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!

I have loved all of the Rome, KY books but this one really spoke to my heart. As a bossy eldest daughter I related to Emily on a deep level and Jack was the hero we all need. These two felt like emotionally mature adults who both have their stuff but are actively working through it. I rooted for their happy ending the whole time and can’t wait for Madison’s story!

The banter in Beg, Borrow or Steal is top tier. I love the fun back and forth of shit giving that Emily and Jack give each other. Enemies to lovers done so well! I havent read the first two books in this When In Rome series, but got enough context clues to understand what I was coming into. My only dislike was the 80% breakup which we all saw coming and I am just not a fan anymore. But enjoyed the getting back together and how the story ends.

Sarah Adams does it again! 5 star perfection in this 3rd installment of the When in Rome series. The two main characters are both teachers and authors and their competitiveness and flirting is hilarious and adorable. Enemies to lovers trope was on point!
The nemesis focus kept it so entertaining and light hearted in the beginning and you couldn’t help but root for them both. I found myself laughing out loud at Emily's internal thoughts so many times.
The characters from the other two books in the series are inserted throughout the story in a way that just makes you feel like you're right there with them. The ending between Annie & Will was the icing on the cake!

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the ARC.

I have read evry Sarah Adams book and loved every single one. I finished Beg, Borrow or Steal in two days. The characters were very cute and likable. I enjoyed the fact that Jack and Emily got together relatively early rather than waiting till the last 50 pages. I would definitely recommend this book.

This book was an excellent read, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It made me laugh and cry. It was my first time reading one of her books, and I don't regret it. I loved the attention to detail on the characters and made them realistic. I loved the witty repartee and tension. I would recommend this for a good read to make you feel all the feelings. Thank you NetGalley ARC and Random House Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I have never started a book after getting the ARC so quickly than I did this one! When in Rome is one of my all time favorite series. Rom-coms based on Audrey Hepburn movies??? Count. Me. In!

BBS is about Emily, the oldest sister of the Walker family. She's the one that helps all of the siblings (and everyone and anyone, other than her nemesis Jackson...) She is a 2nd grade teacher that will tell anyone how it is. Emily holds in most of her feelings and doesn't really express emotions, especially when she's sad. She believes that she can cry in the safety of her own home with her cat Ducky.

6 months earlier, Emily's nemesis moved from Kentucky to Nebraska to get married. Emily thought she was in the clear and didn't have to fight for her perfect parking spot or for teacher of the year now that Jackson is gone. Until one day, she walks out and sees Jackson's Land Rover parked in the parking lot. Emily tries to convince the town to hate this charming man.. good luck, Em!

How will these rivals compete now? Read to find out.

Sarah Adams knows how to make you feel all the feelings in her books. I cried, I giggled, and I was sad for these characters. Both Emily and Jackson are relatable in many ways. Adams knows how to bring characters to live and make you feel as though you know them or are them. I'll miss these books and these characters once this series is done. I can't believe there is only one more! I have my suspicions as to which movie book 4 may be about....

Thank you to Dell for the advanced copy!!

The When in Rome series just keeps getting better and better. I thought I loved getting to follow Annie with the last book but I had SUCH a blast with Emily. Her emotions were so raw and real and Jack had me kicking my feet with their interactions. I cannot wait to see Maggie's story down the line. This was such a fun read.

This book deserves all the stars. ALL THE STARS. ⭐️

I can’t emphasize enough how much reading one of Sarah Adams’ books is like slipping into your favorite sweater and wrapping up in the coziest blanket. She pours so much attention and care into her characters and their issues, and it reaches out from the page to comfort you.

I loved the banter, the rivalry, the tentative truce turned friendship, the TENSION. Emily and Jackson have become my new favorite couple in Rome. 💗

A new record was set for how many times I cried while reading a Sarah Adams book. 🥹 And i loved every second of this story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this beautiful ARC!!

The witty banter and dialogue starts fast in this book. I was happy to return to Rome, Kentucky and be introduced to another Walker. Emily Walker is an uptight grieving character who’s learning to love and allow herself to not be the “motherly” sister and putting her own life on hold. Jack is her nemesis and a son of a narcissist father who’s a famous writer. This characters in this book and series would be fun to see made into a tv show.

This is my favorite of the Rome series books from Sarah Adams. I received this via NetGalley and devoured it in less than 2 days. The plot moved quickly enough and as always, there were some mental health issues dealt with gently and with care. It's always fun in a series to get updates on what the characters from other books are up to, I could have done with a bit more of that. Excited for people to read it!

I just love the Rome series. Each book is so unique and I fall in love all over again. I definitely felt the chemistry between the two main characters, and loved the “enemies to lovers” trope. I also liked hearing updates about Annie and Will from the previous book. I can’t wait for Madison’s story!

Wow, what an amazing story! Sarah Adams has done it again! This has been my favorite from the WIR series so far. The two main characters were so likeable, their chemistry was great, the banter was amusing, and Adams did such a good job with the heavier topics of depression, difficult upbringings, death etc. It was a 5/5 read for me. And that scene blocking chapter?! Phew, that was amazing!!! The tension was incredible. Although I've enjoyed every Sarah Adams book I've read so far, this is my new favorite! I'm so excited to recommend this to everyone once it's out! Thanks so much for letting me read it early!!!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is a delightful rivals to lovers romance filled with witty banter and sizzling chemistry. Set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky, the story follows second grade teachers Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, who have been feuding for years. When Jack returns to town after calling off his wedding, their rivalry reignites, but a surprising turn of events forces them to team up in an unexpected mission. This book is filled with tension and undeniable sparks in this steamy and small town romance!

I loved this! I finished it in one day! The character development is really rich and filled out. even in the secondary characters. I appreciated that there was no third-act breakup, The banter was top-notch and the small town community was a highlight.