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When In Rome
When In Rome...Lose Control
Cynthia and Nick are best friends, and she's intent on keeping it that way. She's always wanted a BFF, and she's not about to compromise their friendship by doing anything silly, even if they are studying abroad in the romantic city of Rome together. Cynthia is there to see the world and experience all it has to offer, including boys. After all, she can always hook up with Nick back in Arkansas if she changes her mind.
But when an unexpected family tragedy happens back home, her trip is thrown into turmoil. Torn between going home and staying in Rome, between partying to forget her sorrows and dwelling on regrets, she always seems to make the wrong choice. So when her friendship with Nick begins to crumble, she's forced to reevaluate that choice, as well. Is staying 'just friends' the only thing that ensures he will always be there for her, or is it the one thing that their friendship can't endure?
This is one of four stand-alone novels about four friends finding themselves, and maybe love, in the "City of Fountains." Look for the other When In Rome novels to read more!
But when an unexpected family tragedy happens back home, her trip is thrown into turmoil. Torn between going home and staying in Rome, between partying to forget her sorrows and dwelling on regrets, she always seems to make the wrong choice. So when her friendship with Nick begins to crumble, she's forced to reevaluate that choice, as well. Is staying 'just friends' the only thing that ensures he will always be there for her, or is it the one thing that their friendship can't endure?
This is one of four stand-alone novels about four friends finding themselves, and maybe love, in the "City of Fountains." Look for the other When In Rome novels to read more!
- GenresNew AdultContemporary
Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2016
11 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 16, 2018
Fluffy and predictable with a whiny, shallow main character.
December 12, 2016
Enjoyed this author's writing style and storyline - best friends to lovers.
Nick, Nick, Nick - what can I say I loved him! Truly a determined young man - he's pretty much been into and in love with Cynthia since the beginning of their friendship - but didn't want to upset the apple cart until he knew how she felt. I liked that he had the nerve and confidence to let Cynthia know he didn't like seeing her with other guys - even though it might damage their relationship.
On the other hand, I had real trouble liking or empathizing with Cynthia's character. For me she felt very immature (I mean this is a NA or Mature YA story) and even a bit of user. She couldn't or didn't see how she appeared to be using Nick (especially since he had a thing for her) - even though her other friends could see it and shared that with her several times.
Overall, good story - for me though I didn't connect well with Cynthia.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
Nick, Nick, Nick - what can I say I loved him! Truly a determined young man - he's pretty much been into and in love with Cynthia since the beginning of their friendship - but didn't want to upset the apple cart until he knew how she felt. I liked that he had the nerve and confidence to let Cynthia know he didn't like seeing her with other guys - even though it might damage their relationship.
On the other hand, I had real trouble liking or empathizing with Cynthia's character. For me she felt very immature (I mean this is a NA or Mature YA story) and even a bit of user. She couldn't or didn't see how she appeared to be using Nick (especially since he had a thing for her) - even though her other friends could see it and shared that with her several times.
Overall, good story - for me though I didn't connect well with Cynthia.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
October 31, 2016
I willingly received an ARC of this book from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review, this in no way influences my thoughts and opinion of this book
I don't read too much NA romance books but if it's from Lena Mae Hill, I certainly don't mind. I loved her debut novel a lot and I was really excited to read more from her. When in Rome...Lose Control is as awesome as I expected it to be.
Cynthia is quite different from Rory but no less lovable. Cynthia can be wild, loving, thoughtful, daring, she is just simply a delight. This installment in the series is a perfect blend of romance, comedy, family, friendships, drama and heartfelt scenes. Cynthia's story had captured my attention from the beginning, I could also sense a growth in the writing of the author and that made it even better.
There are many books about best friends falling in love but When In Rome... Lose Control still finds its place and ends up being memorable. Nick and Cynthia really entertained me with their adventures and journey. The romance of it was superbly written.
My favourite quote is:
“Hey, you want to sneak back to the bathroom and join the mile high club?” she asked Nick, slipping her hand around his bicep.”
That shows what a naughty and lovely minx Cynthia is.
One of the many aspects of this book I love is the bond between Cynthia and her mother, I have a friend who was raised by a single mother and Lena Mae Hill's portrayal of this beautiful bond is spot on.
It was also nice to see the other characters through the eyes of Cynthia, having different point of views is the best way to fully enjoy a treat. Can't wait for book 3.
This is one tantalizing book that should not be missed and I eagerly await more from this author with bated breath. I happily recommend this book to any one looking for a sweet and nice read.
June 30, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy for Lena Mae Hill
So, this took me about four months to finish. Not because it was a bad book, but because college is a busy time of life. I read about 40% of it then was forced to stop for a while. The book itself I enjoyed… ish. Probably because I like the protagonist, Cynthia. Lena Mae and making characters… she does well. One thing I should note about this series is that each of the characters have a very common, very relatable problem in their lives. Cynthia’s most obvious being her relationship with her father. Many of us, me included, can relate to that. While we’re on the topic of parents, I know this is a romance novel but my favourite relationship is between Cynthia and her mother. The level of mutual support and love between them is rarer than people may think. Their relationship is healthier and has more respect than a regular mother-daughter relationship and I love that. Especially since it doesn’t have the co-dependent nature that many mother-daughter relationships have. Even after the event concerning her father, their relationship seemed supportive as opposed to reliant.
The scene with Cynthia and Nick on the bridge killed me… Moving on. If anyone is uncomfortable with drug use be warned there is a part of this book that is not for you.
If I’m being honest, this wasn’t as good as the first book. The first book in this series had me enraptured. Every time I put it down I was drawn back to it. This was one I could put down for months and not miss. The book wasn’t bad, just not my favourite. Everything was very real and very emotional, but it was missing that special something for me. This may be my detachment talking as I lost a parent and refuse to process that, but that’s how I feel about it.
So, this took me about four months to finish. Not because it was a bad book, but because college is a busy time of life. I read about 40% of it then was forced to stop for a while. The book itself I enjoyed… ish. Probably because I like the protagonist, Cynthia. Lena Mae and making characters… she does well. One thing I should note about this series is that each of the characters have a very common, very relatable problem in their lives. Cynthia’s most obvious being her relationship with her father. Many of us, me included, can relate to that. While we’re on the topic of parents, I know this is a romance novel but my favourite relationship is between Cynthia and her mother. The level of mutual support and love between them is rarer than people may think. Their relationship is healthier and has more respect than a regular mother-daughter relationship and I love that. Especially since it doesn’t have the co-dependent nature that many mother-daughter relationships have. Even after the event concerning her father, their relationship seemed supportive as opposed to reliant.
The scene with Cynthia and Nick on the bridge killed me… Moving on. If anyone is uncomfortable with drug use be warned there is a part of this book that is not for you.
If I’m being honest, this wasn’t as good as the first book. The first book in this series had me enraptured. Every time I put it down I was drawn back to it. This was one I could put down for months and not miss. The book wasn’t bad, just not my favourite. Everything was very real and very emotional, but it was missing that special something for me. This may be my detachment talking as I lost a parent and refuse to process that, but that’s how I feel about it.
July 17, 2017
I willingly received a copy of this book from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review, this in no way influences my thoughts and opinion of this book.
I do not usually read young adult contemporary romance. In this case, I received an email from this author if I wanted to go on her reviewer list and I was like YUSSSS ...
So I received this book and a two more to review I lost the sequence I wasn't sure which one was supposed to go first so here I am doing whatever I think is in the correct order.
Reading this book made me feel like a bloody teenager again. The writing was spot on with the characters I was transported to Rome with them. I mean at some point I wanted to kill the main character because she bothered me so much, but I took a step back thought how paranoid I was and what stupid things I have done in that age!
After accepting that she is annoying as hell you actually accept the character as is. I enjoyed the book not only for the story but the character development even though at some point I got annoyed. Even though contemporary is not my jam at the moment I would totally pick other books from this author.
Would I suggest this book?
Yes, it was a good book, but if you hate annoying characters that get on your nerves then maybe not!
I do not usually read young adult contemporary romance. In this case, I received an email from this author if I wanted to go on her reviewer list and I was like YUSSSS ...
So I received this book and a two more to review I lost the sequence I wasn't sure which one was supposed to go first so here I am doing whatever I think is in the correct order.
Reading this book made me feel like a bloody teenager again. The writing was spot on with the characters I was transported to Rome with them. I mean at some point I wanted to kill the main character because she bothered me so much, but I took a step back thought how paranoid I was and what stupid things I have done in that age!
After accepting that she is annoying as hell you actually accept the character as is. I enjoyed the book not only for the story but the character development even though at some point I got annoyed. Even though contemporary is not my jam at the moment I would totally pick other books from this author.
Would I suggest this book?
Yes, it was a good book, but if you hate annoying characters that get on your nerves then maybe not!
November 13, 2016
I give it 3.5 stars. It wasn't badly written, but I never really got into the characters. I found Cynthia to be unlikable. I couldn't fathom her thinking that she needed to go home for her father's funeral when it didn't appear he had ever done anything for her except donate DNA. I also didn't understand her not knowing that she had a great guy in Nick and her thinking some unknown Italian guy would be better.
But both of these things could be overlooked if the story was better. There was too much sight seeing with no real descriptions of these great places they were visiting. Maybe the other books in the series describe them better, but this one just sort of threw them out there with very little thought. I wondered at the whole lack of adult supervision where Cynthia was staying. I know these are college students, but they are in a strange country and staying in your home. You would think they would have played some part in the story. The same comment goes for where Nick was staying. I would have enjoyed more on Nick's relatives when they went to visit them, but this was just a passing comment.
All in all I guess the characters were too far from my late baby boomer generation for me to understand.
But both of these things could be overlooked if the story was better. There was too much sight seeing with no real descriptions of these great places they were visiting. Maybe the other books in the series describe them better, but this one just sort of threw them out there with very little thought. I wondered at the whole lack of adult supervision where Cynthia was staying. I know these are college students, but they are in a strange country and staying in your home. You would think they would have played some part in the story. The same comment goes for where Nick was staying. I would have enjoyed more on Nick's relatives when they went to visit them, but this was just a passing comment.
All in all I guess the characters were too far from my late baby boomer generation for me to understand.
July 20, 2017
First of all, I just want to say thank you to Lena Mae Hill for giving me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given, offered, or taken to alter the opinion.
This was my first book by Lena Mae Hill and I look forward to checking out her other books. I thought this book was a cute little story and a good read for summertime. The author's writing style is easy to follow. I gave this book 3 stars for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is because I had real trouble liking or empathizing with Cynthia's character. She felt very immature. A few times I just wanted to jump into the book and smack her. Another reason is because there was a lot of sight seeing with no real descriptions of all the great places they were visiting. Not to mention, all the sleazy Italian guys. They should've ditched them from the beginning. Although, I was very fond of her best friend Nick because he stayed sweet and real the whole time. I wish we could have read Nick's visit with his family. I will check out the other books in this series and I hope they're a little bit better.
This was my first book by Lena Mae Hill and I look forward to checking out her other books. I thought this book was a cute little story and a good read for summertime. The author's writing style is easy to follow. I gave this book 3 stars for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is because I had real trouble liking or empathizing with Cynthia's character. She felt very immature. A few times I just wanted to jump into the book and smack her. Another reason is because there was a lot of sight seeing with no real descriptions of all the great places they were visiting. Not to mention, all the sleazy Italian guys. They should've ditched them from the beginning. Although, I was very fond of her best friend Nick because he stayed sweet and real the whole time. I wish we could have read Nick's visit with his family. I will check out the other books in this series and I hope they're a little bit better.
April 18, 2018
Cynthia has received a grant for six weeks of study in Rome and she wants her BFF, Nick, to be there with her. They been BFF's for two years, he's been there through her boyfriends, her breakups, her mistakes...so, what is going wrong with their relationship?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2017
Lovely story!
This is a lovely story! It kept me hook through all the story, I love the happy ending and I hope to read more about it!
This is a lovely story! It kept me hook through all the story, I love the happy ending and I hope to read more about it!
August 27, 2017
Unfortunately, struggled with reading and find it difficult to get connected to characters.
October 10, 2016
This is the second stand alone book in this amazing series about friends finding themselves and maybe love in the "City of Fountains". Cynthia & Nick are best friends, and she's intent on keeping it that way. This eloquently written novel is very well developed with no plot holes. The character's are realistic with real emotions and flaws. The worldly descriptions are well detailed. These books intertwine & flow perfectly as these all are happening at the same time. This is a fun, sweet, romantic story. I was hooked right from the beginning & did not want to put it down. I highly recommend reading this book & series as you will not be disappointed Looking forward to reading the next two books in this amazing series. I voluntarly reviewed an advanced reading copy.
February 15, 2017
When in Rome...Lose Control by Lena Mae Hill is a cute romance. I finished reading it on Valentines Day. It was a great day to finish this story. I received this book free and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
This is the first book I've read by Lena Mae Hill and I really enjoyed reading it. I got into the characters right away. Loved the two main characters Cynthia & Nick (everyone loves Nick). They are BFF's in College. It started with the best friends leaving for Rome, Italy for a summer six week visit for a school class. The storyline was fun to read and there's a HEA ending.
I really liked this story and the characters. I will probably be reading more by Lena Mae Hill!!!!!
This is the first book I've read by Lena Mae Hill and I really enjoyed reading it. I got into the characters right away. Loved the two main characters Cynthia & Nick (everyone loves Nick). They are BFF's in College. It started with the best friends leaving for Rome, Italy for a summer six week visit for a school class. The storyline was fun to read and there's a HEA ending.
I really liked this story and the characters. I will probably be reading more by Lena Mae Hill!!!!!
October 28, 2016
Our heroine Cynthia (a 19 year old college student) and her BMF Nick are part of a group of young college students in Rome for six weeks to study abroad with their college professor and see the sights of Rome and Italy, while staying with Italian host families. This is the second book in the “When in Rome” series and this one is told from the point of view of Cynthia.
Ms. Hill takes the reader on a tour of Rome with charming sketches of tourist sites. Additionally, she gives us a bit of Italian seasoning in her narrative of the daily life of an American college student studying abroad, one could see Rome and Italy through Cynthia’s eyes.
Cynthia’s behavior reminded me of junior high/high school when one would write a note on binder paper asking the age old question: Do You Like (insert name here)? Check either the box YES or NO. This is the dilemma that Cynthia is struggling with regarding her BMF Nick; while on her first trip to Europe. Does she take Nick out of the “Friend Zone?” Or begin a more mature adult romantic relationship with him? Will she lose her BMF if this change occurs?
Voluntary review of advance reader copy; I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
Ms. Hill takes the reader on a tour of Rome with charming sketches of tourist sites. Additionally, she gives us a bit of Italian seasoning in her narrative of the daily life of an American college student studying abroad, one could see Rome and Italy through Cynthia’s eyes.
Cynthia’s behavior reminded me of junior high/high school when one would write a note on binder paper asking the age old question: Do You Like (insert name here)? Check either the box YES or NO. This is the dilemma that Cynthia is struggling with regarding her BMF Nick; while on her first trip to Europe. Does she take Nick out of the “Friend Zone?” Or begin a more mature adult romantic relationship with him? Will she lose her BMF if this change occurs?
Voluntary review of advance reader copy; I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
December 19, 2016
Sexism detected.
October 5, 2016
Six weeks in Italy with no parents! Yup Cynthia and her best friend Nick are going to study abroad. But things between them are shifting. Subtle tells are showing and Cynthia isn't sure what she wants more, his friendship or him. A phone call from home changes everything and now she also has to make some adult decisions. A wonderful well written tale of a young lady coming of age. Lots of fun and angst, tears and fears, friendship and love and loss of control.
Love the supporting casts of friends and how darling Nick is just considered one of the girls. I am enjoying the When in Rome series. Each story is light but has a feeling of reality, the detail allows you to enjoy the trip as well, Plus the writing is masterful. I highly recommend it.
Love the supporting casts of friends and how darling Nick is just considered one of the girls. I am enjoying the When in Rome series. Each story is light but has a feeling of reality, the detail allows you to enjoy the trip as well, Plus the writing is masterful. I highly recommend it.
October 13, 2016
The author's writing is very good. So good in fact, I spent a lot of time yelling some not very nice things at the book's leading lady. I thought Cynthia spent too much time wrapped up in herself and complaining about what was missing in her life while she completely overlooked all the amazing things she already had. (I cheered at the top of my lungs when her mother gave her the wake-up-call speech.) I kept desperately flipping pages, anxious to see what it would take for her to finally see what was right in front of her. Nick is just about perfect in every way. Ordinarily I'd think he could do better, but he's been her best friend for years already so I know there must be much more to Cynthia than we get the chance to see in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
November 13, 2016
So this book focuses on Cynthia. I didn't like Cynthia for maybe 75% of the book, the whole poor me thing got a bit annoying, but that turned out to be a good thing! Weird I know not liking the main character but it kept me reading because I wanted to see if she could redeem herself and to me she did. Nick seems like a fantastic guy and why she wouldn't snatch that up I don't know. I mean yes there's the possibility of ruining a friendship but I don't think making yourself and him miserable is a good thing either.
If you didn't like Rory's story I understand I wasn't a huge fan of it either but I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
If you didn't like Rory's story I understand I wasn't a huge fan of it either but I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
October 9, 2016
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
This is actually book 2 in the When in Rome series (book 1 being When in Rome, Find Yourself). I love how it is basically the same story told from a totally different perspective. They go to Rome as part of a study abroad program for 6 weeks. Book 1 told about Rory and her experiences. This book is all about Cynthia and her perspective of the trip. She has a totally different roller coaster of emotions than Rory. I definitely can't wait to read the other girls' stories.
This is actually book 2 in the When in Rome series (book 1 being When in Rome, Find Yourself). I love how it is basically the same story told from a totally different perspective. They go to Rome as part of a study abroad program for 6 weeks. Book 1 told about Rory and her experiences. This book is all about Cynthia and her perspective of the trip. She has a totally different roller coaster of emotions than Rory. I definitely can't wait to read the other girls' stories.
October 8, 2016
Italian Awakening
I gave it this rating because I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster. It is easy to forget how intense young people's first love can be, and how confusing it can be. The sights of Rome were descriptive and evocative. The characters were realistic and believable.
I gave it this rating because I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster. It is easy to forget how intense young people's first love can be, and how confusing it can be. The sights of Rome were descriptive and evocative. The characters were realistic and believable.
December 3, 2016
A growing up novel
This book is full of angst over death and relationships . Although parts of story seemed to drag for me, it was good overall. How do you deal with the death of a occasionally seen parent, especially when you are half a world away? This book deals with that issue and how it affects everything else.
This book is full of angst over death and relationships . Although parts of story seemed to drag for me, it was good overall. How do you deal with the death of a occasionally seen parent, especially when you are half a world away? This book deals with that issue and how it affects everything else.
December 29, 2016
When in Rome was a little childish, because the main character was really childish. She whine and cried about what she doesn't have, when she had everything. I was very fond of her best friend Nick, because he stayed sweet and real the whole time. When she finally grew up and realized what she had right in front of her, it made the book not so bad.
September 27, 2016
Received this book as an ARC, and needed no persuasion to finish it as quickly as possible. Great story, that flows along. The characters are really amazing, and interact well. Don't miss reading this book
October 11, 2016
This book was cute. Story of friends taking a class abroad in Rome. Mandy was annoying in a way and I almost think Nick deserved better. But I did love that her mom gave her no holds barred advice making Mandy think a little bit about her own behavior.
December 19, 2016
A romance to warm the heart
I enjoyed this story so much. I love a great romance and the descriptions of Rome were wonderful. I would recommend this book to all the romantic. It's a sweet love story.
I enjoyed this story so much. I love a great romance and the descriptions of Rome were wonderful. I would recommend this book to all the romantic. It's a sweet love story.
December 31, 2016
Cute, college romance set during a study abroad trip in Rome, Italy. It was s very easy read, I just wasn't really drawn into the story, possibly just because the characters felt very young (and I'm currently feeling old/super mom-like!). I enjoyed the book.
August 24, 2017
I loved these characters <3
February 8, 2017
Cute sweet college romance book. My first book by this author, I enjoyed meeting these characters, and am interested in reading the rest of this series
February 10, 2017
When in Rome is a great, fun read and a sweet romance story. The way the author describes Rome is as if I was really there, I love that!!
April 2, 2017
This wasn't one of my favorites. It was a little hard for me to understand.
April 15, 2017
Cute short novel
I enjoyed this book. Reading about what she all toured in Rome and her relationship with her best friend. Was a cute novel that I didn't want to put down ever!
I enjoyed this book. Reading about what she all toured in Rome and her relationship with her best friend. Was a cute novel that I didn't want to put down ever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews