When in Rome by Sarah Adams Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

4.75/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Mental health rep (depression)

➮ Enemies to lovers

➮ Forced proximity

➮ Found family

➮ Dual POV

Synopsis

Amelia, aka Rae Rose, is burned out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome... Kentucky. When Noah finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have time or patience for celebrity problems. He's running the pie shop his grandmother left him. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room. Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose, kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. 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. Amelia can't resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Best Quote From the Book

“I think we'll get hurt a lot in this life, but maybe it's worth it because sometimes we will experience really amazing things, too. Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we'll never know if we don't try."

My Thoughts

I will be honest, I don't have a ton to say for this one beyond expressing that I really enjoyed it. I loved Noah and Amelia, especially when they were together. All of the side characters were amazing. Particularly the nosy neighbors and Noah's even nosier sisters. Mabel in particular is so funny. My mom and I listened to this story together and found ourselves giggling at her commentary and meddling multiple times. They all fit so well together naturally. You could tell Rome is a small town where the love and protection run deep. 

I think what kept this book from being a 5-star was that Noah's perspective didn't seem that realistic. It didn't feel like it was a guy talking. Not to be promoting gender norms but it really felt like both perspectives were written with a similar way of thinking and receiving the world which doesn't fit two characters who are clearly very different. Particularly the high level of detail Noah uses to describe Amelia's appearance at many points. If he was so wrapped up in his feelings, he wouldn't be overanalyzing her makeup or sweater especially given he is a guy who claims to not care about any of that.

Every other character and aspect of this story felt realistic. Of course, Amelia is going to be burnt out and in a rut. Of course, his sisters are going to want in on every detail of his love life. It all just fits so well together. 

Noah has officially landed himself on my book-boyfriend list. He is so adorable and you gotta love a man who cares deeply about his choice of sleepwear (if you know, you know). He also loves to bake and read so we would get along swimmingly.  His bluntness was often quite amusing to witness and added exponentially to his charm.

This book only has closed-door intimacy. 

Overall I really loved this story for its characters and interconnectedness. If Noah's POV was more realistic, it would've been perfect. I highly recommend this book to all romance fans and cannot wait to dive into book two!