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Lit Lovers #2
Rome for the Holidays
Suddenly single, with no plans for the holidays, Emily Romano needs to escape. She’s even willing to set aside her disdain for smug self-help guru Blaze Smith, if interviewing him gets her a trip to Italy. She just wants to pretend she’s somebody else, somewhere else for a few days.
Who trusts a relationship expert who’s been publicly dumped? Blaze Smith, aka “Dr Love” feels like a complete and utter fraud. He rejects his manager’s crazy scheme to fake a relationship to save the European book tour. He’d rather run for the hills.
But after meeting Emily at the airport, he has a sudden change of heart.
Pretending to be in love is easy. Having real feelings about a make-believe relationship is a lot more complicated. With so much at stake, neither of them can afford to break the fake dating rules. There may be no future, but they’ll always have Rome for the Holidays.
Who trusts a relationship expert who’s been publicly dumped? Blaze Smith, aka “Dr Love” feels like a complete and utter fraud. He rejects his manager’s crazy scheme to fake a relationship to save the European book tour. He’d rather run for the hills.
But after meeting Emily at the airport, he has a sudden change of heart.
Pretending to be in love is easy. Having real feelings about a make-believe relationship is a lot more complicated. With so much at stake, neither of them can afford to break the fake dating rules. There may be no future, but they’ll always have Rome for the Holidays.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
48 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Blume
18 books134 followersCiara is an award-winning author, designer, and certified naturalist who creates uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical fiction.
Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination.
A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also a devoted (if overly ambitious) crafter.
When not immersed in writing, she enjoys trading adorable pet photos - especially when procrastinating on a deadline.
For more information and news about Ciara’s upcoming releases, visit her website at www.ciarablume.com or follow @ciarablumeauthor on instagram, tiktok and facebook.
Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination.
A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also a devoted (if overly ambitious) crafter.
When not immersed in writing, she enjoys trading adorable pet photos - especially when procrastinating on a deadline.
For more information and news about Ciara’s upcoming releases, visit her website at www.ciarablume.com or follow @ciarablumeauthor on instagram, tiktok and facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 11, 2022
Apart from being an entertaining meet cute novel, the setting in Italy and Rome in particular, immediately drew my interest, as Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world. When Emily's ex contacts her to go on assignment for him because the woman he dumped her for is having her baby, Emily's first reaction is less than amenable, until she realizes that she has an opportunity to solve her own mystery. A chance meeting at the airport with the author she is to interview, takes on a life of its own, especially as Emily is less than enchanted by the popular Love Doctor. Blaze finds it refreshing to be treated as just another guy, that is until he sits down on the plane that's to take them to Italy and Emily is horrified to discover who he is and by her initial reaction to him. Feeling less than enamored by his PR manager's suggestion that they embark on a fake relationship to distract the press, Blaze asks Emily to be his decoy instead, much to Steff's fury at being thwarted. Emily has her own reasons for wanting to visit Italy but receives far more than she could have anticipated. Just as she is trying to get her head around the revelations, all hell breaks loose, resulting in Emily fleeing the scene and Blaze having to do damage control. Fortunately, this standalone novel does come to a delightful and happy conclusion, bringing hope for the future. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 22, 2022
This is a fun, refreshing and beautiful love story.
Blaze and Emily are the stars of this story rather than the city of Rome (just FYI for those looking for a big Rome hit). Lots of fun troupes like fake dating and only one bed with new twists. I appreciated the real but satisfying ending. This book has spice.
Blaze and Emily are the stars of this story rather than the city of Rome (just FYI for those looking for a big Rome hit). Lots of fun troupes like fake dating and only one bed with new twists. I appreciated the real but satisfying ending. This book has spice.
October 30, 2022
A very nice and cute story to read just before the holidays season starts. Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes and is the center to this story between Emily and Blaze. It is a feel good story all the way through.
December 28, 2023
Good Christmas rom com! I loved all the characters, even the antagonists. Lovely descriptions of Rome and Tuscany. Well written and flowed nicely.
October 23, 2022
Imagine receiving a beautiful box of Italian chocolates. They look wonderful, you’re excited to try them but you’re nervous about what you may discover. The first one was so delicious, and the second and so on until you realize there isn’t a bad piece in the box and you devoured it all. This book is that box of chocolates. The main characters are so likable, the trope is familiar but with fresh twists and it’s so light and fun that you don’t feel guilty about binge reading it in a day…unlike overindulging in a box of chocolates. The best ARC I’ve read and I couldn’t wait to write a review…although I’m so sad it’s over! I’ll miss Emily and Blaze!
December 13, 2022
Emily is a journalist and a podcaster. She is going to Italy for her ex Kent to get background information on Blaze, a self-help relationship guru. She also has personal family reasons to go to Italy so this trip is the perfect chance to go. Blaze is going to Italy for a book tour for his relationship guide book. His own relationship is gone but the public thought they were together, until photos of his ex were leaked with someone else. So instead of cancelling the book tour Steff his PR lady comes up with a fake relationship to help keep his street cred as a relationship expert because she thinks who is going to read a book by a guy who is not in a relationship. Things don’t go exactly as anyone planned.
I liked this book. It was easy to read and hard to put down. It was one of those books I was just going to read just one more chapter or a few more minutes until I suddenly looked up and it was an hour later and I really had to put it down. As far as characters go they were pretty good. I liked most of them; except Steff the PR lady. She was so up in Blaze’s business way beyond what her job was. She reminded me of a couple of people I have met in the past and could not stand to be around. So it was easy to want to tell her to mind her own business and just do her job. As for the surprises I was able to guess but I wasn’t 100% certain on at least 1 of the events.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book. This is my honest review.
I liked this book. It was easy to read and hard to put down. It was one of those books I was just going to read just one more chapter or a few more minutes until I suddenly looked up and it was an hour later and I really had to put it down. As far as characters go they were pretty good. I liked most of them; except Steff the PR lady. She was so up in Blaze’s business way beyond what her job was. She reminded me of a couple of people I have met in the past and could not stand to be around. So it was easy to want to tell her to mind her own business and just do her job. As for the surprises I was able to guess but I wasn’t 100% certain on at least 1 of the events.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book. This is my honest review.
September 12, 2023
I'd hoped this was a Holiday romance. It takes place during the holidays, but there are no tree lightings, Santas, cookies, presents, or anything that makes the Christmas season come alive. It was a tale as old as time, the fake relationship turned real. The main characters were fun but a little childish for my taste. Given that they were grown adults and still had to dance around, their feelings for each other got old fast. Plus, there is a whole situation about consensual unprotected sex, which should never be normalized with strangers, no matter what the stupid heart feels. The book was OK. I wanted it to be more about Christmas in Italy, but it was hardly that. It was a fun and easy read, but I didn't love it.
December 9, 2023
What a surprise this holiday rom-com turned out to be! I initially added it to my list solely because it was set in Rome, Italy, and I expected it to be completely hokey. It was. But, it also made me laugh and periodically think…”Girl, no you didn’t!, and it chilled my heart, and warmed it too. A journalist/podcaster is brought on book tour with a self-help “love doctor” whose brutal and unapologetic PR agent brainstorms a fake relationship publicity stunt to defray some bad PR from his prior breakup. Yes, it’s too tropey, and at times, completely cheesy but I think the over-the-top ridiculousness only made this particular holiday read extra fun and extra spicy!🌶️ I loved the comedy, friendships, the exes, the family history, and the love stories!
November 10, 2022
I enjoyed Ciara's first book, Hate You Later, but I totally loved Rome for the Holidays.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for holiday-themed romantic comedies. (Seriously.)
Or maybe the fact that the novel takes place mostly in Italy, a place I've wanted to visit for ages.
Whatever the reason, this title just hit the mark even if you know where things are going to end up. (Because we all know a fake relationship to fool others often leads to a real one.)
So, if you enjoy holiday romances, books set in Italy, or just romantic comedies in general, I highly suggest getting a copy of Rome for the Holidays.
Disclaimer ~ I was sent a digital advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for holiday-themed romantic comedies. (Seriously.)
Or maybe the fact that the novel takes place mostly in Italy, a place I've wanted to visit for ages.
Whatever the reason, this title just hit the mark even if you know where things are going to end up. (Because we all know a fake relationship to fool others often leads to a real one.)
So, if you enjoy holiday romances, books set in Italy, or just romantic comedies in general, I highly suggest getting a copy of Rome for the Holidays.
Disclaimer ~ I was sent a digital advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
December 5, 2023
I wanted this to be a 5 star review because it was adorable and all the characters were so well written. Alas, it cannot be. Everything about this book was so good that I read it within 24 hours, I even managed to come to terms with the name Blaze which is an absolutely ridiculous name.
However, there was some irresponsible decision-making during sex that gave me the ick and I had to remove a star. It was acknowledged that it was stupid but I just couldn’t get over the fact that they had only known each other for a week and were suddenly talking about children and having unprotected sex. Other than that I ship Emily and Blaze. Also, Stef was an excellent cockblocker/bunny boiler!
However, there was some irresponsible decision-making during sex that gave me the ick and I had to remove a star. It was acknowledged that it was stupid but I just couldn’t get over the fact that they had only known each other for a week and were suddenly talking about children and having unprotected sex. Other than that I ship Emily and Blaze. Also, Stef was an excellent cockblocker/bunny boiler!
December 7, 2024
A fantastic fake-romance rom com. I adored Emily and Blaze and wanted them to get together from the moment they met in the airport.
He's a relationship expert, she's a journalist, but this is a story far deeper than that. There's a PR manager who's far too into her clients, there are a couple of bad exes, some funny costumes, gelato, chemistry that's off the charts, family history that's more than they bargained for, the most gorgeous backdrop of Italy, and so much more!
There's even a happy ending which includes a puppy and oh my am I a sucker for a puppy - especially one in knitwear!
Do yourself and your heart a favour and give this a read 😊
He's a relationship expert, she's a journalist, but this is a story far deeper than that. There's a PR manager who's far too into her clients, there are a couple of bad exes, some funny costumes, gelato, chemistry that's off the charts, family history that's more than they bargained for, the most gorgeous backdrop of Italy, and so much more!
There's even a happy ending which includes a puppy and oh my am I a sucker for a puppy - especially one in knitwear!
Do yourself and your heart a favour and give this a read 😊
November 4, 2022
Loved it! I could not put it down, and got completely immersed in the story. Such a cute book. While Emily is dealing with a heartbreak, she gets a lucky break to go to Rome to interview Blaze for work. Blaze has a bit of a publicity problem, so they end up fake dating for the trip. I love a fake dating trope, and this one was adorable! So many interesting characters, as well as some great steamy moments! A must read.
November 2, 2022
I was looking for something a little different to read and saw this book. I was surprised to find myself immediately pulled in. Emily and Blaze are great together.
It's funny. It's spicy. And who doesn't love the fake-relationship trope, especially near the holidays?
I will be recommending this to my friends this holiday season. :)
It's funny. It's spicy. And who doesn't love the fake-relationship trope, especially near the holidays?
I will be recommending this to my friends this holiday season. :)
November 12, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book only knowing that it was a Holiday romcom going into it. I loved this story so much. The fake relationship trope is one of my favorites, and these two had such a good meet cute. It made me tear up at parts and laugh at parts. It was a perfect read for getting into the holiday spirit.
November 27, 2022
This book gave me all the good feels :). I wanted to buy a plane ticket to Rome, toss a coin in the fountain and wish that I could have the next book in the Lit Lovers series sooner!
The fake relationship trope was done so well and I just loved the characters. Ciara Blume stole my heart for the Holidays.
Happy Reading
The fake relationship trope was done so well and I just loved the characters. Ciara Blume stole my heart for the Holidays.
Happy Reading
February 28, 2024
Insert Italian word for Incredible
I'm so obsessed. This is such a cute story. I advise anyone to read this book and all the lit lovers series. Emily and Blaze love story is epic. It helps them heal from the past, it allows them to become their true selves. It makes me want to visit Tuscany.
I'm so obsessed. This is such a cute story. I advise anyone to read this book and all the lit lovers series. Emily and Blaze love story is epic. It helps them heal from the past, it allows them to become their true selves. It makes me want to visit Tuscany.
October 27, 2022
I loved this fake dating love story! So cute and I was rooting for Blake & Emily the entire time! Italy, Christmas, and gelato: how can you go wrong? This would make for a good book club choice for December!
November 12, 2022
Nice romance
It was a fun, easy read. The characters were great but I would like a sequel or a series so that we can get into the secondary characters more. The podcast crew and Isla are definitely people I'd be interested in reading more about.
It was a fun, easy read. The characters were great but I would like a sequel or a series so that we can get into the secondary characters more. The podcast crew and Isla are definitely people I'd be interested in reading more about.
December 4, 2022
Wow! I totally enjoyed reading this book, it's so engrossing and fun to read. It's a fake date turned real romance between Emily and Blaze. So, grab your copy and enjoy as well 😜. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
July 5, 2023
Fun and Engaging Read!
Perfect series for the summer! Light, but intriguing and deep characters. Great descriptions of people, places and conversations. The plots are creative but include realistic interactions, especially if you still believe in love!
Perfect series for the summer! Light, but intriguing and deep characters. Great descriptions of people, places and conversations. The plots are creative but include realistic interactions, especially if you still believe in love!
July 7, 2023
Such a fun, engaging read! I have enjoyed this book than the last couple I have read, if that tells you anything! It was such a feel good book! The author did an excellent job with the characters! Highly recommend
February 26, 2024
What I liked: A fun holiday rom-com with themes of “fake dating”, “one bed”, and “found family”. The descriptions of Rome and Tuscany will make you want to hop on a plane.
What I disliked: The male main character’s name is Blaze, such a stupid name.
What I disliked: The male main character’s name is Blaze, such a stupid name.
December 30, 2024
Such a fun read! I loved this story and Ciara’s writing style was easy to follow and so enjoyable! I’ll definitely be looking for more of her books. The characters were well developed and likable and now I want to travel to Rome, Italy and eat my weight in gelato!
November 2, 2022
Spicy and really fun book. The first one of the series, “Hate You Later” was terrific and this one was even better! The author has a creative and descriptive flair that brought the storyline alive. “He makes my heart crash around in my chest like some kind of caged animal.” Sign me up!
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November 2, 2022Cute holiday romance. Light and fun, mild spice,and likable characters.
November 8, 2022
Such a cute and festive read! If you’re looking for a cozy Hallmark holiday-esque read look no further! This book is sure to give you the warm and fuzzies!
December 15, 2022
This was fake dating trope to the extreme. One character literally discussed the idea of the fake dating trope. But was this fun and gave Hallmark Christmas movie vibes
December 15, 2022
This was a sweet, feel good holiday story. All the feels with low spice. It was an enjoyable read!
December 26, 2022
Cute and funny fake dating story set in Rome. Love the banter between the characters.
February 6, 2023
Fun RomCom
Love this book. The characters are so lively and the story has lots of twists and turns that keep you entertained! Can't wait to read the next one!
Love this book. The characters are so lively and the story has lots of twists and turns that keep you entertained! Can't wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews