This was such a fun surprise! When I started this book, I didn’t realize the main characters were so young. My level of excitement dropped for a moment, but I’ll tell you I got sucked into this sweet story so quickly. It had all the feels of the nostalgic Princess Diaries type of stories while being based off Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday.

Story has just graduated high school & is living with her mom in Rome (who works as an attorney for the US embassy) when she runs into Luca, a Scottish heartthrob. Story and Luca end up fake dating for the summer for reasons you’ll have to read about. Their fake dates take you all over Rome, but not to all the expected tourist spots. They spend time together in the lesser known & more locally-known Roman spots and begin to develop a true friendship. But can that blossom into more?

I loved how genuine Story and Luca are in this book. Yes, they’re young. Yes, it’s easy to criticize their ability to know what love really is at their age. That said, it’s a story that is allowed to write its own rules & take you on a beautiful trip through Rome as we get to know these characters. I was transported to all of these beautiful spots in Rome. Even the supporting characters were perfectly written and executed.

This is the perfect book to read over the summer. It would make for an ideal summer vacation read. It’s clean, sweet, and takes you for a beautiful ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books/Delacorte Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to check this book out when it releases in June!

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @getunderlined for an early copy of All Roads Lead to Rome by @sabrinafedel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: June 18th, 2024

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63107018-all-roads-lead-to-rome?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=cXAj2Su4Ok&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

All Roads Lead to Rome starts with Astoria “Story”, an ordinary girl/daughter of a diplomat, who finds herself involved in a fake-dating scheme with Luca, a Scottish celebrity who’s secretly dating popstar Jasmine; they try to cover up Luca and Jasmine’s secret relationship by Luca pretending to date Story instead, in exchange for Luca funding a scholarship in Story’s dad’s memory. As Luca and Story pretend to date by being seen together by the paparazzi touring all the beautiful sights and devouring all the delicious food Rome has to offer, they get to know each other, and their pretending turns into something friendlier and friendlier (yes, spoiler alert! They fall in love!).

A happy ending aside, I truly enjoyed how Luca and Story lifted each other and gave each other life realizations that they would not have found soon enough if they had not met by chance. Luca has encouraged Story to come out of her shell and has built up her confidence to stand up for herself, which had a huge impact and some girl power towards the end of the novel. Meanwhile, through Story’s optimism and point of view, Luca has realized that there’s more to life than fame and fortune, and this has made him appreciate what life has to offer.

I truly enjoyed how the main characters’ chemistry blossomed from acquaintances to friends, and eventually to romance; their romantic chemistry, although gradual in the making, was heartfelt, but what I enjoyed the most was how much they valued their friendship from the very beginning. I also loved seeing Rome through these characters’ eyes and how much the author has beautifully described some of its hidden gems. It makes me hopeful to be able to travel to Rome sometime soon.

I started out loving the book. But as the story continued it felt unbelievable. I didn’t understand why Luca didn’t just find another girl to date. Why take the same girl out when the thing she’s proposing makes things more intricate than necessary? I did enjoy the history lessons when they’re together but most of the other interactions were lacking. I wish we saw more interaction with her mother because otherwise her life seemed pretty lonely. I was not a fan of the girlfriend being nasty and jealous. It felt cliche and made even less sense why Luca would date her. The ending was sweet but very formulaic. Overall, I liked the story but and would still suggest others check it out but it was only an okay read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the arc.

As a HUGE fan of Audrey Hepburn and <i>Roman Holiday</i>, I was super excited to get my hands on this book. It’s kind of a gender-swapped reimagining of that movie. Instead of a princess (Audrey Hepburn) and reporter (Gregory Peck), this book follows Story, a regular girl, who fake dates Luca, an influencer.

I absolutely loved the Roman setting! Story, who has been studying abroad there and knows the area reasonably well, becomes Luca’s tour guide and they go to many spots all over Rome. It made me want to book a vacation there! The setting really came to life.

Luca and Story were characters from very different backgrounds, but it was fun to see them get to know each other and see their worlds collide.

This also touches on the subject of addiction, but it felt very surface level, and felt almost out of place in a sweet contemporary like this.

I thought the second half was slower than the first half (which I absolutely flew through), but this was a cute read and I’d recommend it, especially to those who love Rome and/or old movies!


<b>3.5 stars, rounded up </b>

“All Roads Lead to Rome” is an Italian dream! This story will transport you directly to Rome! Story is a relatable main character, as she deals with her snobby classmates, and joins the lives of the rich and famous. It was great to see the character growth during this fun and lively romance!

