Based on the now 3 Sarah Adams novels I’ve read, this is your prototypical Sarah Adams novel. Insta-love, followed by acknowledgment of feeling, three-fourths of the novel is then reminding readers why they can’t be together (usually dumb) but also that they want to be together so badly that they can barely be in the same room together, and then it’s ultimately a slow burn. It’s a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form in the sense that it’s cute, but also cheesy, over the top, and mostly unrealistic. (The whole story takes place over two weeks.) The writing is slightly immature, which I thought was a product of self-publishing, and though you can tell some improvements in tightening up the writing, it still just reads and feels very immature in the writing. Others have compared it to Wattpad writing, and I’m not sure I disagree with the fanfiction comparison.

Basics: This is a small town, clean, grumpy/sunshine, famous FMC/normal MMC, insta-lust, slow burn, dual 1st person POV.

FMC is the same as the other 2 I’ve read by Ms. Adams. Frazzled, immature, awkward, NLOG, quirky, somehow insecure, oops-did-I-say-that?, somewhat selfish, kind of girl. She doesn’t really respect Noah’s boundaries much. It almost felt like a flirty little game to her where she wouldn’t get hurt because she’s a big pop star who will leave. Her character development at the end kind of comes out of nowhere and though it makes sense for the story, does not make sense for Amelia.

Dialogue sometimes gets bogged the heck down. Rather than so-and-so said, there’s a ton of either action or inner monologue that makes it long and tough to read. I’m a huge dialogue reader so this is a huge negative to me.

The tension gets lost because they admit they like each other so early—and they both really really know it—it made it much easier for me to put down. But it also just made me roll my eyes at them at times because they know they’re attracted, and they also know why each other won’t act on, but they continue to toe the line and dance around each other because they have no self control. But they have enough self control to not do anything just make what I think the author intended to be a cute, swoon scene, awkward. [Noah’s eyes drop to my mouth. They linger there for a full in and out breath, before his lashes raise back up to my eyes. “I missed you.”] Like, she can’t even put her hand on his chest to stop him in a completely non-romantic, non-sexual way??? She can’t go and spend the day with literally anyone else because he gets so jealous in his thoughts but not enough to try anything with her? It makes them feel immature. They can’t be around each other and not jump each other’s bones, really? They hear a country love song on the radio and can barely restrain themselves? Really?!? [“But how come you got to take your clothes off first and keep them nice and dry, but I didn’t?” His eyes darken when they fix on me. “I think you already know the answer to that question.” Because he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off me. Because this heat I’ve been feeling between us is not one-sided.]

The back and forth of the will-they-won’t-they is just too much because it’s the whole dang book. When they really kiss at 72%, Amelia still pulls away because one of them has to be rational? But the stakes are so low that I don’t care, I’m just wondering why they’re torturing allll of us. Again. (And then her inner monologue is “guess what? Fishing is boring, and it turns out, I’d much rather be making out with Noah.” Girl. We all would rather you be making out with him. And then she yet again decides to stay away from him, but when presented with the next moment, does the opposite. And then keeps hitting on him.) I actually think this book would’ve worked much better as a single POV.

The third act break up was lacking. This is a pro and a con. Amelia leaves for tour (to an hour away in Nashville) and Noah begins to pull away. For no reason stated. If the author had lingered on his issues with long distance relationships, it would’ve made more sense. But she didn’t. He’s just surly so of course he starts avoiding Amelia’s calls. Right. However, the grovel—if you can really call it that—was sweet, cute, totally fit, and made sense for the characters.

I read this and felt like it needed a better developmental edit. I feel like Noah’s reason for staying away should’ve been explained way earlier (not 75%) for example. And then there could’ve been those tension-filled moments where it starts to build that they can’t stay away from each other, not just insta-love. I can’t help but wonder if the publisher is banking on the fact that this author has truly hustled on IG and Book-Tok and thinks that will carry over to sales for them. The paragraph breaks could be more obvious, but I’m hoping that’s an ARC issue. Also, the lack of commas is KILLING ME.

All in all, this book is cute, but it’s just okay. Worth it to throw in your bag for a day at the pool where you don’t want to be embarrassed by what you’re reading. It’s a really cute premise that is not forgettable, but I’m afraid the novel itself is not forgettable for not a great reason. Book Lovers made me want to go to the North Carolina mountains. This book did not make me want to go to Rome, Kentucky, unfortunately.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

A cute new Rom-Com from Sarah Adams. This book made me want to be on vacation while reading because it was such a great getaway for the mind. As a Hepburn fan myself, I enjoyed the references to her iconic Roman Holiday film, and the fun new twist on a Roman escape. There is witty banter galore in this one, and fans of a good grumpy-sunshine trope will fall in love.

(Instagram review to be published on or near pub date)

I went into this book thinking it was a food-central rom-com taking place in Rome, Italy. I totally loved the cover and didn't check the synopsis prior to requesting. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the play on location, as well as the characters. This story was super cute!

This was SO cute!

Amelia is a famous pop singer who just needs a break. That is how she finds herself in the small town of Rome, Kentucky where theres is no cell service, no wifi and the nicest community of people. Here she meets Noah a super grumpy pie shop owner. He has no interest in being around or spend time with her. But of course, they are forced to spend time together and they can't help but get to know each other.

These two are so adorable, please. However, Sarah Adams certainly has a talent for writing excellent books.

Amelia, who goes by Rae Rose, has opted to take a vacation before the start of her nine-month tour. As a result, she is motivated to visit Rome by her favorite movie, Roman Holiday. Although, Rome, Italy is far away, so she decided to travel to Rome, Kentucky.

However, directly in front of Noah Walker's house, her car breaks down while she is traveling to Rome. She initially declines his assistance because she finds it unsettling to have a stranger approach her car in the dark. But when he did, he allowed her to spend the night in his guest bedroom.

She had intended to stay at a B&B, but they swear they are fully booked. She is now forced to remain at Noah's house because fixing her automobile will take two weeks. He isn't too pleased about it, though.

They are aware that despite the chemistry and feelings that have developed since being stuck together, nothing can be done to address them. She is preparing to depart, but he plans to stay in Rome. However, everything turns out okay in the end.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸

Loved this cute small town romance. There was a twist I wasn’t expecting but loved how it all played out! 10/10 recommend!

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Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read an arc for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I started this book in the middle of a slump, and it took me much longer to finish than it should have- but that isn't the books fault! Normally I would have easily finished this book in a couple days. It is my first from this author, and I loved it.

I personally didn't notice much swearing in the book, but I also am not familiar with this author - (and I have a mouth like a sailor 🤷🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️) so I definitely don't see that as a negative as other reviews have mentioned.

I loved Amelia and Noah. I enjoyed their chemistry and wished for more. I like some fire in my books and not total closed door scenes. But it was still great chemistry.

I thought the make up between Amelia and her mom was too quick. It felt like it needed to be wrapped up with a bow by the end of the book, when in reality that level of hurt Amelia had wouldn't be repaired and forgiven that quickly. I'm glad they made up, but it just wasn't realistic to me. Susan was a snake and I'm glad she saw that and was able to stand up for herself and fire Susan. Greed makes people crazy.

I would be interested to read another of this author's books. And I would certainly read a sequel to Amelia and Noah.

Sarah Adams has done it again! Absolutely loved this book! Sarah Adams takes a familiar trope (in this case it's 'the city big shot lands in a small town and falls in love'), but gives it her own special twist with lots of laughs and heartwarming moments along the way. She makes you fall in love not only with Amelia and Noah, but with all the sweet and quirky characters living in Rome, KY. Can't wait to read more from this amazing author!

I loved this book! It was like getting a warm hug. It felt so heartfelt and I loved the small town romance aspect. The fact the Noah owned a Pie Shop just felt like something out of a fairytale. This story felt like a Hallmark movie, but in a good way! Amelia and Noah's relationship was adorable. I loved the side characters as well, especially Noah's sisters. Any scenes that would be considered spicy are all "fade to black" so there is nothing explicit in regards to s*x. This was my first Sarah Adam's and I can't wait to read her others!

I think that someone on the other side of the country may have heard me SCREAM when this ARC was approved. I am SUCH a fan of Sarah Adams and have been reading her backlist this year. I just caught up and was thrilled to be able to read this story early. I have recently purchased all of her books on Amazon and have this paperback pre-ordered as well. I tried not to read this book too quickly because it was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. I loved it so much! The grumpy sunshine relationship between Amelia and Noah was so fun to read. The banter was so good and I found myself cheering them on. I really could picture the small town of Rome while reading this story and loved every second of this slow burn rom com!

I want to thank the publishers and netgally for supply me an ARC of this lovely book.

I absolutely adored this book! I will admit it took a while to read, but that is at no fault to the book, more fault to my physical reading slump. The ending of this book has me wanting more.

Amelia and Noah are some of my all time favorite characters. Amelia who is a pop-start that needs a well earned break, is who I wanted to be when I grew up as a child, and Noah is everything I want in a fictional man. Strong and steady but with an emotional soft side you wouldn't expect.

I love the character development for both characters in this book, and the town gave me Gilmore Girl vibes. This small town will suck just about anyone in. As it stands I think I would love to spend a day help Mable at her Inn, or James on the farm.

This book is a fade to black romance so it hits a steamy bits but you don't actually see them. I don't mind this either way but if you are looking for smut this is not it. At the end of the day, this is a sweet romance with witty banter, pancakes, family bonds, and a small town.

This is a very sweet story. It had some elements that you might see in a Hallmark movie with a famous singer needing a break and meeting a small town pie shop owner and falling in love. The people living in town are pretty great, they add to the depth of the story. If you are looking for a quick, light read then “When in Rome” is a good choice.

I’ve committed to an all-nighter for very few books. This was one of them. Maybe it’s because it’s my first Sarah Adams book; maybe it’s because I’m in a celebrity romance mood. But this book hit home in a way I desperately needed. The small-town secondaries were so adorable, and the difficulties keeping Noah and Amelia apart felt brutally real. I loved them both and was so curious about how the book would resolve until the very end. Now I know: Sarah Adams is the author to turn to when I need a quick palate cleanser romance that I know will be worth it!
And, of course, the witty turn of phrase, the silly euphemisms, and the family drama was all there, too. Those are of my favorite elements to find in any story, and Sarah Adams executed them wonderfully. Now I want to go to Kentucky more than I want to go to actual Rome.

Literally Sarah Adams does it again.

The perfect cross between Part of Your World and Things We Never Got Over. Dare I say this book was better than The Cheat Sheet. Read this book in one sitting and genuinely could not put it down, and I think I’m also in love with Noah after finishing the book. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much while reading it and that is all anyone needs to know when thinking about reading this book.

It’s a classic small town trope when a runaway pop star singer meets local brooding baker when her car breaks down on her way to Rome, Kentucky - as she is channeling her favorite Audrey Hepburn movie Roman Holiday. I will never not love a small town “our lives will never work” romance. Give me more. A true slow burn but in the best way. I will never stop talking about the tension in this book and the way Sarah Adams had me smiling at my phone like an idiot reading this. Also grumpy/sunshine is my end all be all (as it should be for everyone else) and When In Rome has to be one of the best I’ve read in a while.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My soft heart bleeds for sweet Noah. He is grumpy and self aware and apologetic. He feels like someone that would just hold you up if you want to let your knees go for a second.

I loved being a part of Rome, KY. I am one of those people who just love and adore the small town feel of books. That could do with the fact that I was born into and grew up in a town of 1500 people. EMOJI If you haven’t walked into your grandma’s house and have her say “oh I already knew you were coming because Georgia called me and said she saw you walking this way 10 mins ago” then maybe you just don’t get it. :)

The town inhabitants made me smile and I just felt this love and warmth with all of them. From Noah’s sisters, to Ms. Mabel (who gave me huge Lady Danbury from Bridgerton vibes haha) to nosy Ms. Harriet!

Amelia felt like such a blurry character at the beginning to me, but I think that’s because she didn’t know herself anymore. So maybe that was my own personal experience, but I loved how Sarah made her feel a little cloudy and then she sharpened more and more throughout the book.

As per usual, Sarah Adams's latest romantic comedy is a hilarious feel-good masterpiece. I saved this advanced copy until I needed a pick-me-up and it absolutely did the trick. Highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone with the promise that it will put a smile on your face. In this book, Rae Rose is a famous pop star in desperate need of a break. So, she takes a page out of her favorite actress Audrey Hepburn’s book and travels to Rome for a break. The only difference, she goes to Rome, Kentucky, since she doesn’t have that much time before her next tour and her car breaks down outside a grumpy pie owner’s house. After he offers to let her crash for the night, the whole town, his sisters included, conspires to get these two together. But, does it even matter when their lives are so different? Filled with Adams's signature humor, spice, and wit this book is sure to keep everyone engaged from the first page! I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the series!!

Sarah Adams is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read everything she’s written. Her regency novels are my favorite, but I’ve definitely been enjoying her rom coms. With that said … This book struck an odd chord with me. While I might expect a few mild curse words here and there, this book was full of four letter words. Every page had multiple instances. I wasn’t offended by the language really, but I did find it a little crass and honestly lacking in creativity. A well placed “oh, shit” can bring comedic humor, but if it’s overdone it’s just strange, especially for an author who writes what is traditionally considered “clean.”

There was great chemistry between the characters as always. I do feel Sarah stepped up the heat with this novel, but it was still tasteful. I would have liked the characters to develop more on an emotional level. This one was a little too more focused on the physical connection in my mind.

This was still a great book, but I find myself worrying for its success. I think it’s a little edgier than her usual and will maybe push it out of the clean category for some of her traditional readers. At the same time, it’s probably not edgy enough to grab the crowd who likes a little more adult content.

I wish her nothing but success, but I do hope she will consider dialing back the four letter factor for more creative dialogue in the future.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

when in rome gave me stars hollow vibes (if you watched gilmore girls you know what i’m talking about) . i texted my friend who was also reading it at the same time and i told her this and now i can’t imagine the town any different . the gossipy town & their loyalty made the book that much better for me :))
initially, i thought this would be about rome , italy but instead it’s rome , kentucky lol . but the picture that sarah adams created for rome , kentucky was perfection . this is such a great book , my new favorite by sarah adams !
i think the setting and the fact that the main character took inspiration from audrey hepburn's roman holiday made this book the much more amazing . when it comes to tropes , roommates & grumpy / sunshine is at the top of the list (with fake dating) so this book was right up my alley <3

Sarah Adams is back with a new series inspired by Audrey Hepburn! Modern day pop princess Amelia Rose, burnt out on tours, fans, and a manager who doesn't seem to care about her wellbeing, flees her hotel and heads to Rome. Unlike Audrey Hepburn's character, however, she goes to Rome, Kentucky. When she breaks down on the lawn of a surly pie shop owner and is unable to get a room at the local inn (it's "full" *wink wink*), Noah allows her to stay on as a guest in his home. As time goes on, Amelia grows closer to Noah, but also has the space she needs to decide what direction she wants to go in her life while being fully embraced by Noah's sisters and the local community committed to keeping her safe in Rome.

As with any Sarah Adams book, this story is full of laughter, quips, relatable pop culture and classic movie references, and a swoony hero. I really enjoyed the book and blocked out an entire weekend of time to read it because I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down until it was done! Adams weaves together threads of romance, familial affection and connection, and the great question What Will I Do With the Rest of My Life with her signature flair, wit, and snappy creativity. I really liked that this story felt long (in a good way) and fully developed.

My main complaint/concern with this book is that the amount of innuendo and on-the-page swearing has increased DRASTICALLY from anything Adams has ever written before. I don't know if her new publisher pushed her to do this but if I hadn't read Adams before I don't know if I would have read past the first chapter. Not her normal tone AT all. I'm not trying to be a prude, I just I don't think it really fit into a story where one of Amelia's main character traits is how much she loves the class and glamour of Audrey Hepburn. I hope the rest of the books in the series dial it back.

That said, I still always recommend Sarah Adams unreservedly! Read her indie published books first, then read this book. Sarah Adams never fails to bring a smile to my face and I will continue to devour anything she writes. I hope the next stories are about Noah's sisters! Can't wait.

WHY haven’t I read EVERYTHING by Sarah Adams? Don’t worry, I soon will. My heck, this book was the perfect summer read! Romantic comedy at its finest. Famous singer meets small down pie maker… oh my! Please preorder this book (September 20th). I love authors, thank you for writing books!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.