Adorable! I absolutely loved this heartwarming gem!
If you’re looking for a wholesome, grumpy and sunshine rom-com this is for you! Add in a mix of small town life and pop music fandom, pies and paparazzi, you are set! Adams writes her characters in a way that makes you fall in love with them immediately and want nothing but the best from them! Great book! Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced galley!

4.5 - This was such a cute book! A modern take on Roman Holiday, with a small town setting thrown in. I really liked the main characters, Noah and Amelia, especially in the second half of the book as their relationship developed and we get more banter and are able to see more under the surface of the characters and what makes them tick. I especially loved Noah’s sisters and wish we got more of them in the book, but there are only so many pages, and we did get a good intro into their personalities and sibling dynamics. I’m so excited that the sequel has Annie as the MC!

Definitely recommend this as a nice cozy escape for fall! I’ll be buying a hard copy to add to my library.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced reader’s copy.

This book has ALL of the heart eyes from me!! 😍😍 This was so much fun! So many times I was laughing and smirking. I loved this idea and this whole storyline. Oh. My. Gosh. The sexual tension in this!! I was very disappointed when all I got was “wink wink, nudge nudge.” Definitely playing dirty- not in a fun way. 😘

Nothing explicit, totally mom approved.

Definitely could expand other character’s stories.

This was just a lot of fun. I loved recapping to my partner the whole “Rome” situation.

Top notch. 👨‍🍳💋

Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for this digital ARC.

Always check content warnings

Despite having multiple Sarah Adams books on my TBR shelf, When in Rome is my first. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I was VERY pleasantly surprised! This was SO cute and heartwarming and just an overall enjoyable read. 💕

This is not a spicy read at ALL, and I actually love that about it. Sometimes ultra spicy books rely too heavily on the steamy scenes and the plot/character depth lacks. Sometimes the smut winds up being the glue, and without it, the story doesn't stand on its own. Yet with When in Rome, without a bunch of spice filling the pages, the author had to create a solid story - and that she did!!!! 🙌

I loved the relationship between our two MCs. I love the dual POV. I love the friendships and the humor. One of my favorite things was that I didn't predict how it would end, which isn't common with rom coms. I mean of course we know there's an HEA.... But I wasn't sure how things would play out and that make this when more special

The writing is really, really solid. Smart, clever writing with witty humor. The dialogue felt natural. Just a really great read all around. 💕

I'm impressed!!! Now I'll need to get to those other Adams books on my shelf 😀 5/5 stars!

This was the sweetest grumpy x sunshine rom-com. Both characters were charming, relatable and had amazing chemistry. I also loved the dual POVs, the witty banter and the small town setting. I’m such a sucker for a celebrity / Hollywood romance so this one sucked me in right away and had me rooting for this couple until the last page. I would have preferred more spice but honestly I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would. If you enjoyed The Bodyguard, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! When In Rome was a good, clean romance. The "out there" plot, mixed with the wholesome vibes, made me feel like I was watching a Hallmark movie. This is one you can recommend to your grandmother, folks.

An international popstar longing for simplicity? A pie shop owner with a soft spot for flowers? What isn't to love? This book has all the makings of a feel-good, cheer-me-up story. I have to say Noah's sisters stole the show. Watching their family dynamic unfold is definitely a highlight. I can't be the only one rooting for Annie and James to get together next.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, NetGalley, and Sarah Adams for the ARC! Now I'm off to go binge-read any Sarah Adams novels I can find.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Sarah Adams for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for my honest review!

I completely fell in love with this book and these characters and read almost the entire thing in one sitting!! (If I didn’t have to get up early for work I would’ve stayed up late to finish lol). This was my first Sarah Adams book but 100% won’t be my last!!

I loved Noah and Amelia’s chemistry and there was several times I laughed out loud at their comebacks 😂 I won’t spoil it for you but they’re one of my fav fictional couples!

I also loved this small town and wish all these characters/places were real because I’d love to visit lol (it reminded me of Stars Hollow & if you’re a Gilmore Girls fan like me you’ll love this town & the people!!)

Also LOVED all the Audrey Hepburn references! My Grandmother loved Audrey, and she and I would always watch Roman Holiday together when I’d go visit her so it just made me think of her and smile!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for this one! (Or should I say 5 pies??🥧🤣) but I highly recommend picking this book up!!

You wanna know what you get when you pre-order a book at Barnes and Noble? Nothing! It’s pub day and it will be days before I get my copy 😢

Enter the @netgalley God’s for approving me for When In Rome! Thank you! @authorsarahadams is an auto buy author for me. I always LOVE her books! They are sweet, feel good, happy books 💕

When In Rome features a world famous pop star and a grumpy pie shop owner from a tiny KY town. It is such a fun read and definitely had me picturing Taylor Swift when Amelia talked about wanting anonymity and sometimes feeling lonely even with all the fame.

This is Sarah’s first official traditionally published book ✨Congrats! It’s still closed door but had a little more language and inuendo than her others.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I can’t wait for book 2!

Feeling tapped out by the high demands of her popstar life, Rae Rose (aka Amelia) follows the footsteps of beloved actress, Audrey Hepburn, and heads out on her own Roman Holiday. But Rome, Kentucky is a far cry from Italy and a local pie baker is anything but happy when he finds the pop princess having vehicle troubles in his front yard.

But the longer Amelia sticks around Rome, the harder it is for Noah to keep his distance.
---------------
This was my first Sarah Adams and I thoroughly enjoyed this cute romcom. Loved the small town setting filled with quirky neighbors, a family pie shop and a triad of loyal sisters. Loved the Hepburn tie-ins.

Amelia & Noah have great chemistry! Swoony moments. Heat but closed doors.

Flew through this one. I will definitely check out Adams backlist and look forward to get next story set in Rome...Kentucky.

Release Date: September 20, 2022

📖📖📖

Rae Rose is a princess of pop, but she (Amelia) is in desperate need of a break. While watching the #audreyhepburn classic #romanholiday she decides that is exactly what she needs to do. She wants to fly to Rome but instead finds herself in Rome Kentucky, when her car breaks down in the front yard of Noah Walker she is convinced that the universe is sending her a sign. Noah on the other hand, has nothing but contempt for the city girl he reluctantly let stay in his guest room. As they explore the town, the two grow closer. Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

This was a delightful Hallmarkesque fluffy romance! Rae was a very fun but frustrating. I kept wanting to scream at her. No one is that clueless and submissive. Noah was boring. Schmeh.

#wheninrome #romanholiday #sarahadams #skipthisone #booknonrecommendations #netgalley #skipadeedoodah #bookstagram #bookreview

SUCH a cute story!!! Noah and Amelia forever!!

Nothing like a grumpy/sunshine, from different worlds love story to make you root for love… and this beautiful story is just the perfect touch of those. I love that it is so sweet, and their love builds naturally.

I love the DUAL POINT OF VIEW. I ALWAYS LOVE THIS. I love seeing mutual pining, especially when they don’t tell their feelings right away. Noah is flipping hilarious and sarcastic. Amelia is sweet and sooooo funny. I just loved being in their brains.

DEFINITELY give this one a read. It’s so cute. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

No graphic spice (fade to black) is an extra plus plus from me. LOVE👏IT👏

When In Rome
By Sarah Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amelia and Noah are my favorite! Her sunny personality complements his grumpy mood! Such a beautiful romance story that had me laughing so loud through out the book!! Sarah Adams knows how to make me feel better and I always feel happy when I read her books! I really loved this book and I can’t wait to read Annie’s story!!

First of all, I want this little town to exist as it's written so bad - the simplicity and feel of Rome, Kentucky, where everybody knows everything about everyone. Everyone gave Amelia the space she needed with such love, respect, and support. But best of all, how the townspeople quietly but obviously rooted for Amelia and Noah to get together. 🥰

The playful banter and irresistible pull between Amelia and Noah were a perfect balance. They constantly challenged each other while respecting each other's boundaries.

And Noah's sisters - who doesn't love sisters that keep you on your toes but watch out for your best interests? I loved that Annie kept a tally of everyone's swearing habits and then made them donate money to a charity after so many offenses.

I looked up Roman Holiday on IMDB to get an idea of who played Gregory Peck. Ashamedly, I've never seen the movie, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything in the story when it was mentioned. The dialogue explained everything the reader needed to know, so my search was more out of curiosity than necessity.

I think I loved most that we, as readers, only really got to see Amelia as Amelia and not as her on-stage persona Rae Rose. We got small glimpses when she met new people with her constant self-reminder of "Polite. Polite. Polite,"; but as she spent more time in town, she dropped her guard to reveal her authentic, true self.

Another stellar, witty read by Sarah Adams!!!

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Sarah Adams, for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Absolutely loved this small town romance with a grumpy baker, and a sunshine city girl celebrity.

When her car breaks down in Noah's front yard, Amelia Rose is skeptical from the start. He's too big, and too surly and for all she knows he's a serial killer. Except he runs a pie shop, reads books and doesn't have Wi-Fi. Still, he recognizes her as Rae Rose, her stage name. Amelia has run away from her career weeks before a huge international tour. She's burnt out and tired and needs a break. As she hides away in Noah's house she realizes that for once, she can be herself, and that she's met someone who doesn't want anything from her.

The grumpy/sunshine banter was top notch, and the story itself had a Taylor Swift vibe that I loved.

Amelia Rose, aka Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burnt out from playing the “pop princess” everyone knows her as. Using Audrey Hepburn & the movie Roman Holiday as a coping method, she makes the impromptu decision to head to the closest Rome - Rome, Kentucky. Her middle of the night escape ends with her car breaking down in the front yard of Noah Walker, a grumpy pie shop owner who is done with love.

First of all, this gem of a romcom brought all of my favorites things rolled into one: a grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, celebrity romance that takes place in the most adorable small town filled with both nosy and endearing secondary characters.

Then Sarah does what she does so well. She adds in her classic self deprecating humor that humanizes the MCs making them all the more relatable. I fell in love with both Amelia & Noah, but not nearly as much as I loved them together. They way their opposite personalities complimented each other had me completely hooked.

Now, let’s talk about the spice. I don’t know how she does it, but that crafty romcom writing fairy godmother has a magical way with words. This was a slow burn done right. Between the banter & all the swoony moments, the sexual tension was built up so satisfyingly well.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of "When In Rome", written by Sarah Adams. It is scheduled to release on September 20th, 2022!

Overall, I rated this novel a 4/5 stars!

When an overworked Amelia (Rae) Rose becomes too overwhelmed and burnt out, she decides to take a vacation to Rome (Rome, Kentucky, that is) She gets the idea from an Audrey Hepburn movie. Unfortunately, when she arrives, it is quite uncerimoniously - as she winds up crashing her vehicle on Noah's front lawn. Mabel takes her in at her air B&B for two weeks while her car is getting repaired - she was an amazing character in the story as well!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) Closed door with lots of physical attraction and desire!! 🤩

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Meet Cute (I’m such a sucker for this): broken down car.
🤩 Small town romcom fun! The people of Rome, Kentucky are exceptional and I adore them.
🤩 Opposites attract/Grumpy-Sunshine trope—city girl Amelia (pop star) and country/small town guy Noah (pie shop owner).
🤩 These quotes give us a sneak peek into these two lovely MCs: “I stare at Amelia’s soft face and downturned eyes as she pretends to pick at the red nail polish on her toenails, but I know she’s only avoiding eye contact because she’s embarrassed. A surge of protectiveness rams through my body and suddenly I want to hunt down anyone who has ever turned her down for a game of Scrabble and force them to play all night with her. And you’re going to smile and like it! What kind of [a-hole] wouldn’t want to be friends with her? She’s sweet. Funny. Easygoing. Gorgeous. It’s unfathomable that she’s single.”

“I’m a woman who eats pancakes and gets her hair cut when she wants to. I’m my own [darn] boss, and I’m taking my life back!”
🤩 Forbidden romance trope of sorts plus so much physical and emotional attraction makes for great tension between the MCs.
🤩 Sarah is a master at describing what the MCs think, feel, and sense around each other and I’m here for it because all those feels!
🤩 When there’s a bad character you really dislike because that’s an added feeling from great writing.
🤩 Anxiety representation.
🤩 Noah’s sisters are so loving and fun! I hope they get their own HEAs and we get their love stories.

What I’m Wishing/ Dizzy About:
🤩 Absolutely nothing. It left me feeling happy and well—all the feels and a few tears along the way but so, so great by the end.

Trigger Warnings:
🔬 Tragic loss of parents when kids are pretty young.
🔬 A loved one with Alzheimer’s.

When in Rome was such a heartwarming romance novel. It wasn’t too cheesy, it was laugh out loud funny and it had very likable characters who you will be rooting for. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! I really loved this one and look forward to more from this author.

Have you ever loved a book so much that you lost any mastery of writing skills because you can't come up with the right words to describe how much you loved it? That's where I am at with this book. It is so darn sweet and a perfect pick me up after a long week. Once I got started, I couldn’t help but devour this book. Every page was another layer of brilliantly written banter or character development that made me fall in love with every character in the town of Rome, Kentucky.

I want to sit here and rave about my new favorite book boyfriend, Noah Walker, but if I do, I probably won’t stop because I love him so much. I am absolutely adding this book to my comfort-read go-to list.

Any book that can break me out of a reading slump deserves 5 stars, and ohmygoodness does this book deserve 5 stars. Every minute of this book was sweet and adorable, I am already looking forward to a reread!

5/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rae Rose is the "princess of pop" and a huge star. When life gets suffocating, she decides to follow the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn's classics and take a "Roman Holiday" except she drives to Rome, Kentucky in an old car and breaks down in front of a grumpy pie shop owner Noah. Rae aka Amelia ends up spending 2 weeks hiding from her real world in this awesome cute town with nosey cute people. Rae finds it hard to keep away Noah, despite him not being available for a fling or relationship.

This is one cute book with cute characters! I love them all! The sisters, the neighbor, the grannies all of them are so loveable. This book made me want to eat pie, watch Audrey Hepburn movies and visit Rome ASAP. The book is so well written and engaging, you literally feel the swoon! Only thing that bothered me a tiny bit was that this book seemed a little too ideal and perfect, some ruffled feathers would have added more depth to it. It still is one awesome read!

Thank you @penhuinrandomhouse @netgalley for the eARC of the book.