and Marina are full and realistic and the chemistry between them is amazing! They work well as a couple and truly enjoy each other's company, making the romance between them wonderful to read, but the heat between them was just as compelling. I definitely gasped and giggled while reading this, at the sweet moments and the spicy ones!

The writing was also fantastic. It was perfect for the style of the book; casual, almost chatty, but very immersive. The descriptions of the characters, places, and especially the food were vivid and bright, fitting for a book set in Rome! I loved how well it conveyed Lily's personality and feelings.

Food is a big part of the book—Marina and Lily meet on a food tour, before Marina takes her to different restaurants and cafés around the city (which totally isn't a way for them to go on dates, absolutely not). It's a simple, effective reason for them to spend time together, and it's completely natural and fitting in the story. As a reader, I loved it, if only for the amazing food descriptions!

The pacing was good, though I thought it slowed down a little towards the end. The first 60% of the book was definitely the best part, where I fell in love with the writing, setting and characters.

I took away half a star because I wasn't a huge fan of the last few chapters. The vibes were a little different from the sunny holiday romance of the first half, but it was still a great book. Adult romance isn't my usual genre (I'm more of a YA or fantasy person), so if you usually read adult, this might be exactly your thing. And even if you don't, That's Amore is so good that you should read it anyway!!

[Phoebe Wilkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been a complicated read because I liked it but I didn´t love it, if that makes sense.

This is one of those books that it´s pretty cosy and lighthearted, so you can read it fast. Lily, the protagonist, goes on vacation to Italy because her edito thought it would be a nice way to get through her writer´s block (I feel her, I wish I had the money to do that as well). There she meets quite a few new friends and, between them, there´s Marina. A woman Lily quickly develops a crush on her.

Is this a slow burn? I´d say sort of. It tries to be a slow burn, and there is this push and pull of, will they get into a relationship despite Lily being here is temporary and might not last? But, ultimately, there is really not enough angst as to think they won´t get together.

So here´s my trouble with this book: I felt it boring.

Maybe I got reader´s block. Maybe there was not enough plot to justify me being interested the whole way through and absolutely not skip some chunks of it. But, hear me out, is it me or the characters weren´t fully developed?

Lily was okay, I guess. She was a bit childish (not a complain), loved her dog and felt guilty for not being able to comply with the deadlines for her latest novel. Marina was less fleshed out. All I learned from her in half the book was that she was really good and passionate about her job (doing even more than she probably should) and that... she didn´t quite want to do what her family wished for her. That´s all. It felt like, if you change her for any random character with a minimum of kindness, the plot would have worked the same: I just didn´t see anything on her that make her distinct.

Because the characters felt a bit flat for me, and the chapters very repetitive (basically it was just Lily meeting with friends at places to eat - meet Marina - think about the day), I didn´t fully enjoy reading this.

I still like this author though, and her style. Last time I read something by her I enjoyed it better, so I don´t discard this is a one book problem (or a me problem) and I will definitely try reading something else by her in the future. So take this review with that in mind.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’s Amore is a charming romance set against the picturesque backdrop of Rome, and I loved every moment of it. The premise of traveling and meeting someone special in such a romantic city is always a winner for me, and Georgia Beers captures the magic beautifully.

The characters are absolutely delightful. Lily, a 49-year-old romance writer struggling with writer’s block, and Marina, a vibrant 35-year-old Roman tour guide. Marina’s vibe throughout the book reminds me of a character from The L Word, which added to her charm. The true hero and main character of this book is the illustrious Reggie. He brings a wonderful comedic relief during the more angsty parts of the story.

The story pulled me in right away, especially with Lily’s creative struggles, and I appreciated the well-paced development of her connection with Marina. The buildup to their first mutual interest felt natural and engaging. I also loved that the book is about a romance novelist writing her own love story—such a meta touch that added depth to the narrative.

One of my favorite moments was a quote that made me laugh out loud: “Sorry, I say, till laughing softly. ‘I’m just wondering how long I can keep up this level of desire before I simply burst into flames and turn into a pile of ash in this bed.’” The vibe of the book strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming and steamy.

This read captivated me from start to finish—so much so that I finished it in one night, waking up eager to see how it all resolved. I particularly appreciated how it offered a glimpse into Roman life, especially through the eyes of a temporary ex-pat navigating her mental landscape. The food descriptions and the setting added a delicious layer to the story, and the ending of Chapter 16 really shook me to my core.

Considering the beloved tropes of age gap and a third-act breakup, the story was both familiar and fresh. Overall, I highly enjoyed That’s Amore! and plan to explore more works by Georgia Beers. A solid 4-star read that I recommend for anyone looking for an engaging, emotional romance set in the Eternal City.

[Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Chambers is a well known romance author. She has written screenplays and by her own words “a bunch of books”. She’s currently facing a writer’s block, the worst in her career and her agent suggests a trip to Rome, one of the most romantic cities in the world, to see if it would spark inspiration. She stays at the gorgeous Hotel Cavatassi, and one afternoon meets a woman named Serena who lives nearby and, after striking up a friendship, she invites her on a food tour. The tour guide, a breathtaking Italian named Marina Troiani, and for Lily, it’s attraction at first sight. Marina very generously offers to take Lily on a few adventures hoping to help inspiration strike for her next book. From there, their interactions evolve and before long they’re having dates and hookups, but are they on the same page? Is it really casual for both of them? Lily eventually has to go back to her home in New York, will their relationship, however defined, survive the distance or will it crumble to pieces without so much as a goodbye?

This is the third book I’ve read written by Georgia Beers and as expected, I enjoyed it! The two previous book I had read were second chance romances so I thought an age gap storyline would be a nice change of pace. I liked that both characters felt like real, normal people. Lily talked about her tendency to overthink and showed her anxiety by cleaning every part of her house before doing something that made her nervous. The descriptions of the food made them sound incredible and, even though I’m not much of a wine drinker, this book made me want a glass.

With Marina, I think I finally understand the term “book boyfriend”, she is definitely a “book girlfriend”. There were more than a few moments in the book when I was blushing, giggling and kicking my feet. Sure, there were things she could have handled better but I would go to war for Marina. I would have loved to have a chapter from her perspective, to understand her thought process for some of her choices instead of just being told why she did what she did.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Chambers writes successful romance books, screenplays, and series for streaming subscription services. She has houses in upstate New York and an apartment in New York City. But Lily has lost her inspiration to write and has a horrible case of writer's block. Lily's friend suggests that she take a trip to Rome, Italy, to try to recapture her lost inspiration and enjoy some wonderful food, historic sites, and the romance of the city. So Lily departs for an extended trip to Rome with her little dog, Reggie.

During her early days in Rome, Lily meets Italian tour guide, Marina Troiani, via a mutual friend. Marina is beautiful, charming, and knows the best spots in the city for food and drink. At thirty-five, she is also fourteen years younger than Lily. Following the initial tour that Lily takes with Marina, they go out for a casual drink and some food. This is followed by some casual texting as Lily reveals her loss of writing inspiration to Marina. Marina offers to show Lily some inspirational spots in Rome in hopes of helping her overcome her issue. Over the course of these little trips the two women slowly grow closer despite their age difference as well as the miles between their homes.

I thought this was a fantastic book with authentic main characters, strong supporting characters like Lily's friend in Italy, Serena, and Lily's niece, Chloe, a romantic setting in Rome, and a cute dog, Reggie. The age difference didn't seem to be much of a challenge, however, the lack of honest feelings and communication seemed to be more of the obstacle that the women needed to overcome. I wish the reader could have learned about the success of the book that Lily was blocked to write that seemed to flow onto the page after she began to spend time with Marina. 4.5 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Women Using Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgia Beers has long been a trusted name in contemporary romance, and in That’s Amore, she delivers something that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly rich. On the surface, the story promises a breezy Roman vacation romance: a burned-out writer searching for inspiration, a charming tour guide, and the magic of one of the most romantic cities in the world. However, what keeps readers engaged is not just the setting or the chemistry; it’s the way Beers weaves these elements into a heartfelt story of rediscovery, connection, and love.

The setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Readers don’t simply watch Lily stroll through Rome; they experience the city alongside her. The descriptions of food, architecture, and history aren’t ornamental details; they carry weight. Rome becomes a mirror for Lily’s own awakening. As she tastes new flavors and lingers in beautiful, sunlit piazzas, her stalled creativity begins to stir. The city itself acts almost like a third character in the romance, reminding readers that sometimes a place has the power to change us.

Of course, a romance lives and dies by its characters, and Beers shapes these two leading women with care. Lily’s arc resonates with anyone who has ever felt stuck, uncertain, or afraid of starting over. She begins in a space of burnout and self-doubt but gradually regains her voice, along with the courage to risk love. Marina, by contrast, enters the story with confidence and playful charm but slowly reveals her vulnerability as the relationship deepens. Readers watch these arcs intertwine: Lily learning to leap, and Marina proving her steadiness. That dynamic tension gives their romance its heart.

What makes the story so engaging is its emotional authenticity. Readers aren’t asked to suspend belief for overblown melodrama. Instead, Beers grounds her storytelling in relatable fears: loneliness, the intimidation of an age gap, the uncertainty of long-distance love. These conflicts feel real because they are real. More importantly, they’re handled with patience and sincerity, making the emotional payoff all the more satisfying. The result is a story that feels both worthy and relevant.

Layered over this authenticity is Beers’s signature dialogue and chemistry. The banter between Lily and Marina overflows with wit, though it’s the undertones of warmth and tenderness that draw readers into the romance. Their conversations gradually reveal histories, passions, and vulnerabilities, making their attraction believable. Because it is more than filler, their exchanges form the scaffolding on which trust and desire are built. Ultimately, the rhythm of their dialogue ensures readers feel Lily and Marina’s connection as it deepens.

None of this would work, though, if it weren’t grounded. Beers’s approach is deceptively simple: she keeps readers invested by balancing escapism with purpose and depth. That’s Amore delivers all the pleasures of a vacation romance—delicious food, playful flirtation, the dream of falling in love abroad—while still asking bigger questions. Can love endure beyond the vacation glow of Rome? Can it bridge differences in age and geography? Furthermore, Lily and Marina’s road to a happy ending, while entertaining, also prompts reflection, something not always easy to achieve in a genre often dismissed as fluff.

Final remarks…

That’s Amore offers readers both a charming escape and a thoughtful journey of discovery, creativity, and renewal. It reminds us that romance isn’t only about finding love; it is also about rediscovering pieces of ourselves along the way. By weaving together the allure of Rome and the honesty of human vulnerability, Georgia Beers delivers a story as delightful as it is refreshing. Readers who enjoy vacation romances with age-gap dynamics will not doubt find That’s Amore rewarding.

Strengths…

Likable characters
Emotional authenticity
Strong chemistry
Well-written dialogue
A balance of escapism and realism
Resonating romance

[Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this book was not for me. I liked the premise of going to Rome for romantic inspiration and felt the scene setting for Rome gave a gorgeous ambiance of Rome. It was not bogged down with long winded descriptions of each place but enough to give you a feel for the city.
I never connected with the main character (Lily), but I felt even more disconnect in the few times the fourth wall was broken and character started talking to the reader as though they were friends; it just felt forced because of its lack of inconsistency.
I was also irritated by the times when the main character who was supposed to be an author said anything along the lines of ‘I have no words to describe it’, don’t get me wrong I imagine that this does happen to writers of an kind, just as people think comics should also be funny, I feel like I maybe making the same sort of gesture here; but it just felt like a cop out.
Lily has many childish characteristics but turns out to be 49, she keeps calling her dog a traitor when he cozy up to Serena and follows Marina for a walk. The author explicitly tells the reader that Lily doesn’t mean it when she does it about the dog and her niece but anyone else and this poor dogs get villainised, even though the dog is probably reading how relaxed and trusting its owner is of these people too! Lily also comes across as a younger person from the amount of times she is surprised by her feelings towards various things, or has she just lived a sheltered life? (We are not given the impression she is sheltered in away)
This book might be a great read for someone who interested in the writing process and loves a chihuahua mix sidekick, sadly, that just wasn’t me.
Thank you to NetGallery and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.

[Fiona Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’s Amore is a wonderful, relatively low angst story about Lily Chambers, a very successful author and screen writer who is at the peak of her career but suddenly finds herself experiencing a serious case of writer’s block. When she is convinced by her best friends to try a change of scenery and move to Rome for a period of time in the hope it will help her find her writing spark again, she has no idea just how much that decision will change her life.

Making new friends and meeting Marina is only the start of her journey to finding her mojo. Between the Roman architecture, history and food she starts to find her flow and this is only boosted when she develops a strong connection with Marina and her gorgeous Italian accent. However, with 14 years between them in age, not to mention the fact that Lily is only in Rome for a relatively short period of time there are significant hurdles that must be overcome if the two women are to find their happy ever after. The question is whether falling in love can be enough to get them across the line.

I really enjoyed this swoon-worthy romance and loved watching the two MCs fall in love…..even if they couldn’t admit it to themselves or each other. Their connection was incredibly sweet and beautiful to watch, however, with the inability to admit their true feelings the 3rd act break up was inevitable. The question was how they could overcome the distance between them, not to mention the hurt and anger that inevitably arose from the way things blew up. This is the perfect book for anyone looking for a lovely light-hearted romance with a solid dose of Italian culture.

I am grateful to Georgia Beers, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Walter Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of romances have some external force keeping them apart. Sometimes just enemies to lovers, but often a big chain coming to a small town, Hollywood fame vs a quiet life, a toxic partner, social pressure, lots of things. This one is different. Both women are adults who are mostly happy with their life, then they are confronted with the possibility of something more, but at a cost to their settled life.

The cost turns out to be fairly small, because this is a romance after all, and frankly, Lily should have figured it out instead of freaking out, but hindsight is 20-20.

There are a few side characters (a neighbor, her niece, her dog), but the focus is almost all on Lily and Marina, also nice change. There is no set of friends who are all going to have their own romance novels, no, this is 100% about these two women.

Now to get picky.

I don't think an Italian would ever serve tap water to a guest, it would be mineral water. And doesn't it sound better for Lily (in bed) to hear Marina open a bottle of cold mineral water instead of hearing the tap running? Second, Lily is in Rome for two months and the only Italian she learns is "grazie"? That has Ugly American written all over it, especially when your girlfriend is Italian. Where is the "What is this called?" scene as they explore each others' bodies in bed?

Smaller things... So. Much. Wine. Have some sparkling mineral water on a hot day please. Have an Aperol spritz. And while you are walking Reggie in the morning? Stop and have a stand-up espresso at the corner, the man behind the bar will love to talk to your dog. Finally, there is food beyond charcuterie. Try some bruschetta or some panzanella. I just wanted more Rome and Italy in this book.