There's a good chance this is my new favorite Sarah Adams' book...or maybe it's just the one I've read most recently- ha! I was so happy to be back in Rome (especially reading this during election week), and Emily and Jack's enemies to lovers story had me by the throat. Seriously, I read this in a day because I couldn't stop. The progression from enemies to lovers and the misunderstandings along the way were so well done, and the banter was excellent. Also, Jackson's beaded necklaces... RIP me.

4 Stars.

✨ The vibes:
- rivals
- Family dynamics
- Secret writers
- Flirty banter
- Book 3 in series; standalone
- Open door

✨ My thoughts:
This was cute and fun! I loved the chemistry between the main characters. I loved their rivalry, the motorcycle, the emails, and the Easter eggs from How to Steal a Million. And yall know I LOVEDDDD seeing a cutie cat named Ducky. Like stop right now. 🖤 I enjoyed this book but I want to note that it does not feel like the old Sarah indie charm that reeled me in years ago. She has a whole new tone and vibe that doesn’t resonate with her older books.

✨ If you’re not worried about explicit content-I think you’d really enjoy this one. If you are concerned about explicit content/ an exclusively closed door reader- continue on.

✨ This book is in a series that Sarah started as closed door and as it’s now gone open door, I can’t blanket recommend it due to varying reading preferences/ not knowing what you’re comfortable with.

✨ My biggest hang up for this one is likely regarding marketing and feeling a little mislead.

✨ Because I know some of Sarah’s fan base feels unsure (my dms reflect this), I feel it’s important to address the closed door/open door content on this one more than I typically do. I don’t think this book was made for closed door readers and I don’t think it should be assumed that you can modify it to work for a closed door reader.

✨ In the front of the book, Sarah mentions two scenes to skip for a closed door experience. I feel like it’s worth noting that there’s more you’d have to skip to make it a truly closed door experience. I think it’s misleading to go into this thinking you can have a closed door modified book simply by skipping two scenes, as I personally counted 5 that I’d consider to fall outside the closed door umbrella in addition to other elements that did not feel “closed door” friendly.

I’ll provide the info at the very, very end- so that you can make your own call. (If you don’t want any spoilers- don’t read the last noted section.)

Note- open door; language
Release date: January 7, 2024

Thank you so much to Sarah Adams, Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine; Dell Romance; and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

‼️ SPOILERS ‼️

<spoiler>
Detailed list of open door content: 

Chapter 16 - Talking through a sex scene for writing purposes “scene blocking” I think is what they called it (character is an author). 
Chapter 19 - Making out involving touching. (More detail than what would be in closed door IMO). 
Chapter 25&32 - sex scenes (Sarah mentions these two only). 
Chapter 36 - a shower together. 

* nothing seemed to last long - but I skipped over these scenes so I can’t  fully describe the detail added. 

Other random things throughout that I thought might give a closed door reader hesitation: Several mentions of “nipples”/“penis” that seemed unnecessary. Emily wore lingerie regularly; we hear about see through gowns often. Sex and orgasms are discussed. Madison’s lifestyle involves sleeping around and mentions being proud of sleeping with different men days apart and not caring what their names are (wording comes from book, not me). Relevant because I feel like the set up for a future book could easily go spicer than this one. Just a heads up. 
</spoiler>


*note- posted on bookbub, Instagram, goodreads, Storygraph, and barnes and noble. Links provided. Will be posted on Amazon after release date when Amazon allows me to.

I was excited to see a new book available from Sarah. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did not realize that this was apart of a series when I requested it. That being said, I will now go back and read the previous books. I loved the banter between Jack and Emily. I am a total sucker for good guy who falls first with tattoos and Clark Kent glasses. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

If you’re the oldest sister who always feels like you have to hold everything together for the family, this book will hit home for you. It’s my first time reading Sarah Adams's work, and wow, I’m hooked! The chemistry between Emily and Jack is chef’s kiss. Their long time rivals-to-lovers journey is packed with banter so good it had me grinning and giggling more times than I can count. I need more of them!

What I loved most was how real and relatable Emily and Jack felt. They’re flawed in all the best ways, and their growth throughout the story was so satisfying to watch. Add in the cozy small-town setting, the welcoming townsfolk, and the hilarious Walker siblings. Together, they give off cozy hug energy that I never wanted to end.

That said, the ending left me wanting a little more. It’s sweet, but it felt like it left out some critical emotional moments that could’ve made it perfect. Still, I had such a great time with this story, and I’m already planning to dive into more of Sarah Adams’s books. If you’re looking for a comfort read with depth and laughs, this one’s for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When you read Sarah Adams When in Rome series, you can immediately see how she captures the essence of the small town trope. From the sense of community, to the meddling characters, to the relatable everyday situations, and to the epic grand gestures, her books have a unique charm and Beg, Borrow or Steal is no exception. Emily and Jack, the two main characters, have been rivals since college but keep finding themselves in close proximity to the other. And the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to conceal their feelings. If you have been reading Sarah Adams for a while, you can see how much her writing has grown when reading this book. Then tension and emotional depth made their relationship come to life and she wrote the hottest non sex scene out there!

Read if you like:
-Work rivals
-Neighbors to lovers
-Two teachers x writers
-Small town shenanigans

Thank you Dell for the ARC!

4.25 stars! My Sarah Adams fan behavior continues!!!!!!! Rome and its residents are a soft place to land and this installment was no different. Emily is the epitome of eldest daughter, ultimate protector and defender. Her sheer love for her siblings was soooo palpable. Throughout this book you begin to see her realize that with Jack she can just breathe and let herself be messy and real and feel everything!! Jack my absolute angel was just as special. He immediately was there for emily who was consistently there for everyone else and found herself slipping into loneliness. It was a magical storm of these previous rivals realizing oh.. we see and understand each other on a level that can be scare to face because of the strength in vulnerability it takes. They take this leap and in the end it is just so endearing to see. They are just so perfectly suited for each other and I found the story overall to be engaging and despite the heavy subjects the classic Sarah Adams variety of sickly sweet with a truly tender heart at it's center.

Firstly, I wanted to thank NetGalley and Dell Romance Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review the ARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal.

This book is one of the easiest 5 star reads I have ever had. I have been a lover of Sarah Adams' books for almost two years now, and I can confidently say that her books get better every single time. There is something incredibly special about her voice, her ability to weave depth and darkness with a lightness and laughter that constantly balance each other out. I genuinely have no idea how I could have waited two more months before experiencing Emily's story, and I cannot wait to get my hands on my physical copy to annotate and tab to my heart's desire.

"I have to hold back ninety-eight percent of the time, and the two percent can still be too much for people."
Emily Walker's story is one that made me feel seen, in a way that I have never been able to articulate with words of my own. She is a woman who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, never unloading any of the weight that plagues her, but constantly taking on that of the people she loves most. She is a perfectionist, a woman who loves her routine and fears change in a way so many do. She is a woman who feels more deeply than anyone would see at first glance, but when taken the time to really see her, an entirely new universe will open itself up. Getting to experience her journey, which in reality began in the first novel of this series When in Rome, has been a gift. One that helped heal a part of myself I have struggled to mend on my own. I cannot wait for the world to see this glimpse into Emily's mind and heart. Watching her heal was the most beautiful part of this story.

"I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time."
I must say, Jackson Bennett, you have made your way to the top of my book boyfriend list (Top 10 to be specific). The way that man was able to make space for Emily, for ALL of her, was a gift that I hope everyone gets to experience with a partner in this life. There is so much depth to him as a character, so much history and reason under the surface he presents to the world. I think it is so important to have MMCs with emotional intelligence, who have respect and love for women, and who are able to put the world into themselves that they not only need but deserve.

It was beautiful to watch them grow together, to see the small moments build the stability and trust that they both needed to create their love story. I cannot wait for everyone to experience Beg, Borrow, or Steal because this is now my favorite Sarah Adams book ever written.

This story was filled with breathtaking quotes, ones that I can guarantee I will remember for a lifetime. Sarah Adams created a love story that made me laugh and cry, feel both understood and understanding. It was a journey that I am so grateful to have taken.

At the end of the day I left this story feeling happier than when I started, and I know that was her dream for this story.

Another good one! Emily's enemy, Jackson, is back in Rome after calling off his wedding. Emily can't stand him but realizes that maybe she should give him a second chance. Jack has a few secrets of his own, too. Could it effect their relationship?

This one is hilarious, cute, spicy, and heartwarming all in one.

I am ready for the next sibling in Rome to fall in love now!!

Long time rivals to lovers? Yes please!
I’ve been loving this series from Sarah Adams and this installment was so much fun. I adored Emily and her eldest daughter energy so much. And her chemistry with Jack was electric - lots of banter and fun sniping back and forth that made this book very readable. We got to spend a lot of time with the characters from the first two books, and an excellent set up for the final book in this series!

Content flags include strained parental relationships and parental death.

I voluntary read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Adams once again has delivered a laugh out loud book full of characters you want to hug and that are completely swoon worthy. I had the best time falling in love with Emily and Jackson, and seeing their relationship go from rivals, to enemies, to friends, to lovers. I can’t wait to read what will happen next in Rome, Kentucky.

Welcome back to Rome, Kentucky! This rivals to lovers romance is the perfect edition to Sarah Adam’s series!
Emily and Jack are perfect for each other the whole time, and they don’t even know it! Also, as an older sister, I related to Emily in certain ways. I think Sarah writes her characters so well that you can see yourself in them.

Read if you love:
- rivals to lovers
- small town romance
- books about authors

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Another Sarah Adams book that I could not put down!

Every book in this series has me proclaiming it is going to be my favorite…until I read the next. And Beg, Borrow, or Steal was no exception!

I have quickly become addicted to the Walker family and loved reading Emily’s story. Sarah Adams has a way of adding the perfect amount of details to set the scene and really feel immersed in the story. I find her writing so comfortable and satisfying.

The banter in this book was top notch, I laughed out loud more times that I can count at their witty back and forth during the feud.

I cannot wait for book 4 to hopefully finally get to know Madison and James!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5⭐

Emily and Jack are enimies that become neighbors. Both of them are 2nd grade rival teachers. Jack moves away with his fiance and has a break up which brings him back. He finds out he’s now neighbors with the girl who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited about—shaking up Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. When Emily accidentally sends a manuscript of her first novel to their school principal she needs Jack to help her get it back before he reads it. She has to learn to play nice and starts to realize that he isn't so bad after all.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House publishing to allow me to read this arc!

you know how everyone pretty much fell in love with “Nobody Wants This” because it was about a girl, who kinda (definitely) believed she was too much and really didn’t want to be, who found a boy, who felt she was just the right amount and wanted to tell her every day, and he said “I can handle you” and girls everywhere who had been secretly hoping that someone would be able to handle them, and not just handle them but delight in handling them, were able to let out the breath they were holding??

yea this book is like that. letting out a breath when you realize that even though you have some rough edges, some prickly parts, and some deep fear that loving you requires too much, you are not too much. you are the right amount. that you are wanted even when you’re not needed.

i think I loved watching Jack with Emily because it felt like with each word, action, moment he was whispering “I can handle you” and while she feared that she would come to the end of hearing that eventually, she never did. Jack for all the girls like Emily, please never grow tired of whispering “I want you.”

also, competency isn’t really on the list of hottest traits in a man but i’m think it’s probably should be.

This was incredible! Sarah Adams' stories are getting better with each book. She's truly becoming unstoppable! I can't wait to see what she writes in the next few years!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in the Rome, Kentucky series. I've come to love Rome so much! I have truly enjoyed my visits with each new book and I never want it to end - although I know it will! I loved how this story had a secret identity, multiple authors, feuding teachers, and so much more!

The emails between the main characters were perfect! Everything about this book was phenomenal. Don't just take my word for it = make sure you read this one!

6 STARS!!!!!!

Emily and Jack have hated one another for over a decade. Between their stint in college and their careers teaching together, they've become master nemeses. They've become very comfortable in their roles, not only with each other, but with everyone. But this summer, Jack has moved next door to Emily, and what follows shakes up every aspect of their lives. The intense feelings they've always had for each other start to morph into something else...something deeper. But are they both brave enough to change and accept a love more profound than they've ever experienced? You'll have to read to find out!!

What's NOT to love about this book?!? You have a fantastic ensemble cast, one who readers will be thrilled to see back and better than ever. It builds beautifully on the first two books of the When in Rome series while setting up the fourth and final installment seamlessly. The small town aspect is incredibly charming, especially after experiencing these characters in two other books. It felt like coming home! I really appreciated the humor, and the slow burn was done impeccably! That scene where they do "blocking" to help her figure out how to write a love scene?!? It's a MUST READ!!!

I really enjoyed getting to see the inner workings of both of these charmingly flawed and richly created characters. The dual POV was great. Another fun layer were the emails and text messages peppered throughout the story that go back to the very beginning of their relationship. We have two people who have been hiding themselves away, slowly and carefully peeling back each other's layers, and it was beautiful to watch. I highlighted line after line of gorgeous prose. Romantic, tender, and endearing. Adams' characters feel real. This isn't the first time I've closed one of her books, only to miss the characters afterwards. Can Adams go ahead and finish book four? (I'm ready, but at the same time, that means it'll be over!)

Trigger warnings: narcissistic parent, dysfunctional family dynamics, alcoholic parent (before story begins), death of parents in storm (before story begins), death of a beloved grandmother (before story begins), struggles with perfectionism

I'd like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, Dell, Sarah Adams, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This one was so cute! I loved it and I loved Emily and Jack from the very first meet-cute! The emails between the two main characters were a super cute touch, and the enemies to friends to lovers was just done perfectly!

I don’t think anyone will be able to beat Annie and Will as my fav Rome couple, but I still 100% recommend this one!

I just. Love Sarah Adams- her characters are quirky and unique and yet feel totally realistic. This may be my favorite I have read of hers!! I loved the story and the grumpy sunshine back and forth banter by the two main characters. If you like Abby Jimenez you will love Sarah Adams.

Beg borrow or steal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I could cry for how much I loved this book. Sarah Adams has created a masterpiece.

Emily is the eldest Walker sister. She is an empathetic sweetheart that is tough as nails! She is the elected Queen b and backbone of our favorite little town of Rome, KY.

The only person she cannot seem to get along with is Jack. Her college nemesis turned 2nd grade teacher rival at her school. The good news, Jack left town to get married and start a new life, far far away. The bad news… he is unexpectedly back and sitting in her favorite corner booth at the coffee shop!

One night, when Emily is less than sober and raging mad at the mere existence of Jack, she accidentally emails something racy to the school principal… So for the person that never asks for help, Emily has to ask the one person she loathes the most, Jack. The heist that ensues is hilarious, risky and just the game changer their dynamic needs.

This is one of the best books ever written!!! Everyone will love this book: the rivals to enemies to friends to more… yes!!! The quippy banter and verbal sparring are delicious! And LORD, the blocking… yes sir!

An unexpected favorite is the text message excerpts between Jack and Emily: they are so funny and really show the evolution of their relationship.

This was such a cute rom com with likeable and authentic characters. I immediately went to read all of the other While In Rome installments. I will recommend this small town romance series to other readers! I loved it.