Member Reviews
4.75🌟 I LOVED this book (so lucky to have received the ARC!) and I adored Jack and Emily both on their own and as a couple. set in the same world as when in rome and practice makes perfect, this book blows the other two out of the water. the depth of emotions, the SLOW BURN romance, the growth and healing 😭❤️ sarah adams killed it with this one - I just know when this comes out, everyone is going to be OBSESSED!!! to all my besties - you’ll love this if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, small town, slow burn romance to pull at your heartstrings
(first of all thank you to Random House Publishing for this NetGalley arc!!)
this was my first sarah adams book and it did not disappoint! this book was so cute, fast paced, and definitely relatable. i saw myself quite a bit in emily and the way she’s hesitate to let people into her life when they constantly leave. i loved nemesis to lovers aspect of this book and definitely recommend this read!!
a BIG 4.5 stars for beg, borrow, or steal simply for not having a third act breakup and the characters being able to talk through their emotions like adults!!!!
I loved this book so much!! It was my favorite so far in the series, I was completely hooked.
Emily and Jack were the cutest enemies to lovers. So much tension and fun banter. I was rooting for them the whole time.
I love being able to see how the other relationships from the previous two books are developing. It’s such an intricate series that weaves serious family dynamics with small town life and so many cute love stories.
I’m so excited for the next book…. (Maybe Maddie and James?!🥰)
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and the publisher for this ARC!
"Beg, Borrow, or Steal" is a captivating and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Adams' masterful storytelling and the charming characters make this a must-read for fans of the genre.
Another terrific entry in Sarah Adam’s’ Rome, Kentucky series. Emily’s oldest daughter vibes are very relatable even though they are amped up due to trauma. But I loved how fiercely she cares for those people she loves. And her petty streak is a little funny. Jack is a terrific love interest but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more tension and mystery about their true feelings before their relationship changed. I also would have liked to see, not just be told about, Jack’s reveal and taking ownership of his secret at the end of the book. Overall, this was a fun read and I’m looking forward to Madison’s story in book 4.
Hardest review EVER!
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is impossible to describe! It's Sarah Adams best book.... a complete work of art,.. a literature masterpiece... and I am supposed to review it?!
If you want...
📖 a perfectly paced work of art! Bedtime be d*mned - this book is one you cannot put down.
❤️🔥 rivals to lovers that unfolds beautifully throughout the story. The way she builds the emotional connection between the two of them and gives you "history" throughout is honestly GENIUS!
💌 the CUTEST emails! All the details in the emails sent between the two of them is hilarious and I couldn't get enough
😽 cute kitten snuggles! I am not a cat person AT ALL but darn if Ducky didn't make my heart melt just a little
👠kick-a FMC that is independent, fierce, deeply flawed, emotionally healing, and beyond relatable! I think Emily makes this story SHINE so bright to me BECAUSE I saw myself in Emily. The healing I witnessed her getting is healing I need to claim for myself - it's inspiring and incredibly freeing.
🧑🧑🧒 Family dynamics - whether it's a tight knit family healing together or a completely dysfunctional family... there is so much "real life" portrayed! Again, healing me in ways I needed.
💋 Hands down the HOTTEST and BEST closed-door chapter known to man! I didn't read the two open-door scenes so can't review them but I can say this book checks allllll my closed-door romance desires.
😍 Jack. This man... is.... MMC of the YEAR!!
I cannot wait for you to read this book and see perfection for yourself. ❤️🔥 Thank you Dell Romance and Netgalley for an ARC copy for an honest review.
This was a book that I couldn’t put down, but simultaneously did not want to end. I loved it so much!
Emily is the oldest of the Walker sisters. She is a second grade teacher in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. She is used to taking care of her family, even her older brother. And, I think it’s safe to say that Emily’s life motto is “if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.” She likes things how she likes them.
Jackson is new to town, but not new to Emily. He is also a second grade teacher and they have been enemies since freshman year of college. And, the only thing they agree on is how much they enjoy fighting with each other.
Something else that Emily and Jackson have in common? Trauma, grief, hurt, loneliness…keeping people at arms length. I think the author, Sarah Adams, wrote the stories of Emily and Jackson in such an honest and relatable way. This is so much more than a romance. It is a journey of personal growth, self discovery, and learning how to trust.
I have loved continuing to learn about the Walker family through this series. I honestly thought that nothing could beat Annie and Will, but this has been my favorite by far!
4.25⭐
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two rival teachers, who also happen to be neighbors must work together to steal back a mistakenly sent manuscript, leading their antagonistic relationship to develop into something more.
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THIS WAS SO STINKING CUTE!! I loved Emily and Jack and their story so much. It was sweet and their banter had me laughing throughout.
Though it was a slow start for me—there was a lot of inner monologue narration in the first couple of chapters that felt like the main plot wasn't progressing at all. Once I got past that, this was absolutely enjoyable and I fell in love with both Emily and Jack. I loved how their romance blossomed naturally and slowly.
I enjoyed being back in Rome, Kentucky. This one ranks between Practice Makes Perfect and When in Rome with the former being my favorite. There's just something so special about Sarah Adams' writing. I swear I had a smile on my face the entire time I read this 🥰
I'm so excited to read Madison and James' book! Sarah heavily sets the groundwork for their romance and I'm (not so) patiently waiting for it.
Thank you to NetGalley & Dell Romance for this ARC.
Read if you love:
💕small town romance
✍🏼writers' romance
💕rivals to lovers
✍🏼colleagues
💕next door neighbors
I LOVED EMILY AND JACK SO MUCH! I really connected with each character, and it made this such an enjoyable quick read! The Walker siblings remain so strong and such a family unit! Rome, KY is such a perfect setting- and cannot get enough from this author! I hope Maddies story is just as good, and she comes out with it quickly! You dont have to read the first ones, but I do recommend, so you can connect with the full story of this family.
"Because you're the only person I'm nothing but honest with." His words snip the last vines of loneliness from my heart and replace them with balloon strings.~
Beg, Borrow or Steal, by Sarah Adams, is the third installment (and thank goodness not the last!) In the When in Rome series, set in the whimsical Rome, KY. I loved stepping back with all the Walker siblings, and I am certain Emily and Jackson are my favorite duo. Sarah Adams has a beautiful writing style where I feel like I am right there in the story. Thank you for making these fun, deep and just plain good characters!! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC. Pub date is January 7th!! Don't sleep on this one!! Be sure to read When in Rome #1 and #2 first❤️
While I enjoyed reading this book, I was only able to read this book in short spurts (it took me weeks to read vs days) I had a real hard time feeling connect to Emily but loved Jack.
4 stars
“Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?”
“More than either of us is comfortable with.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the latest book in the Rome, Kentucky books by Sarah Adams. Emily and Jack stole my heart right away. They are rivals and thrive on bickering and triggering one another, but deep down they both have some demons to face.
Jack moves back to Rome after a failed engagement, and Emily is infuriated that he has the audacity to buy the house right next to hers.
Emily and Jack are unique from the previous characters in this series and I really enjoyed both of their back stories and the way they came together. While Sarah does consider this book open door (most of her previous works are closed door), this book is not very explicit. There is great tension and a tiny bit of spice so I feel like it is good for any type of romance reader.
Thank you to Dell for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Sarah Adams did it AGAIN! We return to lovely little Rome, KY and follow the love story of Emily and Jack. Given their competitive nemesis start, the banter between these two is top notch. There were so many moments where I smiled or laughed while reading their dialogue. I related super hard to a lot of Emily’s oldest sister feelings and Jack’s family issues. This book was beautiful, and had such a beautiful ending. Must read!
3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this in exchange for my honest review.
We’re going back to Rome! After reading the first two books from the When in Rome series I was so excited to follow Emily & Jackson in Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I love an enemies to lovers plot & this one delivered! Rivals in every way, I did feel like it was almost *too* perfect at times. Our main characters shared the same career goals and aspirations, struggled with parental trauma that could’ve been explored a bit more, and were stubborn as heck until finally admitting they’re meant for one another. I loved this quick & happy read — perfect for anyone looking to end their year on a sweet note.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.
Out of this series, I would say that this book was probably my favorite! I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. If you love ‘enemies to lovers’ you will enjoy their relationship. I also liked how the book went back to other characters from the previous books in the series- so you do need to read those first!
Anytime Sarah writes a book where I get to visit the wonderful, comfortable world of Rome, Kentucky I am going to dive in as soon as possible! AHHHH 🥹🤩 Emily & Jack!!! As someone who is a rule follower and values efficiency and intentionally Emily is my girl! As a true rivals to lovers should, the banter is 10/10 🫠 JACKSON WHEWWWW 🥵 where is this man in real life? “I. Want. You. Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey hearted …all of it” that man knows when to call Emily out but also when to be sweet and exactly when to push her buttons. Truly an emotional intelligent man.
The themes of broken childhoods and families is explored in a tender way that feels healing. Also, of course Mabel, drops some good wisdom in this book.
The found family built in the first three books of this series is beautiful. If you loved the stories of Amelia and Annie, you’ll love the continuation of their stories in this book. While I think there is only one more book, I never want this series to end. If you love a small town romance, what are you waiting for? Dive into Rome, Kentucky now! Though I recommend starting with When in Rome, the first book. Luckily you have time to read the first two before this book comes out on January 7th!
Review will be posted on @lsreadingviews on instagram
This story was amazing!! I think Emily and Jack have stole my heart I love them so much Enemies to lovers is 🤌🏼. My love for this small town the nosey neighbors, the chatty gossip, and the love they have for each other is everything and more. The plot was slow midway and then picked right back up I’m glad Jack stood his ground and I’m happy Emily took accountability of her emotions. I hope we get Madisons book next because the alluding tension had me intrigued.
This was AMAZINGGGGG!!! I loved every second of this, there was truly nothing that I would want changed or added to this book. I truly think this is Sarah’s best work yet and I CANNOT wait to read Madison and James’ story!!
An FMC who speaks her mind, can be too much for people and is navigating her own grief journey? I found Emily relatable from the very first page.
I enjoyed being back in Rome, Kentucky with the Walker siblings and I really enjoyed reading about Emily and Jack. Bonus points for the Annie and Will content — they remain my favorite couple and I am here for any crumb Sarah is willing to give.
I’m excited to read Maddie’s story next!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.
Another swoony, sweet read from Sarah Adams! Even though this one is not closed door like the others in her When in Rome books, readers who are OK with the other books in her series will probably be fine with the level of spice here. (Adams also includes a note as to which chapters to skip if readers want to keep it completely closed door.) I love the sweetness of Adams’ romcoms, the emotional intimacy between her characters, and the additional sibling dynamics in this series especially. Jackson and Emily are another couple I was rooting for from the start, and I love that this one is based on one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn movies, How to Steal a Million. Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!