cover image When in Rome

When in Rome

Sarah Adams. Dell, $17 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-593-50078-1

Adams (The Cheat Sheet) charms with this adorable mismatched romance between an Audrey Hepburn–obsessed pop star and a grumpy small-town baker. In urgent need of a break, pop star Rae Rose (real name Amelia) takes a cue from Roman Holiday and takes off for the nearest Rome she can find: Rome, Kentucky. Unfortunately, her beloved clunker of a car breaks down right as she rolls into town. Luckily, Noah Walker, the owner of a local pie shop, stops to help her out (though first he has to convince her he’s not a murderer). When Amelia’s reservation at the town’s lone bed and breakfast falls through, she winds up staying in Noah’s guest room. Thrown together, Noah learns to see the messy humanity behind Amelia’s pop princess persona, and Amelia discovers the kind heart beneath Noah’s gruff exterior. When someone close to Amelia betrays her trust, she finds her life at a crossroads—and there’s no one she’d rather have as her rock than Noah. Amelia makes a complex and believable heroine and Noah is the ideal small-town hero. As light and catchy as a pop song, this sweet romance is sure to please. (Sept.)