There is just something so comforting about Sarah Adams’ stories. Literally every single book she has written has not failed to put a huge smile on my face. The humor is top tier.

When in Rome is about a burnt out, lonely famous pop star, Amelia (Rae Rose). Weeks prior to her world tour she runs away in the middle of the night to Rome, Kentucky. Amelia finds comfort in Audrey Hepburn movies and chose Rome, Kentucky because of the movie Roman Holiday. While driving to Rome, her car breaks down. In Noah’s yard! Their initial interaction is HILARIOUS. She doesn’t realize she broke down in his yard and thinks he’s a murderer and refuses to get out of her car 😂🤌

Over the next few weeks there is some INTENSE pining, flirting, swooning. It was truly a pleasure to read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Can’t wait to get my paws on a physical copy of this one to add to my collection!

✨available September 2022!!✨

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for sharing this amazing book with me in exchange for an honest review!

3.5/5 ☆

Super fast and fun read! It was a super cute - the characters are fun and I always love a good grumpy/sunshine trope. Amelia is super sweet and so down to Earth that Noah can't stay away (as much as he tries to). He's a good mix of grumpy, protective, and charming. I love his jealousy scenes with his best friend and how much he cares for his sister. Men with only sisters hit different. A bit predictable towards the end, but still good! I also love a small town romance, I hope I'm not the only one who immediately thought of Rome in Europe and not Rome, Kentucky (wanted to go into this blind so I didn't read the synopsis) haha!

If you're looking for a spicy book, this isn't it. Its mostly fade to black and nothing too graphic. I didn't mind it, but I do generally read romance novels with a lot more spice.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Tropes:
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Small town romance
-Dual POV
-Famous person in hiding

Spoiler alert, this book will make you smile until your face hurts.

I went in with fairly high expectations because I love Sarah Adams books. They never fail to lift my mood. But When in Rome really went above and beyond for me.

Noah is now officially one of my favorite characters. He was flawed enough that he actually feels real and he is so sweet. Adorable. Protective in a really hot way and so grumpy (and I love a grumpy MC). Amelia was so relatable which I found strange because she's an award winning singer but her struggle with burn out and people pleasing spoke to me.

Overall, this book was a hot chocolate on a snowy morning in front of a fire. It was the first sip of ice water on a hot day. It was rainy Sunday mornings when you get to sleep in. I guess you can say I was a fan.

I would recommend this for anyone who loves a grumpy/sunshine forced proximity romance. It might just become your favorite and it will definitely make your day better.

Warning: Do not start reading this morning on a morning that you actually have things to do, because you’ll be driving around praying to hit every red light so you can get just a few more sentences in…. This book was heart-warming, and funny, and the side cast of characters were just a highlight for me.

I’ll try and be very chill about this, but NOAH IS THE BOOK BOYFRIEND OF ALL BOYFRIENDS! He’s the perfect combo of grumpy, and vulnerable, and fiercely loyal and loves his people. Try and convince me there is a blond man better than him. I will wait.

Left me with a insatiable craving to snuggle up in button up pajamas, watch my favorite Audrey Hepburn movie, and eat a whole pie.

I was so excited when I requested this book as my first ARC and was approved! I had previously read 5 of Sarah Adam's books and loved them all. I really enjoy her writing, especially the bits and pieces of humor spread throughout her books. When in Rome was fantastic! Not only did the book include small town vibes, pie and pancakes, and romance, it also showed the importance of following your heart and doing what is right for yourself, despite the opinions of other people. Run to get your copy on 9/20/2022!

*Thank you to Random House Publishing/Ballantine via NetGalley for the ARC*

Okay, Sarah Adams, “I see you.” 👀

When in Rome is admittedly my first book of hers so I didn’t have any expectations, although I’m familiar with some of her other works by name. I started this book thinking it would be a light, fluffy read….and indeed it was as fluffy as a stack of pancakes, served with maple syrup and bacon and dusted with powdered sugar (hehe)! A classic recipe for comforting perfection! It was so delectably cute, I kept setting my ebook down just to savor it otherwise I would’ve read it all in one sitting.

WiR centers around, *the* pop princess Rae (stage name) who’s about to embark on an international tour, however Amelia (real name, real persona) feels a desperate need to take a break. She takes a page out of her fav movie, Roman Holiday, and decides to flee to Rome…Kentucky. Her pre-fame beater car breaks down in front of local baker, Noah’s house. Cuteness ensues. However, Amelia didn’t realize how closely she was following Audrey’s movie script until she struggles against facing the same ending.

