Sarah Adams returns to the charming town of Rome, Kentucky in her latest novel “Practice Makes Perfect,” the second installment in her beloved When in Rome series. Following the success of her previous works including “When in Rome” and “The Cheat Sheet,” Adams continues to enchant readers with her signature blend of small-town warmth and contemporary romance.
The Story
Annie Walker, Rome’s beloved florist, has always played it safe. Known for her sweet demeanor and quiet nature, she’s spent her life being the perfect daughter, sister, and community member. But when she overhears her latest date dismiss her as “unbelievably boring,” Annie decides it’s time for a change. Enter Will Griffin – the tattooed, impossibly attractive bodyguard temporarily assigned to protect Annie’s future sister-in-law, pop star Amelia Rose (whom readers will remember from “When in Rome“).
What begins as Annie’s request for dating lessons from the experienced Will evolves into a beautiful exploration of authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to love despite past wounds. As Will helps Annie practice dating, their “educational” sessions become increasingly charged with genuine connection and undeniable chemistry.
Character Development & Dynamics
Annie Walker
Adams crafts Annie with remarkable depth and relatability. Rather than being simply “the sweet one,” Annie emerges as a complex character struggling with unexpressed grief over her parents’ death, the weight of others’ expectations, and her own desires for adventure and passion. Her journey from hiding behind a perfect facade to embracing her true self is masterfully portrayed.
Will Griffin
Will’s character could have easily fallen into the cliché of the “bad boy with a heart of gold.” Instead, Adams gives us a nuanced portrait of a man shaped by childhood trauma, whose fear of commitment stems from watching his parents’ toxic marriage. His evolution from avoiding emotional connections to learning to trust love is both believable and deeply moving.
Strengths
- Authentic Small-Town Setting: Adams excels at bringing Rome, Kentucky to life with its quirky inhabitants, town meetings, and interconnected relationships.
- Character Growth: Both protagonists undergo meaningful personal development that feels earned rather than forced.
- Humor & Heart: The author strikes an excellent balance between emotional depth and lighthearted moments.
- Supporting Cast: The secondary characters, from Annie’s siblings to the town busybodies, add richness and depth to the story.
Areas for Improvement
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during some of the practice dating scenes.
- Some readers might find the town’s involvement in Annie and Will’s relationship slightly overwhelming or unrealistic.
- The conflict resolution could have been more thoroughly explored, especially regarding Will’s career decision.
Writing Style & Emotional Impact
Adams writes with warmth, wit, and an intimate understanding of small-town life. Her prose flows naturally, and she has a particular talent for dialogue that feels both authentic and engaging. The emotional moments land with impact, especially scenes involving Annie’s family dynamics and Will’s vulnerability about his past.
Notable Themes
- The importance of authenticity over perfection
- Healing from childhood trauma
- The courage to be vulnerable
- Finding balance between personal growth and maintaining one’s core self
- The power of community support (even when occasionally overwhelming)
Romance Development
The romance between Annie and Will builds with delicious tension and believable progression. Their chemistry sizzles from their first interaction, but Adams takes care to develop their emotional connection alongside the physical attraction. The “practice dating” premise provides plenty of opportunities for both swoony moments and deeper conversations.
Series Context
While this book works as a standalone, readers of “When in Rome” will appreciate returning to familiar characters and seeing Noah and Amelia’s wedding preparations. Adams cleverly weaves in elements from the first book without making new readers feel lost.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Small-town romance with strong community elements
- Character-driven love stories
- Emotional depth balanced with humor
- Sweet romance with moderate heat level
- Stories about personal growth and self-discovery
Comparable Works
Fans of Emily Henry’s “Book Lovers” and Lucy Score’s “Things We Never Got Over” will find similar elements to enjoy in “Practice Makes Perfect.” The book also shares DNA with Tessa Bailey’s small-town romances, though with less explicit content.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor pacing issues, Adams delivers a heartwarming romance that successfully balances emotional depth with lighthearted moments. The authentic character development, engaging writing style, and strong sense of community make this a worthy addition to the contemporary romance genre.
Looking Forward
With “Practice Makes Perfect,” Adams continues to establish herself as a reliable voice in contemporary romance. Readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, “Beg, Borrow, or Steal,” hoping for more visits to the charming town of Rome, Kentucky.
Recommendation
Perfect for a cozy weekend read, “Practice Makes Perfect” offers both comfort and substance. It’s highly recommended for readers seeking a romance that goes beyond surface-level attraction to explore deeper themes of self-discovery and authentic love.
Content Notes: Some mild language, non-explicit intimate scenes, discussions of childhood trauma and grief
