Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2024
Genres: YA Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Adventure
Audience: Grades 7–12, Adult
Goodreads Link: All Roads Lead to Rome
Content Warnings: Drug abuse (referenced)
Publisher’s Summary
Introverted, slightly anxious Astoria “Story” Herriot knows everything about Rome—her mom’s an attorney there and the two of them are living la dolce vita… at least until Story’s off to college in the fall.
But when Story is in the wrong gelato shop at the right time, she’s swept up in a fake dating scheme with Scottish heartthrob Luca Kinnaird. Luca needs to protect his secret relationship with a pop princess, and in exchange, he promises to fund a scholarship in Story’s late father’s memory. As she shows Luca the best sights—from the Mouth of Truth to hidden ruins—the line between what’s fake and what’s real begins to blur. Soon, the paparazzi’s knives come out, and Story must navigate a world of celebrity she never asked for.
Review
All Roads Lead to Rome by Sabrina Fedel is a fast-paced and engaging contemporary novel that blends humor, social commentary, and vivid travel writing. The story centers on Astoria, the daughter of a diplomat living in Italy. As she prepares for Princeton in the fall, Astoria’s life feels predictable—until a chance encounter in a gelato shop pulls her into an internet scam and a high-profile media scandal.
While the “fake dating” plot might feel predictable to seasoned romance readers, the novel’s true strength lies in its immersive setting. Fedel’s descriptions of Rome are incredible. From famous tourist attractions to the everyday pulse of the city, Rome becomes a character in its own right. Students who enjoy stories set abroad will appreciate the rich atmosphere.
Most importantly for students, the book explores the complexities of social media and public image. Astoria’s experience highlights the weight of a digital footprint and how quickly information spreads in the digital age. It serves as a great cautionary tale about how online presence can shape perception in ways that are often out of our control—a theme that will resonate deeply with today’s teens.
