Smitten with Ravioli (Smitten with Travel Romantic Comedy #1)

by Ellen Jacobson

My phobia is utterly dull in comparison. I have aerophobia. Yep, I’m scared of airplanes. Boring, right? Whenever I tell people that I’m afraid to fly, they yawn and change the subject. But, I bet you if I told them I have anatidaephobia (the fear that ducks are watching me) or feretrophobia (the fear of coffins and being buried alive), they’d perk right up.

I knew how to get my life back on track—go to Italy, learn how to make pasta, then come back home and open a restaurant.

“See how happy they look?” I nod. “I bet that’s because they’re following their own paths, not doing what they think everyone else expects of them.”

when you’re riding public transportation, wear something unusual, like scuba gear. That way, if you’re sitting next to a cute guy, it’ll be a great conversation starter.

I think he’s asking me if the fish is fresh.

“I had an ex who was always trying to get me to read fiction, but I could never really get into it. I prefer to read about stuff that’s real, not stuff that’s make-believe.”

If you’re a loser just say that

“Oh, hello Professor Whitaker,” the woman says. “Your graduate students are waiting for you.” I turn and find myself looking straight into Preston’s piercing blue eyes.

“I was probably too mesmerized by the dimples you get when you smile to have paid attention to what you were saying.”

“I could have been carrying my collection of paperweights, cleverly disguised as books, around with me.”

People need cheese. It’s practical and useful, not to mention delicious.

“You’re wearing a bow tie.” Okay, I’m not sure if that was a compliment or more of an observation, but the grin on his face seems to suggest that he’s taken it as a form of praise. He moves closer to me. “I am.” “It has polka dots on it,” I say, tossing out more of my keen observations. His smile fades a little. “Don’t you like polka dots?” “Who doesn’t like polka dots?” I say in a reassuring tone. “And you’re wearing a dress,” he says, a full grin back on display. “I am.” “It has straps.” I bite back a smile. “Don’t you like straps?” “Straps are good.”

This is cute

“I also pay for dinner when I take a lady out on a date.” “When did this become a date?” “The minute I saw you in that dress.”

There’s nothing my inner voice loves more than an overpriced drink.