Here's the thing: the first two books in this series are among my favorite contemporary romances I've read, and Sarah Adams is one of my go-tos. So I was so excited to read Beg, Borrow, or Steal. But for me, this one just didn't live up to its predecessors.

Emily and Jack are work nemeses. Or they were, until Jack moved away with his fiancée. She should be relieved. But the real relief is when he comes back to Rome, KY, wedding called off. Except then it turns out that he's purchased the rundown house right next door. Which means that it's war. Right? Or maybe war that turns into something a little different?

Right up front, I should probably say that enemies-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope. So maybe this book just was never gonna be my jam. But from the start, I found Emily and Jack and their whole thing more annoying than tantalizing. Childish, rather than sexy. When the switch flipped into lovers territory, it didn't feel totally earned or maybe it felt too obvious - I'm not entirely sure. I also found Emily's romance novel writing subplot to be weirdly shoehorned in, rather than something that felt uniquely and intrinsically hers. More like a pale copy of Emily Henry's Beach Read, meant to give Emily and Jack something else to be opposites about instead of a subplot that fit. And where Rome, KY really sparkled in the first two books, it felt a little less unique in this installment (except for Mabel, who remains A Star).

I think without the knockouts that were the first two books, I would have probably been neutrally positive about this one. But with the bar set so high by those five-star reads, this one just couldn't compete. Still, it's a solid contemporary romance, even if it doesn't sparkle.

3.75/5

First book of 2025 and it's a 5 star read !

This follows Emily and Jack and the first time they meet Emily cannot stand him. He is now coming back to Rome, Kentucky and is moving in right next door. When push comes to shove, Emily ultimately needs help from Jack and they are going to create a "friendship".

When I tell you I was giggling, kicking my feet, and crying at the same time I am not joking. There are so many quotes that I highlighted that had me swooning. I am OBSESSED with Jack. His one liners and how he was able to get under Emily's skin so quickly had me cackling. I loved Emily's character soo much. Her hard exterior but how mushy she was on the inside had me melting for her. I love this small town and being immersed into this world.

PLEASE give me book 4, I deserve it we share the same name

🗓️ 01/07/2025

Rome, Kentucky. Oh, how I have missed you!!!

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the third in the When In Rome series featuring the eldest sister Emily and her college nemesis, Jackson. They go on to work at the same school as educators and frenemies who know exactly what buttons to push. Jack decides to relocate, unknowingly next door to Emily and the sparks and competition fly!

I love the whitty banter between Emily and Jack and the tender relationship they eventually develop. Learning you have more in common than you originally thought can bring you closer together but both have secrets they hold deep in their heart.

You know you enjoyed a book when you feel like it ended too quickly but excited to read that there’s another siblings story in the way!

Thank you @netgalley and @dellromance for a eARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#begborroworsteal #sarahadamsauthor #netgalley #dellromance #romekentucky #romekentuckyseries #arcreview #kindlereads #firstbookof2025 #bookreview #newrelease #bookstagram

The best book to end 2024 with. The series just keeps getting better with each book, I think Emily’s book is now my favorite. The rivalry was chef’s kiss good, so many good insults were thrown I was laughing so hard.

First read of the year and it was the best choice.🥰 Sarah Adams is the goddess of romance and I will bow at her feet! 🫡
Seriously though, this may be my absolute favorite book by her! I was hooked instantly and was a giggly mess throughout the entire book. I loved both the main characters and their banter was 🔥. Their feuding relationship to friendship to love was done so perfectly that you won’t want to miss this story. HIGHLY recommend!
Forever wishing I could go to Rome, Kentucky 🫠

🥀Dual POV
🥀Rivals to lovers
🥀Forced Proximity (neighbors)
🥀Teachers AND Secret Writers
🥀🔥Banter
🥀Perfectionist FMC
🥀Small Town Romance
🥀3rd book in the series!
🥀How to Steal a Million Vibes

Thank you for an advanced copy of this book ❤️

4.50 stars

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The town of Rome gets it's own star in this rating because I am obsessed with this town! She has perfected the small town Gilmore Girl vibes, but made the characters memorable and their own. These books would not be the same without them and all the tom-foolery they bring.

Now Jack and Emily. JACK AND EMILY. This is my favorite couple. Sarah Adams brings some realism into each book as we dig deeper into some inner struggles with each Walker sibling, as well as the love interest. Personally for me, I felt more connected to Emily and Jack's struggles and fears individually more than any other character so far.

"When there's nothing but gaping darkness, the word alone seems to pulse around me. It's a salivating monster in every corner."

I love the pace of relationship progression and Jack was at times literally swoon-worthy. I can't wait to get glimpses of them in the next book because I wanted more!

"I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time."

This was the perfect first read of 2025.

4.5 ⭐️

Oh how I love this series, these characters, and the town so much!!! It was a delight reading Emily and Jack's story. I always say Practice Makes Perfect is such a special book to me because I relate to Annie so much, but wow was I surprised to relate to Emily's sadness and struggles. Their struggles may be painful, but they are very relatable. I think this book will not only allow others to feel seen but bring them comfort as well. Watching Emily and Jack's feelings and relationship develop was a treat. JACK THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!! I wish one day I could wake up and visit this little town 🥲🥹

It's bittersweet that there will only be one book left, BUT I have a suspicion about who it follows and if I'm right, I'm already excited. Sarah, you have done it again! Thank you for creating such a comfort series for me. I'm so thankful and honored to have read this early ❤️

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC 💓

If there is one thing that I’m always sure of in life, its that I will love a book by Sarah Adams. I absolutely adored this trip back to Rome!!! Two writers and teachers with years worth of tension… sign me up! Emily and Jack are absolutely everything!!!

Both Emily and Jack’s characters are incredibly well done, written in a way that makes you want to peel back the layers of their personalities & get to know them. Both of them carry so much depth and so many lovely qualities, you cant help but fall in love with them and want to give them the biggest hug.

Emily is such a lovely fmc, who i think so many readers will be able to relate to! Emily is someone who may come off a little prickly, with her walls built up high from hurt and loss in her past, but at her core, she is just someone who wants to be loved for exactly who she is. She loves deeply, is incredibly loyal, kind, smart, and funny. She needs to be the one everyone leans on, even herself, and I absolutely loved getting to watch her grow. I loved getting to see her be vulnerable and find a shoulder to lean on in Jack. I loved seeing her open herself up to love and the undeniable fears that come along with it. She is so special and so wonderful, I love her!!!!

Jack is soooo GOOD. His charming and easily lovable exterior leads the way into his witty humor and his kind, caring personality. Jack is steadfast, determined, and filled with depth that was so fun to discover. His relationship with his father, his journey as a writer, his old relationship, and everything in between made me want to give him a big hug. I loved his vulnerability, getting to see him grow alongside Emily was so special. I love love love him!!!

Emily and Jack’s dynamic is so incredibly enjoyable. The banter, the chemistry, the tension built up over the years… SO GOOD. I absolutely loved getting to see them tear down each other’s walls, being exactly who the other person needed, challenging and pushing each other to be the best they can be. The bond that they share is so beautiful and filled with so much love, care, comfort, and gentleness that it makes me want to cry my little eyes out. Please dont get me started on the scene blocking moment… I will never recover. Thank you, Sarah Adams.

Overall, I can’t recommend this one enough. It was such a fun time, easy to read and fall in love with, & I mean… who doesn’t want to go back to Rome???

I was so so excited to receive Beg, Borrow, or Steal as an ARC and it was amazing!! I absolutely love this series and suggest starting at the beginning with When in Rome. Sarah Adams is a talented writer and her stories are quick and easy to digest. I loved the banter between Emily and Jack and how their relationship developed in this book. The small town of Rome, Kentucky is so homey.

I loved this book. The banter between the characters was great. I loved how they supported one another. I've lived all the Walker books and can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It is entirely my fault that I read the third book in a series, thus spoiling some things from the first two books. With that being said, this could 100% be read as a standalone.

Meet our two main characters, Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett. Emily lost her parents at eight years old and helped her grandmother raise her three siblings, until she too passed away. Jack is an only child to famous mystery author Fredrick Bennet, who is not the same person he presents himself to be behind closed doors, causing a lot of stress within their family. Emily and Jack meet in college, when Jack quite literally bumps into her. Naturally, they spend the following years sparing and competing, eventually ending up as teachers at the same school in Rome, Kentucky. When Jack moves away and then back, the pair discover that perhaps they don't hate each other after all. As friendship blooms, they navigate this new territory while dealing with their own secrets, developing feelings, and past heartbreaks.

I thoroughly enjoyed these characters and as individuals. Their banter was fun and their love sweet. I enjoy Sarah's writing style and found this book a quick and easy read. Would definitely recommend, but perhaps start at the first book in this series if you haven't read it already.

BEG, BORROW OR STEAL - SARAH ADAMS
5⭐

PLOT
Book 3 in When in Rome series - Emily the big sister in the Walker clan 's world is disrupted when her fellow school teacher her nemesis Jack has called off his wedding and has returned back to her town and is here to stay by buying her next door house.
Jack is working on his next mystery novel and he is excited to thwart Emily and her petty plans.
When Emily accidentally sends an email to her schools principal of could jeopardize her job and reputation as it could reveal her secret literary side hustle for which they never saw coming?

MY THOUGHTS -
Sarah Adams has once again done it! Her writing keeps getting better. This one has the perfect banter leading to sizzling chemistry, well developed characters and their respective growth. Vulnerabilities of both Emily and Jack are depicted so well that they are very relatable.
As with her previous book this one isn't closed door but a bit of spice in this one left me very happy.
P.s - we do get further insight into Noah and Annie's story too!
Highly recommend reading the entire series!!

Ahh, the eldest sister trope once again hits me right in the feelings with this one. One thing I consistently love about Sarah Adams is how she's able to make every character so relatable -- whether they're a pop star or a 2nd grade teacher. Emily, as the oldest sister in her family and caretaker of everyone, made me feel so seen in this book. And the tension!!! Off. The. Charts. This was a lovely read with two characters fighting to overcome the circumstances of their youth and to be their own people, while still trying to find the love they deserved. Absolutely wonderful!

This book is absolutely adorable. It’s charming, it’s sweet, it’s tender, it made me laugh, and feel giddy - all the things you want from this genre! This book is about two rival elementary school teachers in a small town who by crazy happenstance end up as neighbors. Their journey from nemesis to friends to more is lovely. I love this series, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal does not disappoint!! 10/10 would recommend.

I love Sarah Adams. I don’t think I’ve had a book of hers ever disappoint me and this might be my new favorite. She’s so good at writing insecurities, vulnerability, and building up great tension. Beg Borrow or Steal was no different except we had some pretty great banter added in!

Emily and Jack were so great together. Their banter was fun, funny and just everything I needed when I was reading this. I loved seeing their past interactions and how all the tension came to be. Emily is a beautiful character with so much emotion it’s hard not to love her and Jack is her perfect counterpart.

I can’t wait to go back to Rome for the next Walker sibling!

The following review will be posted on Amazon on January 7th .

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this DRC!

Sarah Adams is quickly becoming one of my “if she writes it, I’ll read it” authors. And she did not disappoint with this third installment of the When In Rome series.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal follows the eldest Walker sister, Emily and her nemesis, Jackson. These two bickering second grade teachers must put their fighting aside to retrieve an email their Elementary School principal was never supposed to see.

I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant to start this book because I didn’t know if I was ready to part ways with Annie and Will from Practice Makes Perfect, but I am so glad that I gave Emily and Jackson a chance. I finished much of this book in one sitting.
Emily, the fixer, and Jackson, the people pleaser, are both well-developed characters. The story is an entertaining read with a touch of spice and heartwarming moments that make it a delightful addition to the series.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to Rome, Kentucky just yet!

I absolutely loved this book! Sarah Adams just keeps getting better and better. Emily and Jack have amazing chemistry, the banter is 10/10, and both characters have so much depth and growth. I loved getting to know Emily more in this book and seeing her struggles with grief and allowing others to take care of her (while she is always taking care of everyone else). I identified with so many fo her struggles and see so much of myself in her. Jack is a great addition to the beloved characters of Rome, KY. He is caring, thoughtful, and fits right in with everyone else we know and love from the series. I devoured this book and did not want it to end.

Back to Rome, Kentucky for Emily’s story and the third book of the series. It’s a slow burn, rivals to lovers (they have “disliked” each other since college and are both second grade teachers at the same school), with some forced proximity (he moves into the only house available in the whole town, which is of course next to hers). Emily and Jack both had trouble sharing their true selves because of past experiences and losses, and a Jack’s agreement to help retrieve an embarrassing email forces them to work together. The bickering was delightful when they were pretending they were not into each other. The way their relationship developed was sweet, but some parts of the story felt a little clunky. It’s not my favorite of the series, but overall it’s a super cute small town romance that is worth reading!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Sarah Adams is one of my favorites and was so excited to get the opportunity to read this book.

typing this with the happiest tears in true Emily fashion.

As a self proclaimed fixer and big sister this book hit home in so many ways!

I had the chance to read “Beg, borrow & steal” as an ARC read with NetGalley and while I’m not normally a big romance reader, I’ve never been happier to have a chance to read a book like this.

Emily- you’re me, just 10 years ago. Stubborn, type A & in desperate need of someone that just gets you

Jack- any woman would be lucky to have someone so attentive but that can also give them all the true banter & shit they need 😉

This book was incredible & I loved our main characters as much as I did the side characters. Not only do I need to go back and read Noah & Annie’s stories…but I have a feeling Madison and James are getting a story and I can’t wait to read it!

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Sarah Adams for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book #3 in the series and I was surprised that I think I liked this one the best so far. Enemies to friends to lovers is such a good trope but can be difficult to pull off and this one worked for me.

Emily came across controlling (since she fills in for the mom role with her siblings) and closed off so I wasn’t sure how her story would go but learning more about her was very eye opening. I loved her self reflection and would love if she would have embraced a little professional help considering all she’s been through.

Jack was a really fun character as well and loved how he not only held his own against Emily but pushed her buttons and could read her so well. Thrilled we got to know how he decided to address his father’s announcement (who is a terrible human).

Sarah Adams is known for closed door romance but cracked the door a bit on this one and I was. Here. For. It. In my humble opinion, it helped understand the connection between Emily and Jack.

Tropes:
Small town
Enemies to friends to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity (neighbors)