When in Rome

When in Rome

2022 • 321 pages

Ratings73

Average rating3.8

15

It's summer! There's something about the warmer weather that draws me into romcoms though it's not my go-to genre. When in Rome has been catching my eye for a couple of months now. Admittedly, I was very disappointed the book wasn't actually set in Rome, Italy, but it grew on me.
Hardcore Audrey Hepburn fan Amelia ‘Rae' Rose needs a break from her life in the limelight. Taking a lesson from Princess Ann in Roman Holiday, she sneaks away for a trip to Rome... Sort of. The next best (and drivable) destination is Rome, Kentucky. During this trip she meets Noah, a small-town baker running his grandmother's pie shop.
Being a fan of Audrey Hepburn myself, I quite enjoyed the references to her and her films. Of course, Roman Holiday is the focus (it's nice to see this one get a little more credit!). Personally, I would not call this a modern take on the film. Loosely inspired at best. And while yes, I did enjoy the Audrey Hepburn discussions at first, they wore thin by the end. In the age of fandom culture, I didn't buy Amelia's fangirling as being any sort of wow factor to anyone. Then again, this is coming from someone who's been unapologetically a geeky classics fan her entire life.
The book was cute, but definitely not a writing style I seek out. I have another one of Sarah Adam's books so I still plan on reading more despite it not being my preference. I was looking for a lighthearted and fluffy read and this fit the bill. Ultimately and preferences aside, this was what I was looking to read.

July 1, 2023