I absolutely LOVED this book!! It had all of the best tropes: grumpy/sunshine, small town romance, forced proximity, and (of course the absolute best) dual POV.

Noah and Amelias banter throughout the book was UNMATCHED. I’m not usually a big fun of the “fade to black” kind of books but Sarah Adams does it best!! I will definitely be reading every single book she has written!

Instagram post:
This was the first Sarah Adams book I’ve read and it was so cute!

Book 📚: When In Rome by @authorsarahadams
Genre 💖: contemporary rom com
Rating ⭐️: 4.5/5
Spice 🌶: a couple steamy moments but they go to closed door

Synopsis: Amelia, known to the world as Rae Rose, is a burned out pop star who feels like everyone is controlling her life but her. She panics a few weeks before her tour and inspired by the movie Roman Holiday she escapes to Rome…Kentucky, where her car breaks down in the yard of local pie shop owner Noah. Noah loves his small town and was burned before by a woman who was just passing through, so he’s instantly wary of Amelia and assumes she’s a flighty celebrity.

However, with Amelia staying in Noah’s house until her car can get fixed, he gets to know her better and realizes that she is a real person who is goofy and caring. Amelia loves how Noah treats her like she’s just anybody else. They get under each other’s skin and develop an intense attraction that they try to ignore since she’s only passing through town. Will their different lives pull them in separate directions or will they find a way to be together?

Review: I love a grumpy/sunshine book and this did not disappoint! I loved that Amelia was not a bratty pop star, she was so kind and funny. Noah was the perfect leading guy, tough on the outside but caring deeply about his family and town. The “will they or won’t they” vibes were amazing and made me so invested in what would happen! The townspeople were hilarious supporting characters. Overall this was funny and heartwarming and I highly recommend it!

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC, the book will be out September 20, 2022!

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Goodreads review:
When in Rome is the first Sarah Adams book I've read and it was so cute that now I want to read some of her others!

Synopsis: Amelia, better known to the world as Rae Rose, is a burned out pop star who feels like everyone is controlling her life but her and that she's lost her creative spark. She panics a few weeks before a big nine-month tour and knows she has to get away for a bit. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character in the movie Roman Holiday, Amelia can't get all the way to Rome, Italy so she finds the nearest Rome...which happens to be Rome, Kentucky.

Amelia sneaks away from her team and drives to the small town of Rome, Kentucky, where her car breaks down in the front yard of local pie shop owner, Noah. Noah loves his small town and was burned before by a woman who was just passing through. So he's very wary of Amelia and has no patience for who he assumes is just a flighty celebrity.

However, with Amelia staying in Noah's house while her car is getting repaired, he gets to know her better and realizes she's not just some spoiled pop star, she has real issues in her life and is actually a kind, goofy, and a little bit awkward person. Amelia gets under Noah's tough exterior and makes him laugh and they develop a strong attraction. But Noah has obligations to his family and his town, and Amelia is getting ready to leave on tour so they keep trying to stay away from each other and deny their true feelings. Will their different lives pull them in separate directions, or will they find a way to be together?

Review: I love a grumpy/sunshine book and When in Rome did not disappoint! I loved that Amelia was not written like a bratty pop star, she was so kind and funny and just wanted some space from her celebrity life to relax. Noah was a great leading guy, he was tough on the outside but cares so much for his family and his town, and eventually those feelings extend to Amelia. The "will they or won't they" vibes were amazing, it really made the attraction between the two characters feel so strong and I was so invested in what would happen to them. The townspeople of Rome, Kentucky were all great and hilarious supporting characters! Overall this was a funny and heartwarming book and I would highly recommend it.

I took off a star because I would have liked the book to be a bit spicier - there are intimate scenes but they are fade to black/closed door. That is really just a matter of preference and if you prefer closed door scenes this will probably be a 5 star book for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC! When in Rome will be out on September 20, 2022!

Are you kidding me?! This was absolutely one of the cutest books I’ve ever read. Let’s just point out the things I loved about this book, because there’s a lot

🥞First of all, I found myself carrying my kindle around the house and making myself late for work, because I just didn’t want to stop reading.

🥧Can we talk about Mr. Undercover Cinnamon Roll?! Yes, he needed another nickname. We love a book boyfriend who is protective of the FMC, but still let’s her be independent and fight her own battles, because he knows she can, and Noah was all that and more.

🥞I normally like a little more spice, but all the lingering touches and heated glances were all that and more.

🥧I adored Amelia and was rooting for her from the beginning. She’s such a likable character. From her love of Audrey Hepburn, to her terrible cooking skills, and all her weird quirks in between.

🥞Stars Hollow vibes. Need I say more??

🥧Dual POV and slow burn? It’s like she wrote this book just for me.

All in all, I genuinely felt like I was reading the script for one of the most adorable rom coms to ever exist. Run, don’t walk, to pick this up when it comes out September 20th!

Thank you @randomhouse, @netgalley and @authorsarahadams for this eARC. I loved every minute of it!

Ah, Mrs. Adams...look at you over here making another adorable romcom. I love the way Sarah writes. It always feels like a conversation with my friends, and it makes me feel at home. Her books are always a comfort to me, and I can't wait to see what else she brings us!

I loved the celebrity/pop-star angle of Amelia, and seeing her face burnout in such a realistic way really hit home. I liked that Sarah didn't shy away from telling this story, and she did a fantastic job of humanizing celebrities. A lot of times, I don't think the general public appreciates that they are real people trying to live real lives outside of their fame.

Noah was a fun main man, and his sisters were just the best! I'd hang out with Annie any day of the week. Mabel was also a spitfire lady, and I bet she and Noah's grandmother were a force to be reckoned with back in the day.

Watching Noah and Amelia's back and forth was entertaining, and the banter was top-notch. I'm always down for sassy one-liners, stolen glances, and flirty nicknames. Having him be in the midst of working out his past relationship trauma while having these feelings for Amelia spark up provided good inner turmoil, and I loved the dual POV aspect that let us see all of these feelings up close and personal.

The book tackles some pretty tough but realistic topics, like burnout, expectations, feeling let down by those closest to you, guilt and obligation, broken trust, and more in such easy to digest ways. You know you're reading about heavy emotions, but it always comes across in an easy to manage way.

The twist toward the end was well-played, and I didn't see it coming until it was right on top of me. Screw you, person who must not be named!

Unpopular opinion: I thought Noah's tattoo was unrealistic and too silly for him. Yes, I know it had a ton of sentimental value and all of that, but I just do not believe that that man had that particular thing tattooed on his body...As soon as we saw it, I was totally brought out of the story for that whole scene.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read, and I was sucked in from start to finish! I'm always impressed with Sarah's books, and this one was no exception! For fans of small Southern towns, pie shops, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn romance, closed-door romance, pop culture references, witty banter, dual POVs, celebrity stories, found family, pancakes, and Audrey Hepburn!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

When in Rome is my first Sarah Adams book and she will be on my auto-buy list from now on. This books is just so pure and wonderful. It's the story of pop-star Amelia Rose who needs an escape from her grueling and lonely life and, using Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday as inspiration, drives herself to the small town of Rome, Kentucky. There she meets local pie shop owner Noah Walker, and the two start an unlikely relationship that evolves throughout the story.

This book is very entertaining and I loved that it was told from both main characters perspectives. Both Amelia and Noah are relatable and fun to read as they navigate their relationship and what past issues may be holding them back from exploring it more. They are both adorable and watching their relationship move forward was sweet and rewarding. Their banter was lively, witty, and so much fun to read. The town of Rome, Kentucky really came to life in the novel and the side characters were enjoyable additions to the main storyline. I hope Adams writes successive novels about Noah's sisters because they were fantastic.

Everything about this book was absolutely great for me and I have zero complaints about it. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially readers of romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you @netgalley @randomhouse and @authorsarahadams for this eARC in exchange of my honest review.

Amelia Rose is an international pop sensation. And she is burned out. She can’t remember the last time she loved to sing or was inspired to write. So what does she do? She takes a note from her beloved Audrey Hepburn and goes to Rome. Except, Italy is too far away so she settled for Rome, Kentucky. That’s where Noah Walker finds her stranded in her broken down car on his front lawn. He begrudgingly let’s her stay in his spare room until his car is fixed, making it clear that he’s not interested in romance. But will their close quarters make it hard to resist each other?

This is the perfect closed door romance. Sarah Adams has done it again. She’s brought wit and chemistry to this story in such an effortless way. This is definitely one to pick up as soon as it publishes!

This one gets 4.5⭐️‘s from me!

When In Rome was adorable! Very very sweet… reads more like a YA novel, which I LOVE! Adams handled all my favorite tropes perfectly from sunshine/grump to the small town (Schitt’s Creek vibes anyone?) Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one was a good 3.5 stars for me. It started off strong, but I found myself getting antsy/bored waiting for the “action” to happen. Enemies to lovers is my favorite romance trope, but these two become friends quick. I love how Amelia’s journey wasn’t about finding love, it was about finding a family also. I think romance books often focus on the lover and Amelia was really in tune with her wants and needs. The ending felt a little rushed, but I like how everything wrapped up. It seemed real, not like one of those fuzzy romances where everything just works out.

WHEN IN ROME is a cute, feel good romantic comedy that follows a pop star, Amelia (famously known as Rae Rose) who escapes to Rome, Kentucky (following in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps) to get a break from her demanding lifestyle.

when Amelia arrives in Rome, her car breaks down in the yard of the town’s grumpy pie shop owner, Noah. at first, she is afraid, but after only minutes with Noah she knows she is safe. he tells her she can stay in his spare room for the night, and that sets off a series of events neither of them see coming.

as the two spend more time together, stuck in a house together for several weeks, they grow closer and learn truths about each other’s lives that cause them to connect even further.

unfortunately, they closer they get to eachother, the closer the date Amelia has to leave. and with Noah’s tragic past, will he be able to admit his feelings and give Amelia a chance to change his mind about love?

—————

this book was so cute! it reads more like a YA than an adult novel, but that was totally okay with me. i felt myself rooting for Amelia and Noah from the very beginning; both had such likable personalities. by the end, i was smiling and laughing, and tearing up just a little bit. also, the small town characters in the book are written so well, and honestly make the book what it is.

if you like music, baking, the grumpy/sunshine trope, small town characters, gilmore girls, or the movie roman holiday (lol), be sure to pick up this book in september! :)

review will be posted on instagram at @lyndzlikesbooks soon!
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THANK YOU to NetGalley & Random House Publishing for the gifted digital arc of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I have truly been in such a reading rut that when I picked this up, I wasn't expecting anything. But dang! This was super cute.

Amelia Rose, who is also know as Rae Rose, has been known as the princess of pop and she is so fucking tired. When she attempts to flee this life for a quick vacation, she ends up driving onto the lawn of Noah Walker, a piemaker who does not have time for this tomfoolery. She ends up staying at his house as the car gets fixed and she learns about the small town charmes of Rome, Kentucky, as well as they fall of love -- of course they do, it's romance novel.

But wow! I was not expecting such a sweet story. Noah was the exact type of grumpy I enjoy in a good romance, and Amelia was sweet enough that it also wasn't like... over the top. Their banter was cute instead of painfully forced, and golly gee, I really liked all the characters in the book.

From Noah's sisters, to Amelia's assistant, Claire, even if they were given small parts, they all shined. And the fact that they both grow as people (as do the people around them!!!) was such an incredible delight. I just enjoy watching two nice people fall in love - especially when there's a time limit and they shouldn't -- and yet they do!

Only minor thing I did not love was that this was another book where the celebrity aspect of the celebrity was not focused on. Which made sense, as she was trying to escape it, but if I had been reading the synopsis before picking this up, I would've been slightly disappointed. This was legit yet another book about a celebrity where their fame doesn't seem to affect them until the plot allows - though, as I've said in others, at least it affected them! But! I forgot to read the synopsis before diving in, so I forgot she would be a celeb.

But also because the book is so much about her trying to like - relive life after being on the road for so long, it was nice to not have as much overbearing celebrity aspects. I don't know! I just found this book incredibly charming and sweet. Also read it in a lovely afternoon on a beautiful day in the park, so maybe I'm just biased.

Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! It was so cozy, and I loved the relationship between Amelia and Noah. I also loved the other characters in Rome, like Mabel and Noah's sisters. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC! This definitely will not be my last Sarah Adams book.

5/5 stars

I loved loved loved this book! It was such a fun, easy read and I love the grumpy/sunshine trope. I also love when an author explores familial relationships because the found family trope is my favorite.

3.75

super cute small town romance !!! she is famous pop star (think taylor swift or ariana) and needs a break. her car breaks down in noah’s front yard and oh no! she needs a place to stay for a couple weeks bc her car is broken :((( forced proximity, slow burn, FADE TO BLACK. i was so mad. also there’s the i like you but it’s not gonna work out we are too different trope which i hate, but other than that super cute!

This book was sweeter than powdered sugar!!! Sarah Adams has done it again! This is the classic grumpy x sunshine trope, and it did not disappoint. I loved the small town feel (Gilmore Girls anyone??), how Audrey Hepburn was sprinkled throughout the story, and Noah's relationships with his family. There were parts of this book that made me laugh and parts that made me cry, but overall it just left me feeling happy and asking myself if one day later was too soon to re-read it... :) 12/10 recommend this book (and all of Sarah Adams' books) if you're in need of a sweet, cozy read. Here's hoping for some sequels with the secondary characters!!!

When in Rome is about exhausted musician, Amelia, who needs a break from her busy, controlled life. Her love for Audrey Hepburn and the movie Roman Holiday inspires her to vacation in Rome... Rome, Kentucky being the closest.

There she meets grumpy Noah Walker, a baker with a scarred heart. Forced proximity, a bucket list, pamcakes, and an insane physical chemistry leads to a relationship of "We can't" and "I can't stay away".

My thoughts: I want to visit a town like Rome. But also, I loved reading about a celebrity as a main character. The difficulty and loneliness that can come with that profession is heartbreaking. The fact that she finds safety and happiness with Noah melts my heart. I could feel the chemistry through the pages and was dying every time one pulled away from the other.

Noah's three sisters brought some cometic moments and ignited my wish for a big family. I would LOVE a book about each sister personally, that's how much I enjoyed their characters and relationships as siblings.

Thanks you Random House Publishing for choosing me to preview this amazing book. Be sure to grab your copy September 2022!

“Sometimes I’m happy… Or at least I used to be. I think.”
Amelia (or Rae Rose, multimillionaire pop singer as she’s known to the public) needs a break. Her life is getting away from her but what can she possibly complain about? She’s a pop star, getting ready for a world tour, and lives the life everyone dreams about. But when she realizes she’s missing joy in her life, she runs away to Rome… Kentucky. Her car breaks down, and Noah, her knight in blue jeans, wants nothing to do with a flashy celebrity who is just breezing through town but shows a brief display of small town hospitality to let her stay in his guest room. The more they get to know each other, the more difficult it is to deny the attraction and feelings simmering, but they are from two very different worlds and someone is going to get hurt when her car is fixed and she has to return to the limelight.

Sarah Adams has the magic formula of stringing together words, developing characters and telling stories that make my heart physically ache. I could vividly imagine Rome, KY, with the family owned businesses, main street, and sense of comradery from all the side characters. I absolutely loved Noah’s sisters and wonder if Sarah will have spinoff stories for them too (one can hope!). Overall I thought this was another sweet and swoony Sarah Adams book!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amelia, an A-list pop star who’s completely burned out and turns to Audrey Hepburn for a solution, specifically her film Roman Holiday. Naturally, she gets in her car and drives to Rome, Kentucky to get away from Nashville. Except her plans implode when she arrives in Rome and her car promptly breaks down by someone’s house. Pie baker Noah does not need or want a superstar in his yard, his home, or his life— he’s had enough of women from outside this town messing with his heart. Except Amelia likes the way Noah treats her like she’s normal. She even likes his extremely grumpy exterior, and decides to stay with her very reluctant and inhospitable host in Rome until her car gets fixed. This book is such a sweet grumpy/sunshine small town romance! Sarah Adams is the queen of Couples Who Don’t Know They’re a Couple Yet, and I’m here for it! This author is also a slow burn queen. There were so many small touches and heated glances that I’m still unsure how my kindle didn’t burn to bits. Five stars- I really enjoyed this, and am hoping that we get more stories in Rome, Kentucky. Noah’s sisters, or his friend James, perhaps?

When in Rome follows the story of Rae Rose/Amelia, a famous pop star. Needing a break from reality, Amelia hops in her broken-down car and finds herself on Noah’s front lawn! She ends up staying at Noah’s house while her car gets fixed and their relationship unfolds from there!

Quick thoughts:
LIKES - This book was just so warm and cozy! I loved how the relationship between Amelia and Noah grew throughout the story and I especially enjoyed Noah’s sisters and all of the fun residents of the small town!!

DISLIKES - Nothing!

Read if you like:
*grumpy/sunshine
*slow burn
*small town setting
*awesome side characters
*found family
*forced proximity
*closed door romance

When in Rome – Sarah Adams

I was provided an eBook version of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Sarah Adams novel and I am hooked! I absolutely loved this story of Amelia, aka Rae Rose, and her journey of finding what she really wanted in life. The small town charm, the romance, the banter, the family .. it was all a perfect blend and the transitions throughout the story between Amelia and Noah were seamless! There were a few moments I had to stop reading and come back to it (work, sleep, etc) and every time I picked it up to continue reading I was instantly transported right back into Rome and it was such a comforting read.

While lighthearted and fun, this book also touches on some really important issues of self-discovery and reconnecting.

Overall, one of the best books I have read this year and will be purchasing the book once it hits shelves. I can see myself recommending this to friends for sure!

This book has, like, a lovable Gilmore Girls-esque small town, a baking love story and I'm here for all of it. It's a saccharine-level, much like the author's The Cheat Sheet which I adored, that's full of quick, snappy language that draws me in. There's a found family trope of a Stars Hollow-type small town and I love it. This slow-burn romance is very cute and wholesome that I couldn't help but smile over.