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infjkiki's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Death of parent, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Dementia
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Fire/Fire injury
thebookpaiges's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 stars
1/5 spice
A cute, fluffy romance that had all the the classic Hallmark, small town feels.
Tropes:
Small town
Grumpy/sunshine
I was drawn to this story because of the Audrey Hepburn inspiration from her movie Roman Holiday. I'm a fan of Audrey so of course I couldn't resist. I'm glad I did the audiobook, the narrators sounded great and brought the characters to life. Although you know how this is going to end it's still heart warming to listen to.
Amelia and Noah were so adorable. Even though Amelia is more widely known as her pop star personality Rae Rose, she still had genuine kindness and humility, which makes her so much more relatable. Noah was the classic grumpy introvert who was trying so hard to be left alone but couldn't resist Amelia's charm.
Their flirtation and banter was playful and lighthearted. The only conflict in the story centered around the big question of... what's going to happen when her vacation is over?
I'm pleased with how things concluded, even though it was predictable. There was some tension, kissing, and groping but all fade to black.
Highly recommend for fans of classic movies and wholesome small town Hallmark vibes.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions death of parents, Alzheimer's, mentions cheating, industry manipulation, mental health rep
1/5 spice
A cute, fluffy romance that had all the the classic Hallmark, small town feels.
Tropes:
Small town
Grumpy/sunshine
I was drawn to this story because of the Audrey Hepburn inspiration from her movie Roman Holiday. I'm a fan of Audrey so of course I couldn't resist. I'm glad I did the audiobook, the narrators sounded great and brought the characters to life. Although you know how this is going to end it's still heart warming to listen to.
Amelia and Noah were so adorable. Even though Amelia is more widely known as her pop star personality Rae Rose, she still had genuine kindness and humility, which makes her so much more relatable. Noah was the classic grumpy introvert who was trying so hard to be left alone but couldn't resist Amelia's charm.
Their flirtation and banter was playful and lighthearted. The only conflict in the story centered around the big question of... what's going to happen when her vacation is over?
I'm pleased with how things concluded, even though it was predictable. There was some tension, kissing, and groping but all fade to black.
Highly recommend for fans of classic movies and wholesome small town Hallmark vibes.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions death of parents, Alzheimer's, mentions cheating, industry manipulation, mental health rep
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A wonderful book about escaping from reality for a famous pop star who’s burnt out. Wanting to go to Rome she settled for the next best thing, Rome, Kentucky.
When the car burns out in Noah’s yard begins a fiery slow ish burn love story.
Both riddled with trust issues and having lived very different lives this story sees them work through and overcome that. Bond with family and battle their issues with each others support.
When the car burns out in Noah’s yard begins a fiery slow ish burn love story.
Both riddled with trust issues and having lived very different lives this story sees them work through and overcome that. Bond with family and battle their issues with each others support.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Cursing, Grief, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
lunahale's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
three things:
1. how did she give the phone back to him when the cord was stuck in the window?
2. why does the cover blurb say “slow burn” when they kissed on pg.80?
3. the beginning of this reminds me of sour grapes and the whole book generally reminds me of hannah montana: the move.
this was pretty cute tho, and i’m happy i picked it up 🫶🏼
1. how did she give the phone back to him when the cord was stuck in the window?
2. why does the cover blurb say “slow burn” when they kissed on pg.80?
3. the beginning of this reminds me of sour grapes and the whole book generally reminds me of hannah montana: the move.
this was pretty cute tho, and i’m happy i picked it up 🫶🏼
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Death of parent
extrafolklore's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Dementia
arthur_ant18's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Alcohol, and Sexual content
katebrownreads's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Dementia, and Toxic friendship
decklededgess's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
trigger warnings: emotional abuse and manipulation, alcohol, anxiety, stalking mention, abandonment, infidelity
The second Noah started describing Amelia from his POV my brain said late Red-early 1989 era Taylor Swift so I was already sus of this book but the vibes were giving soft romance so I trusted that to carry me through. And frankly it was the only thing that carried me through the book at certain points.
There was no smut. Fine okay I can deal. The greater cast of characters in this small town were nosy and invasive as well, like to the point of me wanting to spray them in the face with a bottle and tell them to mind their own damn business. Can also deal bc they're not the main part of the story and to some that's the charm. Not my thing but okay.
Then came the liberal use of male and female as adjectives. Noah in all his maleness and Amelia in all her femininity and curves. A leather chair was described as masculine. Noah couldn't admit his eyes were tearing up, no it was voluntary eye watering. Aren't we past the point of aggressively hammering on the gender binary? Adjectives beyond masculine and feminine exist. Use them. I'm tired of having to fight through m/f books where the author is desperate for everyone to know their characters are CIS and HET. It's transphobic and alienating. Not to mention also fatphobic because for some reason masculinity is cut muscles and femininity is generous but shapely curves only. End it.
The thing that irritated me the most was that one of Noah's sisters was keeping tally of her siblings swearing because "at least one of us has to make it through the gates of heaven" (im paraphrasing). Admittedly that's not a big issue but paired with the masculine feminine bit I was really not in the fucking mood.
The best moments of this book were when Noah and Amelia were alone or interacting with each other while things happened around them. Their chemistry was off the charts and the way the author managed to create a private bubble for them despite everyone being in their goddamn business was really well done. The tenderness and affection that they shared was really adorable and what allowed me to believe that they fell in love despite the short timeline.
Honestly the romance was so good it kept this book from a 2 star rating. I hope the author cuts the shit in later books. No doubt Noah's siblings are likely next in line if this is turning into a series so I hope some things get updated before they're published.
The second Noah started describing Amelia from his POV my brain said late Red-early 1989 era Taylor Swift so I was already sus of this book but the vibes were giving soft romance so I trusted that to carry me through. And frankly it was the only thing that carried me through the book at certain points.
There was no smut. Fine okay I can deal. The greater cast of characters in this small town were nosy and invasive as well, like to the point of me wanting to spray them in the face with a bottle and tell them to mind their own damn business. Can also deal bc they're not the main part of the story and to some that's the charm. Not my thing but okay.
Then came the liberal use of male and female as adjectives. Noah in all his maleness and Amelia in all her femininity and curves. A leather chair was described as masculine. Noah couldn't admit his eyes were tearing up, no it was voluntary eye watering. Aren't we past the point of aggressively hammering on the gender binary? Adjectives beyond masculine and feminine exist. Use them. I'm tired of having to fight through m/f books where the author is desperate for everyone to know their characters are CIS and HET. It's transphobic and alienating. Not to mention also fatphobic because for some reason masculinity is cut muscles and femininity is generous but shapely curves only. End it.
The thing that irritated me the most was that one of Noah's sisters was keeping tally of her siblings swearing because "at least one of us has to make it through the gates of heaven" (im paraphrasing). Admittedly that's not a big issue but paired with the masculine feminine bit I was really not in the fucking mood.
The best moments of this book were when Noah and Amelia were alone or interacting with each other while things happened around them. Their chemistry was off the charts and the way the author managed to create a private bubble for them despite everyone being in their goddamn business was really well done. The tenderness and affection that they shared was really adorable and what allowed me to believe that they fell in love despite the short timeline.
Honestly the romance was so good it kept this book from a 2 star rating. I hope the author cuts the shit in later books. No doubt Noah's siblings are likely next in line if this is turning into a series so I hope some things get updated before they're published.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Death of parent, Drug use, Infidelity, Medical content, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
teamoxfordcomma's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
🌶 (closed door)
Gah, this was so freakin' cute.
I love the movie Roman Holiday. It's perhaps my favorite classic film. So when I saw a novel was coming out pitched as taking a new spin on such a beloved classic, you know I had to get my paws on it.
In short: this book tweaked the only thing I disliked about the 50's gem, and I adored it.
This book follows Amelia, otherwise known as international pop star phenom Rae Rose, as she escapes her hectic pre-tour schedule. An Audrey Hepburn lover, she decides to follow in Hepburn's Roman Holiday footsteps and heads to the nearest Rome... which happens to be a small town in the middle of nowhere Kentucky. What ensues is a deliciously sweet romance between her and the surly owner of a pie shop.
We've got it all, folks: forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, small-town, chemistry/tension... I flew through this, and I was certainly thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading. It was sweet, sweet, sweet.
The characters are really what made this stand out to me. First of all, I absolutely loved Amelia. She was so down to earth, funny, and just everything I want in an FMC when I pick up a romcom. Noah was also a total charmer, even though he had a bit of a grumpy/surly attitude. Certainly not your traditional highly-suave charmer, but absolutely adorable nonetheless. Watching him slowly open up to Amelia and learn to trust her was a highlight for sure, not to mention how kindhearted he was, how aware of Amelia's needs and safety he was. Additionally, as with most good small-town romances, the cast of side characters was on point. I'm particularly partial to Mabel… If I'm not like that when I'm a senior citizen, I've done something wrong.
This is an excellent pick for those who don't want to see smut in their romance novels – it was a closed-door romance that at the same time didn't feel prudish. While it's no secret I certainly don't mind spice, it's great to see super solid options available for people who'd prefer not to read about the nitty gritty but still want adult romance vs. YA. I respect it.
Another point in its favor:no third-act breakup! Wish this was more common. I'm gonna start tracking when books don't have it so I can lavish fine jewels on them.
Plus, the epilogue in the form of an online blog post made so much sense. It was the perfect little bow to tie on a wholeheartedly sweet story.
Apparently I was in the mood to ramble today. Oh well. TL;DR: this Roman Holiday inspired romcom was a delight from cover to cover and is most certainly worth the read.
Gah, this was so freakin' cute.
I love the movie Roman Holiday. It's perhaps my favorite classic film. So when I saw a novel was coming out pitched as taking a new spin on such a beloved classic, you know I had to get my paws on it.
In short: this book tweaked the only thing I disliked about the 50's gem, and I adored it.
This book follows Amelia, otherwise known as international pop star phenom Rae Rose, as she escapes her hectic pre-tour schedule. An Audrey Hepburn lover, she decides to follow in Hepburn's Roman Holiday footsteps and heads to the nearest Rome... which happens to be a small town in the middle of nowhere Kentucky. What ensues is a deliciously sweet romance between her and the surly owner of a pie shop.
We've got it all, folks: forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, small-town, chemistry/tension... I flew through this, and I was certainly thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading. It was sweet, sweet, sweet.
The characters are really what made this stand out to me. First of all, I absolutely loved Amelia. She was so down to earth, funny, and just everything I want in an FMC when I pick up a romcom. Noah was also a total charmer, even though he had a bit of a grumpy/surly attitude. Certainly not your traditional highly-suave charmer, but absolutely adorable nonetheless. Watching him slowly open up to Amelia and learn to trust her was a highlight for sure, not to mention how kindhearted he was, how aware of Amelia's needs and safety he was. Additionally, as with most good small-town romances, the cast of side characters was on point. I'm particularly partial to Mabel… If I'm not like that when I'm a senior citizen, I've done something wrong.
This is an excellent pick for those who don't want to see smut in their romance novels – it was a closed-door romance that at the same time didn't feel prudish. While it's no secret I certainly don't mind spice, it's great to see super solid options available for people who'd prefer not to read about the nitty gritty but still want adult romance vs. YA. I respect it.
Another point in its favor:
Plus, the epilogue in the form of an online blog post made so much sense. It was the perfect little bow to tie on a wholeheartedly sweet story.
Apparently I was in the mood to ramble today. Oh well. TL;DR: this Roman Holiday inspired romcom was a delight from cover to cover and is most certainly worth the read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Cursing
Minor: Abandonment and Infidelity
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