Member Reviews
Tiziana Olbrich’s *Just One Night in Rome* is a short, romantic escape that captures the magic of Rome, the thrill of chance encounters, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting connections.
The story follows Josie, who seeks solace in the Eternal City after a painful breakup. Enter Leo, a charming Chilean backpacker whose curiosity and zest for life challenge Josie to reevaluate her choices and rediscover her spark. Their chemistry is immediate and intense, leading to an adventurous night that transforms them both.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its setting. Olbrich’s descriptions of Rome’s cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere transport readers to the heart of the city. The romance itself feels light and cinematic, driven by the allure of "what if" and the magic of serendipity.
However, the brevity of the story leaves much to be desired in terms of character development and emotional depth. Josie and Leo’s connection, while intriguing, feels rushed, and readers are left wanting more exploration of their individual backstories and the aftermath of their night together. The pacing at times sacrifices nuance for quick resolutions, making it harder to fully invest in the characters' journeys.
Despite its limitations, *Just One Night in Rome* delivers on its promise of a whirlwind romance in a dreamy location. It’s a quick, escapist read for those who love stories about transformative travel and the power of a single night to change everything. While it doesn’t linger long, the enchanting backdrop and heartfelt moments make it a pleasant literary getaway.
TBH, I only made it to the 75% point of this book and then had to give up.
I couldn't connect w/ the characters and felt like there was no chemistry between them.
Giving 3⭐️ in hopes that the 25% I didn't read was better.
This book has been on my Netgalley for a bit and I haven’t picked it up. I haven’t been into romance in a minute, so I’m not the right person to review it anymore.
This one was cute, but I wasn’t completely sold. I mean, who doesn’t love a spontaneous adventure in Rome, right? The whole “one night that changes everything” vibe was definitely there, and I was hooked on the chemistry between Josie and Leo—seriously, so much chemistry. Leo was the perfect mix of charming and mysterious, which made their whirlwind night together feel so exciting.
That being said, the whole thing felt a bit rushed for me. The intense connection they had, while fun to read, just didn’t feel super believable given how short their time together was. Plus, I kinda wished the story went deeper into their emotions and how this one night really affected them long term. It was a bit surface-level for me at times.
Still, it’s a fun, light read if you’re after a quick escape to Rome with a bit of romance. Not a bad book by any means, but I was hoping for something a little more substantial.
This book was a disappointment when I was expecting something fluffy and cute. The writing style didn’t click with me, and there was no chemistry or tension between the main characters, making the romance fall flat. Josie’s endless inner monologues were frustrating, and the insta-lust storyline felt forced and unconvincing, especially right after a breakup. The added drama, lies, and workplace chaos made it feel more like an office drama than a lighthearted rom-com. By the end, the unresolved cliffhanger left me unsatisfied. Not a book I’d recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Tiziana Olbrich takes readers on a romantic adventure with Just One Night in Rome, a story that blends the magic of a Roman backdrop with the thrill of unexpected connections. Josie, seeking refuge from a recent heartbreak, finds herself sharing a hostel room with Leo, a charismatic Chilean backpacker. What starts as casual companionship transforms into a whirlwind evening of discovery, laughter, and undeniable chemistry. Their journey through Rome’s enchanting streets mirrors their emotional growth, making the night unforgettable for both characters and readers alike.
Olbrich masterfully captures the allure of Rome, painting its streets and ambiance in vivid detail. The setting becomes a character in its own right, elevating the romance. Josie’s transformation from a guarded soul to someone willing to take risks feels genuine and empowering. Meanwhile, Leo’s adventurous spirit and depth add complexity to their relationship.
Though Josie and Leo hail from opposite corners of the globe, their story reminds us of the power of serendipity and the impact of fleeting yet profound connections. The novel’s heartfelt moments, charming banter, and cinematic quality make it a perfect escape for fans of travel-inspired romance.
With its blend of wanderlust and love, Just One Night in Rome is a delightful read that will leave you yearning for adventure and a chance encounter of your own. Highly recommended for those who love heartfelt, location-driven stories!
