Reviews

Rome Is Where the Heart Is by Tilly Tennant

emmascr's review against another edition

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5.0

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I have followed Tilly's books pretty much from the start and I adore her writing style so I knew I had to read her latest story.

This story follows Kate as her husband and childhood sweetheart, Matt, dumps her. Once the divorce comes through Kate decides its time she travelled like she always wanted to. Matt didn't like travelling so Kate has loads of places she wants to go and top of her list is Rome.

Kate is a lovely girl that seems to have settled in life. I couldn't work out why she had settled for second best when she was worth so much more but I know from my own life that sometimes these things happen without you even realising it.

I visited Rome a few years ago so I found it extremely easy to picture myself watching Kate from a distance in Rome. Tilly's descriptions were very accurate. It was clear from the off that Kate was not a seasoned traveller. Everything that could go wrong in the firs few days did. There were times when I wanted to shout at her and times when I wanted to hug her and tell her it will all be ok.

At first I was slightly suspicious of Jamie but in the end I really liked him. He was a good friend to Kate throughout her trip and once she returned home.

Alessandro is the perfect Italian specimen. He's hot, he's single, he's funny, he's kind, he's caring and to top it off he wears a uniform. What more could a girl want!

I also really liked Lucetta, Alessandro's sister. She really made me laugh.

This book was fun and good paced but there were also some quite serious and emotional parts to it. As always I am left me craving my next fix of Tilly's writing. Luckily I don't have to wait long as I have just been given a copy of the next book in this series, which is out next month.

amotisse's review against another edition

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3.0

Classic complete change of life scenario after the husband leaving out of the blue.

Definitely for the best in this story and who wouldn't fall for Rome!
Quite a lovely whirlwind.

jo_bookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

Kate is married to Matt, they were childhood sweethearts who made the next step.

The next step probably should have been children. But for Matt it was separation.

The next step for Kate is unknown. She is in a dead-end job, which she tolerates, just and her love is for dressmaking.

At the chance to change her life, she books herself a holiday to Rome, on her own. It is time she did something with her life.

At the airport she meets Jamie, who helps guide her through a city so she can see just as much of the tourist attractions as she does of the real Rome. However, Jamie has problems of his own and it is when he leaves Kate alone she finds herself on the Spanish Steps.

That is where Alessandro finds her.

Kate had not gone to Rome to find love,but something has captured her love, for the place, the buildings, the way of life, the food, the people and Alessandro is determined to make an impact on her life and a dent in her heart in the time she is there.

Trouble is Alessandro has five sisters, a strong matriarch family head and a rather jealous ex. It is never going to go well for Kate, especially as tragic events back in England means she has to go back home.

Will Alessandro just be a past ghost or will Kate be able to maintain the dream of Rome, of Love whilst back in Manchester.

The book did start off a bit slowly for me, but it picked up pace once Kate was in Rome and I flew through the pages and the story as if I was a tourist in Rome itself. Tennant has brought the characters to life very well, I could almost sense the expectation in Alessandro's home when Kate first goes there. Just as much as I could feel the despair and desolation when Kate returns home to finalise some issues and put a closure on one part of her life. I was most annoyed at her elder sister Anna, who seemed to be ready to take over Kate's life, her constant interference whilst well-meant was positively irritating. But for me those feelings and emotions are the sign of a writer who has created a story which gets under your skin and characters who you actually care about.

Another book to escape on holiday with, without even having to get out of your pajamas for.

nannyf's review against another edition

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4.0

I love a book like this, it transports you away to another country with almost no effort. The author has done an amazing job with this story.

My favourite character, apart from Kate, has to be Jamie. He introduces Kate to the Rome some people don't get to see in such a way that the reader can almost see the scene in their mind. At least, that was how it was for me.

The story flows very well, the characters are all extremely well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I was delighted to discover there is another book in the series and I can't wait to find out what happens to all of the characters.

Many thanks to Bookouture and a Netgalley for providing a copy.

sakura_k's review against another edition

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4.0

A simple, cute romance. Stress-free read.

orchid_2023's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

sherrireads247's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

thaictaff's review against another edition

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3.0

This was very cute but I feel like I'm outgrowing this type of chick-lit to be honest.

nee223's review against another edition

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3.0

After her marriage is over, Kate decides to do things that she's always wanted to do. One of those things to do is travel. First stop: Rome. But traveling on her own worries her sister. Rome is everything Kate has dreamed about. A chance encounter has brought Kate and a sexy police officer from Rome (Alessandro) together.

Can Kate find romance in Rome? Can she start a new dressmaking business? Can she leave her family?

I enjoyed this book. I loved the fact that Kate travelled to Rome alone. She's strong and independent, but very loyal to her family. I loved the blossoming romance with Alessandro. I'm really looking forward to the second book.

emmsey84's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25