My opinion : 

This is the third installment in the When in Rome series. It’s an interconnected series, but this one absolutely can be read as a standalone.

In this rivals to lovers romance, Emily Walker and Jack Bennett are second grade teachers who can’t stand each other, and to make things even messier, they’re neighbors. Emily’s world is thrown off balance when Jack returns to town after breaking off his engagement, and suddenly he’s not just next door again, he’s also her coworker. As their snarky back and forths heat up, things spiral when Emily accidentally sends an email to the principal that could expose her secret side gig as a romance author. Desperate to fix it, she turns to the one person she swore she’d never need, Jack. And of course, teaming up only makes the sparks fly even more.

This book is lighthearted, sweet, and an easy page turner. It was one of those reads where I blinked and suddenly I was halfway through. The romance was cute and fun, nothing earth shattering, but it totally hit the spot. Emily and Jack’s banter was playful and hilarious, and I caught myself smiling through most of their interactions. Their chemistry wasn’t exactly fireworks, but it still worked. I was rooting for them, especially as their rivalry started to melt into something softer and more real. Emily’s journey was beautifully written, showing how she learns to let go of control and open herself up to vulnerability. Her dynamic with Jack was messy and genuine, full of tension and that delicious slow burn that keeps you glued to the page. Watching them go from enemies to something tender was everything.

I also loved Emily’s family. Her siblings brought so much warmth and humor to the story, and their presence made the world feel alive. Noah and Amelia, Will and Annie, they were adorable, and now I’m dying to read their stories too. And apparently, the next book is about James and Madeline? I’m already emotionally invested. The only tiny thing that bugged me was Annie proposing to Will, it just didn’t sit right for me. Maybe I’m old fashioned, maybe I just like chaos in fiction, but still.

Now, as much as I enjoyed it, I have to admit it wasn’t perfect. I felt like some emotional depth was missing, there were hints of struggles and growth, but not enough time spent exploring them. Both of them being teachers and authors felt a little too convenient, like the universe was working overtime. The story was good, but a bit mid compared to the previous books. I went in with sky high expectations since I loved the first two, so maybe that’s on me. Still, Sarah Adams’ writing is warm, funny, and easy to sink into. The ending just felt a little too neat, and I wanted more weight, more heartache, more something.

Overall, this book was more than just a love story, it was about growth, courage, and finding beauty in change. Emily and Jack reminded me that even when life feels uncertain, moving forward is always worth it. It’s not my favorite of the series, but it still left me smiling, reflecting, and maybe, just maybe, believing in second chances again!