When in Rome (When in Rome #1) by Sarah Adams

 

Summary (from the publisher): Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. 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 to more.

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

Review: This was such a cute story. Amelia is a famous singer who needs a break and decides to head to Rome, Kentucky, inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday. When she breaks down on the way, she meets Noah Walker. He has no interest in a pop star who is only making a temporary appearance but reluctantly agrees to let her stay in his guest room. While they wait for her car to get fixed, he gets to know the real Amelia behind the fame. And she gets to know the grumpy baker and the small-town community he is a part of. 

This book is perfect for people looking for a slow burn, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine love story. Noah has been burned before and is hesitant to open up. He's gruff and not super friendly but underneath it all, he's kind and sweet and can whip up the perfect pancakes from scratch. This book is also perfect for readers who are looking for low spice love stories. This has great yearning and banter but conveniently fades to black before things get explicit. It reminds me of a more closed-door Abby Jimenez story. I especially loved the scene where they are spending time together - just as friends!! - when Faith Hill's song Let's Make Love comes on the radio. Talk about tension!

This was extremely predictable from beginning to end. It reads like a Hallmark movie - in a good way! I mean a famous singer falling for a smalltown guy running his grandmother's pie shop?? Too good not to be Hallmark. This is a feel good, happily ever after story. 

This was great on audio as it had dual narrators as the chapters alternated between Amelia and Noah's perspectives.  

Stars: 3.5