Another great book in the When in Rome series! I absolutely loved this dual POV, small town good girl/bad boy, opposites attract fake dating romance! Annie is oh so sweet and looking to shed her 'Angelic' image, while Will is a non-believer bodyguard who doesn't believe true love exists. Together these two are magic and completely balance one another. Perfect for fans of Chloe Liese's If only you and just a sweet, feel-good read that will give you all the feels. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital edition in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: kissing only/closed door

Sarah Adams has become an auto buy author for me, I was excited when I saw this pop up on my netgalley! This is a small town, opposites attract, low in spice romance and the follow up book for When in Rome. If you loved Noah and Amelia, in this one, you get to see a lot more of them and their HEA. Anf FYI: you're gonna love them even more in this book, there were a great support system for Annie and Will.

Annie has always lived her life to be someone who is always there to help her family and not be high maintenance after her parent's death. In trying to be all of that, she forgot who she was and stopped going after her dreams. When she meets Will, he helps her break those barriers and give her the courage to think beyond the labels and box she put herself in. On the other hand, Annie helps Will learn that he deserves to love and be loved by someone despite the example he had of a relationship by his parents.

The chemistry and sexual tension between Annie and Will happens from the very first chapter. Throughout their time together, they grow more comfortable and safe with each other despite having very different relationship goals and life styles, they balance each other out. They were completely honest with each other the entire time they were together and grew their relationship beyond attraction. I just want to put them in a little bubble and protect both of them from heartbreak. I'm literally obsessed with them, and Will's grand gesture at the end? Making Annie's pirate romance come true?! Are you kidding me?

The ending of this story was also the most realistic I've ever read in a long time!! Annie has such a good head over her shoulders and her answer to Will was honestly perfect! I can't wait for this book to be out in the world!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Such chemistry between Annie & Will. I just love all the characters in Rome. Made me laugh and cry. Can’t wait for the next one.

Not sure how I feel bout this book. I really enjoyed parts of it but others I didn’t. Sometimes I thought the main character Annie was a bit whiny even though I think that was part of her personality. I’m not a fan of whiny people. This is a second book in the series and I think if I had read it first I might not have felt this way. I would recommend reading them in order as it would allow getting to know all the characters. Will there be another book in the series.? I’m hoping so. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #PracticeMakesPerfect

Practice Makes Perfect was an absolute treasure to read. I adore the bodyguard romances and this one is freaking adorable. This book is for all the softies out there and had me giddy the whole time

I freaking love Will and Annie and their relationship!!! It was bad boy/good girl which is a classic but a goodie. They honestly compliment each other and the chemistry was out the roof.

My other favorite aspect of the book was the townspeople, like Jesus these people were nosey but that made it hilarious!

By far my favorite Sarah Adams book and I would definitely recommend it to RomCom lovers!!!

Also big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this arc :)

Practice Makes Perfect
Sarah Adams
5⭐️
Give me all the books in Rome, Kentucky!! I was obsessed with When in Rome. But this one??? Annie Walker and Will Griffin might be even better! I think I relate a lot to Annie and I loved hearing her inner dialogue and rooting for her to be strong and tell her truth. I loved the fake dating trope so much and I thoroughly enjoyed the romance book mentions and re-enactments. I always love Sarah Adams’ books. But in my opinion, they just keep on getting better! Also, I should mention that her books are all closed-door, which may not be for some people. I love them. And I honestly think sometimes, and in Practice Makes Perfect, it can almost be more steamy and angsty. Mmmm gives me all the feels!!! Comes out May 2nd!!

OMG I could not have been happier to get this arc and spend more time in Rome, Kentucky. I loved When In Rome and everything I heard about the next book in the series only made me want to read this even more!

Who doesn't love a bodyguard romance? This wasn't bodyguard/subject, but it was just as fun. We had opposites attract, slow burn, lessons in love and best of all cinnamon roll hero. He was the sexy bad boy, but very much had a soft spot for Annie and that drives him insane.

THE PINING. It was everything. I love when you hear their POV's and they are both obsessed.

I loved seeing all our favorites from Rome. The main event coming up is Noah and Amelia's wedding. And I enjoyed seeing Emily and Maddie. I'm torn between whose book I want next. I think it's set up of a Maddie/James book, but I want an Emily story because I don't see my name ever in books.

I was a bit worried this wouldn't live up to the hype of When In Rome, but I did really like it just as much.

Other books are the books you read to keep busy while waiting for the next Sarah Adams' book release.

Seriously though. I read this book as I do all of her books: first by racing through it because I simply couldn't put it down, and then immediately reading it a second time, slowly and carefully so as not to miss a single drop of goodness. This book was absolute PERFECTION! Annie and Will are adorable, and not simply because of the beautiful and tender way they fell for each other, but also because of the way that Annie enlists Will to join her on her journey of self discovery as she steps out of the persona her family and friends have crafted for her, and into the woman she truly is and wants to be.

Also, the banter between Annie and Will (and the loveable townspeople) is absolutely hilarious!

This book is definitely a must-read! I loved it even more than When in Rome. Annie and Will have my heart, they are the cutest couple. I love how their relationship develops throughout the book and how they pushed each other to be better versions of themselves while completely understanding who the other was and what they needed. I loved seeing Annie become stronger and show everyone who she really is and seeing Will realize what he really wanted in life and what truly made him happy. This book had me laughing, smiling, crying, and swoony the whole time. It was fun getting to see Amelia and Noah again and see everyone become one big happy family!

I can't even explain how excited I was to be back in Rome! Reading Amelia and Noah's story felt like falling back into the small southern town. Annie, the flower shop owner, and the town's collective little sister, is finally ready to get back into the dating pool. Buzzfeed's bad boy bodyguard Will is on duty protecting Amelia in the "sleepy" southern town.

I should preface all this by saying I read this after complaining about how EXHAUSTED I was from all the recent enemy-to-lover stories I've read. Will and Annie's immediate attraction was a breath of fresh air. The way Adams wove in the pirate romance (and later everyone else's preferred romance books) seemed effortless and never once seemed overly cheesy. I will never understand the idea of being obsessed with Audrey Hepburn movies. But this book was less focused on the Audrey stuff.

Looking ahead I am so torn, do I want the loveable farmer's book? The headstrong and bossy Emily? How long must I wait until I get another visit to Rome?

Thanks NetGalley for the early copy!

4.5 stars.

Review will be posted on Instagram (www.instagram.com/samantharaereads) on April 18th. Please see below for review that will go live on instagram.


I have to say, Practice Makes Perfect was better than When In Rome. Now, I understand that it’s probably all relative, but this book was SO GOOD. And I am so freaking happy my wish was granted for an ARC, because Annie and Will were 😍.

First and foremost, I think the whole “forbidden body guard” “bad boy good girl” love is one of my favorites. In series where one of the relationships is one of those, it always winds up being my favorite. But, I think that Annie being the “sweet girl” who always stuck to that box because she didn’t want to inconvenience her family really spoke to me. She kept her head down and took care of her siblings because she was the one who “knew her parents the least” and felt that she couldn’t fall apart. I think I really resonated with needing to be strong for others, and the idea of moving yourself to fit into their box. Another thing about Annie that really hit me was her relationship with virginity. I was a later bloomer, and people would ask why I was “waiting” or assume the reasons why, when really it was just that I didn’t ever feel comfortable enough with someone, and seeing that reflected in a character really resonated with me. It’s not something we see often in books, and I applaud Sarah Adams for giving a different narrative surrounding virginity and the “loss” of it. Now, lets address Will. Goodness you piratey fiend. I thought he was SUCH a sexy character. I loved his view of Annie, and how Sarah took us through his journey of growth as well.

Now, for anyone who doesn’t know, Sarah writes closed door romances. But I will make it known that closed door doesn’t mean anything, because she still writes some SERIOUS tension and her makeout scenes are top tier. Honestly, I might have had more tummy flutters reading her sexual tension than I have reading some full on erotica. She really does an absolutely excellent job giving you romance without getting explicit, and I LOVE that. It’s sometimes needed, and I think that is you’re looking for that, Sarah Adams is who you go for.

Overall, this was a 5 star read for me, and I look forward to rereading Annie and Will for years to come. Make sure you pick up the book on May 2nd, you will not regret it!

The dedication, was perfect.

This book is the book I needed but didn’t know I needed. It has the humor that literally made me cry. It had the tenderhearted feels that were so relatable it hurt.

Annie is an awkward introvert that owns a flower shop. She’s the little sister, and is always treated as “Angel Annie.” Will is the adventure seeking bodyguard, I mean executive protection agent, that doesn’t ever stay still or make connections with people.

It all begins with a laugh out loud date, and Annie runs into Will, who is returning to town. Amelia, Annie’s soon to be step sister, makes a plan that Annie should practice date with Will. The story follows them through ups and downs, but most importantly Annie becoming the person she has always known she is.

It’s sweet, funny, touching, and a rare find in todays romances. Sarah Adams truly is a gem, and unparalleled to other romance authors.

Thanks @netgalley for the advance reader copy for a fair and honest review.

The way the rest of my TBR pile went out the window (including some about to expire books from the library that had been on hold for AGES before they were available 🤣🙃) because I was SO excited to start reading this one! I couldn't wait to dive into Will and Annie's story!!

I made my way through all of Sarah Adams's books in the last few months and was excited to tuck in to this one for more butterflies and a HEA!! I believe this is my new favorite of hers.

And whoa does it deliver!! The banter. The longing. The here let's just practice dating, the wooooooops we caught feelings. There were funny moments, and a whole bunch of melty moments, the 🦋🦋🦋🦋 entered the chat as will walked annie out to her car in the beginning of the book after she got ditched by a douche-canoe of a date, leading into one swoony fake dating to friends to lovers story that I could just not put down!! It was fun to revisit Rome and it's residents, and check in on Noah and Amelia, (and here's to hoping for James and Maddie in the next book)!

I think it's time for a reread, first up When in Rome and then this one again because it's JUST SO GOOD! 🥰🫠🥰🫠🥰

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I knew this book would be good because I love all of Sarah’s other books, but HOLY COW did this one exceed all of my expectations! I LOVED it.

I am forever OBSESSED with Annie and Will! Their chemistry was on fire and the banter and texts were perfectly written. And those kissing scenes?! Whew!

I related so much to Annie and understood parts of her in a way that I never have with any other fictional character. Her social anxiety and perceived awkwardness with others are both traits that totally hit home for me.

I also loved being back in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. It was fun to see more of the townsfolk. Their town meetings, gossiping, and meddling in everyone’s business had me laughing so much.

I wish I could give this one more than 5 stars. Favorite Sarah Adams book to date!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House for the advance copy! I will post my review on Instagram closer to the publication date. It is up on Goodreads now.

I loved returning to Rome, Kentucky for Annie’s story, and, well, I loved it. Annie and Will had electric chemistry and they were so sweet together as they fall.

Of course, fun to see all the side characters we know and love, and also peep a certain special event for a couple we know and love!

Loved the personal growth both characters go through, and their relationship is so organic and beautiful.

Thank you so much to Random House- Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Sarah, come out here and pay for your crimes. HOW DARE YOU WRITE A BOOK THAT I NOW WANT TO LIVE IN!! I fell in love from page one and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Will will forever be my favorite book boyfriend. I don't think anyone can compare to him. Him and Annie were so adorable and I can't even begin to describe how much I truly enjoyed this book. It is now a part of me and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished. Sarah is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors on this planet and I need books about all the Walker sisters. I also need to move to Rome to hang out with all of them, ASAP. Read this. You won't regret it!

I loved this 🥹 Now I know this won’t be every one’s cup of tea, but it was just such a feel good book. Annie was seriously relatable. This character, who supports those around her at the expense of her own feelings, was so well written. I think she might be my favorite character in all of Rome, KY. The way she learns to stand up for herself, not only with the town, but also Will, was a highlight of the book. I also really liked the character of Will. His and Annie’s banter and time spent together made me actually smile while reading. I don’t know what it is, but when characters decide to give their love interest silly names that match their actual name, I lose it. Will = Wilfred, William, Wilson, Wilbur, etc. Makes me so strangely giddy 😂 I really liked When in Rome, but this one surpasses it for me. It’s gooey and cheesy and light and fun. Kinda hope we get more town meetings with the next book!

with his bad boy reputation and some serious childhood trauma, Will Griffin has always convinced himself he wasn’t the settling down type. And then he met Annie Walker.

“Angel Annie” as the town calls her has always been the sweet, innocent one. But Will Griffin absolutely consumes her thoughts 💭

It’s your typical bad boy meets good girl, boy falls hard romance, but Sarah Adams has a way with words that I’ve never seen from another author. She absolutely captivates you with her writing and her characters are top notch. (Will being the best one yet, yes?)

Will steps up to the plate to teach Annie how to date, only to realize the only person she will be dating is him. He’s adventurous and she’s been kept in a box her whole life, but they push each other out of their comfort zones & grow with each other.

Tropes: forced proximity, bad boy/good girl, grumpy x sunshine, fake dating.

Thank you Sarah Adams, Netgalley, and Random House Publishing for the eArc. 💓

Small town sweetheart makes a “practice dating” deal with anti-relationship bad boy? Yes, please!

Sweet and socially awkward Annie is just so relatable as she figures out who really she is and how to be that person in a community that’s put her in a box. And who wouldn’t adore Will, the tattooed, hard shelled bodyguard, who has to learn to love and be loved after a broken past?

Don’t get me wrong, the chemistry between these two is steamy (while still being closed-door), some of the best chemistry I’ve ever read actually, but that’s not even the best part. The friendship that forms between Annie and Will is so very beautiful, they’re so real and supportive with one another. They are each other’s safe place. They don’t try to change each other, instead they allow each other the freedom to be their truest self. I can’t get enough of it.

Sarah Adams simply does not disappoint. If I were to choose a person to write my love story, I’d choose her hands down. (Sarah, is that an option?)

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I may have stayed up til 1am binging this one and I have zero regrets. Loved the bad boy/good girl trope set in this small town filled with hilarious characters. Will and Annie have amazing chemistry and I could not get enough of their interactions. Even though Will gives off a bad boy vibe with all his tattoos and standoffish personality, he is actually so sweet. I loved his interactions with Amelia as well. The way she riled him up in various ways while trying get him and Annie together cracked me up.

If you're looking for a sweet, closed door, small town romance filled with banter, pick this one up!