ARC Book Review: When in Rome by Sarah Adams

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Dell
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensationThe Cheat Sheet.

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room–but only until her car is fixed–then she’s on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose–she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

SARAH ADAMS DOES IT AGAIN.

I will never get tired of reading Sarah Adams’ books. They are EVERYTHING I love about contemporary romances and her unique and joyful spins on each story make me love every written word. I once again devoured another of her stories in a day and can easily add this to the list of romances I’d recommend you must read.

This story took some deep turns between Amelia and Noah. There was a lot of exploration of self and finding stable ground to move forward. Their meet-cute had me chuckling and all of the antics put a smile on my face. From learning to make pancakes, wearing matching pajamas, and meeting friends turned family, there’s much goodness to be had here.

The plot is a mix of fast and slow and I am so happy that all necessary resolutions were solved by the end. I love a happy ending that’s filled with everything needed to truly be HAPPY. This smile inducing story will just make you feel good.

I really loved the way Amelia and Noah found ways to love each other. The longing looks and subtle touches. And oh my goodness, the endlessly swoony and passionate kisses. Melt my heart perfection. I fell in love with this tiny town myself and all of the characters that I ran across. I BEG of someone to please provide stories for the other siblings (MUST HAVE) because Rome, Kentucky has plenty more to give.

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Romance
Language: a little
Romance: closed door
Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (off page but discussed), a grandparent with Alzheimer’s, mental health discussions, past cheating