When in Rome released in September 2022 and it’s been on I’ve wanted to read since I heard about it. I actually even got an eARC on Netgalley, but just didn’t have the chance to fit it on my TBR. I was finally able to sit down and read When in Rome and I’m so glad I did. Keep on reading to find out more about this book and what I thought.

A big thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC to read and review.

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

Review

“Dry your tears and kick this gloomy attitude in the pants, Amelia!” I say out loud to myself because who else does a girl talk to when she’s alone in the car in the middle of a mental breakdown?”

When in Rome was a book I waited way too long to read! As a kid I always wondered what it would like to be a famous person, but I can’t imagine the stress it must give you. So I could definitely understand that Amelia wanted to flee for a bit. Feeling like your life is being controlled must be so suffocating.

Rome, Kentucky sounds like a great small town and I have to say I fell in love with it. The cast of side characters made this story so much fun and made it seem like a place I would want to live in. Amelia and Noah have a grumpy/sunshine romance.It wasn’t over the top though. Noah had been through some things with a previous relationship and I could definitely understand his look on love. Amelia was very pleasant and was open for new experiences. I love how she slowly broke down his walls, because the chemistry was there from the start.

There was a twist and some drama near the end, but it wasn’t like we see in a lot of other romances and it fit the story for me. I loved how everything came together near the end and was sad when it was over. When in Rome had me smiling often and I was invested in these characters. I’ll definitely be reading more by Sarah Adams.

When in Rome was a fun small town romance and I hope to read the next book in the series soon. Practice Makes Perfect was just published, so I’m hoping to read and review in the near future. Have you read any amazing small town romances lately? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.