In the heart of the Eternal City, ancient secrets aren’t the only thing getting uncovered.
Heartbroken, Remy flies to Rome—the site of her first kiss—to get over her ex and rediscover herself. On her first night in the city, she jumps into her new life by agreeing to a date with a smooth-talking Italian stranger who, as fate would have it, turns out to be a jerk…and a most wanted international criminal to boot.
Implicated in the theft of an ancient amulet, Remy finds herself under house arrest and in the protection of Lorenzo Rossi, the infuriatingly handsome Sicilian detective in charge of the investigation. The case is a make-or-break situation for both of them, and together, they must solve a series of clues to track down the amulet and the bad guys—all while struggling to keep their finger grazes to a minimum and their partnership appropriate.
Their investigation takes them on an intimate, two millennia treasure hunt through Rome, where Remy digs up more than she bargained for.
Bonnie was born in Tucson, where she went on to study Classics and Italian at the University of Arizona. After seven years in Italy, she is back in the Sonoran Desert, where she lives with her Italian study abroad sweetheart, their two kids, and a few bilingual pets.
She writes love stories in multiple genres (yes, even horror) with LGBTQIA+, mental health, ND, and chronic health rep. In her spare time, she's probably trying to remember where she put her phone.
This book was exactly what I needed! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump due to some hyped books not living up to the hype. I remember seeing this one on insta a few months ago but wasn’t too sure what it was about. I finally read it and am so glad I did! I am such a hopeless romantic and was really rooting for Remy and Lorenzo. Their romance was both cute and spicy. Their interactions would leave me swooning and also laughing out loud. I loved that they were both developed and that they had their own distinctive personalities. I think Lorenzo is my new favorite book boyfriend. He was chef’s kiss. While I loved the romance in this book, what really did it for me is the fact that it had a little bit of everything. It had a great setting, mystery, and I appreciated the history aspects. The reader is immediately able to tell how much work the author put into researching for this story. I don’t want to give too much away since this one is better to go into blind. Just know, it was a great read and I highly recommend it. If you're looking for a book to take you away then this one's for you. It was well written and the pacing was on point.
I loved everything about this book! From the way the author was able to describe the beautiful Italian setting, to almost being able to taste the pasta and wine being described on the pages. Bonnie Callahan did an amazing job of writing this story, and was really able to take the reader on an adventure through Rome!
Remy was such a great protagonist. I really felt like I could connect with her, and honestly I just want to be her best friend. Lorenzo was definitely the kind of love interest I like seeing in RomComs; forbidden but the chemistry and tension is clearly there. It was great to see how their relationship and dynamic shifted during the book, as different events occurred throughout the story.
As for the plot, this was just the book I needed to finish up my summer reading! Not only was there adorable and spicy romance and humour, but there was also adventure and a little bit of mystery. Think Mindy Kaling humour mixed with an Italian version of National Treasure or the Da Vinci Code. Can’t go wrong with that combo! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and could not recommend it enough! Anyone who loves a good romcom and wants to feel like they are a part of an Italian adventure, give this book a go and you will not be disappointed! Now excuse me while I go try to convince my Italian boyfriend to make me carbonara for dinner - I blame Remy!
Thank you to the author @bonniecallahan for my #gifted e-ARC and final copy in return for an honest review.
Thank you so much @authorbonniecallahan and @bookinfluencerscom for making me a part of this tour! ❤️😍✨
🍸 Title : Remy vs. Rome. 🍸 Author : Bonnie Callahan. 🍸 Genre : Romance, Mystery. 🍸 Personal Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5.
