The Scent Of Rome by Lise Gold book reviewThe Scent of Rome is a beautifully written contemporary romance set in one of the most romantic places on earth. The book focuses on two women who meet at a critical time in their lives. The last thing either woman is looking for is a relationship, but the connection when they meet is immediate, intense and can’t be ignored.

Rome Foster has recently arrived in her namesake city in a last-ditch effort to obtain funding for a revolutionary App that could change the world. She’s single-focused and brilliant. If she doesn’t receive this funding, however, she’s sunk. Rome doesn’t really do relationships due to past trauma. A romantic entanglement, especially with a woman, is the last thing on her mind.

Nadine Costa doesn’t date either. She loves her life exactly as it is and doesn’t see any reason to change it. Her job as an escort allows her the freedom to experience Rome to the fullest. It also allows her to pursue her true passion, which is making perfume. When she meets Rome she realizes she has never smelled anyone so enticing. She can’t help but be taken by the gorgeous woman with the same name as the city she loves, but she’s not looking for anything serious, she doesn’t do serious. But she can’t get Rome and her smell out of her mind.

After their initial meeting, the two women agree that they want each other in their lives and continue to see each other. Nadine gets to show Rome the hidden pleasures of her beloved city. They both support each other with their business ventures. And when something horrible happens to Rome, Nadine is there for her. All the while the two get closer and closer.

Are both women willing to break down their personal and emotional barriers to take a chance on love?

The Characters

Rome and Nadine are both lovely human beings, inside and out. They are well fleshed out and multi-faceted.

Rome is a no-nonsense self-professed “geek” who was always a workaholic and liked it that way. I love that she was written as someone not afraid of being smart and determined. Even when she becomes a victim, I love that Gold doesn’t “victimize” her. Her intelligence, strength and resiliency cause the character to act rather than react to get justice. Not only that, she’s beautiful, but she doesn’t know it. I also love that she accepts that she’s attracted to Nadine fairly quickly in the novel, without too much angst at being attracted to another woman for the first time.

Nadine is more ethereal. She believes in karma and superstition and (like every lesbian) astrology. She sees beauty everywhere and surrounds herself with beautiful things. She’s incredibly sexy and unabashedly sexual, yet Gold imbues the character with such a vulnerability, that she never comes across as vulgar or crass. Add in the fact that her true passion is making and selling perfume, and you couldn’t get a more precious character.

The Writing Style

The Scent of Rome is beautifully written. It’s sensual and luxurious. The book is not only a romance novel about two women, it’s also a love letter to the city itself. Lise Gold describes the city so intricately that it becomes the third character.

The novel moves at an easy, not too fast, not too slow pace.

There are some great steamy parts which goes in line with who the characters are and how they instantly relate to each other. While it’s not a slow burn romance, we get to see the relationship between the two women develop naturally, almost as if in real-time. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts and very believable.

The story is told from both Rome and Nadine’s perspective, so we get to understand both of their motivations. Because of this, there is good character development, however, I wish we could have learned more about Nadine’s past.

My Favourite Parts

What I liked most was strolling through the city of Rome with the main characters. You feel like you are right there with them as they zip off on a scooter, browse through markets and stop at cafés. I like the poetic feel of being in such a romantic backdrop and how it feeds into their romance.

I also enjoyed just how much this couple supported each other throughout the novel and how their loyalty to each other was unwavering from the beginning to the end.

Finally, I always like to be educated just a little about subjects that I am not familiar with and I was able to learn a bit about what goes into perfume making and APP development so that was definitely a bonus!

Heads Up

There is a brief scene of sexual assault. Although it’s not very graphic, it could be a trigger for some readers.

The Conclusion

If you love books that take you away to romantic settings (and everything Italian), this is the book for you. It’s a love letter to the city of Rome and a great love story. I would highly recommend this light, sumptuous novel.

Excerpt from The Scent of Rome by Lise Gold

“This is the famous Trevi Fountain. It’s beautiful, don’t you think?” Nadine’s voice was low and sultry, as if she was sharing a secret. “It’s one of the oldest water sources in Rome.”

Trying to steady her breathing, Rome hoped Nadine couldn’t feel her sudden shift in energy as her body did crazy things. She told herself to create some distance but for some reason she did the opposite, leaning back against Nadine, who in return, put her hands on her hips and rested her chin on her shoulder. Minutes passed as they stood there in silence; Rome pretending to take in the wonder of the fountain, which by now was the last thing on her mind, and Nadine perhaps doing the same. Fueled with adrenaline, she almost jumped when Nadine spoke again and pressed something into the palm of her hand.

“Here. Turn around and throw this over your shoulder.”

Rome looked down at the Euro in her hand. “Why?”

“Because it’s a tradition and it ensures a safe return to Rome.” Nadine pointed at dozens of other people who were doing exactly that. “And I really want you to come back.”

“I think most of all, you just want me to turn around.” Rome could have kicked herself for the tremble in her voice when she spoke. She felt Nadine’s body shake against hers as she chuckled, knowing she’d been caught out.

“Maybe. But I’m also a little superstitious, so I think you should do it regardless.”

A lot of things went through Rome’s head in that moment. She was scared to turn around, to come face to face with Nadine who was standing so close to her but at the same time, an urge to do so tugged at her. Nadine had her curious, fascinated, and right now, Rome wanted to see the look in her eyes. Slowly, she turned around, her arm brushing against Nadine’s stomach and breasts before they were facing each other. She felt Nadine’s chest heaving as her soft breasts pressed against hers when a tour group arrived, pushing them even closer together. Looking up, Rome met her eyes that now had an amused twinkle in them.

Nadine tilted her head and smiled. “Are you scared of me?” She grinned and licked her lips when Rome didn’t answer. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to kiss you.” Her smile widened. “Not unless you want me to.”

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