One word comes to mind as I think about Roman Crazy: Serendipity. A stroke of luck at a perfect time that leads to an exciting discovery. Roman Crazy is a truly exciting discovery for readers, and its theme will resonate with those who believe that fate has a role to play in love.
Avery Bardot didn't go to Rome looking for love. She went to Rome to discover herself, apart from all of the stereotypes that had come to define her life: garden clubs, society luncheons, family gatherings, and exquisite boredom. A woman who felt like, and had gradually become little more than attractive arm candy for her wealthy, successful, recently-discovered-cheating husband. Avery wasn't looking for someone to sweep her off her feet, to rescue her from boredom or loneliness, or to "complete" her. She was looking for a second chance at life, on her own terms. And she found it.
The fact that she also found Marcello -- a lover from a happier time, the man she let go of nine years before -- and proceeded to fall head-over-heels in love with him again was pure, sweet serendipity. Call it fate, call it destiny, call it what you want - to me, it was a magical happenstance. And I loved experiencing it with her every step of the way.
Several of my favorite authors -- all much more articulate than I -- have reviewed Roman Crazy, and loved it as much as I did. It's hard to follow such glowing, succinct reviews. So I'll sum it up: Roman Crazy is THE most entertaining, light-hearted, genuinely heartfelt romance I've read in a very long time. It's an ultimate reading experience for the end of summer, precisely because it lacks mind-bending twists or the deep, angsty drama of darker romances. I can only imagine what a pleasure it was to write, because I could feel the creativity, camaraderie, and genuine fun pouring off of every page. It reads like a summer vacation feels: refreshing, warm, relaxing, and simply beautiful.
The visual imagery is so stunning that the characters came to life in a setting so perfectly laid out that it feels like a virtual trip to Rome. The sights and sounds of the city; the scents of the flowers, the clay, the markets and fresh paint; the taste of the food; the fragile beauty of ancient tapestries and frescoes was all so vividly described that I lost myself in the experience. The intensity of every character's feelings - be it embarrassment, delight, anger, confusion, happiness or sexual ecstasy - were perfectly woven within the story, making the entire package powerfully real on every level.
Of course I fell in love with Marcello; you can't help but fall in love with Marcello! But I loved every quirk of every character, even Daniel, Avery's ex, because they were all so relatable and approachable. And even in its very few, slightly darker moments, there is an underlying steadiness, a seamlessness, that made the story flow effortlessly from scene to scene. Other than imagining Alice and Nina laughing their way through parts of the manuscript, there is little evidence that Roman Crazy was co-authored, because it is so tightly woven it's an artistic tapestry unto itself.
Roman Crazy is a deeply passionate love story, with touches of gentle humor; but it is so much more. It's a story of steadfast friendship, self-discovery, maturity, and awakening. It's deeply satisfying in every way. I can't wait to see what the other "Broads Abroad" come up with as the series continues, but I'd give anything to hide away in their luggage.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Follow the authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Reviews with images
... and witty story about finding ourselves and learning to love again. This story begins as our heroine
Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci have teamed up to write a hilarious and witty story about finding ourselves and learning to love again.This story begins as our heroine, Avery, witnesses her husband getting down-and-dirty with his secretary . She’s shocked but not totally heart broken. After an enlightening conversation with her mother in law about “penis gifts” Avery finds herself unsure of her future but kicks her unfaithful husband to the curb and seeks comfort with her BFF in Rome.Once in Rome her bestie, Daisy, helps Avery find herself again. She also finds an Italian hottie from her past. 😉Marcello was a summer romance that Avery never forgot. Avery fell in love with her summer fling and had every intention to return to her Italian lover. Instead she stayed in the states with her future ex-husband, Daniel, and perhaps made the biggest mistake of her life. (Though I believe every mistake you make is important to bring you to the life you’re meant to live.)When she sees her old flame she literally falls over in a hilarious scene in a Roman pub. 😂 It just so happens that Marcello is a co-worker of Daisy’s and is just as shocked to see Avery.This love-lost-now-found story pulled at my heartstrings and made me laugh so hard. The two authors wrote a perfect balance of emotion and humor that keeps your attention from beginning to end.I give Roman Crazy 4 out of 5 Krissy’s Stars!I’m booking my plane tickets to Rome asap! 😉Xo- K💖*I was generously given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Top reviews from other countries
JessikaBaker
A beautiful second chance romance
Reviewed in Mexico on February 27, 2018
Jessica Fernandes
I love all things Alice Clayton
Reviewed in Canada on October 8, 2016
Emski
Get your passport and let Alice Clayton take you to Rome.
Reviewed in Australia on September 16, 2016