The Roman Holiday Rule By Andra Loy

Synopsis

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 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.


Review


This book honestly had all the ingredients of a romance I should’ve fallen in love with. A cute meet-cute at the airport, Rome as the backdrop, accidental run-ins, witty banter… it started off really strong for me, and I genuinely wanted to love it more than I did.

Lexi, short for Lexington... don't ask lol .. and Mark meet at the airport before sharing a flight to Rome, where the banter between them immediately starts. They’re both traveling for completely different reasons, but their lives slowly begin to intertwine once they arrive in Italy.

While I've never been to Rome, Ms Loy's description of the city makes me want to change that ASAP.

Overall, this was still a cute and enjoyable read for me. I may not have completely fallen in love with the romance itself, but I can absolutely appreciate the charm & the setting

I received this arc from NetGelly in exchange for my honest review

3⭐

The Deleted Husband By Kade Vale

 

Synopsis:

I killed my husband with a bronze shoe.

But the worst part? I’m not sure I killed the right man.

It started with something tiny.

Marcus stopped snoring.

The man sleeping beside me looked exactly like my husband—same eyes, same smile, same voice.

But he was… perfect.

He cooked restaurant-quality meals without a recipe.

He remembered every date.

He folded towels into flawless squares.

He didn’t lose his keys.

He didn’t raise his voice.

And at night—he didn’t make a single sound.

The real Marcus burned toast, left his socks everywhere,

and loved me with a messy, warm honesty no one could ever imitate.

So when I finally confronted the stranger wearing his face,

I grabbed the bronze shoe… and swung.

But killing the impostor didn’t bring Marcus back.

Because the real Marcus wasn’t missing—

he was stolen.

And the people who took him?

They’re coming to make sure I never learn the truth.

Some marriages end in divorce.

Mine is about to end in war.

A gripping psychological thriller driven by three unforgettable women—

and Eleanor is the kind of character readers talk about long after the last page…

and long after the lights go out.



Review:

The Deleted Husband took one of the most terrifying concepts imaginable .. what happens when the entire world insists your reality is wrong ...and executed it in a way that felt disturbingly believable.

What starts as a domestic psychological thriller slowly shifts into something far darker.

Sarah’s unraveling was honestly painful to witness. Watching her question her own sanity while a man wearing her husband’s face perfectly replicated his habits, memories, and rhythms created this suffocating sense of paranoia that never let up. The horror here isn’t built on monsters or gore. It’s built on consensus. On records. On everyone around you agreeing that you are the problem.

There’s nothing clean or inspiring about the resistance in this story. There are no easy victories here. Just people desperately clinging to the truth while the world systematically edits it away.

This was deeply unsettling. Every interaction carries tension because you never fully know who is real, who has been replaced, or whether reality itself can still be trusted.


“They’re telling us they can reach us whenever they want.”...“And they expect you to stop.”


By the end, The Deleted Husband stopped feeling like fiction and started feeling like a warning.


5 ⭐

Just for keeps By Lauren Blakely

Synopsis:

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?
Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed winger Lake Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.
Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.
It’s the perfect sweet revenge plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules, though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me. If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

This is Lake and Remy's romance. Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero




Review:

Remy is a dating coach who creates romance for a living. Yet, beneath her polished surface lies a person who is deeply afraid of failure and rejection. After experiencing public humiliation from a disastrous proposal, it was painful to watch her slowly break down emotionally while still trying to keep up appearances.

Lake is the brooding hockey player who seems guarded and emotionally distant at first. However, he carries unresolved grief and guilt that influence every interaction he has.

I loved how naturally their relationship developed. The chemistry between Remy and Lake felt real. Their banter was hilarious. The rules of fake dating, planned romantic moments, and growing emotional closeness all combined so smoothly that the “fake” aspect faded away.

This story wasn't just about falling in love. It was about learning to stop pretending for others and finally allowing yourself to be seen.

4 ⭐

~✨EXCERPT REVEAL✨~: Just Playing for keeps By Lauren Blakely

 

Read the Excerpt:

Lake looms in my doorway, filling the space ominously. The afternoon sun halos his face,

highlighting his strong jaw, lined with a beard that looks trimmer than usual. It’s operating at

scruff-level now, and that’s unfairly hot. I try not to stare, but my mind’s going haywire, and my

gaze bounces all over him. He’s wearing jeans that hug his thighs, a maroon Henley that shows

off the shape of his big biceps and the outline of his strong pecs, and a glimmer in his blue eyes.

He’s the portrait of the athlete post-workout, his hair slicked back, and wet. 

   “I just took a shower after practice. It dried a little,” he says casually, running a big hand

through his wet hair, almost, almost, in slow motion. “But you can just get it a little more wet,

right?”

I blink, trying to process his words. But it’s hard with the way he looks right now, all muscular

and clean, and the way he sounds, too, all gravelly and flirty.

“Yes, it’s wet,” I say slowly, like I’m mesmerized. Because I am.

His lips quirk up in the hint of a grin. “It is? Wet?”

“I mean, I’m wet,” I correct, then panic shoots through me at my faux pas. “I mean, you’re wet.

Your hair is wet. Your hair is plenty wet. For a haircut that is. Wet enough for a haircut.”

That grin grows wider. He cocks his head. “So everything’s wet, Remy? That’s what I’m

hearing?”

I clench my thighs, even though they ache. “Yep.”

I turn around so he can’t see the heat spreading across my cheeks. Not that it matters. Pretty

sure he knows it’s there, and he’s the one responsible for it.

“Come inside,” I say, but then my mind replays my words. Come inside?

I need to get it together.

“Oh I definitely will.”

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when the team’s broody, tattooed star Lake

Axelrod swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey player insists

on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding. It’s the perfect sweet revenge

plan since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real

couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending.

With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in

a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake

date.

This is Lake and Remy's romance. 

Tropes include: grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, fake

dating, workplace romance, best friend's brother, obsessed hero

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ

✦ Audible ➜ Erin Mallon & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast! http://blkly.pub/JPFKAudible

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible

Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s

sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren

likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

A Brewed Awaking by Pepper Basham

Synopsis:

A small-town tea shop owner with a sweet tooth and a devil-may-care Englishman with more savory tastes join forces to cater a British-themed wedding. Sparks fly in this sweet enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract rom-com perfect for fans of Emma St. Clair and Sarah Adams.

As a child, Daphne Austen fell in love with her grandmother's stories of England, perhaps to the point of romanticizing them a little too much. Now, as an adult, she inherited Tea Thyme, the only English tearoom within a hundred miles of her Blue Ridge Mountain town. But keeping her tea and pastry shop afloat proves to be a continual struggle. Since losing her mother and then grandmother, Daphne's clung to the need for routine, predictability, and beautiful order--and her tearoom shines as the epitome of her Anglophile and obsessive tendencies. But her perfect world spirals into madness when an Englishman moves in next door and shatters all her Darcy daydreams with his loud music, questionable manners, and highly American interests. With an off-the-charts swoon factor, he even tempts to shatter her heart.

Finnley Dashwood left England to start over somewhere his ex-wife's parents couldn't track him down and force their parenting techniques on him. It was as if they wanted to make up for their daughter's neglect by suffocating him with control and unwanted affection. The unassuming town of Wisteria, North Carolina, provides the perfect place to start over and even remake himself as the dashing, English restaurant owner of his earlier days, instead of the somewhat-cynical recluse he'd truly become. With a shop ready for his use, an apartment for him and his daughter, and an acquaintance who owns the revered Wisteria Manor (now event planning center), Finn has everything he wants for a new beginning--except . . . maybe an understanding of the small-town Appalachian culture and the uptight, perfectionistic tea princess next door.

At first, Finn finds the whimsical and notoriously optimistic shop owner humorous and somewhat annoying, but as she begins to invest in the life of his daughter and he observes her authentic love for the people of the town, Finn's heart opens to the terrifying possibility of a second chance at love. As they are forced to work together on a local-celebrity wedding, their differences clash, sizzle, and finally begin to simmer into a unique, complementary blend of sweet and savory. But just as hope blooms into possibility, a massive storm crashes into the little town, upturning all their plans and putting not only their budding romance but the resilience of the tight-knit community to the test.





Review:

This story is heartwarming, witty, and utterly charming. This small-town romance completely captured my heart.💓 The connection between Daphne and Finn reeled me in from the very start.

Single dad Finn, is the charming British rival business owner next door, bringing plenty of banter and tension. Meanwhile, Daphne’s path through grief, healing, and finding hope made the romance truly heartfelt.

The community, family relationships, and lovable characters added so much warmth to the story. Now I'm a foodie at heart. So with all the talk about food in this book, I found myself grabbing for my snacks frequently. FYI, maybe don't read this on an empty stomach lol

Thank you, NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review

Bad Bishop by L.J Shen

Synopsis:

He's Deathless.
She's trying to find a reason to live.

Lila

My innocence was ripped from me one fateful night under the starless sky.
Resulting in an unwanted teenage pregnancy and a secret the Camorra must bury.
My father decided to hand me off to the highest bidder.
The lucky winner? Tiernan Callaghan, psychopath extraordinaire.
The Irish mafia prince wants me for all the wrong reasons.
Alliance. Money. Prestige. War.
I am but a pawn in his twisted game.
The man who sits on a throne of his enemies' skulls thinks I'm a weakling.
Little does he know, in this chess game, the underdog wins.
Because the thing about bad bishops?
They protect good pawns.

Bad Bishop is a dark and twisted romance. Please read trigger warnings before reading.



Review:

I was extremely hesitant to read this book.

I’ve had a very mixed feelings with this author’s work. Seeing this book gain such immense popularity on TikTok made me even more conflicted. Part of me did not want to read it, while another part felt compelled to determine for myself whether the praise was truly deserved. FOMO is real lol

I once said that I had never found a mafia romance I genuinely enjoyed. Today, I can finally admit that I have.

This was easily a six⭐️ read for me. From the very first page, I was completely captivated and found it nearly impossible to put down.

My only significant criticism was that some of the flashbacks were written in the third person. It took me a moment to notice the shift in perspective. Aside from that, I truly have no complaints.

The MMC initially comes across as brute, selfish, and emotionally detached, until he is forced into a marriage with the FMC. She, however, was far from the weak woman others assumed her to be. She challenged him constantly, matched his energy at every turn, and their dynamic became one of my favorite aspects of the entire book.

"When I stopped and tipped my head up, I asked the moon for a reason to live. We have a history of bargaining, me and him.” He paused. “I think it gave me you.”

However, do not simply take my word for it. I encourage you to judge this book for yourself.

As someone who approached this story with considerable skepticism, and who is notoriously difficult to impress, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

I sincerely cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

These Vows that Bind Us By Bethany Shay Porteous

Synopsis:


Marry him. Destroy him. Don't fall for him.
I was thirteen years old when I learned what it means to be born a woman inside the world of made men. I learned it watching my mother die at the hands of brutality. In this world, women are not protected. We are positioned. Moved like pieces across a board by hands that call it love, call it tradition, call it family.
I learned that softness is a liability. That the only thing more dangerous than being born into this life is being born into it without power.
My father spent years keeping me far from New York—burying me in the quiet of Palermo, where I learned to shape clay and create beauty instead of survive violence. Now he's dead, and I'm standing in the city he kept me from for a decade, dragged back into a war I never started, confronted with horrors I was never supposed to survive long enough to understand.
The blood feuds. The violence. The betrayals.
My uncle tells me I'm to marry the enemy. A union meant to end a feud built on the bones of everything I have already lost. Santo D'Amico… the man with dark eyes I have seen before. The man who looked at me like I was someone worth knowing… and was lying through every moment of it.
He wants my heart. My uncle wants my loyalty.
Both want to use me for a war I never chose and was never supposed to survive.
But I am not my mother, and clay hardens under heat.
I have been burning for a very long time.

Review:

Can you imagine having an epic summer fling… years go by before you see each other again… only for him to reappear as part of the D’Amico family… the SAME family responsible for your mother’s death? All those years spent planning your revenge …just for him to walk back into your life like that…

Beneath all the revenge and emotional walls, Selene carried so much vulnerability. You could feel how trapped she was by the expectations of these powerful mafia families. Even when she tried to take control of her own fate, there was always this looming reminder that somebody else was pulling the strings.

And Santo… this man was frustratingly magnetic. 🫠 Beneath that hard exterior, you could see his walls slowly starting to crack every time Selene got under his skin. The fact that their relationship started under false pretenses added another layer of tension that kept me completely invested.

“Whatever conclusion you’ve been putting together in your head while you avoid me—stop. It doesn’t require as much thought as you’re giving it, Selene. I’m not letting you hide from me. Not when I know you want me.”

This story was messy, consuming, and filled with Selene and Santo making questionable decisions while trying to survive impossible situations… which is exactly why I ate this book up.

But of course, Mrs. Bathany Shay Porteous leaves us dangling off a cliff wanting more… and y'all already know just how much I looove suffering through a cliffhanger 😏 I just hope we’re not hanging on for too long.

4 ⭐

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.