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delaneylacerte4's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Alcohol
gracescanlon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
An utterly adorable, slightly steamy (closed-door) romance!
I didn't read the precursor to this novel, When in Rome, but Practice Makes Perfect stands perfectly well on its own.
I can't believe that first guy, Mr. Khakis-and-no-effort-or-personality, had the gall to call Annie boring! Any time the story was told from her POV, I found myself laughing out loud at least twice. She's a total hoot! I could completely understood the ideas her family and the town at large had about her and the boxes they put her in could chafe over a lifetime of living in Rome. Annie was hilarious, interesting, smart, original, and caring, an excellent female MC.
Will was a sensitive and sexy, but not flawless, male MC. His imperfections made me love him, because he felt real. I loved how he sees Annie - really sees her - and how amazing she is, from page one. He doesn't want her to change, and he's right that she neither should nor needs to change.
The sibling relationships were all lovely. I thought the opposite reactions Will and his brother had after their upbringing was both an interesting contrast and quite believable. Their opening up to one another was a heartwarming moment. The love between Annie and her sisters, especially with their wholehearted addition of Amelia Rose to their ranks, was a delight. I love seeing women support and love and have fun with one another!
Man oh man, I didn't know that a closed-door romance would be so...steamy. I don't know how Adams flustered me so fully without any explicit scenes, but she did, and I'm impressed!
Steamy without being explicit, but also funny and adorable, I'd definitely recommend Practice Makes Perfect!
I didn't read the precursor to this novel, When in Rome, but Practice Makes Perfect stands perfectly well on its own.
I can't believe that first guy, Mr. Khakis-and-no-effort-or-personality, had the gall to call Annie boring! Any time the story was told from her POV, I found myself laughing out loud at least twice. She's a total hoot! I could completely understood the ideas her family and the town at large had about her and the boxes they put her in could chafe over a lifetime of living in Rome. Annie was hilarious, interesting, smart, original, and caring, an excellent female MC.
Will was a sensitive and sexy, but not flawless, male MC. His imperfections made me love him, because he felt real. I loved how he sees Annie - really sees her - and how amazing she is, from page one. He doesn't want her to change, and he's right that she neither should nor needs to change.
The sibling relationships were all lovely. I thought the opposite reactions Will and his brother had after their upbringing was both an interesting contrast and quite believable. Their opening up to one another was a heartwarming moment. The love between Annie and her sisters, especially with their wholehearted addition of Amelia Rose to their ranks, was a delight. I love seeing women support and love and have fun with one another!
Man oh man, I didn't know that a closed-door romance would be so...steamy. I don't know how Adams flustered me so fully without any explicit scenes, but she did, and I'm impressed!
Steamy without being explicit, but also funny and adorable, I'd definitely recommend Practice Makes Perfect!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Kidnapping
peachani's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Emotional abuse
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
emilywemily6's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Amazing. I’m crying and swooning and everything. This book was fun from the first page and I adored the Annie and Will (and the rest of the cast of course!). The humor is plucky and I really related to Annie. This romance was genuinely so sweet and tender, and I loved seeing Annie and Will both grow throughout. The perfect fluffy romance that fades to black.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity
laheath's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I think I enjoyed this second book just as much as the first! I loved the sibling relationships and friendships between young and old in this glimpse at small town life. The romance between Will and Annie was so sweet but bold enough to help Annie break out of her shell. For two people who had trouble communicating with those closest to them, it was really endearing to see how they could communicate with each other. I loved the hints at a third book in the series and can't wait to read it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Dementia, and Alcohol
rachrreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
I was provided an eARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own… yes I know I’m very late. Oops.
Annie is seen by everyone as the sweet, innocent friend that would never swear and needs to be protected at all costs. The youngest child, she never knew her parents like her siblings did. So, to not add to their pain Annie hid her feelings and put on a happy smile. She played the part of the innocent little sister and was even called “Angel Annie” by her sisters.
When Annie has yet another disastrous date, this time witnessed by none other than Will Griffin— the sexy, bad boy bodyguard of her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Amelia sets the two up, suggesting Will can tutor Annie through her awkwardness on dates. The two have an instant chemistry— but Annie wants to marry, and Will doesn’t believe in love. Slowly, these seemingly polar opposites tear down the others walls and realize they have more in common than meets the eye.
Man I wish I picked this up sooner. I swear Annie Walker is ME. I need a Will Griffin in my life, for real.
Read if you like:
• Sarah Adams books
• romance reads
• small town romance
• good girl/bad boy trope
• “fake” dating trope (kinda?)
• Audrey Hepburn
Annie is seen by everyone as the sweet, innocent friend that would never swear and needs to be protected at all costs. The youngest child, she never knew her parents like her siblings did. So, to not add to their pain Annie hid her feelings and put on a happy smile. She played the part of the innocent little sister and was even called “Angel Annie” by her sisters.
When Annie has yet another disastrous date, this time witnessed by none other than Will Griffin— the sexy, bad boy bodyguard of her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Amelia sets the two up, suggesting Will can tutor Annie through her awkwardness on dates. The two have an instant chemistry— but Annie wants to marry, and Will doesn’t believe in love. Slowly, these seemingly polar opposites tear down the others walls and realize they have more in common than meets the eye.
Man I wish I picked this up sooner. I swear Annie Walker is ME. I need a Will Griffin in my life, for real.
Read if you like:
• Sarah Adams books
• romance reads
• small town romance
• good girl/bad boy trope
• “fake” dating trope (kinda?)
• Audrey Hepburn
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Dementia, Alcohol, and Death of parent
bringmybooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
This one gets bumped from “borrow” to “bring” (/buy) because this cover is just too stinkin' cute and I’m fine with that
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Look if they didn’t want us to judge books by their covers then WHY HAVE SUCH CUTE COVERS
But anyways - I liked this one a lot (the banter was *chef’s kiss*), but there was a little tiny something missing that moved it down from a 5 star read to a 4. I thought that Adams did a really good job giving both Annie and Will a lot of backstory and making their relationship seem really plausible, and I absolutely loved the communication. Loved it.
Also worth noting that I’ve seen this author recommended as a closed door author, and while that is still true here, it veers a little towards slightly open door? I’m not sure exactly how to describe it, but it’s not a full fade to black - didn’t bother me, but worth noting if you’re going into it not expecting that.
ANYWHO. Still love Rome, Kentucky, still love these wacky neighbors, still love the Walker family and will definitely be continuing with the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Dementia
Minor: Sexual content, Cursing, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Abandonment, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
vj_thompson's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Annie and Will (aka: Will/William Griffin, William, Wilson, Wilbert, Wildon, Wilbur,, Wolf Boy, Williamson, Wilton, Wilfred, Captain Blackheart, and Wilmont)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Bullying, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Dementia, Alcohol, Cursing, and Chronic illness
marleywrites's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am Annie Walker and Annie Walker is me. I felt so connected to this book the entire time I was reading it.
I borrowed this book from the library, and now I want 500 copies for myself. This book was laugh out loud funny and made my smile and get butterflies a billion times.
I loved the quirky small town vibes. I loved the family dynamics. I loved Annie’s job and hobbies.
This book was the epitome of a feel good novel, and if I went on a deserted island and could only bring 3 books, this would be one of them.
Now I’m curious which sister will get the next book. I have a guess… :).
Also, I did not read When In Rome. And I understood this book perfectly. In fact now I want to go back and read the first book, even though I know how Noah and Amelia’s story ends.
Ps. This book fades to black for the sexual content.
I borrowed this book from the library, and now I want 500 copies for myself. This book was laugh out loud funny and made my smile and get butterflies a billion times.
I loved the quirky small town vibes. I loved the family dynamics. I loved Annie’s job and hobbies.
This book was the epitome of a feel good novel, and if I went on a deserted island and could only bring 3 books, this would be one of them.
Now I’m curious which sister will get the next book. I have a guess… :).
Also, I did not read When In Rome. And I understood this book perfectly. In fact now I want to go back and read the first book, even though I know how Noah and Amelia’s story ends.
Ps. This book fades to black for the sexual content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
Sexual situations fade to black.booksbystephanie's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Practice Makes Perfect, a novel by Sarah Adams, available May 2, 2023!
First, this is an interconnected series with When in Rome, which follows Amelia and Noah’s story. I started reading Practice Makes Perfect before reading When in Rome (which was perfectly fine), but I wanted to go back and read WIR first to better grasp the whole town’s relationship and history with the characters. And I’m glad I did! But there is no reason you cannot read this book on its own. Sarah Adams does a great job recounting features from the first book, so you could read this as a standalone. However, you will find that this whole universe is so sweet that you will want to get lost in it as much as possible!
Practice Makes Perfect follows the story of Noah’s sister, Annie Walker, and Amelia’s bodyguard (errr…executive protection agent) and commitment-phobe, Will Griffin, as they fall in love under the guise of Annie needing dating practice to secure a husband. Annie and Will learn that there’s more to discover about themselves in the process, including realizing that what they actually want may be different than what they thought they always wanted.
Like WIR, this book was fast-paced, super sweet, had several laugh-out-loud moments, and made me swoon over their interactions. I loved Annie’s introverted personality, but she had this secret sizzle-ly side as a closeted romance reader. Will was a softy-at-heart (stern brunch daddy!) with a jealous, protective streak and several touch-her-and-you-die moments. As in WIR, I’m willing to overlook the fade-to-blacks. I would have taken on a different angle if there was more detail, so I respect that decision. Regardless, I loved this story, and their relationship woes and grows.
Don’t go into this book thinking you are getting a deep, pining, prophetic love story. It is just what anyone would need if they’re looking for a good, quick read – potentially a great palette cleanser in a book slump! I was grinning ear-to-ear reading this and cannot WAIT for James and Maddie’s story (which, I am proud to say I predicted even while reading WIR!).
Thank you so much to Dell (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!
4 ⭐️ 0
First, this is an interconnected series with When in Rome, which follows Amelia and Noah’s story. I started reading Practice Makes Perfect before reading When in Rome (which was perfectly fine), but I wanted to go back and read WIR first to better grasp the whole town’s relationship and history with the characters. And I’m glad I did! But there is no reason you cannot read this book on its own. Sarah Adams does a great job recounting features from the first book, so you could read this as a standalone. However, you will find that this whole universe is so sweet that you will want to get lost in it as much as possible!
Practice Makes Perfect follows the story of Noah’s sister, Annie Walker, and Amelia’s bodyguard (errr…executive protection agent) and commitment-phobe, Will Griffin, as they fall in love under the guise of Annie needing dating practice to secure a husband. Annie and Will learn that there’s more to discover about themselves in the process, including realizing that what they actually want may be different than what they thought they always wanted.
Like WIR, this book was fast-paced, super sweet, had several laugh-out-loud moments, and made me swoon over their interactions. I loved Annie’s introverted personality, but she had this secret sizzle-ly side as a closeted romance reader. Will was a softy-at-heart (stern brunch daddy!) with a jealous, protective streak and several touch-her-and-you-die moments. As in WIR, I’m willing to overlook the fade-to-blacks. I would have taken on a different angle if there was more detail, so I respect that decision. Regardless, I loved this story, and their relationship woes and grows.
Don’t go into this book thinking you are getting a deep, pining, prophetic love story. It is just what anyone would need if they’re looking for a good, quick read – potentially a great palette cleanser in a book slump! I was grinning ear-to-ear reading this and cannot WAIT for James and Maddie’s story (which, I am proud to say I predicted even while reading WIR!).
Thank you so much to Dell (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!
4 ⭐️ 0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Dementia, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Medical content, Alcohol, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness