All Roads Lead to Rome

by Yamile Saied Méndez

The latest adult multicultural rom-com from the acclaimed author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club Pick Furia, explores the youthful heartbreak and special magic of finding love in unexpected places—at just the right time.

All Stevie Choi ever wanted was a cozy life in suburbia—a loving husband, adorable kids, a dog. That simple dream shattered into a million pieces when she was only seventeen. She’s spent the years since trying to outrun the pain and make something of herself, if only to prove to her estranged family that she’s happy and successful—even though she’s secretly yearning for another chance at love. If only she believed she deserved it . . .

So, Stevie drowns herself in her job, and in the low season, “dates” new countries, leaving her Utah home-base to circle the globe, from Paris to Cairo to Cabo San Lucas, curating a gorgeous Instagram feed—while spending every New Year alone. Then one frigid January day in Rome she meets Cristian. He would be her perfect match—if they weren’t separated by continents and obligations. Unable to say goodbye, they agree that if they’re both single at seventy, they’ll marry each other if only to have a fun companion to travel with. . . . But through the years, their friendship grows into something more, and suddenly it’s up to Stevie to choose happiness . . .

Sparkling with hope, All Roads Lead to Rome soulfully examines all the ways a tender heart can be broken—and how faith in the future—and in oneself—can make it whole again . . .

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Fiction

289 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) is a fútbol obsessed Argentine-American. She’s the mother of 5 kids and 2 adorable dogs. Yamile’s an inaugural Walter Dean Meyers Grant recipient, a graduate of Voices of our Nation (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children program.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender, appealing romantic drama from Reese's Book Club author Yamile Saied Mendez. Powerhouse saleswoman Stevie Choi hides gaping emotional wounds behind her glossy surface success, still haunted by the tragedy that tore her life apart as a teenager. Thrown together with bad boy acquaintance Cristian at a destination wedding in Rome, Stevie finds an unexpected kindred spirit and their blossoming long-distance friendship gives her the first inklings of finding a more authentic life for herself. But Stevie has to do a lot of soul searching before she can accept Cristian's love, and watching her grow slowly along the path to healing is the book's real joy.

[Karmen Tovar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the description of this book did not match the book I read, or maybe that’s just me. I was hoping to get a fun lighthearted travel romance and that was not the case at all. Of course, the heartbreak Stevie faces is mentioned at the beginning of the description, I think this does a huge disservice to the book and really turned me off from the whole thing. As a warning, this book deals with the concepts of grief, teenage pregnancy, and death very heavily. We spend a lot of time with Stevie going through these and I think there should have been some sort of content warning in the description or the book itself. Also, for this book to be about her relationship with herself as well as Cristian, i don’t think we got much of her dealing with herself and learning to love herself. I also hated the way her mom’s new husband talked to her and how that was never resolved. I wanted some resolution with mom and step dad and for Stevie to advocate for herself. Honestly, I don’t think this book should be marketed as a romance book because that is such a small part of this story. Overall, this book just missed the mark with me and fell short of what I was expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and the author for an ARC :)

[Elisabeth M · Rating 2 out of 5]

[ARC via NetGalley] In a way, I enjoyed the overall premise and intention behind the book: a grieving woman works through internal and external obstacles to find independence, passion, and love. However, the pacing and writing of this story felt a bit too disjointed for me to fully enjoy. From the start, there was dissonance for me from the cute and bright title, book cover and meet-cute, to the deep and dark tragedy surrounding our protagonist.
The novel is easy to read, and the chemistry and banter of our leads is truly very sweet. I appreciated the transnational and intercultural backgrounds of our protagonists, representing many folks who come from complex, overlapping backgrounds. For example, Suzie is Korean-Peruvian-American, which is incredible because while that type of representation is not uncommon, it is rarely seen in media and literature. However, outside of explaining her heritage, there is barely mention of reflecting on her multifaceted cultural identity, especially on being Korean, while in the states or other countries.
Also, Stevie’s internal monologue felt at odds with the events of the story to the point where I felt like I was missing crucial pieces of the book as a reader. While I love an enlightened character by the end of the book, it was difficult to follow her emotional journey, and I wanted to learn more deeply about her healing and relationship with her mother.

[Michelle Antunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the final in what appears to be a series of 3 friends of Mendez's Romance Contemporary Novels. I prefer saying that than within the same story world because at the end of this book we get a wrap up of Nadia and Madi's lives which they are all told concurrently. I would recommend reading them in order of publishing.

This has to be my favorite one of all of her books. She has a way of writing the nuance of the Latinx story in such a myriad way that brings all the feelings. This book deals a lot with undealt trauma and depression so please read the content warnings; I don't want to give away any spoilers. But it was such an amazing book, it's one of those books that will live with me for a long time just like her other ones have. FURIA, still has a special place in my soul.

Stevie and Cristian their romance from the blurb seems fate driven. But it is actually so poetic and beautiful.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

[Tanmeet Samra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhh love this book!! The first chapter was so hard to get through and I almost regretted wanting to read this book. But oh my, am I glad that I continued. This book had me feeling all the feels, it was superb!

Without giving spoilers, I like how there’s a backstory of the character that you get a glimpse of in the first chapter but you don’t wait long until you get the whole story. Most books take their time and reveals bits at a time but not this book. You get the majority of the back story of one situation almost instantly. Absolutely recommend this book!

[diya · Rating 4 out of 5]

started reading this book during my plane rides and genuinely binge read half of the book. i don't usually read third person point of views but i was so invested in this book. i did feel like the book at some points was going way too fast because by the end of the book their whole love story felt rushed but i overall enjoyed the story of stevie and christian. this book genuinely made me feel so many different emotions but i love that. i also love how much traveling is included in the book.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie Choi’s plans for her future encounter a detour by a tragedy when she is seventeen. She compensates for her heartbreak by becoming successful in her chosen job. While attending a friend’s wedding in Rome, she meets handsome, charming Cristian. She has been warned about him, but the attraction is there. Despite living far apart, they choose to remain friends until something tears them apart. Will they ever be reunited and will Stevie find peace in her life?

The synopsis I read about this book did not emphasize that the traumatic event in Stevie’s life at seventeen and that the long lasting intrusion and affects of grief were an important part of this story, as well as the cool treatment of her by her mother. Had it, I might not have chosen this book. However, it did turn out to be an engaging read. There is not a lot of com in the rom com of this story, yet I liked Stevie’s character and was rooting for her. There is a lot here…friendship, found family, healing, learning to pursue your dreams. Incidentally, despite the title, not a lot of time is spent in Rome. Actually, there is more about Utah, where Stevie lives, along with a captivating visit to Egypt.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

[Denise Manning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet, predictable, easy read

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up waaayyy too late to finish this book. I seriously could not put it down. Stevie is my hero!

[Katelynn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my new fav by Yamile Saied Mendez!! This was a strangers to friends to lovers slow burn that spans years, takes place across continents and sees two people going through extreme highs and lows as they fight their way back to one another in the ultimate feel-good ending. I loved how strong Stevie was, dealing with loss at a young age and an absentee mother as she chases after her dreams of being a personal chef all the while pining for the one man she met in Rome as a teenager. Highly recommended for fans of star crossed lovers romance stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

CW: teen pregnancy, infant loss (SIDS), depression, child with seizure condition

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Dramatic Romance Marred By Mismatched Cover/ Description. I'd had an ARC of this book for a few months before publication, despite only finishing it on publication day due to both life and a rather insane pace of reading - it was my 81st completed book of the year and 11th of the month. At least through this point, even the next day, the cover of the book and the description of the book both hint at a lot more visual and visceral travel based romance than what is delivered here, to the level that I felt the star deduction was warranted for this mismatch - a mismatch that can be corrected at any time, perhaps as soon as even within the very time I'm writing this review. Thus, if the cover and description have been updated by the time you read this review and reflect more of what I'm about to tell you, heh, my reason for deducting a star is no longer there and I would consider it a five star read instead.

Now, as to what this book actually is... prepare for some very dusty rooms. While there is a lot more telling than showing here, due to the nature of how Mendez chooses to tell the story, and perhaps the events of the book - both good and bad - could have landed even harder with a more first person / showing narrative, the story still works quite well as is and I have no actual problem with it. Yes, some people won't prefer it, but others wouldn't prefer it if it *were* done in the first person/ showing kind of manner, so meh, your mileage will absolutely vary there.

Still, the story as presented is powerful, if one of those romance tales that spans several years. This is far from an insta-romance, yet I'm also not sure that I would classify it as slow burn. Instead, this is a tale of life molding two people - mostly one of them - to the point where they *finally* realize they are what each other always wanted... even if they had to go through so much pain and hardship (along with fun and adventure) to get there. Thus, it actually works as a more serious balance to so much of the more "bubblegum pop" types of romances that are out there and thus a solid tale to stay within the romance space yet get a different taste and texture from a story than may be your typical. (Or perhaps this is your typical and you *need* some bubblegum pop. While that isn't this review, find my other reviews wherever you see this one and you can likely find some recs for some of those too. :D)

This is one of those books where you need to be ready to read about life continually knocking our main character down... and sometimes she stays down perhaps longer than is healthy or wise. And that isn't the kind of book everyone can read at every stage of their lives, so you need to be prepared for that. It gets *deep* into the stages of grief and loss of different elements of our main character's life, and if that is too much for you... go grab some of that bubblegum. Heal up. Come to this one when you can handle this kind of tale. Because it *is* a good tale that deserves to be known,

Overall truly a strong tale that I perhaps have a quibble or two with the manner in which it is told and a more serious problem with how it is currently marketed at release time, neither of which actually seriously detracts from the power of the story itself.

Very much recommended.

[Veronica Lavenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was terrible.

First of all, it was barely a love story. The bulk of the story had nothing to do with Cristian and Stevie. It mainly focused on Stevie living her miserable life, pining for an imaginary future with Cristian, and how she just had the hardest time ever finding her stride and living her dreams. BARF. It was not interesting at all because we saw NO character development in her. She was the same miserable, insufferable person throughout the whole book, even though we spanned about sixteen years.

Stevie went through somerhing unimaginable. Spoiler: her young son dies in his crib when she’s seventeen, and from there, she moves out of her mom’s house to make her own way. This girl needed major therapy, which of course, she never got. All she got were two friends who kept calling her a “goddess” and saying any man would be lucky to have her. Uh, what? Why aren’t they encouraging her to get help? To reconcile with her mother? To figure out her life before finding romance? They were terrible friends, in my opinion, who enabled her to act like a spoiled child even in her late twenties.

This needed a trigger warning. Death of an infant is not a light topic that you sprinkle into a “romance” novel without any notice. It is incredibly dark and real for many people. To skirt around that in the description and promote this book as a fluffy travel romance is a complete disservice to the reader, especially one who has dealt with that kind of loss. Shame on whoever wrote the blurb.

Stevie’s mother was made out to be this huge villain in the story, but I personally thought she was right most of the time. Stevie was cruel to her for no real reason. Just because her mom wanted her to not have an abortion, Stevie totally turned on her as a teenager. Though, it seemed from context that even before Stevie’s pregnancy, they didn’t have a great relationship, and I’m not sure why. The fact that we got no relationship development between these two women, even toward the end of the book, was incredibly disheartening and a missed opportunity.

The chemistry between Cristian and Stevie was basically non-existent. They saw each other twice in person, both for foreign trips, and barely kept in contact in-between. There was no good buildup, no actual pining, no effort to see each other, and no real tension. It was so dull and sparkless. I expected way more.

Cristian was also made out to be perfect. Oh, he looks like a young Matthew McConaughey? He speaks eight million languages? He doesn’t sleep around? (Except for that one night stand that produced a son right there at the end.) He respects boundaries? He reaches out to Stevie first? He’s an international soccer player who is super hot and Latino? He was too perfect, it was vomit worthy. I didn’t like him because he had no true charm or personality.

I just hated this book. I thought it was terrible on its own, but particularly terrible considering what the premise had promised me. Do not read this, it was not worth it.

[Mariana Perino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Stevie Choi and Cristian, but it’s so much more than just a love story. It’s a story about friendship, family, grief, healing, and the journey to finding oneself. I also loved the multicultural aspect—it’s always great to see that represented in a novel.

Quick note: Based on the description alone, I initially expected a lighthearted rom-com with sprinkles of grief and conflict. But this book turned out to be so much more, and that’s exactly why I loved it. However, if you’re looking for a truly lighthearted rom-com, keep this in mind! The author provides trigger warnings at the start, which I appreciated. Readers—always check for trigger warnings!

Stevie has endured immense loss in her life, and as a result, she spends years running—from commitment, from love, from the possibility of more pain. However, deep down, she longs for connection and belonging. And in the midst of running, she unexpectedly stumbles into love.

Stevie and Cristian meet in Rome (there’s a whole backstory to this, but I don’t want to spoil it!), where their instant connection leads to a playful, seemingly harmless pact: if they’re both still single at seventy, they’ll marry each other. In the meantime, they agree to remain “fiancé” friends. But with miles between them and their lives pulling them in different directions, can they truly maintain this friendship—and the feelings that come with it?

Their friendship is deeply supportive, allowing them both to grow, love, and learn in different ways. I really liked how the book explores the delicate relationship between love and timing.

The family dynamics in this book are painful and, at times, extremely frustrating—I often wanted to shake some of these characters! But the story also subtly highlights the beauty of friendships and the people who stand by us through life’s hardest moments.

This book carries so much depth, and I found myself deeply invested in Stevie’s growth, resilience, and relationships. Her journey is raw, emotional, and messy—but ultimately, uplifting. I absolutely loved this book!

Thank you to Net Galley, the author and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Niharika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Stevie Choi and Cristian, but it's so much more than a romance. It's a layered journey through friendship, family, grief, healing, and the slow, often painful process of rediscovering oneself. One of the aspects I loved most was the multicultural representation-it added richness to the narrative and made the characters feel even more grounded in reality.

Stevie has lived through unimaginable loss, and the grief she carries shapes the way she moves through the world. For years, she copes by running-running from commitment, from love, and from the possibility of getting hurt again. But beneath her fear is an aching desire for connection, home, and a sense of belonging. And ironically, in the midst of trying to avoid love, she stumbles right into it. I found myself incredibly invested with her character arc. Her growth is messy, emotional, and imperfect, but that's what makes it so powerful. Watching her slowly choose connection over fear, and love over withdrawal, was both heartbreaking and uplifting. By the end, I was rooting for her not just in love, but in life.

Stevie and Cristian meet in Rome, where a spark of connection quickly leads to a playful promise but with physical distance separating them and their lives heading in different directions. Their dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Their friendship isn't just warm and comforting-it's transformative. It gives both of them the space to evolve, to confront their fears, and to learn what love actually looks like when it isn't rushed or forced. The book beautifully explores how timing can be both a gift and a barrier in relationships.

The family dynamics, on the other hand, are messy, painful, and often infuriating. More than once, I wanted to reach into the book and shake certain characters! But that frustration felt intentional-because real families are complicated, and unresolved wounds don't disappear overnight. At the same time, the story highlights the quiet strength of found family, the people who see us at our worst and stay anyway.

Overall, I truly loved this book.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this arc.

[Katie Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC Review via Netgalley**
In a way, I appreciated the overall premise and intention behind *All Roads Lead to Rome*—a grieving woman navigating personal and external challenges to rediscover independence, passion, and love. Stevie’s journey is emotionally layered, and the novel is easy to read, with some truly sweet chemistry and banter between the leads.

Stevie and Cristian’s connection begins in Rome at a destination wedding, where their unexpected friendship offers her a new perspective on life. Their long-distance bond gives her the courage to seek a more authentic path forward, and I found myself rooting for Stevie along the way.

However, I went into this book expecting a lighthearted travel romance, and that was not the case at all. While the synopsis does mention Stevie’s heartbreak, it doesn’t fully prepare readers for the weighty themes of grief, teenage pregnancy, and loss—elements that shape much of the novel’s emotional depth. This was a bit misleading, and I likely wouldn’t have picked it up had I known the extent to which these themes would dominate the story.

That said, while the pacing and writing felt somewhat disjointed, the book remained engaging. Stevie’s character is compelling, and there’s plenty to explore beyond romance—friendship, found family, healing, and self-discovery. Despite the title, much of the book is actually set in Utah, with a surprisingly captivating visit to Egypt, rather than an extended stay in Rome.

Overall, while *All Roads Lead to Rome* didn’t deliver the breezy, travel-filled rom-com I had hoped for, it still offered moments of depth and growth that made for an interesting read.

[Elle Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried my hardest to finish this book, but I just couldn’t do it. The main character, Stevie, is insufferable, and I found very little that was redeeming about her. The story itself felt disjointed, especially the transition between the early chapters set in Rome and the flashback chapters focused on Stevie’s teenage years. The tone shift was so drastic, it felt like I was reading two completely different books. The Rome chapters were lighthearted, while the flashbacks were emotionally heavy and deeply sad, creating a jarring disconnect.

Some plot elements also felt random or poorly set up. A few extra sentences to properly introduce certain scenes could have made the narrative flow much better. On top of that, there were several inconsistencies throughout the book, as if major edits had been made without checking for continuity. For example, Stevie returns home from Rome in January and visits her mother. Yet a few chapters later, her mother calls and Stevie says they haven’t seen or spoken since Christmas—completely ignoring a full chapter where they interacted and Stevie stormed out.

There were also several grammatical errors that should have been caught in editing. While I can overlook the occasional mistake, the combination of these issues—with an unlikeable main character and a disjointed plot—made the book too frustrating for me to finish.

Lastly, the cover is incredibly misleading. The whimsical, illustrated design suggests a fun and lighthearted romance, but that doesn’t reflect the heavy emotional content within the story. It sets up the wrong expectations entirely.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars ⭐⭐💫

Stevie Choi's dreams were pulled out from under her as a teen, and she's been trying desperately to prove herself ever since. Amid complicated feelings at the Roman wedding of her best friend (with whom she is most certainly not in love), Stevie meets Cristian, a friend of a friend who she's been warned about. The two have instant chemistry, but neither is ready for a relationship, especially not a long-distance one. Stevie and Cristian go their separate ways having vowed to marry each other if they're still single when they're 70.

The book explores various timelines, with a long flashback to Stevie's time in high school, where we learn more about the tragedy her family has suffered, and setting the scene for her complicated relationship with her mother. Along the way, we see glimpses of Stevie and Cristian as they come in and out of each other's orbits throughout the years.

I enjoyed some aspects of this. Stevie and Cristian had great chemistry from the jump. The "will they, won't they" tension pulled at my heartstrings just the right amount. But despite Stevie's storied past and having to grow up fast, she came across as juvenile to me (though this may have been the writing style). The way she handled most of the relationships in her life lacked emotional maturity in a way I found frustrating, and which didn't seem to fit with the journey I expected Stevie to be on. Overall, this fell a bit flat for me, and felt notably different from the synopsis.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[kim baccellia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced romcom with engaging banter between two unlikely protagonists. Stevie is the best man at her friend's wedding in Rome. After not too subtle jabs against her from not only the bride but her friends, Stevie just wants to leave. Then a chance encounter with bad boy Cristian happens. It doesn't hurt that he's good to look at. Cristian takes Stevie on a whirlwind night tour of Rome, where not only chemistry sparks.

I really liked Stevie, but all the self-reflections took away from an otherwise enchanting romance. Guilt and grief play a huge part in Stevie's reluctance to open up to others. Add to that infant death. All the backstory helps readers know more about Stevie's motivations and why she comes off as hard to others.

Though the title suggests the story is set mostly in Rome, that's not the case. The Utah backdrop was one I'm very familiar with, and Mendez nails the Mormon culture without getting too preachy. I loved the scenes in Cairo, which are captivating and vivid. Along with their budding romance that refuses to be ignored. The exchanges between Stevie and Cristian are dynamic and are the heart of this romance.

The strength of this novel is the banter and chemistry between Cristian and Stevie. I only wanted more of that and less of all the telling. But Stevie's story is complex and messy. Kind of like a real relationship.

Reflective romance with hope sprinkled through the pages.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review *may* contain spoilers

Well this was a journey. How I wish I could meet a Cristian and toss three coins into the Fontana di Trevi. Stevie and Cristian’s relationship was so unique. Their path to a happy ending felt beautifully earned.

Now, Brady and Celine? I honestly don’t understand why they were in the story. They added absolutely nothing. Zero. Nada. I couldn’t stand their characters - they were so mean and condescending for no reason at all.

Stevie endured so much heartbreak, yet she kept going. It made my heart happy to see her finally follow her heart and allow herself to love again, despite all the pain she’d carried.

That said, as much as I loved Stevie getting her happy ending, something felt missing. I really wish we had gotten to see a conversation between her and her estranged mother. You can’t just say “everything worked out” when there was so much to unpack. And Frank? I dreaded every scene with him. His presence - and his attitude - just felt completely unnecessary.

All in all, it’s a deeply reflective story. It had its flaws, but I still really liked it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie meets Cristian in Rome on New Year's Day--at the wedding of her best friend and one-time lover. They both ditch the reception and spend a memorable evening exploring Rome, with Cristian as Stevie's guide. In a twist on the Trevi Fountain wishes, they pledge to marry each other at age 70 if they're both single.

As they return to their real lives, they keep in touch and Stevie keeps wondering if he could be the one. But he doesn't know her tragic secret and estranged from her mother, she wonders if anyone will ever love her. They spend a memorable week in Egypt but still are not really together.

Stevie is a wonderful character who you will want as your best friend. Fabulously successful in her career with a cadre of close friends, she cannot solve the mystery of how to get along with her mother, And Cristian is just fabulous. This love story spans several years and will have you turning pages in hopes they find their happily ever after. But as wonderful as the book is, the early Rome setting is incidental. #AllRoadsLeadtoRome #NetGalley

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the cover or the description: this is a deeply emotional story.

We don't see very much of Stevie "dating" other countries, though there is a LOVELY interlude in Egypt that was a stand-out. Rather you see a deep dive into Stevie's trauma and her fight to embrace love after loss. It's a good dive, just be prepared for it.

The pacing was really off to me, like it was a hard time figuring out the time jumps and how time was passing, but I know that doesn't bother every reader. Just a note from me.

This review is a bit all over the place but the timeline was too, so it feels right in my head. A solid three stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting rom-com with touches of sadness. Stevie has basic desires: a husband & kids and a job she enjoys. Her life didn't go the way she wanted, so she drowns herself in a job she's good at but doesn't enjoy but funds her globtrotting in the "off season". While attending a destination wedding of a co-worker, she mets a guy who she falls for. They joke about marrying in 50 years if still single. Jobs, distance, and the lack of belief in herself keeps Stevie from committing to the relationship. Can she get over everything and end up with her happy every after? It was a fun read with expected ups & downs of a rom-com.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jade. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞
𝐛𝐲 𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐌é𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡

- - -

I had a hard time putting this book down. This is such a delightful, emotional read. I am writing this review with tears in my eyes. It's just such a soul-stirring book.

I really liked the meet-cute at a wedding in Rome. It was so adorable and dreamy. How the main characters even gave each other 'promise' rings and call each other 'fake fiancé'. It's really cute!

I screamed when the FMC suggested to be just friends. Why?! That man is a walking green flag! They are almost out of existence! But once you learn more about her past and the heartbreaks she had to endure, you completely understand her.

I really enjoyed reading this gripping story and highly recommend this. Just grab a box of tissues!

[Ridhi Bansal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book cause i was travelling and i wanted to read about a story which revolves around travelling.
This book surely does have that!
There are different sides of this story.
Its not just a love story that i first thought when i had started reading this.
It involves career aspects, teen pregnancy, relationship with family.
Its much more than a love story
I loved the part how the author explained about Argentina, Egypt and italy!
But the ending was bit fast, i felt as if they could not find the hook for the love story anymore so it was rushed.
Overall- for me it was a one time read! If i want to get to the world of travelling to cairo or walking in the lanes of rome i might read it again.

[The Balcony Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Publishing | Kensington, Yamile Saied Méndez, and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.75 stars rounded up to 4.

One of my favorite things about this book is the very natural minority representation. Mentions of of the FMC's ethnicity wasn't forced or specially called like it was something exotic. It was a romcom that dealt with introspective topics with equal parts plot and character development. I feel like the only thing hindering this book was the narrative style. It was a bit more tell rather than show and a bit dry, almost like journalistic style. I didn't feel drawn or immersed in the world. But it was a great story about personal growth!

[Maria Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is worth it for Chapters Three and Four alone, which set up the book's central attraction with such cinema that you can picture every detail of Méndez's scenes, as well as the extremely good-looking leads. Protagonist Stevie is complex in the best ways--Méndez ably renders her past experiences so that you can understand why Stevie is so guarded in the present--and her arc shows how much accepting your own vulnerability has to do with falling in love. I found the toughness in this narrative made the book really touching by the end. Now I just want to know if some of the restaurants in this book actually exist, because, dang, were Cristian and Stevie both superb foodies.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC (it's my first one :))

I enjoyed the first half of the book. There is something about meeting someone at weddings (one that isn't the groom or the bride) that I found so sweet. It was an easy read and the first half was quite interesting to get into.

But I seem to have lost the plot or direction of this book. It felt a little bit... all over the place - like it was MESSY. It felt like all the flaws of Stevie were just there and not given any justice at all.

I truly expected more from this book based on the description (which felt a little far from the actual plot).

[Karen Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for arc first 3 chapters was hard to read should have a been trigger warnings about it and the book wasn’t what I was expecting I was fought it would be something light and fun summer read I was hoping but I was wrong it was heartbreak, emotional, grief and family drama and teen pregnancy we see the main character how to learn to love herself how to deal with her grief and a relationship overall the book wasn’t ok just wasn’t what I was expecting and fell flat at a few times 3.5 stars

[Katie Cox · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only good part of this book was the cute cover and when it was over. This was definitely geared more for teenagers. Even though this book follows Stevie from her teenage years into adulthood, I felt like she had no character development and acted like a teenager the entire book. They constantly reference how Stevie was a goddess and every guy she interacted with had a girlfriend/wife that was jealous and threatened by her. Then her love interest apparently can speak every language. This book was so unrealistic. Trigger warning for infant death and loss. Would not recommend