When in Rome: A Novel (Rome, Kentucky)

Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet.

“This modern take on the Hepburn classic Roman Holiday is a quick, fun, slow-burn rom-com.”—Abby Jimenez, bestselling author of The Friend Zone

ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

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.

Look for all of Sarah Adams’s When in Rome books:
WHEN IN ROME • PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT • BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL (Coming Soon!)

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Published Sep 20, 2022

320 pages

Average rating: 7.11

190 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Maxime
Jun 09, 2025
10/10 stars
I loved it from the very first page!
Mhoovs21
May 12, 2025
6/10 stars
A cute, fade-to-black, rom com. It took me a minute to get into it, but I LOVE me some Noah.
Lauralee🧚‍♀️
Mar 25, 2025
8/10 stars
Everyone deserves a happy ending, no matter how misleading it seems. In this story, we follow Amelia aka Rae Rose as she is overwhelmed with what her life turned out to be. So in the events of trying to catch a break before a major nine-month tour, Amelia finds herself in Rome, Kentucky followed by a minor accident where all things unravel for her, including, Noah Walker.
Ariellynn
Feb 28, 2025
8/10 stars
I loved this book! I heard on audiobook and it’s great :) The readers were amazing and the story was funny. I like that :)
chloeraewitt1
Feb 17, 2025
8/10 stars
4.5 stars!!! i love noah walker

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