“Adair just keeps getting better!”—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author “Lighthearted and humorous…a sweet, satisfying romance.” —Publishers Weekly A Goodreads Most Anticipated Romance of JanuaryAn Amazon Book Review Highly Anticipated Romantic Comedy & Best of the Month SelectionAn Apple Books Best of the Month Selection A funny and delightful story from the New York Times … Selection
An Apple Books Best of the Month Selection
A funny and delightful story from the New York Times bestselling author of the St. Helena Vineyard series that fans of Avery Flynn, Kristan Higgins, and Helena Hunting will love.
Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, bestselling author Marina Adair’s latest novel asks whether two of a small town’s biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first—in the name of love. . .
As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island’s unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There’s not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It’s always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that’s getting tougher to resist . . .
Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset—literally. But then his father’s death and his sister’s unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she’s in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi’s wondering if it’s time to get his sea legs under him again. Or he was wondering, until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams . . .
“Charming…Sweet and sensitive, Hopeless Romantic is a funny romance that gently manages heavy issues.”
—Shelf Awareness
A portion of royalties to benefit The Organization for Autism Research.
Praise for Marina Adair
“Small town sweetness, endearing characters and a unique quirky flair.”
—Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author
“Marina Adair is a breath of fresh air. . . . Don’t miss a word from this magnificent author!”
—New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones
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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!
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.
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.
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 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.
My favorite of the two books in this series so far! I absolutely adored this book!! Beckett and Levi’s story is simply beautiful! I love these characters so much! Beckett is such an amazing woman who always puts everyone’s needs before her own. Her father and brother are a lot to deal with but she loves them unconditionally and with everything she has. Levi sees her. I mean he really sees her. I love him! He gives her everything she didn’t even realize she was craving or needed. He takes care of her, supports her and is always there for her. I loved every moment of their story.
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for this wonderful early read by this fabulous author!
This book is hopelessly romantic, and passionate, and silly, and touching, and frustrating, and absolutely wonderful. I felt all the tension and emotion, fear and affection, love and responsibility that Levi and Beckett both dealt with in their daily lives, and I loved watching their relationship grow and unfold. A heartwarming story with laughs, tears, and all the feels. Excellent!
A heartwarming story that will make you laugh, cry and feel all the emotions going through their characters. Beckett and Levi are two caring and loving people used to put everything and everyone before them but they need to learn to love each other because they are meant to be together. Rome and their people is a place you want to come back and read about them.
“There’s a lot about me that might surprise you, if you give me a chance.” He looked her in the eye. “You willing to give me a chance, Beck?”
Beckett doesn’t do relationships – or serious. She does casual, no strings, no feelings. That works with her crazy life. She has no time to give anything else.
Levi, the apparent all around flirt, wouldn’t mind a little serious. He has had his eye on Beck for a long time. But he knows she’s not one to want to get involved. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants to push her rule.
This is a fun book with great characters. I loved their chemistry. The ending was a bit abrupt but it was good.
I requested an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series and this one can be read as a stand-alone. There is no reason to read the first book before enjoying this one.
This is Levi and Beckett’s story. I enjoyed the storyline of Beckett’s brother and father having Autism Spectrum Disorder especially because I am a Special Ed teacher. I had lots of sympathy for all that she had to juggle in her personal life. I initially thought she was a flake because of her odd jobs but she really proved she was so much more throughout the book. Now, the jury is still out on whether or not Levi deserved a second chance or any forgiveness from Beckett.
This is definitely a book that you need to check out!
An enjoyable second installment in this series. Levi Rhodes has a lot on his plate, after his father died, he came home from college to help run the family Marina and restaurant in Rome, Rhode Island. Just when he thought he might be able to get his own life back, his sister gets pregnant and he becomes a surrogate dad to his niece Paisley. Once bio-dad and step-dad are in the picture, he again thinks he may be able to get back to his own dreams and his sister dies. It is now ten months later and everyone is still trying to recover from the death of his sister. Now what stands in the way of his dreams is Beckett Hayes. Beckett has her own issues. She is starting her own concierge business, and her family life is complicated, to say the least. These two are insanely attracted to each other, but don’t know if the demands of their work and families will let them pursue anything. I definitely loved both Levi and Beckett and all of the other characters. What kept this from being a five star book was the abrupt ending. It seemed like the author was given a max word count and realized “Oh crud, I need to finish this, The End.” Perhaps the next installment in this series will give me more closure. I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
I love that there are so many great hidden messages throughout this book! Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair is such a sweet and steamy love story between Levi and Beckett. Beckett is a strong, independent female who not only cares for her family, runs her own business and is there whenever is needed, she is also tasked with planning her best friend’s wedding. Throw in a hott stuff (intentionally misspelled, read the book and you’ll understand) bar owner/sailor and things become very interesting! The witty banter and steamy chemistry between Levi and Beckett is so tangible that you get so wrapped up in the characters! I haven’t read the first book in this series, but Marina does a great job at filling in enough that you can definitely read this on it’s own. I wish there would’ve been an epilogue to finish up the rest of their story but I’m assuming that may happen in the next book. Which means now I will be waiting in anticipation for the next one…..Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and a chance to read and review this early!
I know when I pick up a book by Marina Adair that I am in for a giant smile. Hopeless Romantic did not disappoint. I smiled, I sighed, I laughed, and I cried a little. Marina doesn’t disappoint on delivering the witty back and forth banter that I crave. Their banter made this book. I loved how their relationship developed and grew. No insta-love for this girl! She pulled all the stops with the push and pull of their relationship. That slow burn was so worth it!
I loved Levi – sexy alpha strong Levi. I’ve been waiting for his story since he was introduced in Romantically Challenged. This is book #2 in the When in Rome series, however, you do not need to read in order. I suggest you do so you don’t miss out on Annie and Emmitt’s story as you will get spoilers about that book in here. However, you won’t be lost reading Levi and Beckett’s story. I also loved Beckett’s character so much. Without giving too much away, Beckett’s character was spunky and full of sass. She was strong but because she was forced to be strong. She was handed some cards that a lot of people would falter against. I loved her perverseness!
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Four Stars for Hopeless Romantic. This was my first book by the author and I know I’ll be looking for more of her books.
Hopeless Romantic is a slow-burn romance. Complex characters that you can’t help but root for. Family means everything to these characters. But they are going to have to be able to give up a little control to be able to work things out. This story was entertaining. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the When in Rome series. Beckett Hayes is the caretaker of her autistic brother. And her eccentric musician father. She knows how important it is to get a little help. So she’s started a concierge type of service. Doing off jobs for people. Levi Rhodes runs his family’s bar and restaurant. He put his plans to sail the globe on hold when his father passed away, and his sister became pregnant. But now he’s ready to finally take the trip. When Beckett walks into his bar, he knows she different. And he wants to explore the sparks that they have. But Beckett has to much on her plate to date.
I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Rome, Rhode Island, and it’s characters in the first book, Emmitt and Annie’s story. And loved seeing Levi find his happy ever after. The writing was beautiful, and the characters were relatable. Both putting their family’s needs first. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a beautiful love story with a lot of humor about two adults who are each intent on a future that will keep them apart.
Levi Rhodes is co-owner of a popular bar/restaurant and marina in the little town of Rome, Rhode Island. Years ago, he had to give up his dream of completing college and sailing around the world to come home and run the family business, after his father died unexpectedly. It’s getting close to the time when Levi can make his dream of sailing away into a reality.
Beckett Hayes is a character like no other, scrappy, determined, brave, and incredibly soft-hearted. I fell in love with her as soon as I met the chicken she was training to be a service animal. Her brother is on the autism spectrum and she has her hands full at home. So full, that she started her own business instead of working for a company, as she needed the flexibility of being able to rush home at a moment’s notice. Beckett can’t imagine being unavailable to her family for a day, much less sailing away into the sunset.
This is book 2 of the Rome, Rhode Island series. Levi also appears in the first book. which is also a romantic love story with humor, wit, real problems, and a happy ending that will make you smile. I highly recommend both books, although I don’t think it is necessary to read the first book before reading this one.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher and Netgalley. These are my own opinions.
Aww what a wonderfully emotional story full of love. My heart totally went out to Beckett. She had such a big heart. And so did Levi actually. Both of them loved their families so much that they placed them above their own happiness. Together they figure out how to find a balance to include their HEA that was just so swoon worthy to read.
*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*
I really enjoyed my trip back to Rome, R.I. and Beckett Hayes and Levi Rhodes were a great follow up to RomeAntically Challenged. If you haven’t read that book it is alright however you will not get the most out of the story because of the interconnecting characters and relationships. Levi is at a crossroads in his life. His niece is in her last year of high school and getting ready to leave the nest for college. She has been one of the major focuses of his adult life from helping his single mother sister raise her to then helping her widowed husband since her passing this past year. He knows what his past dreams were but is that still what he wants for his future? Beckett Hayes is in a very different place. She has spent the majority of her life helping her father raise her autistic younger brother. She keeps her dreams in a closed box because she is just trying to get from one day to the next. Levi has always had his eye on Beckett but she’s never given him any indication that she is interested in him even though every available female in Rome is. Beckett doesn’t have time for this to handsome for his own good bar owner and keeps her interest locked up tight! When her best friend Annie asks her to help coordinate her wedding with Levi (who is Annie’s fiance’s best friend) things really start to heat up in Rome! Hopeless Romantic was a very sweet story that was told from dual POV. A lot of emotions are covered in this story. Hope, sorrow, joy, stress, lust and love. I have really loved this series so far and I recommend this completely to fans of contemporary romance who enjoy just a bit of heat.
I hate to use the overused phrase “I couldn’t put it down” but seriously – I couldn’t put it down! The laundry didn’t get done and dinner was cereal or whatever the family could get for themselves. It is a tear jerker which I’m not really a fan of but the happy ending makes up for it! This is the 2nd in the series (3 books?). I do think reading the books in order is best. This could probably be a stand alone but knowing some background does help understand some situations. Definitely add this to your must read list!