I’ve fallen in love in love with an escort. I want him in my life. But a future with him is just not possible.
He’s opened my eyes and my heart to so many things.
I never knew a life with passion until I met Rome. I never knew a man could do such wicked things to me. And I certainly never knew love like I feel now. Two weeks with Rome, and I’m ruined for all other men. He’s worldly. Handsome. Passionate. He’s the perfect gentleman. My eyes are wide open to a life with all its brilliant colors. And I want that life with him. But here’s the thing… Rome is an escort and love isn’t an option in his world.
I'm a confessed readaholic and romantic junkie. I spend time juggling a busy career as an IT professional and author. In between staring at a computer screen I, enjoy living the Gold Coast life with my very tolerant husband and two school aged children. (I'm often in trouble for spending way too much time at my computer!).
I love nothing more than spending time with family and friends, hitting the beach, cooking, working out and curling up with a good book. My pet hates are cleaning and anything else that can be considered "domestic dullness". If I could have one wish it would be to be able to fit 48 hours into 24.
I tend to write what I like to read books that have the following characteristics:
" Strong characters with lots of development " Hot romance " Deep storylines " Interesting settings " Real life problems and sensible solutions " Happily Ever Afters (massive sucker for a good HEA)
Above all, I like to be immersed in the story. Therefore, I want my books to give you the same feeling when you read them. I want you to experience the rollercoaster emotions but end up feeling better and entertained for reading the book. I want you be happy!
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Natalie Gayle has a very touching writing style. In case of her newest story “When with Rome” she created characters like Rome and Oz and placed them so close to the readers heart that it is difficult to not fall for them.
Like Oz said – Rome really is like no man I’ve ever known, let alone spent time with. If I had a magic wand I could not have created him any more perfect. The way he understands women is magical and made me #sigh more than once during reading.
Yet he remains that kind of character that I really could imagine an escort being. I read so many books about escorts but this is the first time that I ever felt this could be the way a real escort could (should?) be …
On the other hand the way Rome is intrigued by Oz is endearing. She is so down to earth – so different and real that it is no wonder he opens up.
The lines blur and I as a reader started to wonder where the services as an Escort ended and the real Rome began. And I mean for real because while his thoughts already hinted at a lot of things so the reader is not kept totally in the dark, still there was a lot more to this character.
While Oz seemed open from the beginning the layers of Rome needed peeling and their journey was one worth reading.
This book is a road trip in more than just one meaning … on its first glance it looks like a holiday but in reality it is about finding reasons to live, changing their directions or simply analyzing the meaning of their life, past present and future. But not only for one but for both leading characters.
This story is so real so down to earth that it hurts and when at a certain moment tears threatened I knew the 5th star was secure for this story.
I really hope to hear more from these Perfect Gentlemen, even if I find it hard to believe that there could be a guy more perfect and understanding than Rome. Still I like to be proven wrong in this special case.
This book had some really memorable quotes but as some of them would be to revealing when it comes to spoilers – I will leave you with this one …
Don’t mix business and pleasure… Really, how ironic when you’re in the business of providing pleasure ?
You know how I tend to say in many of my romance reviews that it was a ‘journey’? (and to be honest it is an apt description for the mass majority of them) Well, When With Rome really is a journey on a romantic level as well as a life level when it comes to Rome and Carlene. The sweet is swoon worthy, the smexy is HAWT, but it was the light bulb moments that Rome and Carlene experience that kept me turning the pages to see how their HEA came to be.
I really liked Rome. He was sweet, compassionate, smexy as all get out and simply a good man. He may have a job that is outside of the norm, but he has a unique code of honor when it comes to it and there is a sincerity that shines through in everything he does.
Carlene is a tough woman. Her life hasn’t been easy, but she’s survived it and now that her world has been turned upside she is in a weird sort of limbo that she hasn’t been able to shake. I really liked Carlene. She’s a straight shooter and, despite what she may think, adventurous and I loved watching as she evolved throughout the book and who she became in the end.
I’ve written and deleted this part many times, so I’m going to go with this: I really enjoyed how their journey (I know, I need a new word) started and evolved because while Carlene’s evolution was the main focus, Rome evolved as well. They both ended up being exactly what the other never knew they wanted or needed. And while there will be detractors that will bring up why they were even together, which is definitely a factor, but it was just the catalyst, and a much needed one in so many ways. The big bump in the road wasn’t so surprising and yet I couldn’t help but be Team Rome in that instant, even though I absolutely understood where Carlene was coming from, but I loved how everything worked out for them in the end.
This was a fun and insightful read, not something I typically would say, but it was. There were a lot of little things that held my interest and it was an easy story to slip into and get lost in. We don’t get to meet a lot of characters in this one, but the ones we did spend a decent amount of time with I really liked: Roxie, Chelsea and Jackson were awesome and I’m crossing my toes that we get to see them again in future books. There was no indication of who the next book will be about, but I’ll definitely be keeping a lookout for it!
~ Received from the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
With this book, i can actually say that I have no words, and that if i could i would want the reader to experience this by themselves. This book is a really emotional journey. It's about a women who gave up everything for her husband and did everything he wanted and she actually suffered for it, and now that he has died, she is finally taking time for herself, but she doesn't know how to move on how to live the life she wants. Rome... Oh boy a man who is really sexy, sweet, compassionate and so much more. He might have had a job to do, but you could feel that he care about Carlene and that he was sincere in everything he did
Sweet, emotional, sexy, adventurous and so much more. Definitely a heart sore journey and i enjoyed every minute of it
Firstly, what I love the most about this book is that the MCs are older, their life experiences are something more I can relate to. I get a bit sick and tired of reading about 22 year olds who think they have allll the experiences in the world covered (nothing against those books, this is about me being an old fart.
Secondly: This book should be subtitled: How Carlene Got Her Groove Back.
When With Rome is an emotional story. Carlene has been through the wringer, and though she has had experiences, she hasn't really lived.
Rome is one of those experiences that turns into so much more. As the story continues, you can't help but fall for him. Ms Gayle has made me wish I had the $$ to hire my own Rome for a couple of weeks!
He gives great boyfriend experience.
I adored being taken on the journey along with Carlene and Rome. It was beautifully written, and I was swept away with them as they take a giant leap into what could be the journey of their lives.
Sweet, sexy and oh so tempting, When With Rome had me hooked from the start.
I can't wait to see where the Perfect Gentleman series takes us in the future.
Oz is solo for the first time in her life and she is reluctantly embracing a new country with a paid companion. Scandalous? Perhaps. Rome is a woman’s dream – thoughtful, sexy and smart. Too bad he was only temporary….
“Here’s a woman who has the world as her oyster, she just has to be brave enough to take up the challenge.”
Who hasn’t faced a fork in the road of life and wondered, pondered and worried the choices in from of them? Rome and Oz are struggling with decisions they’ve made, making their futures not as certain as they should be. They are together by contract so living in the moment should be their mantra. Their close quarters, the natural caring nature they both have, soon had them both yearning for more… I loved how these characters had a wealth of life experience between them. Despite them being grounded and rooted in common sense they were still vulnerable and uncertain when it came to their hearts.
From hockey players to fighters, this author knows how to write bold characters with grit and heart. The strength that Rome and Oz have is more understated but no less powerful. A not so new storyline comes to life with unique characters that shine with humour and sizzle. The first in a series that has me thirsty for more!
Because of the H’s profession, this is likely a book I would bypass. I am glad I didn’t. I also find it rare to find a book where I really like both the H & h equally.
Carlene is on her way to the US for a two week vacation. Her daughter has helped out in the planning of this vacation and has hired a companion for her mother.
At the last minute there is a situation where Rome has to fill in and greet and accompany Carlene for the two weeks of her vacation.
