When in Rome – Book Review

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

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.

At first, when I saw the title, When in Rome, I thought the story was based in Rome, Italy. Little did I know that the story is based in Rome, Kentucky.

Amelia is a famous singer, known around the world as Rae. Amelia wanted to get away from the life and being a fan of Audrey Hepburn, and trying to reenact the movie Roman Holiday, she drives to Rome Kentucky. She ended up stopping in front of Noah’s house. Noah is a pie shop owner. While her car is in repair, Noah has no choice but to allow Amelia stay in his house. The two start getting to know each other and start to fall in love. But both of them know that falling in love with each other is the worst thing they could ever do.

I actually loved the story. I loved the chemistry between Amelia and Noah. The story is well written and is engaging. The story is told in the POVs of Amelia and Noah. Of course the ending was predictable, but nonetheless, I actually enjoyed reading this romance book. I love how Noah is the grumpy sunshine and how he actually takes care of Amelia whenever she is in need. The story also talks a lot about Amelia’s fame, how her fame actually strained her relationship with her mother. I also like the close friendship between Noah’s sisters and Amelia.

This is the first book of the When in Rome series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Overall worth 4 stars.