Rome, Kentucky Books in Order (Sarah Adams Series Guide)
Rome, Kentucky books guide: Sarah Adams series order, what each romance is about, who it’s for, and where to start—plus my best “vibe match” picks.
Your Cozy Guide to the Rome, Kentucky Book Series by Sarah Adams
If you’re searching for the Rome, Kentucky books because you want a small-town romance series that feels like a warm drink, a group chat you actually like, and a town where everybody is absolutely in everybody’s business-welcome. This is the Sarah Adams universe that’s easy to binge, easy to recommend, and (dangerously) easy to fall in love with.
These romance books are sweet, funny, and emotionally satisfying in that “I needed something comforting, but I still want real feelings” way. And because it’s a connected series, I’m going to make this as simple as possible to pick your starting point and your next read.
Quick Picks: If You’re Not Sure Where to Start
- If you want the most classic “small-town romance” vibe: When in Rome
- If you want shy girl confidence arc + steamy dating lessons: Practice Makes Perfect
- If you want rivals-to-lovers with big feelings + messy community chaos: Beg, Borrow, or Steal
- If you want a homecoming, a fresh start, and a slow-burn yearn-fest: In Your Dreams
Rome, Kentucky Books in Order
Here’s the binge-friendly order that keeps the town connections fun without feeling confusing:
- When in Rome (2022)
- Practice Makes Perfect (2023)
- Beg, Borrow, or Steal (2025)
- In Your Dreams (2025)
What Makes the Rome, Kentucky Series So Addictive
It’s the “everyone knows you” fantasy-without the real-life awkwardness
Rome, Kentucky is the kind of town romance readers crave because it gives you that cozy illusion of being known and cared for. People notice when something’s off. They meddle. They nudge. They show up. And in these books, it feels comforting instead of invasive-like the story is holding you.
Each book has its own trope flavor
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You don’t have to commit to one couple dynamic for four books. Sarah switches it up in a way that keeps the series fresh: grumpy/sunshine energy, “dating coach” lessons, rivals with simmering tension, childhood friends with long-held feelings.
The emotional throughline is always worth it
Even when the setup is light and funny, the payoff tends to land in a very satisfying place: the characters don’t just “get together,” they grow up a little, heal something, and choose a love that actually fits.
The Rome, Kentucky Books
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Amelia “Rae Rose” is a burned-out pop star who impulsively flees her polished, high-pressure life and-Audrey Hepburn-style-ends up in Rome… Kentucky, after her car breaks down at the worst possible moment. Enter Noah Walker: grumpy pie shop owner, accidental rescuer, and the last man who wants celebrity chaos on his front lawn. What makes this one so charming is Amelia’s journey from performing perfection to reclaiming her own messy humanity, and Noah’s slow unraveling from guarded to genuinely open-hearted. I picked this because it’s the purest “small-town comfort” entry point-warm, funny, and swoony without trying too hard-and it’s perfect for readers who love grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and a heroine finding herself again. It made me feel cozy in the best way-like a rom-com that actually understands loneliness.
You can get a copy of When in Rome by Sarah Adams on Amazon.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Annie Walker is the quiet, introverted florist who’s always been “the sweet one,” and after watching everyone around her pair off, she starts wondering if she’s actually the problem-or if she’s just been written off as boring. Will Griffin, a tattooed, emotionally unavailable bodyguard with a soft heart he refuses to advertise, becomes her accidental dating coach… and of course, the lessons get complicated fast. This book is Annie’s glow-up from the inside out: not changing who she is, but learning to take up space and believe she deserves a love that meets her where she already is. I picked this because the chemistry is playful and the confidence arc is genuinely satisfying, and it’s ideal for readers who love shy heroine growth, “teach me,” slow-burn yearning, and banter that feels flirty instead of mean. It made me grin a lot-and then it quietly got me in the feelings.
You can get a copy of Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams on Amazon.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
Emily Walker is sharp, guarded, and holding her family together with sheer willpower-and when Jack Bennett (college nemesis, too-nice neighbor, and professional button-pusher) shows up in Rome and waltzes right into her daily life, she is not having it. But their rivalry starts to crack when Emily’s secret writing life becomes a problem she can’t fix alone, and Jack-who has his own hidden layers-becomes her unexpected partner-in-chaos. This one is such a satisfying emotional climb because it’s really about letting someone witness you without flinching: Emily’s armor is earned, and watching Jack patiently break through it feels delicious. I chose this because it’s the most “can’t look away” dynamic in the series, and it’s perfect for readers who love rivals-to-lovers, neighbors, secret identity/secret career vibes, and a hero who proves himself through consistency. It made me feel entertained and tender at the same time.
You can get a copy of Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams on Amazon.
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams
Madison Walker comes home to Rome, Kentucky with her confidence in pieces after chasing culinary success in New York-and when she’s offered a head chef position at a new farm-to-table restaurant, it feels like a second chance she wants… and is terrified to trust. James Huxley has played it safe his whole life, but for Madison, he’s willing to risk everything-especially because he’s loved her quietly for years. What I love here is how romance and self-belief rise together: Madison’s journey is about rebuilding faith in her own talent, and James’s is about stepping out of the shadows and choosing boldness for once. I picked this because it’s the ultimate homecoming payoff with a slow-burn “yearn-fest” energy, and it’s perfect for readers who love friends-to-lovers-ish history, small-town meddling, fresh starts, and a gentle but determined hero. It made me feel hopeful-like starting over can actually be romantic.
You can get a copy of In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams on Amazon.
If You’re Choosing Your Next Read, Start Here
If you want a quick match based on mood:
- Want a warm, rom-com reset with peak small-town charm? When in Rome
- Want soft confidence growth + flirty lessons? Practice Makes Perfect
- Want tension, banter, and emotional armor cracking? Beg, Borrow, or Steal
- Want homecoming healing + slow-burn longing? In Your Dreams
Final Thoughts (and a Comment Question for You)
What I love about the Rome, Kentucky series is that it delivers the cozy small-town fantasy in four different flavors-so you can binge straight through, or pick the trope that matches your mood and still feel like you’re part of the town. If you’ve read any of these, tell me in the comments which one was your favorite-and if you haven’t, which one you’re starting with. And of course: what’s your all-time favorite small-town romance series? I’m always hunting for my next comfort read.
