Sarah Adams can truly do no wrong! Every book of hers is a must read and an instant love!! The Rome series is quickly becoming a new favorite of stand alone series. Emily is perfectly written with eldest daughters in mind. Her and Jack’s story is a perfectly paced enemies to friends to lovers, and will keep you turning the page wanting more. I found myself taking my time to read this book as I didn’t want it to end, Also I am excited to return to Rome in the fourth and final installment, whose storyline was perfectly hinted throughout this book to get readers geared up and ready to go! Will be eagerly awaiting my pre-order of Beg, Borrow or Steal to arrive so I can read again and again!

I absolutely love Sarah Adams's books and her writing style. The characters were great and I liked how things progressed in their relationship. This completely pulled me in and I didn't want to stop reading. Highly recommend for fans of rom-coms!
CW: profanity, open door. Author does give cw and chapters to skip to keep it closed door.

Charming and romantic, this is Sarah Adams' steamiest book yet! Emily and Jack's chemistry jumps off the page and by the end you'll aching for more of their banter and ready for one last trip to Rome, KY.

📚 Beg, Borrow, or Steal
✍ Sarah Adams
📖 RomCom
⭐4.25/5
🌶️ 🌶️
➡ Perfectionist and oldest daughter Emily Walker carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. At least, it feels like that when she's juggling being a devoted second grade teacher, helping everyone in town, the challenges of her siblings and secretly writing her debut romance manuscript. She's fiercely loyal and independent and rarely lets anyone see past her tough exterior...especially not Jackson Bennett, a fellow second grade teacher and her nemesis of ten years.

Just when Emily thinks she's finally gotten rid of Jack for good, he sweeps back into town and this time it's for good. He may be able to charm everyone around her, but Emily can't be thwarted by his attempts to become a beloved member of the community she calls home. When she accidentally sends her spicy manuscript to their school principal, Jack may be the only one who can save the day. Can they call a truce and end their feud for good or will they discover that there was something more to their squabbling all along?
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🙏 Thank you to Ballantine Books, NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of Beg, Borrow, or Steal. All opinions are my own.
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🎯 What I loved: This was my third trip to Rome, Kentucky and I just can't get enough! What a fun, joyful book. Both Jack and Emily had depth and were easy empathize with (see also: the challenges of being the oldest daughter) and their connection was one that I enjoyed reading about through every phase- when they were enemies, then friends and of course, when that turned into something more. I loved the sneaky mission subplot and always enjoy when characters have to work together on a project because it illuminates more about each of them and invests readers in the outcome of the project as well as the relationship.

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: This is small but I wish there had been a more thorough solution to Jack's challenge at the end of the book. I felt like there was this major blow 95% of the way into the story and though what Jack did in response to the situation was shared, there was another side to things that I wanted more from.
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Read if you love:
*enemies to lovers
*small-town romance
*secret identities
*slow-burn
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See also: Daydream, Love, Theoretically, Right on Cue

This was perfect as all of Sarah Adams books are. Truly I felt like I was back home in my safe place of Rome, Kentucky! I love these characters so much and loved getting to learn more about Emily and her and Jack are just the cutest I die!!! They both are struggling with things that are very real and relatable which makes them feel like real people. Sarah’s writing also just gets better with every book she writes!!

I feel like Jack is nothing like any other mmc I’ve read and I love that Sarah was able to portray him in such a real way. He’s so quirky and fun and so likable and charming and hot — the motorcycle is so hot I can’t lie

The emotional depth and mental health rep in this is so good and seeing the other characters from past books had me giddy! I love them so much! This series is definitely a comfort to me 🥺 I am so excited for the next book but so sad it’s the last one 😔😔😔😔

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Genre: Romance

Thoughts: I look forward to all of Sarah’s books but I love this series! All of these books can be read as standalones but I recommend reading them all!!

I love Sarah’s story telling & witty humor but she also navigated heavier themes (death of parents, narcissism, etc) in this book & depicted them very well!

Definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!!

4.5⭐️ I LOVE ROME KENTUCKY!!! jack & emily are so so cute!!! i loved getting to know them both & seeing their relationship develop!! i relate to emily a lot as the eldest daughter and it was hard but good to see her struggle with some things because it helped me understand how i process things the way i do and how unhealthy it can be at times. i’m just so thankful for the honor of being back with the Walker crew a bit early🥹

thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an early digital edition in exchange for my honest review!

GIVE ME ALL OF ROME, KENTUCKY AND I WILL BE SO HAPPY!

Sarah is amazing, I love the emails between them, the flirting scene lives rent free in my head. Emily and Jack are so adorable and they are able to lash out at each other and know they are in safe spaces. And how the small town backs her and their loyalty is so perfect.

I love the secret identity and i just love the writing and Sarah can do no wrong!

★★★★☆
Beg, Borrow, or Steal (Sarah Adams - releasing 01.07.2025)
e-ARC Review

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House & the wonderfully talented Sarah Adams for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌

“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.” ❤️‍🩹

Sarah Adams delivers her third installment in the When in Rome series! This series follows the four Walker siblings as they each find love. After seeing Emily’s character really come to life in this third book, I am excited for our final return to Rome, KY for Madison’s story. Sarah Adams is so talented when it comes to adding just the right amount of character heartache. This story had me flipping the pages (read “scrolling”) so quickly to get to the next chapter/POV for their thoughts and reactions.

RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:

📖Plot and Pacing
Honestly, I was thrilled that this story takes place during summer break. Rival teachers did not immediately draw me in when I was first reading summaries of what this book would be. Teachers are underpaid and undervalued, so I’m glad these two educators got a relationship bonus during summer break. The pacing of this book launches you into Emily’s world and welcomes Jackson back to Rome, KY. I laughed aloud and shed a tear or two reading their chemistry on the pages. Their ongoing competition and unlikely alliance are pure fun to be a part of.

🧞‍♀️Characters and Development
Emily and Jackson have such a fun relationship. Their interactions give that extra bit of dopamine you get from arguing with someone you really like but refuse to let win. Neither character is going to be bested by the other. Emily and Jackson also bring some emotional heaviness and trauma to the table which add to their budding relationship as they both face down fears. Emily believes she must be useful to everyone so that they want to stay and choose her. She is strong and shoulders more than necessary for her family (and more than they want). She has self-protection mastered… or so she thinks. Jackson has been taught to give and give to appease others, yet with Emily, he feels like he can be himself after their first encounter was less than ideal. Not only are Emily and Jackson both immediately relatable, but we get glimpses into the final book that will be centered around Madison and James.

🌇Setting
Rome, KY is one of my favorite small towns. Sarah Adams did such a fantastic job creating the town in the first two books (When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect). I did feel like this book lacked in detailing compared to the first two books, but readers should rest assured that they are returning to some of their favorite local spots that they loved from their previous visits to Rome, KY. Also, the way the citizens of Rome LOVE Emily is so refreshing for a character built as a Type A personality.

🗣️Dialogue
When it comes to romance novels, I NEED banter. I crave it. Sarah Adams delivered the banter and with added flourishes that felt like I could’ve been overhearing Emily and Jackson feud in the cafe. Emily and Jackson verbally joust throughout their entire relationship. In all three When In Rome books, the dialogue between characters has always been top-notch quips and a dash of sting during conflicts. From nicknames to truth bombs, nothing is missed.

📝Writing Style
I love dual and multi POV novels, so this was a highlight for me. Sarah Adams is consistent with her writing style in the series and brings a sense of maturity and reliability to the characters. The additional texts and emails included in this book are HYSTERICAL. I love that Sarah Adam’s writing feels so easy, but is so well-calculated that I forget this family of characters aren’t my neighbors.

❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
Although not a specific criteria for my book ratings, I’m always hoping for an emotional connection to the book. Sarah Adams never lets me down in this aspect of her writing. For me, I could see myself in these characters’ own struggles. There were moments in this book when I really felt that pang in my chest for what the characters were experiencing on the page. Rome, KY is a place I never want to leave, so establishing a connection with anyone in this perfect small town is incredibly easy to do. There’s a really sweet moment involving Emily reminiscing on her parents’ relationship that foreshadows her unfolding story. Ah, we love a good ending.

😤The Flaws
The only real flaws I had with this book were Jackson-related. I honestly wish all motorcycle related content was removed from the book. It felt out-of-character for him (IMO). If nothing else, a little more research on motorcycles could’ve helped fix some of these minor flaws (never write wheelies into a book). The other issue I had was the lengths to which Jackson and his ex-fiance stayed together after having seemingly no chemistry or connection. However, I know it happens IRL, so take that frustration with a grain of salt. True to Jackson’s character, he badly wants to please people, so it tracks for his personality.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Dual POV
- Rivals-to-Lovers Trope
- Small Town/Cozy Vibes
- Sibling Stories
- Heavy Banter

Gratitude, always.
- H.

Thank you NetGalley and Sarah Adams for this advanced eARC.

Wow, wow, wow! This is my new favorite book from Sarah Adams. I liked When in Rome, but found it a bit cheesy at times. Beg, Borrow, & Steal is just outstanding! I don’t like rereading books, but this might be one I reread soon.

I think this book in the Rome series is the most romantic & had the best tension yet. I didn’t want to put this book down. I feel like the tension really added to the story from enemies to friends to lovers. The scene blocking they did was electric! 🔥

I really hope the rome book is Madison’s story! 💕

Thank you, Dell Romance, for this ARC!

This is an absolute anthem to the eldest daughters of the world! Fantastic banter, great characters, and swoony love story. Absolute perfection!

So dang happy to be back in Rome, Kentucky 🥹🥹🥹 this book is a warm, cozy hug that feels like coming home

I know there’s a group out there who are anti-blonde MMC’s, but that’s because you haven’t met Jackson Bennett yet. Ladies… just you WAIT(!!!), he is simply the best. And you will absolutely adore miss Emily, she’s is a force to be reckoned with! But the star of the show is (obviously) Ducky, she will have you falling head over heels, immediately 🐈

I loved all the little bits & pieces we get of our fav characters from the first two books throughout the story. You can definitely read this as a standalone but, why the heck would you want to do that?! Highly recommend reading the rest of the series first, I promise you won’t regret it. Also, I feel like she was dropping little teasers for book four 👀 which I absolutely CANNOT wait for but also, I don’t want the series to be overrrrrr

This book touches on some heavy topics but it’s done gently & with care. Feelings I never have words to describe are explained so well & it felt good to be understood. Thank you for that Sarah 🥲💖

Also, many thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing / Dell Romance for this ARC. Still can’t believe I got to read this one early ☁️☁️☁️

Read if you like:
📝 workplace romance (summer break edition)
🤺 rivals-to-lovers
🧠 mental health rep
🏡 small town romance
🤫 secrets

Another perfect visit to Rome Kentucky! This one was sweet, funny, and thoughtful. The characters were deep and portrayed so gently. Probably one of the best enemies-to-lovers books I’ve read in a long time.

“I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every time” 😭

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Romance for an advanced copy of this book <3 I will cherish this one forever.

Another wonderful trip to Rome, Kentucky! Loved the dynamic between Emily and Jack. Both very relatable characters with real life issues. I hope all eldest daughters get the comforting hug they deserve from this book.

Sarah Adams has done it again! Beg, Borrow or Steal is her upcoming romcom in the When in Rome series. I was thrilled to snag an ARC, and let me tell you: this was the perfect fluffy escapist read for me this past week.

This book follows the next Walker sibling, Emily, a second grade teacher whose always been the protective older sister trying to stay safe and avoid change. When her longtime nemesis Jack comes back to town, it throws her off to find that maybe what she feels for him can’t actually be described as “hate.”

This was such a fun enemies to lovers rom com – it was the perfect mix of deep character growth, funny scenarios and swoony romance. What an absolute delight!

4.5⭐️ SARAH ADAMS. I LOVE YOU. i have been looking forward to this book for forever, and it exceeded my expectations tenfold. the characters written by Sarah Adams are truly one and a million. they are so real, raw, and relatable in so many ways. i empathized so much for Emily in this book because i am her. i saw so many beautiful and destructive qualities in her that i see in myself, so watching her development hit incredibly close to home. Jack was the perfect golden retriever male main character. he was bubbly and charming and kind, but had so much depth to him, which i appreciated. this book had the perfect balance between fun fluffy romance, and more serious, resonating themes. the banter was next level incredible; i was literally giggling and kicking my feel so hard the entire time. i also absolutely loved the little glimpses of the past couples, and the (hopefully) future couple in Madison and James. i am completely in love with the little town of Rome, Kentucky and all the people that reside in it, and these books will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I need a book on James and Madison stat.

Where to start? Oh my god. The banter in this book was beyond *chefs kiss.* This was the perfect enemies to lovers and I LOOOOOOVE when the guy falls first. I definitely found myself smiling A LOT while reading this. It was perfect.

Emily was amazing. Jackson was amazing. Both of them were amazing. This book could have had 10 more chapters and I would have eaten it up. I adored both characters so much. It’s so refreshing to see a FMC who isn’t a hot mess and falling apart at the seams.

I really adored the small town feel in the book. Even though there were a ton of characters and sometimes I had a hard time figuring out which sister was which, I think they were all included perfectly in the story.

Was there spice? Yes. Was it a lot? Not really. If anything, it was more tension than spice. Which, again, amazing. Even the spicy scenes weren’t all that explicit. They were more focused on the tension and I thought it worked really well. Like 2/5 chili peppers.

Anyway, HIGHLY recommend this book. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series.

If you're a contemporary romance fan, mark your calendars for this release! You'll love this book if you enjoy romances with:
🌹 Adversaries to lovers
🌹 Dual POV
🌹 Small town setting
🌹 Big sister/eldest daughter FMC
🌹 Forced proximity (neighbors)

First off, I loved the banter between Emily and Jack. Emails and texts from different points in time are sprinkled throughout the book, and they always got me laughing. And I definitely wish I could live in a small town like this!

Emily is a big sister who's trying to to learn how to care for herself after a lifetime of looking after others, and Jack is dealing with the fallout of a broken engagement and a lifetime with a very difficult father. Even when they're bickering, there's an undercurrent of the freedom that comes with honesty and intellectual compatibility, and I love these layers of attraction between MCs!

My favorite line: “You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.” 😍

Sarah gives the characters realistic flaws and depth, and they each have a growth journey to go on throughout the book. If you've read the other two books in the When in Rome series, you will also love seeing those characters come back, but you will still enjoy this book if you haven't read them yet!

Workplace enemies find themselves as neighbors in this rivals-to-lovers Book 3 of the When in Rome series from Sarah Adams and it was so good I didn't want it to end.

Emily Walker is a second grade teacher and aspiring romance author, who is super loyal to her friends and family. Jack Bennett returns to Rome, Kentucky after calling off his wedding and he just wants to spend the summer renovating his new to him home and setting down roots in Rome, Kentucky. The only problem is his new house is across the street from his school Rival, Emily, and their fued picks back up where it left off.

This novel is dual POV with well developed support characters and messy but relatable family dynamics, which I felt really brought Rome, Kentucky to life! I loved the witty banter, laugh out loud adventure/mis-adventures, and the flash backs via emails/texts between Emily & Jack.

Jack's love for Emily just made my heart burst with love and feel good vibes. And both Emily & Jack's personal development and growth together as a couple in this novel was really inspiring but also believable.

If you are looking for a romance that makes your heart swoon but also encompasses real life issues & family dynamics then this is a 2025 romance you need to add to your TBR list!

Thank you Dell romance for the ARC.

I was super stoked to get the ARC for Sarah Adams’ newest release, and I was not disappointed! Beg, Borrow, or Steal had me smiling and laughing, and I genuinely just had a great time reading this book. The chemistry between Emily and Jack was amazing, as was their banter, and being a writer myself, I loved that they were both secret writers. I loved being back in Rome, Kentucky - it gives Stars Hollow vibes for sure - and seeing all the characters from Adams’ previous two Rome books. I also appreciated the emotional depth of the characters - I felt like their struggles will be relatable to a lot of people. Overall, a very fun read and I can’t wait for Madison and James’ story!💕

Unlike most of Sarah Adams’ books, BBS did have some open door content; however, she does include a content warning in the beginning of the book that says which chapters to skip if you don’t want to read those (chapters 25 and 32). Additionally, there were a couple other pretty heated scenes - one in which they’re pretending to act out an intimate scene from a book (chapter 16) and one in which they’re making out (chapter 19). So, this is certainly not a clean book, but the sections are easy to skip/skim. Additionally, there was some profanity throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending me an eARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

It was a solid 4.5 stars for me,
did it provide a good time? yes.
cute characters? yes.
was I slightly imagining Jackson's wardrobe to be Harry Styles-inspired? yes.

I admit this was my first book in the When in Rome series and I couldn't put it down. It had all of the familiar Sarah Adams elements and just a sprinkle of more.

The 'rivalry' origin was cute with the email/text interlude between chapters...some of those unsent emails at the end had me giggling and kicking my feet. Honestly, at least 97% of this book had me giggling and kicking my feet -- the Sarah Adams effect. (I was 3% annoyed at Jackson's awful dad)

ALSO DUAL POV? 🙌

AND JACKSON'S WHOLE 'he falls first' trope AND THE ENDING -- oMG

As a small-town romance, I really enjoyed the found-family (from Jackson's POV), the relationship between Emily and her siblings (especially Madison and Emily, that particular chapter had me hooked), and the setting of Rome, it felt like someone was giving you a hug and a warm blanket.

I'm excited for Madison's book (and possibly James'????) and a return to Rome! For now, I'm reading the first two, gotta have the whole Rome experience, right?

THANK YOU to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC -- it was the BEST email I could've received on a Monday morning.