Escaping into Sarah Adams "When in Rome" Series: The Perfect Comfort Read

A few weeks ago, I was drowning in deadlines, completely overwhelmed by a high-pressure project at work. My brain was running on overdrive, and I desperately needed an escape—something light, heartwarming, and utterly comforting. That’s when I picked up When in Rome by Sarah Adams, and let me tell you, it was the perfect antidote to stress.

This sweet, small-town romance series transported me straight to Rome, Kentucky—a place that reminded me so much of Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. Charming, full of quirky townspeople, and brimming with warmth, Rome felt like a town I would love to live in. But the real magic? The characters.

Why When in Rome Is the Ultimate Comfort Read

Sarah Adams’ writing is the equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day. The When in Rome series is filled with the kind of slow-burn, feel-good romance that makes you smile long after you’ve put the book down.

When in Rome (Book 1) – Grumpy Pie Maker Meets Pop Star

The first book, When in Rome, follows pop star Amelia Rose, who finds herself stranded in Rome, Kentucky, and ends up staying with the grumpy yet secretly soft-hearted Noah Walker. Noah, a local pie shop owner, isn’t thrilled about taking in a stranded celebrity, but their chemistry is undeniable. Their love story unfolds with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, witty banter, and small-town charm.

Practice Makes Perfect (Book 2) – The Fake-Dating Trope Done Right

Then there’s Practice Makes Perfect, which dives into Noah’s sister Annie’s story. As the quiet and reserved sibling, Annie decides she needs dating practice, and who better to help than charming bodyguard Will? This book had me absolutely hooked because it’s the perfect mix of fake-dating and opposites-attract tropes, wrapped in Adams’ signature sweetness.

Beg, Borrow, Steal (Book 3) – Rivals-to-Lovers with a Literary Twist

The latest book, Beg, Borrow, Steal, gives us Emily Walker’s story—Noah and Annie’s sister—who has spent years feuding with fellow second-grade teacher Jack Bennett. Emily thrives on structure, order, and keeping her double life as a romance author a secret. Jack, on the other hand, is back in town after calling off his engagement, and the two find themselves not only colleagues but next-door neighbors. As their unlikely alliance unfolds, the tension shifts from rivalry to something much more electric. This book had everything I love in a good rom-com: laugh-out-loud moments, sharp banter, and just the right amount of slow-burn romance.

Why You Should Read the When in Rome Series

If you love small-town romance books with humor, heart, and just the right amount of swoon, this series is for you. Sarah Adams creates characters you genuinely root for, and the town of Rome, Kentucky, is a place you’ll wish existed in real life.

What I love most about a series like this is how it lets you truly get attached to the characters. By the end of these books, I felt like I personally knew the Walker siblings—Noah with his gruff exterior but golden heart, Annie with her quiet strength, and Emily with her determined, slightly chaotic charm. Watching them all find love and happiness was the perfect escape from reality.

Whether you’re dealing with work stress, looking for a feel-good read, or just want to immerse yourself in a romance series that will leave you smiling, When in Rome is the perfect pick. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll finish the last page already missing the town and its people—because that’s the magic of a truly great book series.

Have you read Sarah Adams’ books? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!