This book was harder for me to get into than I typically prefer. I pushed through so I could review the book and give it justice. Based on the cover, it looks like it would be a fluffy, light read, but there is a lot going on in this story. I enjoyed the location and being able to "escape" while reading it, but the ending was a bit confusing and the writing lagged at times.
Just One Night in Rome swept me off my feet! From the gorgeous backdrop of Rome to the sizzling chemistry between the characters, this book is pure romance magic. It’s fun, flirty, and filled with heartwarming moments that make you root for the couple every step of the way. If you love whirlwind love stories set in stunning locations, you’ll adore this one. It’s the perfect escape for anyone craving a passionate, dreamy read!
A cute and light hearted read, Josie’s inner monologue was frustrating. Some aspects of the story didn’t make sense she breaks up with her boyfriend and then decides to explore the new city with a stranger after avoiding people her whole trip. But overall a light, fun read.
Cute and snappy dialogue that keeps you engaged. I enjoyed the setting almost as much as I enjoyed the characters and the romance. This is a fun romp that I think a lot of people will enjoy, especially those who like to do some armchair traveling while reading!
Tiziana Olbrich’s *Just One Night in Rome* is a captivating tale of serendipity, adventure, and the transformative power of a single, unforgettable evening. Set against the romantic and historic backdrop of Rome, this novel explores how one night can change the course of two lives forever.
Josie, reeling from a breakup and looking to escape from men and her past, embarks on a solo trip to Italy. Her journey, initially intended as a means of healing and solitude, takes an unexpected turn when she meets Leo, a charismatic and adventurous Chilean backpacker, in a hostel room. Leo's inquisitive nature and irresistible charm challenge Josie to re-examine her life and her choices.
Olbrich masterfully captures the essence of Rome, weaving its enchanting atmosphere into the fabric of Josie and Leo’s story. The city's vibrant streets, ancient ruins, and timeless beauty serve as the perfect setting for their spontaneous adventure. The author’s vivid descriptions transport readers to Rome, making them feel as if they are part of the night’s magic.
The chemistry between Josie and Leo is palpable from their first meeting. Olbrich skilfully develops their connection, balancing moments of deep conversation with light-hearted fun. Leo's persistence in asking Josie thought-provoking questions gradually breaks down her emotional barriers, allowing her to confront her fears and desires. Their night together is filled with laughter, introspection, and a burgeoning romance that feels both genuine and intense.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the theme of living in the moment. Josie’s experience with Leo forces her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace spontaneity. This night of exploration and self-discovery is a pivotal moment for her, illustrating how sometimes the most unexpected encounters can lead to profound personal growth.
However, the story also delves into the bittersweet reality of their situation. With Leo living on the other side of the world, their burgeoning romance faces the ultimate test of distance and time. Olbrich leaves readers pondering whether one magical night is enough to alter their paths permanently or if it will remain a beautiful, fleeting memory.
this book was something very disappointing. The writing style wasn't for me. I read this book but it didn't give me feelings. You know giggling blushing frustrating feelings.
There was no chemistry and tension between our two main characters. What's worse than no chemistry?
The cover draws you in but the story isn't captivating like I thought it would be. This book isn't for me, but maybe it will be for someone else.
I tried multiple times to read this unfortunately I just couldn’t get into the story., and I’m still giving four stars due my being unable to get into the book doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it. The book starts off with a play style type and I’m not a fan of books written like that.
Was very boring and hard to get through. I wish the beginning had more to it to suck you in and make it more interesting.
The setting is delightful and the romance will make your swoon. This is a feel-good romance you won't want to miss.
This was was just simply lovely, enjoyed every bit of it, a few twists thinking it would head one way but went another, looking forward to reading the next book to find out the rest.
Not good. Not good at all. Who knows what was going on? What was the conflict? What was the story line? What was going on? Like I was into it and then it was going way too fast, way too insta, there wasn't enough background and I didn't really enjoy it whatsoever.
just finished reading the sample for this book… it was cute but just didn’t hit the spot for me! I was really drawn in by the cover and the title.
thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.