As much as I love Will (and he has a thigh tattoo, so just know it's A LOT), I would also fight him (pirate style, obvi) in order to steal
my fellow socially-anxious-soft-girl, Annie! I am so so obsessed with her and I will be carrying her character in my heart for a v long time!! Annie & Will are so fun and unexpected and I am a pile of goo for them!! This was such a fantastic addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you sm to the publisher & netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review! <3

The second book in the “When in Rome” series did not disappoint! Loved Annie and Will’s story!

Will is back in town to be Amelia’s bodyguard (she’s in book 1) leading up to her wedding. Annie asks him to help her be more comfortable talking to men and to practice dating, which leads the entire (very nosy) town to assume they are dating for real. And the love story begins… ❤️

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Practice Makes Perfect to come out May 2, 2023… TOMORROW!

Thanks to Net Galley and Random House/Dell for this advanced copy!

There is something magical in Sarah Adams's books, and Practice Makes Perfect is no exception. From Will and Annie's first onpage interaction, the sparks and tension were deliciously high, and with great payoff I wasn't expecting. This might just be the steamiest closed-door romance I've ever read.

From the beginning of the book, Will and Annie are set in their ways--he's not meant for marriage, and that's all Annie wants. As they strike up their bargain and begin to practice Annie's dating/flirting skills, the tension between them grows. This book is a masterclass on how the love interest should change the protagonist for the better. How they've taken what they've learned and applied it to their own lives. It is also, surprisingly (refreshingly) a masterclass on how the right person will love and accept you exactly as you are, without ever expecting you or forcing you to change.

I had a copy preordered of this book before I received this ARC, and I think it's the most telling of all that I'll still buy the book on release day (5/2/2023).

I couldn’t put it down. I adored Annie and each of the small town characters that loved her so much. I hope Zac Efron plays Will in the movie version, that’s who I envisioned the whole time. This was a sweet story, a fun and easy read that definitely left me smiling. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @randomhouse for an early copy of Practice Makes Perfect by @authorsarahadams. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Practice Makes Perfect is a romance novel about Annie, a small-town sweetheart who’s known as the ultimate sunshine and rainbows, and an emotionally unavailable bad boy named Will, Annie’s soon-to-be-sister-in-law’s bodyguard. Annie is on a quest to find her perfect match, get married and have kids, she wants someone who will complement her happy, quite life running the local flower shop in Rome. But when her first attempt at dating (first time in a long while) crashes and burns as her date regards her as plain and boring, Will was tasked to be her dating coach so she can learn how to flirt, how to act, etc., during dates. Amid steamy practice dates and strictly “educational” tutoring lessons, Annie discovers there are more layers to Will’s usual stoic attitude. As the lines of their friendship become dangerously blurred, Annie reconsiders her dream guy.

I loved Annie’s character, and despite her sweet and sunshiny persona that everyone in town knows her as, she hides her adventurous side until Will came along. He brought out that side of her and it was such breathtaking to see her character grow and voice out her desires and her true self and not just think about others and being a burden, but to care about herself as well. Will was also an interesting character, who had a lot of childhood trauma to unpack. It was refreshing to see how his character grew to love and care for Annie (I honestly loved how he cared for Annie and seeing his respectful and protective side come out and not just from being a bodyguard), and that she gave him a reason to stay for good and not run away all the time. I enjoyed their banter and flirting. Their second-guessing each other’s words and feelings was also a delight, as the author gives us a double POV from their perspectives like we’re in on a secret that the other main character doesn’t know (I thoroughly enjoy dual POV books ugghh 🎆).

Rating Practice Makes Perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5. Releases May 2nd, 2023!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell, Netgalley for this arc. I was so glad to be back in Rome. I loved the Walkers and Amelia. And now I adore one more Will. A girls dream boy. Well he born for Annie. I adored them really.. A denied instalove is my fave. I am still not geting why everyone fake date lately but ok. This fake dating was so steamy without actual scenes but to be dying for for sure. If you want also friends to lovers couse he is teaching her dating. Yes right how?! So sweet. I also loved how they all helped each other. The true family values were transmited so good. And finally i laugh again loud. I loved ti see how a bad date closed one doors and opened one so much better once.

