Love love love. Sarah Adams has just been crushing it these past few years and this installment in the Rome, KY series is no exception. There is a fine line between love and hate and it is perfectly displayed between Emily and Jack. Emily’s struggles with accepting help, believing she’s worthy of love, and letting someone breakthrough her emotional walls was so well written it felt like I was describing my own feelings. Jack’s past with his father was somewhat predictable but still interesting to read about. I feel like we could have explored that area a bit more but this series is about the siblings and Rome, KY so I understand why we didn’t get that deep there. Despite my small qualms, this was exactly what I hoped it would be and I. Can’t wait for Madison’s story next.

I was so excited to go back to Rome Kentucky and the premise for this book made me even more excited. This book follows Emily and Jack. These two have a history that goes back to college and their very first interaction set the stage for a decade of arguing and competition. They both teach second grade and now Jack has moved in next door to Emily.

I loved getting to know Emily more in this book, her character was a bit harder to like in the first 2 books. But I understood her so much in this book and my heart broke for what she was feeling. I understood her fear of getting too close to Jack, but he just made it so hard for her to resist him. I loved the arguing between them, but I loved it even more when they started to become friends and share their secrets.

Jack is my new favorite book boyfriend. He was so sweet and funny and wears glasses! I loved how he pushed Emily's buttons, but also was there for her as soon as she needed help, no questions asked. How he was just so likable and LIVED for his arguments for Emily.

The banter in this book was so good, the chemistry between them was incredible. I could not get enough, I could've read another 100 pages easily.

This book also has so much emotional depth which I was pleasantly surprised by. They both had some emotional baggage they needed to work through and they confided in each other and I loved those scenes just as much. I felt like I really got to know these characters so deeply.

There is so much more I could say about this book I loved every single thing. I am even more excited for Maddie's story!

I honestly think this is my new favorite Sarah Adams book. (At the very least, it’s now tied with The Cheat Sheet!)

I read Beg, Borrow, or Steal earlier this month, and I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance, the red cowboy boots, and the laugh-out-loud banter.

I loved the vulnerability the characters showed one another. I also loved when they each had moments of understanding when they’d done something wrong, and owned up to their mistakes. Both main characters had a lot of growth throughout the book!

It was great to see some of the other Walker siblings again, as well as some of the other fantastic characters in the fictional small town of Rome, Kentucky!

Some favorite scenes include some careful breaking and entering to delete an email, the grocery store debacle, Jack’s conversation with Mabel, and Emily’s cry with Maddie. Oh, and the town struggling to do as Emily asked and try to avoid including Jack. It was hilarious!

Some super sweet and super fun moments. I gave this book four stars, and I highly recommend it! I’m going to have to reread The Cheat Sheet to see if it’s been beat or not!

An enemies to lovers story. I liked how it was told from both points of view. Looking forward the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC!

I absolutely adore Sarah Adams, especially her When in Rome series and I feel like they just keep getting better and better. She has created the cutest, tight-knit small town that makes you want move in and live with the characters each time you pick up a book in the series.

This romance truly helped take me out of a weeks long reading slump with its fun banter, cute email/text exchanges, and chemistry. The meddling community aspect was so prevalent and funny in this book which is a part of Rome, Kentucky we all know and love. But our main characters Jack and Emily really sold me on this book.

They are 10 year long rivals to lovers after a small mishap when they started college, but getting to see/hear how Jack actually felt during all that time, making sure she didn't leave the library alone and thinking about her non-stop when he moved away from her and the job they shared as second grade teachers. There was so much growth in BOTH of our MMCs as Emily learned to ask for help and adjust to living without her younger sisters in the same house, and Jack was able to combat some serious issues with his parents as well. They learned how to have healthy communication together and how to really love each other where they were.

Also, the sexual chemistry and tension was out of this world!

Read if you like:
- Workplace rivals to lovers
- He falls first
- Small town romance
- Close Proximity
- Lots of shenanigans

I did not realize how much I missed Rome, Kentucky and all its hilarious, quirky, nosey and lovely townspeople!

The When in Rome series is one of my favorite series that I am always telling everyone to read and Sarah absolutely delivered with Beg, Borrow or Steal! I want to be a Walker sibling and have Sarah write a book about me and give me a sexy, intelligent, kind, sensitive and witty man with all the abs and tattoos like Noah, Will and Jack 🥵 even though in real life I am a very happily married woman to a wonderful man who I love very much!

Emily and Jack have been enemies since day 1 of college which led to years of feuding and being rivals, always trying to outdo the other and hating each other’s guts. They both end up being second grade teachers at the same school where their rivalry continued until Jack left mid-school year with his fiancée but now he’s back after breaking off his engagement and unknowingly buys a house (because he finally wants to set roots in Rome) right next door to none other than Emily.

Sarah is a master at writing characters who are lovable even when they’re grumpy, and who are authentic, flawed and relatable and that’s exactly what we got with Emily and Jack. Emily is someone who I believe so many will be able to relate to and see themselves in her. She’s the second oldest Walker sibling and after their parents unexpectedly passed away when she was only 8, she was the one who found herself holding it together to be exactly who all of her siblings needed her to be to get them through the years. She’s someone who loves deeply and who is ready to help and save the day and be there for everyone. But she’s found herself in a season where her siblings are finding their partners or moving away to pursue their dreams and feeling like she’s not needed anymore. That loneliness led her to find a passion and a gift she didn’t know she had which is writing a very spicy romance novel.

One evening, thanks to a bit of too much drinking, Emily accidentally sends her manuscript to her school’s very conservative principal which could not only get her fired but would reveal her secret, steamy literary side hustle. She needs to steal it back and realizes that she’s going to need the help of none other than her nemesis, Jack. And this my friends, is the start of one of the best enemies to lovers romcom ever written!

Emily Walker has hated Jack Bennett since the very day they met, when he spilled coffee on her on the first day of their freshman year of college. Jack has taught at the same school as Emily for years and driven her crazy, and when he buys the house next door to her in Rome, KY she’d do just about anything to make him relocate. When Emily accidentally sends the manuscript for her steamy debut romance novel to their school’s conservative principal, her frenemieship with Jack takes a turn as she goes to him for help.

Rome, KY is just the coziest, swooniest small town around. I love this series so much, and Jack & Emily did not disappoint! I love the banter of an enemies to lovers romance and the banter here was on point. The chemistry between Jack and Emily was sizzling and I loved watching the tension between them build.

There was a lot of emotional depth to this too that really touched my heart. Seeing both Emily and Jack grapple with the losses they’d experienced in their lives made them relatable and real. Understanding the depths of their previous hurts allowed the payoff of their inevitable happily ever after to feel all the

I absolutely loved this book - perfect read to start the year! Jack and Emily have been rivals/enemies for years, but when he moves back to Rome, they end up reevaluating everything. There was banter, baggage, tricks, and then some extremely swoon-worthy moments. Jack and Emily truly understand and can care for each other in a way that is unique and just what they both need.
The first two books in the series were great, and there are fun appearances from those characters, but this book is my favorite.
Already looking forward to book 4, but I'll be sad to be done with Rome.

This is hands down my favorite book in the When In Rome series. I am absolutely obsessed with Emily and Jackson. They had such fun and playful banter in this rivals to lovers storyline. The shenanigans were outlandish but I didn't mind. Jackson is the definition of he falls first and a book boyfriend. I'm already looking forward to rereading!

This book was an absolute delight. I love a good rivals to lovers trope and Sarah Adams delivered on that. 𝘽𝙚𝙜, 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡 was total perfection. I fell in love with Jack Bennett + Emily Walker and their endless banter. They were perfectly suited for one another. I loved their romance, and I loved their humor. This series is truly so comforting, it feels like a warm hug. The sibling relationships and the found family are incredibly special. It tugs at your heart strings. I really am so attached to these characters, the main characters and side characters alike. Everyone is lovable, especially Mabel. Honestly, can I just reside in the small town of Rome, Kentucky?! I am obsessed.

I’m also very happy to report that the Amelia pancake saga lives on!! 🤣🥞

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

ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
🏘️ Small Town
❤️ Rivals to Lovers
📝 Hidden Identity
✨ Dual POV
💬 Top Tier Banter
🏠 Neighbors

Thank you to Sarah Adams, Dell Romance, and NetGalley for the review copy of 𝘽𝙚𝙜, 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡!

This is my favorite in the series so far. It has dual POV, lots of banter, and is just so much fun. There is a great balance between heavy themes and humor. I really enjoyed spending more time with the other family members and the residents of Rome, Kentucky. Really looking forward to going back.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book - oh, this book!

This is my favorite book in this series - BY FAR! And the first two books were great!

I absolutely devoured this story and related so much to Emily. Beautiful and heartbreaking depiction of grief, the effects of putting ourselves last, and having faith.

Read the series. Do it.

Beg, Borrow, Or Steal

Sarah Adams

Release: 1-7-2025

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer. Grow from your experiences, don’t let them smother the light out of you”

I adored this book. It was a little slow to start but once it got going? Great. The banter was delightful. This book is definitely for the ones who feel they can’t be loved for who they are beyond what they can offer in return, the eldest siblings & people who have a hard time letting others in. Sarah’s writing feels like a warm little hug & a comfy blanket. This book handles grief & mental health gently & well. Emily & Jack have a piece of my heart.

Tropes
🤍 rivals to lovers
💛 secret identity
🤍 grief Rep
💛 mental health rep
🤍 small town romance

Thank you to net galley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e- ARC for an honest review!

#sarahadams #begborroworsteal #bookstagram

Sarah Adams knows how to write the hell out of a small town romance book. Her small towns feel so loving and nosey, but still very realistic. I don't know what she cooks into these stories but they are so addicting. Once I started, I did not want to put this book down.

I am not going to lie, going into this book, I wasn't super excited. I really wanted Maddie's book next, because I didn't really connect with Emily. But only a few chapters into this book I was hooked. I really started love and appreciate Emily. Emily & Jack were so cute together. I love the enemies to lovers trope because I love the banter. Emily & Jack had great banter and I love that even as the story progressed and they caught feelings, they were still playful. Also, a shout out to Mabel. She is my queen. She is so loyal & funny, every book needs a Mabel.

There is a lot of love and humor in this story, but also deeper topics. The main character are dealing with grief, loneliness, and living with a narcissistic parent. These topics are handled really thoughtfully throughout the story. I do think the ending was a bit abrupt and wrapped up quickly, but it's not a huge deal.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is a story about Emily and Jack, who have over a decade-long history of rivaling in everything they do: from the first day of college, in their jobs as 2nd-grade teachers, to unknowingly becoming next-door neighbors. They can't seem to stay away from each other, no matter how much they want to. Their rivaling relationship evolves into friendship, then romantic, as they support each other's writing endeavors and personal struggles.

Emily's internal monologue and self-deprecating jokes about her awkwardness had me laughing out loud. I loved the old emails sprinkled throughout the book to provide insight into their relationship over the past decade.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is #3 of the When in Rome series, featuring the prior book couples as side characters. I didn't read the first two books, but the author did a great job giving context, and I never felt confused or that I was missing any key details. I will likely go back and read those, too! The author also set up the premise for the next book very well, and I'm excited to read it.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a small-town romcom and a good laugh.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for the early copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

I rated this book 4/5 stars, and my review was posted on my Goodreads account on January 4th, 2025. Link to review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6944301343

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

I only started the When In Rome series recently, and I have been hooked from the start. And getting Emily's story has been such a treat.

Emily is the perpetual eldest daughter in her life. She takes care of everyone, she buries her feelings, she does the most for everyone and everything. But she is embroiled in a decade-long rivalry with Jack Bennett, who gets her 100% unfiltered self. She finds a bit of freedom when Jack moves away with his fiancée, only to become even more confused when he comes back four months later, unmarried and single.

Told in dual POV that is interspersed with conversations that show you a glimpse into their true feelings, Emily and Jack realize that their rivalry was a thinly veiled defense mechanism. Both had been too hurt in their lives and too quick to people please to recognize what they really felt for each other. And it took their stubborn pigheadedness to finally get to a point where their competition became their biggest strength.

I loved these two characters so much, and Adams did such an amazing job with Emily's "weight of the world" actions and words. She would move mountains for you, but the thought of loving someone and being loved was the scariest thing in the universe. And Jack for constantly showing up for her. For understanding that she needed that kind of support so that she could learn to trust it. He is such an amazing counterpart to Emily and I wish these people were real just so I can cheer them on.

This may be the best book out of the whole series so far, but I can't wait to see what happens with Maddie (and James!)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Here comes yet another unhinged book review because I am OBSESSED with this book, Emily and Jack, this series (can I please move to Rome, Kentucky immediately?), and anything that Sarah Adams writes. Beg, Borrow, or Steal was just the absolute perfect read to start off 2025! I have absolutely zero notes, but to tell you to go read this book immediately, and if you haven’t read the others in the series – what are you doing with your life? The banter between Emily and Jack was amazing, were they ever truly “enemies” – because I think not. Ohhh Emily you sweet little porcupine, the way you eventually let Jack see you and your vulnerabilities – I just wanted to wrap you up in a hug. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect pair, and the way they “attack” each other and just see through each other’s outer shell – I’m gagged!

You definitely don’t have to have read the other books in the series, but you’re definitely missing out if you haven’t read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect – it made me so happy to catch up with Noah/Amelia and Annie/Will.

I literally squealed, kicked my feet, and had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book. Now I just want to get my hands on Madison and James’s story like STAT!!

If you can’t tell – I absolutely loved this book and will be telling everyone to go read it immediately from now until the end of time.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Sarah Adams and Dell for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

Well, I'm obsessed.

Sarah Adams’ Beg, Borrow, or Steal delivers a heartwarming, witty, and emotionally resonant addition to her Rome, Kentucky series. This rivals-to-lovers romance between two feuding second-grade teachers hits all the right notes with charm, humor, and heartfelt character growth!!

Emily Walker, our meticulous and guarded protagonist, has spent her life creating a structured world where she’s in control. As the oldest sister, she’s used to handling everything on her own. Her world is upended by the return of her nemesis, Jack Bennett, who left town with his fiancée only to come back newly single. Forced into close proximity as neighbors and colleagues, Emily and Jack are thrown into a delightful, tension-filled dynamic that crackles with chemistry and antagonistic banter that will keep you flipping pages!

Jack Bennett is a new favorite MMC for me! His sharp wit, sensitivity, and depth make him an irresistible hero! His return to Rome comes with emotional baggage and a need for healing that Adams handles with sensitivity and care. Watching him navigate his feelings and find closure was touching and rewarding. His interactions with Emily, full of humor and playful sparring, perfectly capture the spirit of enemies-to-lovers romance while adding layers of vulnerability and warmth!

One of the book’s highlights is its richly developed world. As the third book in an interconnected stand-alone series, Beg, Borrow, or Steal offers fans a delightful reunion with beloved characters from the previous novels while introducing new ones that add depth to the community. The small-town charm of Rome continues to grow, creating an immersive setting that feels like coming home!

The story’s dual point of view allows readers to connect deeply with both Emily and Jack, adding emotional weight to their journey from rivals to romantic partners. The enemies-to-lovers tension is masterfully balanced with moments of tenderness and humor, keeping the narrative engaging and the romance satisfying! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the audiobook is also dual narration and so well performed! both narrators brought Emily and Jack to life perfectly!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal also shines in Adams' treatment of deeper themes, including mental health, personal growth, and learning to lean on others. Emily’s journey from independence to vulnerability is beautifully depicted, showing that strength comes from opening up and accepting support. Jack’s experience of healing and rediscovering joy is equally poignant, making their love story feel earned and deeply moving in their support of one another!

The novel is filled with delightful elements—email and text banter, motorcycle rides, summer adventures, and the thrill of a workplace romance with a twist. The consent-forward approach to their romance and the authentic representation of emotional struggles make this story both fun and meaningful, and as per usual with Sarah thoughtful content warnings are provided for her fans that prefer to skip on page intimacy.

In short, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is an absolute joy. It combines humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry with skillful storytelling and unforgettable characters. Sarah Adams has delivered what may be her best work yet. Five stars for a romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the transformative power of love.

I absolutely adore Sarah’s books and this one did not disappoint! I loved the rivals to lovers aspect, especially when you see that maybe neither of them were as sold on being rivals as they let on. The slow friendship that Emily and Jack built was absolutely perfection, as they both let their walls down and pushed through their fears.

I laughed out loud so many times, cried actually tears also multiple times, and ended the book with a smile on my face (and already wanting Maddie’s book!!). The Rome series is my favorite of Sarah’s and this was another beautiful installment!

Another cute addition to the When in Rome series! Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley, Dell and Sarah Adams for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Enemy school teachers become neighbors and learn how to become friends, then more.

Definitely a vibe rater and this one was missing that 5 star magic for me for some reason :(. I related a lot to Emily, which is probably my fave part about this story! I loved the author storyline and thought that plot line was super well done. I really appreciated the spice as well ~ huge open door fan over here. Impatiently waiting for Maddie's book...I've had good luck lately of LOVING books with FMC's that share my name!

Series ranking: Practice Makes Perfect > Beg, Borrow, or Steal > When in Rome

Read if you like:
- rivals
- enemies to lovers
- neighbors
- books about writers
- minimal open door spice
- dual POV