To Rome With Love

Love in the City #1

by Mandi Benet

When Gaby Conte’s Italian husband, Danieli, abandons her for a young Peruvian waitress at a restaurant they co-own in San Francisco, Gaby seeks refuge in Rome with her best friend Maria. There, she swears off romance for a long while and Italian men forever. That’s until she meets Silvio, who belongs to an old, aristocratic Roman family and lives in a palace alongside the best private art collection in Rome. Silvio, who is the cousin of Maria’s husband, is going through his own divorce. He’s gorgeous, of course, which Gaby doesn’t tell him. And arrogant and condescending, which she does. The last thing Gaby needs is more Italian trouble, but the attraction is instant and powerful, and against the backdrop of one of the world’s most romantic cities, both try—and fail—to resist the chemistry between them. But both Gaby and Silvio have made a rule never to make the mistake of trusting in love again. Will they realize some rules are made just to be broken?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2016

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, love the Italian way, passion, drama, a pinch of humor and living life to the fullest, To Rome with Loveby Mandi Benet is a colorful tale of romance and second chances. Gaby has lost in love, her cheating husband leaving her behind, she takes her anger and her broken heart and travels to Italy to visit with her best friend. Silvio has his own problems with love, cheating and a pending divorce, but the feisty American has caught his eye and it is game on, the Italian edition! Will they mix like oil and vinegar or will they find that maybe there is hope for love, the second time around.

Will the aristocratic living sculpture of a man win Gaby’s heart, in spite of her rule to avoid love especially with an Italian man? Their chemistry is off the charts, but both have bruises to heal but maybe the best remedy is to follow one’s heart and desires and take a chance on love, just one more time.

Mandi Benet treats each word and each page as part a beautiful song to love with embellished descriptions, heightened emotions and simply sigh-worthy moments of heat, passion and even play. Her characters are fully developed and come to life like in glorious color! Follow along as they play the game of love, while missing signals and hesitating to take that final step to the admission of love!

I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review. We have no personal or professional connections.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Love in the City - Book 1
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication Date: February 10, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 268 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

AH! This book was SOOOO good. Steamy, sexy, sweet, and delicious! And that cover!

To Rome With Love tells the story of Gabriela and Silvio who are both going through divorces after their spouses cheated. Gaby is taking some time to visit her best friend Maria, and her husband Carlo, in Rome, where she meets the rude and arrogant Silvio, Carlo’s cousin. They end up working together catering Carlo’s daughters wedding, spending time grocery shopping, cooking, and sightseeing, per Maria’s demands!

Silvio has a face that has been “finely carved by the angels”, educated in art history at Oxford, and the kind of sexy that knows he’s sexy. Gaby is a chef, with curves in all the right places, curly blond hair, unique lilac eyes, but sees herself inadequate and unsexy compared to other women. And she’s sure to let Silvio know when he’s being rude and arrogant! I really liked Gaby’s personality. She was real and genuine.

The two can’t deny the chemistry between them no matter how much they want to. They frustrated me so much though! The passion between them was {HOT} & incredible, but every single time one of them had to go and screw things up, can’t they just admit to each other that they’re in love?! Gaby doesn’t want to get in a relationship and have her heart crushed again, especially by another Italian man. As for Silvio, Gaby is unlike any woman he’s ever been interested in and that scares him. Can they just enjoy the time they have, no strings attached, no labels? Or do they feel they have something more?

The writing style and descriptions were beautiful. One of my favorite lines describes the moon as a “scoop of tangerine sorbet” hanging in the sky. While stunningly descriptive, the author is also hilarious: Gaby’s friend Sandy goes on a date expecting Channing Tatum and ends up with Friar Tuck! This was a novel that completely captured me and I did not want to stop reading! If you’re looking for a sexy, fun read with the luscious setting of Italy, this is the one!

The author sent me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Please let there be a sequel! Thank you Mandi!

To Rome With Love is available for pre-order now and releases February 10 on Amazon!

Find this review and more on my blog, https://wordswisdomwhitney.wordpress....