Look, I just love a good grumpy/sunshine and I especially enjoy a good cinnamon roll hero. It’s MY THING so I can’t help but love this book! Oftentimes I read stories about secret pining but the open pining just squeezes my heart a little bit harder in the best way. Sigh. But like a ~dreamy sigh~. I really wasn’t expecting to have so many feelings but Amelia and Noah are just so sweet together, you just want to gush along with them. The whole town is lovable and I was right there with Amelia wanting to tuck into the folds of Rome. If you’ve got a thing for small town feels, this one’s it. In fact, if you’ve got a thing for any of these, this one’s it (spoilerish): grumpy/sunshine, cinnamon roll hero, forced proximity, insta love, pining, drunk confessions, light groveling, fade to black…grandma’s boy, hot baker, flirty, bookworm, teasing, hot bod. Ok those last ones are all about my new book bf, but seriously, he’s so swoon worthy!

I’m absolutely certain When in Rome will be a fan favorite when it publishes in September ‘22. 5/5 stars cause it gave me all the lower belly feels! My only suggestion to Adams…drop the pancake recipe! 🥞

At first I was concerned that this was going to be a little cheesy because the writing style was kind of throwing me off. But once I settled into it and the book hit its stride, I really enjoyed it.

I’m a sucker for a good grumpy/sunshine + he falls first trope combo, and this is a stellar example of that.

Coming from a small town, this book totally hits the mark. We protect our own, even when they’re outsiders. We’re also nosy as hell. I loved watching this town rally around Amelia and help her relax.

I loved this book!!!! It was so cute , funny, and charming! The characters were lovable and I couldn’t put this book down! This was an easy and cute read! Once again, Sarah Adams does not disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for this arc!

Amelia is a two-time Grammy winning musician, having a breakdown. She runs away to a small town in Kentucky, Rome(!) but the old car she takes breaks down at night in Noah’s front yard. The last thing Noah wants is another fancy woman come to tempt him to leave his small town life to follow her around. Been there, done that. Noah is a 6’3” gorgeous hunk of a man who owns the local pie shop. He does Grumpy really well- largely because of his past relationship but on the other hand he slowly warms to Amelia.

One of the biggest stars in music and Mr. Small Town Pie Shop Owner. They seem to have nothing in common and no way at all to have a relationship due to her tour schedule and his responsibilities at home. Surely that’s a dead end, huh? Hmm…

This is one of the wittiest books I’ve read this year. Amelia’s internal banter alone is worth the whole book. It is hilarious and often laugh out loud funny. Noah and Amelia are charming and engaging but the townspeople are also a trip. They all want to be in Noah’s and Amelia’s business and it is driving them mad. But they come together to protect her when the paparazzi arrive. These folks are just quirky and amusing and you’ll love reading about them.

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

OOOOOOH THIS WAS SO CUTE!!!!

I was really worried in the first few chapters that the characters were a bit too cliché, but they grew on me so quickly. Noah & Amelia are the absolute definition of the grumpy sunshine trope, and cheesy though it may be, I love that. Add on the meddling sisters & old ladies in the surely romantic town of Rome, Kentucky, and this book had all it needed to win me over.

Figuring out how they could possibly make this relationship work has stressed me out all day (because how could I not read this in one day?), but the loose ends of the plot were tied up nearly perfectly. Some pieces of the ending came together a little too quickly for my taste, but that’s the way of a romance novel, and I can accept that.

All I hope is that Amelia finally learned how to make those pancakes.

UM, WHAT?!
Sarah Adams NEVER disappoints. If you're looking for a happy read, a pick me up, a "feel good-never lets you down" book, pick up one of hers. And When In Rome is no different.

Noah and Amelia may be my new favorite. His grumpy to her sunshine is "cotton candy when you're a kid" kind of happiness. It's smiley and yummy, and never the wrong timing. It's like melting sugar on your tongue. You JUST WANT MORE!
I can't wait to add this one to my bookshelf and reread it a million times over! All the standing ovations!

“to me, you’re amelia. maker of shitty pancakes and a smile that rivals the sun. all i want is you.”

tropes: grumpy/sunshine, famous girl/small town guy, jealousy, forced proximity, small town romance

I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO LOVE THIS BOOK AS MUCH AS I DID OH MY GOD🥺 y’all i’m telling you this book was so freaking good i already want to reread it!!

amelia my sweet angel!! she is so freaking cute and all i wanna do is give her the biggest hug and pancakes to last her a life time! she’s been through a lot and i’m so happy she made the decision to take a break because it ended being one of the best things that ever happened to her. she’s such a bottle of sunshine and deserves all the happiness in the entire world!

and noah oh my gosh😭 he was definitely tough to crack at first but once he started letting amelia in, he truly was the sweetest! he always wanted the best for everyone and did whatever he could to help and support others. i mean he let a stranger stay in his house because her car broke down like he such a great guy! he has also been through a lot and i wish we got to hear more about it but he deserves everything he ever wants in life❤️

i 100000000% recommend reading this book if you love cute, fluffy, small town romances! i absolutely adored this book and you better believe i will be recommending it forever!💕

I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I cannot get over Sarah Adams and can honestly say this is my favorite of hers yet. The character development and small town details really made this her finest work of art. I fell in love with Amelia immediately and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t love Noah anymore. Let’s not forget his sisters and Mabel, who made the best support system for those two. I love how the history of both main characters slowly unfolds, and ate up their vulnerability. I wish this book would have never ended. 5000000000 stars for this sweet sweet novel!

The plot line for this book was fun with well-written characters, but this was definitely my least favorite book by this author. Her books have gradually moved away from sweet/clean romance, but this one was a big jump in a direction I didn't like. There is SO much swearing in this story; not just an occasional word here or there. And it moved past "closed door" to including sexual relations as part of the plot. (No graphic descriptions, thankfully, but much more than I wanted to read.)

5 Sweet As Sugar Stars!!!

This is hands down one of the best rom-coms I have EVER read! This was the absolute perfect mix of sunshine-grumpy romance, hallmark level small town drama, and full comedic banter!

Amelia is a popstar (or poptart according to Noah's country accent) who is taking a much needed R&R in small town Rome, Kentucky. She meets pie shop owner Noah by accidentally breaking down right in his front yard on her drive into town. Immediately their hilarious banter starts and there is an electric chemistry between them. This is one of the few books that has actually made me laugh out loud during multiple parts of the book!

Sarah Adams is now going to be on my "be on the lookout for" list when I am craving another rom-com!
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a super fun small town romance!

Sarah's writing feels a lot more polished in this book. This is a book that readers that enjoy wholesome, small town, Hallmark movies would enjoy. It has little nods to Audrey Hepburn and a cute, lively small town vibe. The romance moves pretty slow, at times I felt a little bored because it felt like nothing was really happening; characters weren't developing and plot wasn't moving. Had me wondering if some of this was spent setting up for future series in this town? Overall, I don't think her fans will be disappointed in this one.

I’m smiling stupidly. And crying a little. This 👏🏻Book 👏🏻

Honestly every Sarah Adams book I read, I think, “Now that was my new favorite of hers!” And this was no exception. I’m telling you, I was giddy this whole book.

Completely lovable MC Amelia… grumpy, cinnamon roll, love interest Noah... adorable and unique side characters (I have some hopes about future books for some of them!).

Small town romance, grumpy/ sunshine, forced proximity, found family… I loved it!!

Go preorder this book right now!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House/ Ballantine Books for the chance to read an advance copy!

Sarah Adams is a new author to me and I would definitely be looking up all her titles on my next adventure to the book store.
This book was so wonderfully thought out and written. The main characters are the perfect mix of storm and sunshine. Had me smiling and giggling to myself as I fell in love with each turning page.

Definitely a 5/5 for me and look forward to the official release so that I can run to the bookstore to grab a copy to place on my shelf for a recommended read for new readers! Great job!

Love this book so much!!! I was totally engrossed in it as soon as I started reading. I love how Sarah brings you into the story completely. I honestly felt like I was there with them in the book! I really hope we get more books in Rome and maybe get to see what Noah's sisters get up to....

Okay, I LOVED this book. It was such a cute and fast read.

It had everything I love in it… grumpy/sunshine relationship, forced proximity, found family.

Amelia “Rae” is a celebrity singer, and is feeling burnt out from her career. So what does she do? She watches a good ole Hepburn movie and ends up in Rome…. KENTUCKY, lol. Idk why, but I loved that so much.

Noah is a grumpy man who was burned in the past by a girl he had a relationship with who was passing through his town - which is why he’s hesitant to start a relationship with Amelia.

Everything about this book was just light hearted, and all storylines were nicely wrapped up by the end of the book.

I actually was nervous to read this, because I didn’t super LOVE the cheat sheet, but this one made up for that one :)