This was the first book I read by Sarah Adams, I know I know I have to go back and read When in Rome, but wow! I’m craving the rest of her books! The story was told beautifully from both Annie and Will’s povs.

Annie, the innocent youngest sister, and Will, the bad boy bodyguard, have vastly different outlooks on love. Though, Will is still more than willing to help the introverted small-town girl in practicing her dating skills. What their story would end up looking like, they wouldn’t have ever expected.

I cried, laughed, smiled, and felt everything these two felt the entire time. The character development of both of Annie and Will was immaculate. If you haven’t gotten this book, you have to!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If the vibe of Gilmore Girls and a Hallmark movie had a baby, Practice Makes Perfect would be the result. While I’m usually not a fan of the predictable, cheesy over the top romances, I ate this up. I was reading this every minute I could squeeze in.

There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book. It was predictable (which I oddly liked), there was witty banter, strong sibling relationships, strained sibling relationships, small down DRAMA (I’m looking at you Mabel & Harriet(), and humor sprinkled throughout. There’s fake dating & forced proximity.

I don’t know how she does it, but Sarah Adams has a way of writing romance with all the spice and no steam. I was feeling hot and bothered by hand holding people! HOW?!

If you’re looking for a cute, fast, cheesy, swoony read, then Practice Makes Perfect is for you! Lucky for you it comes out tomorrow!

✨ ARC | R E V I E W ✨

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Out May 2nd!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥MUST READ!!

I felt this book to my core, in my bones, and in my heart. Sarah Adams has crushed my expectations for swoony romance books. You know when your heart sinks when something bad happens to the characters? And it’s lifted back up again when they figure it out? SO MANY EMOTIONS in this book! I really connected to Annie. I’ve always kind of been called the “innocent one”, not sure how or why, but my nickname is “Shelby Sunshine”. It always makes the book better when you can really get inside a characters head. Sarah does such a good job of making them relatable and so easy to fall in into the story.
But these characters, this small town, and the love they all share, are in my heart forever. ❤️ My review could go on for pages, but I love what’s happening in Rome, Kentucky.

Summary: Annie is the local flower shop owner, Will is her future-sister-in-law’s bodyguard. Sweet and innocent Annie needs helping finding a husband, but isn’t good with dates. But guess who is willing to help? A dark, mysterious, and doesn’t-believe-in-love Will. Practices dates make for perfect ones right? 😉

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.

To be quite honest, I wanted to read this book just because of the cover – I mean, can you blame me? And also is about some tattooed bad boy who is likely to fall in love with our heroine? Sold!

And I'm so glad I give it a chance because this was a fun and fluffy romance which was exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up.

I really loved how the author built Will's layers, not only putting him as a bad boy womanizer. But with traumas and demons that shaped him up to that point. And also how Annie isn't just the sweetheart girl from the countryside and ends up discovering more desires and dreams than just getting married and having kids.

I couldn't put it down and read the whole book in one day. So yeah is THIS good.

Tropes:
💖 fake dating
🏡 small town
😈bad boy(ish) x good girl

Can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams is one of the sweetest small-town romances I've ever come across. And I wish I savored each moment longer instead of finishing it so quickly! But honestly, it was so hard to put down!

Annie Walker owns a flower shop in Rome, Kentucky, and all she wants is to find the perfect man, get married, and have kids in the town she's loved all her life. However, dating is a nightmare for introverts like her. But here comes Will Griffin, Amelia Rose's flirtatious, tattooed, and drop-dead gorgeous bodyguard who is back in Rome to provide extra security as Amelia and Noah's wedding gets closer. Will doesn't do relationships, especially since his job requires him to pick up and go with barely a moment's notice. And he definitely knows he's too much of a bad boy for the town's angel. However, when Annie asks Will to be her dating coach, he finds it almost impossible to say no.

If you love fake dating, bad boy x good girl, small-town romance, practice dates, funny moments, and lovable characters, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. Annie and Will's chemistry was flying off the pages, and their conversations were just so sweet, playful, and genuine. This book is not only a wonderful, wholesome rom-com, but a story that shines light on the importance of finding who you are and not shying away from it.

All in all, I loved Practice Makes Perfect, and I'll be thinking of the perfection that is Annie and Will for quite a while.

This book comes out May 2, 2023! Happy reading! 📚💕

A small town flower shop owner and a tattooed bodyguard who does not believe in love. How could you not get hooked right away? This small town romance follows Annie, the sweet and innocent girl next door and Will the broody, ex-military bodyguard who is emotionally unavailable. While the two are complete opposites, Will agrees to help Annie learn how to casually date so that she can find her future husband. The two soon realize that maybe they aren't as different as they think, and it becomes hard for them to distinguish what is practice and what is real between them.

The emotions you witness from each character in this book is truly beautiful. You get to see Annie go from being "Angel Annie", to being a badass woman who is not afraid to speak up about what she desires. You also get to see Will, someone who has closed off his heart since childhood, slowly fall in love with Annie the more he spends time with her. There is no drama between the two, and it is great to see how open and honest these two characters are with each other. They both work to make each other comfortable and to better their relationship which is so sweet.

This book made me wish I was part of the loving community that is Rome, Kentucky. From the nosy town folk, to the motherly siblings, and the observant inn keeper, this place feels so cozy. Everyone in this town truly cares about their residents and it makes you wish you could be there to witness it.

My favorite part about this book wasn't the heartfelt moments shared between characters, the cute little town, or the romance, it was the witty banter. There were so many scenes in this book that had me laughing out loud.

Overall, this book is beautifully written and I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance. It is a cute and cozy read that will leave you with all the feels. Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I can't wait to get my hard copy when this comes out!

Y'all, a book has to be very good and very romantic to counteract the lack of spice and this DELIVERS. I am in awe of the balance Sarah Adams was able to create.

Annie is known as the town Angel, but that comes with standards and pressure that she can no longer tolerate. She's looking to break out of her comfort zone and finally give dating a shot. She feels ready to settle down and find a true partner. Will is Annie's future sister-in-law's bodyguard. He is one of the only people who lets her be whoever she wants to be and explore whatever she wants to explore. She's not just sweet Annie, she's the girl he can't quite ever stop thinking about. But, he doesn't do relationships so he'll never go there with her.

When Annie's future sister-in-law suggest that she practice date Will to get some tips, these two have to fight their attraction and the town's opinions. The other issue? They both grow and in doing so, become versions of themselves that fit perfectly with the other.

The small town aspect of this was really truly great and I can't wait for the next book!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’m in love.
I wish I could express into words how much I love this book, but I know I won’t do it justice so I’m going to try my best.
Annie & Will’s story felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt such a genuine connection between the main characters. And I relate so much to Annie it’s not even funny lol. Her personality made me absolutely feral for her, you see, because often the FMC can’t be soft nor sweet without it being seen as something bad and the plot deals with this too, I liked it because Sarah Adams did a fantastic job showing us that vulnerability can be a strength too! Annie’s journey is beautiful because I feel she finally blooms and breaks out of her shelf, staying true to her own beliefs and feelings. Will’s a good influence if I dare to say so 😉.
Will, Will, Will, gosh where can I get my own Will? He’s on a whole new level of book boyfriend, sure it all begins with him being a not so typical f boy, afraid of commitments and what not buuuuuuut he had a nice character development. Who doesn’t love when the bad boy falls for his special girl? He’s soooooooo *chef’s kisses* he’s definitely hot AND respectful. He always had faith in Annie, even when she doubted herself.
I believe in the love Annie & Will shared, and may I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say I’d like to have something like that.
By the way, I cheered for Annie every time she mentioned her beloved romance novels (go pirates-historical romance! Ahoy I guess hahahah)

Adams writes such great stories and this was no disappointment. Another fabulous story small town feel good read.
This picked up from When in Rome, but you can absolutely read it on its own.

We reviewed Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams for our most recent podcast episode. Overall, the book is incredibly sweet, beautifully written, and gives you all the feels.

Things we liked:
- Will. Gear up, he's going to be your next book boyfriend.
- How Will falls in love.
- Main characters making all the right decisions - Adults making adult decision
- The two side characters of Amelia, Noah, and James are delightful
- Annie's growth as a character is empowering

Things we didn't like as much:
- The sisters, oh god, the sisters. Rae was physically going to fight them for how they treated Annie.
- We have this really hot lead up to 'sexy times' and with it being Annie's first time, we felt we needed a bit more of how she's feeling in the moment.

Overall, it's an enjoyable low stakes romance and it's a quick read.

For more reviews and to hear the podcast, find us at www.chicklitbookclubpodcast.com

The 2nd in a series, we’re back to Rome (Kentucky of course) just in time for the upcoming wedding of Noah and Amelia from When In Rome.

Noah’s youngest sister Annie is so socially awkward when it comes to dating it’s painful- especially for herself. She’s a secret romance novel enthusiast - currently on a pirate kick - but when it comes to reality? Let’s just say if she could figure out how to end up happily married to a once in a lifetime love without all the dating stress she absolutely would.

Bodyguard Will - excuse me, executive protection agent - has been temporarily reassigned to Amelia in Rome, in case things get hot with the coming wedding. While he might be happy for them, he is personally marriage-phobic to an almost ridiculous degree thanks to parents that had a terrible marriage full of fights and cheating, constantly putting the kids in the middle while pretending they were staying together for their sakes. He’s a serial dater, with more confidence than anyone but - with the except of a brother he’s avoiding - no one that really knows him.

Things get a little messy when Amelia concocts the perfect plan to help Annie get better at dating, and maybe get Will to open up to someone. The solution? Practice dating, since they both want such different things in life this couldn’t possibly end badly for Annie and Will…
If you thought the townspeople of Rome meddled with Noah’s relationship, just wait until you see how much further they’ll go to “protect” local favorite Annie!

Dual pov with mutual pining, which is a favorite combo of mine. This is more the type of attraction and daydreams, than of the heart wrenching angsty variety.
Not to say there isn’t *any* angst.
The emotional punch is there, but lighter than a lot of my recent reads.

Overall I’d say this was an enjoyable, lighthearted read. It’s closed door, but it feels like you’re maybe peeking in through a teeny slat in the closet door? Not spicy, but there’s some heat.
I liked revisiting favorite characters from the first book and getting to know more about them and other people in the town - even if they did get more than a little heavy handed in their meddling this go round. Still, you know they come from a good place, and - since they’re fictional - I’ll give them a pass 😂
(Side note on the side characters - I am looking forward to seeing more of James in the future!)

Thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse for the arc!

Practice Makes Perfect is another really good read from Sarah Adams. This book is the second book to When In Rome which I gave 5 stars. Annie is the sister-in-law to Amelia and Will is Amelia's bodyguard. The two connect again by agreeing to be Annie's dating coach. Even though they are opposites, they form a deep relationship that is undeniable even to the town. My favorite parts are when Annie calls him by different names that begin with "Will" throughout the book. I thought that was super cute and sweet.

This series has been so unexpectedly cute to read and fall in love with the characters. The first two books have been some of my favorites that I have ever read and I'm crossing my fingers that she doesn't stop here and continues the others characters stories in future books. I will read anything that Sarah Adams puts on the bookshelves!

4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely adored this book!! No surprise because I loved When in Rome… but wow I am obsessed with Will. The thing I appreciated the most about this book was the lack of a miscommunication trope- these characters were really good about communicating with each other and that was a breath of fresh air. I hope we will be getting more from Rome, KY!

Annie is tired of how her family and small town treat her after being called boring on a date- and honestly agreeing with the assessment.
Will has always liked Annie but has refused to get close because he knows she'd be trouble to his necessary on the go lifestyle.
When Annie decides to step out of her comfort zone, her soon to be sister-in-law and Will's boss suggests Will can be her practice date, someone so different, he can help her take those steps. But acting becomes a whole lot like real the longer it goes on, opening up a whole lot of underlying issues for them both.

Cute read. I know there was a first book but not having read it I didn't feel like I was missing anything. The whole town is such a cast of characters I kind of wanted to live there and see what else happened next.

#arc
#netgalley
#practicemakesperfect