🍕 My Thoughts 🍕 :
OMG I'M OBSESSED. Bonnie has written a book that completely stole my heart, made me laugh out loud, swoon and fall in love with the gorgeous, vibrant Italy once more. The fact that it's Callahan's DEBUT novel? My lady has a long long way to go. I love you!❤️
In fact, Remy vs Rome is hands down one of the greatest mystery slash romance books I have ever laid eyes on. If you wanna de-stress and read something captivating but not too serious, look no further. It has humour, historical facts, forced proximity, broken hearts and many thrilling moments! I knew from the intro that it would be a book after my heart. I mean if there's only one person in this world who knows plenty about typing, deleting and retyping new years resolutions and ditching them the next moment, that's probably me. The characters were highly relatable and well fleshed out. Remy is sweet, resilient and charming while Rossi is HOT and just as lovely. Uu 🥹
Oh my goodness, this book was so much fun. This is like if Emily Henry did The Da Vinci Code, but better.
The plot: Remy finds herself on New Year’s Day living with her sister after a broken engagement. With no plans and no prospects, she quits her job to fly to Rome, where she had her first kiss at the age of fourteen, hoping to rediscover some of that magic. Instead, she finds herself accidentally embroiled in international crime scheme - and she’s a prime suspect.
To prove her innocence, Remy teams up with Lorenzo Rossi, the sizzling Sicilian detective supervising her house arrest. Their investigation takes them through the history of Rome itself as they race against the clock to crack the case.
Bonnie Callahan has absolutely nailed the art of the rom-com - I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. Remy is hilarious, endearing, relatable, and adorably oblivious as a protagonist. Lorenzo is devastatingly handsome but also awkward, shy, and a bit of a nerd. And Rome itself is a character in the novel, rendered in such detail on the page that you can’t help but see it through Remy’s starstruck eyes. You can really feel how much the author loves Italy and Italian culture, and I was totally immersed in the setting as Remy and Lorenzo explored beautiful Roma. Throw in a cast of lovable side characters and you’ve got a recipe more delectable than the pasta dishes Bonnie describes throughout the story. (I would MURDER for a carbonara right now.)
This book has it all: secret societies, Italian grandmothers, vino, carbs, and chemistry that jumps off the page. If you love romance and could use an escape to bella Italia, you’ll want to give this one a read!!
Thanks so much to Bonnie Callahan for sending me an ARC to review. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Remy Vs. Rome is a really fun romance book combined with a treasure hunt set in Rome. Bonnie has represented Rome in all its splendor and beauty in this book by sharing the details of its lovely locations, art and history. I loved visiting Rome with Remy. Talking about the characters, I adored Lorenzo and his sister. Remy was cool too but I kinda wanted her to not think about men all the time and have fun on her own. It made me really happy when Remy stopped thinking of getting back with Eric because he gave me the icks. Overall, the book was a really fun read and Lorenzo was super adorable. I mean, who wouldn't love a handsome detective who cooks for you, takes care of you, is obsessed with you and plays soccer?
Thank you to @bonniecallahanbooks and @bookstagrammerscom for allowing me to be a part of this tour, and for the gifted e-copy, as well as the stickers and bookmark.
I think I’ve became a rom-com junkie, and I do not hate it. And if you set it up in Italy, where I plan to find a beautiful Italian man who will cook and pour me wine for the rest of my life, then sign me up! But that last part has nothing to do with this wonderful book, and more of a fantasy for me.
I loved Remy, i loved the setting obviously, the mystery, and the chemistry! Theres just not enough good things to say about this book. Other than go read it now. You will not be disappointed!
How wonderful it is to have a book that you can enjoy in paperback AND audiobook format!?
When I was on the go with my newborn, I’d be able to enjoy Remy’s voice (usually somewhere between incredulity, sarcasm, or hope). But then there was, like a few nights ago, when I spent TWO HOURS reading for fun while my daughter was sleeping. Having a gift like that as a new mama is everything and I’m grateful to Bonnie for that reading experience!
I only wish I had been able to process and remember all the history facts, art know-how, and street names, but my poor postpartum brain just could not keep up, which meant the crime solving part of the novel went totally over my head most of the time. Once we got into the Nunziata visit though, I was all in!