I really enjoyed this read. Rome and Carlene were honest and mature and there was no unnecessary drama. She knew what he was and never judged him. After Rome realizes he likes and admires Carlene he sets out to help her come out of her shell and be the true beautiful woman she could be.
For the two weeks they not only sight see but they get to know each other and it was a sweet journey.
I received a copy and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.
Having become a huge fan of Natalie Gayle's writing after being introduced to her MMA fighter heroes who captured my heart, I was jumping up and down with excitement and ready to be seduced by her newest hero from the Perfect Gentlemen series. Natalie takes us deep into the decadent world of escorts and has us fall hopelessly in love with Rome and his newest client Carlene. I adored watching fire spark between these two and their passion and love grow for one another in “When With Rome”. They kept things tantalizing, sensuous, and were constantly fanning the flames!
Rome is a cultured, suave hero with a mind and body built for seduction. He is everything that a woman could ever want. With years of experience under his belt, he has the ability to charm and woo any woman. I fell head over heels for this slightly older escort who doesn't just rock a woman's world but also melts her heart. He doesn't hesitate to pull out all the stops to make a woman feel special yet stay detached. That is until he meets the ever intriguing Carlene and everything quickly changes.
Carlene Davis is an Aussie woman who is used to the hardened life of farming in the Outback. Now that her world has completely changed, she can experience everything that she was never able to in her forty years. All she needs is a guide to true inhibition and Rome is just the man to help her on that journey. I fell hard for the practical heroine who is so easy for me to relate to. She is a strong yet sheltered woman and Natalie gives us the front row seat to her sensual and worldly awakening. As she gets to know herself, she soon realizes that she has more strength and power than she ever thought.
Natalie Gayle delivers a new series that will introduce us to heroes we have only dreamed about. I highly recommend When With Rome for a story that is sure to romance you and make you shiver with desire while on a fabulous and freeing venture. Natalie Gayle has me obsessing about a new series and salivating over a new couple and left me wanting so much more of these Perfect Gentlemen. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for her fans and future readers.
First I want to get this off of my chest; truthfully this is the first book I have read in a long time that has very minimum errors (I proofread as I read). Now this book makes me wish I had the money to hire a real Rome. If you have to hire an escort to get treated like a woman and be respected then we should all hire an escort. I had a hard time putting the book down; I give this book 2 thumbs up and if I had any other thumbs they would go up tool; great book Natalie Gayle I look forward to book 2. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it.
This book is an emotional journey. Carlene is a woman whose life has changed and she is lost in her present life and doesn't know how she should move forward. Rome thinks he is happy with his life until he meets Carlene and in helping her discover herself he realises what is missing from his own life. There are lost of emotions in the story and steamy love scenes as Rome teaches Carlene to acknowledge and enjoy her sexuality. Great characters and a happy ending.
I loved this book so much! I have read this author's books before and this one is quite different. Oz and Rome's is hot and exhilarating , yet it goes deeper with both their pasts and their connection. when I had to stop reading for whatever reason, I couldn't wait to dive back in. I loved all the characters and the original storyline..I also loved that Oz is forty and a woman who had to deal with a lot, someone responsible and someone who felt very real.
5Stars I absolutely adored this story, it evoked all kinds of emotions in me. I smiled loads and at one point I broke down. No this wasn't a dramatic book but it was a life-changing story that saw a woman learn and grow. After being shown she is special, important and can be and do anything she wants.
Carlene/Oz was a widowed 40 year old whom is encourages to go on a trip of a lifetime with a companion, a paid escort to be exact and when Rome enters the picture. She is swept off her feet. In more ways than one. This book is about fate, things happen to make these two meet and its a colliding of souls. I fell in love with Rome and I fell in love with the fairytale.
This book isn't plain sailing. Nothing happens easily but its a beautiful amazing love story. That will sweep you off of your feet. A huge recommend from me.
Reviewed by Donna
5Stars I was so excited to hear that Natalie Gayle was releasing a new book, let me tell you it was worth the wait! (I also need to state categorically that Rome is mine! 😉)
Carlene, or Oz as Rome calls her, is fulfilling a lifelong dream to go overseas. She flies into LA ready to meet her tour guide for the two-week vacation. Rome is astounded by Charlene's naturally honest approach to life when he meets up with her and is taken by her pleasant character and easy going manner.
Terrific descriptions of the characters, settings and events that take place in the book make it easy for readers to visualise the story with clarity. It's also very easy to feel the closeness between the lead characters and as their friendship builds it seems to become more and more tangible. This is due to the clever writing technique and thoroughness of this author. Told from both Carlene and Rome's perspective we garner a deeper insight to their characters and what makes them tick. Just like how Carlene described the Japanese Gardens in San Francisco ..'The balance is exactly right and the energy just flows.' So is the relationship that builds between these two interesting and completely opposite characters.
It's refreshing to read a mature romance but one that is also so 'real life'. It really is the story of Carlene discovering what she likes and wants in life, experiencing and exploring new things. There is a healthy dose of sexual intimacy but this, in and of itself, is a journey of discovery.
A fabulous story and I'm already eager to read the next book in the series!
When with Rome is a beautiful story of loss, love and life. It has humor, emotion and hot sex scenes. The author's attention to detail is second to none when it comes to setting and character development.
I loved the journey of Carlene, a widowed Aussie and her American escort Rome. In my opinion, the evolution of our heroine, Carlene, is the highlight of this novel. She is real, brave and honest from the start, however as the story progresses we see her growth and an acceptance of her past. Rome was a key contributer of this evolution and I loved him for that! Carlene isn't worldly and is quite sexually naive, but she owns that! She isn't scared to try new things, she just hasn't had the opportunities to explore until she meets Rome. These characters are so well written, I felt such a deep connection with Carlene and admiration for her. I hope to get more of both her and Rome in future novels.
Five heartfelt and sexy stars for Natalie Gayle and When with Rome.
This is such a beautifully written story. I was drawn straight into the story by the strong and likeable characters. I could not stop reading until I reached the end, but as soon as I did I wanted more. I can not wait to read more about these characters.
It’s not often I give a book 5 stars but this time I did! Natalie Gayle is a first for me... I loved loved loved her writing style, I found it effortless and a little poetic actually.
So this is a romance about Carlene and Rome... Carlene is a widower. In this book she finds herself again which is lovely!! Rome is an escort... a sexy American escort. I think many of us who have read this story would like a Rome to be honest, he is pretty special - a perfect gentleman. I particularly liked that these characters weren’t early 20’s which meant to could relate to them a little more. The sec scenes are very HOT and I just love the ending - sweet but not corny.
I will be looking up more from this author and following this series for sure!
Love stories are real and EVERYONE deserves to be truly loved. Natalie Gayle has taken me on a incredible journey of self discovery, Love, acceptance, encouragement, kindness, romance, and how to be true to yourself and those who love you. In When with Rome you’ll get to know both Carlene and Rome both at a crossroads in life and not even sure what that means so they both have been stuck.
"Natalie’s writing is flawless, and her words are so captivating, raw and real”
Authors Blurb: Love Isn't An Option In His World I've fallen in love with an escort. I want him in my life. But a future with him is just not possible. He’s opened my eyes and my heart to so many things. I never knew a life with passion until I met Rome. I never knew a man could do such wicked things to me. And I certainly never knew love like I feel now. Two weeks with Rome, and I’m ruined for all other men. He’s worldly. Handsome. Passionate. He’s the perfect gentleman. My eyes are wide open to a life with all its brilliant colors. And I want that life with him. But here’s the thing…Rome is an escort and love isn’t an option in his world.
I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
While reading "When with Rome" I thought I was in a story line that was a combination of Cinderella meets Pretty Woman (except substitute Man) on a road trip. I fell for the characters of Rome and Carlene that Natalie has loving crafted so quickly.
Though initially required to play the role of the "perfect gentleman' escort it was very clear from the start that Rome was an honest, respectful and genuine guy. Rome's comment to Carlene "... if you're confused about something, ask yourself this "What don't I want to do?" If it hits that list, then you know it's wrong for you" is a perfect example of his character. Carlene was a delight, naive in some ways but incredibly adaptable and straight forward. Her initial doubt when she said "What the devil am I thinking? Who does this sort of crazy shit" was quickly replaced with her growing confident attitude to take a risk. The chemistry between Rome and Carlene that started as a slow burn was beautifully written. So lovely to see a second chance romance with more mature characters and to not have the story line all about the sex, mind you the sex is hot;) Real problems and concerns discussed and treated in a mature way without the ridiculous amount of angst seen in some books. I only wish everyone could be as open minded as Carlene and her kids about Rome and his line of work, I think most people would be very judgemental. I thoroughly enjoyed "When with Rome" thank you Natalie for the opportunity to receive an ARC for an honest review. I highly rate this book, beautifully written with well developed characters you cannot help but love.
Dear GAWD!!! If ever I find myself alone before the end of my 40's please please please send me a "Rome" PLEASE! I mean seriously though.
This storyline and the characters….. I absolutely love them, the way Rome takes control of Carlene. The way Carlene (aka Oz) finds everything new and exciting and she is adventurous. Willing to let Rome lead her in ways that she never let anyone do before. Being married for so long, and not being happy to the fullest in her life was somewhat I think draining for her. I think she sacrificed a lot. I think she really wanted those things at first but being young and in love she was willing to forgo her needs.
What happens when your needs come to the surface? What happens when your desires demand to be meet? What happens when you finally realize you deserve so much more? LIFE! life happens. you live and you are happy. Surprise surprise. It's not rocket science. But it is hard. It's very hard to leave what you know what you always felt safe in, your safe zone your comfort zone. Until that someone pushes you. We all need that "someone" some more than others. So many people sacrifice what they need, what they want, take life by the balls and live it to its fullest! No one can make you happy you need to do that! However that one special person can make you even more happy than you ever thought possible.
Rome is one hell of a man, no matter his profession. I adore him. I loved the moments when he realizes his feelings for Oz are more than he really wants to admit to himself. I love how we get the front row seat to this amazing love story.
I LOVED!! LOVED LOVED! I can not wait to read more from this author!
I was so excited to hear that Natalie Gayle was releasing a new book, let me tell you it was worth the wait! (I also need to state categorically that Rome is mine! 😉)
Carlene, or Oz as Rome calls her, is fulfilling a lifelong dream to go overseas. She flies into LA ready to meet her tour guide for the two week vacation. Rome is astounded by Charlene's naturally honest approach to life when he meets up with her and is taken by her pleasant character and easy going manner.
Terrific descriptions of the characters, settings and events that take place in the book make it easy for readers to visualise the story with clarity. It's also very easy to feel the closeness between the lead characters and as their friendship builds it seems to become more and more tangible. This is due to the clever writing technique and thoroughness of this author. Told from both Carlene and Rome's perspective we garner a deeper insight to their characters and what makes them tick. Just like how Carlene described the Japanese Gardens in San Francisco ..'The balance is exactly right and the energy just flows.' So is the relationship that builds between these two interesting and completely opposite characters.
It's refreshing to read a mature romance but one that is also so 'real life'. It really is the story of Carlene discovering what she likes and wants in life, experiencing and exploring new things. There is a healthy dose of sexual intimacy but this, in and of itself, is a journey of discovery.
A fabulous story and I'm already eager to read the next book in the series!
Being able to read this book step by step I got very personally attached to the characters. From the first chapter to the last I couldn’t wait to read more.
When we first meet Carlene she comes across as this shy women content with who she was, wanting to experience the world beyond the farm she spent half her life on. Never in a million years did she except her travels to the states turn out the way they did. Being escorted by probably the most handsome man she’s ever met she starts letting her guard down and enjoying every moment. And enjoying every moment she did.
And then there is Rome. What more can I say than wowza. Not only does he have Carlene swoon over him, so did I. I wished more than once I was in her shoes........Not only is he a great travel companion, he is so more than that. He shows her how to enjoy her life....in more than one way.
Neither knew how this would turn out. Neither expected this to become so much more than a vacation together. But neither can deny their feelings for each other. When the time comes to say goodby more than one heart is broken. And believe me, yours will too, for them.
Sexy, charming, heartwarming, fun.....did I mention sexy. All words describing this story. I’ve read it twice and loved it even more the second time. A definite 5 star read and a definite recommend.
This is the first Natalie Gayle book that I've read, and I absolutely LOVED IT! I'm a single woman who has no desire to put out the effort to find another boyfriend/husband to be honest, because frankly, I don't want to share the bed or the remote. Does that get lonely at times? Sometimes, especially when I would like to go out with the opposite sex every once in a while. I say all of that, not because I'm trying to air my business, but because I would totally hire Rome for that! Yeah, I would hire him to be treated nicely every once in a while. That's what the very talented Natalie Gayle did, she created a story with an escort that I fell in love with, and I'm very picky, unless they're Peyton Manning or Henry Cavill. Seriously though, I'm usually not a big fan of escort stories, but again, I loved this one in case you didn't get the memo. Carlene was a strong heroine, who hasn't had an easy life. Rome was a super sexy, hero with a crazy job, but a good man with ethics. They have real chemistry that lead to lighting up the sheets during sexy times, but it becomes more than that as the story goes on. Of course with his type of job, there's a twist or two that had the f-bombs dropping, because there's no possible way it's smooth sailing. I am excited to read more by this author, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This was my first time reading a book by Natalie Gayle and it definitely won't be my last. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and couldn't put it down until the end. I'm hoping to see more of Carlene (Oz) and Rome in future books I was totally drawn to their back and forth banter and wow talk about chemistry! 🔥 Carlene is a 40 years old from Queensland Australia a widow who is on vacation in America and has an escort to show her the sites. She has been sheltered when it comes to romance, sex, even companionship. The more time she spends with Rome the more he makes her feel beautiful, special, confident. Rome who has been an escort for 10 years is growing tired of the game and has stepped back from taking clients for 6 months but when the escort for Carlene can't make it he has to step in. Rome soon realizes that she is much more than a client and he starts to really enjoy himself. I really love how Carlene comes into herself and her sexuality with Rome's help. Both of the vulnerabilities were brought out in this beautiful story. I am hoping to see more of them in future books. FIVE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I thoroughly loved this story. Wonderful lead characters in the form of Rome a male escort who owns Perfect Gentlemen, and Carlene a widow from the Australian outback. After the death of her husband, Carlene has decided she needs to broaden her horizons and experience what life has to offer. With encouragement from her daughter, she hires an escort from Perfect Gentlemen to accompany her on her trip in America. Rome has stepped back from the frontline but has to stand in when Carlene's original escort is unable to meet her. What follows, is a beautiful story of Carlene's self discovery as she comes to realise she that whilst she may have left the harsh outback, she was merely existing and not really living. I really became invested in the characters, and loved how Natalie Gayle showed us the harsh reality of what life in the out back is like. I look forward to reading about more of the Perfect Gentlemen, Anton is next and hopefully we will be given a chance to read Roxie's story. I received this as an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Another great red from Natalie Gayle!! I loved Rome & Carlene! Didn’t love Carlene’s nickname given to her by Rome (Oz) but that’s probably because I’m from Australia, I just skipped over it when it came up 😂
But seriously, it was really refreshing to read about a couple in this age bracket, and I mean them both being in the late 30’s to early 40’s age bracket. It gets tiresome reading about couples where the male is in his 30’s well established, but the female is younger & not got her shit together. It also helped to relate to Carlene as I’m 35 😂.
I’m not much of an escort book fan, but I found this one different. I think that had a lot to do with Rome. I found I had to keep reminding myself that he was an escort.
Anyway, I couldn’t put this book down once I started & that’s how I know it’s a good book. Can’t wait for Anton! And thanks Natalie for quitting your “day job” to pursue writing full-time, you won’t be disappointed by your fans for it & 🤞🏼it ends up paying the bills 😉
Rome and Oz what a beautifully written story of loss, love, change and discovery . Carlene is a widowed mother of two. She was a young bride and mother that now twenty years later she finds herself alone. She realizes soon after her husbands death that she is living a life that she di not choose for herself. Rome a strong , smart handsome business man that is thrown back into his old livelihood out of necessity . He is thrust back into the nitty gritty of the Escort world out of sheer need to fill a last minute void in the schedule . He has been on the management end for over six months but must meet with an extended stay client. The moment that Carlene /Oz and Rome connect you know that they have a connection . It may at first be a physical attraction but it soon turns into a journey for both of them connecting with things they thought they never wanted ! This was a great ride with these two mazing characters ! ~~Michele McMullen ~~
This novel paints a true depiction of what life is really like on an outback station and the hardships and problems that go hand in hand with life on the land. A realistic and often harsh imagery that paints a picture of our often forgotten landscape that can be both terrifying as well as awe inspiring. Natalie has woven this into a novel that takes us to both sides of the Pacific Ocean as she weaves a spell that leaves you laughing, crying and enthralled from the first page to the last word.It was also very refreshing to see characters written who did not follow the 25 year old, buffed and toned tradition. Real people with problems just like the rest of us who struggle with life, love and commitment. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy their romance with a pinch of realism and a master stroke of imagery thrown in.
I absolutely adored this story, it evoked all kinds of emotions in me. I smiled loads and at one point I broke down. No this wasn't a dramatic book but it was a life changing story that saw a women learn and grow. After being shown she is special, important and can be and do anything she wants.
Carlene/Oz was a widowed 40 year old whom is encourages to go on a trip of a lifetime with a companion, a paid escort to be exact and when Rome enters the picture. She is swept off her feet. In more ways than one. This book is about fate, things happen to make these two meet and its a colliding of souls. I fell in love with Rome and I fell in love with the fairytale.
This book isnt plain sailing. Nothing happens easily but its a beautiful amazing love story. That will sweep you off of your feet. A huge recommend from me.
This was an intoxicating read that I couldn't put down. It was hard not to love Rome and Oz. They were realistic characters who I wanted to root for. Oz was trying to learn to live after years of living her life for someone else and not giving her own wants and needs any consideration. Her splurge to start her new life includes a trip to America where she meets Rome who will be her escort. Natalie Gray writes an expert tale of falling in love. Can two people who never thought they would find true love allow themselves to give in to it? Can they believe that what they are feeling isn't related to the business arrangement they have made. Such a great book with characters who are not twenty somethings who get true love right the first time. These characters have lived, loved, and lost. It is a hopeful story of learning to really live and love regardless of where life has taken you.
Carlene is trying to find her place in the world after the death of her husband. This journey of self-discovery takes her on holiday to the US and she hires an escort to accompany her on her first venture overseas. Only Rome is the owner of the escort agency that Carlene uses but when an accident happens to the original escort, Rome is forced to step in.
Rome is fantastic for Carlene's self-confidence, taking her on experiences that are new to her and open her eyes to new possibilities. Equally Carlene opens Rome's eyes to life outside escorting and to open his heart to true love.
Such a wonderful book about self-discovery. It was sweet with a touch of spice. It was heart warmingly good and brought me plenty of smiles throughout.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, and heartbreak.
This is Oz and Rome’s story. Oz is in love and has fallen hard but then man she fell for is not really available. They have chemistry and good times, but he is doing a job. Rome is an escort. So it’s his job to keep his clients happy. But Oz intrigues him. He is drawn to her but can it be more? Can he keep his heart or will he lose it to Oz? Can he? Or will losing his heart also mean he loses everything? Can they find a middle ground? Or will she leave him before he gets a chance to change things for her?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.