When in Rome was my first book by Sarah Adams, but this enchanting story has motivated to read several more by his author. I requested this book because of its cute cover and description and now I have discovered a new favorite author! I love most books set in a small town, with their friendly, quirky, and generous supporting characters. Rome, Kentucky has the sweetest elements of the small town trope. Amelia Rose, known professionally as Rae Rose, a pop music celebrity, in an attempt to catch her breath (and possibly avoid a nervous break down) during a grueling and isolating professional schedule flees to small town Rome, Kentucky. There, she meets grumpy but kindhearted Noah after her car breaks down in his front yard. Stranded, Amelia must rely on Noah’s reluctant hospitality. I loved several supporting characters in the Rome community, but Mabel, Noah’s surrogate grandmother, was the most adorable! Noah’s pie shop was also an excellent of the story. What’s not love about freshly baked pie? Or a scrabble-playing baker?

Throughout the book, Amelia comes to accept the necessity of self care and cultivates the ability to set boundaries between her professional responsibilities and her personal life so she can thrive. Noah’s journey requires him to accept the help of Amelia and his neighbors and learn to be more open…to love, to the interest of others, including his well-meaning community.

Amelia and Noah’s romance was amusing to watch. Their witty banter made this book quite fun and the desire of the Rome residents to see these two together (there was absolutely no vacancy at the Bed and Breakfast, right Mabel?) made me want to be the beneficiary of their love and support.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and funny romance. I recommend it and will put Sarah Adams’ other books on my to be read list!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest and objective review.

Such a charming read by Sarah Adams! I am always impressed by her writing, characters, and plots and this was no different. I loved Amelia and Noah together, and the inclusion of realistic issues alongside the rarity of a celebrity persona - I thought this nicely made Amelia more ‘real’ to the reader and less like a one-sided person that celebrities are often made out to be.
I also loved all the other members of the Rome, Kentucky community! But especially Noah of course.

An entertaining story with lovable characters, a small-town (almost Stars Hollow-esque) setting, a touch a fame, a good amount of tension, supporting characters that feel relatable (LOVED the girl gang of sisters). I rooted for Noah and Amelia from the get go and never felt let down. This one was a definite win for me!

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House for letting me be an early reader!

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Noah and Amelia had me enraptured from the start. Noah’s surly attitude, Amelia’s sweet disposition. I loved the way that their relationship slowly progressed over their time together. They tried to resist the pull they had towards each other for as long as they could. Amelia’s personality reminds me of a good friend, someone who can push all your buttons but make you smile while pushing them. She’s just the type of personality that Noah needs. Their romance is a sweet, slow burn.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis:

Amelia is a burnt out pop star who just wanted an escape. But when that escape leads to her car breaking down in front of the local baker’s house, she gets more than she bargained for. Noah owns a pie shop in Rome, Kentucky. He lives a simple life, spending time with his family and friends, and isn’t looking for a change. So when his world is turned upside down by Amelia’s arrival, he does everything he can to keep things in order. Little does he know, love is never simple.

5 stars for the humor
4 stars for the story (interesting situation and charming setting with a sweet HEA)
3 stars for 1) the insta love (I rarely am sold on love developing in a short amount of time) and 2) the author straying from the brand I feel she has built (the book had more swearing and steam than her other books which might catch some by surprise if they have read others books by her).
The book was a fun read and I am sure will be loved by many.

A cute, small-town take on Roman Holiday. Amelia (aka, world-famous pop star Rae Rose) runs away from home just before she's supposed to leave on tour. She needs a break, and takes inspiration from her favorite Audrey Hepburn movie to escape to the nearest Rome, which just happens to be tiny Rome, Kentucky. There she encounters Noah, the jaded but soulful pie baker who takes Amelia in and agrees to show her small-town life. There's no possibility of a future between these two very different people, but that doesn't mean they can't dream.

This is a funny, gentle, closed-door romance. I enjoyed the cast of meddling small-town characters who are determined to get Noah his happy ending, and who fall in love with Amelia for who she is, not just her pop stardom.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Noah, small town boy in Rome, Kentucky, has his whole world rocked when pop star Rae Rose [Amelia] breaks down in his front yard. In an effort to get away from her busy lifestyle, she hops in her car and heads to the closest place called "Rome" taking a page out of Audrey Hepburns book. Noah makes it abundantly clear that he is not interested in this popstars life and is only rendering her aid because of his good-hearted nature - but Rae, who he comes to know as Amelia, gets under his skin & into his heart way quicker than he can admit. Amelia is smitten with him after she learns how easy it is to be herself with him. He gives her a much needed rest from the "polite polite polite" facade she has to put on in the eye of the public, and she gives him the grace he needs to fall in love again after having his heart broken by another big-city girl.

