Member Reviews

When in Rome was a very cute read. It was the first Netgalley read I had done in months.

It was hard to get into the first couple of chapters but once I did I was hooked and kept reading when I could. It is a four star rating.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing chance to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

I was a little nervous to read this because I was anticipating it's release, but also I read the Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams and did not find myself liking it at all.

I read this in less than 24 hours. It was the perfect rom com to break me out of a small reading slump. It had me doing a whole cheesy grin thing.

While a lot of it was super cheesy, super predictable, and not a super deep plot, I loved the characters and their banter. I couldn't stop reading it.
I loved Noah, I love small town romances and grumpy men who are secretly super romantic. I had a gut feeling that this was going to have something like some kind of third act break up or something overly dramatic and not quit fitting happen to it, but nothing like that happened. The conflict that happened in the book was predictable but fitting and not over the top in the way that makes you want to roll your eyes.

It reminded me a lot of It Happened One Summer except it didn't have the same degree of smut within it. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I would keep reading Sarah Adams books if she continues to write like this.

Was this review helpful?

Sarah Adams has made me swoon again!

Burnt out pop singer Amelia Rose needs to escape her life and takes a page out of her role model/best friend Audrey Hepburn’s (yes,she acknowledges that it’s sad her best friend is a dead movie star she never knew) book and escapes to Rome. Well, the closest Rome she can find. Rome, Kentucky. While trying to escape, her car breaks down in front of grumpy pie-shop owner Noah Walker’s house. The last thing Noah needs is another city girl blowing into town ruining his peaceful yet boring existence, so he is doing everything he can to keep her at arms length. But there’s something about this girl he just can’t seem to stay away from.

When I say that this book was an absolute delight, I mean it. It was so sweet and the tension was just spot on for a cozy romance read. It felt like watching a Hallmark movie, which is high praise in my book. I am dying to read the rest of the series because I need to know what happens next!

If you’re looking for a cozy romance to transition into fall with, this needs to be on your list!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy!

Was this review helpful?

When In Rome by Sarah Adams
Rating: 5 stars
Closed Door
Pub date: 9/20

When In Rome is a modern take on an Audrey Hepburn classic, The Roman Holiday. Amelia, (AKA award winning pop star, Rae Rose) is burnt out. She needs a break from the pressures of her life as a celebrity, so she takes a page out of her idol Audrey’s book and runs off to Rome. Unfortunately, the closest Rome to her home in Nashville is in Rome, Kentucky. On her way to the bed and breakfast she rented, her car breaks down in Noah’s front yard in the middle of the night. Noah offers up his guest room just until she can get her car fixed, which turns out to be a lot longer than expected. Noah makes it clear that he’s not interested in getting involved with a celebrity who can’t stick around…but how long can he resist the attraction that they’re both feeling?

This is such a great celebrity, fish out of water, insta love story and exactly the kind of heartwarming rom-com I was looking for. I loved the small town vibes, the quirky townspeople, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. I’m a sucker for a swoony MC with a tough exterior who only has eyes for the heroine, and Noah fits the bill! He’s been hurt before by someone who was just passing through and he’s determined to guard his heart, regardless of how hard he’s falling for Amelia. And Amelia doesn’t even realize how desperate she is to find a real home and family until she breaks down in Rome. The chemistry between these two is sizzling right from the start and I loved the slow burn and the romantic tension.

This is my first book by Sarah Adams and while I usually like my books a little smuttier, I have to say that I don’t know how she does it, but she somehow manages to write closed door romance with tons of heat.

If you’re looking for a funny, heartwarming rom-com with lots of witty banter, meddling sisters, and low angst that will have you craving pancakes and pie, then you should pick this up on 9/20 when it’s out in the world. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sarah Adams and Random House for the gifted copy.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute closed door romance with such a slow burn - so for all my smutty lovers, this might not be up your alley. BUT, if you can get over no smut, you will fall in love with a small town romance, a cinnamon roll hero, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and where he falls first.

The story we see? Amelia is a pop star that has lost herself - she doesn’t know who she is anymore and is wanting to take a break. Like her childhood, she turns to her hero: Audrey Hepburn (which, truly I don’t blame her because Audrey is QUEEN). Like, for her, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the movie she watches when she has bad dreams (and for me, it’s the movie I watch when I’m sad, so the Audrey inclusion made me feel a certain way). She decides to visit Rome like Audrey did, but with her world tour starting soon - she doesn’t have time to go to Italy. Instead, she ends up in Rome, Kentucky where she meets a grumpy baker - and he car breaks down.

