The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

You can't fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after.

Lexi Walker has finally committed to the Italian adventure that she and her late mother dreamed of for years--complete with a meticulously crafted itinerary, four sealed letters to open at Rome's most iconic sites, and her mother's final painting to present at the art festival Lexi is helping organize. She's ready for the perfect Roman getaway. What she doesn't expect is for her mother's artwork to start manifesting in real life, turning her carefully planned trip into something unpredictable.

Italian-American architect Mark Russo has sworn off American tourists after having his heart broken, and he's certainly not about to let another one distract him from winning the restoration bid that could reunite his estranged father with his grandfather. But when the captivating woman next to him on the flight to Rome proposes a photography challenge--whoever captures the heart of Italy in seven days wins--Mark can't resist the bet or her charm.

As Lexi follows the letters from her mother around the city, she encounters Mark everywhere she goes. Their competitive banter turns to undeniable chemistry, but they both know the cardinal rule of holiday romances. Will a little magic--and a lot of mishaps--break the Roman Holiday Rule?

Debut author Andra Loy serves up a delightful blend of witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and sparks of magic where readers will be swept away to Rome, Italy, in this imaginative, no-spice rom-com with a dash of magical realism. Perfect for travel enthusiasts, fans of the rivals-to-lovers trope, and readers of Sarah Adams, Sophie Cousens, and Ashley Poston.

The Author

Andra Loy writes hopelessly romantic rom-coms where love bends reality. Her unpublished works of fiction have received multiple awards. An avid explorer of storied castle ruins, Andra lived in Europe for over twenty years with her husband and three kids, but she recently moved back to the United States. When not reading and writing, she enjoys teaching English, traveling, and playing piano. Learn more at AndraLoy.com.

Book Review

I've never been on a Roman holiday, and yet there was something about this story that felt very nostalgic to me... perhaps it's the millennial in me that grew up on movies like When in Rome and The Lizzie McGuire Movie... but whatever the reason, I loved that it made me love the city of Rome just as much as these sweet characters. Right from the start, I enjoyed the banter between Mark and Lexi. While they got off to a rough start, there was an easy chemistry between them that drew me in. The romance was sweet and swoon worthy, but I also enjoyed seeing Lexi work through her grief over her mother. It was really beautifully done and still felt lighthearted overall with the humor and romance. If you love a good vacation romance with just the perfect dose of whimsy, this is certainly one to check out.  

The Roman Holiday Rule is a closed-door romance with kisses only, no language and the perfect hint of magical realism (whimsical, not dark). 



You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4gTkFUo