Ms. Sarah Adams can do now wrong! I didn't think the series could get better and somehow it did! The enemies to lovers fit these characters so well - their banter was off the charts! Sarah Adams knows how to write relatable and loveable characters, I am so happy to be leaving Rome, Kentucky again!!

honestly sarah adams is such a baddie i really love her books and this rivals to lovers was an amazing title. the writing style was really on point and I'm obsessed with Emily and Jackson

Title: Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Author: Sarah Adams
Length: 368 pages
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: Jan 07 2025
Spice Level: open door with modifications listed
Genre: Romance
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Summary:
Emily Walker’s world is turned upside down when her longtime nemesis, Jack Bennett, returns to town after calling off his engagement. Now her colleague and neighbor, Jack seems eager to provoke her at every turn. But when Emily’s secret life as a romance writer is accidentally exposed, she reluctantly teams up with Jack to fix the situation. As their fiery rivalry turns into an unexpected alliance, could it lead to a twist neither of them anticipated?

Thoughts:
It is time to get HYPE people!! This is my favorite of Sarah’s Rome, Kentucky series! Personally, I think I have loved each book more and more. I thought I absolutely adored Practice Makes Perfect (and I do), but I love this one even more. Enemies/rivals to lovers is so hit and miss for me because sometimes authors take it a little too far, and the characters end up being straight a-holes to each other. But these two? Emily and Jack? OMG I was craving more of their banter. It was perfection. And we get to reunite with all of our favorite characters? And we get to finally see inside Emily’s head and heart? And we get little hints of what we’ll get with Madison’s book? AND we get Jack on a motorcycle? If you’re a Schitt’s Creek fan, think “Ted showing up on his motorcycle and taking off his helmet” vibes. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I never want to leave Rome, Kentucky.

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @dellromance for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was my very first Sarah Adams book, and as soon as I finished reading it I went and got the first two books in the series. I devoured those too, and it's safe to say I'm a fan for life. Her characters have flaws and are super relatable, and each book has amazing character development that allows you to be on their journey while they grow and learn from those flaws. The found family, not just with the Walker siblings, but in the town of Rome is so sweet and puts a smile on your face. I loved the banter between Emily and Jackson, especially in the emails and flashbacks. The way they learned to lean on and trust each other was so sweet. It's safe to say I cannot wait for book four and to see James and Maddie fall stupid in love.

Sarah Adams has done it again, folks. 👏🏼 This series is one of my absolute favorites and this book is my favorite in the series. I was blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet. The banter, tension, and the slow burn romance was EVERYTHING. I appreciated how realistic their grief and trauma was, but it was also balanced well with humor. I cried and I laughed. I already want to re-read it. Thank you SO much to Sarah Adams, Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for the early review copy.

My review is published on Goodreads as of 11/19/2024.

4.5 stars!

Ever since a disastrous first meeting in college, Emily and Jack have become sworn enemies and have always competed against each other. They work at the same elementary school in Rome and always seem to clash. Jack is charming with everyone but Emily. Emily is her town's overall go getter, planner and speaks her mind no matter what. These two have existed by each other and thankfully he's getting married and moving away so Emily doesn't ever have to ever think of him anymore until…

Jack suddenly becomes single and moves in next door to Emily. Things go from bad to worse with Emily determined to drive him away for good. But then Emily accidentally sends her secret romance manuscript she's been working on to the school principal, she enlists Jack's help to get it back and he surprisingly agrees! When these two start to work together instead of against each other they both realize that maybe it wasn't always hate between the two of them but rather something deeper that connected them together.

I always adore Sarah Adams books and her When is Rome series is an absolute favorite and this book did not let me down. It was sharp, quick paced and full of anticipation tingles! I loved the internal thought process both characters went through. Emily couldn't comprehend her feelings of relief when she finds out Jacks not getting married and he doesn't understand why he always is drawn to her when all she does is push his buttons and why he likes to push her buttons right back.

The shenanigans and banter was top notch and you could feel the attraction these two had to each other. I also loved seeing the other characters and catching up on what was going on with them. I had the best time reading this book!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House–Ballantine for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Sarah Adams
Genre: Romance
Troupe: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity

Review will be published on release date (Jan 7th)

Let me start this by saying, I absolutely adore this series. I will die on the hill of how amazing it is. Sarah touches on so many big things, but in a way that doesn't totally drown you.

Secondly, I am Emily. The further I go into this book, the more connected to her I became. I understand her fear, her motivation, her perfectionism. All of it. And, dare I say, before this book she was my least favorite Walker 🤦But, man do I understand her now. Emily, so terrified of change of loss. My heart hurt for her so many times. The romance almost took a back seat. ALMOST.

Enemies to lovers is where it's at. And this is...like....legit enemies to lovers. Not some fake disgruntled "too scared to tell you how I feel" crap. It's that too (in a good way), later on. But these two actually really dislike each other at the beginning of the book, with YEARS of history to back it up.

As far as Jackson goes, he's got his own issues. I don't have the experience to connect with him as much, but I love how Sarah makes her Characters so real. They have pasts, and flaws, and trauma, and they have to screw up and start over. Jackson is a prime example. Although, both he and Emily need therapy 🤷

And now, for quote heaven:

"Everyone is dead. Dead, dead, dead. And yes, I do like to throw startling little facts like those into conversation whenever I can because shock is always more preferable to pity."

"I don't know how to tell him that this pain is always hovering just below the surface these days. It's not alcohol induced. It's raw and it's lurking and I'm not nearly as capable of handling my shit as I seem."

"You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time."

"Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done."

"I smile and then bite his finger. Just a little. Enough to make him grin."

Like I said, Em is my soul sister. The Walker's feel like a warm hug. And I can't wait for Madison's story. I'm rooting for James 😉

Thank you Netgally, the publish, and the amazing Sarah Adams for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since reading Practice Makes Perfect, book 2 in the series, I have become a fan of Sarah Adams. She is now on my auto-buy/checkout list. I was excited to read this one and was glad I was able to get an advanced copy. I really have come to love the small town of Rome and its quircky cast of characters. Emily and Jack were such a good pairing with this enemies to lovers premise. There "meet cute" in college was great and I liked that Adams broke up chapters with excerpts from the past. There was no big third act breakup, though they did still have some issues to work through. Overall a very cute romance that I will be recommending. (Thank You to Random House and Netgalley for the ARC)

Sarah Adams' Beg, Borrow, or Steal offers a charming, if predictable, rivals-to-lovers romance set in the cozy town of Rome, Kentucky. The story centers on Emily Walker, a second-grade teacher with a penchant for writing romance novels under a secret pen name, and Jack Bennett, her former neighbor and current colleague, who returns to town after a messy breakup. The two have spent years at odds, but when Emily accidentally sends an email to their school principal that could expose her literary side hustle, she finds herself reluctantly teaming up with Jack to retrieve her manuscript—and maybe, just maybe, something more.

Adams excels at creating warm, relatable characters, and Emily and Jack are no exception. Emily, with her tightly controlled life and her not-so-secret love of writing steamy romance novels, is easy to root for, even when she’s acting a little too prickly for her own good. Jack, on the other hand, is a lovable grump with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The chemistry between the two is palpable from the start, making their eventual shift from antagonistic colleagues to romantic partners a satisfying, if well-worn, journey.

The plot itself doesn’t break new ground, but that’s part of the charm of Beg, Borrow, or Steal. It’s a lighthearted, feel-good romance that thrives on the familiar enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The town of Rome adds a small-town charm that feels comforting, and the quirky supporting characters, particularly the ever-present school staff, add delightful moments of humor and heart. The small-town backdrop and slow-burn romance make it an easy read for fans of feel-good, character-driven stories.

That being said, there are a few predictable moments that detract from the book’s overall impact. The conflict between Emily and Jack is resolved a bit too smoothly, and at times, the stakes feel low for a romance that wants to tap into deeper emotional arcs. The pacing occasionally drags, especially when the characters circle around their growing attraction without much real forward motion. There’s also an element of “forced proximity” in their constant interactions as neighbors and coworkers, which occasionally feels more like a plot device than a natural part of their story.

Still, Adams’ writing is filled with heart, and her ability to balance humor and emotional vulnerability shines through. The banter between Emily and Jack is fun, their chemistry is undeniable, and the ultimate payoff of their romance feels earned. Fans of Adams’ previous works, like The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect, will find much to enjoy here, even if it doesn't quite reach the same emotional highs as some of her other books.

In short, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a light, enjoyable romance that doesn’t break any new ground but delivers a satisfying, heartwarming story. It’s perfect for readers looking for a feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romance with a healthy dose of humor and charm. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s still a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”

no because wdym jackson bennett doesn't really exist???? every time i go into a new sarah adams book i think “surely ____ is not going to outdo or be more perfect than ___ was.” and every damn time i am proving wrong (clearly skill issue and i should know by now to never doubt this happening).

i have been incredibly lucky to receive an arc for each book in this series so far and man oh man do i fall more in love with Rome, Kentucky and its townspeople every time i crack open a new one 🥹. i leave every book yearning for their small town life to be mine, for them to be real and for us to be besties because theres just something so comforting about these characters and their struggles.

“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

everyone deserves to have a love like emily and jacks and should never settle until they have it. i will be coming back sooner or later to give a bit more depth to this review however right now i just wanna bask in the warm little cocoon that it their love ❤️

Emily has hated Jack since they were in college and had their first interaction. Then Jack ended up teaching in Emily’s small town school with her and annoying her for even more time. But then he got engaged and moved away and Emily was finally free of him; until he comes back to the school and her small town of Rome - without a wife. Now he’s ready to move to Rome and settle down but Emily will do everything she can to make his life miserable in her town - that is until she needs his help. Like all Sarah Adams books - the slow burn kindling begins to smoke throughout the novel between the two characters and it’s fun to watch.

Let me just say that I love this series, it’s like putting on a comfortable sweatshirt because we know all of the characters (Emily is part of the “When in Rome” series) and we have already watched three of her Walker siblings find love in the other books. Each sibling has their own quirks that are hinderances to finding love until the book focuses on them and they find their match. Her novels are written with humor and are just so much fun to read and this one is no different. It takes a great story to keep a reader interested even when you know the ending - this had a great story and some cute hijinks. Jack was such a good character and I look forward to the next edition of this series when Jack is part of the gang.

4.25 stars

Thank you to Ballantine Dell and NetGalley for the ARC

I have read this book 3 times. It is one of my favorite books, it's so good! I love Emily's fire and how seeing them grow together. I love how her and Jack compliment one another. Plus the legendary red cowboy boots, sign me up! You can never go wrong with Sarah Adams.

Ah!! So cute! I love that Sarah Adams is opening the door more on the steamy scenes. The blocking scene was so tense, so hot, it was everything!

Sarah Adams never fails to disappoint. This was the third book in her When in Rome series, and fingers crossed we're getting another with Maddie. Of all the main characters in this series thus far, I see myself more in Emily. A creature of habit who knows they could just get things done better and faster if people would just hand things over. I loved watching her romance bloom with the man she sort of thought she hated. It felt like a very natural transition from hate to love which some books fail to pull off. The personal growth Emily experienced along the way had me both laughing and crying right along with her. I haven't read a book from Sarah Adams that I haven't enjoyed. I also enjoyed all the cross overs of the MC's from the past books. It really makes the town feel real. Ducky deserves the world and so does Emily. Five stars as always.

Such a great escape!

Emily is the eldest daughter in all ways. She takes care of all of her siblings and her second grade class. Her nemesis, the other second grade teacher Jack, has moved away from Rome, Kentucky to get married to his fiance. But why is he back? I was kicking my heels at this enemies to lovers trope!

Emily was so relatable with her eldest daughter energy. I loved getting to know the layers beneath her nuturing, caretaking personality. and Jack!!! I loved watching them bicker until the very end.

Also - Rome, Kentucky! Getting to escape to Rome, Kentucky in my free time while reading this book was like I was transported to Emily and Jack's corner table at Hot Bean Juice. So comforting and cozy! I also loved the cast of characters in Emily's family and the town.

This was so fun! Can't wait to read the next one!!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sarah Adams is back! I love this quirky small town and the Walker family, both central to this series.

In this third book in the series, Emily and Jack have been rivals all through college and well into their years teaching the same grade at the same school in the same small town. When Jack suddenly moves and becomes Emilies neighbor, the rivals start to learn a lot more about each other.

This book had a lot of grief in it, and the characters both showed growth that I loved. A few pieces felt a bit forced, but I still can’t get enough of the main town characters that worked their way further into this story! Looking at you Mable!

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC!

Jack left Rome, Kentucky with his perfect fiancée years ago and now he’s back to disrupt her happy little bubble. Unfortunately he seems to be here to stay, getting a job at the school and renovating a house right next door. They might be more alike than they think. Jack is a published author under a pen name and Emily isn’t far behind him. When she accidentally sends her manuscript to the principal Jack is just the man to help her. What will this unlikely alliance lead to?

This series is pure happiness. You can’t help falling in love with the characters and rural small town. There’s a strong sense of community, everyone in Rome is family and they rally around each other. That’s the dream.

Emily is the caring big sister always putting everyone else’s needs in front of her own. Except Jackson. She’s been bottling everything up for a long time and when she inevitably bursts Jackson was there to help her thru it. He’s the sweetest. They have great chemistry. It might be recency bias but I think this one’s a little spicier than Sarah Adams other books.

I also adored Mabel (as usual), the manuscript heist, girls night, all the fun banter and Amelia’s pancakes. If you’re looking for a fun romance series this one’s for you!

Read this if you like
🩷Enemies to lovers
🫶🏼Forced proximity
📖Small town romance
💫Second chance

I loved this one so much. The emotion, the tension, enemies to lovers. I loved every bit of it.

Jack is kind hearted and sexy. I wish we had gotten a little more about the writers side of his life.

Emily is so relatable and well rounded.

I can always count on a Sarah Adams book to tug at my heartstrings.

“You think you’re unloveable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”

I loved this rivals to lovers, second chance romance because I found the emotional baggage of the characters of Emily and Jack to be quite relatable.

If you’ve ever dealt with a narcissistic family member or acquaintance, you’ll be able to relate to Jack.

If you’ve ever taken a care taker role for your siblings, you’ll be able to relate to Emily.

I loved that not only were both Jack and Emily teachers but also secret writers. And how the author created a forced proximity situation by making them neighbors.

Oh, how excited, I was to go back to back to Rome, KY!

Emily and Jack's story was probably my favorite of this series. It was cute and a lot of fun in a quick read.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House publishing & Sarah Adams for the ARC.