Okay, let me just say—I loved this book! When in Rome by Sarah Adams was exactly what I needed: a cozy, feel-good romance that hit me right in the feels. It’s sweet, funny, and just the perfect escape.

The story follows Amelia, a pop star who’s totally burnt out and ends up in a small town after her car breaks down. Enter Noah, the grumpy (but secretly swoony) small-town baker who reluctantly lets her stay at his place. Classic opposites attract, but oh, it’s done so well! Their banter had me smiling nonstop, and the slow burn? Chef’s kiss.

What really stood out for me was the character development. Amelia isn’t just a pop star stereotype—she’s real and vulnerable, trying to figure out who she is outside of the spotlight. And Noah? He’s gruff and guarded, but with such a soft side that comes out in the best ways. Watching them slowly let down their walls and fall for each other felt so natural and satisfying.

Also, the small-town vibe is just perfection. It’s cozy and charming, and the side characters add so much heart and humor. I felt like I was right there with them, rooting for Amelia and Noah every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a cute, slow-burn romance that’ll make you smile, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little, When in Rome is it. Highly recommend for a cozy night in with a blanket and a cup of tea!

When in Rome was an absolutely adorable rom-com! It includes several tropes/elements that I love, including a small town setting and a relationship between a celebrity and a "normal" person (non-celebrity).

Amelia is burned out and wants to escape from her celebrity life, She heads out in her car, only to break down in a rural town. Have no fear, though, she is rescued by Noah. Alas the car repairs will take several weeks, so she is forced to stay in Rome, KY, explore the city, and meet the locals. Inevitably she is charmed by the cast of characters she is introduced to, and the small town feel of Rome. There is also her growing attraction with Noah (classic grumpy X sunshine). Between all of these things, it's getting harder and harder for her to imagine leaving Rome.

Overall this is a heartwarming story and the whole way through I just couldn't wait for the two of them to admit their feelings for each other and get together.

This was such a cute little rom com that I enjoyed from start to finish! It’s a slow burn, grumpy-sunshine romance — two of my least favorite tropes — but I’ll tell you, this one really worked for me!

The characters were unique and had a lot of fun quirks & baggage to unpack in addition to the main romantic plot. They were each dealing with their own trauma and drama! While I am not much like either character (ie. Not a pop superstar or a small town pie shop owner), I found them both easy to love! I loved the tension between them and appreciated that there was more to the story after the main romantic climax (pun ABSOLUTELY intended) and it didn’t just fall off and wrap up “and they lived happily ever after” like a lot of slow burn romances do.

There was also a great cast of supporting characters that I would absolutely read a book about -- for example a spin off about Noah's sisters, or a "prequel" about his grandmother & her best friend Mable, who seemed like the Thelma and Louise type!

(NOTE: As I was writing this, I looked it up and she DID write some of these! Practice Makes Perfect came out last summer and follows Noah's youngest sister Annie & Beg Borrow or Steal follows his oldest sister, Emily, and releases in January! Definitely adding them to my TBR!)

While this wasn't necessarily the best book I've ever read ever in my life, I did give it five stars. Why? Because it hit all the marks for what I expected -- it was a fun, easy read that made my smile and giggle! It had everything I want in a silly little romantic comedy, although if I did have to critique, I'd say I would have liked a little more spice instead of the "fade to black" when they FINALLY got together! But if you're looking for a very wholesome romance with a unique perspective, this one is for you!

The biggest thank you to the author, Sarah Adams, and her publisher, Dell, for allowing me to read this book as an ARC! It may have taken me a while, but I'm so grateful and hope to read future love stories from Adams!

DNF @ 60%

I set this one down and over a year later I still have no desire to finish it. While I liked the main characters, the sisters really killed this book for me. I am sure there was going to be a conversation later on about their controlling ways but I just could not stick around to finish it.

3.5
This is a light and comforting romance. I enjoyed the banter between Amelia and Noah as well as the cute, charming town of Rome, Kentucky. The story has the predictable elements of romance and conflict/hurdles to overcome, but it’s handled quite well and is fun to read. This is a slow burn, closed door romance - perfect if you need some comfort and fun.

I really enjoyed this book! I love a good small town romance, especially two MCs from different worlds coming together. I thought the chemistry was so well written between these two and I loved their relationship. I will definitely be rereading this book!

This was the first book I read by Sarah Adams, and I'm sure it will not be my last. Perfect summer read Thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with this book.. Thank you, NetGalley for the arc of this book.

I absolutely loved this book!! The small town vibes were perfect. All the towns people cracked me up & gave Gilmore Girls vibes all the way. I loved how grumpy Noah was but how he took care of those he loved. Overall this book was 5 stars and a new fav of mine!

I loved this book! The author does a wonderful job creating and writing her characters and developing a story that draws you in. I had a hard time putting this book down.

This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait to read the second book.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Very nice rom com. Loved the characters, and the writing gave me a good laugh throughout. Would definitely read more of your works!

Wasn’t my favorite, but still enjoyed the read nonetheless. I loved the character connections and their story.

it was decent enough but not something that I would go back to. I wish I enjoyed it more but it was a one time read.

I have read Sarah Adams before and enjoy her writing and stories! This was no different. Only gave a 4 star due to some of the predictability of the story!

My first Sarah Adams book. Listen, I adore rom com movies!! Like adore. Abut I’m not sure if I’m made for rom come books. And I just find them predictable…and I don’t always love being able to know everything that is going to happen ahead of time. This one fit in to that. The MC’s reactions are just too dramatic and exaggerated. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I laughed out loud a few times. Honestly, Noah was the gem of the book. There was so much that was just unbelievable. And somethings that seemed out right under-researched because they were just inaccurate. But I can see how people who love these types of books would enjoy this one. I just am not sure they are for me…even though I keep trying because of how many people rave.

Such a quick and fun read!!! I think that I prefer this book to The Cheat Sheet. When in Rome was just the perfect little breath of fresh air that I needed. Nothing too serious, but something that was extremely cute. I think this would make for an incredible screen adaptation!

This book exceeded expectations. It was funny and swoony with hilarious banter, wonderfully written characters and a great storyline. It really gets you excited about future books with the development of other characters. I would highly recommend this book.

Personally I've never seen any Audrey Hepburn movies (ee! I know!), but I loved the references and story behind why Rae/Amelia ended up in Rome, Grumpy meets sunshine style trope, but with a little more "meat" to it. I always feel for celebrities when they want to do normal things/be a regular person sometimes. Sure, I get that "they signed up" for that life, but it doesn't mean its easy all the time. As a millennial, I saw the worst of paparazzi in the 2000's, and I like to think they have backed off at least a bit but they still stalk people for money and it gives the ick. This slow burn love story was heart-warming and made you believe there are still good people out there who aren't just interested in money and fame.

I thought this book was cute! Small town love story. It was grumpy meets sunshine. Overall it was heartwarming love story.

This book was so adorable. I loved the main character running away to the closest Rome she could find so she could be like Audrey Hepburn. She needed a break to find herself and she finds herself in Rome, Kentucky. I love small town romances. There is just something so wholesome and heart warming in small towns. I loved how everyone stuck up for each other in the town and how they kind of adopted her as one of their own. The romance was so cute and I loved them. I loved the circumstances that they met and how they fell in love.

Sarah Adams was writing this book for me and I thank her everyday for that. Can't wait to dive into her other books!