Sarah Adams delivers another charming contemporary romance with “When in Rome,” the first book in her new series that skillfully blends classic Hollywood nostalgia with modern romance tropes. Following the success of her TikTok sensation “The Cheat Sheet,” Adams proves she understands what romance readers crave—authentic characters, palpable chemistry, and enough emotional depth to make the journey meaningful.
The Story
In this clever twist on Audrey Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday,” pop superstar Amelia Rose (known professionally as Rae Rose) finds herself stranded in Rome, Kentucky after an impulsive escape from her overwhelming celebrity life. When her car breaks down in front of Noah Walker’s house, the grumpy pie shop owner reluctantly offers her shelter, setting up a delicious clash between a burned-out celebrity seeking authenticity and a small-town baker protecting his heart.
Character Analysis
Amelia Rose
Adams crafts a relatable heroine in Amelia despite her celebrity status. Her struggle with identity—being Rae Rose the pop star versus Amelia the person—feels genuine rather than manufactured. The author does an excellent job showing how fame has isolated Amelia while maintaining her innate warmth and humor. Her love of Audrey Hepburn films adds depth to her character without feeling gimmicky.
Noah Walker
The grumpy-sunshine trope gets a fresh spin with Noah. His stern exterior masks deep loyalty and care for his family, particularly his grandmother who is battling Alzheimer’s. While his trust issues occasionally frustrate, they stem from genuine past hurt rather than contrived drama. His evolution from suspicious host to devoted partner feels earned through meaningful interactions.
Writing Style & Pacing
Adams employs a dual POV narrative that allows readers to fully understand both protagonists’ perspectives. Her writing shines brightest in moments of banter and emotional vulnerability. The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections, but the strong character development compensates for these slower moments.
Strengths
- Authentic small-town atmosphere with memorable supporting characters
- Well-developed family dynamics, especially Noah’s relationships with his sisters
- Balanced humor and emotional depth
- Creative integration of classic film references
- Strong character growth for both protagonists
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points feel rushed toward the conclusion
- Secondary conflict resolution could be more developed
- The paparazzi subplot occasionally strains credibility
- A few romantic tropes feel slightly overused
Series Context
“When in Rome” launches Sarah Adams’ new series centered in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky. The subsequent books – “Practice Makes Perfect” and “Beg, Borrow, or Steal” – promise to explore other couples in this richly developed small town, likely featuring some of the engaging secondary characters introduced here.
Romance Element
The chemistry between Amelia and Noah develops naturally through their forced proximity. Their relationship builds on mutual understanding rather than just physical attraction, though Adams doesn’t shy away from steamy moments. The conflict feels organic to their situations rather than manufactured for drama.
Themes & Social Commentary
The novel thoughtfully explores several contemporary themes:
- Identity and authenticity in the age of social media
- The price of fame and personal boundaries
- Family loyalty versus personal growth
- Trust and vulnerability in relationships
- Small-town community versus big-city isolation
Comparative Analysis
Fans of Adams’ previous works like “The Cheat Sheet“, “The Rule Book“, and “The Match” will recognize her signature blend of humor and heart. The book also appeals to readers who enjoy:
- Emily Henry’s small-town romance elements
- Christina Lauren’s celebrity romance plots
- Tessa Bailey’s steam levels
- Lucy Score’s community-centered narratives
Final Verdict
“When in Rome” succeeds as both a standalone romance and series starter. Despite some minor pacing issues, Adams delivers a heartwarming story that satisfies both romance readers and classic film fans. The novel balances its Hollywood inspiration with original elements, creating something both familiar and fresh.
Perfect For Readers Who:
- Enjoy grumpy-sunshine romance
- Love small-town settings
- Appreciate classic film references
- Seek emotional depth in contemporary romance
- Want steam balanced with sweet moments
Content Notes
- Language: Moderate
- Steam Level: Medium
- Triggers: Discussion of parental loss, Alzheimer’s
Looking Ahead
With “Practice Makes Perfect” and “Beg, Borrow, or Steal” set to continue the series, Adams has established a promising foundation in Rome, Kentucky. The rich cast of supporting characters leaves plenty of potential for engaging future stories while maintaining connections to Amelia and Noah’s journey.
This charming contemporary romance proves Sarah Adams continues to grow as an author, delivering stories that resonate with both heart and humor. While not perfect, “When in Rome” offers a satisfying escape that will leave readers eager to return to this quirky Kentucky town.
