Sarah Adams returns to the charming small town of Rome, Kentucky in “Practice Makes Perfect,” the delightful second installment in her When in Rome series. Following the success of “When in Rome” which introduced us to pop star Rae Rose (Amelia) and Noah Walker’s love story, Adams now turns her attention to Noah’s youngest sister Annie and the mysteriously alluring Will Griffin.
The Story: More Than Just Another Small-Town Romance
Annie Walker, Rome’s beloved florist, has always been labeled as the “sweet one” – a title that’s beginning to feel more like a cage than a compliment. After overhearing her latest date describe her as “unbelievably boring,” Annie decides it’s time for a change. Enter Will Griffin, the tattooed, enigmatic bodyguard who’s temporarily back in town for Amelia and Noah’s wedding. When Annie proposes that Will become her dating coach, neither expects the chemistry that unfolds between them.
Character Analysis: A Deep Dive into Complex Personalities
Annie Walker
Adams crafts Annie with remarkable depth and authenticity. Initially presented as the stereotypical “good girl,” Annie’s character arc reveals a woman grappling with unexpressed grief, unfulfilled desires, and the courage to break free from others’ expectations. Her journey from seeking perfection to embracing authenticity resonates deeply with readers.
Will Griffin
Will’s character represents one of the novel’s strongest elements. His tough exterior masks deep-seated emotional wounds from a troubled childhood. The gradual revelation of his vulnerabilities, particularly through his relationship with his brother Ethan, adds compelling layers to what could have been a standard “bad boy” trope.
Writing Style and Narrative Strengths
Adams excels at:
Creating authentic, witty dialogue that sparkles with humor and heart
Developing a rich supporting cast that brings Rome to vibrant life
Balancing light-hearted moments with deeper emotional resonance
Crafting believable character growth and relationship development
What Sets This Book Apart
Authentic Character Development: Unlike many romance novels where character growth feels forced, both Annie and Will’s evolution feels natural and earned.
Family Dynamics: The Walker siblings’ relationships are portrayed with nuance and depth, particularly the unspoken tensions and shared grief over their parents’ deaths.
Small Town Setting: Rome, Kentucky becomes a character in itself, with its quirky residents and tight-knit community adding both charm and complications to the central romance.
Areas for Improvement
While “Practice Makes Perfect” is a strong addition to the romance genre, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags
Some secondary plotlines, particularly involving James and Maddie, feel underdeveloped
The conflict resolution happens rather quickly in the final chapters
The town’s meddling, while charming, sometimes stretches credibility
Series Context and Growth
As the second book in the When in Rome series, “Practice Makes Perfect” builds effectively on the world established in the first book while standing confidently on its own. Readers who enjoyed “When in Rome” will appreciate the continued presence of Amelia and Noah, while new readers can easily jump into this story without feeling lost.
Romance Genre Analysis
Adams demonstrates a deep understanding of romance genre conventions while adding her own fresh spin:
The “practice dating” trope is handled with originality
Physical intimacy scenes are tastefully written and emotionally resonant
The emotional barriers between the characters feel genuine rather than contrived
The HEA (Happily Ever After) feels earned through genuine character growth
Target Audience Appeal
This book will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy:
Small town romance with strong community elements
Character-driven stories with emotional depth
Sweet romance with a dash of steam
Stories about finding one’s authentic self
Family dynamics and sibling relationships
Overall Impact and Significance
“Practice Makes Perfect” succeeds as both a romance novel and a story about personal growth. Adams handles themes of self-discovery, family bonds, and the courage to be vulnerable with sensitivity and insight. The romance between Annie and Will serves as a vehicle for deeper explorations of identity, trust, and the meaning of true connection.
Pros:
Strong character development
Authentic emotional depth
Engaging supporting cast
Well-balanced humor and heart
Satisfying romance arc
Cons:
Some pacing issues
Secondary plotlines need development
Quick conflict resolution
Recommendation
“Practice Makes Perfect” is highly recommended for readers seeking a romance that offers more than just a love story. It’s a tale about finding the courage to be yourself, the strength to trust after pain, and the wisdom to recognize that perfect isn’t always better than real.
Similar Books and Authors
Fans of this book might also enjoy:
“The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker
“Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score
“Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez
Looking Forward
The third book in the series, “Beg, Borrow, or Steal,” promises to continue exploring the charming world of Rome, Kentucky. Based on the strength of “Practice Makes Perfect,” readers have much to look forward to in Adams’ future works.
Author’s Evolution
Sarah Adams continues to grow as an author, showing increased confidence in handling complex emotional narratives while maintaining her signature warmth and humor. Her evolution from “The Cheat Sheet” through the When in Rome series demonstrates her developing mastery of the contemporary romance genre.