When In Rome was cute but wasn't my favorite Sarah Adams book.

I liked the premise, that an overwhelmed pop star decides to live out one of her favorite movies, Roman Holiday, and of course finds the perfect town with the perfect grumpy guy (who just happens to have a heart of gold). I loved the journey that the MC Amelia goes on and that it doesn't involve a shallow celebrity getting a personality makeover. I loved the ending and how the main conflicts were resolved. And I thought it was funny that it kind of reminded me of the movie Cars (I'm pretty sure that wasn't intentional).

Things I didn't love. Everything felt forced in the beginning. Like I was supposed to care about the potential relationship and the town before even getting to know them. It took me about halfway through the book before I became invested. My other main problem was all of the swearing, especially as it compares to her previous books. There is so much and it was so unexpected that I found it very distracting, and that made it hard for me to connect with the story. I'm not sure what the point was or how it added to the story?

LOVE LOVE LOVED this book! My friend got me hooked on Sarah Adams books and honestly each one just gets better and better. I will be grabbing a physical copy of this when it releases. Such a cute story about a small town and celebrity drama.

Amelia is just needing a break from her chaotic life // Noah just wants to make pies and be left alone // But when Amelia’s car breaks down in Noah’s front yard, it’s the beginning of something neither expected // 🥰

I loved the Roman Holiday connection // his three sisters // Mabel // the nosy small town // pancakes // sophisticated pajamas // reading books out loud // grumpy-sunshine // 🥧

I love that in Sarah Adams books the conflict is real and understandable, but it’s never blown out of proportion // it’s what I think sets her books a part from the rest // 💯

However, though I enjoyed this book, and many will consider it closed door, it was more descriptive and open door than previous books, and had more language // as someone who prefers to read clean to closed door, I found myself having to skip more scenes here and there as it was more “cracked door” in my opinion

If you love Sarah Adams, Audrey Hepburn, small town romance, grumpy-sunshine and love pancakes and pies then you should read this book // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the publisher And author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Solid 4/5 meet cute small town hallmark romance…I adored the sisters in the book and it definitely makes me have all the feels of a timeless Audrey.

Doesn’t contain much spice if that’s what you are looking for the it is a sweet good guy gets the pop star book.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 STARS EASY! Noah and Amelia’s story was the perfect grumpy boy, sunshine girl story that I NEEDED! I am on my way to read more Sarah Adams’ books, this is a masterpiece of a story.

This review will be posted on Goodreads, on May 22nd, 2022.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Parts of the book I LOVED and sometimes I wanted to bang my head against the wall.

This follows famous pop star singer Amelia, AKA Rae Rose, being thrown together with Noah. I loved Noah... LOVED. He had a grumpy exterior but had a thoughtful and kind interior, he was hardworking and loved his sisters and grandma.

Amelia on the other hand is why I had more mixed feelings about this book. It almost felt as if she was written as Taylor Swift?!?! Which made it more of a fanfic vibe... idk could've just been me. She runs away from her responsibilities which is understandable. But she really got on my nerve sometimes. She just seemed very naive for her age. She is a grown *ss woman, why is she letting other people dictate her life?!?!?!

Overall, it was an enjoyable book. Noah's and Amelia's romance was cute, there was some tension between them. But if you are looking for a spicy book this is not it (closed door).

When in Rome is a Women's Fiction/Romance that has me not only wanting to eat pie, but also wishing that I lived in a tiny town where everyone knew my business. Well, kind of.

The cover artwork caught me eye quickly. It's bright, colorful and showcases the two main characters that are depicted throughout the pages. The illustrative work is well done and is very on trend at the moment.

As we dive in, we meet Amelia Rose. A runaway popstar who is looking for a break before going on a six month tour around the world. But, for her this "small break", if it turned into a permanent break she would be okay with that. Her manager and team certainly would not be "okay" with that though. But, she takes the risk and leaves without telling anyone which is not acceptable in her teams' eyes. On the way to her surprise vacation to the closest Rome she could find, her car breaks down in the middle of the night. Where there's no service. Where no one knows she's even there to realize she hasn't made it her destination. Uh oh.

Meet Noah Walker who knocks on her window since she's landing within his front yard when her car broke down. He's single, handsome, and a baker. Also, apparently a caring gentleman to check on someone in the dead of night. Through some Q&As and also a vouch for Noah by a local elder that he isn't a murderer, Amelia vacates her car and into his home for the first time. The rest is easy as pie and pancakes - literally. Except for Amelia.

His management team is worried and tries to track her down, she tries to get onto Noah's good side as he's hard to read and she's not sure if she's overstepping boundaries staying in his guest room, and she doesn't feel like she fits in this small of a town especially when she hears her car won't be ready for two weeks versus what was supposed to be just a weekend getaway to a B&B down the road.

Will Noah and Amelia become friends or better yet, lovers? Does Amelia finally learn how to make pancakes? Does she leave her singing career behind for good?

I really enjoyed this read. It was quick and I was able to enjoy all of the characters - main and secondary throughout the pages. I appreciated Amelia's arc throughout and felt she was a powerful character and I loved how she really stood up for herself near the end.

Four stars. I felt that it took a bit of time for me to get into the book off the bat. But once more characters were introduced and Noah and Amelia started to mesh together, it felt more natural. I also wish there was more discussed about the relationship between her mother and her. I immediately had such a hatred towards her mother, but then it seemed the conversation between the two quickly changed their relationship in too fast of a way.

Would recommend for anyone that likes story twists of original stories - this one was a twist off of Roman Holiday (in a way), baking, popstars meet average joe, and anyone who likes small town characters.

Thank you to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Net Galley for an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.

When in Rome was such a cute romance read! If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine, celeb/normal person, and reluctant love tropes — you will love this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"The door shuts behind me and I stand in the silence feeling acute loneliness for the first time in my life. I used to revel in this quiet. Crave it. Now all I crave is her."

<i>When in Rome</i> by Sarah Adams is a sweet, closed-door romance with a super fun grumpy/sunshine trope. I would rate this 3.75 stars.

What I liked most about this book was how real Amelia and Noah felt to me. They had solid reasons behind the way they were, which made their emotions and responses feel relatable and authentic. I really enjoyed Noah's sisters, and I hope this book turns into a series where we get their stories because each of them was darling.

I've read pretty much everything Sarah has written, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. And this one was no different. I enjoyed the story and had no problems getting through the book. I was a disappointed with how much swearing was in this book, as that is a shift from her previous novels. Language in books isn't my favorite, but normally I can ignore it. In this book, the swearing stood out almost every time and pulled me out of the story. It didn't really seem to fit with the characters and their personalities, though this opinion is probably biased on my part.

Overall, <i>When in Rome</i> was sweet and fun. The tension between Amelia and Noah was absolutely fantastic throughout the book, and some of the moments were swoon-worthy to say the least. As far as slow burn romances go, this one hit a lot of the right notes for me. Also, be careful when reading this as you might start spontaneously craving pie. :)

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the complimentary eARC of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sarah Adams delivers on the swoony romance, as always. She writes such relatable characters and the trip to Rome was a treat. Thank you NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.

Very sweet read, though predictable. Perfect if you just want something light-hearted and fluffy to read. Noah and Amelia's relationship was very cute!

Content: PG-13, closed door

3.5

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing, Ballantine Dell for the advanced copy of When in Rome.

Amelia is a famous singer who feels lost and disconnected from her passions. Inspired by Roman Holiday, she takes off in search of Rome and the break she desperately needs. She finds herself in Rome, Kentucky in a front yard with a broken down commuter car and a grumpy, intriguing man. Amelia discovers keys to her happiness and drivers of her unhappiness in this sweet, closed door, grumpy/sunshine story.

Sarah Adams write such fun and irreverent stories. She taps into what makes people tick and pulls that out into thoughtful, interesting tales.

The premise was super fun and the typical hallmarks of a Sarah Adams book were all there, chemistry, banter, kindness, and a slow burn steam that while isn’t explicit is still present.

I loved Noah and Amelia separately and together. The characters felt like real people and Noah’s sisters were great additions to the setting and cast. I loved Ms. Mabel and her meddlesome tendency. I hope there are more stories with James, Emily, Madison and Annie!

The storyline with Noah’s grandma was sweet but it fell a little flat for me. I also thought the conflict with Susan was resolved too quickly and without as much airtime as it took up in the rest of the story.

I recommend this if you enjoy funny banter, chemistry that will burn you and loving characters, who are creatively and thoughtfully developed.

It was a very super quick and fun romcom with quite adorable people as main characters. I definitely see myself reaching out to read it again.

I LOVED THIS, I LOVED THIS, I LOVED THIS!!

This book had me from the very beginning, the Stars Hollow vibes were everything, all the side characters were so funny, just like the townspeople in Gilmore Girls!! So since that was my favorite show I knew it was going to be five stars for me!

The butterflies I got reading this!! I absolutely loved watching Noah and Amelia fall for each other. This was a slow burn but the build up, their chemistry, it was sooo good and so worth it!

Amelia was so adorable, and so fun! The perfect mc for this story! Noah, holy hotness!! Who makes a hug seem so sexy?! & Noahs sisters, I loved them, the banter between them had me giggling and smiling like crazy!

