When in Rome by Sarah Adams Summary

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is a contemporary romance novel about Amelia Rose, a burned-out pop star who escapes to Rome, Kentucky for a break from fame. Her car breaks down at Noah Walker's pie shop, and she ends up staying with the grumpy baker. The story follows their slow-burn romance as Amelia rediscovers herself and Noah learns to open his heart, inspired by Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is perfect for readers who enjoy small-town romance, celebrity-meets-ordinary-person stories, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics. Fans of clean contemporary romance with minimal spice will appreciate the closed-door approach and mature communication between characters. The book appeals to those seeking feel-good stories about self-discovery, mental health, and finding authenticity while escaping the pressures of fame.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is worth reading if you enjoy cozy, charming romance with emotional depth. The novel balances humor and heart while addressing burnout, controlling relationships, and identity struggles. Readers praise the authentic character development, supportive small-town community, and the refreshing lack of unnecessary drama. However, those seeking high-heat romance or fast-paced plots may find it too gentle.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is a contemporary romance novel with elements of small-town romance and celebrity fiction. Published in September 2022, the 320-page book combines romantic comedy with themes of self-discovery and mental health. Sarah Adams incorporates classic romance tropes like grumpy/sunshine dynamics and opposites-attract storylines, creating an uplifting, feel-good reading experience suitable for adult audiences aged 16 and up.

The main theme of When in Rome by Sarah Adams explores the tension between celebrity image and authentic self. Amelia struggles with maintaining her "princess of pop" persona while losing herself in the process. The novel examines mental and emotional health, showing how burnout and controlling relationships diminish personal identity. Sarah Adams emphasizes that true happiness comes from community connections, self-acceptance, and the courage to prioritize your well-being over external expectations.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams has minimal spice, rated approximately 1.5 out of 5. The romance is closed-door, meaning intimate scenes happen off-page. Sarah Adams focuses on emotional connection, witty banter, and slow-burn tension rather than explicit content. The book features kisses and romantic moments but keeps physical intimacy subtle, making it appropriate for readers who prefer sweet, clean romance without graphic scenes.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is a modern adaptation of Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday. Both stories feature women escaping their constrained public lives for freedom and romance. However, Sarah Adams reimagines the classic film with a pop star fleeing to small-town Kentucky instead of a princess in Rome. While Roman Holiday ends bittersweet, When in Rome offers a more optimistic resolution with Amelia and Noah attempting a long-distance relationship.

Amelia and Noah in When in Rome by Sarah Adams develop a slow-burn romance over two weeks. After Amelia's car breaks down on Noah's lawn, he reluctantly lets her stay in his guest room. They share an unexpected kiss at his pie shop and gradually confess their feelings. Despite paparazzi chaos orchestrated by Amelia's controlling manager Susan, they decide to pursue a long-distance relationship after Amelia's tour begins.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams has a hopeful, happy ending. Amelia fires her controlling manager Susan, rediscovers her passion for music, and agrees to attempt a long-distance relationship with Noah. While she must return to her tour, they decide to stay together despite the challenges. Sarah Adams provides closure while acknowledging that their relationship will require effort, offering readers an emotionally satisfying conclusion without unrealistic fairy-tale promises.

The pie shop in When in Rome by Sarah Adams symbolizes home, legacy, and emotional connection. Noah inherited the shop from his grandmother, representing his ties to community and family traditions. The pie shop becomes Amelia's safe haven from celebrity chaos, where she experiences authentic relationships and discovers what truly matters. Sarah Adams uses the cozy setting to contrast Amelia's glamorous but hollow public life with the warmth of small-town simplicity.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is the first book in the When in Rome series, though it works as a standalone novel. Readers don't need prior knowledge to enjoy Amelia and Noah's complete story, as Sarah Adams wraps up their romance satisfactorily. The series designation suggests future books may feature other Rome, Kentucky residents or related characters, allowing fans to revisit the charming small-town setting.

Common criticisms of When in Rome by Sarah Adams include predictable plot points and reliance on familiar romance tropes. Some readers find the conflict resolution too convenient, particularly with the controlling manager storyline. The minimal spice level disappoints those seeking steamier romance, while the slow pacing may frustrate readers wanting more action. However, fans appreciate these elements as part of the book's cozy, comfort-read appeal rather than weaknesses.