There’s something special about a Sarah Adams book that we can’t seem to get enough of. Maybe it’s the small-town charm. Maybe it’s the lovable and relatable characters who feel like friends by the time we put the book down. Or maybe it’s the way her romances manage to be both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely heartfelt. Whatever the reason, there’s a reason her books have been given many accolades, including NPR’s Best Books of the Year, Popsugar’s Best Book of the Year, and Amazon’s Best Books of the Year. The New York Times bestselling author has become a go-to for us and other romance readers looking for feel-good love stories with plenty of swoon. Whether you’ve picked up one of her books before, or you’re new to the author, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about her books.
The When in Rome Series
When in Rome
The Rome, Kentucky series begins with When in Rome, a charming romance inspired by Roman Holiday. The story follows “princess of pop” Amelia Rose, who desperately needs a break from her life in the spotlight. After setting off on a spontaneous road trip, she finds herself stranded in the small town of Rome, Kentucky where she meets Noah Walker, a pie shop owner who loves his peace and quiet. As the two spend more time together, they come to realize that they like each other’s company more than either of them expected.
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Practice Makes Perfect
After overhearing a date describe her as boring, flower shop owner Annie Walker decides that she wants to be fun and flirtatious, just like the characters in her favorite romance movies. The only problem? She has no idea where to start. That’s where Will Griffin, a tattooed bodyguard with a reputation for avoiding attachments, comes in. While town to watch over Amelia, he reluctantly agrees to give Annie lessons in flirting and dating. As their practice dates and “educational” lessons blur the line between friendship and something more, Annie realizes that the perfect man she’s been dreaming of her entire life may just be the one she least expected.
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Beg, Borrow, or Steal
When secret romance writer and second-grade teacher Emily Walker’s orderly life is disrupted by the return of her longtime nemesis and fellow author, Jack Bennett, her life is turned upside down. Very quickly, their old rivalry quickly reignites. Until an accidental email threatens to expose her secret writing life. Forced into an unwanted alliance to steal her manuscript back, the two discover that beneath their constant bickering is undeniable chemistry.
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In Your Dreams
The homecoming book in the When in Rome series follows Madison Walker as she returns after a disappointing culinary career in New York and takes a head chef job at a new local restaurant. The catch? It’s run by James Huxley, her brother’s best friend, who’s secretly loved her for years. As they work closely together, things begin to heat up in the kitchen, and the two must decide whether or not they’re ready to take a leap of faith and fight their fears head on. This cozy romance was recently named one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Year So Far 2026.
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Sarah Adams’ Other Books
Cheat Sheet
Dance studio owner Bree Camden has been in love with her best friend and NFL star, Nathan Donelson, for years. She has spent her entire life trying to accept the fact that the two will only ever just be friends. With her dance studio on the line, she has other things to worry about anyway. Then, as usual, Nathan comes in to play knight in shining armor and buys the entire building. Bree is less than happy with the decision and decides to bury her feelings in one too many tequila shots. When a drunken viral slip convinces the world they’re a couple, Nathan agrees to a three-week fake dating deal to help her secure financial stability for her studio. As they play along for the cameras, Bree comes to realize that she might not be the only one with feelings.
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Rule BookÂ
Nora Mackenzie’s career as a sports agent is put to the test when her first big client turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, NFL star Derek Pender, the man she once left who’s still holding a grudge. With his sights set on friendly revenge, Derek sets out to make her job difficult. But Nora refuses to back down, turning their professional relationship into a tense battle of tug-of-war. Just as Nora starts a scheme of her own, a wild night in Vegas leaves them unexpectedly married. With their rule book out the window, this new marriage just might be the thing that leads them to a romance of a lifetime.
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The Off Limits Rule
Lucy Marshall returns home after a difficult attempt as a single mom in Atlanta, moving in with her brother, Drew, in hopes of starting over. While adjusting to life back home, she meets Cooper, her brother’s charismatic best friend, who just so happens to be incredibly hot. Even though her brother tries to sway her opinion on Cooper, Lucy finds herself drawn to him and begins questioning whether playing it safe has ever actually worked in her favor. He may be the opposite of what she needs, As feelings grow, she has to decide if taking a risk on love is finally worth it.
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The Temporary Roomie
Jessie Barnes, a salon owner in her third trimester of an unexpected pregnancy, finds herself temporarily stranded after a plumbing disaster floods her apartment. Her only option is staying with Dr. Drew Marshall, her best friend’s brother and the man she finds to be a chauvinistic dirtbag. Even though she’s convinced she still can’t stand him, Drew agrees to help her out with one condition: she pretends to be his girlfriend for a work festivities. As Jessie learns who Drew really is, she finds herself rethinking everything she thought she knew about him and what she wants for her future.
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The Match
Evie Jones loves her job at Southern Service Paws that helped change her own life, and she’s determined to help save it through an important fundraiser. When she meets single dad Jacob Broaden while helping his daughter, Sam, find a service dog, sparks fly—though not exactly in a good way at first. As Evie grows closer to Jacob and Sam, she starts to imagine a future she never thought she could have.
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The Enemy
Twelve years after a humiliating graduation near-kiss, June Broaden is finally face-to-face with her high school enemy and secret crush, Ryan Henderson. Determined to show him exactly what he’s missed, June is confident she’s come out on top since their high school days. She’s the Southern queen of gourmet donuts and the small town’s most desired bachelorette. But when Ryan returns looking successful, charming, and completely unfazed, their old rivalry quickly reignites. Luckily, June never backs down from a challenge.
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Read Sarah Adams If…
Sarah Adams’ books are a great fit for readers who love closed door small-town romances, character-driven love stories, and plenty of banter and tension. If you’re already a fan of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, or Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams is an author that you’re going to want to add to your reading list.
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