Book Two of the When in Rome series is an enjoyable read. After reading the first book last year, I was eager to read the story of Beckett's complicated life and her dedication to her family and this one did not disappoint.

Beckett's life is full. Too full if you ask her friends. Between caring for her autistic brother (and father!), starting a new business and finding time for friends, she has neglected to take time for herself - and her love life. She spends her free time holding a silent crush on acquaintance and local bar owner, Levi.

Levi took over the family businesses after the loss of his father, and then sister. Those businesses are now thriving, but at the expense of his social life. His ambition to take his boat on a long journey at sea has been pushed aside for years now. He lives for the days that Beckett takes a seat at his bar.

When I read novels, I always notice an author's strength - character, setting or plot development. Marina Adair definitely has a flair for character development. She does a great job with a character's inner voice, making you root for them.

My reason for the 4 stars, instead of 5, is (and this was the same in book one) that the characters inevitably break up (common with romance novels) at the 95% mark. This leaves such a short amount of time for them to get back together that their reunion feels rushed. In both books that was on THE LAST PAGE of the novel. It left me wanting more closure than just a few paragraphs. It upsets the pace of the novel itself. I would have liked one more chapter with a longer ending and wrap-up.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books and Netgalley for an early copy to read and review.

Beckett and Levi have been circling each other for years but these two family/workaholics never take time to make something happen...until now.

Beckett has been carrying for her father and brother, who are both on the Autism spectrum, since her mom left when she was just a teenager. At almost thirty she’s decided the most she can hope for is no long term expectations with guys who are looking for the same but who also don’t excite her in really way. Levi is one of three “dads” to his niece and has been putting off his sailing adventure of a lifetime since his niece was born but now is hopeful the time.

The family dynamics and truths explored in Hopelessly Romantic are as important and moving as the love story itself, especially those of Beckett’s family as they are a family with different realities. I really love the interactions between the three dads and Paisley as well as those between Beckett, Tommy, Levi, and the emotional support animals.

I’m really excited to see how Grey’s love story unfolds next.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

Hopeless Romantic is another great romance story. I have been waiting to read the second book in the series as soon as I finished the first one. I absolutely loved the first book in the series and the second book was very good as well. I cant wait to see if there will be a third book in the series for Grayson.

Beckett is the girl worrying about everyone else's issues. She owns her own business as a concierge. Running about town doing her clients tasks/errands, all while worrying about her father, who has Asperger's, and her brother, who is autistic. She finds herself in the company of Levi, a friend who owns one of the local restaurants in town. Her best friend and his best friend are getting married, and find themselves planning their best friends' wedding. The more time they spend together, Beckett finds herself drawn to Levi. Levi is kind and caring to Becketts younger brother, Thomas. Beckett realizes she may have stronger feelings towards Levi

Can I just begin by saying, how cool is it that the setting for this story is in a city called Rome but not the one you're thinking. It's the one in Rhode Island. I really enjoyed that aspect.

This was an adorable story that has so much truth in it. The main character's brother has autism and throughout the story, you witness how she drops everything when things get out of hand at home. It sheds light on autism in and of itself and the family members of those who have autism or any disability. I think it's so important to have subjects such as this in a story that is light-hearted to be aware that life isn't perfect and there are always hardships.

This book was very enjoyable and so real and raw. It's also the first time I read something from Marina Adair! I'll be sure to check out more of her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the earc!

I really, really wanted to like this one. But somehow it was to much for me. I wanted to punch Beckett's dad.
I hated that she was all alone with dealing with everything. This was hear breaking.
And she is such a sweetheart. And Levi he is a dream. I love them together.
But... Too many things bugged me about this book, first there are to much writing mistakes. Names are not correct. In few scenes where alone Levi and Beckett, the author, wrote Emmitt and Beckett, but it should, be Levi and Beckett, and I was so confused. And this happens in few more scenes.
I don't know why, but I just couldn't relax and enjoy this book.

3 stars.

A charming romance. Fun, but also many heart-warming and heart-breaking family issues. I skipped over the intimate details, but thoroughly enjoyed the banter and growth of the two main characters. Interesting supporting cast.

A sweet, funny and endearing small town romance with all the feels. Two selfless people with more than enough on their plates fight a growing attraction that takes them both by surprise. Beckett has more than enough on her plate with her father and brother, not to mention her business. There is no room for a man who will probably bail anyway when things gets complicated. But she bit off more than she can chew with Levi because he is all that is good and loving in the world and he won't let her say no. Selfless only goes so far when it may cost you the person you love. Can they find a way to love even in the midst of the chaos that is their lives? Definitely a great Sunday read!

This seems like one of those books that would be greatly improved upon by reading the preceding book in the series (which I haven't). On it's own I didn't feel like I could connect with the characters. They both have so much STORY in their pasts that it overwhelms everything else.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was really looking forward to diving back into this series. And seeing Levi paired with Beckett was just another way to get me excited. These two not only have amazing chemistry, they also understand each other in a way nobody else seems to.

Becket seriously broke my heart. She is so giving and caring while never letting anyone give to her or care for her. It’s her way of protecting herself. She doesn’t want to get used to anything that will go away in the long run. Beckett has no faith in much of humanity, and she hasn’t been given many reasons that she should. Now that Annie lives in town and she has started spreading out her friend base (everyone in town knows Beck, but she doesn’t let anyone really know her) she finally starting to see her worth. And see that she lets people, even those that love her dearly, take her for granted and take advantage of her kindness and need to protect everyone.

Levi and Beckett have actually known each other for years. He’s the owner of the most popular bar/restaurant in town, she’s a jack (jill) of all trades who is always out and about, and like I said, everyone knows Beckett. Now that their best friends are together, they’ve gotten to know each other on a more personal level. While Levi was always intrigued by Beck, now he can’t help but flirt and hope for more. But anything with Levi has an expiration date. He’s put off his own dreams long enough. He’s actually more like Beckett than he even realizes. Always the caregiver, always the fixer, always the reliable shoulder. He needs to get out and live his own life instead of living life for his niece, mom, and brother-in-law.

I am head over heels in love with Levi. He is so caring and intuitive. Not just with Beck, but with all of the people in his life. That man was giving me warm-fuzzies on top of butterflies on top of chills. Whether he was teasing and flirting with Beck or helping her in ways nobody ever has before, teaching his niece to drive, or being the most patient son on the planet, Levi was amazing. (I’m not even going to get into my issues with his mom. That rant could go on for way too long.) In other words, the perfect match for Beckett. Seriously, with the love these two give to all of those around them, they could teach most of this world a thing or two and make it a better place.

Now, I do have a small problem with this book. I felt the ending was a bit too rushed. Almost like the author realized her page count and had to wrap things up before she was quite ready. There is definitely a satisfying conclusion to the Beckett/Levi story, but I don’t know if I’m satisfied with other aspects of these character’s lives. Since there is still more story to tell (after all, Gray still needs another HEA) I’m hoping some of the smaller loose ends will be wrapped up in the next book. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a cliffhanger. I just felt there was more to be said.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

After having read book one I couldn’t wait for this book to be published. RomeAntically Challenged had me laughing out loud and who couldn’t use a good laugh? This book focuses on Beckett Hayes, Annie Walsh’s best friend, from book one. This book can stand alone but you will want to read the first book for the story of Annie and Emmitt!

The story wasn’t as strong as the first book.
The relationship between Beckett and Levi felt weak and slow, they actually met before but in the beginning it seemed like Beck pegged him as a lady’s man. Levi sees her as a quirky flake who wears mismatched socks and a cape who rides a scooter. Somehow they manage to overlook their initial options to form an unlikely pair.

Both characters have deep emotional baggage which walls them off from other people and asking for help. I enjoyed the story but I don’t think it held together as well as the first book.

I’ve enjoyed all of Marina’s books that I’ve read and I was eager to get my greedy eyes on this one.

I loved Beckett and Levi. They’re both loyal and loving and crazy busy with their responsibilities. I enjoyed getting both of their POVs while they bantered and flirted and reveled in the chemistry they have. There are a good group of secondary characters and they were delightful.

Plot wise, it was nearly all fluff. I expected a lot of angst and spent a good portion of the read expecting the other shoe to drop. There is a bit of conflict, but it’s at the end and resolved quickly. The autism rep was provided a layer I wasn’t expecting and while I wanted a lot more from the ending, it was satisfying.

Overall, it was a cute and quick read. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.

**Huge thanks to Kensington for providing the arc free of charge**

Beckett and Levi share a number of friends in the town of Rome, Long Island.

They been pushed together even more than ever as their best friends become engaged and start planning their wedding.

Neither really has time for anything outside of their business pursuits and initially they seem at odds, although it's obvious they are attracted to each other. In true romancelandia style, a beautiful relationship develops.

To be honest though, what I liked most about this book was the way that the author portrayed Beckett's brother and father.

Showing how easy it is to love someone with ASD but also highlighting only a minute amount of consideration that needs to go into the preparation for every aspect of a typical day, just blew me away.

I'm sure I'll return to Rome, and it's residents, in the future.

I loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait to begin Hopeless Romantic!

The premise is interesting. Overworked and underappreciated Beckett Hayes who has a dad with Asbergers who is high functioning and a musical savant and an autistic brother, trains service animals, runs her own business, and does not have time to date. Levi Rhodes, is left running his family's marina and restaurant after the death of his father, then his sister is pregnant, then she dies, and he needs to be a father figure for his niece. Both characters are busy, busy, busy.

I really wanted to love this book as much as the first. Unfortunately I didn't. The first part of the book dragged for me. Levi and Beck didn't have any connection that I could see/feel in the beginnning, then, BAM...They were thrown together to plan a wedding and everything worked. I felt the ending was rushed and too many tendrils were left hanging. I hope the next book in the series can tie those tendrils into bows! I'm not giving up on Rome!

It was nice to see some of the characters from the first book and get caught up with them. Paisley in high school? Wow...her 'dads' have done a bang up job with her. I also have to say, 5 stars for Gregory Pecker! Some of the funniest lines were the double entendres...at least I took them that way!

If you're looking for something light and quick, this will work for you. The dialogue is good and except for the pacing, and that might just be me, a nice read.

I want to commend Ms. Adair for speaking to neurodevelopmental disorders. This is not a topic that is brought up in contemporary romance and many people in all walks of life are dealing with these issues.

Hopeless Romantic is book #2 in the When In Rome series. In my opinion this book is best read in series order.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Beckett Hayes is used to doing things her way, except she has a lot of things on her plate to juggle. One of those things is her family, whom she is devoted to. Her brother, Thomas is autistic and Jeffery, her father, is also on the spectrum. Beck's mom left them a long time ago, and Beck stepped in. She makes sure to keep her private life and family separate. To make ends meet, she picks up odd jobs, which gives her the luxury of having time when she needs for her family. The one person, who doesn't have quality time, is Beckett.

Levi Rhodes is the owner of The Crow's Nest, a bar and grill. He, also oversees the marina, and recovering from the loss of his sister, he takes care of his niece, Paisley, and jumps whenever his mother calls because he knows she is lonely.

Beck, has gotten a nickname for herself, Dr. Dolittle, from all the animals she trains as support animals, and currently in her charge is Gregory, a chicken, who she smuggled into The Crow's Nest. In her haste, she leaves Gregory behind and Levi's best friend, Emmitt and his brother-in-law, Grayson, give Levi a good ribbing.

When Levi finds himself in a position to lend a hand to Beck, he thinks it's a matter of finding things on the grocery list. He just doesn't bank on what items, and finding himself in a bind, he calls Annie, for Beck's number. Levi, also learns about Beck, and meets Tommy.

Neither, Levi nor Beck believes in finding love, but neither one is willing to admit there is something between the two of them. Each has come by their convictions from past hurts.

With Annie and Emmitt's upcoming nuptials, Annie cons Beck into a job of being her wedding planner. Part of the plan is having a small wedding at The Crow's Nest, which throws Levi and Beck to working together. They decide after a few rules to be companions. Everything is going well, until chaos erupts when Levi is out of town and can't be reached. Beck is called, as she was listed as an emergency contact, and just as she has her hands full, Beck's home front explodes. Levi returns to learn someone broke into his establishment and stole cash along with other irreplaceable items. Levi's trust in Beck is ruined. It takes Emmitt and Grayson to point out the obvious to Levi, and Beck to realize that she should have a life too.

Along with a romance story, there's a little mystery, and hilarious scenes with Gregory. I enjoyed the back and forth bantering between Beck and Levi. I, especially liked how the author incorporated autism into the story, which provides insight in dealing with autism within a family. This story tugged on my heart strings.