Watching them fall in love in this story is everything - Sarah Adams writes books that make you feel like the characters are your best friends and they are absolutely beautiful. When in Rome, her latest 5 star book is out in September & you absolutely have to pick it up.

When In Rome
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 9/20/22
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Dell
Pages: 320
Goodreads Rating: 4.36

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. 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. 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. 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.

My Thoughts: The story was narrated in dual POV’s which I loved as it gave you both perspectives. This was the perfect small town romance novel. It was like a Hallmark movie on golden street. I love the grumpy/sunshine mixed with small town trope. The characters were developed very well, they were witty, they had amazing chemistry, wonderful banter, had depth, were likable, as well as relatable, and just worked very well together. The author’s writing was complex, heartfelt, charming, and just brilliant. I laughed during this book, I was swooned during this book, and my heart was completely into this book. This is my first book from Sarah Adams but will NOT be my last. I literally added every book for Sarah Adams from Amazon to my wish list, including this one as I would love the physical copy when released.

Audrey Hepburn. Grumpy Pie Shop Owners. Overbearing Sisters. Singing Sensation. Pancakes. Rome, Kentucky.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams was incredible. Amelia Rae Rose is a singer who needs a mental health break before her 9-month-long tour. Life is overbearing and she needs a break from the intense lifestyle that is being a celebrity. With a last-minute session after watching Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn, she packs a bag, jumps in her car, and takes off to the next state over. Hours later her car broke down on the front lawn of the one and only, Noah Walker. The sexual tension and very obvious attraction between the two are addicting to read. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for them to kiss or express any sort of feelings to one another. Also, I love a good big city girl ending up in a small town storyline. I crave these types of stories. The growth between Noah and amelia as characters is beautiful.

I love that the epilogue is a news article about the two later on in life. I thought that was a fun twist and different addition to the book. Overall, this book gets a 5-star rating from me and I cannot wait for everyone else to read this book so I can discuss it with them.

Holy adorable! When in Rome has everything that makes this romance reader's heart pitter patter--small town romance, grumpy & sunshine, celebrity & regular person (not always my favorite trope but in this book it WORKS!) I'm pretty sure I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time! I wish people in real life spoke the way that they do in Rome (Kentucky--not Italy, btw)--they were all so earnest and endearing! It definitely had some Gilmore Girls vibes for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

If you drop a burnt out pop star in Stars Hollow, you get this book. It was cute and had some swoony moments, and the small town setting was fun, but the story as a whole also was lacking for me. I didn't like the timeline and especially the insta-romance. The last 20% had a few things resolve too quickly and felt rushed, especially where Amelia's mom was concerned. I just felt like there was a lot of potential for the storylines to be more developed and engaging, but instead we got a few of Amelia's thoughts and boom, that was it. I also feel like Sarah Adams's female characters have all ended up with the same personality...frazzled, awkward, foot-in-mouth characters that would be cute if I hadn't read it 4 times.

Not a terrible romance by far, just not developed enough for me.

When you read a Sarah Adams book, you know it’s going to be absolutely delightful, and When in Rome is no exception. Such a sweet, funny, romantic story. I loved the small-town setting in this one. I loved the side characters and the humor and depth they added to the story. Amelia and Noah were adorable. They want each other so bad, but know it could never work out, and is a really bad idea, so they keep fighting it, but their chemistry is undeniable. I love the banter and teasing, and pretty much just everything about this book. Highly recommend!

This is the definition of a feel good book! It is sweet, fun and flirty! It has it all.. grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, dual pov and a small town romance. I don’t reread books but this will definitely be one I pick back up in the future. I love how this book isn’t just about romance. It talks about finding yourself and rekindling relationships.

Pop star, Amelia Rae Rose finds herself on her way to Rome. Rome, Kentucky that is. Her car breaks down in front of none other than the grumpy Noah Walker’s house. From there we follow the story of how the two are forced to live in the same house for the next two weeks until her car is fixed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Sarah Adams for allowing me to read this amazing ARC.

When in Rome tell the story of Amelia, who is known as the pop star princess Rae Rose. Feeling burned out, she decides one night to randomly pick an Audrey Hepburn movie to watch and follow its path. The movie she ended up picking was Roman Holiday so she sets off to the closest Rome she could find: Rome, Kentucky. Her car ends up breaking down in front of our sweet yet grumpy, pie-shop owner’s house, Noah! Amelia ends up staying at Noah’s place while her car is getting fixed and the two just couldn’t resist each other - no matter how much logic said they should🙈

This was a nice change of pace from the steamy romance novels I usually enjoy to read so the fade-to-black here was just not it for me. But the dual POV was amazing for the plot and the supporting characters were very entertaining👏🏼

It's a perfect light read if you’re in the mood for something cute🥰

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to be an early reader✨

Such a cute rom-com! I love a small-town romance. The main character, Amelia, escapes to a small town and falls in love with a handsome pie shop owner. This story is so cute and I loved it just as much as The Cheat Sheet. I highly recommend it this book!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I think from now on I will not read books by any acclaimed author in tiktok. While I am sure a lot of people will enjoy this book I am not one of them. Finish it was a chore, by the end of the book the contradicted herself with information she gave us in the beginning.

I literally squealed when I found out I was getting this arc!! Reading one of Sarah's books is like that perfect day of reading. You're all cozy under a fluffy blanket, it's stormy outside, the fireplace is going, and you have a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea next to you. You read the whole book in one sitting because you can't put it down!

When in Rome was so much fun!! You've got the grumpy/sunshine trope. Add to that a small town with hilarious side characters! Our sunshine is a famous pop star with an Audrey Hepburn obsession! Our grump is an adorable pie shop owner that's been burned in the past. I simply adored the banter! It's laugh out loud funny! Plus, their inner monologues had me giggling!! I love each of their personalities and the trials that made them who they are. It was realistic and I like seeing the messy! Plus, I have nothing in common with a wealthy famous singer but I found myself drawn to Amelia and the way she's a people pleaser and relating to her that way. I was really invested in these characters like they're real people! That's GREAT writing there!!

The side characters are really fun and I hope this becomes a series! I want HEA for all Noah's sisters and James!! They all have distinct personalities and I really enjoy them all!! The writing is fun and the pacing is great! I couldn't put it down! It's that perfect fun rom-com read that just puts you in the best mood when you finish! Totally fell in love and couldn't recommend this one more!!

When in Rome was the amazing rom com, I didn't know I needed!
This book made me FEEL & when books make me feel.. it instantly becomes a favorite!

When in Rome follows small town, grumpy, Pie Shop owner, Noah & Big City, Famous, Pop Star, Amelia. Amelia needs a break from her life that's making her feel lonely although she's surrounded by millions of people. She escapes to a small town to de-stress & re-evaluate her life, but falling for the handsome, hopeless romantic Noah, was not in the cards.

Mentions of classics like Audrey Hepburn (who I named my daughter after BTW) & Frank Sinatra tunes, amongst others, just ups the romance factor in this book.

The way the author describes the thoughts of each character, just made me feel like I was physically there. The chemistry & the tension, between both MC's is fuckin' outstanding. I laughed at the banter between all the characters in the book, I cried when I saw heartbreak about to happen, and was so happy when getting towards the end. Now, I just want more of Amelia & Noah!!


Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Without giving too much away:
This one is for the people who have ever been cheated on in a relationship you weren’t truly happy in but found it so hard to let go of someone and the person you were with them. This one is for the people who feel suffocated by their surroundings but the loneliest they’ve ever felt. This one is for the people who feel abandoned by everyone who said they’d never leave. It’s ok to still love someone and to only want the best for them even after they stomped all over your love. It’s ok to want them to be happy. It’s ok to be grateful for all of the things you experienced with them, even if you never want them to be a part of your life ever again. It’s ok to accept all of this to help you heal & move on.
Noah is an absolute dream boat. Amelia made me cry a few times and I feel protective over her. Such a good read.

Sarah Adams is my new favorite author! I've seen her books on social media but never picked one up until this ARC. OH. MY. GOODNESS. I've read two more since this one and can't wait to read the rest of her backlist. When in Rome is a sweet, hilarious, and completely addicting story that is the perfect escape read!