[LadyTechie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing, picturesque story that I received a free copy of in exchange for an honest review. To Rome with Love is almost all based in my beloved Rome, Italy where Gaby, a renowned chef who is in the middle of a divorce, is visiting her best friend Maria. They met when Gaby was studying in Rome many years previously and have managed to stay close for many, many years despite their physical distance from each other. Gaby is spending three weeks visiting Gaby and her husband Carlo and staying in an amazing palace that belongs to Carlo's family where part of it is open to the public for viewing and the rest are private apartments. Carlo's cousin Silvio, who was also raised in the palace, lives in an apartment across the hall with his son Luca and is also recently divorced.

Maria has thrown Gaby and Silvio together under the guise of Silvio helping Gaby prepare the rehearsal dinner for Carlo's daughter's wedding. They spend a great deal of time together planning for the dinner, shopping for the dinner, preparing things for the dinner and grow closer. Gaby is still extremely shy about becoming involved with another man after being devastated by her husband's unfaithful behavior. Silvio has been dating other women longer after his divorce but he is also not interested in going into a relationship. Neither of them can deny how attracted they are to each other. But, Gaby is doing a better job of fighting it than Silvio is so Gaby spends more time fighting off Silvio's advances.

At the same time that they are falling for each other, Gaby is falling in love with Rome again. I cannot blame her for that. Rome is a place worthy of visitors' and native Romans' love. To Rome with Love is an excellent armchair travel book with wonderful depictions of the palazzo's, ancient streets, trattoria's, people and food. The reader wants to see pictures of the places and food being depicted, if not actually going to visit and finding these places and dishes for themselves. It also is a wonderful romance that shows two people who both have had heartache from relationships as they fight falling for each other even though there does not seem to be much either of them can do about it. It is also a great story about how good people can be to total strangers that just need a bit of help. Mostly, it is a story that rings very true and which I look forward to digging out and reading over and over when I want to remember Rome, Italy. Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings http://ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspo...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silvio is sexy and charismatic from the first moment the reader meets him; however, his arrogance (which never ceases through the book) begins to turn his appeal sour.

Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[A Klue · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a NetGalley reviewer, I often receive ARCs/write reviews for debut authors. I consider it an honor and privilege to do so. It is always a pleasure to write a detailed review on a book that hits the mark with my true romantic at heart. Unfortunately, when it doesn’t, I also have the obligation to explain why. Here’s to hoping what I’m about to say will be taken as constructive criticism and not just negativity.

To Rome With Love was a great premise for a romantic tale. A main couple, both currently going through divorces, meeting and falling for each other in a very romantic city certainly set the stage. Though it started off well enough, red flags started popping up here and there. At first, I didn’t bat an eye at the rather overly confident, handsome hero. Until, it seemed he had a hard time dealing with the word “no”. Starting with little things..grasping her hand tightly when she obviously didn’t want to hold hands and kissing her when she told him not to was alarming enough. It was even worse when his son was sitting next to them in church and the hero kept pushing his hand up the heroine’s leg/underneath her dress repeatedly. After she said, you guessed it…”No!” Now, it’s my turn to say it. No, he shouldn’t have done that, especially so close to his little boy and in church. It definitely tarnished his character in my eyes. I found myself liking him less and less as the story progressed.

Then there was the heroine’s own issues. Her inner dialog, handwringing, and back and forth doubts/actions about her feelings for the hero left me exhausted. His compiled on to that didn’t help matters. Especially after pursuing her, finally becoming intimate, then pushing her away. At least, she demonstrated some self-respect/dignity at the very end. Sorry, I can’t tell you any more without the risk of spoilers.

Now for the writing aspect. For the most part it did flow but definitely felt stilted at times. The attempts at humor should have been left out. It simply didn’t match Gaby’s serious natured character nor made sense. Here’s just one example: “I felt like a sasquatch bathing in the Everglades.” This was an angst-filled, getting over a broken marriage, afraid to trust anyone ever again read with serious characters, who didn’t joke around, so an out of the blue analogy like that seemed out of place. It would have worked if Gaby had displayed a sense of humor. This happened on a couple occasions, and each time I found myself shaking my head thinking, “Where did that come from?”

It lead me to start thinking the author was trying too hard at times to be descriptive. The main couple’s first kiss was like watching two Galapagos tortoises collide, slow and awkward instead of spontaneous and exciting. Their first steamy, intimate encounter was the opposite. It felt rushed and physically just not possible, folks. Four or five times in rapid succession, if you catch my drift. Medical science would undoubtedly back me up on that opinion. Oh, and no mention or use of birth control with each steamy encounter. That will be a red flag with some readers.

