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Revenge in Rome: A Fake Dating Sweet Romance
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26A cheating ex, a revenge-fueled fake relationship, and a handsome CEO in Rome—what could possibly go wrong?
Cassie’s life is officially a mess. Her boyfriend cheated on her with her cousin Anna, and now the two are getting married. After her well-meaning mother buys her a ticket to the bachelorette trip in Rome, Cassie has two choices: stay home sulking… or use the plane ticket to explore Rome alone.
It isn’t until she meets Asher Ryes that everything changes. Asher is charming and completely out of her league. The creator and CEO of a million-dollar travel app, Asher is used to luxury hotels and exploring a new country every week. Meanwhile, Cassie is a small-town kindergarten teacher who can only afford the trip because her mom paid for her ticket.
When Anna is impossible to avoid and refuses to stop flaunting her new relationship, Asher proposes the perfect revenge: pretend to date him during the trip.
What starts as an act quickly gets complicated when undeniable chemistry makes their fake relationship feel dangerously real. The problem? Their lives couldn’t be more different. Cassie knows that at the end of all this, he’s flying off to another luxury hotel, and she’s going home to create lesson plans for her students.
Will they have to let go of their relationship before it begins?
Perfect for readers who love swoony kisses, heartfelt tension, and all the butterflies without the spice, Revenge in Rome is a closed-door romantic comedy featuring fake dating against the backdrop of Italy.
Cassie’s life is officially a mess. Her boyfriend cheated on her with her cousin Anna, and now the two are getting married. After her well-meaning mother buys her a ticket to the bachelorette trip in Rome, Cassie has two choices: stay home sulking… or use the plane ticket to explore Rome alone.
It isn’t until she meets Asher Ryes that everything changes. Asher is charming and completely out of her league. The creator and CEO of a million-dollar travel app, Asher is used to luxury hotels and exploring a new country every week. Meanwhile, Cassie is a small-town kindergarten teacher who can only afford the trip because her mom paid for her ticket.
When Anna is impossible to avoid and refuses to stop flaunting her new relationship, Asher proposes the perfect revenge: pretend to date him during the trip.
What starts as an act quickly gets complicated when undeniable chemistry makes their fake relationship feel dangerously real. The problem? Their lives couldn’t be more different. Cassie knows that at the end of all this, he’s flying off to another luxury hotel, and she’s going home to create lesson plans for her students.
Will they have to let go of their relationship before it begins?
Perfect for readers who love swoony kisses, heartfelt tension, and all the butterflies without the spice, Revenge in Rome is a closed-door romantic comedy featuring fake dating against the backdrop of Italy.
14 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Mandi Lynn Bell
6 books58 followersMandi Lynn Bell is the author of sweet romance novels with the perfect dash of adventure. Mandi spends her days writing and making YouTube videos about self-publishing. When she’s not creating, you can find her exploring the outdoors to get inspiration for her next book
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 10, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: some mentions of cursing under one's breathe
Drug/Alcohol Content: a few mentions of wine since they are in Italy
Other Content: one side characters cheats on multiple woman; the FMC finds her cousin naked in bed with her (ex) boyfriend, which is brought up a few times throughout the book
I definetly enjoyed the first book in this series better than this one. I don't really know why, maybe it was the writing or my ability to connect to the characters. One similarity between this book and the other book in the series is how well Mandi Lynn Bell writes about the travel! Each book gave me the travel bug, which makes me want to travel at least sometime in my life. Overall, it was a fun, quick read but felt like it was missing soemthing.
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Galley and the publisher/author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily; opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Spice: 🌶️
Language: some mentions of cursing under one's breathe
Drug/Alcohol Content: a few mentions of wine since they are in Italy
Other Content: one side characters cheats on multiple woman; the FMC finds her cousin naked in bed with her (ex) boyfriend, which is brought up a few times throughout the book
I definetly enjoyed the first book in this series better than this one. I don't really know why, maybe it was the writing or my ability to connect to the characters. One similarity between this book and the other book in the series is how well Mandi Lynn Bell writes about the travel! Each book gave me the travel bug, which makes me want to travel at least sometime in my life. Overall, it was a fun, quick read but felt like it was missing soemthing.
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Galley and the publisher/author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily; opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 9, 2026
Well, Revenge in Rome certainly made me want to pack my bags and hop on a plane to Italy! I've always wanted to visit Italy, and honestly, if I ever make it there, I might not want to come back! Thankfully, books give us the chance to travel without ever leaving home, and I loved getting lost in the Italian setting while following Cassie and Asher's story. Their meet-cute was hilarious, and I loved how a rather unfortunate situation turned into something so sweet and swoony! I also really appreciated Cassie's determination to stand on her own two feet, especially when she and Asher came from such different worlds. And Anna?! Oh my goodness, that girl tested my patience! Between the fake dating, romance, humor, and family drama, I was completely caught up in this one and devoured it so quickly!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite some heavier topics like jealousy and familial relationships, this was a cute light hearted romance. Unlike most romances that involve a millionaire or billionaire it wasn't about the money. The heart of the book was about connecting with people and being able to move on from past relationships without carrying all the baggage.
Asher was a regular guy who actually shied away from leaning into the extravagant lifestyle. Cassie was realistic when it came to dealing with jealous family members, if not a little naive. She did have a tendency to allow people to walk all over her such as her boss and her cousin but she was likeable enough. The revenge in question though is a bit strong of a word though.
My only issue was the descriptions of Rome seemed less like someone who had been there and more like someone who had read about being there. Think multiple descriptions of 'pale stone' and 'cobblestones and churches'.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Asher was a regular guy who actually shied away from leaning into the extravagant lifestyle. Cassie was realistic when it came to dealing with jealous family members, if not a little naive. She did have a tendency to allow people to walk all over her such as her boss and her cousin but she was likeable enough. The revenge in question though is a bit strong of a word though.
My only issue was the descriptions of Rome seemed less like someone who had been there and more like someone who had read about being there. Think multiple descriptions of 'pale stone' and 'cobblestones and churches'.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had no idea how much I would absolutely LOVE this book! Nor, that after reading Sparks In Iceland, this would follow and give the background to Cassie and the toxic breakup she endured and the drama that followed.
This is a quick and easy read that keeps you captivated the entire time! Cassie has gone through one heck of a breakup that not only made her question her choice in men but in her own family! Cassie’s mom with such sweet intentions, buys her a ticket to Rome to join her cousin’s bachelorette party, but it’s the last trip Cassie wants to take. In a smoothie disaster meet-cute, recently broken-up Asher, is also traveling to Rome to get social media content for his app. The chemistry is undeniable, their banter and attraction is swoony, and they help support each other in such a wholesome way. The Rome facts make you feel like you’re right along seeing the sights! The drama and healing top notch! There is a third-act conflict, but it is legitimate and worked out quickly with a grand gesture. Overall, this was my idea of a perfect rom-com!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an arc of Revenge in Rome in exchange for an honest review. I had a great time reading this and will be recommending!
This is a quick and easy read that keeps you captivated the entire time! Cassie has gone through one heck of a breakup that not only made her question her choice in men but in her own family! Cassie’s mom with such sweet intentions, buys her a ticket to Rome to join her cousin’s bachelorette party, but it’s the last trip Cassie wants to take. In a smoothie disaster meet-cute, recently broken-up Asher, is also traveling to Rome to get social media content for his app. The chemistry is undeniable, their banter and attraction is swoony, and they help support each other in such a wholesome way. The Rome facts make you feel like you’re right along seeing the sights! The drama and healing top notch! There is a third-act conflict, but it is legitimate and worked out quickly with a grand gesture. Overall, this was my idea of a perfect rom-com!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an arc of Revenge in Rome in exchange for an honest review. I had a great time reading this and will be recommending!
October 11, 2026
Cassie’s life was a mess, with her boyfriend cheating with her cousin Anna and the two now getting married, and when her well meaning mom bought her a ticket to the bachelorette trip in Rome, I felt her dread right along with her. Then a smoothie disaster meet cute landed her with Asher Ryes, the charming CEO of a travel app who was entirely out of her league. I adored the fake dating revenge plan and how it slowly turned into the real thing. Their banter was swoony, they supported each other so wholesomely, and the Rome details made me feel like I was walking those streets beside them. I also loved that the friendship they built mattered as much as the romance. The third act conflict felt legitimate and resolved quickly with a sweet grand gesture. It’s soft, predictable, and exactly the closed door comfort read I wanted, and I’m now eyeing flights to Italy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 25, 2026
*Revenge in Rome* by Mandi Lynn Bell is a delightful contemporary rom-com filled with fake dating, family drama, and unexpected romance.
The story follows Cassie, a cheerful kindergarten teacher who, after a painful betrayal, finds herself attending her cousin's bachelorette party in Rome. An unexpected encounter with a charming millionaire CEO leads to a fake-dating arrangement that gradually develops into something more.
The chemistry between the characters, playful banter, and romantic tension make the story engaging and entertaining. The beautiful Roman setting adds an extra layer of charm.
**Overall Verdict:** A sweet, lighthearted, and feel-good romance with lovable characters and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. A great pick for readers who enjoy fake-dating romances and charming love interests.
The story follows Cassie, a cheerful kindergarten teacher who, after a painful betrayal, finds herself attending her cousin's bachelorette party in Rome. An unexpected encounter with a charming millionaire CEO leads to a fake-dating arrangement that gradually develops into something more.
The chemistry between the characters, playful banter, and romantic tension make the story engaging and entertaining. The beautiful Roman setting adds an extra layer of charm.
**Overall Verdict:** A sweet, lighthearted, and feel-good romance with lovable characters and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. A great pick for readers who enjoy fake-dating romances and charming love interests.
October 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🇮🇹❤️
Fake Dating • Rome • Romance • Family Drama
I really enjoyed Cassie and Asher’s story! Their fake-dating arrangement in Rome was such a fun setup, especially with everything they were both dealing with outside of their relationship.
I loved the coin toss scene, but what I enjoyed most was how much Rome and Italy were woven into the story. Having been there myself, it brought back so many memories and made me feel like I was actually experiencing the story with them. This one definitely spoke to my traveller heart! 🇮🇹
This was my first book by this author, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Fake Dating • Rome • Romance • Family Drama
I really enjoyed Cassie and Asher’s story! Their fake-dating arrangement in Rome was such a fun setup, especially with everything they were both dealing with outside of their relationship.
I loved the coin toss scene, but what I enjoyed most was how much Rome and Italy were woven into the story. Having been there myself, it brought back so many memories and made me feel like I was actually experiencing the story with them. This one definitely spoke to my traveller heart! 🇮🇹
This was my first book by this author, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 14, 2026
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
We start off with Cassie finding out her boyfriend is cheating on her. Not only is he cheating but making matters worse it’s with her cousin.
The cousin and his he ex get engaged and she has the nerve to want Cassie to be a bridesmaid (who does that).
Cassie’s well meaning mom books flight and everything for Rome that leads us to a smoothie disaster meet cute with the charming CEO Asher.
I adored this book more than I thought I would. Loved that Asher was not one of those rich jerks like the rich MMC in other books usually is. It wasn’t all about money and was more about genuine connections with people and real emotions and reactions to the things that life throws at you.
I liked the banter between them, the faking dating turned real thing, karma, etc
This was perfect for those that want a closed door read, comfort read, or a quick palate cleanse
We start off with Cassie finding out her boyfriend is cheating on her. Not only is he cheating but making matters worse it’s with her cousin.
The cousin and his he ex get engaged and she has the nerve to want Cassie to be a bridesmaid (who does that).
Cassie’s well meaning mom books flight and everything for Rome that leads us to a smoothie disaster meet cute with the charming CEO Asher.
I adored this book more than I thought I would. Loved that Asher was not one of those rich jerks like the rich MMC in other books usually is. It wasn’t all about money and was more about genuine connections with people and real emotions and reactions to the things that life throws at you.
I liked the banter between them, the faking dating turned real thing, karma, etc
This was perfect for those that want a closed door read, comfort read, or a quick palate cleanse
October 21, 2026
Received as an ARC from NetGalley. Revenge in Rome is a short & sweet romance which includes fake dating and a vacation romance. There’s a lot of drama packed into its pages and it’s fast paced, which made it really easy to immerse yourself in. I read it quickly and enjoyed it. It felt like a good comfort read and a perfect standalone (although FMC Cassie appears in ‘Sparks in Iceland’ it is not necessary to read both). It has the usual predictable elements of a comfort romance, but I did appreciate that the characters stayed true to themselves and didn’t buy into the drama for the sake of drama. #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the cutsie, feel‑good contemporary I needed. It’s light, easy, and gave me that “let me go check flights to Florence” feeling (if you know, you know).
The story stays in familiar contemporary territory, which actually worked for me. Sometimes you just want something soft and predictable. The characters are sweet, and nothing gets too intense. It was a nice palate‑cleanser read.
I did wish for a bit more surprise or adversity to shake things up. It plays things pretty safe. But honestly, that’s also why it hit the spot right now.
The story stays in familiar contemporary territory, which actually worked for me. Sometimes you just want something soft and predictable. The characters are sweet, and nothing gets too intense. It was a nice palate‑cleanser read.
I did wish for a bit more surprise or adversity to shake things up. It plays things pretty safe. But honestly, that’s also why it hit the spot right now.
October 18, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from netgalley
This was such a fun, fast-paced romance that had me hooked from start to finish! I ended up reading it in just one day because I couldn't put it down. I loved how quickly the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
If you're looking for a romance that you can get lost in and fly through in a day, then this is definitely one to add to your TBR! A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy 5 stars from me. ❤️📚
This was such a fun, fast-paced romance that had me hooked from start to finish! I ended up reading it in just one day because I couldn't put it down. I loved how quickly the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
If you're looking for a romance that you can get lost in and fly through in a day, then this is definitely one to add to your TBR! A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy 5 stars from me. ❤️📚
October 16, 2026
A perfect fluffy romance. I could devour this in one sitting on a nice spring or summer day. I love the family dynamic and outcomes in this book. From family feuds, crash outs, to relatable work situations, this book had everything I hope for in one of my quick romances!
November 10, 2026
Arc review
Who doesn’t love fake dating?! In Rome nonetheless!?
This was cute!
He chased after what he wanted or should I say who he wanted and she let herself have who she wanted in the end even though they came from such different lives. They were perfect for each other in the end.
Who doesn’t love fake dating?! In Rome nonetheless!?
This was cute!
He chased after what he wanted or should I say who he wanted and she let herself have who she wanted in the end even though they came from such different lives. They were perfect for each other in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A quick read clean romance. A story of betrayal with a millionaire fake dating troupe. I really love that this was a good clean read that focused more on the friendship built than just the romance.
October 8, 2026
Cassie debió romper todo contacto con Eloise y Anna.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews