5 beautiful stars

Being back in Rome, Kentucky was everything i hoped for. Emily and Jack have some of the absolute best banter. You can feel that tension building slowly, making it so delicious when it comes to a head. Emily had been so strong for her siblings after all of their loss. Jack is determined not to fall into the likes of his narcissistic father. These two gave me all the feels.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

After Practice Makes Perfect, I had completely fell in love with this series and couldn’t wait any longer to go back to Rome. Emily and Jack were truly unforgettable. The story, the build up, the love, EVERYTHING. I never got sick of them and honestly started reading it slower in fear of it ending. I never have truly related to a character more than Emily. As a teacher and wanting to feel loved, Emily was such a comfort character for me. Not to mention the little continued storyline of Annie and Will. This book was truly perfection.

This is easily my favorite book so far in the "When in Rome" series. I am a sucker for a good enemies to lovers romance- and this one did it for me. Sarah Adams can do absolutely no wrong. I felt so happy being back in Rome, Kentucky wishing I could be part of the community.

I loved seeing their character development throughout the story, and just seeing the raw and true emotions. Jack is my favorite- there I said it. He really won me over and I just don't know how you can do better than Jack.

I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy so I can proudly display it on my bookshelf and re-read it so I can annotate it.

This was one of the most incredible, heart-warming romance books I’ve read in a while. Sometimes the enemies to lovers trope can be a little cheesy, but this story was perfectly crafted.
The transition of being enemies to being friends is very sweet and genuine. It’s almost as if Emily and Jack didn’t really “know” each other for all those years when they were feuding all the time. Now that they are breaking each others walls down and slowly becoming friends, they realize that feuding is silly and there’s a caring person on the other side.
The adorable small town vibes depicted in this story make you want to transport right to Rome, KY where everyone knows everyone and constantly supports each other.
The character development throughout the story is fantastic - you truly form a connection to the main characters and experience a slew of emotions as they grow. Emily and Jack have some traumas from their past, but through their newly discovered friendship and budding relationship, they are helping each other heal.
Sarah Adams does an incredible job depicting the relationship with a narcissistic parent. The ending where Jack’s father takes credit for his accomplishments and reveals his secret for the world without his consent had me audibly screaming. I’ve never hated a fictional character more in that moment. And that’s just a testament to how well Adams pulls you in to the story.
And possibly one of my favorite parts of the story were the entertaining and loving sister dynamics. The sisterly love we experience through the eyes of protective, older sister Emily constantly reminded me of the relationship with my sister. It made me smile and cry happy tears numerous times through the book.
I couldn’t have asked for a better book to wrap up 2024.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this spectacular book!

There's just something about a Sarah Adams Rom Com that just hits for me. I think this one hit harder because I feel like there were certain parts of Emily that I really related to. Jackson Bennett is going to make a great addition to the Walker family. I will say too I love Sarah Adam's side characters so much, the whole town and their love for the Walker family. Mabel is also an absolute fav in every Rome book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dell and of course Sarah Adams for this ARC. It was a delight to get to read these pages pre release! I can't wait to get my pre-ordered copy on pub day!!

A book for all elder sisters everywhere.

I absolutely loved Emily and Jack. Rivals to lovers set in Rome KY with lovely appearances from the rest of the Walker clan and their significant others.

Both Jack and Emily are fierce and protective of their loved ones and when they have a not so meet cute in college it sparks and years long bickering and prank war. After Jack moves to Rome and enters Emily’s immediate social circle again she begrudgingly starts to warm up to him and wonders if she ever really hated him at all.

Much of Emily’s internal monologue gave me 10 things I hate about you vibes.

Can’t wait for Madison and James’ story.

Rating: I really liked it!
Pub Date: 1/7/25
Series: When in Rome

Boy do I feel spoiled and lucky! Thank you Dell Romance for this package! I was crossing my fingers and toes that I would get it! You may have seen us begging for a copy lol, happy to report I did not have to steal, or borrow and not give it back.

BBS is a rivals to lovers story between Emily Walker and Jack Benett, two teachers who have been rivals since they both can remember. Emily thought she was safe when Jack moved away to be closer to his fiance, but when it turns out they broke up, and he was moving back, into the house next to her, she began to release how unsafe she was from him, and his good looks.

I have to say, this book will go down as forever having the best STEAMIEST, NON STEAMY scene ever. Sarah writes tension like no other, and this book just did it so perfectly.

Each book gets better and better and I can’t wait for us to get to know the next Walker sibling.

Read if you like:
Work Rivals
Neighbors/ Close Proximity
Writers
Small town/ Meddling side characters

Oh the way I loved this book so much!!! Rivals to lovers, teachers, next-door neighbors, small town!! These tropes were insaneee and I ate them up. The banter? TOP TIERR!! I was seriously giggling and kicking my feet at some of the things Jack said to Emily omg. This was such a fun time and still have the emotional depth that I love in romance books. Sarah Adams really knocked this one out of the park!

Emily!! My girl. I seriously related to her to my freaking core! As the tough-on-the-outside, oldest sister who really just wants to be loved for who she is, I definitely saw so much of myself in her. Her character growth in this was everything to me and I loved the way she finally felt comfortable enough with someone to open up and express her feelings. She is me, I am her!!!

No because what do you mean Jackson Bennett doesn't exist? He truly is the most perfect man. I was soooo obsessed with him! He is so sweet, caring, an amazing listener, and is devoted to those he cares about. I loved the way he could truly be himself around Emily and how much he respected her as a person. I wish this man existed in real life omg because I need him BAD.

Everyone deserves to experience the love that Jack gives to Emily!! I honestly loved the way both of them were writers too and how they pushed each other to become better while maintaining the necessary boundaries. I think this is one of Sarah's most developed and mature couples and it really showed throughout the book. Emily and Jack's growth individually and collectively was so good and I really had such a great time reading their love story. The emails/messages were SO MUCH FUN! They're some of my favorite parts of the book. I cannot wait for this book to be released so everyone can experience the amazingness of Emily and Jack!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Dell for the ARC of this beautiful book.

This was a great rival to lover's romance. I enjoyed visiting Rome, Kentucky again. Emily and Jack were perfect main characters. Their chemistry was undeniable. The constant bickering was entertaining. Never a dull moment. When Jack becomes Emily's next-door neighbor the story really picked up. One of my personal favorite things about the story is seeing Emily's siblings and townspeople take part. It was hilarious to see the town pick sides. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the third book in the When in Rome series, and while you'll see some familiar characters, I do believe that this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well. It is important to note though that while the previous two books in this series were closed door, this one DOES have a few open-door scenes. As a closed-door reader, I appreciated that the author let readers know which chapters to skip to avoid those (and skipping those didn't make me feel I was missing anything in the storyline) so I could enjoy finishing out this series that I've enjoyed without the spice that I don't. I will say however that there was one additional chapter (16) that I probably would have added to the skip list as well. There was definitely some more innuendo and language than many of the books that I typically read, but I would say it was for the most part fairly comparable to her other most recent books. All that said, this was a super cute and fun read--- I loved the banter between Emily and Jack just as much as the chemistry... and there was certainly plenty of both. The emails and texts between some of the chapters were such a great addition, and I especially enjoyed those that they didn't actually send. While I think I've enjoyed several of her previous books more, this was an enjoyable trip back to Rome, Kentucky and I am looking forward to the final book in the series.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Dell Romance, NetGalley and PRH Audio for the ARC and ALC.

I know it is early to say this but this book may very well be one of the best romance books of 2025. Seriously, I fell head over heels for this novel! And I'm sure I say this every time as well, but this may very well also be one of my favorite books in the Rome, Kentucky series by Sarah Adams as well. But I am sure I'll probably say that about the next book as well. LOL. :)

I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley and Nelson Hobbs. I think these two voices were a match made in heaven so to speak. Seriously, I loved their voices together.

I highly recommend that you don't sleep on this book...trust me you will love it!

Many thanks again to NetGalley, Dell Romance, and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC!

What a delight to return to Rome, KY! And this was my favorite trip yet. I was eagerly anticipating Emily’s story and it did not disappoint.

This installment of Sarah Adams “When in Rome” series follows the oldest Walker sister, Emily, who is always taking care of her three siblings. She is a second grade teacher and secret aspiring romance writer who has had a decade long feud with her nemesis, Jack Bennett. The preciousness of the Walker family dynamic and their love for each other, the quaintness of Rome and all the salty, yet lovable characters in the town are back with a hint of enemies to lovers with a sweet as pie backdrop of Rome, KY. This book also expertly dealt with some heavier topics like childhood trauma while keeping Adams signature positive, happy guaranteed HEA style. Cannot recommend this highly enough!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This has become my favorite Sarah Adams book ever. Just when I thought Annie from Practice Makes Perfect was the character I related to the most, along comes Emily and I’m absolutely floored. I have NEVER resonated with a character and seen so much of myself in a character until this book. I connected to this book right off the bat from the dedication. I tend to give out five star reviews often but I honestly believe that this book changed my life. It’s a love story, of course, but it’s also a story of change, following your dreams, and learning self-love. I want to cry just thinking about it. This is my favorite read of 2024. There’s no doubt about it. It made me so happy to see all the characters together. Emily and Jack have my heart forever and ever. I cried at multiple points throughout the book and then again when it was over. I cannot wait for everyone to read this in January and give it the love it so definitely deserves.

I haven't read any of Sarah Adams's books before, so I don't have the attachment to this setting or the series characters that other readers may have. However, I still really liked this story and thought that it managed to be a charming, funny, cute romance while having characters that have big things in their lives that impact how they go through the world and the story is honest about those effects. I will absolutely go back to read other books by the author.

I had a hard time getting into the book, it was a little all over the place and some of things that occurred left me wondering why it was even there (ie: the whole principal situation) The banter between the two characters was 100% funny and had me laughing out loud! I loved the small town, sibling love, and the banter in the book.

This third installment of Sarah Adams “When in Rome” series, and follow up to the wildly popular “Practice Makes Perfect” does not disappoint. Jack and Emily’s characters are fun and relatable. I am not a perfectionist, but could relate to Emily in other ways. Jack is a cinnamon roll and their interactions are great. I love that they are neighbors, rivals, coworkers, and known each other since college. There’s just a lot to like in this easy to read rom com. This book is definitely more spicy (like Adams’ “The Rule Book”) and not fade to black/closed door like a lot of her other novels.

In this book:
Small town
neighbors
Rivals to lovers
Coworkers
Writers

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Dell Romance for an advanced digital copy of this book.

As a teacher, I was very excited to see this title and that the 2 MCs are teachers. Although teaching doesn't play a huge role in the novel, the idea that teachers must have some sort of calling related to a past tragedy or whole in their life felt very sad. Not every teacher has a broken past that they are trying to fix through their career. It is just as respectable as other jobs.
The enemies to lovers was great, the banter was sweet, there was so much about this book that I loved, but the way that it approached the teaching profession made me sad.

Ekkkkk I was so excited for book 3 and it didn’t disappoint! I love all of the walker siblings and each of their stores. I look forward to Maddie’s - and James’?!!!

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


ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW


Welcome home, welcome to Rome, Kentucky!!!

You have no idea how absolutely happy I am that I had the honor and privilege to read BBS early because I couldn't wait, I literally was waiting at the edge of my seat. And I'm so glad and thankful I read it because omg my belovedsssss I loved this book so much.


Emily and Jack get behind me right now I'll defend you with my life. My two lovely babies who hid themselves behind two sides of the same coin. Emily by putting a though exterior that only fooled those that weren't close to her and Jack by being nice to everyone even at his expenses.

But how amazing it is, how lovely, what privilege is to have someone that sees al of you, even what you don't want to show. That loves all of you even when you don't love yourself that much. And that's willing to face their deepest fears because love is their force and light.

That's what jackemily will discover. Alongside the lovely side characters we all know and adore. I can never get enough of noahamelia, willannie, madison, james and mabel.

I swear I can't wait to be back with this beautiful characters, I'm dying to read Maddie's book and I'm hoping praying to all my lucky stars that my guess is correct and her li is ........


Thank you thank you thank you Sarah for putting your heart and soul in this books, for being one of my comfort authors. I'll always be in your corner.


Beware of potential spoilers in these two of my favorite quotes (I have a lot of those but I'm just sharing two down here)




““I was scared that you’d think you wanted me, and then you would get close to me and realize that I’m too tough to love. Hell, I’m difficult to even be around some days, and now I can add sad to the list too.”She shrugs. “I guess I’m saying I don’t actually want to go slow with you. I love you, Jack. I don’t want to be friends with benefits. I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark.””


““I love you too, Emily . . . I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me.”I kiss her once more. “You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.””

*Title: Beg, Borrow, or Steal-When in Rome Book #3

*Release date: 1/7/25 | Read: 12/19/24

*Author: Sarah Adams

*Format: eBook 384

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine |Dell, and Sarah Adams for this ARC💙! I voluntarily give an honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

*Setting: Rome, KY

*Genre: Adult Fic, Contemporary Romance

*Tropes: small town, forced proximity, cover lover, book lovers, enemies to lovers, workplace romance

*Look out for: cheating (H cheated on), emotional abuse, grief, depression, toxic parent (H)

*Synopsis: Emily and Jack have been nemeses since college to now as second grade teachers at Rome Elementary. Jack moved to Nebraska with his fiancée Zoe but returns when they break up. Emily and Jack love to push each other's buttons, but things change when Emily accidentally sends her conversative principal her sexually explicit manuscript. Emily asks Jack to help retrieve it and form a truce that becomes more.

Characters
* Emily Walker-teacher who secretly wrote a highlander romance, but won't let anyone read it
* Jackson "Jack" Bennett-teacher with author pseudonym A.J. Ranger. His father Frederick is a famous writer
* Noah, Maddie, and Annie-Emily's siblings. Emily is closest to Maddie, but she doesn't call or visit much
*Frederick Bennett-Jack's father, a world-renowned mystery writer, treats Jack's mother Diana badly as a functioning alcoholic
*Bart-the school principal
*Mabel-Emily's grandmother figure/HER grandmother's BFF
*Ducky-Emily's cat

*Review: I really felt for Emily's Treasure of Doom. Her siblings didn't need her anymore, so she lost her purpose. Emily hid her sadness but cried to herself. When Jack came back and they became friends, he lifted the veil on her feelings of abandonment and uselessness. I liked the setup for the next book with Maddie and can't wait to read it!

*Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Spice level- 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️