Sarah Adams: The Romcom Guide and Reading Order
Published by Vanessa Smith, Oct. 30, 2024
Published by Vanessa Smith, Oct. 30, 2024
The world of women's fiction and romcoms continues to grow at a quick pace year over year, but one relatively new author who has been quite prolific recently is Sarah Adams. Since 2019, Adams has published over 10 novels in the romcom genre. Today, more and more readers are picking up her books to dive into sweet and charming romances.
Read on for a guide to the types of books Adams writes, a breakdown of each series, book tropes, a list of similar authors, and more!
Adams's books are generally known for being closed-door romances, which means that intimate scenes between characters take place "behind closed doors" and aren't explicitly described. While Adams has historically written closed-door romances, her book The Rule Book (2024) does contain one chapter with an open-door scene. Adams understands the need for both types of settings in the world of romance fiction, and you can read more on her thoughts here.
As of the publication of this blog, all of Adams's books are grouped into series. Though characters from earlier in a series may appear in subsequent books, each book can be read as a standalone, so you don't have to worry about reading her books in order. Whether you choose to go in publication order, series order, or an entirely random approach, we're sure you'll be giggling and kicking your feet over these sweet stories!
The Off-Limits Rule and The Temporary Roomie were republished in 2024 with new covers and bonus chapters.
The Dalton Family series takes readers on a captivating journey through Regency London, following the intriguing life of Rose Wakefield, a seasoned con woman. In the first book, To Con a Gentleman, Rose's life takes an unexpected turn when she attempts to scam Carver Ashburn, the Earl of Kensworth, but ends up entangled in a ruse that may lead to unexpected feelings. The series continues with To Catch A Suitor, where Elizabeth Ashburn tries to move on from unrequited love, only to be constantly reminded of her feelings by her best friend, Oliver Turner. With a delightful mix of humor, romance, and lovable characters, this series offers a modern twist on historical romance that promises swoony kisses and engaging plots.
Set against the charming backdrop of Charleston, each book in this series follows characters as they navigate their pasts and search for new beginnings. In The Match, expect to meet two opposites who happen to find an unmistakable spark, while The Enemy adds a twist with a pair of former adversaries who must confront their shared history. With endearing characters, amusing situations, and warm romantic moments, this series invites readers to experience the highs and lows of falling in love, all within a picturesque Southern setting.
This series offers a charming collection of romantic comedies set in the vibrant city of Nashville. The first book, The Off Limits Rule, follows Lucy as she moves in with her brother and falls for his best friend, Cooper, sparking a forbidden romance filled with humor and heartwarming moments. The second book, The Temporary Roomie, continues the fun with Jessie's enemies-to-lovers tale featuring hilarious pranks and unexpected tenderness as she reluctantly shares a space with Drew. Both stories are rich with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and the kind of romantic tension that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. If you enjoy lighthearted, feel-good romcoms with a touch of Southern charm, this series is a must-read.
The Cheat Sheet series sees Adams dive into the world of sports romances but with all of her trademark charm and swoon-worthy moments. The Cheat Sheet follows the story of Bree Camden, a dance studio owner, and Nathan Donelson, her NFL quarterback best friend. Bree has been in love with Nathan for years, and all is splendid until she accidentally reveals her feelings for Nathan during a drunken confession that goes viral. In the sequel, The Rule Book, two college exes reunite years later. When Nora Mackenzie becomes her NFL ex's agent, her ex, Derek Pender, is determined to get revenge on Nora after she ended things with him in a not-so-graceful manner. Both books in this series offer slow-burn romances filled with tension and tender moments that will see you becoming a sports romance fan if you aren't already.
Despite what you may think, the When in Rome series is actually set in the small town of Rome, Kentucky rather than Rome, Italy. While these books may not take place among the hustle and bustle of Italy's capital city, they are just as intriguing with their small-town charm and endearing characters. The series starts with When in Rome, in which a pop star who needs a break from celebrity life escapes to the small town and meets a local baker. The second book returns to that same town, but this time we are introduced to the owner of a local flower shop and a tattooed bad boy in Practice Makes Perfect. In the third book, Beg, Borrow, or Steal, two feuding second-grade teachers team up.
The Cheat Sheet - average rating: 4.16
The Rule Book - average rating: 4.81
When in Rome - average rating: 4.45
Practice Makes Perfect - average rating: 4.48
If you're a fan of closed-door romances, you may like Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair, which is a hockey romcom set in a small town, complete with fake dating and a brother's best friend. Though her books detail intimate scenes on the page, Emily Henry is extremely popular and a hit with romcom lovers; give her third adult fiction book Book Lovers a try for a fish-out-of-water small-town romance.
Other authors you may enjoy: