Roman Crazy

Disappointing compared to previous books I've read by Alice Clayton (Wallbanger series). Didn't feel any connection to the characters because they were never developed individually or as a couple. The glimpses into Avery's and Marcello's pasts aren't enough to go on. Missed opportunity and a let down after reading so many positive reviews.

You can imagine what everything looks like because of the very detailed writing! Yet I finished the book not really knowing who Marcello was.....
*****spoiler*****

I could make it past the college year infraction but to be almost finished and have the Simone drama rubbed me wrong! At the end it still felt unresolved!

4.9 stars

Before you start reading this book you need to fill your stomach.
You CANNOT read this book hungry! ☺☺☺

Now about the story....

Avery has been married to WASPy Boston Royalty for eight years when she finds her husband cheating with his secretary.
Time to get out of the kind of country club life she never wanted in the first place.
She always wanted to use her art history degree and not attend garden club lunches, Junior League meetings and spending time with judgemental rich idiots...like her mother-in-law.

Off she goes - to visit her bestie Daisy in Rome.

On her first night in Italy Daisy is throwing her a Welcome-to-Rome party with all her architect-firm colleagues and friends. Also present: Marcello.
THE Marcello. The guy that got away nine years ago. The guy Avery had a very intense four-month affair with while studying in Barcelona.
And he was the guy she kind of left without a word to go back home to her soon-to-be-lawyer boyfriend.

She never really got over Marcello. And Marcello is probably still feeling a lot too - going by the hateful glares he's throwing her way. ☺

Perfect time to start her new life.
Rome is bringing back Avery's love for art big time!
Amazing, to-die-for, food, best friends and a beautiful city is exactly what she needs to find the old Avery again.
And her love for Marcello? Is there still something left for her in his heart?

Time to find out.

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO AVERY & MARCELLO??
WILL THERE BE A HEA??
WILL EVERYBODY SURVIVE THIS BOOK??
WiLL THERE BE A CLiFFHANGER??
____________________________

✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

As soon as Avery lands in Rome, we're right there with her.
We smell the air, the garlic, the herbs, the sun, the Vespa exhaust!
I loved it.

This was half romance and half tourist guide for our future visit to Rome. Nina and Alice should be paid by the roman tourist minister. They did such an amazing job describing the city. Ugh, I so want to go there and eat non-stop for a week!

The romance and sexiness part was equally adorable!
I loved that both Avery and Marcello were very interested in getting started with their second chance at something special. Ok, it took Marcello a tiny little while to trust her again....but it was really sweet to watch them fight for their second chance.

Also very adorable and funny was Avery's bestie Daisy. I'm sure her story will be just as amazing!

You just have to read this story - you won't be disappointed for one second. Summer nights in this beautiful city with beautiful food and a second-chance love story .... what's not to love about that?

►►► ROMAN CRAZY was such a beautiful & funny & adorable & colorful love-song about the city of Rome. About second chances at life and love. Run to your nearest the store to find out if and how Avery will get her Forever-Happily-Ever-After!!!

...and now hurry ladies - I want to read the stories about Avery's besties!!

Oh - and if I had to name some things I didn't like?
Maybe I didn't really feel the deep-love-connection between our two darlings.
They were cute and sexy together, but since we didn't hear ANYTHING private about Marcello, we didn't really connect with him all that much :/ We were just sad for him that Avery left him like that in Barcelona all those years ago.

Also, why is Avery not ONCE asking about Simone in all their courting/dating time?? Asking, talking and telling can save a lot of drama later on! js
But I still loved the story very much! Even though 65% of my love for it come from the ROME part of the story!

This book grabbed me with the humor beginning on the first page and then completely transported me to Rome. The scenery, the food, the culture, the language, and the hot, sexy man speaking Italian...

Avery and Marcello had a four month long love affair during college study programs in Barcelona and they had plans to continue their relationship. But she went home and ended up breaking his heart without explanation.

Nine years later, when her now carefully organized and routine life suddenly implodes, she accepts an invitation to run off to Rome to visit her best friend, Daisy. She never expected to run into Marcello there and he is completely shocked as well. He's angry, confused, and still hurt. He never really knew what happened and why she abandoned their plans. They begin to mend fences, and start to rekindle their flirty rapport and sexual tension.

Marcello is so magnetic, hot, and swoony. He literally sweeps her off her feet...again. And Avery is funny, sweet, and finally letting herself go. This is an adventure in Rome with friends, a love interest, and a new outlook. She's trying to find herself, purpose, and happiness. She's just figuring out what she really wants out of life and is rediscovering her own creativity and skills. This trip and this man start to bring her back to life.

They fall back into their intense connection with uncontrollable lust and passion, but there are still secrets. I was so tense just waiting for some full disclosure and worrying about what the fall-out was going to be. They definitely have some issues to deal with and work out. But I liked that they are now a mature couple and even though emotions can run high and they can react strongly, there was not a lot of long-lasting or unnecessary angst.

This is a second-chance romantic tourist adventure. It was easy to get caught up in and feel like you were right there experiencing it. It is humorous because of the character's personalities and situations, so it more naturally funny than a slapstick comedy. At the heart of the story is the romance and Avery's journey of self discovery.

Avery's jet-setting college friends, Daisy and Fiona are both outspoken firecrackers. I assume they will the next two "Broads Abroad" in the series. The setting and locations truly come alive with the vivid descriptions adding to the romantic atmosphere. And who can resist a sexy, charming Italian with an accent? Not me.

**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**

First, I have to congratulate Nina Bocci on her debut full-length release!

Avery Bardot is in a difficult place. She caught her husband cheating on her, is dealing with her uptight and snooty mother-in-law pressuring her to stay in the marriage despite his indiscretions, and is in a state of emotional chaos. When her best friend Daisy encourages her to pack up and spend some time with her in Rome, Avery jumps on the chance. Her first night in Rome, Avery finds herself reunited with a former love, Marcello, which turns her world upside down yet again. As Avery starts to rediscover herself, she also starts to rediscover Marcello, and begins to wonder if the life she's been looking for has been there in Rome the entire time.

I adored Avery and the journey she embarked on. That was my single most favorite part of this book. I think it's safe to say that we've all been there before, standing the wake of some horrible experience, wondering how we're going to pick up the pieces and where to go from there. For Avery, her best friend Daisy is this huge source of strength and support, and with a little encouragement, Avery decides that she needs to find herself again. She gave up so much for her husband, and in the process managed to completely lose herself. I loved seeing her rediscover all the things she was passionate about in her younger days ... including Marcello.

The second chance love story within the pages of Roman Crazy left me with butterflies in my stomach and a feeling of giddiness in my chest. Avery made a pretty big mistake when she was younger, and she spends time rectifying that and making it up to Marcello. They still know each other, but at the same time they really don't, so it's like they're starting all over again. Through a series of expeditions around Rome, they get acquainted again, and eventually ... well, you can guess.

Marcello is this sexy, smooth talking, incredibly talented in bed man. He's the European male that all of us ladies sit around and dream about meeting. He's not perfect through, which is refreshing. It was very easy to fall in love with him.

Bocci and Clayton did a fantastic job collaborating on this novel. There's plenty of witty remarks and sass, which I've come to love and expect in anything Clayton pens, but Bocci has added her own touch to the story as well. The descriptions in this story—of the markets, the artwork, the food, the architecture, the people and the atmosphere of Rome—were so wonderfully done. Everything was so vivid, it's very obvious that these two have been to Rome before. I felt like I was taking a tour of Rome, tasting the food myself, smelling and feeling the air as it wrapped itself around me. Everything was pieced together perfectly, the story flowed right along, I couldn't put it down because I needed to know what happened to Avery next, and Bocci and Clayton wrap everything up nicely at the end.

I can't say enough good things about this book. If you love Alice Clayton's work, you'll want to read this. If you've caught Nina Bocci's work in the Felony Ever After compilation and loved it, then you'll want to read this. If you enjoy second chance romances that are beautifully written and feature both an amazing male and female lead, you'll want to read this.

This was the perfect book to cap off my summer with!

Roman Crazy gets the Got Nikki? Must Read seal of approval.

Five stars to this novel!

A story of friendship, romance, and renewal, Roman Crazy is a fun, sexy, hilarious contemporary rom com that I just adored. I've been a fan of Alice Clayton's for what seems like forever. She's had me laughing and swooning and falling in love since a certain redhead fell for a younger man. Nina Bocci has been making me smile and bringing joy to my life for a good long while in an entirely different capacity within this romance world, so I couldn't have been more excited to see the two of these powerhouse women join forces to bring romance and humor to page. Double the fun, double the swoon, double the humor, double the angst, double the sheer romance, Clayton and Bocci together are what my blissful, romantic dreams are made of.

Avery Bardot's life is turned completely upside down when she finds her husband has been unfaithful. Desperate for an escape and a much needed mental reprieve, she sets off from Boston to Rome to spend the summer with her best friend, Daisy. Whether by fate or pure coincidence, it's there Avery is reunited with Marcello, "the one that got away." Their reunion is everything a second chance romance was ever meant to be... messy, angsty, incredibly sexy, and rife with delicious chemistry, raw emotions, and palpable longing that just owned me.

I love that these two funny, vibrant women got together and wrote a story about two funny, vibrant women. Roman Crazy is a romance, a beautiful, messy, sexy, lush romance. But it's also very much a story about friendship. This story is about a woman turning to her best friend when her world crumbles down around her. It's about a friendship that has endured time and distance. These two girls have seen each other through failed relationships and career changes and relocations and they've always known they had each other no matter where life took them. Roman Crazy is a beautiful reminder that a sexy Italian man is wonderful, but there's nothing like a best friend.

Roman Crazy is joyful. This story made me happy. It filled me with all those delicious emotions I love to feel while reading and it just warmed my heart, pure and simple. The tastes and smells and the sheer beauty of Italy, of Rome seeped from every page; the wine, the coffee, the pastries, the pasta, the lemon trees, the olive groves. The history. The art. The cobblestone streets. The shops and cafes. The Italian atmosphere that simply demands you fall in love. It's vivid and lush and it sweeps you away right along with these characters. Clayton and Bocci beautifully illustrate this lush backdrop, and before it, they craft this luminous story of friendship and love, of one woman's journey back to herself, to her true love, to her true self. I adored this book from cover to cover. I love everything this writing pair created with their words. I love the way I came away feeling. Delightfully funny and deliciously romantic, Roman Crazy is a second chance love story that had me swooning and smiling the whole way through. Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci are a match made in Rom Com heaven.

“Life is a canvas for you to paint.”

I absolutely adore this quote because it illustrates exactly how life is meant to be lived; people are not supposed to merely exist in a monotonous routine; they’re not supposed to be simply an observer in their own life. Life is meant to be consumed with people’s passions, reveling in the highs and lows of life, being defined by what they’re made of and who they attach their life to; simply put, life is supposed to be lived by people’s needs and desires because without those things, their life will not be their own; it will be based on someone else’s choices and lived for someone’s hopes and dreams.

Avery Bardot lost sight of this idea. Through a series of promises and blunders, she became a dispassionate housewife who simply existed to be a part of her husband’s lifestyle – to play the part of devoted wife without getting anything in return, so when her world is turned upside down by other people’s choices, Avery finds herself ready for a makeover…ready to take back her life, put herself first, and live with passion. And there’s no better place to start Avery’s reinvention than a summer in Rome – a beautiful place that speaks to her artistic side and offers limitless opportunities for growth and rediscovering who she truly is inside.

I’ve never been to Rome, but I sure as heck want to go after reading Roman Crazy. The city is one of the main characters in this book; it reignites Avery’s passions and allows her a second chance not only at doing the things she loves but also reconnecting with the man who consumed her nine years ago – a man she’s never forgotten although she tried like hell to make good on her previous plans despite the hole in her heart from leaving her Italian lover all those years ago.

Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci do a wonderful job of showcasing all of Rome’s known and hidden treasures; as Avery’s adventures lead her to roam the many areas of the city, readers come along for the fun and experience the magnificent food, rich culture, and beautiful architecture that Avery fills her days and nights with, and we also witness the ways in which Avery reignites her artsy side and also the side that yearns for a relationship filled with uninhibited passion, just like the one she had 9 years ago for four glorious months in Spain.

Roman Crazy is definitely a second chance romance and that part of the story builds slowly; there’s a lot of hurt to work through in order for Avery and Marcello to have another opportunity to see if their feelings for one another are worth the risk of a second broken heart, and Clayton and Bocci show the couple’s fears and hesitations and build upon the idea that sacrificing and forgiving some things for The One just might allow them to have a new life together.

While reuniting with Marcello is central to Avery’s reinvention, her personal growth is just as or more important than their reunion because in order for their new connection to stay strong, Avery must revel in the things she loves and feel free to go anywhere and do anything just because she can and just because she wants to and this is exactly what I felt as I read Avery’s story. She’s lighter and freer in Rome and absolutely more expressive and headstrong, and this is what she needed in order to set herself free from the mistakes and constraints of her old life.

Roman Crazy is an excellent second chance story – a second chance at love and at life, and it helps readers to recognize how amazing it is to be an active participant in one’s life instead of simply a spectator. Life is meant to be lived and that message is delivered a multitude of times throughout Avery’s story!

A complimentary copy was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Poison Apples

Reviewed by Rachel and Sharon Thérèse

'There was always this nugget of hope that somehow, someway our paths might cross again and I’d be granted the privilege of seeing this man once more, to remember what I knew so well, what I loved so dearly.'

Mama mia! ‘Vivere la vita’ is an Italian way of life and how better to experience it by reading this book. It will take you on a journey set in summer in one of the most historical cities in the world, Rome. A strong sensation of déjà vu hit us and lingered from the beginning of Avery’s voyage to the very last page. Since we’ve both been fortunate enough to have visited this amazing place on more than one occasion, we truly felt like we were walking on the cobblestone streets alongside the story’s characters. Vespa scooters whizzed past us, cars hooted constantly and the smell of delicious food wafting through the air reached our taste buds. Mouth-watering, eh? The authors certainly built up our appetite when explaining the necessary ingredients for making such delicious dishes. In other words, the descriptive writing is meravigliosa!

“Mr. Pickpocket did get my favourite lipstick and a starlight mint.”
“A starlight mint huh?”
“I wanted to have fresh breath when I arrived.”
“I hear that. There’s so many hot men in this city, sometimes you just never know when you’re going to fall on one of their mouths.”

The first chapter stunned us. Well, we weren’t the only ones to be left with our mouths wide open and although Avery tried to take it lightly, she couldn’t! So she did what most women would do under her situation—face the music. Ooh boy, sorry mums-in-law but Avery’s takes the cake. Avery’s handling of such a delicate issue had us in fits of laughter, her decision to do something about it, we applauded. Actually, both of us discussed as to whom wrote this scene and many others and despite us having our suspicions, we're not letting on!

“I always forget how funny you think you are, Avery. Daniel always was fond of your sense of humour.”

Our feelings for the man who caused her to take the initiative was what the heck! A wimp with a capital W! In the blink of an eye, her life with him had become a sham, had to be sorted out and opened our eyes as to how the other half lives. Hmm. . . we didn’t care for it a bit.

“So what’s up? Seriously what’s up?”
“What else do you want me to say? What can I do for you? How can I help you? Are you lost? Sorry I left you hanging about the dry cleaning?”
“What’s up is that I wanted to see you. To talk to you, and make sure that we’re doing the right thing here.”

Avery had chosen the life she lived for reasons to be divulged well into the book. Only then did we understand why she didn’t carry on with her passion. Her true colours shine brightly in Rome though. How could they not? Rome awoke her senses; she’s artistically in her element, hungry to know more…, and of course, being with her bestie Daisy was just what she needed. Ooh, and we have to mention Daisy’s generous heart. Inquisitive and witty, she encourages Avery in every possible way. We couldn’t help but adore how she brought out her friend’s sassiness; teases and more important, gives sound advice. Even so, neither of us argued about who our favourite character was. The joy of seeing Avery find her bearings in her new surrounding was what made this story.

“Hairy is never a good word to describe anything. Unless it’s a redheaded prince of England.”

Marcello and the ambience he is in shows Avery that you can be happy and don’t have to be surrounded by luxury or live a charade. We adored the friendly and working relationship he has with Daisy who had absolutely no idea that he and Avery have history. What we didn’t care for was one of his actions; nonetheless, this is real, what happens and wasn’t candy-coated over.

“Turn around so I can fix my shirt.”
“You know I have seen you. All of you. Many times.”
“That was college-age Avery. Before things started shifting and sinking like your Colosseum.”

We really enjoyed the flashbacks which put us in the picture regarding past events, but we felt some of them could have been enhanced a tad. However, we did learn that Avery missed the boat and regretted it. Now she has a second chance and doesn’t want miss it again. Not everything is what it seems and she takes a long while to come to grips with what she’d done. How it comes to light gave us the tension we yearned for. She eats humble pie, puts her big girl panties on and deals with it!

“Do I pick one of the ninety-five thousand churches to confess in, or is Rome just so holy that you yell your sins outside at the sky and wait for judgement to befall you?”

The build-up is slow boil. What we were offered beforehand was a sightseeing tour of all the most symbolic monuments in a city that doesn’t sleep. And it’s not in the slightest bit exaggerated. We have to put emphasis on the fact that whatever hour of the day or opportunity the Romans have to meet up with friends, there is always time to savour their wholesome cuisine washed down with a glass of wine.

“Come, let’s go home. I’d thought a nice walk through the gardens would be a nice way to end the day, but ….”
“But?”
“But now all I can think about is getting you into bed. Or up against that cabinet in the entryway. I am not picky.”

When Marcello and Avery go to the next level, steaminess abounds. Gosh, there is nothing like a Latin lover and no wonder they have the reputation for being so chivalrous, hot and totally into keeping their loved ones close to them.

“What do you want Avery? Tell me.”
“You know what I want.”

Told in past tense from Avery’s point of view, we’re crossing our fingers that in follow-up we’ll see what Marcello has to say. This gorgeous guy certainly deserves to be heard and if not, well, we can’t wait to go back into town and find out what’s on the cards for Daisy. Bravo Ms Clayton and Ms Bocci for offering us a fun read and for making us laugh out loud.

When Avery Bardot heads to Rome, she thinks she is going to visit her college friend and gather herself after catching her husband in the act of cheating with his secretary. What she doesn’t count on is running into the one she let go.

From the moment she sees Marcello Bianchi again, she realizes she may have made a mistake all those years ago. These two have a chemistry that sparks up as soon as they are together again, though the question remains will their chemistry overcome the anger. And is this the life she really wants for herself?

For catching her husband in the act, Avery is relatively calm and collected about her divorce. What she had a harder time handling was her mother-in-law’s opinions and the idea that she should accept an apology gift and continue with the status quo. I liked watching her find herself again after 9 years of turning herself into the wife her husband expected.

Romantic, protective, suave, and caring, Marcello was everything one would expect from an Italian lover. As his character became clearer (beyond Avery’s quick recollections of her time with him in Spain) I couldn’t help but wonder why she left him behind in the first place!

This was a fun, flirty trip to Rome right alongside Avery. The descriptions of places around the city are incredibly vivid, painting the setting in real color. Each version of Rome had a slightly different pace: discovering Daisy’s Rome, then Marcello’s Rome, then Avery’s own explorations.

The cast of characters adds color to the story. Daisy’s free spirit and love of all things Roman was the perfect place for Avery to return when she needed a shoulder. Marcello’s family are the postcard Italian family: large, boisterous, and inclusive. I can only guess that Daisy and their third friend, Fiona, will be the subjects of other books in the Broads Abroad series, as it is noted in Goodreads but there are no other books listed as yet.

Few authors write strong minded, pick themselves up from rough times, funny and sexy women. The Clayton/Bocci lady combo definitely knows how to do it.

When Avery Bardot (can’t even remember her married name) finds her husband with his secretary, she’s packing herself up and going to visit her best friend in Rome. From there on out her life is a roller coaster and the story is one of the most fun I’ve read in a while.

On her first night in Rome, Avery runs into Marcello, an old flame from nine years ago, when she was doing an internship in Barcelona. You can imagine the shock and elation and dread running through her. Especially when the only thing Marcello shows towards her is flaming anger while he seems to be giving a little extra attention to the stunning woman he’s with.

Avery and Marcello reconnect with Rome as their backdrop and with her divorce underway, and it’s one of the swooniest romances I’ve read. Heck, almost experienced. They feelings and butterflies almost spear through as I read the book.

Avery is a woman scorned. She’s determined of finding herself again, and she’s doing it while letting her spirit free, enjoying her lover and getting to live her dream that she’s repressed when she married and supported her husband.

I’m trying hard not to share much from the story because I want you guys to enjoy the little delights in the book as much as I did.

Imagine getting to see Rome through Clayton and Bocci’s words, feel a second chance romance in progress and laugh at little antics by a hilarious and fiercely loyal best friend.

I loved Roman Crazy and I know you will, too.

This was so fantastic! I loved the smart wit from Avery, the emotion that was laced throughout, I'm totally in love with one very sweet and sexy Roman named Marcello and am completely enamored with Italy thanks to the beautiful picture that was painted for me. I laughed and cried but mostly I was smiling because it was just so fun and entertaining to read.

Avery and Marcello were wonderful characters and have a great history together and I loved learning their details and watching them reconnect. I thought there was an excellent build and pace as all the ends and outs were learned. I loved watching Avery really find herself and come to life. Marcello is just so sweet and loving, I couldn't get enough of him. The passion between the two is off the charts and I loved their chemistry but there were also just these truly sweet, sincere moments while they reconnected, it made my heart melt. There are a few ups and downs, a bit of drama, me trying not to cry and a bit of yelling at my Kindle at one point. I was just so wrapped up in everything.

This story is beautifully written, drawing you win with incredible details, making you feel like you're right there with Avery experiencing Italy and life. The details and imagery of Rome where amazing. I love that I could get so wrapped up in the story like that. Completely immersed as the world around me melted away.

I thought Roman Crazy had the perfect mix of playfulness and emotion. I I loved Avery's voice and internal dialogue. Her friend Daisy was fantastic, she was so supportive and there for her and she seems to be a woman who has secrets of her own. Fingers crossed there will be more books and Daisy will get one too.

This was just a wonderful story about life, love, and second chances and it filled with so much hope. By the end I was laughing and crying at the same time because it just made my heart feel full. I absolutely adore what Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci created to share with us, it's a must read for sure and officially my new favorite second chance romance to date.

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Roman Crazy is a splendid Roman immersion with a hint of second chance romance, getting lost and finding your way back home on your own.

Avery Bardot-Remington was dealt with a very bad hand when she caught her husband banging his secretary. Because of her polished reputation, knowing people will talk alongside her wanting to get a divorce, an escape to the city where her best friend works as an architect couldn’t come at a better time. Only, she’s in for a treat when she saw her ex-fling (the part of her past she couldn’t seem to let go of) hanging out in the same restaurant they were going as her best friend’s colleague. With another woman at his hip. So very cozy. But things are about to get crazy as that past in the person of Marcello Bianchi, swoony Italian architect, came crashing to her life once more.

Reading this book was like taking a trip in Rome. The setting was so perfectly written, culturally rich with most pages littered with beautiful places to go, food to try, museums and art galleries to leave you in awe and activities to immerse yourself in. They were intricately described and I swear I have died just imagining their raw and bustling flawlessness. I fell in love with Rome instantly.

I almost fell in love with the characters as well. There’s Avery, the prim and proper woman who catered her husband’s needs first and foremost before herself. And slightly lost herself in the process. That’s Boston Avery. Rome Avery, however, was quite different. She seemed so vibrant, full of energy. Rome Avery was full of potential with volunteer restoration work and art classes going on for her. Rome Avery as an individual shone through. But add in a delish Italian, Marcello, and Rome Avery was practically beaming in all angles. And while I can figure out Avery, I have no idea what to make of Marcello. He’s smart, yes. He can cook, yes. Maybe this was just me not warmed up to him? I didn’t think he was a strong, developed character. Like nothing was happening in his life. Well, there was at the end. But it wasn’t enough. I was sad that even though Avery and Marcello was gunning for a second chance HEA, it didn’t feel so feels-y. Like they drifted apart and things were never the same again. It felt, in a way… forced.

I liked the appearances of the secondary characters here and there especially Avery’s friends, Daisy and Fiona, Avery’s parents and Marcello’s family. They were quite enjoyable and their sincerity for Avery and Marcello was so heartfelt.

The pacing wasn’t so bad at all in the beginning, the premise was actually very nice. And don’t get me started on the second chance trope. However, I felt like the romance had taken a backseat, less focused on and was overpowered by the setting. I would’ve liked a little build up, more moments together outside the physical desires of both characters (though there were a few, thrice I think?), and less details that would be fine to not be included in the story. It’s more of a self-discovery book set in a magnificent city, falling in love with the place than with a person from the past. More of like a destination book than a romance book in a beautiful place. The story was pretty charming but at some point I started asking where the romance was, when the plot twist was going to happen when I was almost finished and when it did happen I was like—“Woah what? Is that it?”, about the resolution and grand gesture that could’ve been better if they were not felt rushed.

My wanderlust spirit soared high with this book and hopefully yours, too. You will most definitely enjoy this if you want to get a feel of all things Roman with a little romance on the side. While this was just an OK read for me didn’t mean I wasn’t anticipating the next book in the series. Will it be Daisy’s or Fiona’s?

A lighthearted, grin-inducing, delicious romance that will warm your mind, body, and soul. Romance and laughs poured off of every page. It was a true delight to experience. Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci have come together to give us romance readers something sexy…something beautiful…something special. ROMAN CRAZY will have you swooning from head to toe until the very end!

“I’m afraid if I kiss you the way I want to, I won’t stop.”

A second chance love story that will keep your heart on the edge, ROMAN CRAZY was full of hilarity, wit, and heart. It’s smart, sexy, and is sure to embrace every single part of you. A myriad of beautiful friendship, exotic locales, and unmistakable fate…this is one story that should be on every single romance lover’s bookshelf. Clayton and Bocci transported me to a beautiful place with their words, taking me on a brief but beautiful vacation where I ventured the streets of Rome right alongside Avery and Marcello. I fell HARD for this book and these amazing characters. Be prepared. After you finish this amazing read, you will immediately want to call up your best friend and take a trip, where you will fall in love with the city AND maybe, find your one true love.

*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Crazy funny addicting is the best way to describe Roman Crazy. Truly one of my favorite reads this year! It kicks off with an “oh hell no” and just keeps rolling.

Emotionally raw, fresh off the plane, and striving to figure out her new normal: Avery is my favorite kind of Heroine. I think when a book centers around a woman trying to figure out a new path, all the while re-evaluating her past life decisions, it makes for a more powerful read. Avery is the star, the conductor, and the guide. It’s her inner dialogue while trying to figure herself out that kept me up till 3 am.

Not only is this a book about reconnecting with self, it’s also a second chance romance. Beautifully written, smartly plotted, and just plain sexy. Add in a new country, a relaxed way of life, and the beauty that is Rome… well, what’s not to love?

I won’t give any more away here. Jump on a flight to Roman Crazy. Spend a lazy afternoon luxuriating in its pages and discover what Alice Clayton and first-time author Nina Bocci have created. Perfection!

[...]

I was really looking forward to this book and finally my library got it! While reading, I appreciated the descriptions of Italy, the food, the sights, the colorful scenery. And everything was going great until I came to realize this second chance love story was poorly executed. Avery and Marcello pretty much just picked up where they left off. There were some great sexy scenes and weekend trips away with each other, but the profession of love and projecting those feelings onto the reader were just MISSING. I've seen other reviews about the dislike for the cheating aspect, but honestly that does not bother me. What bothered me was it seemed we missed out on the scene where Avery and Marcello finally say their "I love you"s and boom they are now a couple navigating through the remainder of the book. Throw in some obligatory drama to threaten separation and a quick wrap up, and there you have this book. It was okay but it was definitely not as good as I had initially hoped.

***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review, which was first posted on book blog Will Read for Feels.

Some books take a while for you to get into them, and some books grab your attention immediately, so you know within a chapter that there is good reading ahead. I call these “had me at hello” books, in reference to Jerry Maguire, and I’ve got to say, I’ll be darned if Roman Crazy, the first in an all-new contemporary romance series borne through the collaboration of Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci, didn’t have me at hello.

To be more accurate, the first book in The Broads Abroad series commanded my attention from the very first line: I was staring at a penis. From there, as you an expect, follows not a roller coaster, but a rollicking, wine-drenched food-and-feels trip through the cobbled streets of Rome. I’m just going to get things out of the way and say it. This book is as warm as a Mediterranean summer, as romantic as a violin serenade on the Spanish Steps, as tart as pomodoro sauce, as intoxicating as a bottle of Pino grigio downed in a single sitting, and rich as real Italian tiramisu.

In case you didn’t get the hint, I loved, loved, loved this book!

As far as the feels go, it’s got everything you’d want in the type of romance that you’d pack on vacation or take into bed with you on a cold, rainy day with a cup of hot cocoa to insulate the warm fuzzies you’ll get from each chapter. It’s generous in its servings of heartbreak and history, love and laughter, and self-love and salaciousness. And be warned: you will go through this book craving Italian food, and the only thing that’ll keep you from rereading the book the moment you’ve finished it is a desire to hunt up airline ticket prices for Rome, Italy.

But, okay, enough gushing. The center of the story is Avery’s character, so it’s fitting that this should be told in her point of view, because essentially, the story is her journey. This is not to say that you miss anything out in the book boyfriend department, because not only is Marcello a dish of a man physically, but he’s also a sweetheart and an alpha male. When he wasn’t in a scene, he was still on the periphery of thought—both mine as a reader’s and Avery’s—and that was a subtle, yet swoony effect. The romance took its time in building, but I never felt like it was dragging, and in fact I enjoyed experiencing the ebb and flow of the relationship and the way it kept perfect pace with the development of Avery’s character and, particularly, her self-esteem and passion. As a result, I really got that sense that Avery was rediscovering Marcello after all those years apart, and it made my discovery of him all the sweeter.

Which is not to say that the characters didn’t have to contend with a few hiccups on their way to a happily ever after. They both made mistakes, and while I’ve seen these kinds of mistakes blow up pages and drag medieval torture devices over characters’ feelings, I was glad that both Avery and Marcello’s characters were sufficiently mature and circumspect to keep things solidly believable and unannoying.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of pain and love in this book, and those feels come through all the better because they haven’t been overdramatized. In fact, on the occasions when overreactions occur on the characters’ parts, they later calmed down, acknowledged when their reactions were out of proportion, and got to work finding ways to fix whatever was broken. And darned if that wasn’t just as, if not more, swoon-worthy than scenes riddled with cutting words and promises of undying devotion.

Another big part of the read was Rome and how Avery experienced it. As I read the book, I fell in love with the city, fell in love with her delight in it, and believed with all my heart that she could fall in love with someone in Roma and it would be the right love with the right person.

What really sealed the deal for me, though, is the way Avery’s character got to a place where she felt she could choose herself, her needs, her wants, with the realization that her choices didn’t mean that she didn’t love Marcello any less. More, it showed that she loved him enough to trust in him, and that she would be bringing her whole self into their relationship. The resulting HEA left me a gooey puddle who needed a couple of days to achieve enough coherence to write this review.

If it still needs to be said, I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL BOOK 2! Somebody give me details on that, STAT!

Hot diggity, this book checked all my boxes!

Authors I love? ✔️

Beautiful scenery? ✔️

The sense of humor I’d find at brunch with my own girlfriends? ✔️

Second chance romance? ✔️

A strong, bad*** female? ✔️

Dude who’s as hot in looks as he is in personality? ✔️

So let’s get started on the deets!

I added this book to my TBR the second I heard of it and just knewww it would be amazing. Between the authors and the name, it was enough to make up my mind. ?

It was pretty Eat, Pray, Love-ish in concept (I think, it’s been awhile since I read EPL, haha!), in that it’s as much of a romance between Avery and herself, and Avery and her career, and Avery and Italy, and Avery and Italian food, as it was one between Avery and Marcello.

It’s all very “finding herself and taking back her personality,” which I love. Strong girlboss, yasssss!

Then I’m a sucker for a second-chance romance, especially a hot affair abroad, my my! There’s just something about the history and connection in these books that leaps off the page differently than a book about a new romance does. Both the good and the bad emotions all seem to be magnified.

Like, in times when Marcello was distrustful of Avery, I was so, so frustrated with him – but then also didn’t blame him at all! Of course he was! Those dichotomous feelings (yep, just threw down that word) tear me up inside in the best way when reading.

There’s also the wonderful parts with Avery reconnecting with a best friend, rediscovering different hobbies and passions, and exploring a new city. She just had the best summer ever, omg, and I loved reading about it. ?

Have you ever wanted to travel to Italy and sample all the cuisine it had to offer while taking in the gorgeous sights? And do it all with a studly, beautiful Italian male with a mesmerizing accent at your side? Well, Avery Bardot gets to do just that in Roman Crazy.

Off the heels of a broken marriage, Avery travels to Rome to join her best friend, Daisy, for a reprieve from the mess of her high society life to regather herself and maybe reclaim the inner woman that she used to be. And she crosses paths with an old flame, Marcello Bianchi. For one semester, they had the passion and love that put all others to shame, a certain fire that never died out, or did it? Because Marcello is fuming mad at Avery when he sees her again.

At first, I really empathized with Avery for everything going on in her life and understood how important it was for her to find herself again. Her life had turned upside down and she wanted to put herself first and be Avery, not someone's wife, friend, daughter, etc. Marcello had the infinite patience to wait for her to finally share all the details that he had missed in her life for the past many years. I actually wanted Marcello to make Avery work harder to gain his trust again because she owed him an explanation right from the get go, instead of several weeks later when they were deeper into a relationship. I also wasn't a fan of how Avery became so hypocritical and judgmental of both Marcello and her ex when she didn't have a leg to stand on herself for her own past behavior. I understood the underlying message being conveyed, though. On the flip side, I loved Marcello. He's passionate, sensual, sexy and romantic and the perfect fit for Avery when it comes to being a supportive and loving partner in every way. If you are looking for an entertaining, light hearted, second chance romance that takes you away to somewhere beautiful, this story would fill that void.

Roman Crazy is book one in The Broads Abroad series. I adore Alice Clayton's work so I knew I had to grab this book immediately. I wound up getting the audiobook and ending up falling in love with most of this story. I felt like I actually took a trip to Rome while listening which tells you how great the tiny details are that the authors included.

We start off with a bang, our leading lady, Avery Bardot finds her husband cheating on her with his assistant. She decides she's had enough, she plans on divorcing him and getting out of there so she isn't convinced to stay. Naturally, she calls her BFF Daisy to spill the details and vent and the next thing she knows she's heading to Rome to stay with Daisy and just figure out her life. And I feel this book is exactly that, it's Avery being a woman forced to deal with life changes and roll with the punches. Her character grows so much and it was great to see as the story progressed.

So this wouldn't be a romance without a love interest. While out one night, Avery and Daisy are meeting up with Daisy's work friends and Avery's world pretty much stops. One of the guys there happens to be the one that got away, and Avery views this as a sign. Marcello Bianchi is an Italian hunk that melted my heart. They quickly start hanging out and then full on dating and I really enjoyed seeing Avery's character blossom as it progressed. The only thing I didn't like about this book really was that Avery was cheating. I know, she's going to get a divorce, but she hasn't yet so I still view it as cheating. If you're not fond of that type of thing steer clear. I mostly was able to overlook it but it did bother me. Otherwise, I loved this book and it gave me a serious case of wanderlust. If you're a fan of travel type contemporary romances, you have to pick this book up. With amazing characters and a well fleshed out world, Roman Crazy is a must read.

A deliciously gorgeous read that made me want to sit back, relax and enjoy wonderful wine along with this journey to beautiful Rome to visit good friends, great food, fabulous sights and a scrumptious second chance and love.

After catching her husband in fraganti, Avery Bardot’s Stepford wife’s life is turned upside down. On her best friend’s urging she flies to Rome to take a break and try to find herself while her divorce finalizes. Who she never expected to see at her welcome party or ever, was the deliciously sexy Marcello Bianchi, the Italian architect she loved and left behind without explanation in Barcelona nine years ago.
“Marcello looked every bit like my greatest love and my biggest regret.”

Finding Rome to be an easy fit, Avery traipses through the historically charged city rediscovering her passion for art, appreciating the wonderful food while rekindling her feelings for enchanting Marcello. Could it be that simple though? Can this be her new life?

People rarely leave their comfort zones for a reason, it’s comfortable! While Avery wasn’t truly happy or fulfilled in her marriage, she was OK with it and still knowing she didn’t have much to show for the last years of her life trying to move on isn’t easy even in the beautiful city, with great friends, interesting and new career prospects, and even with the delectable Marcello. I liked that Avery didn’t have all the answers or her life figured out, it was completely normal and easy to relate with.
“I thought about second chances. I guess looking in it'd seem that the second chance here was clearly a second chance with Marcello. But maybe it was getting a second chance at life, with myself, for myself, doing something that I loved."

Marcello was absolutely yummy! Yes he too was thrown for a loop upon Avery’s arrival, he was understandably angry with her for leaving him behind all those years ago and had to figure out his life with her in it, but he was absolutely mouthwatering with his sexy accent and frequent use of Italian endearments.

Clayton and Bocci’s writing collaboration is fabulous, the story flows with colorful and vibrant descriptions which made me feel as though I was right there in the heart of it with the charming characters, scenery, food and sexy romance. It made me smile, laugh, swoon and just feel all warm and happy inside at the hope of Avery finding her way and getting a second chance at true love.
“It wasn’t love or lust, but something we both recognized as a possibility of something. It was so pure, so uninhibited … We just threw ourselves into it. These moments that were little pockets of perfection. It was like nothing else mattered. Just us.”

Even though almost a decade has past, Avery and Marcello’s connection is still as intense as ever and could most certainly pick up right where they left off but they’ve grown and matured and this time around they’re enjoying each other, even though I would have loved more of these two.

Roman Crazy is an earnest story about friendship and love with a beautiful backdrop filled with wonderful food, people, architecture, and ambiance. It is a standalone contemporary romance written by Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci, told by the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending.

6 Phenomenal Stars

How do I convey my feelings for a story that was this poignant? This book is everything that I love and need. It has all of the emotions, the push and the pull, the fear of not knowing what's next, and the substantial amount of growth from eye-opening experiences. I didn't expect to go into this book and feel all of this. It's always the ones that you don't expect that knock you on your ass the hardest.

Avery was blindsided when she walked in on her husband enthusiastically pounding into his secretary. All she could do was stare, mouth agape, and wonder why he never plowed into her that way? Well, he can do all the plowing he wants now that Avery has filed for divorce. No matter the extravagant amount of gifts, the time spent sucking up, or meetings with his mother to try to convince her to change her mind, it's not happening. So when she tells her best friend, Daisy, the news, Daisy tells her to board the next flight out to Rome to spend some time with her. Avery never expected her world to collide with his so many years later.
Marcello. Say it with me. Marcello. Does a name get any sexier than that? Full blown Italian. The broken English that he speaks, how he knows so much about the country. He could read you the phone book and make you have to change your underwear. His life is great. Amazing job, gets to travel all over the world, could have any woman he wishes, and yet when he sees Avery, the past comes back in full force. These two had an amazingly passionate summer. What happens when their worlds collide again?

We all know the saying that we get lost in the stories that we read. For the most part, this has always been figuratively for me. I experienced the literal sense of that with Roman Crazy. The in-depth amount of detail that was put into making this book a full experience was astounding. I felt like I was fully immersed in the atmosphere in Rome. I was transported onto the crowded cobblestone streets full of tourists where everywhere you look there is a new sight to see. I got lost in this book for hours upon end where I felt like I was in Rome, taking in all of the sights, smelling the amazing aromas, and just getting lost in everything. It's that amazing. These two authors writing together has blown everything else away. The storyline, characters, and the amount of detail were flawless. They have cemented Rome as the #1 place on my bucket list to visit someday. I need more from these two. If I were blind, I'd want these two as my tour guide. The picture they paint for us is that vivid. My favorite read of the year! It'll be hard to top this one!

**Read and reviewed for FMR Book Grind**

Roman Crazy is about second chances at life, love, and friendship. It’s a sweet, easy read that makes you appreciate life and your good friends. WARNING: Food is talked about in such delicious ways that I was hungry for most of the book and now in desperate need to see Roman with my own eyes.

I don’t know how Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci collaborated in writing this book, but it was seamless and PERFECT. You know how you read about books having ‘the feels’? Well, Roman Crazy provides all the ‘good feels’. I was taken from my Midwest town to Rome where I got to experience the sights, smells and food but also the emotions of the characters. The love of family, friendship and lost love. The happiness, contentment and laugh of loud moments.

I feel like I could sit here all day and gush about what a wonderful book these two authors have written, but if you’ve ever read a book by Alice Clayton, you can’t go wrong. And if you haven’t read one of her books then you seriously need to head on over to the store and start one-clicking. Her books are some of my favorites.

The book starts off with a BANG when Avery finds her husband doing the dirty with his secretary. After going through all the emotions, she calls her best friend, Daisy, who suggest she come to Rome to find herself.

One thing I loved about Avery is I felt like if I was in that situation and had the opportunity I would have done the exact same thing as her. I was instantly connected with her and wanted her and Daisy as my best friends.

The very night that Avery arrives in Rome she runs into Marcello. The one who got away, the love of her life, and who she hasn’t seen in nine long years. While Avery is stunned by their encounter, Marcello was a whole other matter.

The moment Avery saw Marcello, and he brushed her off my heart plummeted. The way she had described their time in Spain, I could feel how much he has meant to her only for him to turn away and break our hearts. From the very beginning, I was emotionally connected to the characters and it just kept getting deeper with each addictive page I read.

I absolutely love second chance romances and add Alice Clayton to the mix, and you’ve got a perfect combination. This is Nina Bocci’s debut novel. Like I said before I couldn’t tell who wrote what but it was fantastic. I cannot recommend this book enough it’s the perfect book for any romance lover.

I have not put any quotes from the book since it’s an advanced readers copy and it was received a couple of months before release meaning that content might change.

ARC provided via NetGalley.

Roman Crazy is an amazing tale of second chances and finding your own happiness in life. This story is full of of laughter, fun, pain, tears, and above all else, finding yourself. The person you were meant to be and the life you are meant to lead.

Avery's hurting, struggling to come to terms with the man she's discovered her soon-to-be ex-husband is and who she thought he was. In her reflections on the changes she sees in him, she also finds that she's not herself either. She's at a crossroads with her life now, wondering what to do next, so when her best friend tells her to come to Rome for the summer, that's exactly what she does. But Avery doesn't expect what she finds when she gets there.

Marcello is dreamy. There I said it, I feel in love with him from the moment he hit the page, and I didn't even know anything about him. He's still hurt over what happened between him and Avery years ago, confused by her actions and the reasons for them. But Marcello doesn't know the whole story and he wants to hear it. He knows Avery's come to Rome for a reason, he just has to get it out of her.

Outside of the second chance Marcello and Avery have found when they meet up again, I loved the friendships in this book. Avery and Daisy's friendship was so amazing, they were truly close and you could feel all the emotion involved, the depth of that bond. Daisy was there for Avery for it all, no matter, and she withheld judgement, she wanted Avery to find herself again and to find happiness in her life. I loved the connections between all of the characters, it really added to the story and made me fall in love even more.

I loved that while Avery was on her journey in Rome, we got to see it ourselves, from beautiful descriptions of places and things, the scenery was so visual that I almost felt like I was in the middle of a whirlwind trip abroad myself. The writing sucked me in and floated me along the story from place to place, groups of people, to alone time, it was all alive and vivid in my mind.

What I loved about this story was the focus it gave on Avery, her second chance at life, at love, at everything. Avery had let herself go to become what her husband wanted of her, and she hadn't even really realized what she'd given up for him until she looked at it outside of the situation. I loved that Avery wasn't one to sit back and allow herself to fall back into that, she went for what she wanted, even if she was unsure. I loved that she got to learn about herself, about what she wanted and needed and what she could and couldn't live without. The trip to Rome was about so much for Avery and I loved watching it all unfold and as she figured out her life.

Marcello and Avery's story was amazing in its own right and it just fit together with Avery's self-discovery. There was a lot between them, but the feelings never went away, not really. Their connection is just as fierce when they meet again, and the chemistry sizzles. I loved how natural their bond seemed, it just worked and made for a beautiful love story that left me smiling and swooning.

I look forward to what Nina and Alice bring with future books, as they made such a winning team with this first book.

3.5 Stars

Roman Crazy was funny, sweet, and just a little bit sexy. I adore second chance romances and this was a perfect little love story. Marcello was absolutely swoon worthy. That man had me ready to pack my bags and jump on a plane so I could have my own Roman adventure.

“Choices were made, decisions were cemented, and paths were chosen. But no one said I had to stay running on that particular hamster wheel.”

After Avery catches her husband cheating on her with his secretary, her marriage was over in her eyes. Needing a much deserved break, she decides to head to Rome and visit her best friend Daisy. Being in Italy gave her the chance to relax and find herself. I loved Avery’s personality. She was spunky and fun. Her and Daisy’s friendship kept me laughing. Daisy gave her all the encouragement, sarcasm, and honest advice a girl would need.

The one thing that Avery didn’t expect to find in Italy was Marcello. Nine years ago, Avery and Marcello had this intense summer romance. It was absolutely sexy and their chemistry had been off the charts. Their relationship ended after she left that summer. Even though they had spent nearly a decade apart, it was easy to see that they still had the same sizzling chemistry. I wanted to see how or if they could rekindle what they once had.

“I had the most comforting sense of being anchored. That tether that I was looking for was present and I couldn’t wait to see where this could lead.”

While I was reading I almost felt like I was in Italy. There was such vivid descriptions of all of the sights and sounds of the city. I think Alice and Nina make a great duo. Avery and Daisy’s friendship jumped off the pages and the story just felt like two BFF’s wrote it. Their writing was fun and it flowed well. Avery was a great character. Being in Italy helped her to reevaluate what she wanted in life. Her character had the chance to grow and change. Plus the romance, sigh I loved the romance. Marcello was so charming and sexy. I enjoyed seeing how their story played out.

I do wish there was a bit more depth to the story. At times it was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed it. I’m hoping (assuming) Daisy’s story is next. Daisy could be my book BFF any day, so I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series. If you’re looking for a light sweet read, the you should definitely pick this story up.

Roman Crazy, is everything I crave in a book. From the pacing, to the humor, to the food, to the sights and sounds of Italy. I was lucky enough actually receive a physical copy of an ARC of this book. It was a struggle at first, but in the end it was the best way to read this book. Eight-point font and my forty-year-old eyes, aside, it forced me to go slow and take my time.

A wonderfully mature story, about a woman whose life is about to take a complete one eighty turn, in the polar opposite of direction of where she thought she was going. This book is heart breaking, honest, funny, swoon worthy at times, and just really a damned good read. I loved the person Avery became as the book progressed. In the beginning, she’s the cultured, pearl wearing, country club going, rich man’s wife. She set her husband up for success and lost herself along the way. Her husband’s extra marital affair, sets the ball in motion for Avery to find the person she was before she married her husband. No spoilers here, but that scene with her mother in law at the club, UGH….I wanted to throw something. Thank GOD for Daisy! Taking her best friend, Daisy’s advice, Avery gets on a plane to Italy, and the story takes off. Daisy drags her out to a dinner party at a local restaurant, and the unthinkable happens. She runs into someone she thought she would never see again. Seeing Marcello again, awakens all these thoughts and feelings inside of Avery, that she thought she had given up on a long time ago. Avery and Marcello are just delicious together. Once they get themselves in order, it’s like they were never apart. He is good for her, and he lights the fire in her she needs to move on from her marriage.

To say I LOVED this book would be understatement. This will be hands down, one of my top five reads of 2016. The visual aspects of this book are incredible. I was right there with Avery in Rome, wandering the streets, eating the food, and taking in the culture. I don’t paint or draw, but I could totally get on board for the visuals, from a photographic sense. Don’t even get me started on the food. My inner Foodie was in heaven. I had to stop and Google and bookmark food I wanted to taste and try later. I fell in love with Avery and her evolution. Marcello was just the cherry on top, so yummy. Second chance books don’t always appeal to me, but this one completely sucked me. When I finished, I actually hugged the book. Thank you Alice and Nina for giving us such a wonderful, well thought out, well written book. If there is going to be a sequel, I will be first in line to read it.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Roman Crazy is a second chance romance that is sweet, funny and sexy. This is a sizzling debut for the writing team authors Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci.

What did I love?
I loved that this story takes place in Italy. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for romance. Avery Bardot escapes to Rome to get away from her soon-to-be ex-husband in Boston. For the past 9 years Avery has been the perfect wife. She gave up her dreams to help her husband fulfill his career dreams. As her marriage comes to an end Avery’s future is uncertain but her best friend Daisy has the perfect solution – visit her in Rome and take a break from her troubles. Rome turns out to be just what Avery needed – the support from Daisy, the city re-ignites her passion for art, and the reunion with her first love Marcello.

I also loved that this story had the right mix of humor, tender moments and romance. Daisy is a crazy best friend but also gives Avery solid advice for her future and love life. Marcello is a sexy Italian architect who made me laugh at his misspoken American lingo and also made me swoon at his romantic gestures.

What didn’t I like?
I am torn between liking and disliking Avery. This book is written in her POV so most of the time is spent with her inner struggle and keeping her secrets. It drove me crazy at times her lack of honesty and it made the story drag. But seeing Avery take control of her life changed my opinion of her.

Despite my issues with Avery I did enjoy Roman Crazy. I took my time reading this book because I didn’t want it to end. The writing flowed smoothly so it is hard to believe this was written by two authors. I love Alice Clayton’s books so it was great to see her signature style of humor. I feel this was an impressive debut for author Nina Bocci. I look forward to reading more from these authors.

Roman crazy is a romantic, funny, delightful story that will make you love not only the main couple but also Italy!

Avery is an Americal girl that finds her life turning upside down. When her best friend in Italy invites her for a little trip, she takes the chance to change her life and leaves her messy marriage behind. She doesn't expect though to find there the perfect Italian boy with whom she had a very passionate affair nine years ago and left behind without a word.

Marcello is a man furious. He always thought about the girl who stole his heart and broke it in little pieces and when he meets her after so many years, he doesn't know if he wants to strangle her or kiss her.

I really liked the relationship between Avery and Marcello. It is romantic, they have great chemistry and their bond is effortless. They just click together. It isn't their second chance, it feels more like pressing play after a little pause. The only aspect I didn't like was that some other people get between them ,so there is a grey area about cheating but somehow the authors manage to avoid of our hating the couple and to move forward.

Now, I want to comment about what I LOVED about this book. This is not only a romantic story but it is an entire journey to Rome. Their descriptions make you travel there, smell, touch, see and taste. This story makes you wish you could be there right now. It is above imagination, it is like you read words and all the senses are aroused. The scenery, the food, the sun leap from the pages.

It is an exciting love story that I enjoyed very much and I cannot wait what these two authors will give us again.

Roman crazy is full of lively moments and of course the beauty of ROME. It’s the story of Avery and her second chance in life-to reconnect with herself and to fall in love all over again .

Avery is settled for a role of a perfect and polished housewife to a successful lawyer in Boston. She spends her time hosting parties, attending social events and supporting her husband all the while giving up on her dreams. But when Avery finds out that her husband of eight years is cheating on her she decides to leave him, a decision that was not hard to make since she knew theirs was a loveless marriage. Not willing to be tangled up in a messy divorce or be a centre of gossips and pity looks, she decides to spend some time in Rome.

Basking in the glory and serenity of Rome, Avery slowly connects to her old life, rediscovers her passion for art. She learns to be happy and content in little things but she never expected to fall in love in a borrowed time.

Running into Marcello was never on her list of things to do in Rome but seeing him after 9 years makes her desire for what she lost, what she could have had after spending a passionate summer in Barcelona. Marcello and Avery’s love was slow and scintillating, you can never get enough of them. They are sweet, dreamy and adorable.

I can say without a shadow of doubt that, this book will transport you to Rome and make you fall in love with the holy city. The authors did a great job at balancing the story with a great background setting that you won’t know for sure if it’s the city or the couple that is magical!

Though I enjoyed this story I couldn’t rate it higher, my rating completely reflects my personal taste in romance books. I prefer them to be fast paced, angsty and more on emotional side. That being said, Roman crazy is still a light, entertaining read with heartfelt and laugh out moments.

Avery initiates divorce proceedings after she walks in on her husband in flagrante then goes to Rome to visit a friend and get her groove back. She immediately runs in to Marcello, the Italian man she was in love with in college. She spends the next months getting back into doing art restoration and painting--which she had given up to be an attorney's wife--and moving back into a relationship with Marcello, realizing she never stopped loving him.

The authors did a good job of capturing what it is like to be in Rome and that brought back great memories for me. But, otherwise, I did not care much for this book. Marcello was a bore, with a Formica thin personality. His only identifiable characteristics are being gorgeous, working a lot, and adoring her, at least until near the end where we find he is also very into family. That's pretty much it---he has no other personality characteristics, he speaks little and only in broken English (though he lived in NYC for a while), and we never hear anything about his interests outside his work or anything else about him. He wants Avery back immediately when they meet again, requiring no explanations about her abandoning him without a word before, nor telling him her other secret that he actually knew about. Instead, he worships the ground she walks on and does everything to support her and give her everything she wants and needs without expecting anything in return--except hot sex of course. Although he was supposed to be a very proud, even arrogant, man he is a little too "whatever you want me to do, I'll do and even anticipate your wanting it before you even tell me." If you had a heroine who acted like a doormat for man like that, readers would be up in arms.

Otherwise the rest of the story is more woman's fiction than romance, all about her getting herself together. Overall, I found the tension level too low to hold my interest and read it in bits and pieces to help me fall asleep at night.

I really like some of Clayton's other novels, particularly Wallbanger, and can't help think this is more of coauthor's Nina Bocci's work than Clayton's because her other work had more tension.

Roman Crazy is a fun romantic comedy with some real character development and growth going on. This isn’t just a mindless sort of rom-com but one that allows the reader to really get to know the main characters and truly understand their actions and reactions.

The story starts off almost comically with Avery walking in on her husband cheating on her with his secretary. It shouldn’t be funny but Avery handles it with…flare. From there, we see her take off for Italy to join her dear friend Daisy for an indefinite getaway of sorts. Turns out, Daisy works with her long lost love, Marcello. All sorts of wonderful things ensue.

Fans of Alice Clayton will definitely see her personality shine through in this story but what I liked is that Nina Bocci’s writing stands strong, as well. In fact, they both blend so well for most of the book that it’s often hard to tell who wrote what; which is how it should be when a story is co-written and from a single point-of-view. I don’t think I would have known this story was written by two authors if I hadn’t been told. One thing I noticed in this story that I don’t always get with Clayton’s solo endeavors is less emphasis on the comedy, a notable balance between the humor and the serious. Roman Crazy has a lot of hilarious moments but they are dispersed throughout a story centered around a personal journey of growth and discovery.

Roman Crazy was fun to read and experiencing Italy and its culture (and Marcello) was dreamy. I was generally captivated by the story but I have to admit that there were times where I just wasn’t compelled to pick up the book for a bit. I chalk it up to longer stretches of development that got a little redundant for me but still had a purpose. Overall, it was fun and entertaining and well worth the journey.

This book is basically a fantasy Italian vacation. Imagine warm, lazy, wine-soaked summer days spent falling in love—over and over and over again with a dashing, swoonworthy Italian hero, intensely passionate, fiery, and adoring. That was the general feel I had reading it. I felt transported to Italy, I felt the culture and the history healing me, and I felt myself falling helplessly, hopelessly in love with the sweet, sexy Marcello Bianchi.

As far as second-chance love stories go, this is one of the best. There were things I probably should have hated, but because of how Avery and Marcello were written—because of the journey that they were on together—I found even their ugly bits impossible to hate. I admired the way Ms. Clayton and Ms. Bocci were able to make me laugh, even when the subject matter was decidedly not funny. There is a lot of humor tucked away in this love story—delightful little pockets nestled into an otherwise emotional transformation. And, ultimately, it really is a transformation for Avery—who falls in love not only with Marcello, but with Rome, her career, and, finally, herself.

This book is a sensual experience—there's nothing quite like an Italian love, amiright? While I was occasionally impatient with some of the more expository scenes, I was completely absorbed with Avery and Marcello rediscovering each other, sorting through their baggage, and finding a way to make it work. I loved Avery's journey. I loved how Marcello loved her. And, in the end, I just really loved this book.

I wonderfully heartwarming second chance romance that made you feel like you were right there exploring and falling in love in Rome. So vividly descriptive you wanted to up and buy a flight to get lost in the history, foods, smells, sounds and people of Italy. Avery was so endearing. Even if you haven't been in her shoes romantically, you easily could relate to her need to re-find herself, her passion, true love, life, and friendships. Occasionally we get so wrapped up in expectations and every day normalcies we lose a bit of ourselves. A failed marriage and an unexpected something wonderful from her past, light a fire in Avery she thought she had lost. Now with a second chance at a once thought to be lost love, and a career that faded in support of her soon to be ex-husband, Avery is finding a new lease on life. She makes no excuses but takes the second chance and runs with it.

Avery and Marcello make a perfectly complimentary couple. Both so passionate about their careers but also each other. Spending time together proves to Avery that the things she thought she lost were still there waiting for her to claim them and live the life she had always dreamed of once upon a time. Marcello is equally as endearing as Avery. He's direct, he's smart, strong, handsome, sexy and the supportive counterpoint Avery needs.

Together they navigate their past, their present and future. One of those reads you don't want to put down, Roman Crazy had a little bit of everything. I look forward to see what comes next for these wonderful characters.

A broken heart, travel abroad and a second chance, to love to live and to have adventures.
This book is everything you could want from travel guide to romance novel to woman power!
Avery has just had the rug pulled from under her, is she mad? Hell yeah! Is she crushed? Not so much, but she wants out.
Going to Rome for some distance from the madness and Daniel she is with her Bestie Daisy, when the eyes she never thought she would ever see again are staring right at her, as she falls on her backside!
Talk about weird reunions.
Now begins her journey in to the past, bringing him into her present and hopefully her future.
Passion, you may ask? you can bet your Vespa their is passion when these two reconnect, and oh the food! I mean from Alice and Nina's words and description of the cuisine I was salivating not only for Marcello but for the freaking ravioli's! Yummy.
Marcello never forgot his Tesoro infarct he waited for her until he realizes she was never coming back for him. But the love, yeah the passion and love and heat he felt for her 9 years ago was still there waiting for her to return to him.
I envy Avery in ability to start a new with the person she is meant to be. Fighting to be who she was mean to be all along and not just the attachment of someone else living their dream. Living the dream and having some one support you is more that you an ever imagine, but living the dreams that the both of you share? Well that's the stuff of romance novels right their and that's why these ladies excel at it!

So this weekend, my wonderful, amazing, fabulous husband took three of our boys to Mount Shasta, while Nina Bocci and Alice Clayton took me on a journey to Rome, Italy. And my gosh, I had the most WONDERFUL TIME!

I was swept away in this magical book, I could smell the pastries walking down the cobblestone streets of Rome with Avery. I could see the ancient portraits as she worked her magic restoring them. My heart broke with her as her marriage fell apart, and I swooned with her as Marcello placed gentle playful kisses along her neck.

Most of all I FELL, I fell with Avery and Marcello, madly in love right along with them. I hung on their every word and soaked every tender sweet beautiful moment they shared.

This book was a gift, and absolute treasure, an EXPERIENCE and a wonderful journey that I am so thankful I was able to take with these two brilliant, hilarious women.

This book had be laughing outloud, to the point of having to explain myself to my teenage daughter, it also had me on the verge of tears, so full of emotion I thought my heart would burst.

While this book delivers on history, sharing fascinating facts about Rome, as well as the Artwork. But it also told the heartwarming story of the history between Marcello (swoon) and Avery. What it didn't do was add in a bunch of unnecessary will they / won't they drama. Its just a beautiful story about the very best kind of LOVE... the FOREVER kind.

OMG!! Do I LOVE Alice Clayton!! This novel actually read a little differently than her other books. This one was not so much about the heat and sexual attraction (however, there was a LOT of that), it was more about the story.

Avery is escaping a failed marriage. She escapes by moving to Rome where she encounters an old boyfriend and this opens up a whole new world for her, or should I say, a world she forgot.

I absolutely adored the setting of Rome. I could not get enough of the outdoor cafes and the old world charm. I felt I was there experiencing the wild Vespa rides and the amazing food along with Avery. And when she runs into Marcello and literally falls on her A$$, you know you are reading classic Alice Clayton.

Marcello is the usual strong, silent, handsome, Italian type. The kind of man dreams are made of….you know the “sex on a stick”. He and Avery have a past. A past which is rekindled with a fiery passion and some drama not to be missed. These two have a great connection which can overcome just about anything, including a soon to be ex-husband.

The novel has everything, history, passion, great setting, great characters….I could go on and on.

I have never read a book by Nina Bocci before. I will say she has found herself a new reader. I will be on the look out for more of her work!

I received this book from Simon and Schuster as part of #XOXperts.

Because of who the authors are, I was expecting a bit of silliness and maybe even a bit of ridiculousness. What I didn't expect was to be taken on a wonderful tour of a beautiful country that I've never had the privilege of visiting.

While there are a few instances where I felt something was being written just for shock value or for the sake of getting a certain reaction, I did enjoy the overall feel of the story. Avery's pain is tangible and her shock at seeing her former lover is authentic. The way her friend steps in and offers her a place to heal made me smile and even made me a bit envious. The relationships, both old a new, are strong and well-written.

The romance in the story is organic and just seems to blossom. The history between Avery and Marcello helps move things along, despite her newly broken heart. It's sexy and steamy and everything a Roman vacation should be.

This is a great story of second chances and forgiveness. It's a story of friendship and love. But truthfully, my favorite parts were when Avery would wander about the neighborhood, with or without Marcello. The authors did such an amazing job of making Italy come alive, which for me, outshined everything else going on.

This was a cute story. It wasn't incredibly original but the writing, characters, and scenery kept me engaged.

Avery flees to Rome to stay with her friend, Daisy, after she catches her husband banging his secretary and files for divorce. Avery finds herself in Rome. For so many years she lived to support her husband. But in Rome she finds work, she paints, she eats carbs, and she rediscovered passion.

Avery runs into a former fling, Marcello. She met him in Barcelona nine years prior. They spent an amazing summer together. When Avery returned home to Boston she promised Marcello she would return to him. But that didn't happen.

Needless to say, Marcello isn't happy to see her. But that doesn't mean the attraction is gone. The connection is still there. Will they take advantage of this second chance? Will Marcello trust her to stay this time?

Despite the unoriginality and clichés it was still an enjoyable read.

*Purchased through Audible*

Roman Crazy wasn't just a romantic novel that you sit down and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. No, these authors take you on a complete journey, full of vespa's and good food, and the emotions of two people that have a second chance at happily ever after. I loved how descriptive the authors were about everything in the book and it really made it feel like I was experiencing it with Avery and Marcello.

The book brought up a lot of issues that are mostly ignored in romance novels, since they aren't always pleasant to read about. But I liked that the story made you questions morals and made you think about what you would do in a situation such as Avery and Marcello's. It's easy to hate or love a character, but to actually think about why you feel that way by putting yourself in their shoes is a completely different experience. And these wonderfully crazy authors forced you to see it from that perspective.

Intrigue, friendship, love, and humor can all be found in this story and I loved that it had so many things I look for in a romance. I definitely recommend this story and I hope that everyone that reads it will experience it the same way I did.

What an amazing summer read! I loved everything about this story. The romance, the friendship, the amazing setting, the food, everything. I love a story that is not only set in another country, but when that place is described so beautifully that you feel like you are there. You can almost smell the smells and taste the food.

I also love a second chance romance. There are already feelings there, and when they are reignited they are even stronger. When Avery runs into her former flame, Marcello, the sparks are immediate and intense. He is a perfect specimen of a foreign man. Avery is a great female lead. Her situation absolutely sucks, but instead of wallowing in it and feeling sorry for herself, she decides to take life by the balls and figure out what she really wants to do with herself. Her friendship with Daisy is really a highlight throughout the story. I laughed out loud at many of their conversations.

This is really a sweet steamy romance, not too much angst or heartache. Absolutely a perfect story to lose yourself in at the beach.

4.5 stars and a bottle of fine Italian wine! Enjoy!

I always enjoy a Alice Clayton story. Her couples are engaging, her descriptive words always pull you into the story, her humor is epic, and her references to pop culture are always spot on. I enjoyed this read. The setting was magnificent, the scenery and food were so vivid that I felt that I was experiencing them right along with the characters. It was obvious that the authors knew their subject matter extremely well. I'm always a sucker for a second chance romance, and what better place to experience that than Rome. I did enjoyed this read; but I have to confess, that it took me a minute to fully engage myself, as I felt like I was waiting for "something" to happen that never did. I was missing something that I can't explain. It's like that It factor; when it's there you just know it. You can't put your finger on it, but you just know. My Red Head had It, and Simon and Caroline had It in spades. I know that everything can't be magical, that lightening can't always keep striking. But because I Know for a fact that Alice Clayton has It, I will keep reading her work, and be happy with all the enjoyment it brings.