Coming Summer 2026

Rome When It Rains

What if happily-ever-after doesn’t look how they told you it should?

Monica has done the work. She knows what she wants, what she doesn’t, and exactly why her last relationship was never going to last. What she hasn’t done is fall in love in Rome — which she’s decided, firmly and on purpose, is not going to happen.

Then she meets Alexi.

What follows is a summer of heat, wit, and the kind of connection that makes you question everything you thought you wanted — including what a happy ending is supposed to look like.

Rome When It Rains is a love story. Just not a conventional one.

For readers who love Emily Henry’s wit — plus a European setting and an ending that dares to break the rules.

Absolutely loved it! – Elisa, Italy

Couldn’t put it down. – Nicola, South Africa

Witty, funny and fast-paced. – Abbey, UK

Cover of 'Rome When It Rains': A witty literary European romance

THE REAL THING

Tired of the fairy tale? My Substack, The Real Thing, brings you witty essays on love and life in Europe—straight to your inbox. For free. Plus you get Chapter 1 of Rome When It Rains, also free.
You know what to do.

Who Am I, You Ask?

My name is Avery (well, my pen name, that is). I write witty, literary European romance about real women juggling love, life, and friendship in Europe. My stories are fun, empowering, and end with a different kind of happily-ever-after—the one that comes from learning to be true to yourself.

I’m a recovering academic who swapped footnotes for fiction, and a practicing member of the Cat Church.

Avery D. West

Writer and Cat Mom.​

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  • Chapter 1 of Rome When It Rains
  • Sharp takes on love, culture, and life in Europe
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