Bonnie Callahan's Remy vs. Rome sucked me in with its slow burn romance between an American who just REALLY loves Rome and sexy detective Lorenzo Rossi (who makes sure Roma is safe). The warmth you'd imagine in a Sicilian home before a wedding just reaches right out from the pages and pulls you in. It was so lovely, I had to go make tea and sit with my parents in the kitchen while I kept reading.
Also, I can’t wait to visit Italy one day and feel like this book is an entire itinerary — minus a crime to solve. One has to be specific about these things ;)
This book was filled with spice, action, and a thrilling adventure that made me excited to turn the pages!
I’m someone who is very picky about my realistic fiction books (anything that doesn’t involve magic, wizards, and dragons) but I really enjoyed this book! I thought Remy was a well thought-out character who was realistic and likable and was a dynamic character that I grew to love. I loved the setting of the book. Rome is taken mostly as a city of romance and love, but in this book, it has an undercurrent of adventure, darkness, spice, and danger.
Not to mention, I LOVED Lorenzo. I thought he was kind of the “perfect man” trope but had more endearing, attractive traits. Since I received this book as an ARC, the author gave me a bookmark with his pasta recipe on it! I think that officially won my heart over, the food (haha).
REMY VS ROME is now one of my favourite romcoms forever. It was hilarious , sweet , funny, adventurous and cute and I couldn't put it down till I finish the whole book. The book makes you instantly fall in love with Rome and make you almost wish you had a hot detective as a boyfriend who is originally from Sicily.
I wish this book could turn into a movie someday because it is worthy to be adapted on screen. The aesthetics , the plot , the romance , the landscape and even the funny fight of Remy and Maelle. I cannot stop recommending this book enough. I wish I had more to read and wish all the very best to the author who brought such a lovable and a remarkable story into life.
Remy vs Rome, is a spicy romance full of action, adventure, and detectives. Remy is a girl who is involved in a crime with an hystorical object related to ancient Rome culture. So Detective Lorenzo Rossi has to protect Remy and try to catch the bad guy. So Remy wants to help Detective Rossi to find the mistery and catch the thief, but, Remy and Detective Rossi have a little distractions... So this is a force proximity, slow burn and spicy story, with action and some dangerous moments. If you enjoy movies with hystorical mysteries, lost treassures, thieves, detectives, resolving riddles, Rome and romance, this book is for you!
I found, in this book, my own little Italian love affair. I would prep my reading time specially, making a steaming portion of pasta al forno, pouring a glass of wine, and I'd adventure off to Rome with Remy.
This book is a delightfully paced, suspenseful romp into art history and romance. I love how the author gave you little bits and pieces of the rather unknown history of Italy, while making you fall in love with it, the characters, the food. I almost booked a trip while reading this! (I definitely looked at flights XD)
The storyline was dynamic, a treasure hunt adventure that left me anticipating the next page. The characters were so well written that I felt that I actually knew them in real life, I can see their flaws, their vulnerabilities, and I was genuinely rooting for them.
TL;DR - buy this Roman holiday and pour a glass of wine!
“If anyone can dig up an old lost heart, it will be you Remy.”
This book took me back to a country that holds a huge part of my heart! It was the perfect end of summer read for me!! Romance, museums, art history, and a mystery among the backdrop of Italy? Yes!!
Remy is on the heels of a broken engagement when she decides to head to Italy with her best friend Cassie. There, she unwillingly gets involved in a heist and she is a suspect. Detective Lorenzo Rossi is assigned to the case and without giving anything away… Remy starts to put clues together and help solve the case to exonerate herself.
I was already excited to start this one. What I didn’t expect was to be swept away. If we were talking movies, I’d say it’s like an Italian version of National Treasure, Mission Impossible lite, with a dose of Under the Tuscan Sun thrown in. It’s truly just that much fun. It’s also smart and it’s witty. I laughed out loud several times, and it has so much angst you can’t wait until Remy and Lorenzo finally give into their feelings. If that doesn’t get you, the cute Italian detective has an adorable cat in this book- enough said!
