Beg, Borrow, or Steal was such a fantastic follow up to Practice Makes Perfect! I love how each book in the series has completely different characters and story arcs. It makes for a great reading experience since I never know where the story will go.

I went into this book a little bit nervous I wouldn't love it as much as the first two in the series. Emily is the sibling most different to me and I was worried I would have a hard time connecting to her. I was absolutely proven wrong! The discussion on loneliness hit so hard and was done so well. I feel this is a topic not often covered in books and it was refreshing to read about it.

This book was so much fun and I loved seeing the relationship between Emily and Jack progress. They had such a palpable connection and their banter was so witty and entertaining. I also adored seeing how much Emily and Jack both love their professions (both teaching and writing!). I also found the inclusion of Jack's relationship with his father provided the character growth necessary while also being handled with such care.

Both characters learn and grow so much throughout the book, which made the ending that much sweeter. I absolutely recommend picking up the whole series and especially Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

Sarah Adams! You Queen, You Vixen! Once again, Sarah delivers with a great couple and to make matters even better, this chapter in Rome KY has SPICE! Yes, this could be a stand-alone read but read books 1 and 2, they're great and set up this couple to make us even more emotionally invested. There's wit, there's banter, there are butterflies flapping. So glad I got to read this gem, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher. Happy publication day!

I absolutely loved Emily and Jack’s story. The beginning half or so when they were in their “enemies” stage had some of the absolute best banter I’ve ever read. I was genuinely laughing out loud and I really appreciated how well that helped establish the hatred between each other. Then to see the glimpses of Emily and Jack questioning their hatred, admitting more kind feelings towards one another, and then breaking down their walls to realize how in love they are with each other was so sweet to read. This might be my favorite of the series so far and I am so in love with Rome, KY. Can’t wait for the next chapter for the Walker siblings.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in Sarah Adams “When in Rome” series, which centers around the Walker siblings in the cozy small town of Rome, Kentucky. I had already read the first two books (When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect) so I jumped at the chance to snag an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This newest volume centers around Emily, the eldest Walker sister that has for years acted as a pillar of support for her siblings, while internally hiding her own heartbreak and grief. Truthfully, I wasn’t looking forward to Emily’s tale based on her character interactions in the previous books, as she always came off a bit abrasive when things didn’t go according to plan (ultimately she was always supportive of her siblings, but she would start off very set in her ways where each of them was concerned). Needless to say, it was nice to see her internal struggles and better understand the losses that she dealt with in life and how she hid her feelings to always play the motherly figure to her family.

Our leading man is Jack, who for years has acted as Emily’s rival in all aspects of life. While he often comes across as the more sociable and likable of the two, Jack has his own past traumas and secrets that have affected his ability to form real relationships with people. The enemies to lovers tension is pretty much palpable from their first interaction, which I absolutely adore and the snarky banter and attempts to sabotage one another are comical.

Overall I would say I ended up really adoring the dynamic between Emily and Jack, especially after Emily’s secret romance novel is accidentally sent to the Principal of the school where they both work and they agree to work together to get it back. For the most part the romance is very PG-13, with a few mildly spicy scenes - while very tame compared to other books I read I enjoyed the way their relationship developed.

I would definitely recommend this series to my romance loving friends (maybe not my dark romance girlies as this may be a little too vanilla for their tastes). I look forward to the final tale, as there were more hints towards the dynamic between Madison and James that needs to be revealed!

I don’t think I can sing the praises of this book enough. Going in I had high expectations because I have loved all of her other books thus far but this one completely blew those out of the park. Finding out if Emily would learn to love again and watching the banter play out between her and jack was truly an honor to witness. This book was perfectly paced and so quotable. It touched on the harder topics of grief and dealing with a narcissistic parent really well in my opinion but if those topics are hard for you I would tread lightly. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend to anyone.

This is my favorite book of Sarah Adams. I thought it might be Noah’s book or even The Rule Book, but Beg, Borrow, Steal has edged them out. It takes true talent to write two deeply complex characters, especially a heroine that could’ve been so unlikeable, but as Mabel says, “she’s my favorite” (and of course will deny deny deny). I felt so connected to Emily. She’s a strong woman, the eldest daughter, the perfectionist glue that keeps her family together, someone who really struggles with showing vulnerability, but who is the most amazing person behind her fearful façade. And I loved how it took someone just as strong, her work nemesis Jack, to show her she is valuable and worthy of being the main course and not the afterthought.

I think I keep coming back to Sarah Adams’ books because she writes attraction so well. As a foray into the rivals-to-lovers trope, I knew from the beginning that Jack and Emily would have unbelievable chemistry, but it’s the path they take to get there that is so satisfying. Possibly the most erotic moment Adams has ever written occurs when Jack and Emily block out a romance scene fully dressed (yes, you read that correctly). I could feel how much they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off, and yet neither would directly cross the imaginary fragile line of friends-who-fight into the friends-who-f**k. Don’t worry, they eventually cut that line later, and readers who want less explicit love scenes are given the options of which chapters to skip over in the author’s note.

Not only is romantic innuendo steamier than in any prior book, but this is possibly the most vulnerability I’ve felt from Adams’ MCs. Jack has a narcissistic and alcoholic father whom Jack has thrived in spite of, and Emily has hidden her insecurities and fears under a blanket of carefully crafted nonchalance. What originally begins as competition between them devolves into them seeing similarities mirrored back and recognizing a shared struggle for being needed and desired. It goes without saying that I highlighted half the book in my love for the MCs internal dialogue just as much as their banter. I can say without a doubt that I will come back to Rome, KY for Madison and James’s book not only to reunite with the Walker family, but to feel drawn into the escapist small-town romance where everyone is family. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭.5
Emotional Steam: 😰😰😰
Interconnectivity to other books: 💯 but can be read as a standalone

I don’t think that Sarah Adams can write a book that I would not love. Being back in Rome was everything I imagined it would be when we got this book. The characters, the banter, the love interest. I loved it all.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🍎Small Town Romance
🍎Elementary Teachers
🍎Secret Writers
🍎Enemies to lovers
🍎Forced Proximity

Rome, Kentucky is becoming a place I love to visit! I was able to read When in Rome before starting this book which made it even better because I already knew and loved the characters. I love how Sarah Adams is able to immerse you into the world she creates. Both characters go through major changes and growth through out their stories that are very powerful and makes you feel a connection to them. When Emily finally broke down I will admit some tears were shed. I loved the banter between these characters and the underlining of tension which later they realize is affection for each other. Overall I loved this book and am hoping that book four is on its way because I want more! 👀
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Dell and Sarah Adams for the ARC. I was so happy to receive this one and it did not disappoint!

I loved it SO much! My favorite in the series so far!
Emily is the tough, independent, motherly older sister of the Walker siblings. Emily and Jack bumped into each in college and it was there their rivalry began and has continued to go strong even years later as they teach at the same school. It’s the beginning of summer and Jack has moved back from Rome after calling off his engagement. It isn’t until the dotted line is signed on his new home that he finds out he moved in right next door to Emily. There is a fine line between love and hate and the two are realizing maybe it isn’t hate they feel for each other after all. The banter between the two was soo good. I loved how sweet and caring Jack was towards Emily. The chemistry between the two was soo good. Sarah Adams did not disappoint with this book.

Read if you like:
💕Enemies to Lovers
🏘️Small Town Romance
😏Banter
🔥Slow Burn

Emily and Jackson are frenemies who both teach in Rome, KY. Jackson moves away to get married but unexpectedly comes back having broken it off. He buys a fixer upper home next door to Emily and as neighbors and co-workers, the two feud. But when they start needing each other, their not-friendship turns into something more.

This is the latest in Sarah Adam's rom com series set in the small town of Rome. It feels a little like the Runaway Bride. I liked the setting and all the side characters, but I didn't love these two and their relationships. I found lots of the plot points kind of dumb and just wanted something more. This was light and fun but it's starting to feel like Adams' books are all basically the same. This one is a nice read but not my favorite.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I couldn’t resist returning to Rome, Kentucky, so was especially excited to get an ARC of "Beg Borrow Steal" and enjoy another Walker sibling romance. This time, the story delivers a perfect mix of enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes that had me hooked - plus the banter is a classic Sarah Adams!

Emily Walker thrives on order and control, so it’s no surprise that Jack Bennett—her childhood nemesis—drives her absolutely crazy. She was more than happy when he skipped town mid-school year with his fiancée. But just when Emily thought she was safe, Jack comes back to Rome, single and sticking around for good. The dynamic between these two is full of sparks, banter, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction between them a delight.

I love when a main character is a romance reader, it feels like a nod to US! Thank you, Sarah and Random House, for another lovely story!

(A full review will be on my instagram @BeckaFreeWrites after attending a release event with Sarah Adams on January 15!)

emily and jack were such great characters because they were so relatable! i wasn't sure about the rivals trope when i started the book, but as the characters developed, i couldn't get enough! sarah's latest books have her
becoming an auto-buy author in my world!

Beg Borrow or Steal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much Netgalley, Sarah Adams, and Dell Romance for the LOVELY AND MOST AMAZING opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I am so happy I got to read and feel so warm and relaxed back in Rome Kentucky.

IM SORRY ??? SARAH??? This was absolutely hands down incredible. I gobbled it up and I loved every moment of it.

I am officially now a Jack Bennett fangirl. I have a new book boyfriend added to my list. He’s never leaving. He’s staying for a long time. I am just wow. I enjoyed his character so much.

Emily Walker, I also throughly enjoyed reading as well. Her personality and her aura was just the energy I needed to read. I also felt a little bit at home with her (which is funny considering she loves to make kids feel at home when she’s teaching her class, guess I felt like one of her students because I felt so at home with her)

I loved the slow burn, the banter, the characters, every flipping thing. I am just in awe. I knew this book was going to be good from the cover and title, but actually getting to read it before release and it being a BANGER and INCREDIBLE. Yeah I feel like the book gods must love me right now for sending me this opportunity my way knowing I would die for Jack Bennett.

ALSO, I highlighted so many things. I want to spill them, but yall will have to read and understand why I’m so down bad for this man. You will thank me.

always a good book when Sarah Adams is involved! i am so thrilled to be back in the Rome, Kentuckys series, this book is absolute perfection in every way! I read the dedication and immediately knew I was in for a treat.

Funny thing about requesting books from netgalley, I don’t always think to check if it’s part of a series 🤦‍♀️ I also don’t always realize it in time to get the first two books before reading the 3rd installment in time for pub date 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ BUT since Sarah Adams is an awesome writer and Beg, Borrow, or Steal is such a fun book, it didn’t really matter! I still absolutely adored this story.

Some facts about Emily Walker - she is fiercely protective of her siblings, she loves being a teacher, she has the cutest cat in the world, the people in her hometown of Rome, Kentucky would do anything for her, and her nemesis is Jack Bennett. A few facts about Jack Bennett - he moved to Rome recently after a broken engagement, his father is a narcissistic ass, he is charming AF, he’s secretly a best selling author, everything about Emily Walker drives him crazy. When Jack buys the rundown house next to Emily and begins renovations the two cross paths frequently with tensions building higher and higher. Except eventually what they both considered to be hatred starts to feel a bit like attraction.

This book has sooooo much chemistry! I loved how Adams took her time to build up this romance and gave us a glimpse into their college years for context. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is funny, sexy, and enjoyable in every way. I am diving right into the first two books because I want more of Rome asap!

I have been thrown right back into Rome, Kentucky and right into the arms of the Walker family and I am so happy. (yes, we get cameos from all our beloved previous Walker characters)

This town, this family, these characters just turn me into goo. I love them, this series, and this book so much. Happy pub day, Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

Absolutely loved this new edition to Rome Kentucky! Such a great enemies to lovers story with Emily and Jackson. I loved to see the addition of the main characters from the other two novels as well! Emily and Jackson are both school teachers that have had a battle going on between them since they went to the same college and obtain the same education degree. They are constantly competing and when he moves away, she has a slight twinge of what might be sad sadness to no longer have that interaction. Along with that, her sisters have moved out of the house and she is alone for the first time in a long time. But… When Jackson moves back sparks are flying and I loved the banter between those two. I can’t wait to see. Maddie‘s love story next.

Reading a book from Sarah Adams feels like cookies fresh from the oven, a warm hug from a loved one, a book in hand on a rainy day, and no plans on a peaceful weekend.

Beg, Borrow or Steal was a masterpiece. It had Sarah’s clever humor, lovable side characters which were the townspeople of Rome, a slow burn which was blazing by the end of the book, and two characters with very real life situations that many people can relate to.

So many times throughout the book I found myself relating to Jack’s situation with his narcissistic father and Emily feeling like she always needing to put on a strong front, even on her weakest days. Both of these characters showed such incredible strength in their own ways and to see them both overcome it was incredible.

Also, it would be a crime to not mention Jack and his glasses and candy necklaces. That alone deserves 5 stars.

I truly with all of my heart loved this book and I thank Dell Romance for gifting me a copy! I am forever grateful!

This book is amazing!!! I loved reading this one so much!! Getting to go back to Rome, KY is always great, and this was no exception! Emily's battle with her own emotions and needs was so real and raw, and I absolutely saw so much of myself in her! I just loved getting to see her grow and learn to rely on those around her more. And Jack was such MMC perfection! I loved that he had his own emotional journey that he struggled with, and wasn't afraid to open up about it all! These two had all the best banter, and I absolutely ADORED getting to watch them battle it out! And the Walker siblings never disappoint! Not to mention all the perfect Rome citizens! I love small towns like this, and seeing how they all love Emily so fiercely is so beautiful! I loved this one so much, and I cannot wait to get a trophy copy so I can read it again and tab it!! Maddie's book cannot come soon enough!! 5 stars; 2.5 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Small Town
- Nemeses to Lovers
- Meddling Siblings
- Secret Identity
- All the Banter
- Neighbors

Book Review: Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

This rivals-to-lovers romance is everything I hoped for and more! Of the When in Rome series, this one stands out as my absolute favorite. Emily and Jack’s chemistry-fueled banter, unlikely alliance, and the hilarious, heartwarming moments had me hooked from start to finish.

Sarah Adams perfectly blends humor, swoon-worthy romance, and small-town charm in this irresistible story. I couldn’t get enough of Emily and Jack’s journey—it’s a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances! 💕📚

ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher—Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine—for an honest review. 😊