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Once Again #2
Wishing in Rome
“There are no two ways around it; this was a beautiful story!” 5 stars“Skully carved out the best possible man and breathed life into him with this enchanting story!” 5 starsIt’s never too late for wishes to come true…Newly divorced Dana Shaw has always had big dreams of a Roman holiday, so when her best friend Carol tells her it’s time to make that dream come true, Dana agrees. And she insists Carol come along with her.But then the unthinkable happens. Carol passes away suddenly before they can make their trip together. She has one last instruction, though, for Dana to take the Roman holiday they’d planned and to make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. But how do you make an impossible wish for the only thing you truly want— to have your best friend back with you? Yet in making that wish, Dana may learn that wishes do come true in the most unexpected and wonderful ways.Marshall Garrison is all business, and so is this trip to Rome. But a chance meeting with Dana Shaw in the Colosseum changes everything. He doesn’t believe in forever-after love, but still, there’s something exceptional about this brave divorcée, gallantly traveling alone. He sets out to be her guide and her friend, but when he discovers her poignant story, he wants more— to help her believe in wishing for the impossible. And in the process, he might even remember that business is only a substitute for the things he used to wish for...A later in life holiday romance that will take you away from it all...All books in the Once Again series are stand-alone stories. No cliffhangers!Once Again SeriesDreaming of ProvenceWishing in RomeDancing in IrelandUnder the Northern LightsStargazing on the Orient ExpressMemories of SantoriniSiesta in SpainTop Down to CaliforniaCruising on the DanubeOnce Again Boxed SetsHoliday in Paradise, Once Again Books 1 thru 3Love on Vacation, Once Again Books 4 thru 6
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2021
531 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Skully
97 books319 followersIf you like your romantic suspense fast-paced and laced with humor, try award-winning author Jennifer Skully. Jennifer adores quirky characters. The whackier the better! And you’ll find a whole cast of them in each and every Jennifer Skully book. Of course, being in the same body with alter ego Jasmine Haynes, she doesn’t let you down on the hot, sexy love scenes either.
After a long hiatus, Jennifer Skully is back!
After a long hiatus, Jennifer Skully is back!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 21, 2024
I enjoyed the book. Found it to be a delightful read - perfect for the beach or vacation!!
July 24, 2021
Heart wrenching to heart healing...
Oh my, this author's craftmanship is so compelling, I was seriously entranced by this beautiful story which I won't relate as it has been outlined in the blurb & previous reviews. I have been blessed to have visited Rome on two occasions & the detail in this book had me reliving my holidays. The heroine's journey from grief to finding love again at the age of 50 was full of laughter, great dialogue & sexual fulfillment that was off the charts. For the first time in her life she felt validated as an intelligent & sexy woman, her confidence was restored & her heart was healed & claimed. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Oh my, this author's craftmanship is so compelling, I was seriously entranced by this beautiful story which I won't relate as it has been outlined in the blurb & previous reviews. I have been blessed to have visited Rome on two occasions & the detail in this book had me reliving my holidays. The heroine's journey from grief to finding love again at the age of 50 was full of laughter, great dialogue & sexual fulfillment that was off the charts. For the first time in her life she felt validated as an intelligent & sexy woman, her confidence was restored & her heart was healed & claimed. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
July 22, 2021
This is such a fantastic book and I couldn’t put it down. Didn’t expect to cry so early in the book. Loved how Dana took the trip her bestie wanted her too. But is she daring enough to have a fling with a younger Italian guy? What wish does she really want? Loved how Marshall looked after her, but when will he make his move? They were so hot together, but can she get him to commit? He’s never gotten serious enough with anyone to fall in love. I did feel their heartbreak but thankfully there’s a very happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book. Loved feeling so connected with the characters and how her daughters looked after her too. It’s very heartwarming.
July 22, 2023
Good Read, but not for me
I rated this 4 stars because I think in today’s world many will love it. I wasn’t going to review it, but I’m always thankful for a review that points out things that I know I won’t like. This can be from bad editing, long drawn out storyline, bad language and lots of explicit sex. When I started this book I was really enjoying it, and thought, awesome. But after a couple chapters of her being in Rome I thought “if I never read the word sexy again it will be too soon, then she met Marshal, it settled down, they became good friend, then they started acting a bit like teenagers texting while she was on a date, it was childish. Then their relation went to the next level and it was pages of explicit sex mixed with blasphemous swearing. But if you like the explicit sex you’ll probably love this book, because the storyline was good, but could have been excellent.
I rated this 4 stars because I think in today’s world many will love it. I wasn’t going to review it, but I’m always thankful for a review that points out things that I know I won’t like. This can be from bad editing, long drawn out storyline, bad language and lots of explicit sex. When I started this book I was really enjoying it, and thought, awesome. But after a couple chapters of her being in Rome I thought “if I never read the word sexy again it will be too soon, then she met Marshal, it settled down, they became good friend, then they started acting a bit like teenagers texting while she was on a date, it was childish. Then their relation went to the next level and it was pages of explicit sex mixed with blasphemous swearing. But if you like the explicit sex you’ll probably love this book, because the storyline was good, but could have been excellent.
September 11, 2023
This book started out really well but by the time I was 30% in, I had a suspicion it was going to have more sex scenes than I care to read. I then read the reviews here which told me my feeling was correct. DNF
January 9, 2024
I thought this book was trash! So many sex scenes in it - I’m not a prude but found it quite disgusting.
November 4, 2023
Couple of very nitpicky things:
No man has ever referred to a woman wearing Capri pants as "sexy", "desirable", "gorgeous", etc etc etc... I'm not sure if the authors don't know that other kinds of pants exist or if they were trying to hammer home the point about her *GASP* age, but 50 year olds are allowed to be (and capable of being) stylish and also comfortable. The fact that she EXCLUSIVELY wears them and manages to attract not only a super successful silver fox, but THREE younger Italian men is just...no.
Marshall is described as being a CEO of a major tech company, is 55, and is himself "sexy and handsome" (THE ONLY TWO ADJECTIVES THEY CAN THINK OF TO DESCRIBE HIM THE ENTIRE BOOK), and yet he wears cargo pants on a tour. No. God, I just, I know it's picky. But no man with wealth and status would be caught dead looking like a college bro from the early 00s.
Lots of people have sexy time with food. Pretty common. Multiple choice, which item do you think these authors choose for their sexy time?
A) whipped cream
B) chocolate sauce
C) stuffed mushrooms with garlic
If you answered C, you just won the more disgusting quiz ever. Literally describes putting the mushroom cap on his dick and deep throating it off and then describing the pungent garlic scents wafting between them as they shower later. What? Like, I love mushrooms, but in what world is that sexy?
Look, I'm glad we're writing books about women over the age of 40, particularly when it comes to women experiencing pleasure. But this book suffers from the same thing most books like this do, repetitive inner monologues about insecurities, and cringe moments.
This was fine escapism but there's better writing out there.
No man has ever referred to a woman wearing Capri pants as "sexy", "desirable", "gorgeous", etc etc etc... I'm not sure if the authors don't know that other kinds of pants exist or if they were trying to hammer home the point about her *GASP* age, but 50 year olds are allowed to be (and capable of being) stylish and also comfortable. The fact that she EXCLUSIVELY wears them and manages to attract not only a super successful silver fox, but THREE younger Italian men is just...no.
Marshall is described as being a CEO of a major tech company, is 55, and is himself "sexy and handsome" (THE ONLY TWO ADJECTIVES THEY CAN THINK OF TO DESCRIBE HIM THE ENTIRE BOOK), and yet he wears cargo pants on a tour. No. God, I just, I know it's picky. But no man with wealth and status would be caught dead looking like a college bro from the early 00s.
Lots of people have sexy time with food. Pretty common. Multiple choice, which item do you think these authors choose for their sexy time?
A) whipped cream
B) chocolate sauce
C) stuffed mushrooms with garlic
If you answered C, you just won the more disgusting quiz ever. Literally describes putting the mushroom cap on his dick and deep throating it off and then describing the pungent garlic scents wafting between them as they shower later. What? Like, I love mushrooms, but in what world is that sexy?
Look, I'm glad we're writing books about women over the age of 40, particularly when it comes to women experiencing pleasure. But this book suffers from the same thing most books like this do, repetitive inner monologues about insecurities, and cringe moments.
This was fine escapism but there's better writing out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
⛲A holiday of impossible wishes and la dolce vita🍝🍾
Really excellent read, second book in the Once Again second chance romance series!
This story takes advantage of the Roman setting to give the two leads, Dana and Marshall, a great opportunity to get to know each other while visiting iconic sites and sampling some great cuisine.
But more than a romance for two middle aged strangers connecting on a stay in Rome this is a tale of friendship, poignant loss and a woman's attempt to get more comfortable in her own, fifty year-old skin. To appreciate herself and finally admit she deserves her own slice of fun and indulgence after sensibly budgeting and catering for so long to others. The men she meets on her holiday give her a lift and the extra push she needs to get out there and greet each day as a new adventure.
The opening set a serious, deeper tone to the book and I really loved Dana's friendship with Carol.
Heat level: explicit love scenes, but they are part of the romance and key to understanding Marshall's internal conflict.
I am thoroughly enjoying Skully's Once Again series and looking forward to the next set of new characters in another gorgeous setting.
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Really excellent read, second book in the Once Again second chance romance series!
This story takes advantage of the Roman setting to give the two leads, Dana and Marshall, a great opportunity to get to know each other while visiting iconic sites and sampling some great cuisine.
But more than a romance for two middle aged strangers connecting on a stay in Rome this is a tale of friendship, poignant loss and a woman's attempt to get more comfortable in her own, fifty year-old skin. To appreciate herself and finally admit she deserves her own slice of fun and indulgence after sensibly budgeting and catering for so long to others. The men she meets on her holiday give her a lift and the extra push she needs to get out there and greet each day as a new adventure.
The opening set a serious, deeper tone to the book and I really loved Dana's friendship with Carol.
Heat level: explicit love scenes, but they are part of the romance and key to understanding Marshall's internal conflict.
I am thoroughly enjoying Skully's Once Again series and looking forward to the next set of new characters in another gorgeous setting.
I read a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 1, 2023
Before I completely jettison Romance Fiction from my repertoire, I will say up front that I have read some good, convincing, plausible romance novels - this isn't one of them.
This was recommended by my 90-year-old mom who is one of my most reliable book club members. However, I had to have "The Talk" with her about this one. Way too much belief must be suspended with this plot to make the fantasy connect with its reader.
This guy's internal monologue during dinner is so raunchy that he has to shove his erection under the table; yet he has decided he will serve as her "bestie" and encourage her affair with a younger Italian man. Puhleez.
Hello? That kind of manipulation and game-playing is so very unattractive. I'm sure they get to have at each other later in the story, but frankly, I can't get through this sexual drivel to get there.
This was recommended by my 90-year-old mom who is one of my most reliable book club members. However, I had to have "The Talk" with her about this one. Way too much belief must be suspended with this plot to make the fantasy connect with its reader.
This guy's internal monologue during dinner is so raunchy that he has to shove his erection under the table; yet he has decided he will serve as her "bestie" and encourage her affair with a younger Italian man. Puhleez.
Hello? That kind of manipulation and game-playing is so very unattractive. I'm sure they get to have at each other later in the story, but frankly, I can't get through this sexual drivel to get there.
August 18, 2021
Very emotional story that not only touches on the romantic love but the love of family and friends. Dealing with positive energy love brings but also the opposite energy when loving relationships go awry. Love Dana, she has an open book type of personality, very uplifting and realistic. Rome and a inspiring best friend gives her the boldness and assurance that she challenges her. Marshall has it all...I love how he is so supportive, encouraging and romantic. Dana shows him what's he's missing and challenges him. Very well written and captivating story which I absolutely love and enjoyed immensely. The first book in this series is good but this addition really takes this series up a few notches. 5+* I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.
November 21, 2021
WISHING IN ROME by Jennifer Skully is the second book in the Once Again series.
Dana Shaw has been through a messy divorce, then she loses her best friend, Carol. Carol's final wish for Dana is that she take the trip to Italy they'd planned and have a holiday fling with a young Italian. But instead, Dana meets Marshall Garrison, an American who happens to live in the Bay Area the same as Dana, and they become friends.
From the moment Marshall sees Dana, he falls for her, only he doesn't believe in love or long-term relationships. But Dana is different. She's the only woman who's ever been his friend and lover.
With plenty of clever twists in the plot, Jennifer Skully nails the mature romance. A fully enjoyable read.
Dana Shaw has been through a messy divorce, then she loses her best friend, Carol. Carol's final wish for Dana is that she take the trip to Italy they'd planned and have a holiday fling with a young Italian. But instead, Dana meets Marshall Garrison, an American who happens to live in the Bay Area the same as Dana, and they become friends.
From the moment Marshall sees Dana, he falls for her, only he doesn't believe in love or long-term relationships. But Dana is different. She's the only woman who's ever been his friend and lover.
With plenty of clever twists in the plot, Jennifer Skully nails the mature romance. A fully enjoyable read.
March 24, 2025
Solid 3.5 stars
Loved seeing her brief relationship with Carol. I wished there was more time shown between them before the inevitable happened.
I loved Dana's first encounter with Marshall and her pushing herself to be carefree. Then to see it wasn't really her. The story became stagnant at about 55-80%. It was like I didn't want to see where they was headed because I knew Marshall wouldn't be able to deal. She took that leap and I loved her for it. I also loved Laura. Too bad she came so late in the story.
Marshall's realisation came at such a cliche point in the book. His grovelling was mediocre but maybe that hit perfect with the added timing of said grovelling.
Easy, light summer romance read.
Loved seeing her brief relationship with Carol. I wished there was more time shown between them before the inevitable happened.
I loved Dana's first encounter with Marshall and her pushing herself to be carefree. Then to see it wasn't really her. The story became stagnant at about 55-80%. It was like I didn't want to see where they was headed because I knew Marshall wouldn't be able to deal. She took that leap and I loved her for it. I also loved Laura. Too bad she came so late in the story.
Marshall's realisation came at such a cliche point in the book. His grovelling was mediocre but maybe that hit perfect with the added timing of said grovelling.
Easy, light summer romance read.
July 20, 2021
This is a great follow-up to the first book with lots of feels. Carol was a true friend. Marshall was PERFECT!!!! Their relationship was fun, fresh, and renewing. I felt like I was in Dana's place, and it was pure bliss and a rebirth with so many possibilities. The author carved out the best possible man and breathed life into him with this enchanting story. Dana deserved happiness, and I was glad for her. Nice twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book. This is an amazing feel good series.
August 31, 2023
I love a book set in a different country to gain an idea of what is there. Having visited Rome I enjoyed being transported back to my time there. The story was well written and any doubts I had about it being slightly unbelievable vanished as I got further into it. The characters had many levels and I liked how you got to see both sides of the situation as the dialogue patch worked together beautifully. There was more sexual encounters than I imagined but these seemed to enhance the story even more. I will look for more books in this series in the future.
October 9, 2023
This is the first Jennifer Skully novel that I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed the plot and would have given it more stars if the author hadn’t constantly described the sex between the two main characters as ‘delicious’ - I lost count of how many times it was used. Then at the end of the book, the reader is told at least three times that the character is fifty-five … We know this already, it was mentioned numerous times earlier in the book. These errors shouldn’t be made by someone who has written as many novels as Jennifer Skully. It’s enough to put me off reading any more of her books.
December 2, 2023
I liked the idea of this book, but then I realized that it was all about a woman hoping to find a one night stand. I should have quit the book then, but I didn't. I had to force myself to finish the story got lost in sex. It was too raunchy for me. Leaving a bit (or in this case, a LOT) more to the imagination would have made it better. I think the idea had potential but was lost in the trashiness. I will not be reading more by this author.
May 27, 2025
What a fun read! Dana is newly divorced and her best friend has just died suddenly. Her wish for Dana was to splurge on a luxury vacation to Rome and to make a wish in the Trevi fountain. On her first day she meets a charming American CEO and they become fast friends. As she shares her stories with Marshall and she meets several charming younger Italian men, their friendship changes. Is it too late for love or can they work it out?
October 23, 2021
Once again an amazingly emotional story about loss & grieving and moving forward Dana is fulfilling her best friends last wish of a trip to Rome to find love and herself
Marshall is quite taken but doesn’t believe in love. As the friendship blossoms they both learn that life isnt always what you think it's going to be and sometimes risks are worth it
Marshall is quite taken but doesn’t believe in love. As the friendship blossoms they both learn that life isnt always what you think it's going to be and sometimes risks are worth it
August 5, 2023
Finding faith
It was good story about loss and searching for fulfillment.
I liked Dana and Marshall and their growing relationship. I enjoyed the scene descriptions.
I did have to swipe through the sex scenes. They may have been drawn out for the characters but it didn't have to be for me.
It was good story about loss and searching for fulfillment.
I liked Dana and Marshall and their growing relationship. I enjoyed the scene descriptions.
I did have to swipe through the sex scenes. They may have been drawn out for the characters but it didn't have to be for me.
August 16, 2023
This was a lovely story. Dana has divorced her cheating husband, who has now remarried and is expecting a child. Dana's best friend her whole life is Carol, and when she dies unexpectedly, she leaves Dana funds and instructions for the holiday she must now take alone. As instructed, Dana heads to Rome, alone for the first time ever.
May 16, 2024
Sweet older love
This was a lovely book about two middle-aged travelers finding something special with each other while exploring the splendors of Rome. Dana and Marshall are both wonderful characters,if a little broken. Theirs is a heart-warming story filled with sun-drenched days and passion-soaked nights. Great summer read. Loved it.
This was a lovely book about two middle-aged travelers finding something special with each other while exploring the splendors of Rome. Dana and Marshall are both wonderful characters,if a little broken. Theirs is a heart-warming story filled with sun-drenched days and passion-soaked nights. Great summer read. Loved it.
October 4, 2021
Loved it!
Wasn't sure how this would end up, but Marshall finally saw the light! Both characters were believable . Well written and edited. I don't think I found any errors and that's important to me. Really enjoyed this book and story.
Wasn't sure how this would end up, but Marshall finally saw the light! Both characters were believable . Well written and edited. I don't think I found any errors and that's important to me. Really enjoyed this book and story.
July 18, 2023
Really Good!
This is the best romance I’ve read in years! The main characters are both mature adults, acting like mature adults, who are beset with the same angst that most adults struggle with. And I really enjoyed the backdrop of Rome.
This is the best romance I’ve read in years! The main characters are both mature adults, acting like mature adults, who are beset with the same angst that most adults struggle with. And I really enjoyed the backdrop of Rome.
July 19, 2023
OK story
The story started out ok. Getting a divorce when you have kids is an excruciating experience. How lucky was Dana to have a friend like Carol. For me I lost interest when the overly descriptive sex scenes started. Why?
The story started out ok. Getting a divorce when you have kids is an excruciating experience. How lucky was Dana to have a friend like Carol. For me I lost interest when the overly descriptive sex scenes started. Why?
July 23, 2023
Good Story Line, But…
It was a good story line and a satisfying ending. But the repeated graphic sex descriptions were not necessary and I found myself skipping through them. The point could have been made with fewer repeats of the sex descriptions. The story drug on a bit.
It was a good story line and a satisfying ending. But the repeated graphic sex descriptions were not necessary and I found myself skipping through them. The point could have been made with fewer repeats of the sex descriptions. The story drug on a bit.
August 23, 2023
Romance at its best
This book was a great and delicious escape story.
I felt like I was in Italy, and that Dana was me!
I totally related to her emotions and feelings, and was rooting for her all the way.
This book was a great and delicious escape story.
I felt like I was in Italy, and that Dana was me!
I totally related to her emotions and feelings, and was rooting for her all the way.
August 26, 2023
Good love store with Italy as the background
I enjoyed the first part of the book, but only scanned the rest because the explicit sex. I don’t want to watch couples in anybody’s bedroom
I enjoyed the first part of the book, but only scanned the rest because the explicit sex. I don’t want to watch couples in anybody’s bedroom
September 9, 2023
The author's intentions are clear and she achieved what she wanted but this wasn't the book for me. Seeing "Rome" in the title, I tried but the story is a fairy tale, and one not really seen in the real world.
August 22, 2024
A feel good romance
I loved the way it started slow with the twist and turns. With a happy ending of course. Reminds you there are good things in life if you are willing to have the courage to go for it.
I loved the way it started slow with the twist and turns. With a happy ending of course. Reminds you there are good things in life if you are willing to have the courage to go for it.
June 9, 2025
love it
What a great book! It has everything. It’s about lost love, grief, losing and finding yourself as well as the love of your life. Marshall and Dana were sweet and funny and sexy. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
What a great book! It has everything. It’s about lost love, grief, losing and finding yourself as well as the love of your life. Marshall and Dana were sweet and funny and sexy. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews