Sarah Adams kills it every single time. I just adore her and this series so much. I loved this book so much that I genuinely burst into tears at the end. Then proceeded to make my mom read it, and my best friend, and I had a whole lineup of people that I can’t wait to have read it and then tell me how much they loved it. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world. It means everything to me. I just adore it and Sarah Adams with my whole heart.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a great enemies to lovers trope. It is done in such a way that you are not only cheering for the bickering foreplay, but also longing to them to just give it up and fall for each other already. This is my first taste of Sarah Adams, but definitely not my last.

Thank you Dell for the arc!

I really enjoyed this. I never read when in Rome and only sort of enjoyed practice makes perfect (Annie was too much of a pushover for me) but this—this—was for me. I think fans of Business Casual will adore this (even though I hated that book but still loved this one)

I don’t know who I related to more. Emily or Jack, especially with Jack’s narcissistic dad. There are so many layers to both of their characters that made them so extremely relatable while keeping them emotional and personal, while also making the book fun and lighthearted. Rome has a total Stars Hollow vibe with likable, gossiping townies that I adore. As far as the plot went, it was enjoyable and had me squealing at times!!!! I have never met a MMC named Jack who I did not like, and he's no different. But towards the end it started to drag and I think it could have been cleaned up a lot sooner and quicker. It was a slow burn, treading very lightly on the spice but I was happy with it nonetheless!

Emily is just like me. Sharp edges, a moderate amount of pessismism, the girl who helps everyone before she helps herself, etc. And Jack, her motorcycle-tattooed-cute-second-grade teacher only wants to love and care for her. S m i t t e n we are talking here. "I'll be so careful with you, Emily" fuck-me-now-Jack. 🦋💞😝

Jack—I relate so much. His narcisstic dad was the main focus for his character's conflict. "I have zero hope for us. it's a weird thing to let yourself grieve your parent who is still living, but I've done it—do it regularly, actually." Hit the nail on the head with that one. All I could do was go MHM MHM while reading because it was scarily accurate. Jack deserves the world and I'm so glad he was able to stand up for himself by the end. Anyone with that sort of father understands how hard it is to do at the end of the day.

I just loved the two of them together. I love when the two main characters have no other person in their lives as their emotional outlet and use each other. I'll eat it up every time!!!!!!!!!😍

This is technically a second chance romance, but not because they've dated. It's more of a rivals-to-lovers trope, only "second chance" because Jack had moved away, married someone else, and came back. Second chance in the way You, With a View is second chance, or Beach Read. Not second chance at all. And I kind of wish authors would just stop making their characters already know each other from a past encounter. While it worked for this novel and gave us a Rose and Connor vibe, I also think it would have served well if it wasn't that way.

This was a sweet, fluffy but emotionally griping read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I really hope Madison gets a book because... my poor man James needs it!!!! he's been thru the trenches 😫

Sarah Adams is such a talented writer! Her small-town romance series centered around the four Walker siblings in Rome, Kentucky, brings me so much joy, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no less lovely.

Emily Walker is the strong-willed oldest sister adored by her town and everyone around her—except for Jackson Bennett, or so she thinks! Jackson is a fellow second-grade teacher who has been competing with Emily ever since he accidentally spilled coffee on her blouse back in college. Emily can’t stand it when Jack gets the upper hand or when others side with him instead of her. So, when Jack moves in across the street, Emily decides to take matters into her own hands, and they both soon realize they might not be such enemies after all.

The banter between Emily and Jack was a total delight—fun and silly to read! I did feel like the romance moved a little quicker than I expected, but it was sweet, well-paced, and not overdone. Plus, we get glimpses of our favorite characters from the past two books, which sets everything up perfectly for the final installment. There are only a couple of spicy scenes, but neither takes away from the main storyline.

As a fellow Emily, I can’t help but love it! Adams is definitely one for the girls, and I’m so sad I have to wait for the final book now! If you’re a fan of Nora Roberts' beloved steamy quartets, Sarah Adams has once again brought her readers back to Rome, KY, where everyone feels like family and everyone gets their happy ending—even if you’re an alpha eldest daughter who knows exactly how and where each piece and person in her life belongs. Adams’ men continue to occupy that liminal space between White Knight and lovable jerk.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell and Net Galley for providing a free advanced reader copy of this title for my honest review. Five Stars! Sarah Adams does it again! This may be my favorite in this series so far.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!*

Well, this was super cutesy, like tooth-achingly sweet. Enemies to lovers trope (which is a fave). The steam was perfect. It could have been 20 chapters shorter though, but I’m not complaining too much. Jack is a gem and Emily is a spit-fire and their snark and banter were fun. I don’t really understand - or like - the title, but everything else, super cute!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!

Sarah Adams is truly a peach of a writer! Her small town romance series centered around the four Walker siblings, set in Rome, Kentucky, brings me so much joy. Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no less lovely. Emily Walker is the strong willed oldest sister and is adored by her town and all those around her, except for Jackson, or so she thinks. Jackson Bennett is a fellow 2nd grade teacher and has been competing with Emily since he accidently spilled coffee on her blouse in college. Emily cannot stand when Jack bests her or when others side with Jack instead of her. When Jack moves in across the street, Emily decides to take matters into her own hands and they both soon realize they may not quite be enemies after all. The banter between the two was fun and silly to read. I felt like the romance moved a little quicker than I expected, but it was sweet, felt out, and not overdone. It gave us glimpses of our favorite characters from the past two books and set up up perfectly for the final installment. There were only a couple spicy scenes and neither took away from the main storyline or plot. Adams is one for the girls and I am so sad I have to wait for the final book now!

Sarah's best work to date. I absolutely ate this one up. I loved loved loved Jack and Emily. I loved Noah and Amelia, then loved Annie and Will, and then I loved this pair even more. This is the perfect enemies to lovers store. 10/10

This is amazing! the world isn’t ready for Jack and Emily! I loved this so much. Sarahs writing has gotten better and better. This book made me fall in love with Rome even more. I wish it was a real place I could go visit and see Emily teaching. Thank you Sarah for your books.

For fans of Nora Roberts' beloved steamy quartets Sarah Adams has, yet again, brought her readers back to Rome, KY and the Walker family, where everyone is family and everyone gets their happy ending - even if you're an alpha eldest daughter who knows exactly how and where each piece and person in her life belongs. Adams' men continue to occupy that liminal space between White Knight and as*hole.

Sarah Adams has done it again! If you loved being in Rome, Kentucky for When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, you will love Beg, Borrow, & Steal. Emily is a character that I know so many women can relate to and Jack is the swoon worthy guy with all the green flags. I loved this story, I loved these characters and I know you will, too!

I requested this ARC because I adored Sarah Adams' previous few books, and this one didn't disappoint. I definitely found myself sneak-reading a page here and there as I went about my day. It's hard to go wrong with enemies to lovers, and Adams did a fantastic job with it. I already want to reread this book!

Sarah Adams does not disappoint with Beg, Borrow, or Steal. Once I started Emily and Jack's story I didn't want to put it down. As a fan of the entire Rome series, it was fun to see the updates to the other Walker siblings' lives too. I hope we will see Maddie (and hopefully James) get their own story next!!!
Highly recommend Beg, Borrow, or Steal (and all of Sarah Adams' work for that matter) to adult romance readers. Her work would especially be enjoyed by fans of Sophie Sullivan.

I didn’t think Sarah Adams would write something as good as Practice Makes Perfect (a favorite of mine) but Beg, Borrow or Steal exceeded my expectations.

Beg, Borrow or Steal was a delightful rom-com to read and I finished it so quickly. I didn’t want it to end! I was smiling so hard while reading this book. As someone who is the eldest daughter and had similar experiences as Emily, I related to her so much throughout the novel. And Jack was a great love interest, I think quite grounded and down to earth but with some flawed tendencies that make him more human. Their romance was adorable and written well.

However, I do have to deduct one star because there were a few things I didn’t quite enjoy. One aspect I didn’t quite find myself engaged in was that there are lines and metaphors that I just found to be too silly for my taste. It happens in a lot of romance novels so I will let it slide. However, the one thing I didn’t like - which I think is also common in romances- is the amount of tell instead of show. Specifically in each of the characters’ relationships to their respective families. I understand that, for example, Emily is struggling to be needed by her family, but it’s not shown rather she tells how it is. It is the same with Jack’s family until the scene with his dad at the third act, it was too rushed. That is my only gripe with the book.

Aside from that, this book has made it onto my life of my favorite reads from this year and I can’t wait for the next book in Sarah Adams’ Rome Series!

This is an average romcom, and while I think many will enjoy it, I struggled a bit. It didn’t have the authenticity or character depth I enjoy, and I felt the story unfolded by the author pitching ideas for the plot and characterization rather than writing in a way that let the story naturally unravel. I’ve previously enjoyed books by Sarah Adams, but this one was just alright for me.

LOVE this series! I was rooting for the main characters from page one. Sarah Adams uses a mixed media approach that really worked. The book was a quick read with great pacing. Emily and Jack were relatable characters. If you've read other books in this series, you'll want to pick this book up and you won't be disappointed. Big thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.

Welcome back to Rome! I was thrilled to see this novel on NetGalley and scooped it up as soon as I could.

Emily and Jack are bitter enemies determined to make each others' lives as inconvenient as possible. Emily is not upset at all (maybe a little upset) when Jack leaves Rome to get married. She is super upset (maybe not that upset) when he doesn't go through with the wedding and returns to Rome-- this time, for good.

Determined to stay as far away from him as possible, Emily is horrified to learn that Jack is now her next-door neighbor. Hilarity ensues (obviously), and the angry sparks that fly between them turns more into a steady, sizzling fire.

I loved this book and will continue to share my love for Sarah Adams and her cozy little town of Rome! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The third book in Adams' When in Rome series features oldest Walker sister Emily. Emily is the typical oldest daughter, protective of those she loves yet prickly to those outside of her circle, and the trauma from losing her parents at such a young age coupled with a devastating breakup with her high school boyfriend is still holding her back from finding love. Emily is a second grade teacher at the local elementary school and the book opens with her frustrated by the fact that her rival teacher (and former college rival), Jackson Bennett, is back in town fresh off a broken engagement - and apparently has bought the house next door to Emily. The two quickly resume their pattern of being each other's sparring partner. Until Emily, who has written a spicy romance novel, accidentally sends her racy manuscript to their conservative principal and calls on Jack to help. But Jack also has a secret of his own that he's been hiding from everyone, and what will Emily think when it is revealed?

Fans of the first two novels in this series will enjoy Emily's turn as the protagonist. It's classic enemies-to-lovers with a wholesome small-town setting. I found the last third of the book to be a little too cheesy to rate the book any higher, but it was overall an enjoyable escapist read.

Overall: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

Sarah Adams delivers a captivating and heartwarming rivals-to-lovers romance that left me absolutely enchanted! The chemistry between Emily and Jack is electric, filled with tension and playful banter that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Adams’ writing is sharp and witty, perfectly capturing the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with rivalry and attraction. The way she brings Emily’s secret life as a romance writer to the forefront adds an intriguing layer to the story, showcasing the complexity of her character. Jack’s return sparks a delightful clash of personalities, and their interactions are nothing short of magnetic. What I loved most was the emotional depth woven throughout the narrative. As they navigate their complicated feelings, the moments of vulnerability reveal a beautifully human side to their rivalry. The pacing is spot-on, with a plot that keeps you on your toes, especially with Emily's email mishap that propels them into an unexpected partnership. I couldn’t help but root for Emily and Jack to find their way to each other, and the resolution was just perfect.

This is the best book Sarah Adams has written to date. I'll miss Rome, Kentucky and this family when the series is complete.

Things I loved in this story:

- The love/hate relationship between Jack and Emily, which built to a delicious tension before they ever kissed, and stayed during the long will-they-or-won't-they denouement after the kiss.
- In case it wasn't obvious, Jack and Emily. Emily is the typical eldest daughter and very lovable despite what she believes, and Jack is a sweetheart. I can't fathom why he didn't pursue her with more persistence when they first met because it's clear he cared about her.
- Their banter and acts of aggression toward each other were cute and funny.
- The emails, especially from college.
- The writing subplot.
- The relationships between Emily and her siblings.
- Seeing Annie and Will and Amelia and Noah again. I don't know much about Madison but I guess I will find out in the next book!

Things I liked a little less:
- The title. I don't fully understand why it's called Beg, Borrow, or Steal. The book might as well be called Baseball for Kids because the title has nothing to do with the story.
- The quick resolution of Jack's family drama and career crisis.

Thank you Netgalley and Dell for letting me read the ARC! I will be recommending this book to friends and anyone who enjoys a good angst-filled enemies-to-lovers romance!