July 11, 2022
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.
January 13, 2023
Singing sensation Amelia Rose thought fame would equal freedom, but the pressure of her people-pleasing ways is inescapable. Desperate for downtime, she channels her favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn, and takes a Roman Holiday. Unfortunately for the pop princess, an undercover Italian getaway is impractical, so she picks the next best--er, closest--thing: Rome, KY. Life imitates art a bit too closely when Amelia, like Audrey, finds love in the small town, but Noah Walker has been burned by a big-city relationship before. Are they destined for the same agonizing ending as the film, or will they write their own story? Adams (The Cheat Sheet) proffers a heartwarming romantic comedy featuring complex characters in a compelling narrative. From wistful and wary to witty and wanton, narrators Karissa Vacker and Andrew Eiden are a delightful team. Vacker is a perfect match for Amelia's buoyant brightness, while Eiden has a bit more edge than a stereotypical small-town Southern suitor, but both give emotional and engaging performances. VERDICT This audio will appeal to fans seeking a contemporary opposites-attract rom-com about fame, family, and finding yourself. Recommended for fans of Tessa Bailey, Dylan Newton, and Abby Jimenez.--Lauren Hackert
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