For those who love:
🛵 Italian setting
🛵 Travel Romances
🛵 He’s Famous, She’s not
🛵 Love Triangle?
🛵 “Roman Holiday”
🛵 Fake Dating
🛵 “The Lizzie McGuire Movie”

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute romance, that hits all the feel good parts of my heart. I mean it's in Rome and has a fake dating troupe. I love the imagery and getting the accounts of all these romantic must see places. The slow burn and that butterflies in your stomach feeling when fake feelings turn real just had my heart skipping a beat!

I really enjoyed this YA romance. I thought it was well written and liked all the main characters. I thought this book was so cute. I liked the fake dating scenario. I highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet romance to read. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

For a YA novel, this book has fantastic deep conversations about addiction, bullying, and identity. Throw in famous person-regular person, supportive families, and Roma as the background and you have yourself a winner.

Such a cute Young Adult fake dating romance! I'll definitely be rereading All Roads Lead to Rome pretty soon!!😍

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to this ARC! I have to admit I was floored on the first page with Story looking out the window from the Keats-Shelley House in Rome because I stood looking out that very same window the last time I visited Rome! Needless to say, I was hooked. The locations (Italy and Scotland) are what drew me to this book in the first place because those are two of my favorite travel destinations, and they didn’t disappoint. I loved the descriptions of the locations, the food, and the clothing. A few moments in the first half were a choppy (short sentences, stilted dialogue) and there are a few typos (I think, or just poor writing?) in this ARC that took my mind out of the story momentarily. The ending was
sweeter than I expected — I was thinking along the lines of Roman Holiday. Overall it was a fun story and the characters were endearing.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER FOR THIS ADVANCE REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

Starting of the book was catchy.  Story, an American girl in Italy is treated like an outcast by her fellows. She is happy living in the shadows and waiting to start university. But a girl can't live like this in a romcom so she bumped into a guy and from there, a fake dating trope started. She doesn't know who this guy is and why paparazzi are always following him (she should've googled but for the sake of the story she didn't). I liked Story and Luca's friendship but not a fan of their chemistry. This book was kind of a roller coaster, I started to like it, but then something happened and I lost track of the story and this pattern kept going on throughout the book. I felt like there were several filler characters. All of the history dumping was not my cup of tea so I skipped a good chunk of that. The book had potential but it got wasted like common sense in this story.

2.7 stars!!!! I liked this book but it definitely fell a little flat for me!! I think I wanted more of the romance and I just didn't get that at like the end. I also wasn't a big fan of luca I feel like I didn't get his personality that much, This book is definitely plot driven then character driven which isn't a bad thing don't get me wrong but it just wasn't my favorite thing!! I think this is a really cute and fast paced romance book if you want something quick!! The girl in this book her name is Story and I thought she was really cute I love the mother and daughter relationship in this book it was so cute!!

Introverted Astoria 'Story' is on the outside of the other Diplomat kids at her school and she can't wait to start Princeton in the Fall. She loves and knows a lot about Rome. It's one chance encounter at a gelato shop that turns her life topsy-turvy. When she bumps into famous singer Jasmine and Scottish heartthrob Luca Kinnaird what starts as a diversion from the ruthless paparazzi turns into much more. Little by little Story finds that Luca is filled with surprises and maybe she might have her own Audrey Hepburn happy ever after.

What worked: Modern-day twist on Roman Holiday. Love all the fun shout-outs to Audrey Hepburn in this fast-paced contemporary romance set in Rome. There's lots of history and visual imagery throughout this engaging tale.

I loved the twist on Roman Holiday where Luca is the one with royal background and Story is the commoner. Story shies away from social media so it's a huge step to go from someone who had no presence online to being hounded by the paparazzi at every turn. She finds out who are her real friends and those who try to take advantage of her sudden fame online.

Luca comes across first as an entitled member of the upper class. Story has no knowledge he is in fact from Scottish royalty. He slowly opens himself up to her and I know I fell for him like she did.

There's also mention of how 'real' social media is and isn't and how some will spread lies to benefit themselves. There's mention of addiction and how Story doesn't want to mention her father's death to it. Also, Jasmine's boyfriend is in rehab. When Luca asks what she would like for her part in playing the fake girlfriend, Story asks for a scholarship in her father's name.

A fun take on the fake romance trope.

Magical ride through Rome with an engaging cast of characters. Unlike Roman Holiday, this one has a happily ever after. I think Audrey would approve!

4.3 rounded down to 4/5

Sabrina Fedel's "All Roads Lead to Rome" offers readers a charming and nostalgic journey reminiscent of classic rom-coms, with a modern twist set against the backdrop of the Eternal City. With echoes of "Roman Holiday" and a fresh take on familiar tropes, this gender-reversed tale delivers a delightful blend of romance, humor, and social commentary.

