Published by Dell on December 30, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
A homecoming to Rome, Kentucky, sparks a new romance—and lots of drama—between two old family friends, from the New York Times bestselling author of When in Rome, Practice Makes Perfect, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Madison Walker left Rome, Kentucky, determined to prove she could make it in the culinary world. But after years of chasing success in New York, all she has to show for it is a shattered confidence and a desperate need for a fresh start. Coming home isn’t part of the plan—until an unexpected job offer lands in her lap, giving her a chance to rebuild everything she’s lost: the head chef position at a new farm-to-table restaurant in her hometown. The only catch? It comes from James Huxley, owner of Huxley Farm, her brother’s best friend . . . and the last person she wants to work for.
James has always played it safe, keeping his head down and doing what’s expected of him in the family business and never contemplating anything different—until now when Madison’s happiness is on the line. He’s loved her quietly for years, knowing she’s never seen him as more than an annoyance. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to change that–even if it means he can only ever be her friend. The one problem? His charming, wildly successful younger brother, Tommy, seems determined to win her over first.
Then Tommy is called away on business and Madison and James are tasked with launching the dreamy farm-to-table restaurant on their own. But as the town starts meddling in their relationship, Tommy’s pursuit of Madison grows more relentless, and Madison’s fears threaten to hold her back, keeping things strictly professional becomes impossible. And when an unexpected disaster on opening night collides with a long-simmering sibling feud, both Madison and James will have to face their biggest insecurities—and decide if love is worth the risk or if some dreams are safer left untouched.
With culinary school over, Madison wasn't sure what her next steps would be until she accidentally dialed long-time family friend James, who happened to be opening a restaurant and would love for Madison to be his executive chef. Madison really wanted to return home but would this be another failure to add to her ever-growing list?
It was great to be back in Rome, and this was such a fun romance! James had been pining for Madison for over a decade, and it seemed everyone but she knew about it. But James was wise, and he was treading lightly so that he did not scare her off. If you ask me, Madison could not have asked for a better man. He loved ALL of her, including the messy parts, and James had a knack for doing and saying the right things. His fatal flaw was that he was so busy taking care of others that he neglected himself, but this was about to change.
One of the things I really loved was the way he supported Madison and made an effort to help her reclaim her self-esteem which had taken a beating back in NY. He was gentle but honest with her, and James stood up for Madison when it was necessary. It was all very touching and sweet.
Being the final book, I loved that the Walkers and their plus-ones got a lot of page time. And if you haven't read the other books, have no fear, because there are these really short recaps of how each couple got together woven seamlessly into the story.
If I had one complaint, it would be the ending. I wish it had be a skip-ahead ending because I would like to have seen into the future, but other than that, I adored this story. It was warm and fun and had me laughing and shedding happy tears. It's sad that this is the end of my time in Rome, but I cannot wait to see what new tales Adams has in store for us.
Published by Kate Meader, LLC on September 1, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
He never saw her coming ... After almost a year away from hockey, Bastian Durand’s return to the game should be a triumph.
Instead he’s taken down by the Chicago Rebels mascot.
It can’t get worse. Or maybe it can. Because the human inside the Rowdy Rebel costume is none other than Pepper Calhoun.
His friend’s sister.
His coach’s daughter.
And the woman Bastian has wanted for the longest time.
Pepper has always been a magnet for bad luck and now she’s ruined superstar Bast Durand’s big comeback. So that tracks. Everyone, from her father and brother to the fans and press, heck, even the NHL commissioner, hates her.
Everyone but the one guy who should.
Hiding away is the only thing she can think of, except Bast has the same idea. To her utter dismay, he’s determined to protect Pepper from anyone who dares breathe a word against her.
And to convince her that crashing on the ice isn’t all that different from … falling in love.
After a long recovery from his injury, Bast was ready to wage his comeback. That was until he collided with the Rebels mascot. Needing to nurse his wrist and escape the scene of the crime, Bast decides to hide out at his brother's lake house, but he needs some assistance and that comes in the form of Pepper, the person who caused his injury. Pepper and Bast find themselves trapped together as they ride out a winter storm. And, surprise, surprise! What starts out as a series of unfortunate events turns into something rather life changing for both of them.
I love a good snowed in trope and the close proximity it forced between these two. Pepper was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion, but they didn't have all the facts. I felt for her and was happy Bast was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. I loved watching them bond while they were trapped in the cabin and adored the way this all wrapped up. Another solid Rebels book.
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