Absolute perfection! I loved everything about Annie and Will’s story! They are the perfect blend of stern brunch daddy and introverted florist. If you love Sarah Adams, and loved her first story in Rome, Kentucky, you will love this one even more!

✨✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨✨
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT by Sarah Adams
Pages:352
OUT TOMORROW May 2nd

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC.

This is the second in the series. The books are interconnected so it would be a good idea to read When in Rome first.

I really liked Annie in the first book When In Rome so I am so happy that she got her own book! She is very funny and very sweet. I really thought that this was a good continuation of When in Rome even though it was with separate characters it still had that small-town Rome feeling. I loved the flower shop!!

Trope:
Fake Date/Dating Lessons
Small town
Opposites Attract
Closed door
Grumpy x sunshine
Friend to lover

Synopsis:

A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance from the author of The Cheat Sheet and When in Rome.

Annie Walker is on a quest to find her perfect match—someone who complements her happy, quiet life running the local flower shop in Rome, Kentucky. But finding her dream man may be harder than Annie imagined. Everyone knows everyone in her hometown, and the dating prospects are getting fewer by the day. After she overhears her latest date say she is “so unbelievably boring,” Annie starts to think the problem might be her. Is it too late to become flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favorite romance movies? Maybe she only needs a little practice . . . and Annie has the perfect person in mind to be her tutor: Will Griffin.

Will—the sexy , tattooed, and absolutely gorgeous bodyguard—is temporarily back in Rome, providing security for Amelia Rose as excitement builds for her upcoming marriage to Noah Walker, Annie’s brother. He has one personal objective while on the job: stay away from Annie Walker and any other possible attachments to this sleepy town. But no sooner than he gets settled, Will finds himself tasked with helping Annie find the love of her life by becoming the next leading lady of Rome, Kentucky. Will wants no part in changing the sweet and lovely Annie. He knows for a fact that some stuffy, straitlaced guy won’t make her happy, but he doesn’t have the heart to say no.

Amid steamy practice dates and strictly “educational” tutoring lessons, Annie discovers there are more layers to Will’s usual stoic attitude. As the lines of their friendship become dangerously blurred, Annie reconsiders her dream guy. Maybe her love life doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real.

Sarah Adams never fails to make my heart squeeze and burst out with glitter and rainbows and squealing into the pillow, wanting to frolic in a flower field because of how cute and fluffy and happy her books make me.

Sometimes you read books that you love, but then you find characters that you relate so deeply to that it does not leave your mind even after you finish the book, and this book was exactly that. At times I felt like Annie was written for me, because I have never related to a character more in so many things. This book feels like a love letter to the Romantics, the introverts, the ones that are too afraid yet are big dreamers, and just need that little push, the ones that are afraid to speak up, but have so much to say, and how deserving you are of your own love, and to be the main character.

I just loved the relationship between them. It felt so friends to lovers coded with slow burn because they got to know each other and slowly fall despite not wanting to. You could see how perfectly they balanced each other. Opposites but so perfect for each other. They gave and took from each other and gave that push that the other needed. It was just so sweet seeing the funny small town, side characters, just how cozy the small town is and yet annie getting her main character moments and pushing herself to finally do what makes her happy. This book felt like a love letter to the introverted romantics that are a little scared to take the leap but in the end everyone deserves the love you read about.

5 Stars

Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Small-Town

Dual POV

Book 2 in the When in Rome Series

"I am the quiet one in my family. The one with her nose always in a book because she prefers worlds where she doesn't have to interact with other humans. It's so much easier to read about relationships than to foster them. Less dangerous too. I can't offend anyone written into a book. I can't say the wrong thing. And book characters don't make judgments about me."

Same girl, same!

Annie is my new favorite book character! Oh my goodness, I love her so much!!! I know she wouldn't like hearing this, but she is so sweet, nice, and innocent. But she is so funny and she knows how to hold her own. Her banter with Will was amazing! I loved how she called him so many different versions of what she thought Will was short for. I laughed so hard. Wilbert, Willmont, William, and Willington, for example. I said this when I read When in Rome, I want to be best friends with Annie and I want that even more after reading this one!

"But the thing about quiet people is, we're only quiet because our brains are so busy overthinking everything."

And Will, he's a bodyguard..excuse me Executive Protection Agent, and he takes his job very seriously. He swears that he would never fall in love, but all small towns have that charm and mysterious power to bring 2 people together, whether they want it or not.

Once again, I loved Mable. I want her to be my Grandma. She loves Anna-Banana and her siblings like they are her own.

A big thank you to Sarah Adams, Dell, and NetGalley for this ARC.

4.5 Stars

I was so happy to be back in Rome, Kentucky. I love a good, meddling, small town full of people that care about each other.

Annie Walker. I adored her from the very first page. All she wanted was to be herself and not be forced in the box that she created but her family and the town have kept her in. Seeing her grow and feel more comfortable with herself, standing up for what she needs, was so wonderful to witness. If I ever catch someone on the streets of Rome calling her “Angel Annie,” it’s on sight 😤

Will William Wilbur Wilmington Griffin. One of the best book boyfriends. One of the best people, period. He was so sweet and kind and attentive. He wanted the best for Annie from the very beginning. He definitely has some work to do on himself, but there’s nothing I love more than seeing someone who doesn’t think they deserve love, finally let themselves be loved.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Annie’s sisters. But I’m an only child and it’s sometimes hard for me to understand or relate to the way people let their siblings influence them so much. By the end, though, I was intrigued by what I hope will be the next story for one of them. I still adored Noah and Amelia. And Mabel, of course.

This was my third book by Sarah Adams and it’s been so wonderful to see her growth in her stories. This is by far my favorite of the three I’ve read so far and I’m excited to see more from her in the future. She’s definitely solidifying herself as a go-to comfort author for me.

If you love small towns and tattooed men who would do anything for the women they love, then this is for you. It’s closed door, but the tension. PHEW. You don’t feel like you’re missing anything. It’s so good. Also, if you love a good sick / comfort moment this has a Good one. I’m a sucker for those.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ready to go back to Rome? Rome, Kentucky that is! Practice Makes Perfect is a follow up to “When In Rome.” I adore Annie so much! She’s this “innocent girl” who reads a lot of smut and needs someone to teach her a thing to two! She has social anxiety, is an introvert, and would rather read a book than be on a date (SAME). Insert Will…her dating coach aka the body guard of her SIL!

Annie and Will have instant chemistry but it’s obvious from the beginning they want two different things. Annie wants a committed relationship and Will wants the complete opposite. I love both of their growth throughout the book and how Annie really stands for herself against her family!

Sarah Adams books are really just feel good books! If you’re needing a pick-me-up you’ve got to grab this one!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Adams did it again, I absolutely adored Annie and Will. A bodyguard with full sleeve of tattoos who is afraid to love? SIGN ME UP.

Sarah wrote a tender, emotional, witty love story that I could not put down. The growth these two go through is so amazing, I could not stop smiling the whole time. I am so lucky to have receive an early copy of this book. I cannot recommended this book enough, EVERYONE needs to get their hands in this book!

If you need me I’ll be sitting in a flower shop in Rome!

Give me a Sarah Adams book and I will devour it SO QUICKLY!! I loved everything about When in Rome, so I knew I would love this one. More of Noah and Amelia? YES. More Audrey Hepburn? HELL YES. Annie's favorite AH movie being Funny Face? GO. OFF.

Annie being "Angel Annie" to her sister and the town of Rome makes her skin crawl. She's ready to step out of her shell and date. Her first date with Hot Bank Teller doesn't go so well, and then she sees Will. Will, Amelia's body guard. Her HOT body guard. He saves the day and Annie realizes he's back to be Amelia's EPA for the upcoming wedding. Amelia tries to "Funny Face" Annie by having Will be her teacher, and teach her how to date.

Will always thought Annie was cute, but he doesn't date, nor will he ever get married. Annie has only ever wanted to get married. So nothing will go wrong with this teacher agreement, right?

I loved it and I cannot wait for another book set in Rome!! I'm sure I can figure out who it will involve. Adams' writes fun romances that are a tad spicy, but not at the same time. I love how her characters grow and develop in her stories. They understand how their pasts can affect their present self and learn from it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really adorable romcom. Was super sweet with just the tiniest smattering of spice in there. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between will and Annie and all of the hilarious side characters. And let’s not forget the absolute best secondary character in the book, which is of course, the town of Rome itself. Plot and pacing were perfect and I really enjoyed the small town love. It doesn’t hurt that it All takes place in my home state. Excellent cozy or beach read. Absolute chef’s kiss!

Practice Makes Perfect is a page-turner that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Sarah Adams has once again delivered a winner with this delightful rom-com. The characters are lovable, the humor is spot-on, and the romance is swoon-worthy. It's a book that readers won't want to put down until they reach the satisfying conclusion. Overall, Practice Makes Perfect is a highly recommended read and a great addition to any rom-com lover's bookshelf.

Holy heck. This book was so good. Every once in a while I find a book that I just can’t put down and this was one of them. It ends exactly how you think it will but so worth the read. It was also funny throughout! I fell in love with the characters and was so sad when it ended. Highly recommend this book if you’re into straight forward romance

Practice Makes Perfect is Sarah Adams second book taking place in Rome, Kentucky with characters from the first book, When in Rome. I am overjoyed to be back in Rome, Kentucky with these wonderful characters. This book focuses mainly on Annie Walker and her quest to find a husband while being socially awkward on dates. Annie is 30 and wants nothing more than to settle down, have kids, work at her flower shop, and enjoy her friends and family in Rome, Kentucky. The only problem is she can't relax on dates and ends up saying the wrong things.

The first date Annie goes on she ends up spilling the man's beer on him, talking all about the reproduction of flowers (yawn), and utterly boring the man to death. When she returns to the table from the restroom, she overhears her date telling someone on the phone to call him in 5 minutes with an emergency because the woman he's on a date with is so boring! His friend calls him back and he excuses himself from the table to take the call. The date is over due to an emergency John must deal with. Before she leaves she orders the brownie to go, It's fantastic! As her date is ending, Will comes into the restaurant. He takes a seat at the bar with a beautiful woman. Will is Amelia's bodyguard and he is beyond gorgeous! Amelia is the country singer who ended up in Noah's yard when her car broke down last year. She's now engaged to Noah who happens to be Annie's older brother.

Annie has always been attracted to Will, but he's never really noticed her she thinks. Annie has 2 sisters who are very attractive and outgoing so she's usually the third wheel in the group or so she thinks. Annie is shocked when Will comes over to the table to greet her. She can't take her eyes off him and his tattoos that run along his beautifully muscled arm. Will tells Annie that he's back in Rome to protect Amelia from any paparazzi and crazy fans leading up to her wedding. Amelia is getting married to Noah in a month. Annie likes the idea of having Will around again. John puts some money on the table and runs out of the restaurant. Will is confused as to why John just bailed. Annie gets her brownie and starts to leave. Will says he'll walk her to her truck and signals his date that he'll be right back.

Annie and Will chat and it's easy. Annie feels so comfortable talking to Will and he's at ease too. She tells Will that he doesn't have to walk her to her truck, but he says he wants to. It turns out Will has a thing for Annie, too. Will has sworn off serious relationships his entire life because of his upbringing. Will and his brother were raised by parents that fought constantly and cheated on each other too many times to count. They blamed Will and his brother for everything that went bad and Will decided early on that he never wanted a relationship like that. Therefore, Will goes on lots of first dates or meets girls when he's in their area as he travels a lot for work. He wants no emotional involvement, he just wants a nice time and sex. As they reach Annie's truck, Will grabs a book on the seat. It's a romance novel that Annie is currently reading. No one knows she reads romance novels, not even her sisters. She's embarrassed by it and doesn't want anyone to know.

As Annie and Will are saying goodbye to each other, the hair on Annie's arm stands up as Will touches her arm to help her in her truck. Electricity goes through Will, too. Will heads back to his date in the restaurant and Annie drives away. Will can't stop thinking about Annie and thinks John is a total loser for leaving early on their date. Will Annie and Will find a way to fit into each other's lives? Will they have a connection? Will Annie get nervous and awkward? Will Will disappear after one date? Amelia decides that Will would be perfect for Annie as her practice date! Will will teach Annie what to do on dates so that she doesn't give off that awkward vibe and ruin the date before it's started. Everything goes smoothly and is easy until they kiss.

Will Annie and Will find a way to be together even though they both want different things? Will he help Annie how to land a good man only to leave Rome after Amelia's wedding? Will has already asked for a transfer to DC after the wedding as he thinks Rome is boring. There aren't enough things to distract Will from his feelings for Annie. He can't stop thinking about her and Annie can't stop thinking about Will. Will someone change their mind about what they want? Annie and Will will keep you flipping the pages much too quickly. Practice Makes Perfect will have you laughing, crying, and cheering as you read it. I loved my second time in Rome, Kentucky and I'm hoping there will be more visits very soon! I rate Practice Makes Perfect 5 stars and give it my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Penguin/Random House Publishing group for an advanced copy of Practice Makes Perfect in exchange for a fair review! #PracticeMakesPerfect

I ADORED this book! I am a sucker for the fake dating trope, and practice dating (sub-trope??) is usually right up my alley as well! Sarah Adams did a fantastic job with both, in this delightful book. It was really fun to revisit Rome, Kentucky and check in with characters we met in her previous book, When in Rome. In real life I am a city girl, but I love a good small-town romance, and Sarah Adams has almost convinced me I want to give up my big city ways and move to Rome, Kentucky. I said ALMOST ; )
I had so much fun hanging out with Annie and Will; getting to know them as they got to know each other. Their relationship --- from acquaintances to colleagues (of a sort) to friends...and beyond --- was such a joy to witness. I also really related to Annie in so many regards and it was incredibly satisfying to watch her come into her own and it inspired me to take some chances of my own. And on a more superficial note, the cover is gorgeous!! Amelia and Noah. Annie and Will. Not trying to rush you, Sarah, because I know writing takes time, but I can't wait to see what happens next in Rome!
Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Shiver me timbers Will and Annie are perfect for each other in Practice Makes Perfect.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Sarah Adams. We meet shy, introvert and good girl Annie wanting to find her happily ever after, thinking that is what is missing from her life. In comes the dashingly handsome bodyguard Will, (he reminds her of the pirate heroes from her books) who is against serious relationships and gets pushed into helping her by teaching her how to date. Love that they were friends and became more over time with great dialogue and interactions. You had instant attraction between them but you get the warm and fuzzy feelings as they learn more about each other. A funny and wonderful written book set in a town with quirky characters that look out for their own. Hilarious moments throughout the book with various characters. Will Annie figure it out that it's not her on the date but rather who you are with that makes it perfect? Will Will change his mind about relationships before it’s too late?
This book will touch the heartstrings of romcom lovers and fans of classic romance movies with a twist and some spice. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge Sarah Adams fan. Her romances are just spicy enough, but not even a little filthy. Prior to this novel my favorite of her books was The Cheat Sheet, but now it's this one. Obviously. I can relate to Annie's feelings of not being seen and not knowing how to be at peace with herself. And I can relate to Will to a degree as well. I found them both to be likeable characters and I was cheering for their love story from the beginning.

I'm struggling so hard with my feelings here. I had similar ones about WHEN IN ROME- so much insta-love, so fast, so very "after three whole days of knowing you I can't live without you" but this was somehow worse because of the way it was marketed as

I thought this would be "established friends Annie and Will realize they like each other". but this is "unrequitedly obsessed" Annie and "I'm so experienced and date models, but she's Not Like Other Girls" Will and it was too much. The Will POV was also just- not it. It's all well and good to say he is experienced and dates around, but his POV said the exact opposite, and it honestly felt like (at least in their thought processes) he and Annie were basically the same person. It became repetitive and hard to read, which was so sad because I wanted to love this.

I loved The Cheat Sheet because it was best friends and this established bond of care between MCs, but I am just not feeling Adams' brand of meet cute romance. However, I will absolutely be waiting for her next book and hoping it has a little bit more substance and character development.

4.5 Stars - Practice Makes Perfect is Sarah Adams second book based in the charming small town of Rome, Kentucky. Youngest of the Walker siblings and flower shop owner, Annie Walker is tired of her sweet, good girl reputation. After going on a disastrous first date with a guy who called her “boring,” she’s decided she could use some dating tips. And who better than Will, Amelia (aka Rae Rose aka Annie’s soon-to-be sister in law)’s bodyguard. Will has sworn off relationships (friendly or romantic) because if you don’t let people in too close, you can’t get your heart broken, right? To no one’s surprise, feelings are caught and the lines between practice and reality blur pretty quickly.

I loved Will. I think he was a very complex character, unlearning his parent’s relationship woes and learning how to let in people who care about him. As for Annie, for someone who wanted to gain respect from her siblings and the townsfolk, I think she held onto their diggs against her “pure” personality a little too close to her heart and leaned in to the immaturity from time to time, which was challenging to read. Her growth and maturity did feel authentic to the story as she gained her voice and confidence by the end of the book. I think it’s challenging to follow up such a beloved first book in a series, but I found this book very heartwarming and hard to put down – another winner by Sarah Adams.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and Random House Publishing for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! I loved Sarah Adams previous book When in Rome so I was so excited for this next installment! I love that it follows sweet Annie and Will the bodyguard! This book felt like a warm hug and gave me all the feels! I couldn't put it down but I also didn't want it to end! Absolutely loved this one and cannot wait for the next one!

5+++ stars for me!

4.5 ⭐️
This was my first introduction to the author, Sarah Adams. Practice Makes Perfect is a delightfully fun romcom, perfect for someone in the mood for a quirky FMC, adorable couple banter, and gushingly sweet romantic moments.

We are led to believe that the main characters, Annie and Will, are polar opposites, but find out they are really compliments to each other. The scenes/chapters with them together were definitely the stand out moments. I loved their dynamic and interactions. This romance gives the reader a taste of fake dating, slow burn, small town setting, and a first real love experience. Highly recommend for those who enjoy these tropes and getting plenty of laughter along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Sarah Adams for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

this book is a great read! It follows Annie, a woman who has been labeled “Angel Annie” her whole life, trying to get over her dating anxiety. Enter Will, a tattooed bodyguard reluctantly willing to be Annie’s dating coach. Neither of them are each other’s type - it should be perfect. But when they begin to catch feelings, they have to confront their preconceived notions about love and partnership.

This is a closed-door romance. Very much like a Hallmark movie, but in the best way. It feels like a warm cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. I would recommend this book to any romance lover.