When in Rome: A Novel (When in Rome, #1)

by Sarah Adams

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.

“This modern take on the Hepburn classic Roman Holiday is a quick, fun, slow-burn rom-com.”—Abby Jimenez, bestselling author of The Friend Zone

ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

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.

Look for all of Sarah Adams’s When in Rome books:
WHEN IN ROME • PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT • BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL (Coming Soon!)

• ISBN10: 0593500784
• ISBN13: 9780593500781
• Publish Date: 20 September 2022
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Dell Publishing Co Inc.,U.S.
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780593500781

Reviews

[Joni Reads]

Thank you to Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I tell you that I about died when I saw that I was approved for this on Netgalley its only a slight exaggeration. Sarah Adams is quickly becoming my favorite romcom author and When In Rome just helped cement that title.

I haven't read the grumpy/sunshine trope very much but it was done so well in this novel! Noah was the perfect grumpy cinnamon roll and I just loved him.

What I love so much about Sarah Adams' writing is how spunky she writes her female leads. Amelia definitely has that signature wit and spunkiness. I loved how playful she was with Noah and how she was able to get him out of his grumpy shell.

I also loved Noah's sisters, especially Annie. I have a strong feeling that there will be spinoffs for at least one of his sisters and that makes my heart so happy.

Sarah is so good at writing a decently large cast and doing it so well. I never felt confused on who was who and I felt connected to each character.

The read recently where the author said that her characters have a strong inner dialogue and boy, is that accurate. It's yet another thing that I love about her books. You grow to feel so strongly connected with the characters and their inner thoughts are filled with wit and sarcasm and it's just utter perfection.

I cannot speak highly enough about When In Rome. It made me want to watch Audrey Hepburn movies and get more active in my own small town.

Five stars are not nearly enough- this books gets ALL the stars.