You can’t read this without wanting to make Italian food! I could almost smell the espresso and carbonara through the pages. In fact it brought me back to the sweet Italian family who lived beside us in Catania and their Nonna who taught me the correct way to make my own pasta and the best bruschetta in the world. I think that’s why I love making bread so much…it’s tied to so many wonderful memories!
Remy vs. Rome is just a beautifully written story that you just need to dive into. Whether you’ve been to Italy or not, this book will grab you and you won’t forget the journey. From Rome to Sicily, the journey is exciting from beginning to end. It’s a mystery, it’s suspenseful, it’s fun. At the core of it all it’s a captivating love story that, along with the backdrop of a beautiful country, just takes your breath away!! 5/5 stars! Don’t miss this Italian adventure❤️🇮🇹
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
Great adventure! Thanks Bonnie for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
If I had to describe this book in one sentence, I would say that it was a great adventure, full secrets, and hidden clues. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!
Here are my thoughts:
》WHAT I LIKED: ♡The characters ▪︎Remie, the MC, was a relatable character, sometimes a bit naive, but overall very funny and determined to prove her innocence when it was questioned. Reading her inner thoughts was quite entertaining.
▪︎The love interest, Lorenzo Rossi, was also great. His character was a big mystery for the most part. It was hard to tell what he was really thinking. The tension between the two was my favorite part of their relationship.
♡The story ▪︎It was a plot-driven story and I love that in books. From the first chapters you have a good idea of what the story is going to be about and that keeps you hooked the whole time. All conversations had a purpose and a reason to be there. I didn't skip any single line.
▪︎The part about the stolen amulet was well researched too. It had to do with art history, and I happen to love all that.
▪︎It was also fun to search for all the hidden clues and discover their meaning along with Remy and Lorenzo, and practice the little Italian I know.
♡The setting ▪︎It was set in Rome. I visited that city a long time ago, but I could feel like I was there again, especially in certain underground tunnels. I think that part was one of my favorites in the story.
☆ Overall, I enjoyed it very much. It has action, romance, mystery, funny scenes. If you like that kind of reading, you'll enjoy this one. I highly recommend it.
This was a debut novel, and I am genuinely impressed by it. I would definitely read other novels by this author.
Ratings: Well written ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Total: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
First off, let me start of by saying that the author of this book is genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I’m so glad I messaged her about her book.
Second, I’m so, so, so in love with this book! I have never read a more perfectly at times frustrating RomCom in my life. I promise these are my own words thoughts and feelings when I review this. I’m not going to do a detailed review because I absolutely refuse to spoil it even the tiniest bit. Just trust me when I say you NEED to read and experience the magic this book holds.
This book seriously, hands-down has my heart. Not only am I convinced the main character is me (minus a few attributes) but this books contains all of my favorite things; RomCom, Adventure and a little thrill! (If you love National Treasures and Uncharted, mash that with a RomCom and you’ll love this new story). It also contains a lot of pop references that are ALL my favorite things, not even kidding. I felt like this author just gets me and I had never met her before this. Haha
One thing I can mention that I notice is in a lot of books (that won’t spoil this one) the characters always talk about when they were in middle school and Highschool they go on these fancy field trips to foreign places and I’m like, was my school just lame?! I never got to do these cool trips.
Things I’ll also tell you I loved that won’t spoil:
I loved all the characters. Even Valeria. (Well I hated Eric lol but you’ll see why; you aren’t supposed to like him)
I loved the humor I loved the adventure I loved the art history AND I absolutely loved the ending. The last line gave me literal goose bumps.
I absolutely loved this book and will cherish it and will ALWAYS recommend it.
Please read this book!
Thank you again @bonniecallahanbooks for sharing this book with the world and with me!
A super fun read! Remy is spunky, Lorenzo is a sexy sweetheart, and the two of them work together to take down an international criminal all while falling in love in the most fascinating city in the world. A great escapist read!
Many thanks to Bonnie Callahan for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
REMY VS. ROME is a fun detective romance set in Rome. It’s about a woman named Remy, who flies to Rome after a breakup to get over her ex and to rediscover herself. That same night she meets an Italian stranger and agrees to go on a date with him. This turns out to be a huge mistake since he’s actually a wanted criminal!
Implicated in the theft of an ancient amulet, Remy soon finds herself under house arrest. Luckily the detective in charge of the investigation, who is both very kind and very handsome, is also her protector. They feel attracted to one another almost immediately, but they need to focus on solving the case. “Their investigation takes them on an intimate, two millennia treasure hunt through Rome, where Remy digs up more than she bargained for.”
I usually really like books set in Rome (or Italy in general), because they give such holiday/summer vibes. The same goes for RVR! I think it focused mostly on Remy and Lorenzo’s (the detective) attraction/feelings, but because they were also working the case together, it was different from/more unique than some of the other romance books I’ve read. I do have to say that some parts were a little predictable, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
If you like romance and detectives, and are interested in Rome and its wonderful history, you should give this one a try!
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Remy vs Rome Is A Heart Racing Rome-antic Comedy Full Of Mystery and Adventure!
This story is Bonnie Callahan's debut novel and it is absolutely lovable! I could not put it down!
The author beautifully weaves together depictions of Rome and the Etruscans that will inspire you to uncover more of the Eternal City's ancient secrets. You can feel the author’s love for Rome and its history through every description.
As for Remy, I had the best time following her as she finds herself in a few serendipitous situations during her travels. Remy is so relatable. I sympathized with her struggles, which occasionally made me want to throw my computer in frustration. I also wanted to be her best friend, which, to me, means she is a very human and lovable character. Remy had me rooting for her to get the electrifying, heart-melting love she truly deserves. Not to mention, solve an ancient mystery in the process.
The book's mystery elements were so much fun and even highlighted interesting facts about Rome and the Etruscans that would make anyone with an interest in art history scream in delight!
If you love romance, art history, and adventure, you will fall head over heels for Remy vs. Rome!
I had always thought of romance novels as the traditional bodice rippers with a shirtless man on the cover. This book totally redefined the genre for me and now I am eating up contemporary romance and rom coms! After a stressful couple of years (I am sure everyone can relate), I was looking for a light and fun read when I picked up 'Remy vs. Rome'. I could not put this hilarious, fast-paced, slow-burn adventure down: featuring a detective that will live rent free in my dreams forever (sorry, hubby), and transporting me to the city of Rome. I read this book every chance I got and in just three quick days, with a few moments of blushing in public while reading, it was done! I have actually read it twice now because the author incorporates so many fun facts about the history of Rome, and you fall so deeply in love with the characters, once really isn't enough! Smart and sweet and funny, this book is a must read and my fave book so far this year.
Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook of REMY VS. ROME! All opinions in this review are my own.
Remy arrives in Rome determined to heal her broken heart. She falls for the first hot Italian man she finds and she quickly realizes he is not what she bargained for. Now Remy is wrapped up in an international crime and under police protection. As she works with Detective Lorenzo Rossi, she must also try to hide the feelings that she is starting to have for him.
Poor Remy has the absolute worst luck, but it's hilarious to read about her adventures. I like that this book isn't just an American going to Italy to fall in love with an Italian man. The mystery adds a sense of adventure to Remy's rom com that I really enjoyed!
I recommend if you are in the mood for a funny romance set in Italy!
When I say that I couldn’t stop reading it, I’m not exaggerating. Callahan beautifully weaves a tale of love, Etruscan mystery, and the uncontainable spark of a smart, courageous, and oh-so relatable woman, all against the backdrop of the most magical place on Earth - Rome. Her characters are vulnerable in ways that all of us can feel in the pits of our stomach, and simultaneously tenacious, brilliant, and crazy sexy. I was instantly drawn into the world that Callahan created, feeling like I could reach down and touch the smooth, cobblestone streets and look up to see the thousand-year old monuments looming over me. It was exhilarating, hilarious, and sweet. I loved every word of it. You’ve got to read this book!
I can’t recommend this book enough! By far my easiest 5 stars read of the year, no joke! This book is fire, interesting and adorable all the way.
It’s like the DaVinci’s code but make it a Rom-com and more centered in Michelangelo’s work! It’s sexy, flirty, there’s mystery, set in Rome (I NEED to go to Italy right now!) and with some of the best tropes like forced proximity and soulmates. Are you hooked? Cause I can talk about this book all day, and daydream about it too, it’s perfect!
I loved Remy’s interaction with our handsome detective Lorenzo, her love for Rome and how smart she is. A woman main character so badass and funny that you’d love to have as BFF and also solve mysteries with!
Remy vs Rome had it all - a forbidden romance, starting over on a new life's journey, adventuring through the roads of Rome, and learning about Italy's long historical past. Remy found herself in Italy after a broken engagement, on a trip with her friend, to try and find herself again. Truth be told, Remy has always loved Italy, especially Rome. Rome gave her various adventures to help her figure out what kind of person she wanted to become again.
This book was the sweetest and included everything that I love in a book. I am so fortunate that I was able to read it before the release date. Go check it out now, you won't regret it!
Remy vs Rome has so much going for it, and I absolutely inhaled the story! As someone who has lived in Rome, I appreciated the beautiful way the true essence of Rome was painted for the reader…it made me want to hop on a plane tomorrow for a dose of the people, sights, history, food, wine… The story expertly weaves between the setting, the history and investigating, the romance, and the main character’s growth. 💪 With those capturing all my senses, I couldn’t put it down until I got to the very last page. I’m off to read it again so I can slowly savor all those Rome descriptions with a glass of wine in hand. 🍷
LOVE LOVE LOVE♥️ I went into this book expecting a cute fluffy contemporary romance…and it definitely was, but there is so much more to it. There is a thrilling adventure and so much character growth and not to forget a city to fall in love with! To say I want to visit Rome after this is an understatement. I need to visit this city! I love Remy she’s fierce and amazing! And than Rossi of course, insert drool dripping here…need I say more?!The romance in this book is everything. And the tropes in this book….(let’s give no spoilers…but damn I’m obsessed) This book has a special place in my heart from now on, definitely a new favourite!♥️
What a fun read this was! My favourite thing about this book was the feel good romance and genuine love and excitement for Rome!
The extensive descriptions and knowledge of Rome made this book truly come to life alongside the budding romance just made this book such a joy to read!
I managed to literally devour this in one sitting (1 day) and loved being taken away into a romance that not just involved exploring Italy, but also cats!
I also didn’t see where this book was going to go originally so I loved the concept and idea of the book and it’s a little different to what I have read before in romances!
The story combines both romance and action, with a ‘treasure hunt’ that reminds me of the Da Vinci Code. It made me long to go back to Italy and I would say this book is perfect if you have a trip to Rome planned!
Although Remy does seem a little desperate at first, her character gets so much better throughout the book. And Lorenzo seems like the kind of guy we all want to meet! I love the way Fabio is described, making it really easy to imagine what kind of man he is.
All in all, I can’t stress this enough: go read this book.
I read this book in about 3 days, mostly in one sitting this past Saturday morning. Remy goes to Rome seeking closure after a breakup and ends up on a spectacular scavenger hunt of epic Roman proportions and with dire criminal consequences. Luckily, the handsome Detective Rossi is also on the case…! If you love romance, Italy, and art history, this book is for you! It was truly such a delightful read and just the right amount of sexy! ;) What I really loved was how the author, through the character of Remy, articulated what I so often cannot: a deep love for Rome and Italy itself.
A rom com with Rome history behind it and the chemistry of characters amazing. After a long time i read such perfect blended book. Can't wait to see other books from this author.
4 treasure hunting stars! It was fun getting to know Rome alongside Remy! Lorenzo Rossi sounds hot and sweet. 🥰 It definitely got repetitive but the treasure hunting was fun to read about.
Thank you, Bonnie, for sending me the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. So excited for you!!