I didn’t realize when I got this ARC that this was the third installment of an interconnected series. I will definitely be reading the first two because I’m hooked.

I loved the chemistry and dialogue between the FMC and MMC. Their connection felt authentic and the humor was perfect. I would’ve preferred them staying enemies a little longer but that’s just because it’s my favorite trope.

I did think the emotional aspects of the book fell a little flat. Both characters are dealing with family trauma/anxiety. While it was represented pretty well, Emily’s anxieties were introduce a bit abruptly that I almost had to catch up on her emotions. The ending also wrapped it up a bit too easily. Like Love Cured Then too easily.

Thank you to Netgalley, Sarah Adams and Random Publishing House group for the opportunity to review this book.

This was such a great addition to the story of the Walker siblings and the cute town of Rome, Kentucky. I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine and any version of enemies to lovers (in this case rivals to lovers). The underlying tension between two characters who seemingly hate each other but obviously really like each other was so well done with the banter and the emails sent back and forth. It added a cute, quirky element of humor while also building on the plot and how James and Emily eventually begin to mean more to each other.

With the Walker family history, Emily feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. I think the author did a wonderful job of describing how Emily is continuing to process her grief over time, and the pressure she feels to be the friend, sister, teacher and partner to all those she cares about. Jack's story of overcoming an abusive background and the pressures of feeling like you need to live up to someone else's expectations was also well written.

I've only read one other book in this series (Practice Makes Perfect) but I am excited to read more!

A fitting addition to the When in Rome series. This was all about contrast and conflict--the career choices, the enemies-to-lovers, the family dynamics (my plot quibble is that I would have like the family drama on both sides to be given more attention).

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and Dell for this arc!

When I tell you I squealed when I got approved for this arc, that was an understatement. I stumbled upon Sarah’s work earlier this year when I entered a Goodreads giveaway for Practice Makes Perfect. Once I found out I didn’t win, that didn’t stop me from seeking out my Libby app and was able to listen to both When In Rome and Practice Makes Perfect back to back. I realized immediately I vibe perfectly with Sarah’s writing and characters. For me, her characters always have relatable issues (Okay maybe not like Amelia being a pop star, but you get it).

I had initially been expecting this to be Maddie & James’ story, but I was pleasantly surprised to fall in love with both Emily and Jack from the moment I read their snarky emails being sent between them through their school’s work accounts. I love a good bickering every once in a while. And the academic and workplace rivalry taking place over T E N years was a different kind of hit for me. The pining and forced proximity were a win for me, too.

On a deeper note, Emily’s processing of her feelings of grief and how she’s the eldest daughter was like looking in a mirror. It hurt but made me feel less alone. Jack’ dealings with his narcissistic father was a punch to the gut. The balance between loving your mom and wishing she would leave, but having to create boundaries with the abusive parent is not an easy job. In my opinion, Sarah did both issues justice. This book had me laughing, jaw dropping (I’m looking at you, chapter 16), and crying. I couldn’t ask for more from a romance novel than what this one accomplished: a HEA and to feel all the feelings.

Sarah, so excited to see you again at Parnassus on January 6th!! Beg, Borrow, or Steal releases January 7th.

I loved Beg, Borrow, or Steal so much. Around the 35% mark, I felt this deep tug to Emily and really saw so much of myself in her. She is the embodiment of the older sister: always taking care of everyone around her and hiding her struggles from the people she loves so that she doesn't burden them. The bickering and banter between Emily and Jack was spot on. I loved the quick emails or texts between chapters, especially the ones from years ago. Their chemistry was perfect - Sarah set such a good pace for Emily and Jack building their friendship and acknowledging they've always had a spark of feelings for each other.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

I was SO excited to get access to an early copy of a Sarah Adams book. She is one of my FAVORITE "behind closed doors" romance authors. This is the perfect third installment for her "When in Rome" series. In fact, I'm ready to pack up my bags and move to Rome, Kentucky! This quote says it all; “And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

I'll be sitting by my door for the next week waiting for my preorder!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is a fun romantic comedy between two college rivals turned work rivals.

This story follows Emily Walker, a teacher starting her summer break, working on her historical romance manuscript, and bonding with her new kitten. She is shocked to find her workplace rival, Jack Bennett, sitting at her usual table at the local coffee shop. He had left Rome, Kentucky to move to Nebraska with his now ex-finace. Jack is charming and open whereas Emily is prickly and closed off. Tension increases when Emily discovers Jack has purchased the rundown house next to hers, making them neighbors.

Jack is charming and delightful from the start, trying to break down the emotional walls Emily has put up. Emily has great character growth throughout the book and deals with things she has not acknowledged before.

Jack and Emily have chemistry from the start and always have a quip for each other. At times there is a lot of focus on the physical attraction and I would have loved to read more of the emotional connection.

This is a fast-paced read, that will have you turning the pages to see what Jack and Emily will be up to next. It is always fun to come back to Rome and reconnect with the characters from the previous books in the series.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love you Sarah💕


I loved Emily and Jack so much💕, the fact that they have a “rivals/enmity” relationship for 10 years is totally crazy, I love it 🤣💕, their whole dynamic, the tension they have together omg, it was so good. (I love that they are neighbors🤣)
Also, the fact that he is a writer and she wants to be one (and she does) is really nice how they help each other. 💕I like them a lot. (I also felt identified with Emily's personality, I love her🥹)

I also missed my Walker family a lot, I LOVE THEM!! I'm so happy that they appeared a lot in this book, I love the siblings series and that they appear in every book.🥹

(My favorites are still Will and Annie, I love them so much and I'm happy with their content here🥰)

And I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MADDIE'S BOOK!! SARAH I NEED IT NOW!!😫😫

-Rivals to lovers
-Second chance
-Secret writers
-Feuding teachers (and neighbors)
-Small town
-He falls first


Thanks netgalley and Random House for the arc ✨

⭐️ 4.5/5

Okay, so, I was NOT ready for the feels this book threw at me. Seriously, I'm still reeling. Emily and Jack? PER-FECT 🤌🏻.

Like, Emily is the older sister soul, you know? Always taking care of everyone. I totally saw myself in her, it was kinda freaky. And honestly? Jack is her perfect match. He gets her, he sees her, and he actually appreciates her. That's huge. I want one of those, please and thanks.

Their chemistry? Forget about it. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat the whole time. The banter? Pure gold. And those emails? Don't even get me started. They were already head over heels, even though neither one would admit it. Classic.

I could go on and on, but I'll spare you. Fun fact, I started this series BACKWARDS (we listen and we don’t judge), lol, but this book is a total game-changer. I need to go and read the two previous books like, yesterday.

Huge thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending me the ARC!

Such a great read! I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this book. I have read all of the other books in this series and this definitely lived up to the expectations I had. I love how she develops the characters and unfolds the relationships. Great read, highly recommend.

📚 Book Review 📚
|| Beg, Borrow, or Steal ||
|| Author: Sarah Adams ||
Format: ARC ebook
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Read from: December 24-27, 2024
2024 RG: 153/150

When I got the email saying that I got the ARC I was EXCITED. And the book did not disappoint.

MCs: Emily and Jack

🐈 A cat named Ducky
🐈 Rivals to lovers
🐈 Neighbors
🐈 Forced Proximity
🐈 Secret writers
🐈 Small town
🐈 He falls first
🐈 Banter
🐈 Family drama

Emily and Jack have been rivals for over a decade. But the universe just doesn’t care because it keeps throwing them together. And now, Jack is back in Rome, Kentucky. And he’s called off his wedding to his ex. But he’s supposed to be in Nebraska, not moving into the house next door to Emily.
One night, the emotions and the wine intake are high and she accidentally sends the draft of her book to her boss. The one person who she can think is able to help her is Jack. And he agrees? Now where does this leave their rivalry?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

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

Sarah Adams never lets me down I absolutely love love love her. She brought me back to life after a really rough period in my life. This book was everything.

I loved this so much! I have not read the first two books in the When in Rome series, but I will definitely go read them immediately. I loved all of the characters and how they grew throughout the story. So much emotion in this book and I loved how the Walker family are always there for each other and encourage one another to feel their feelings. Jack and Emily are so cute and I love all of their bickering. Will recommend this for sure.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is another great addition by Sarah Adam's. Emily and Jack had great chemistry and I loved their banter. There were plenty of scenes that made me laugh and it just had such a feel good vibes to this story. I highly recommend reading all of Sarah's previous books in order and definitely check out Beg, Borrow or Steal if you want a great romance that will make you smile.

Emily's greatest fear that she’s been trying to keep under wraps is that everyone will leave her, like people in past always have. In love, in life and as her siblings find their own footing in life she’s feeling left behind. Her world is turned upside down when her nemesis, former college rival/ fellow teacher, returns to Rome to teach alongside her again. Now he’s her neighbor hammering in house after hours next door just to annoy her.

Jack Bennett, secretly successful writer and son of a best selling mystery writer, has his own reasons that brought him right back to Rome, and they have everything to do with Emily. When Jack finds out Emily has been secretly writing a spicy Highlander romance, he’s offers her advice, you know since his dad is a writer, to help her get her foot in the door. (Note: the scene blocking with Jack was hot!) In the process both of them begin to see the real people behind the banter and barbs. Maybe fate has brought them back together just like they always should have been.

I loved getting dropped back into Rome, Kentucky. But, this time with Emily Walker, the oldest sister of the Walker siblings. I was a little worried because I didn’t really connect with Emily in the previous books, but shouldn’t have been worried at all. Her quirks as the oldest sister and taking on everyone else’s worries felt very relatable. The rivals to friends to lovers vibe with them both brought the best banter. The tenderness Jack has for Emily that she doesn’t give her self is beautiful. He sees the soft heart underneath her hard shell. And the way Emily is fiercely protective over Jack and the people who have used and hurt him is precious. Both of them are bringing something to their relationship they’ve always needed.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and Sarah Adams for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

Yes yes and yes for this adorable and sweet book.

Very swoonworthy. I loved this book and might read it again in the future.

ahh i don’t even know where to start. i absolutely adore sarah adams and most of her books have been 5 stars for me and this one was no different. i loved this book and being able to go back into this small town that i loved so much. i will be reading all of her future books and recommending this book to everyone!!!

Thank you to Sarah Adams, the publisher, and netgalley for the advanced copy.

Emily and Jack are my new favorite book couple. The banter is top notch and I love the town of Rome, Kentucky. Sarah Adams is an auto buy author for me so I can’t wait for the physical copy that I preordered to come in!!

Oh, this book! Sarah does not miss and this Rome, Kentucky series has hit me right in the feels with every book. This one is no exception. We finally get to see inside big sister Emily Walker’s head, and honestly, it really hit home.

As the older sister myself and a bit of a control freak who tries to fix everyone’s problems, I felt a kinship with Emily. There’s something so real about wanting your siblings to have the world, but also being afraid they will go so far and leave you behind. Also, all the grief she is still clearly dealing with from the loss of her parents and then her grandmother. She is someone who had to grow up very quickly to be there for her siblings and I just wanted to hug her so many times.

Enter our MMC, her nemesis from their college days, Jackson Bennett. These two had tension and chemistry from the second they were on the page together, that much was clear. Jackson is dealing with his own family trauma and how that has shaped the way he looks at the world and interacts with people. The way these two were so much alike even while they were “hating” each other for a decade just made it so clear they were going to love HARD.

I adored this story and each book in this series always feels like coming home. Sarah has created such a fun and sweet little town and I love coming back to it. It will be bittersweet when this series ends, but I am beyond excited for Madison’s book!!!

Thank you to Random House/Dell and Sarah for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.💝📝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 (rounded to 4)
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the next installment of Sarah Adams’ When in Rome series, and after loving Practice Makes Perfect, I was so excited to receive the next book of the Walker clan! Emily is a protective eldest sister who is always taking care of her family and her community and will never ask for help or let her troubles show, and her nemesis Jackson Bennett (who wins over everyone he meets) is moving back to town after breaking off his engagement. Their college feud and competition to be better than the other is reignited when he returns to Rome to teach at the same school as Emily, and even moves in next door!! But is there something more behind their spats and banter?
Yall this was precious! Emily is so relatable (as an eldest daughter myself) and her inner monologue was so refreshing. Jack was the perfect MMC here to balance Emily out and their fun banter and antics were really entertaining and sweet.
“I think because when we would fight, I’d show you my absolute worst again and again, and you kept coming back for more. You never shut the door on me. My thoughts and opinions have always been safe with you.”
I just love the small-town romance that Adams writes, my only complaint is that I actually wished we had delved deeper into the mental health aspects both characters had, and had gotten a little bit more somber with the realities of their characters and not skirted over those issues. Overall, this book was DARLING and I am excited for the 4th book and would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance. 💝📝