The Roman Holiday Rule

by Andra Loy

Description

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 romantic 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 show more 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 five days wins--Mark can't resist the bet and 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: You can't fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after. Will a little magic--and a lot of mishaps--break the Roman Holiday Rule? Andra Loy serves up a delightful blend of witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and sparks of magic in a love story that's as enchanting as Rome itself. show less

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SBMC 601 reviews

"There's a tiny section on the Venn diagram where maddening and captivating overlap."

What a fun and sweet romcom! From the first chapter I was hooked. Lexi and Mark's first person voices were delightful. The above quote from the book explains their entire relationship in a sentence. Lexi and Mark both battled heartbreak of different origins and their fear rising out of the heartbreak was the main thing keeping them apart. But their chemistry was instantaneous and their banter was truly amazing. And the pop culture references, especially about Star Wars, were so fun. I loved Lexi with her organizational skills, soft and loyal heart, and taste for adventure. I also loved Mark with his fascinatingly creative mind, quirky sense of humor, show more tender and compassionate heart, and love for his family. The sights, sounds, taste and feel of Rome as Lexi and Mark kept getting thrown together felt like I had gone on a Roman holiday with them. Though slightly predictable, the magical realism in the story was cute and I loved watching how Lexi and Mark's paths intersected every step of the way.

This is the perfect beach read. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Haven via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. show less

Jun 20, 2026

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