I loved this story!!! Amelia is a burnt out pop star (giving major tswift vibes) who decides to escape to Rome…. Kentucky. She crashes her car into a hot grump’s lawn who is extremely reluctant to get to know her. She decides to stay in town while her car gets fixed and quickly falls in love with everything around her.

Oo this book made me so happy! I love small towns and big romance. With hints of Abby Jimenez and a dash of lovable Schitt's Creek, this book was a joy to read. I also loved the unique spin on a big pop star taking a break in a small town.

I don’t think I have ever read a book that made me actually laugh out loud as much as this did. I laughed without meaning to so many times that I woke people in the house up. To say that I can relate to the protagonist Amelia is an understatement. I think in this day and age that if someone breaks down or ends up somewhere in the dark that the first thought is serial killer (This book is not about serial killers). It is about a quirky, relatable woman who is tired of being a people-pleaser and who takes a vacation from her everyday life, only to meet a small town-lifer who is perfect for her in every way. When I say Noah is hot, I mean he’s smoking. He’s got charm, hilarious sisters, and chivalry. And he bakes. But he’s not going to leave town, and Amelia isn’t going to give up her amazing career. The back and forth will they/won’t they had me groaning in mental anguish. I do not regret staying up all night to read this book (and I have kids!)

I haven’t read any other books by Sarah Adams, but I think now I’m going to have to read them all.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

All around this was an enjoyable book. It features a female lead who is a famous pop singer who feels like she’s lost herself, and a male lead who is a small town baker, who disguised himself as a grump, but is really a cinnamon roll. It features a fun set of supporting characters in 3 younger sisters, a surrogate grandma, and a very close knit small town. The “I want you, but can’t have you” vibes were strong on both sides. I loved all the nods to Roman Holiday, as I love that movie.

This is a PG romance, it sticks to kissing on scene, and closes the door on all the steam.

One thing that stands out for me is the author’s very vivid metaphors in her writing. At times she got a little repetitive especially when describing the male lead. At times the plot got a little slow, as the characters continually resisted one another, but also didn’t. This had a few parts that felt implausible to me, and also a little Insta love. So ultimately I found it to be good, but not great.

4.5 STARS!!!

My adoration for Sarah Adams grows with each of her releases. When In Rome was another lighthearted sweet read filled with characters you can help but love. Mabel. Annie. Emily. Madison. Amelia. Noah. They all have my love. ALL OF THEM!

The book was super cute, funny and provided me with the softest grump to swoon over. I mean.. Noah????? I want one of my own. Once again I’m filled with joy and comfort with one of Sarah’s books. This one nailed it! And I hope you all give it a chance.

While this is the first Sarah Adams book that I’ve read, I’m sure that it won’t be my last.

This sweet romcom was a delightful book about a pop star who finds herself stuck in a small town and a handsome local guy comes to her rescue. I loved watching Noah and Amelia develop as characters, but I equally adored Noah’s four sisters - all of the supporting characters felt like great additions to the story. There were plot points that seemed very predictable beyond the normal fall in love/conflict, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment even if I knew somethings were bound to happen.

This book releases September 20, and if you are looking for a light-hearted, closed door romance, this makes for a great escape. Highly recommend

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for providing access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first Sarah Adams book that I’ve read, but I’m sure that it won’t be my last.

When in Rome is a very sweet book that detailed the courting of a soul pop star and a small-town pie shop owner. When Amelia’s (stage name: Rae Rose) car breaks down in Rome, Kentucky, she starts to think her want of an adventure like that of Audrey Hepburn’s movie Roman Holiday has gone awry.

It was so easy to picture this town in my mind. I loved the townsfolk and their gossipy interactions. This was the right setting that I needed to kick off my fall season; imagining getting a bouquet of fresh flowers and then walking to get a pie to top it off.

There was a lot of time spent on building up their chemistry as well as their background stories that, as the reader, I felt the impatience of knowing as much as the characters themselves did. Even though there was so much built-up anticipation/feelings of the characters, it was a pretty quick read.

I would’ve liked to get more about the other characters as well, but know that a sequel focusing on another character in this book is coming out next - so everyone will get to revisit the town and residents of Rome.

Thank you so much to the author, Sarah Adams, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the eARC of When in Rome!

Omg book friends, this book will be your next favorite romcom 🙌
If Sarah Adams writes it, I will read it. She is such a flawless author and makes it so easy to fall in love with each and every character she creates by bringing them to life. Anything she writes becomes an instant favorite of mine.
This book was such a delightful sweet romcom about an overwhelmed superstar who finds that a small town guy might be everything she didn’t know she needed. It was a heartwarming page turner that reminded you to live full to the fullest no matter the obstacles.
I don’t have enough words to express to you how much i loved it. Their romance and chemistry sprinkled warmth all over my body. My heart is full.

What a sweet (pun intended) book. @authorsarahadams did a fantastic job developing the characters and I felt every emotion and rooted for them big time. I almost skipped reading this one for now because so many books, so little time and I am SO glad I did not. Pie has a pretty big place in the book and honestly reading this felt like I was curled up in the couch with a slice of warm pie (I’m not picky on the flavor). Do yourself a favor and check this one out next week! Pub date is Tuesday, 9/20.

This book is unapologetically Sarah Adams. Adams is known for her quirky characters and hilarious dialogue, and this book lives up to every expectation. Grumpy meets sunshine in a small town romance about a pop star who just so happens to break down in local pie shop owner Noah Walker’s backyard.

I loved getting to see the growth of these two characters and how they pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. Rome was the cutest town and I can’t wait to revisit it in the other books. This book was like a warm hug, and gave all the Hallmark feels. Definitely recommend!

This book was so cute! The story is about Amelia a famous pop singer that gets burnt out from years of being a performer. So inspired by her fave movie Roman Holiday she goes to Rome, Kentucky.

There her car breaks down in front of someone's lawn where she meets Noah. He offers her to stay at his place while she's waiting for her car to be fixed. Then as the days go by Noah learns that Amelia has a different side to her.

When in Rome was hilarious, a slow burn romance that was light hearted, cute and had me feeling giddy throughout the entire book. Noah had me swooning over him.

Noah and Amelia are polar opposites. It was funny reading their interactions in the beginning. They had an awkward meet cute, but were instantly attracted to each other. I loved the banter between them too. If you love cute rom coms and grumpy/sunshine trope read this one. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommend!

Release date: September 20, 2022

Thank you to netgalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book more - it's a famous person/normal person trope which is my absolute favorite. For me, something about this fell flat. The chemistry between the main characters felt forced and not as butterfly-inducing as I like my romances to be.

The concept was really nice and different than a lot of romance plots in a few ways, but I never felt like the two main characters were connected. It had potential, but ultimately I wouldn't recommend this one!

The main redeeming quality here was the townspeople. They were so funny and really made the story feel alive in a way the two main characters didn't.

Thanks to Dell Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC of this book that releases on Sept. 20

When in Rome by Sara Adams
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If you are looking for a new book boyfriend.. stop right here because Noah is 😍🔥.

Amelia, also known as Rae Rose, a famous pop star is in need of a break. So she decides to take a solo trip right before her tour.. without telling anyone. Of course her car breaks down and it just so happens to be in front of Noah Walkers house. After having to convince Amelia that he isn’t a serial killer, she lets him help her and ends up staying the night in Noah’s guest room.

Noah is a pie shop owner in the small town of Rome. He is grumpy and uninterested in Amelia. He has been burned in the past by someone just passing through. He has his walls up and is never making that mistake again. He just needs to get Amelia’s car fixed and her out of town and out his life as fast as possible…

I loved everything about this book. It’s such a sweet, heart-warming story, with hot pie shop owners, sass and witty banter. Along with my favorite meddling sisters. I loved Noah’s sisters so much. This book gave me Gilmore girl small town vibes. By the end of this book you will be craving a slice of pie!

This is for you if you like:
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Small town romance
* Forced proximity
* Dual POV
* Closed door rom coma
* Slow burn

Thank you @netgalley and @sarah adams for this eARC! I’m just over here pretending I’m holding the physical copy!

This is available on September 20th. Make sure to snag yourself a copy.

A harried, frazzled songstress, Rae Rose, AKA Amelia, escapes to world renowned Rome, Kentucky because of her love for Audrey Hepburn. She’s in a time capsule because a hot guy doesn’t have the internet or a smart phone and his sisters have never heard of Hepburn.
This is a journey of discovery. Amelia learns about herself, her relationships, and where she wants to go from here. But will. Noah, Mr. Luddite, come a,one for the ride.
It’s a cute romance. I laughed quite a bit over several scenes. I understood Noah’s reluctance, but one has to live life and not merely exist. I’m glad Amelia woke up to things that were occurring.
When in Rome…….

Seeking an escape from her pop-star life, Amelia inspired by the film Roman Holiday escapes to Rome…Kentucky. There she bursts into the life of Noah who may be a grumpy baker, but has a tender heart. Sparks fly and hearts melt, but just like the film, this Roman holiday has an end date.

First and foremost, this book was tons of fun. It was riddled with rom-com moments, snappy banter, and antics that had me smiling from ear-to-ear. I loved watching Amelia and Noah trying to resist the attraction between them. Both had good reason for not wanting to start anything, the biggest being that Amelia’s life was not in Rome while Noah’s was rooted there. A tricky conflict, and I enjoyed the way Adams worked through it.

Aside from the sweet and swoony romance, it was the town of Rome that captured my heart. There is something about small towns that never fails to hook and reel me in. Like most small towns, this one was full of good-natured meddlers, and I adored them all. They loved Noah so much and wanted him to open his heart again to love.

Noah’s sisters were also stupendous. Their sibling love and energy was strong. The family game nights and the way his sisters handled him was quite amusing, and I enjoyed every minute of them on the page together. In my heart, I would love for Adams to give each Walker sister a book.

Overall, it was wonderful watching Amelia and Noah fall in love. Great and quirky characters combined with a fantastic small town setting resulted in a fun and fab read for me. Noah’s family ties were a thing of beauty, and I was rooting for him to put his disastrous romantic past behind him and take a chance on Amelia. All those sweet and gooey moments combined with a fantastic ending left me hoping for a return trip to Rome.

When in Rome
by Sarah Adams
5 stars

Amelia needs a break from being Rae Rose she is tired and just needs some of a break. Amelia decides to take a page from Audrey Hepburn's film Roman Holiday and finds a town called Rome in Kentucky and goes there to take a break. When Amelia breaks down on Noah's front lawn they both get faced with something they weren't expecting.

I love Sarah Adams and all her books, this one didn't disappoint. The grumpy/sunshine between Amelia and Noah is so adorable. I enjoyed Noah's grumpy little quiet nature he's so loveable. Amelia is so sweet and just a bunch of joy. They got along and their communication was the best, they shared a lot of their lives with each other. It took Noah a while to open up but when he did it got so much better. I like when couples communicate in books, there are usually a lot of miscommunications for couples but I didn't get that here. Amelia was understanding and patient with Noah, and Noah was getting there too haha.

Thank you, Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the eARC for an honest review.

Inspired by the film “Roman Holiday,” pop star Amelia escapes to the small town of Rome, KY, where she falls for grumpy baker Noah. Can they find a way to fit into each other’s lives?

I love Sarah Adams, so I went into this book with high hopes. It didn’t disappoint. The novel is fresh and funny with likable characters, an engaging plot, and tons of chemistry. More than that, the obstacles are real, and the pacing is perfect. I loved it from start to finish.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

’ve seen this ARC floating around and I’m so glad I also had it because it was so good!! This was my first Sarah Adams and I can totally see why her books are so loved! Her writing was amazing and so perfectly descriptive, she really puts a scene in your head!

This small town of Rome, Kentucky was filled with the best characters! I loved the main characters: celebrity pop singer, Amelia, and grumpy, pie shop owner, Noah. The chapters flip flop between the two picking up right where the other leaves off! The story is spot on “want you so bad but won’t let myself have you” on both sides! I absolutely love that Noah owns and runs the generational family Pie Shop and I loved his sisters. The three of them definitely brought a little extra comfort feeing to this book! But I think the best character of all was Mabel. She felt like she was Noah’s fairy Godmother and every time she popped in she was always TOO sweet. This was a really good one, definitely look out for it next week!!

My first Sarah Adams and I am officially a huge fan! What a cute story this was! This feel-good, small town romance, where the female Mc escapes to get a break from life, reminded me so much of other recent favorites, In The Weeds and Book Lovers!

I loved the Audrey Hepburn references that inspired the setting and town of Rome, Kentucky! I thought every character both main and supporting was so well written and especially enjoyed Adam’s quick witted banter that she writes into her character dialogue! Amelia, even with celebrity status as a character was so fun, relatable, humorous and down to earth! And Noah! Noah was completely dreamy and will instantly become your next book bf crush! I loved seeing his grumpy layers fall away as he became vulnerable and open to love. Plus a man that is a pie shop owner, reader, and is “obsessed” with flowers, is my kind of male Mc!

If you’re looking for a romance with tropes that include forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, small town vibes, closed door romance, with an all around warm and fuzzy feel, then read this wonderful book!

Thank you to Netgalley for this gifted eARC copy!

Adams has written some of my favorite closed door romance so I was excited for this one. I loved the opposites attract and small town aspects of this book. I especially loved how the town rallied behind her and protected her. I also enjoyed grumpy Noah. In real life I couldn't do it but in a book I love a grumpy hero.

If you've sometimes wanted just a little more steam with the door still closed from Adams I feel like she really delivered in this one. There is a lot of chemistry and sexual tension and it really heats up but stays off page.

I personally struggled with the celebrity trope, but I think if you enjoy that trope you'll especially love this book.

I did love Noah though. He is a great family guy, a great small town community member, and quite swoon worthy.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.