cover image Royally Roma: The Royals, Book 1

Royally Roma: The Royals, Book 1

Teri Wilson. Pocket Star, $4.99 e-book (304p) ISBN 978-1-4516-5963-4

Wilson’s lively contemporary romance series launch is reminiscent of the film Roman Holiday, as an Italian crown prince and an American tour guide meet in very unlikely circumstances. Niccolo La Torre, the Crown Prince of Lazaretto, is sitting on the piazza at the Hotel de Russie in Rome when tour guide Julia Costa mistakes him for the client who has booked her for the day. He plays along, eager to avoid his responsibilities just once in his life. The attraction between Julia and Niccolo is instantaneous, though she believes that he has called her boss to complain about her. But she finally realizes that he is not her client and has lied to her, especially when he claims at the end of the day that he can’t pay for the tour. Niccolo enjoys being with a woman who is attracted to him for himself, and Julia can’t seem to help falling under his spell even though she is wary of men. The constant sexual tension between the pair is fueled by the possibility of an intense confrontation when she realizes his true identity. Niccolo and Julia’s tale is funny, romantic, and delightful. Agent: Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein, McIntosh and Otis. (Apr.)