What did I like? The author did a great job making you feel like you were in Rome. I actually enjoy books with an authentic ethnic flair. The couple had good chemistry, and I liked the fact they both had culinary interests. Then there is the eventual groveling hero, that always works for me.

Having both couples recently divorced opposed to still legally married to someone else would have been more ideal/appropriate. Another likely contentious point for some. And what was up with Gaby’s soon to be ex-husband, who cheated/left her for someone younger, getting to keep their three restaurants. Sounds like Gaby needs a better divorce attorney to handle her case, don’t you think?

Well, I think I’ve stated my major observations about this one, my fellow romance book-loving friends. Unfortunately, I’m left thinking it was a good first attempt, but wasn’t up to my standards for a great romantic read. Rating: Just average.

Title: To Rome With Love, Series: (Love in the City), Author: Mandi Benet, Pages: 268, stand-alone, HEA, debut author, VERY steamy scenes, both are going through pending divorces, OW drama, no cheating.

(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaby I didn’t like as much as Silvio and let me tell you why. At first I was gunho on Gaby. she wasn’t taking crap from Silvio and letting him know when he was rude. She was also learning to be strong and live without the idiot of a husband she had. Than she started to waffle and treat Silvio not so nicely. She let fear rule her actions and she left Silvio in limbo. Her flirting with others wasn’t nice. She knew what that was doing. See Silvio was always honest in that respect. He may have been less than honest with himself about his feelings but I think that was more denial because of his ex who did a total number on him and still was. Gaby saw this first hand and still didn’t quite get his fear to get to close. For Silvio it was not just Silvio he had to worry about but his little boy Luca. He needed to be more careful for his sake. This is harder when you are still learning to trust again. So as she got waffly she didn’t appeal to me. As she flirted with others and let her past see Silvio differently I wasn’t happy. she did in the end grow back on me but not as much as Silvio. See he was a evolution. he went from disillusioned and terdy to sexy, sweet and honest. he didn’t hold back and he knew that someone like Gaby is what was needed to keep him in line and give him happiness he was just afraid and wary because of his heart being stomped on and Luca. It was his love and devotion to Luca that will warm your heart to him.

Gaby was in the same boat. She wasn’t exactly in the men are trusty people area and yet she did hold this against Silvio and hurt him a few times. When they first meet, they get on each others nerves. Never letting the other get away with anything and putting each other in their place. Was fun to watch. than they got a little wobbly due to suspicions and not being sure of their feelings. Than we have the anger but that was due to misunderstandings and we have some facing of feelings but not completely. And when Gaby does finally plunge she isn’t completely letting go but still hesitate. This doesn’t help Silvio since he has to think of his son.

The story is fun and sweet at times. The snarky exchanges and putting each other in place was great. So was the exploration of who each other is. Learning about the other and seeing who they really are outside of what is seen by others. Silvio and Gaby grow together and help each other heal and move on. they are what each other needs in the other’s life to be the best of themselves. They just try to deny it for to long. the love story is one of growth and doesn’t happen right away. They even deny the attraction to one another. They get to know each other and see who the other is. Learn about each other and explore their worlds. So we get to see them learn and explore and that made the love stronger and more believable. I love how they put each other in place and help each other heal. How in the end Silvio is able to heal and fight for what he wants and show Gaby he wants and loves her.

this is very character emotion driven with some fun moments, sexy moments and sweet moments. The love story is slow in building but allows us to explore the characters and see who they really are and how they interact outside of intimacy. As they work together for the wedding cooking and helping the bride get a gown we see how they are as a team and see them together and how they are strong for each other. A wonderful story of healing, moving on, taking a chance on love and finding the one that is strong enough to be all you need. This is the love story of Gaby and Silvio, how they meet at a time when both are going through the same type of divorce and trying to heal and trust again, how they keep each other in line, see what the other is and fall in love with one another.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Rome With Love, Book 1 in the Love in the City series,  Mandi Benet

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Women’s Fiction

 I loved the sound of this, intriguing love story , wonderful romantic city, should be a book I’ll enjoy. Well, I liked it but that’s all, didn’t love it as I’d hoped.

I felt the sensuality and tension between Silvio and Gaby right from the first meeting, when he’s insufferable arrogant and she reacts to that. Sometimes when we’re really attracted to someone, especially if we don’t want to be it makes people behave in a way they wouldn’t normally and so it felt here. They were both antagonistic, reminds me of the old phrase “methinks he doth protest too much” or something along those lines.
So why when that was there didn’t it translate into a hit for me? Well, Gaby and Silvio were on-off-on all the while, and never both at the same time to begin. I got tired of all the false starts and excuses. It was as if they both didn’t want to want the other, and one moment would think “it’s just a date” and the next “Oh no, what about the distance? I don’t want a relationship? The timing isn’t right” They seemed to have a hundred and one excuses, when they hadn’t even had a date....Gaby’s jealous of him seeing anyone else but won’t let him in to her heart, he’s jealous of her in just the same way, they have a moment and then regret it, lips touch and then its all brushed off, and after a while it was just really irritating. Does anyone start a relationship thinking of all the reasons they can’t be together, even when they haven’t dated and found out whether there’s even anything more than just lust? I felt they were so many steps ahead of themselves.


I was a bit peeved at  the way Gaby seems to be the “hero” all the while, she saves the day, for the food, for the wedding dress, and even buys expensive gifts for the family Silvio knew, where mum was ill, and they had very little. He’d been taking groceries, carefully so as to not offend the family, and takes Gaby one time. She then seems to be on a crusade, not thinking about when she leaves in a couple of weeks. Doesn’t ask mum if its ok to buy what she did, doesn’t seem to think of on-going costs they may not be able to afford. A real Do-gooders approach, when the person gives what they want and not what the people may need. She’d have been better asking off she could take the kids to the park or something, getting them out of the flat they were stuck in all day, seeing if she could get them some permanent help, seeing if she could do something about mum’s medical issues so they weren’t stuck like that in the future. Silvio too – he’s a rich guy, the family seem t mean something to him, so why hasn’t he seen if he could help the mum?
I guess its my charity cynicism coming out – I hate all those TV pledges where people do charitable things just to get seen. Charity should be done not talked about, if it really is meant to help and not just make the giver feel good.

I really was hoping for more sparks from his ex, we got a few good ones and she was perfect to be a real b itch, but there wasn’t a lot from her. I think that’s the way I felt about most of the book, scenes were set up well, but for me didn’t really deliver what they meant to. Still, its a fun read, and I’m sure for many it will be five stars, just not for me.

Stars: Three a fun read but fell short in areas for me.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[butterfliesandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description:
When Gaby Conte’s Italian husband, Danieli, abandons her for a young Peruvian waitress at a restaurant they co-own in San Francisco, Gaby seeks refuge in Rome with her best friend, Maria. There, she swears off romance for a long while and Italian men forever. That’s until she meets Silvio, who belongs to an old, aristocratic Roman family and lives in a palace alongside the best private art collection in Rome. Silvio, who is the cousin of Maria’s husband, is going through his own divorce. He’s gorgeous, of course, which Gaby doesn’t tell him. And arrogant and condescending, which she does. The last thing Gaby needs is more Italian trouble, but the attraction is instant and powerful, and against the backdrop of one of the world’s most romantic cities, both try—and fail—to resist the chemistry between them. But both Gaby and Silvio have made a rule never to make the mistake of trusting in love again. Will they realize some rules are made just to be broken?



Review:

To Rome With Love by Mandi Benet is the first book in her new Love in the City series. Oh dear ! First impressions that Gaby has of Silvio is lust, then when he opens his mouth, her illusions are shattered, he is an arrogant man. And Gaby is so not interested.

After raising their twins girls and helping her husband create and run three restaurants in San Francisco, her husband thanks her by divorcing her and marrying the waitress he was having an affair with!

Escaping to Italy to visit a friend Gaby is not interested in having fun, or make company, she just wants to lick her wounds, find some peace and rebuild her life.

Silvio is also recovering from a divorce, so the last thing he wants is his cousins wife trying to play matchmaker. And anyway she is nothing like his type, but there is something about her that keeps her on Silvio’s mind.

The scenes were beautifully written, and I could easily picture the scenes that the author had written. The attraction between Silvio and Gaby was a very slow burn, and as each character kept mistaking the others interest, it took a while to take off. The other characters added humour and depth to the story.

So if your looking for a little Italian romance, then To Rome With Love is a good book to read.

[Belle Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! This is exactly the kind of romance I yearn for. Give me a place that speaks the language of love, like the city of Rome, and my suitcases are packed. Package my romantic interlude with unforgettable paintings and architecture, and throw in a palace, and there is nothing more I need. However, when you add in an irresistible academic, gorgeous, sexy, brilliant Italian, well, now I’m on my knees.
Gabriella is forty and this has not been a very good year. Newly divorced from her Italian restaurant owner partner, who’s left her for a younger woman, she is definitely not in a good place. She’s as vulnerable and insecure as a woman can be, and she definitely isn’t looking for love, in fact, she believes she will never love again.
THE CURE: She visits her best friend, Maria, who’s married to Carlo, a super-wealthy scion of a major Roman family. Gaby is seeking a peaceful place to recover and rethink her life. That is, until in walks Carlo’s cousin, the super-dashing, sexy, arrogant, recently divorced… Silvio. Ah, Silvio, truly I’m in love. Art history was my major and I’d have cut off my…well let’s not talk about cutting things off, let’s talk about Silvio. Silvio who treats Gaby with disdain, teasing her, ruffling her feathers, anything to get her reaction. Suddenly, our beaten down heroine shows her spunk by giving as good as she gets, throwing Silvio for a loop. Once thrown, he’s irresistibly drawn, although he fights his attraction every step of the way.
Now, that I have your attention, I invite you to read this charming, sophisticated romance, with just the right amount of earth-shattering sex, fire, food (Mama mia, the food!) and slip away for a few hours to the magical Eternal City of Rome.

[H. Duby · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one picks up a book titled _To Rome with Love_, one expects to get a happily ever after ending. This novel delivers that... and so much more. It is obvious in reading the book that the author is rather knowledgeable about Italian food and customs. One of the drawbacks to the book is that I spent a great deal of my time hungry! I did like the fact that the main characters are not naive young people. In our youth-obsessed culture, it is often all too easy to depict the heroine as a flighty or, dare I say it, barely legal. However, the author has given us two main characters that are mature and have been burned, and burned badly, but who have made great strides towards having a good relationship. I think that one of my very favorite aspects of the book is the discussion of the art for which Renaissance Italy is so famous.

As I've stated, there is a LOT of good in this book. There is also a little not-so-good. The fact in the book that caused the major dissonance for me is the contradiction between having the heroine being depicted as toned and slim while also having the depiction of being curvy and not "supermodel thin". Another disconnect for me was the fact that there really is too much not-translated Italian, and that was confusing.

Despite the communication breakdown (to an extent), the two main characters seem well-suited to each other when they both get out of the way of their romance. While there is a lot of dancing around the idea of a sexual relationship, actual sex scenes arè not that plentiful. Even so, the scenes are explicit. Because of this, I can only feel comfortable with recommending the book to readers 18+.

Reviewed by HR Duby for Romance Authors that Rock

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very attractive from more than one point of view. The love story between Gaby and Silvio is very beautiful, descriptions of historical places in Rome and as well the magnificent culinary experience give it that interesting touch.

From the romance perspective, I am more than pleased of what I read. I mean, both characters are strong and independent and try to make it out of their failed marriages. While Gaby struggles to get over her husband’s infidelity with a waitress, Silvio is trying to move on after his wife cheated on him with his best friend. These similar circumstances shape them in different ways. She is not willing to sit around and cry her heart out for a man who did not deserve her affection so she is looking forward to her time with her best friend, so she can relax and come back with a new perspective over her professional future. Silvio on the other hand is adamant on not letting any other woman close to his heart again and dedicates his life to his son. Neither of them seems prepared for a new relationship. Still they cannot avoid the attraction.

We get to experience divorce from husband and wife perspective, and I think this is quite interesting. Also, when Gaby and Silvio meet, sparks go off. All the scenes with both of them are so well created that the reader feels he is right there, in one of their shoes. J the way both of them compare the other with the ex gives the feeling of reality too.

All in all, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I believe the book has a great love story that gives you butterflies, but there are some small details that could have been better constructed, like the relationship between Gaby and her daughters. Congratulations to the author for a lovely novel !

[Carly Jordynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandi's book has something for everyone. There is romance, sex, humor, food, and that special blend of sarcasm that is double-edged. You may be delivering a blistering retort, but in reality your stating "I want you... kiss me... take me."

I think anybody who has been in love and left for another woman/man can relate to Gaby and her story. You want to get away from everyone and everything. Going to Rome to spend time with her best friend, Maria, is just what the doctor ordered. Meeting Silvio was the icing on the cake.

Another thing I loved about this book was the ages of the characters. It's nice to read about a couple starting over in their 40's, an age I can definitely relate to. They bond over common interests yet have a strict rule of never falling in love again. How many of us have stated that at some point in our lives? That's usually when the right man/woman comes along, sweeps us off our feet, and loves us forever.

A few other things I enjoyed in this book is Mandi's descriptions of places, food, and everyday conversation. Her description of food will leave you hungry. The description of places in Rome will make you want to buy an airline ticket and go visit.

Both Gaby and Silvio are strong characters. I like that they butt heads yet are attracted to each other. I like that they are both strong enough to fall in love and take a chance again. Some say love is a weakness, especially when you have been burned, but in this case, it only strengthens them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Mandi Benet is a talented writer with Soul Mate Publishing.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to fall in love in Rome? This is a very beautiful story of romance and second chances. Gaby has a broken heart and is angry which is understandable since her cheating husband has moved on. She decides to travel to Italy to visit her best friend where she meets Silvio who has his own problems with romance in the form of a pending divorce. The chemistry between these two is super hot to the point that it is boiling. Of course they are their own biggest obstacles. Gaby doesn't want to be left again especially not by another Italian while for Silvio, Gaby is like no woman he has ever met. That scares him and leaves unsure.

This is my first time reading any Mandi Benet and I must tell you that she is very descriptive with her words. I felt as though I was actually there in each scene with the characters. Each word just seem to flow off the page and each character was very well-defined. Gaby was feisty and had no problem tell Silvio when he was being a jerk while Silvio was as smooth as you would expect an Italian God to be. They were both very relatable and real.

This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/to-rome-with....

A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

After years of marriage, a family, owning three restaurants, her Italian husband leaves her for another woman, a young waitress from one on the restaurants. Gabby decides to go to Rome to spend time with her best friend, Maria and get away from men all together. That is until she meets Maria's husband's very handsome and Italian, cousin. Silvio is also getting a divorce and isn't interested in getting involved in another relationship. They are both attracted to each other, yet neither want to start another relationship. Neither one can keep the other off their mind.
To Rome With Love was all in all a good read, but not a page turner for me. A lot of ups and downs and back and forths. I liked the spunk of some characters, throwing in a bit of humor. But the determination of both characters pushing their attraction for each other a way was frustrating at times. Of course, who couldn't, and wouldn't, want to fall in love in Italy?! I guess if you've flown half way around the world to start new and just divorced, you wouldn't want to either.
This is a three heart read.
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock!

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and adored the characters, especially Gaby. Despite her heartbreak and knowing she may well be falling for a replica of her husband, she just can't stop her feelings for Silvo, also on the rebound. What gives this the cherry on the top is the fantastic setting in Rome. Having visited there once, this brought everything all alive again as the story unfolds. What better place to have a romance than in the Eternal city?

I would look out for more books from this author, having read this one. I found it to be gripping throughout and a delightful read.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing romance! Gaby travels to visit a friend in order to get over her divorce and focus on her future. While there she meets the arrogant cousin of her friend's husband. Sparks fly and when they are put together to work on a project, those sparks turn to full out fireworks. Loved how this was written and how even though the main characters are strong, they do have a vulnerability that comes through. They begin to question if what they are feeling should be explored or left alone and this story beautifully takes us on their journey. Loved this!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a romantic book that was really good. This was a little of everything in it and what is not to love about a setting in Rome. Really like the characters being a little untrusting of love and having to learn again that not all people cheat which can be very hard once it has happened. The author had chemistry between these two characters and it was hot!! The next book will be on my to read list :).

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my review.

I thought it an acceptable chick lit, for me it lacked the emotion I was grasping for it was there but not quite realized. Sorry, and what was with the over exaggerated Italian speak, accent whatever you call it, it was so overdone. With some statigic editing this could be a best seller.

[Literary]

For a starting and full review please visit InD'tale magazine online, May 2016 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora...