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What Happens In Venice
When Esme finds out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, everything falls apart. She’s been looking forward to a couples’ holiday with her best friend since forever… yet when her best friend also breaks up with her boyfriend, Liam, all hope seems lost.
Until Liam invites Esme on the holiday anyway, and she agrees. Under the Italian sun, tensions run high, the double bed in their hotel room only adding to their troubles…
But what happens in Venice stays in Venice… right?
Until Liam invites Esme on the holiday anyway, and she agrees. Under the Italian sun, tensions run high, the double bed in their hotel room only adding to their troubles…
But what happens in Venice stays in Venice… right?
327 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Em Solstice
7 books23 followersEm Solstice is a romance author from the UK. As well as procrastinating writing fast-paced novellas with a spicy twist, she enjoys snuggling her cat and drinking Starbucks... and waiting for her own love story to begin.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 10, 2025
This was a 4.25 star read from me, and one I totally recommend if you're over eighteen and love spicy, sweet love stories - with a bit of a twist!
I also really recommend if you're going to Venice any time soon (fingers crossed!) and want to get in the mood for a gorgeous Italian setting, pizzas and pasta and Aperol spritz by the canals. I have quite a few European summer books on my TBR this year, and I've written one myself that's still buried deep in my drafts... they're the perfect way to get in the summer mood.
After reading Em Solstice's previous two novellas, this is an impossibly huge step up. Perhaps because it's a little longer, we got to know all of the characters and the setting more, and there was a much greater emphasis on detail, which I know Em was trying to integrate into her writing more. I really loved the setting and the chemistry between our two leads, and I adored the way the book was split between the cold, grey reality of Britain, of a small Brummie town, and the beautiful city of Venice. I couldn't have asked for a bigger juxtaposition.
I also think that being a friend of Em Solstice helped me to feel so connected to the book, and to the love story. This is the kind of love she deserves, and it was beautiful to read about a man who truly respects women and acts as a true gentleman, even overseas without any external pressures on him. This holiday romance felt realistic and natural, and the epilogue had me tearing up. Gorgeous.
There were a few areas I would have liked to have been developed a little more, but this could be completely my personal taste, as usual!
I felt like I would have liked a little more atmosphere from Venice, rather than physical descriptions of what we were saying... maybe more showing, less telling. I felt the same way about our characters. I wanted to see more of their little quirks, their likes and dislikes, their aspirations and goals, love languages. Instead of details on what makeup products and clothes Esme was putting on, I wanted to know exactly what made her so interested in her appearance and covering up her face, about her insecurities etc - and what made her so passionate about working in hospitality, though not to spoil anything!
Being a very short novel, I would have also enjoyed some more background. I wanted to know more about Rob and their relationship, and her friendship with Liam, and perhaps her past experiences with Liam, which would have helped me feel a little more connected to the characters. I also wanted to know the reasoning behind the cheating, and an explanation for the cold, backstabbing behaviour of some characters, rather than them just being portrayed as the good guys and the bad guys... because there's always so much more to the breakdown of a relationship in this way.
Again, these are personal things that would have helped me to feel more connected to the love story, but given that I read it in two settings, I'm sure you can imagine how much I loved the book - and would one hundred percent recommend it to anybody looking for a sweet, spicy romance to read this summer, especially if you're recovering from your own heartbreak and need to be reminded how all women should be treated!
This was such a lovely, heartwarming read, and I feel so lucky to have read it early.
Congratulations on an incredible debut novel, Em... I can't wait to read more from you.
I also really recommend if you're going to Venice any time soon (fingers crossed!) and want to get in the mood for a gorgeous Italian setting, pizzas and pasta and Aperol spritz by the canals. I have quite a few European summer books on my TBR this year, and I've written one myself that's still buried deep in my drafts... they're the perfect way to get in the summer mood.
After reading Em Solstice's previous two novellas, this is an impossibly huge step up. Perhaps because it's a little longer, we got to know all of the characters and the setting more, and there was a much greater emphasis on detail, which I know Em was trying to integrate into her writing more. I really loved the setting and the chemistry between our two leads, and I adored the way the book was split between the cold, grey reality of Britain, of a small Brummie town, and the beautiful city of Venice. I couldn't have asked for a bigger juxtaposition.
I also think that being a friend of Em Solstice helped me to feel so connected to the book, and to the love story. This is the kind of love she deserves, and it was beautiful to read about a man who truly respects women and acts as a true gentleman, even overseas without any external pressures on him. This holiday romance felt realistic and natural, and the epilogue had me tearing up. Gorgeous.
There were a few areas I would have liked to have been developed a little more, but this could be completely my personal taste, as usual!
I felt like I would have liked a little more atmosphere from Venice, rather than physical descriptions of what we were saying... maybe more showing, less telling. I felt the same way about our characters. I wanted to see more of their little quirks, their likes and dislikes, their aspirations and goals, love languages. Instead of details on what makeup products and clothes Esme was putting on, I wanted to know exactly what made her so interested in her appearance and covering up her face, about her insecurities etc - and what made her so passionate about working in hospitality, though not to spoil anything!
Being a very short novel, I would have also enjoyed some more background. I wanted to know more about Rob and their relationship, and her friendship with Liam, and perhaps her past experiences with Liam, which would have helped me feel a little more connected to the characters. I also wanted to know the reasoning behind the cheating, and an explanation for the cold, backstabbing behaviour of some characters, rather than them just being portrayed as the good guys and the bad guys... because there's always so much more to the breakdown of a relationship in this way.
Again, these are personal things that would have helped me to feel more connected to the love story, but given that I read it in two settings, I'm sure you can imagine how much I loved the book - and would one hundred percent recommend it to anybody looking for a sweet, spicy romance to read this summer, especially if you're recovering from your own heartbreak and need to be reminded how all women should be treated!
This was such a lovely, heartwarming read, and I feel so lucky to have read it early.
Congratulations on an incredible debut novel, Em... I can't wait to read more from you.
February 9, 2025
⭐ 4.5
Having been able to read it throughout the editing process, it's been so fun to see how much it has changed and developed over the last few weeks. Em is so passionate and has worked so hard. I am very proud of her!
What I loved the most about this book was the emotional lens shown through Esme's character arc. What started out as such a relatable plot line (being cheated on by the person who is supposed to love and care for you) blossomed into a beautiful story of self love and growth. It's such an important topic and Em did a brilliant job at presenting it.
On top of this, I loved the Venice scenes! They were so cute, especially when we could see the friendship between Liam and Esme growing, and I don't think I'll be forgetting them any time soon! Just like with the spicy moments, which were written so realistically!
Having been able to read it throughout the editing process, it's been so fun to see how much it has changed and developed over the last few weeks. Em is so passionate and has worked so hard. I am very proud of her!
What I loved the most about this book was the emotional lens shown through Esme's character arc. What started out as such a relatable plot line (being cheated on by the person who is supposed to love and care for you) blossomed into a beautiful story of self love and growth. It's such an important topic and Em did a brilliant job at presenting it.
On top of this, I loved the Venice scenes! They were so cute, especially when we could see the friendship between Liam and Esme growing, and I don't think I'll be forgetting them any time soon! Just like with the spicy moments, which were written so realistically!
April 14, 2025
I could not put this book down! This book is a great read, the characters in it work well together and let’s face it we all need a Liam in our lives.
Em Solstice is great at captivating her reading audience, great writer that knows what she is doing. I would highly recommend
Em Solstice is great at captivating her reading audience, great writer that knows what she is doing. I would highly recommend
April 14, 2025
Such an awesome and quick read - absolutely loved this latest instalment from Em, and as always it didn’t disappoint!
April 6, 2025
So much love for What Happens in Venice! Such a wonderful story, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! Em has such a wonderful way of writing, it draws you in instantly! Can honestly say I loved this 😊
March 29, 2025
As soon as I got this book I went straight in as I couldn't wait to read it.
A delightful read by Em Solstice, which is her third book following on from Overboard and Freshers.
This story was such an easy read, which I devoured in less than a day, it was that good. It also brought back memories of the times that I have been to Venice in the past.
It has a mixture of heartbreak, trust, betrayal, sexual tension, a few spicy scenes and angst that will keep you gripped.
I will happily read this book, again and again. Absolutely loved it!!!
💚 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Best Friends ex
❤️ Betrayal
💚 One Bed
🤍 Forced Proximity
❤️ Holiday Romance
A delightful read by Em Solstice, which is her third book following on from Overboard and Freshers.
This story was such an easy read, which I devoured in less than a day, it was that good. It also brought back memories of the times that I have been to Venice in the past.
It has a mixture of heartbreak, trust, betrayal, sexual tension, a few spicy scenes and angst that will keep you gripped.
I will happily read this book, again and again. Absolutely loved it!!!
💚 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Best Friends ex
❤️ Betrayal
💚 One Bed
🤍 Forced Proximity
❤️ Holiday Romance
June 11, 2025
“Venice will sink before I stop loving you, Mrs. Mcallister.”
What do you do when you catch your boyfriend cheating and your best friend breaks up with her boyfriend? You go on holiday with her ex, of course.
When Esme walks in on her boyfriend Rob with an unknown woman in his bed, her whole world, as she knows it, implodes. On the way home from a night out one night, she bumps into her best friends ex, Liam, and they agree to go on the pre-planned holiday together—as friends.
But when they touch down in Venice, the romance hits, and before you know it, they're making a pact that whatever happens in Venice stays in Venice. But we know that's not what happens, right?
While Esme spends the holiday beating herself up for betraying her best friend, it becomes clear Liam is keeping a secret. And when they touch down in the UK, they do their best to go back to being friends as planned.
But when Esme's best fried rocks up at her workplace, it soon becomes clear that the secret is out.
Will their friendship survive? Or will whatever secret Liam is keeping obliterate her world for a second time?
Em Solstice is a UK author with a couple of titles under her belt. This book will have you laughing one minute and then swooning and kicking your feet the next.
A feel-good romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, what more could you want?
What do you do when you catch your boyfriend cheating and your best friend breaks up with her boyfriend? You go on holiday with her ex, of course.
When Esme walks in on her boyfriend Rob with an unknown woman in his bed, her whole world, as she knows it, implodes. On the way home from a night out one night, she bumps into her best friends ex, Liam, and they agree to go on the pre-planned holiday together—as friends.
But when they touch down in Venice, the romance hits, and before you know it, they're making a pact that whatever happens in Venice stays in Venice. But we know that's not what happens, right?
While Esme spends the holiday beating herself up for betraying her best friend, it becomes clear Liam is keeping a secret. And when they touch down in the UK, they do their best to go back to being friends as planned.
But when Esme's best fried rocks up at her workplace, it soon becomes clear that the secret is out.
Will their friendship survive? Or will whatever secret Liam is keeping obliterate her world for a second time?
Em Solstice is a UK author with a couple of titles under her belt. This book will have you laughing one minute and then swooning and kicking your feet the next.
A feel-good romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, what more could you want?
June 22, 2025
“𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒…” 𝐼 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑.
“𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒,” ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑
Liam and Esme’s romance was such a wonderful and loving connection between them that I felt they were made for each other. Their story started with a shared heartbreak and wanting to escape reality for a while. Starting with what was suppose to be a friend’s holiday, turned into something so much more. Sparks flew as they discovered more about each other, creating a new opportunity of happiness and love that they both were missing in their lives.
I loved how Liam took care of Esme more than anyone in her life. It was understandable on how Esme felt about breaking girl code but as they always say, you help who you fall in love with. Their spicy scenes were HOT 🥵🥵 that guy knows how to pleasure a woman and make her see stars. I loved how cute they both were as they explored Venice and enjoy the sights before having to go back to reality.
Things got really heated when they arrived back home! Emotions ran wild and secrets/lies were exposed. I was on the edge of my seat feeling all the emotions that were shown between Liam and Esme. Zoe is the best! She is an amazing character that I fell in love with and she is one of those best friend everyone needs in their life, especially when she knows how to back you up and kick your butt into gear when you need it.
The story was cute and perfect, even though as you start getting to the end of the story you fear the worst for the main characters, but how the author tied everything up into a neat bow at the end and even did a time jump to see where the characters were at, it just felt like the happy ever after that all stories should have and that both Liam and Esme deserved. I was literally all giddy at the end and was so happy for them and the life they have created. I can’t wait to start reading more books from Em Solstice jumping into more romantic destinations.
“𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒,” ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑
Liam and Esme’s romance was such a wonderful and loving connection between them that I felt they were made for each other. Their story started with a shared heartbreak and wanting to escape reality for a while. Starting with what was suppose to be a friend’s holiday, turned into something so much more. Sparks flew as they discovered more about each other, creating a new opportunity of happiness and love that they both were missing in their lives.
I loved how Liam took care of Esme more than anyone in her life. It was understandable on how Esme felt about breaking girl code but as they always say, you help who you fall in love with. Their spicy scenes were HOT 🥵🥵 that guy knows how to pleasure a woman and make her see stars. I loved how cute they both were as they explored Venice and enjoy the sights before having to go back to reality.
Things got really heated when they arrived back home! Emotions ran wild and secrets/lies were exposed. I was on the edge of my seat feeling all the emotions that were shown between Liam and Esme. Zoe is the best! She is an amazing character that I fell in love with and she is one of those best friend everyone needs in their life, especially when she knows how to back you up and kick your butt into gear when you need it.
The story was cute and perfect, even though as you start getting to the end of the story you fear the worst for the main characters, but how the author tied everything up into a neat bow at the end and even did a time jump to see where the characters were at, it just felt like the happy ever after that all stories should have and that both Liam and Esme deserved. I was literally all giddy at the end and was so happy for them and the life they have created. I can’t wait to start reading more books from Em Solstice jumping into more romantic destinations.
April 25, 2025
What Happens in Venice is a relaxing, free flowing read that gives you a little hope back again. That after a heartbreak you can find new love and a fresh start. The story has some twists in that feel incredibly satisfying and you find yourself naturally rooting for Esme and Liam, who have both been underappreciated in their previous relationships.
I like that there is an underlying question that means you can't fully relax, as many romances benefit from that 'will they, won't they?' undertone. That and the 'is he or isn't he a nice guy?' question also keeps the pages turning.
The saying 'What happens in Venice stays in Venice' makes you wonder what exactly will happen there and whether they can keep it a secret when they get back! The spice is at a really nice level that's sexy but not overwhelming and it balances well with the story content. Great read!
I like that there is an underlying question that means you can't fully relax, as many romances benefit from that 'will they, won't they?' undertone. That and the 'is he or isn't he a nice guy?' question also keeps the pages turning.
The saying 'What happens in Venice stays in Venice' makes you wonder what exactly will happen there and whether they can keep it a secret when they get back! The spice is at a really nice level that's sexy but not overwhelming and it balances well with the story content. Great read!
April 4, 2025
😲 This book left me a ‘lil speechless… But in the best way!
So now I’m wanting to book a trip to Venice & eat some pasta and sip on an Aperol Spritz 🍹
May Contain Spoilers
Esme finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman.
Fucking lasagne, am I right? IYKYK
To try and mend her broken heart and find herself, she decides to go on holiday with her best friend’s ex and what happens in Venice stays in Venice… or does it?
Em Solstice surprised me with a cheeky little twist in there that I did NOT expect at ALL! So that was an added bonus I loved it.
Zoe? What a delightful best friend she is. I love her. 😍
GO AND GET THIS BOOK!… please? 😊
So now I’m wanting to book a trip to Venice & eat some pasta and sip on an Aperol Spritz 🍹
May Contain Spoilers
Esme finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman.
Fucking lasagne, am I right? IYKYK
To try and mend her broken heart and find herself, she decides to go on holiday with her best friend’s ex and what happens in Venice stays in Venice… or does it?
Em Solstice surprised me with a cheeky little twist in there that I did NOT expect at ALL! So that was an added bonus I loved it.
Zoe? What a delightful best friend she is. I love her. 😍
GO AND GET THIS BOOK!… please? 😊
May 6, 2025
Book Review: What Happens in Venice by Em Solstice
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
What Happens in Venice was a lovely, easy, and quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story follows the FMC through the ups and downs of her relationships—something I think many women will find relatable. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Venice, the book blends romance, steamy scenes, and emotional moments effortlessly.
I loved the vibe of the story: flirty, feel-good, and just the right amount of spice. The ending tied things up with a satisfying, happy conclusion that left me smiling. It’s the perfect escape read—and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
What Happens in Venice was a lovely, easy, and quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story follows the FMC through the ups and downs of her relationships—something I think many women will find relatable. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Venice, the book blends romance, steamy scenes, and emotional moments effortlessly.
I loved the vibe of the story: flirty, feel-good, and just the right amount of spice. The ending tied things up with a satisfying, happy conclusion that left me smiling. It’s the perfect escape read—and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
March 13, 2025
a man who respects women? sign me up
also made me miss Venice SO much
also made me miss Venice SO much
April 14, 2025
absolutely loved this! makes me wanna go to italy 10/10. the twist i was not expecting
September 1, 2025
What happens in Venice stays in Venice....or does it?
Wallowing in mutual heartbreak Esme and Liam take a trip to Venice as friends. Will they stay friends? 🤔 Or will it get 🌶🔥?
If you want a holiday, a little bit of spice, a lot of betrayal, some pizza, some wine, and a cute bestie with ever changing hair...go grab WHIV right now!
Wallowing in mutual heartbreak Esme and Liam take a trip to Venice as friends. Will they stay friends? 🤔 Or will it get 🌶🔥?
If you want a holiday, a little bit of spice, a lot of betrayal, some pizza, some wine, and a cute bestie with ever changing hair...go grab WHIV right now!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews