A spoiler-free look at the new contemporary romance from author Sarah Adams
Hello again everyone! Once again I’m coming to you from a not-so-lovely mini-hiatus. An abundance of apologies; I still haven’t quite figured out this whole “time management” thing now that I have a full-time job. Not the best excuse, but here we are.
I was lucky enough to get this ARC from the lovely folks over at NetGalley. When I started reading it, I didn’t actually know it was a sequel. However, reading this before its’ predecessor “When in Rome” does not take away from enjoying this book.
This novel follows our main characters, Annie and Will, as they navigate their time in Rome, Kentucky, pretending they’re not smitten with each other. Annie, the local florist, wants to find The One, and Will, returning to Rome for a job as an “Executive Protection Agent” for pop sensation Amelia Rose, truly believes he’s allergic to all things monogamous. However, when the idea of Will becoming Annie’s dating coach is floated to the duo, Will decides to try and help out the “hopeless” Annie. However, being a dating coach for a girl you already have a crush on is easier said than done. Will Will (heh) catch feelings, or will he be able to get out of this arrangement with his heart – and his dignity – unscathed?
Okay, so this is a cute one. I’m a sucker for a good “fake dating” trope, and this one managed to make it work with a special kind of sweetness. I always love when characters deny their feelings with such indignation, like there’s no possible way they can fall in love, because they’ve never done it before and besides, I already told myself I wasn’t going to fall for the sweet, adorable, kind, loving Annie Walker who smells like a bouquet of flowers and has managed to wriggle her way into my heart so I guess I’ll just accept the fact that I’m in love with – hey! Wait a second…!
I don’t want to give away too much, because this is a pretty new title. (Just released May 2nd!) But I do want to say how much I enjoyed the progression with Annie’s character. She’s known for being the baby of the family. She’s sweet, kind, innocent, an “angel” if you will. However, over time she’s grown to hate these comparisons. She wants to be less innocent and more daring. This could be one of the big reasons why she was drawn to “bad boy” Will, but I don’t believe it’s the reason why she stuck around. I liked seeing how Will helped her along with opening up and transforming into a beautiful butterfly – one that stands up for herself, kicks ass and takes names. While it was done while spending time with Will, I’d like to believe she always had that in herself, she just needed a little push.
Overall, I give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars. A lovely book that I’m sure I’ll come back to (after I tackle more of my TBR list).
Thanks again to NetGallley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the ARC. “Practice Makes Perfect” is out now!
Have you had a chance to read “Practice Makes Perfect”? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! I always love hearing from you.
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