Sarah Adams

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

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.

When in Rome

Harley Rae

"But not with you." She nuzzles her cheek against the back of my hand. "I don't have to be polite with you because you don't like me anyways." 

 "That's not true," I say, more to myself than her.

“And the world only wants me for Rae Rose." There's a long pause as she sighs deeply."I'm drowning and no one sees me.”

Care is reckless because it doesn't come with the seat belt that selfishness offers. Care has so much to lose, and almost always ends in heartbreak. Unfortunately, I'm powerless against keeping my heart in check around her anymore. There's a very short list of people in my life that I allow myself to truly care for, and it looks like I just added another name to it. I push Amelia's hair back from her ear so I know she can hear me. “I see you."

And I realize in this moment, I'd do just about anything to make her laugh. What’s happening to me?

“You look very pretty." I feel a smile in my soul before it reaches my lips. "You say that like it's a bad thing." "It is for me." And that's all he says before backing up and driving us both home in stunned silence.

I don't know how to keep things casual. I hate casual. It’s pointless to me. Like city girls wearing Carhartt beanies.

He rolls his eyes, snapping shut the book he was reading - oh my gosh Noah is a reader - and sets it aside.

I smile and turn to look at the room. And that's when I see the shelves and shelves of books. This man does not just read... he's a book nerd.

Sophia

"I already told her I’m not interested."

"You didn’t," Madison says. She’s never been more disappointed in me.

When in Rome quotes

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