Okay this is the third or fourth Sarah Adams book I attempt to read and I’ve come to the realization that they aren’t for me. I know she’s a fan favorite but I’m not a fan of the writing or the characters. Moving forward I’ll be skipping her books.

I’m SO excited to be able to ARC review the latest Sarah Adams novel! This book was gifted to me for free from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I LOVED the other two books in this small town series. I will admit to having likely overly high expectations. It was nice, and I certainly did enjoy it, but I just prefer the other two just a bit more. Something about this book seemed underdeveloped to me, not fully flushed out. I wanted to see a more defined storyline. The concept of being inspired by Audrey Hepburn films seems to have changed, and I missed the presence of the side character and lovable town folk that seemed to play I thought a much bigger role in the other two books. This book was heavier, more introspective and character driven. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, it’s just not what I expected based on the other work in the series. The shift in tone does means that when there is lightness and humor that Sarah writes so well, it shines through as we watch our MCs, Emily and Jack heal and overcome their past and traumas. This pair REALLY need to get therapy; I think I yelled that a few times reading. I think fans of the series will still find this a very satisfying new installment. Those who love to see the FMC with a few more thrones than flowers and extra baggage to unpack, this will be the book for you! And I can’t wait for y’all to meet Jack, a new favorite cinnamon roll; I really think you’re going to like this new book boyfriend, especially towards the end! I still eagerly await the next book already

This interconnected series is still super cute. I think Sarah Adams does a great job of writing cleaner romances that really draw you into the characters. I was very happy to get this as an ARC read because Emily is my favorite sibling, I relate to her the most. He constant want to push people away and not let people in but also make sure those around her are supported. I love the enemies turned friends to lovers in this book.

I highly recommend reading the other two in this series first as there are spoilers about the other couples and their relationships in this book.

We are back in Rome, baby!!! I was beyond excited to get an advanced copy of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams (huge thanks for @Netgalley + @Dellrom(check)) And no spoilers, but I ADORED IT! For those of you who have been waiting to go back to Rome, KY, this one is so dang worth the wait. I have been a Sarah Adams fan for forever & this one is definitely up there with my favs. Here are three of the many things I loved about this book:
♥️ enemies to lovers
🐈 cat named ducky
🍒 dual POV (and the emailsssssss, my fav!)
Needless to say I loved this one!!

✨The Highlights✨
. Enemies to Lovers ❤️‍🔥
. Coworkers 🍎
. Small-town 🏡
. Tattooed MMC with glasses 🤓
. Dual POV 👫
. 1 pepper for spice

✨The Feels✨
The tension in this book was Off the freaking charts!!! Now, all I can think about in life is blocking scenes with Jack Bennett—that man gets it. 😏 This story is sexy, witty, and overflowing with top-tier banter. Honestly, I’m tempted to say this might be Sarah’s sexiest book yet (but who am I kidding, it’s all subjective, right?). The flirting, the vulnerability, the personal growth… Ugh, it’s everything. I just could not put this down.

And Emily! She felt so real to me, and I honestly felt seen in her struggles with perfectionism and her abandonment issues. Jack was equally charming and I am just completely smitten with him. Honestly, I loved both of these characters so much. They’re just perfect together.

But the cherry on top—returning to the charming town of Rome, Kentucky, was like coming home. I missed all the quirky side characters. I’d give anything to spend a day there, sipping coffee at Hot Beans Cafe and diving into some of Noah’s pie. Just… take me there already.

In short: Romance lovers, read this book.

✨The Spoiler-Free Details✨

Emily’s world is turned upside down when Jack returns to her small town, fresh off calling off his wedding, and she finds herself battling her longtime nemesis again. But when a huge secret about Emily’s side gig is at risk of being exposed, she has no choice but to enlist Jack’s help. 👀

Sarah Adams writes the best cozy romances. I love the world of Rome, KY and the Walker family. I do wish the ending of the book was a little bit longer because I really enjoyed seeing all of the happy endings, but overall I really enjoyed this book. Anything set in Rome, KY is an auto-buy for me and I am so grateful to have received an ARC of this book. I am so excited for everyone to enjoy this book when it is released. The Rome, KY series is overall a 5 star series for me.

About Emily & Jack:
I love how they both find what they need in each other and become each other's safe space. They have both had to be the "strong one" and the "glue" in their families and it is so nice that they are able to find each other and supply the love that each other needs. I find each of the characters so relatable and down to earth. The banter had me laughing out loud while reading.

Initially it was a bit difficult to get into the book. I thought it was a little ridiculous as to why the main characters were initially "enemies". However, as the story progressed it picked up and was overall fantastic. In love with Sarah Adams humor. Another great book from her!

I always say that Sarah’s books are like a warm hug from your favorite aunt and this book is no different.

Emily is like a Sour Patch Kid (with good reason) and Jack is the perfect compliment to her. The banter back and forth and the side commentary from Emily’s siblings and the residents of Rome just make you feel…at home.

I read the book as a closed door option, so I can’t speak to the on-page smex, but Sarah handles her characters with such care so I am confident that those scenes were done well. I’m also happy to say that reading it as closed-door didn’t take away from the story and the connection between Emily & Jack.

Highly recommend this entire series to anyone who enjoys small town romance and a little (lot) bit of sass.

Having read all of the Rome series, I thought this was the best book in the series. The banter between Emily and Jack was top notch.

When in Rome Book No. 3 || Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams

I've been a Sarah Adams from her days as an independent author and continue to be amazed at the worlds and characters she creates. I say this every single time I read a new Sarah Adams book, but it's always true...In this case, Jack and Emily just might take the spot as favorite book/couple of the When in Rome series. They are such special duo!

A few things to know:

✨Fast-pacing that keeps the story moving along— keeps you on your toes and engaged every step of the way;
✨Witty dialogue and fun banter between Jack and Emily;
✨Glimpses at what all the other Walker siblings are up to and what's ahead for Madison's story; and
✨Slow burn romance packed with plenty of heat & spicy moments ❤️‍🔥

Summary: These two are enemies turned friends turned lovers as the two are reunited as teachers in Rome, Kentucky. Jack Bennett and Emily Walker have been feuding since college. But, after moving away with his fiancée, Jack has returned to Rome to teach a second grade class, alongside Emily. The two learn to coexist as Jack becomes her neighbor and she runs to him for help after sending her secret manuscript to the principal/boss. He's exactly the man for the job. Jack is carrying a secret, but as the two work together, they start to unravel that they're more alike than either of them realized. Could they be the missing puzzle piece in each other's lives? They just might be.

Normally, I love romances for the escape they bring but this one is so grounded in reality, which is refreshing. Because this is a love story that feels attainable. There's an ease and purity with these two, a rhythm so unique to them. While the other books in the series have felt a bit more dreamy and whimsical with a pop star and a pirate-esque bodyguard (which I also adore) for half of the lead characters, there's a completely different level of realness and vulnerability that is shown in this one.

"...Even if we were enemies. We were always supposed to be near each other" perfectly sums up the relationship between these two.

Sarah continues to grow in her craft as a writer and storyteller, and I cannot wait to see how this series concludes. Also sad (cue tears) but know whatever she comes up with next will somehow manage to even top this one!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I was absolutely thrilled to read this and can't wait for others to enjoy another trip to Kentucky next week!

3.75 ✨

Emily is that one sister who tries to hold everything together yet when it comes to her struggles/feelings, she prefers to bottle them away. I felt like I could relate to her in some ways.

Jack has my heart. His character was everything. The way he makes Emily’s feelings valid was so sweet. Him going through his own struggles as well.

Their banter was everything I needed.

I did feel like it dragged a bit after 50%. Overall I had a good time reading this.

Thank you netgalley for this arc.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams ARC Book Summary & Review
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Fast Facts:
—Genre: romance
—Tropes: enemies to lovers, small-town, academic rivals, forced proximity, fake identity
—Publication date: January 7, 2025
—My rating: 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Summary:
Every love story has its meet-cute, but what happens if the meetup isn’t so, you know, cute? That’s how you get your archnemesis story.
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Enter Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two rival teachers who now, much to Emily’s dismay, also find themselves as next door neighbors.
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They agree on nothing except the fact that they hate each other--always have, always will. But hate and love seem to be two sides of the same coin. The question is, which side will the coin land on?
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Review:
There are a few disclaimer warnings at the beginning of this book, but one warning it was missing was that it would consume my entire mental and emotional landscape, preventing me from completing any nonfictional responsibilities I had until I finished it, and even then it would Velcro, nay SUPER GLUE, it’s essence onto my heart for the rest of my life. Yep, that was the warning I was missing.
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Needless to say, I beyond loved this book. I sent into it thinking it would be a light, sugary read, and while it did proved ample levity, it also explored topics that were extremely real and weighty.
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Honestly, the reason it meant so much to me is because I related so vulnerable to both the FMC and MMC in different ways, and not just because we are all teachers. No, I feel as though I learned more about my own personality makeup and tendencies because of how Adams crafted these characters and broached these important topics: topics of people-pleasing, perfectionism, resisting change, depression, and perceived expectations, to name a few.
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I will 100% be rereading this book, which is something I virtually never do. I’m eternally grateful for Adams to have taught me more about myself through her words, insight, and characters.

In Sarah Adam’s latest effort, Beg, Borrow, or Steal, Emily Walker and Jackson, ‘Jack”, Bennett are arch nemeses. They have been feuding since Jack spilled a coffee on Emily on the first day of college. Emily is ecstatic when Jack moves to Nebraska with his fiancée. She is finally free of the thorn in her side! Six months later, Jack is back, without a fiancée. Time apart has softened the animosity between Emily and Jack, and they slowly start getting to know each other. When Emily makes a mistake that could cost her job, Jack steps in to offer his assistance. After years of bickering, pranking, and throwing each other under the bus, can Emily trust Jack to have her back?

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the first Sarah Adams book that I read. I have seen her books online and in stores, but with so much available content, they were easy to pass by. I’ve learned that was my mistake! Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a hoot! The characters are interesting and flawed; they don’t set some out of reach standard of perfection. I love small-town Rome, the Walker family, Emily’s cat Ducky, Mabel, and a host of other small details that provide the reader with a rich, warm setting. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a smart, cute, romantic story with a healthy dose of sarcasm thrown in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sharing this advanced review copy with me in exchange for my honest feedback!

An irresistible, unputdownable rom-com that perfectly blends heartwarming small-town charm with laugh-out-loud humor and steamy, sweet romance!

This story follows Emily Walker, who has loathed Jack Bennett for as long as she can remember. When Jack unexpectedly becomes her new neighbor, they find themselves thrust together more and more. Soon, Emily is put in a position where she must turn to him for help. What begins as a reluctant friendship blossoms into something much deeper than either of them could’ve ever imagined.

The dynamic between Emily and Jack is CHEFS KISS. Their long-time rivalry brought about the best banter I’ve ever read! The romance is steamy yet oh so sweet, making it the perfect balance of passion and tenderness. Just as well as together, these characters are so lovable individually. Jack, in particular, is the epitome of the PERFECT book boyfriend—charming, respectful, and just downright swoon-worthy! Jack Bennett has set the standard for all romance heroes.

Another thing to mention is the sense of community. The small-town setting of Rome, Kentucky, is a character in itself, full of quirky but lovable, nosy townsfolk who give this book its cozy vibe. It reminds me so much of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, which is HIGH praise in my book! Emily’s tight-knit family, especially her siblings and their spouses, adds another layer of warmth and heart to the story. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name—and your business—but in the best way possible.

Sarah Adams has once again exceeded all of my expectations. No one does banter quite like the queen herself!

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!

Curse this book for being in my top reads of 2025 only three days into the new year.

Words cannot express how much I love this book, but this is a review so I'll do my best. The chemistry between Emily and Jack is off the charts. I love them when they are enemies and I love them when they are friends and I love them when they are in a relationship. They have the best relationship period.

The characters in this book in general are stunning. There were so many moments where I was convinced I could actually travel to Rome, Kentucky because it feels so real. Even the side characters practically jump off the page. It's great to see the characters from the previous books as well.

As previously mentioned two paragraphs ago, Emily and Jack are actually perfect. Even when dating, they continue their bickering. I love love LOVE when authors continue with banter like that. I really appreciate how they communicate their issues and needs and work together to move past these things. They have their faults and love each other through them. This book is just so healing.

I cannot recommend this book enough, and I cannot wait until it's published so I can bother my friends with all my feelings about it. Thank you so much to the publisher for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I've never known how to love until knowing you."

I love Sarah Adams and I absolutely adore Rome, Kentucky, this was the perfect way to continue this series. I love this fictional town and all the people who live there, I wish I could go visit!

Emily and Jack have been in a a feud for years, their rival teachers at the same school. Jack ends up getting engaged and moving away, he doesn’t say goodbye to Emily and she can’t understand why it bothers her so much. Jack ends up moving back to Rome, of course he would buy the house right next to Emily’s, what could possibly go wrong?

I absolutely loved the banter between these two, it was the perfect rivals to lovers. I loved seeing all the side characters again as well, I love every character in this series. I think Sarah set the perfect tone, for the next and final book in the series. I absolutely cannot wait 😍

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC! 💖

First read of 2025 - this book DID NOT disappoint! I internally giggled and squealed throughout this entire book.

This book gave us:
- banter (rivals to lovers)
- small town shenanigans
- tension/slow burn
- found family
- a hot motorcycle ride and some sexy scene blocking (IYKYK)

I dare say this was my favorite book from Sarah Adams (and I believe I've read nearly all of her works). I'll definitely be listening to the audio version of this one too!

4.75 out of 5
There's even a little spice in this one (some of her other works are pretty mild)

Oh my goodness. It's hard to put my love for this book into words. Of course, I knew I would love anything Sarah Adams writes, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal did not disappoint. I could not put it down after I read that first email to Jack from Emily! I knew the banter was going to be unmatched from that point on, and it absolutely was!

Emily has watched almost everyone in her life die or grow apart from her. She's used to being the oldest sister, caretaker, and people pleaser to everyone around her. Because of this, it's hard for her to completely open her heart to anyone, as a way to protect herself. I saw a lot of myself in Emily, and I'm sure most of us can. So naturally, I was rooting for her and loved watching her bloom and open herself to love and trust.

Jack's story and life with a narcissistic father was all too relatable for me. Sarah wrote his story in such a satisfying way that I couldn't help but to love Jack even more. Because of his family dynamic, he too has trust issues and isn't able to show anyone his true self.

Jack and Emily are in forced proximity to each other for the summer (and foreseeable future) in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. Their competitive past with each other makes for such a fun read. As they discover that maybe they're not so different after all, their hate for each other starts to melt away. These two stubborn people have to learn how to allow each other in and realize that they both deserve to be their true selves, and can actually be loved despite of it.

This was a heartwarming and thrilling ride. There's almost nothing I love more than the Enemies to Lovers trope, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was a master class in that ;) I can't wait to go back to Rome one last time for Maddie's story!

“Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.”


THANK YOU NetGalley and PRH for the eARC.

ARC review

Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams @authorsarahadams

This is a classic boy meets girl… girl is jaded due to past hang ups and hurts… they become enemies… to lovers? lol

First off, I was in love with this story.
We meet Emily and Jackson, both teachers, and each the others nemesis… or are they?

When Jackson moves back to Emily’s small town after a failed engagement … will they survive working at the same school? In a small town devoted to supporting their own?

I loved this story! It was everything you want in a rom com. It definitely made me laugh, but also had me in all the feels. I identify with Emily and her desire to take care of others before herself. I also loved her story with Jackson. Pick this one up on January 7th on kindle or paperback!

This was such a cute third installment of the Rome series. I loved seeing how the characters grew and learned to understand each other while falling in love. Adams has so much humor and lightheartedness in her writing that it’s hard not to smile while you’re reading. this was one of my favorite novels from her, on par with The Rulebook.