I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley via Kensington and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

This was a cute storyline. I enjoyed the animals and the banter between the two characters. I wish I had read the first book before reading this one though. I feel like it would have helped me connect with the characters more. Overall it was ok for me (mainly because I had a hard time connecting with the characters) but I can see why others would really enjoy it. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy to read and review.

I received this arc from Kensington Books for an honest
A second book in the series has Levi dealing with Beckett and her chicken in his bar. He finds himself wanting to spend time with her yet he still has plans to leave Rome Rhode Island on his boat and sail away for six months. Beckett finds herself liking Levi but knows she has a life that is totally different and one that most people don’t know about with her autistic brother and a father that she ends up having to take care of as well.
Levi though thinks about himself and the sister he lost he also thinks about all of the businesses he owns after a while he decides to date her and of course all goes well until it doesn’t. everything comes apart with Levi and his words and of course the words that come out of his mouth without knowing what even happened that night to her, but him only thinking about himself. See what happens and if he can fix the mess that he created. A very good story and as always good characters.

Hopeless Romantic is about two hardworking people who put family above all else. Their affinity to place their families above their own happiness leads to complications. This book was cute and fun. There was a bit more seriousness to it than I would have liked. It does shine a light on Autism and how the spectrum of Autism leads to different experiences.

I read RomeAntically Challenged and enjoyed it, so I was excited for this book!

Right off the bat, I felt like there may have been a miss in the title. I expected it to have the pun like the first title did and be Hopeless RomeAntic, but I'm sure there was a reason for that.

Honestly, I really enjoyed the first 80% of the book and would've given it a higher rating had it not gone off the rails. The sex scene was when it started to go downhill for me. I just can't take it seriously when the scene includes any of these: "BINGO" "hole in one" or referring to genitalia as pastries. The content itself was a lot, and it was like 7% of the book. I know these scenes can be challenging to write, but Adair is so great at building plot—I'd rather have had a little more story in place of half of this very long scene.

I got incredibly confused after the sex scene because there was a jump in time in the story, but how much time was left uncertain. There had been no reference to Beckett learning how to manage the restaurant or why; the story just kind of skipped without much explanation. I also felt like the robbery resolution was lacking, and we never got around to finding out who was behind the previous thefts. And what happened with the wedding? I wish the author had spent more time at the end of the book resolving the conflicts and tying up loose ends.

I definitely enjoyed the first book in the series much more, but this was an easy read with enjoyable main characters. Beckett and Levi were both sweet and their chemistry was evident. Maybe there will be a third book with Gray as the main?

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series, RomeAntically Challenged, and so when I heard the next book was coming out, I really wanted to read it! This one was really cute and I smiled my way through the interactions of Beckett and Levi. They were really sweet! I also liked the addition of Beckett's brother Tommy who is autistic and her father who has Asperger's and how it affected her as she was the caretaker of them both. You don't see that so much in books. I also liked the way that Beckett trained animals, like Gregory Pecker as emotional support animals. I must say I enjoyed those bits more than Levi with his restaurant woes.

The only part that threw me was at the end. It seemed rushed and it did not feel complete. There were many unanswered questions on my part, like what is going on with Levi and his trip and all that. It was still a fun book though and I enjoyed it except for that.

This author once again delivers a story that will touch your hearts.
Beckett Hayes is a woman that is juggling many hats and has created a business that allows her flexibility. She’s a sort of concierge for the locals. But she is more than that . From the moment her mother left her family behind, Beckett has become the caretaker of her autistic brother Tommy/Thomas and to a point, also the caretaker of her father . A talented man but one that is forgetful and has Asperger’s.
Levi Rhodes owns the local marina as well as the bar and restaurant. He once had dreams of a sailing scholarship but all that came to a halt when his father died and most recently , his sister. But his dream might become a reality , at least he hopes.
Both of these individuals had dreams but have put their lives on hold for their families. They love them with all their hearts, but not without consequences to their personal lives.
As a friendship develops between Beckett and Levi, so do the feelings though they both know that a HEA is beyond their reach. Or is it?
This is a story that is at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. It’s a story about family, responsibilities, dreams, hope, acceptance and love.
Another winner in the series and one leaving this reader wondering if Gray will be getting his story next.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.