Enter Noah. He runs the pie shop that his grandma left for him. He has 3 sisters that he’s super close with, and he has some trauma from his life. Between their parents dying when the kids were young, to falling quickly for a stranger who was passing through town, to be cheated on and heartbroken.

With meddling townspeople, she stays with Noah while he car is getting fixed, hence the forced proximity. And my heart. It’s such a slow burn and it made me so happy.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my stars. I am always down for grumpy man meets sunshine girl and they fall in love and this was no exception. Of course, Sarah Adams could probably just re-write the dictionary in a new way and I would probably read it, but still. I very much gobbled this one up!!
Amelia is also known as Rae, a big city pop star who needs a break from her constant touring and hectic schedules and press following her every move, so, taking a page from her favorite actress’s book, Audrey Hepburn, she decides to take a trip to Rome, but since Rome, Italy is too far to go without paparazzi finding out, she jumps in her car and heads for Rome, Kentucky, where her car breaks down in front of Noahs’s house. He offers to help her, as an southern gentleman should, but being a leery big city girl she doesn’t trust him until he goes in and calls Mabel, the old lady who runs the local B&B to come and vouch for him.
There’s lots of great supporting characters and loads of fun and witty banter between the main characters and I loved watching the growth!! Not only between Amelia and Noah but also Noah’s sisters as well.
This was an all around feel good story that will make a perfect Hallmark movie!
Thanks to Dell Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

When In Rome
Amelia Rose is a famous popstar who has had it with her never-ending pleasing personality and just wants a break, in the form of a trip to Rome. But since she can’t leave the country (big tour coming! Tickets available) she goes to Rome, Kentucky instead.

Rome, Kentucky is where Noah Walker is at. You ask who this person is? Well, then, he is this grumpy young man who is emotionally unavailable since he got his heartbroken so now spends his days manning the family Pie Shop and keeping a careful eye on his sisters and grandma.

This is a romance, guys. And romance we get. It’s a quick fall, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. I mean yeah the way everything unfolds to get Amelia and Noah together is highly unrealistic and sometimes borderline dumb but I ate it up because who wants reality anyway? Give me a hard and fast falling in love hallmark channel style any day over the reality in cnn.

Anyway, I truly can say that I had a wonderful time reading this and can’t wait to dig into the stories of Noah’s sisters (which I am sure are coming, there were many hints) so if you need me I’ll be lining up over here waiting.

Was this review helpful?

Rae Rose is an international pop star who is in burnout. She's tired and no one around her is noticing. Her Mama taught her to turn to Audrey Hepburn when in doubt. She randomly picks Roman Holiday, decides to do as Audrey did, and goes to Rome. Italy seems a bit far to drive so she googles the closest Rome and finds one in Georgia. She finds a bed & breakfast jumps in her old car and is off. Only her old car starts making noises and then stops in some woods. A man comes out to see if she's okay.

The banter is off the hook and the flirting between Noah and Amelia (Rae Rose) is fantastic. The book stirred so many emotions in me. I was seriously crying in some scenes. I loved the characters and especially Noah's sisters. I absolutely enjoyed this book.

Was this review helpful?

✨Book Review✨
When in Rome
By: Sarah Adams

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Y’all this one made me giddy! I’m usually not the biggest instalove/instant attraction fan, but this one WORKED! The connection between Noah and Amelia felt real - their chemistry was off the charts 📈

A celebrity who gets lost trying to escape her hectic life, only to end up in the small town grump’s front yard (who happens to own a pie shop) - what more could you ask for? The entire town’s cast of characters were so good and each added that special touch to the story.

Sarah Adams is my go to when I’m in need of a feel good, sweet romcom and When In Rome hit the spot! I’m pretty sure I was smiling the entire time and it was just so dang sweet. I’m also just a sucker for a good small town romance and now I think I need to take my own Roman Holiday - I’m sure all my problems will be solved after that!!

Can’t wait to read Annie and Will’s story soon!

When In Rome is hitting shelves 9/20/22 (tomorrow!). Thank you to @netgalley and Dell for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💗

Read if you like:

🏡 small towns
🎤 celebrity romance
🌤️ grumpy x sunshine
🥧 pies (and bad pancakes)
🎥 Roman Holiday
🥰 matching pj sets
❤️‍🔥 instant attraction but make it burn slow
✨ cinnamon roll hero
2️⃣ dual pov

Was this review helpful?

A burned out pop star finds herself stranded in Rome, Kentucky. When she realizes she has broken down in front of town sweetheart (and local grump) Noah’s home, it spurs an adventure that has her wondering if she can really have it all?

This book was cute and sweet. Amelia and Noah were a great grumpy (but totally cinnamon roll hero) and sunshine. Forced proximity at its finest, but be warned for steam fans - this is a closed door romance if that isn’t your thing. I thoroughly enjoyed it (3 stars is a like in my book).

I appreciated the ending wasn’t quite what you would have assumed (which was deeply appreciated). I won’t spoil it here but needless to say I appreciated the give and take of the ending to create a better life for both of them (don’t worry, HEA is implied). Also really appreciated in the beginning where she wouldn’t get out of the car cause she didn’t know him cause that is total reality and I appreciated Adams didn’t just gloss over it Hallmark movie style. This was my first Sarah adams and I’ll definitely be back for more!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an egalley of When in Rome.

This is a sweet rom-com, where Noah and Amelia meet when Amelia's car breaks down in Noah's front yard. What Noah doesn't know is that Amelia, aka Rae Rose, is on the run from her hectic life as a singer. Amelia is desperate to disconnect from her world that threatens to consume her whole. As the two share a home, they tentatively explore what a relationship would look like.

Was this review helpful?

I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Content: some swearing, kissing, no on page sex

I am a big fan of Sarah Adams work. She can give you all of the feels of a great romance novel and she doesn't cheapen it with trash. I also really like the way she shifts points of view between the two main characters. It fascinates me to hear the man's point of view, even if it was actually written by a woman. Amelia and Noah are both dealing with some trauma and find it hard to trust and develop relationships. These are things that are so prevalent in the world that I think it's important to address them in literature.

Was this review helpful?

It took me a bit to get into this book - it had a very similar start to Part of your World (broken down car - guy save the day, complete opposites). Since I had literally just finished that book I had to put When in Rome down for a bit so I could give it a more fair/less comparison review. Once I got into it I enjoyed the lighthearted, quick read and banter between Amelia and Noah.
This book has....
- Small town vibes
- Hallmark type romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Opposites attract

I enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend!

Synopsis: Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome.....Rome, Kentucky. When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He's too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room. As time goes on....feelings change as Amelia and Noah truly get to know each other.

Was this review helpful?

(3.5/5) While the premise of this book seems a bit unrealistic (pop-star goes to a small town and meets handsome man who owns a pie shop), I think we can all relate to the desire to want to be seen and loved for who we are instead of who someone else wants us to be. While I enjoyed this book, it felt very Hallmarky (if it were set at Christmas instead of the middle of the summer, it would probably have already been picked up) and the dialogue was, at times, a bit corny. The biggest detractor for me was that I found it told me more than it showed me, but if you're looking for a quick, fun read, this is a good one.

Was this review helpful?

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, grumpy sunshine, small town, celebrity, Roman Holiday inspired, closed door romance

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome. Well, Rome, Kentucky.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He's too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room until her car is fixed.

This is a fun light hearted read. I love Amelia and Noah. She's so peppy and he's grumpy but sweet. I was immediately drawn to them. The first scene was great. 🤣 Their banter is perfection. There's definitely some romantic parts like kissing though it's a closed door. I highly recommend this! Get this tomorrow!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Random House Publishing/Ballantine books for the gifted book!

Was this review helpful?

I give this book a 4/5🌟 it was such a feel good book. The writing was amazing just the perfect amount of descriptive. I think my favorite part is I didn’t just fall in love with the characters I fell in love with a town too! The only thing I’d want or change is maybe some spice but for readers that don’t mind romance books not having spice I would definitely recommend this book in a heartbeat!!

Was this review helpful?

This was just like a breath of fresh air. I loved it so much! Sometimes you wants something light, fluffy, and sweet, and this was all of those things. This book was my first Sarah Adams book, but it definitely won’t be my last (I have Cheat Sheet sitting on my shelf). First, I’d like to thank Netgalley for sending me an eARC of this book. I’ve been sitting on it for a few months now, and I wish I’d read it sooner. Fans of clean adult romances will love this book. While that’s not normally something I would pick up, I think my palate was in desperate need of cleansing, and this did the trick. This story follows Amelia and Noah. Amelia is a famous singer who runs away to a small town to decompress from celebrity life. She is also obsessed with Audrey Hepburn, and honestly, I love that because same. Noah is a grumpy small town guy who has an extreme soft spot for his family. When Amelia’s car breaks down in front of Noah’s house, he offers her a place to stay for the night. This leads to all the things we love— forced proximity, tension, fun banter. This book made me laugh, but also tugged hard on my heart strings. Such a fun and sweet romance. This is an adult romance, 16+ for some themes.

Was this review helpful?

As a fan of Audrey Hepburn, I loved on this story was loosely based on Roman Holiday. Amelia needs a break from her pop career and decides to take off to the small town. Unbeknownst to her, she gets stuck in the town due to car troubles but meets grumpy, Noah who begrudgingly helps her.

There were a lot of cute moments in this story that transpire between Amelia and Noah. But I wasn't a fan of Amelia's over the top behaviour at times. It seemed a bit immature and distracted me from being invested in the story. I did like Noah's grump-sunshine demeanour and I enjoyed the dynamics within Noah's family and friend.

Was this review helpful?

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is a sweet contemporary romance. It includes the tropes of grumpy meets sunshine, and a famous girl meeting an ordinary boy. There were also a lot of tributes to Audrey Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday”.

The story follows Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose, who is a famous soulful pop singer. She is preparing for her next tour and is in desperate need of a break. She has a constant flow of rehearsals, costume fittings, and public appearances, with no one checking in on how she is doing.

She has a difficult relationship with her mother. Her mother used to be her best friend, but is now only taking advantage of her stardom and success. Her demanding agent, Susan, is hyper-focused on her career success and has control over every aspect of Amelia’s life. Ameilia has turned into a different version of herself who is always polite, sweet, and smiling.

Ameilia is inspired by Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday”. She can’t fly to Rome so she looks for the closest Rome. It turns out to be Rome, Kentucky, a small town with a promising Bed & Breakfast. She decides laying low in Kentucky will be just the thing she needs.

Things take a turn when she finds her car broken down and smoking right on someone's front lawn. That someone turns out to be an intimidating, grumpy, yet charming man named Noah Walker.

Noah reluctantly lets Amelia stay in his guest room for the night. Noah recognizes Amelia as Rae as soon as she steps into his house. Even though Amelia is kind, beautiful, and witty, Noah has his walls up. He was brokenhearted by a previous city girl and will not let that happen again.

Her car will end up taking much longer than a day to fix, so it looks like Ameilia will also be around longer than planned. Noah and Ameilia are stuck together after there is no room at the Bed & Breakfast. Will they be able to resist each other's charm as they get to know each other? Will Amelia be able to return to her normal life after her time in Rome?

This is a sweet and heartwarming contemporary romance. The plot is a mix of slow and fast. Once they get to know each other better the pace picks up. I liked watching Noah and Ameilia find a stable place with each other to be vulnerable and open.

The setting of Rome, Kentucky is a sweet small town with loveable local characters. You can’t help but fall in love with the cozy town. One of my favorite things about this book was the side characters. They added to the story and helped you see different sides of both Amelia and Noah.

When in Rome is perfect for anyone in the mood for a charming romance with characters you are rooting for from the start!

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

Was this review helpful?

Summary:

Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet.

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He's too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room--but only until her car is fixed--then she's on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose--she's Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can't help but get close to her. Soon she'll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she's been missing, and she'll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can't resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

~~~

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC

The number of times I was made fun of while reading this book is unreal. It wasn't because of the book but because of the stupid grin plastered on my face the ENTIRE time I was reading!

Sarah Adams is an auto buy author for me and this latest book was once again a success! Her goal is to leave us readers happier than when we started her book and my goodness does she deliver every dang time!

Amelia and Noah are so good together and not only did I enjoy getting to know them, but the side characters are just as fantastic and I cannot wait to get my hands on their stories next!

If you need a book that will bring you joy and a permanent goofy grin then pick this up next!

Was this review helpful?