At the heart of the story is Astoria "Story" Herriot, a shy and introspective young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes embroiled in a fake dating scheme with Scottish celebrity Luca Kinnaird. As their worlds collide amidst the picturesque streets of Rome, Story finds herself navigating the complexities of fame, love, and personal identity.

Fedel's narrative is infused with a palpable sense of wanderlust, transporting readers to the enchanting streets and landmarks of Rome. Through meticulous attention to detail and vivid descriptions, the author captures the essence of the city, allowing readers to immerse themselves in its rich history and vibrant culture.

The dynamic between Story and Luca is both endearing and electrifying, fueled by their undeniable chemistry and the tension of their contrasting backgrounds. Luca's swoon-worthy charm and Scottish charisma add depth to his character, while Story's relatable vulnerability and wit make her a captivating protagonist.

While the novel excels in its depiction of romance and setting, there are moments where the pacing falters, particularly in the second half of the story. Some scenes could benefit from more emotional depth and development, enhancing the overall impact of pivotal moments in the plot.

Despite these minor flaws, "All Roads Lead to Rome" is a delightful read that blends timeless romance with modern sensibilities. Fedel skillfully navigates themes of social media scrutiny, class differences, personal growth, and addiction, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of love and authenticity in the digital age.

With its evocative setting, engaging characters, and heartfelt message, "All Roads Lead to Rome" is sure to captivate fans of contemporary romance and classic cinema alike. Whether you're longing for a virtual tour of Rome or a heartwarming love story with a twist, this novel delivers an enchanting journey with a fairy-tale ending that will leave you longing for amore.

I really enjoyed this romance, and Story as a main character was great. She was more mature than I expected from a YA romance main character, and I'm so here for it. The serious topics related to substance use and abuse helped the plot feel more real and raw. I also loved the way the romance developed, because while it was slightly predictable, it was still so cute. And, who doesn't enjoy a story where a wealthy Scottish man does literally anything? This was a cute romance that I am glad to have read.

This is a fake dating, opposites attract romance that is a quick read for anyone who loves romance novels. I especially liked the mini tour of Rome's attractions and the awkward start to a fake relationship that grows easily though the book. A must read for those seeking a book with a happy ending. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

i have mixed feelings about this book. The first was everything I ever wanted from a YA romcom it was fast-paced and I adored or main characters, Astoria (story for short) and Luca. However once we got to about the 50% mark everything changed the pacing wasn't consistent, the writing seemed and the plot slowed down. Despite the problems in the second half i did still enjoy this book and will be reading from this author again in the future.,

Rome sparkles on every page of this delightful romance. I loved traveling throughout the city and daydreamed of gelato while reading. I also enjoyed the smart take on the fake-dating trope, discovering the world of the "dips", and following Luca and Story on all of their fun adventures.

This book!!! The setting itself was cento per cento! Most of it took place in Italy, and Fidel painted Rome beautifully. I really liked Story as the main character and definitely related to her throughout the book. It was fun to watch her grow and try new things. Can we please get a sequel of her at college!?

Now on to Luca...I don't know what it was about him, but I was never fully sold. He was sweet at times, but also his choices made me question him (and if he was who Story should be with) more than once. Besides that though, I loved all the side characters (Jack and Andrew in particular)!

This was one I couldn't put down - definitely recommend if you're looking for a quick escape or longing for a trip to Italy!!

In Sabrina Fedel's delightful novel, "All Roads Lead to Rome," we meet Astoria "Story" Herriot, an introverted and slightly anxious young woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of Rome. Story's life is turned upside down when she finds herself in a fake dating scheme with Scottish heartthrob, Luca Kinnaird, to protect his relationship with a pop princess. As Story shows Luca the hidden gems of Rome and helps him navigate the city's bustling streets, she discovers that there's more to life than her carefully planned future. Fedel's writing is witty and charming, bringing the vibrant city of Rome to life with vivid descriptions and colorful characters. Story is a relatable protagonist, and readers will root for her as she navigates the ups and downs of her newfound romance with Luca. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each adding their own unique charm to the story. As Story and Luca's fake relationship begins to blur the lines between reality and fiction, they find themselves questioning their true feelings for each other. Fedel expertly weaves together humor, romance, and self-discovery, creating a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. "All Roads Lead to Rome" is a delightful and entertaining novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and anyone who loves a good fake dating story. Fedel's writing is a breath of fresh air, and readers will find themselves swept away by the magic of Rome and the undeniable chemistry between Story and Luca.