When in Rome is Sarah Adams’ latest addition to her growing repertoire of contemporary romance novels, following the success of her viral sensation The Cheat Sheet. This charming romantic comedy brings together an unlikely pair – a burned-out pop star seeking refuge and a grumpy small-town pie shop owner with trust issues.
The Series Overview
When in Rome kicks off a new series set in the quirky small town of Rome, Kentucky. The series continues with Practice Makes Perfect and Beg, Borrow, or Steal, each focusing on different couples while maintaining the small-town charm established in this first installment.
Plot & Premise
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s classic film Roman Holiday, pop sensation Rae Rose (real name Amelia) impulsively drives off in search of respite from her overwhelming celebrity life. Her destination? Rome – not the Italian capital, but a tiny Kentucky town where her car promptly breaks down on Noah Walker’s front lawn. Noah, a surly pie shop owner with a complicated past, reluctantly offers her his guest room until her car is fixed.
What follows is a delightful exploration of identity, trust, and the courage to pursue happiness, wrapped in layers of small-town charm and sweet romance.
Character Analysis
Amelia Rose/Rae Rose
Adams crafts a beautifully complex character in Amelia. Behind the polished facade of pop star Rae Rose lies a lonely young woman yearning for authentic connections. Her journey from people-pleasing celebrity to someone who rediscovers her own voice is wonderfully portrayed. The author skillfully shows how fame has isolated Amelia, particularly from her mother, making her character arc both poignant and relatable.
Noah Walker
Noah emerges as a classic grumpy-sunshine love interest with depth. His stern exterior masks a tender heart shaped by loss and betrayal. As the caretaker of both his grandmother’s pie shop and his Alzheimer’s-affected grandmother, Noah’s reluctance to risk his heart again feels authentic rather than merely plot-driven.
Writing Style & Pacing
Sarah Adams demonstrates significant growth in her writing with this novel. Her prose flows naturally, balancing humor with emotional depth. The dual POV narrative works effectively, allowing readers to understand both protagonists’ internal struggles.
However, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the middle section where some scenes could have been tightened for better momentum.
What Works Well
Rich small-town atmosphere with memorable secondary characters
Authentic portrayal of celebrity burnout and family dynamics
Strong character development for both protagonists
Effective use of the Roman Holiday inspiration without becoming derivative
Balanced humor and emotional depth
Areas for Improvement
Some plot points feel predictable
The conflict resolution could have been more nuanced
Secondary character arcs, particularly Noah’s sisters, sometimes feel underdeveloped
The timeline of their relationship development occasionally seems rushed
Romance Development
The romance between Amelia and Noah develops with a satisfying slow burn. Their initial antagonism evolves naturally into attraction and then deeper feelings. Adams excels at creating chemistry through small moments – shared pancake breakfasts, late-night conversations, and playful banter.
Themes & Deeper Messages
The novel explores several meaningful themes:
The importance of authenticity versus public persona
Family bonds and healing fractured relationships
Trust and vulnerability in relationships
The courage to pursue happiness despite past hurts
Small-town community versus big-city isolation
Comparison to Other Works
While When in Rome shares DNA with other celebrity-meets-small-town romances, Adams brings fresh energy to the trope. Fans of Lucy Score’s Things We Never Got Over or Emily Henry’s Book Lovers will find similar elements to enjoy, though Adams maintains her own distinct voice.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, it succeeds as both a romantic comedy and a deeper exploration of finding oneself. Adams proves she can craft characters with depth while maintaining the charm and humor her readers expect.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
Small-town romance with quirky characters
Celebrity-civilian love stories
Grumpy-sunshine pairings
Character-driven plots
Sweet romance with moderate steam
Stories about finding oneself
Looking Forward
The subsequent books in the series, Practice Makes Perfect and Beg, Borrow, or Steal, promise to further explore the charming community of Rome, Kentucky. If they maintain the heart and humor of this first installment, readers are in for a treat.
When in Rome marks another step forward in Sarah Adams’ evolution as a romance author. While not perfect, it successfully blends charm, humor, and emotional depth into a satisfying romantic read that will leave readers eager to return to Rome, Kentucky.