This was my first Sarah Adams book and there is no doubt, this won’t be my last!!

Read this if you love 🫶🏻
🥞 Grumpy/Sunshine
🥧 Forced Proximity
🥞 dual pov
🥧 opposites attract
🥞 Gilmore Girls / small town vibes

Book: When in Rome

Author: @authorsarahadams 💫

Release date: September 20, 2022

GOOD THINGS CHECKLIST:

✔️ dough-kneading arms 💪 & apparently the rest of him ain't too shabby either 👀

✔️ big city girl × small town boy (man's got a LANDLINE)

✔️ ALL the music references

✔️ a man that knows his way around a kitchen AND a woman (& a woman that is so bad in the kitchen she causes multiple fires)

✔️ speaking of fires... 🔥 we get a lil spicy action AND a legitimate friendship/romantic connection... *cue Hannah Montana 'Best of Both Worlds'*

✔️ honestly they actually communicated pretty well?? RESPECT.

✔️ forced proximity (but kinda not forced because this man was raised to be a gentleman & wouldn't leave a damsel in distress *who just so happens to be a beautiful, famous, talented singer/songwriter* stranded)

✔️ SMALL TOWN CHARM - newsflash y'all.... it aint in Italy 🤌

Overall, I'm SO glad I had a chance to read this book & that it was my FIRST Sarah Adams book! definitely recommend getting this bad boy on your TBRs, wishlists, and into your hands when it's released!

thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the advanced e-book copy! 🧡

This book was such a sweet, joyful breath of fresh air! I *loved* the small town, Stars Hollow vibes, and that the town came with so many quirky and lovable side characters. Mabel?? The perfect meddling grandma. Noah's sisters?? The sweetest people, who were so funny with each other and so intentional with Amelia.

I really loved Amelia! I appreciated that her story didn't revolve around the fact that she was a pop star in a small town who needed a personality makeover; she wasn't spoiled or bratty. She was kind, loyal, and genuinely just looking for a community that welcomed her. I felt her struggles in my HEART. The scene where they're having dinner at James's house and Amelia says, "I still can't believe I'm here with these people. These people who like me enough to poke fun at me. To acknowledge when I'm bad at something. To let me fail and enjoy the hell out of it over and over again." I could've cried reading that because it hit me in my own heart. It was important to hear Amelia process both her feelings of loneliness and her joy over finding a family.

The only things I would change are two personal preferences. I would have liked their relationship to start with less obvious attraction and let it build over time, rather than something so immediate. And I would have liked just a teeny bit more spice (I loved what was there), if only to get a payoff for all the tension built up between Noah and Amelia. (Speaking of which, the tension was literally perfect. I absolutely love when a book gives me butterflies, and this did so over and over again!)

Thank you for the digital ARC! Please, please keep writing the stories of people in this town - I would LOVE to read more about Noah's sisters and their own love stories.

If you like grumpy sunshine trope, forced proximity, and/or small town romance then this book may be for you. I didn’t hate this book but I also wouldn’t read it again. Overall, it was an okay romance based in a small town. You’ve got Amelia who is a celebrity and finds herself stranded in Rome, Kentucky. She meets Noah who is a grumpy pie shop owner who has past trauma and relationship hurts that keep him from opening up to Amelia. For me, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two characters so it felt forced. I finally started enjoying the book around the 70% completion but overall I wasn’t sold on it. I was just wanting more depth to both the characters and the plot.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and the author for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

Yes, @authorsarahadams has done it again! She is the queen 👑 of sweet RomComs. Each and every one of her books are some of my all time favorites, but this one is her best yet.

What I loved:
- it was such a completely romantic and swoony love story. I loved how Amelia and Noah met, how their friendship grew, and how they both took the risk with each other
- the characters. I loved all of them! They welcomed Amelia into their circle and created a family
- my heart ached thinking of how this could end, but it all worked out and just gave me the biggest smile
- and of course, great laugh out loud moments

What I didn't like:
- nothing!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Romance: kisses, make outs, fade-to-black scenes

Thank you to Sarah Adams and @netgalley for this gifted e-arc. All thoughts & opinions are my own

I’m literally over here in tears! 😭 This book was perfect. I absolutely fell in love with Noah and Amelia. 100% 5 stars!!!

This book was just delicious! so entertaining and filled with romance. The trope was absolutely lovely, the whole grumpy-sunshine thing.
Sarah is a genius and this is easily my new favorite read of hers. I was so focused and devouring every single detail wow.
Also the Audrey Hepburn mention absolutely made my dayyyy!!!!! loveee it

also thank you so much Netgalley and Random House publishing for my copy!!!