Last week, my daughter Rebecca decided to decorate her soccer cleats with lavender stickers for "good luck." Marcus, not to be outdone, attached tiny rockets to his shoelaces. Watching them hustle around our backyard, I realized our family quirks always find a way to brighten the ordinary—much like a good book turns a regular day into something special. Speaking of special, let's talk about When in Rome, a romance that filled my week with smiles and sighs and the kind of gentle joy I treasure.
Plot Summary
When in Rome by Sarah Adams follows Amelia Rose—known to her fans as pop star Rae Rose—who escapes her demanding celebrity life for a breath of fresh air in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday," Amelia's getaway lands her stranded in front of local pie shop owner Noah Walker's house. He's private, grumpy, and protective of his heart. As her car is repaired, Amelia and Noah find themselves stuck together; small-town gossip swirls as their connection grows. Will temporary refuge turn into something deeper, or will her stardom pull her away once repairs are done? This is book one of the "Rome, Kentucky" series, blending grumpy-sunshine romance and forced proximity with small-town charm.
Why I Love This Book
I love how When in Rome makes me laugh, root for its characters, and crave homemade pie. Amelia's vulnerability and Noah's kindness feel real and relatable. Their banter and slow-growing trust reminded me of why I love romance: the promise that even the weariest souls can find warmth and second chances. The pacing feels breezy, but there's emotional richness in every exchange. I appreciate how the story balances lighthearted moments with honest themes of self-worth and letting go of old hurts.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy contemporary romance—especially grumpy-sunshine dynamics, celebrity-meets-small-town stories, or friends-to-lovers tropes—this book will fit your reading list. I think anyone who loves humor, sweet chemistry, found-family themes, or gentle emotional journeys will appreciate it. There's nothing dark, heavy, or taboo here—just the kind of cozy, closed-door romance that's perfect for curling up with a blanket and mug (preferably quirky!) on a stormy evening.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Some mentions of grief, heartbreak, loneliness, and self-doubt. No sexual assault, abuse, manipulation, or explicit content.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, small town, celebrity-meets-local, closed-door, sweet, series, pie shop, found family, emotional healing, slow burn, Kentucky, lighthearted, gentle, Rome Kentucky series
Steam Level
This is a closed-door romance—there's flirting and emotional buildup, but all steamy moments fade to black. Chemistry is vital to the plot, but the steam level stays mild and sweet.
