This book is an enemies to lovers, bad guy/good girl read (one of my favorites genres). Set it Rome...Kentucky, Will and Anne's story is a very cute read. Will is trying to help Anne gain confidence. He's not the relationship type though, and she is trying to remember that as she falls. The characters were fun, the story was entertaining. A little more steam in this one than other books by this author that I've read, and I"m not complaining about it. Read it! You are gonna be glad you did.

NetGalley & this author/publisher provided the ARC I read for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

Annie and Will- I loved them both so much 🥹

Sarah Adams never fails to write a romance where you feel like you can completely envision the town, the people, and of course, the romance. I honestly could go for a trip to Rome Kentucky and visit Annie's flower shop

Annie is known to her family and community as being the perfect angel. Enters Will, Amielas (From When in Rome) hot body guard, who ends up becoming her dating coach. Annie thinks she wants the white picket fence but as her and Will continue to practice and become close, she's not sure if that's what she really wants or more so what everyone else expects from her. Will was perfection. Getting to see his back story and work through his own troubles with Annie by his side was everything 😘🤌🏻

Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ps- are we getting James and Maddie's story next 😏😍

Thank you Random House Publishing and Sarah Adams for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Practice Makes Perfect. This was such fun rom-com!

Practice Makes Perfect is technically the second book in the Rome, KY series by Sarah Adams, but it honestly reads like a stand-alone. Reading this one first will spoil the outcome of the first book (When in Rome), so FYI!

I really liked Annie as a main character. She was so sweet (although she would HATE me saying that!), nice, and sunny. But, she was also conflicted, emotional, and full of uncertainty. I identified with her many struggles in this book, and I feel like a lot of other readers will too. I also loved Will. He was edgy and dark and ultimately, a man with a conflicted backstory and a heart of gold. I loved his character evolution.

This book made me flat out laugh at times because it was just so funny. It wasn't consistent, but at times it grabbed that aura that books like The Unhoneymooners walk in with its quippy banter and sizzling connections between all the characters. There were also glimpses of true, raw emotion in the characters that I wish had been more frequent!

There were also some things that irritated me in this story, though. First off, the town. Are you kidding me? A poll about whether two people should be together? This ain't Stars Hollow (IYKYK), so don't try to be. Second, Will's character sometime gave me whiplash with his "I'm not a relationship guy" mentality pivoting to the "let me cook you chicken noodle soup while you're sick guy." I feel like the intent was to show Will's own confliction with his actions, but it mad this character seem ungrounded at times.

This book is not quite a three star and not exactly a four star to me, but since I don't give half-star ratings, I ultimately went with four stars because those instances of emotion and depth from the characters were REALLY well done. I just wish I hadn't needed to siphon through some of those other parts to get there. Plus, Sarah Adams did something right in this one because I have already put Libby holds on some of her other books on audio! :)

Rating: 4⭐️

I have been anxiously awaiting this book and was so happy to get an ARC! I have loved all of Sarah Adams books so I was not surprised I also loved this book so much, I was cackling to myself early on in the first chapter and I couldn’t get enough, reading any chance I got! Annie is the town golden girl who can do no wrong in the eyes of so many, but that’s a heavy title to bear. Will looks all tough bad boy on the outside but he has been through his fair share of heartache and has developed a hard shell to protect him from future hurts. They have different goals and at first glance nothing about them seems to fit, but there is always more below the surface and maybe they have more in common after all. There were so many laugh out loud moments and Sarah is a master at adding heat without the spice. I will say that this book was a little more open door than any of her others. I’m not quite sure how to classify it. I think I read somewhere that it was like a very small peek and I would say that’s accurate. She definitely has lots of details leading up and it’s more of a fade out but sex is definitely mentioned and is a big part of this book, so if that’s not for you maybe skip those parts of the book. I would say this is more of a Pg-13 type of book. I really loved it and think it’s worth the read! Can’t wait for the next book in the Rome series.

this was a cute romance!
my hometown is the same name as the one in the book, so that really added something special.
the romance was cute, but at times it felt a little juvenile for an adult romance!

I absolutely loved Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams!! This was my first book of hers but certainly not my last. I was hear over heels for Annie and Will's relationship. It started out in such a cute, humorous way and developed into something deep and meaningful. I loved the tension, the banter, the cuteness, and the steamy moments between them. They are easily a new favorite character pairing for me now.

Will brought out the adventurous side of Annie, something she always kept hidden, and made her see that she's worthy of love exactly as she is vs feeling the need to change herself for others. Annie showed Will that love doesn't always have to end badly, that it's worth the risk, as scary as it may be to go all in. They challenged each other and though different in some aspects, they were a perfect match.

I honestly loved the small town aspect of this book. It was so down to earth and had so many tender moments, as well as plenty of laugh out loud moments. I appreciate the dual POV. Books written like this are my preference and are much easier for me to get into. I had trouble putting this book down. I pretty much binged it in two days, which shows how much I loved it!

I am so so happy and appreciative that I was able to read this! Thank you to the publisher as well as Sarah Adams, for writing such a cozy feel good romance. I need more stories like this in my life!

Sarah Adams is quickly rising to the top of my favorite authors list, I finished this one in a day and LOVED it!! We’re headed back to Rome, Kentucky in this fun novel. This time we’re following Annie, Noah’s sister, and Will Amelia’s bodyguard or EPA as he puts it. Annie lives a happy go lucky life and everyone thinks of her as the town sweetheart. She’s looking for love, and is ready to settle down in Rome her beloved hometown. Will is adventurous, has no desire to be married or in a relationship. In fact, he wants to get out of Rome just as soon as possible. After one bad day, Amelia decides to play matchmaker an asks Will if he will be Annie’s dating coach. These two are a cute and funny couple. I loved that each of them came out of their shell a bit and were true to themselves, and knocking down some walls they built for themselves.

This adorable, love story was so fun to read. I loved every minute of it. In the end, I am speculating, but there might be a book 3 in the series. Looking forward to Sarah Adams next book.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

To say that I loved this book would be an understatement. Will and Annie definitely made their way in to my top 5 fictional couples for 2023.

This book was feel good and heartwarming in the best way. It's a dual POV romance that you do not want to miss.

I loved how this book completely whisked me away to small town Rome, Kentucky. So many parts of this book will be living in my memory completely rent free because Sarah Adams knows how to write adorably captivating content. I felt like I was there with Will and Annie in the grocery store throwing Imodium in each others basket. I was sitting at the table right across from Annie when she observed John's phone call. I feel like I stole a few of Annie's steamy pirate novels too... they are most definitely not in a box under my bed if anyone's reading this. Don't look there, you won't find them.

Practice makes perfect has been one of my absolute favorite romance books I've read this year. I would and will recommend it to pretty much anyone that will listen. Everyone needs a "touch her and die" romance featuring a good girl and a hunky tattooed bodyguard in their life. This is a hill I will die on.

Please read this book if you like:
-Small Town Romance
-Touch her and die
-men with good communication
-good girl/bad boy
-Tattoos
-Laughing until you wheeze
-books that you wish could go on forever

Sarah Adams couldn't have said it better when she dedicated this masterpiece to the softies, the tenderhearted sweeties, and the introverts who are afraid to shine. This book is the one you didn't know you needed but you absolutely do.

I can't wait for my physical copy to arrive. I had to pre-order it IMMEDIATELY.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Sarah Adams and Random House for the ARC of Practice Makes Perfect in exchange for my honest review.

practice DEFINITELY makes perfect!!!
will and annie’s relationship had me kicking my feet up, giggling and swirling my hair. i’ve been in a deep reading slump for the past few months and within the first 5 pages, i was trapped. i loved when in rome, so i already had high standards when it came to this book. i was blown out of the water, absolutely phenomenal and i cannot wait for the next book!!!

I didn’t love this one. There were parts that I liked. I liked all the different names Annie called Will. I also like him taking care of her when she was sick. There were several other fun scenes but overall I thought the story was too focused on physical attraction and sex. I didn’t like how “hooking up” was casually discussed among some characters. I’ve enjoyed Sarah’s books in the past, but I feel like she’s definitely upping the spice in her newest books.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

It was so fun to back in Rome, KY with this cast of characters!!

Annie loves her quiet, small-town life where she owns the floral shop of her mom’s dreams, lives with her sisters, and secretly reads spicy pirate romances. But she wants more, and she hopes a marriage just like her parents had will do just the trick. The problem is she doesn’t know how to date. Enter Will Griffin, an executive protection agent (NOT bodyguard) with reputation as a ladies man who does not do relationships. Who better to teach Annie how to date?

This book felt like a love letter to the introverted and socially anxious. I was so proud of Annie’s growth throughout this book and the way she learned to stand up for herself. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I highlighted quite a few quotes. I was glad to see Noah and Amelia (from When in Rome) still played a significant role in this story as well as all the sisters and wonderfully nosey townspeople. Also just a note that this one was definitely a little spicier than typical for Sarah Adam’s novels. If you loved When In Rome, you’ll love this sequel publishing May 2! Can’t wait for more in this series!

“This one’s for the softies, The tenderhearted sweeties, The introverts who are afraid to shine” 🥹

This read was oh so very cute. I absolutely loved Annie & Will and their honest communication was so refreshing when it comes to this genre. A small town vibe can be tiring at times, but this one was so well done that I enjoyed it. It wasn’t overbearing! I’d 1000% recommend this to any fans of an ultra cute and sappy read. I hadn’t read the first book in the series before but now I’m convinced that I need to! I’ll be adding this author to my list of “must reads” for sure.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.

In honor of this book being released on the 2nd here is my review of the ARC. I LOVED this book!! There was so much angst between Will and Annie it was hard to not get sucked in. There were a few moments I could have lived with out. Overall, I felt those this book gave me all the feels and I highly recommend reading it!!

This book was so cute and I couldn’t put it down! Annie was such a quirky character and I loved being able to see her thoughts! Will was so sweet too loving every part of Annie and him not wanting her to change her personality one bit. But he did want her to change her fears and wanted her to become who she was always meant to be. Super cute, fun, easy, lighthearted read.

Practice Makes Perfect follows Annie who is on the quest to find her perfect match. After a bad date, her friend Amelia thinks that she just needs a little practice with dating. Will who is Amelia's bodyguard agrees to be Annie's dating coach. They both promise not to get feelings for each other, but fate has other plans. Are Annie and Will going to give in to those feelings, or will they deny themselves?

I am such a fan of Sarah Adams and I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!! This might be my favorite book by her. This was such a cute read. If you have not read When in Rome I would suggest reading that one before reading this one. Just due to the fact that this book had a lot of callbacks to that one. I also loved that book. I loved Annie and Will's relationship. This was one of those books that I did not want to end. I can not wait to get my physical copy so I can reread this one. I would highly suggest this and all of her books.

Thank you Sarah Adams, NetGalley, and Random House for the ARC of this book.

Practice Makes Perfect, a novel by Sarah Adams, available May 2, 2023!

First, this is an interconnected series with When in Rome, which follows Amelia and Noah’s story. I started reading Practice Makes Perfect before reading When in Rome (which was perfectly fine), but I wanted to go back and read WIR first to better grasp the whole town’s relationship and history with the characters. And I’m glad I did! But there is no reason you cannot read this book on its own. Sarah Adams does a great job recounting features from the first book, so you could read this as a standalone. However, you will find that this whole universe is so sweet that you will want to get lost in it as much as possible!

Practice Makes Perfect follows the story of Noah’s sister, Annie Walker, and Amelia’s bodyguard (errr…executive protection agent) and commitment-phobe, Will Griffin, as they fall in love under the guise of Annie needing dating practice to secure a husband. Annie and Will learn that there’s more to discover about themselves in the process, including realizing that what they actually want may be different than what they thought they always wanted.

Like WIR, this book was fast-paced, super sweet, had several laugh-out-loud moments, and made me swoon over their interactions. I loved Annie’s introverted personality, but she had this secret sizzle-ly side as a closeted romance reader. Will was a softy-at-heart (stern brunch daddy!) with a jealous, protective streak and several touch-her-and-you-die moments. As in WIR, I’m willing to overlook the fade-to-blacks. I would have taken on a different angle if there was more detail, so I respect that decision. Regardless, I loved this story, and their relationship woes and grows.

Don’t go into this book thinking you are getting a deep, pining, prophetic love story. It is just what anyone would need if they’re looking for a good, quick read – potentially a great palette cleanser in a book slump! I was grinning ear-to-ear reading this and cannot WAIT for James and Maddie’s story (which, I am proud to say I predicted even while reading WIR!).

Thank you so much to Dell (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!

4 ⭐️ 0 🌶

This was so sweet and swoony! This one felt more Gilmore girls like than the first. A clean romance between Annie, the shy flower shop owner and Will, the tattooed bodyguard! Practice dating and adorable moments!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Publishing May 2, 2023

🌸 Dual POV
🌸 Grumpy/Sunshine
🌸 Small Town

I was instantly drawn into this story, and had a hard time putting it down! I love the beginning and how we are introduced to Annie and Will. It was very entertaining and fun to read.

I did like the romance- it was very cute- but it did feel very insta love (which is not my favorite). I wish the story had taken place over a few months versus just one month. However, the dual POV was done very well, and I liked knowing what both characters were thinking and feeling as the romance developed.

I did really enjoy the small town setting and all of the side characters. I also really enjoyed how Annie and Will both grew and began to find themselves throughout the book.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a cute romance!

I would like to thank NetGallary for giving me an ARC of this book!

I honestly haven't read too many of Sarah Adam's book but I did like The Cheat Sheet but wished that it was more "spicy." I would say this book is slightly more spicy compared to the Cheat sheet - the scenes are more fade to black. Overall - I enjoyed this book and it was a quick cute read. In the beginning I was not a huge fan of the FMC - she was a little too quirky and naïve for me but she honestly grew on me as I continued to read the book. I really liked the MMC and the way that him and the FMC worked together and COMMUNICATED throughout their relationship. The way that he treated her and was so patient with her was absolutely swoon worthy.

Overall nice fun cute read and recommend checking it out once it comes out!

Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

I've enjoyed several other books by Sarah Adam's but this one was a disappointment.

Annie was totally unbelievable as a character. An almost thirty woman but acts like a teenager, so naive. Has she been living under a rock? How in the world can she own a business when she can't talk to people? Things don't add up in this story...