**Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!**

2.75 ⭐️

Okay first off I’d like to say that I have never rated a Sarah Adam’s book lower than 3 stars. I like her books, but this one was definitely my least favorite.

I liked the characters for the most part (although our FMC was kind of frustrating at times) but the rivals to lovers aspect of this story was not realistic or believable to me.
There were a lot of parts of this book that felt as if they were directed at a TikTok audience, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for someone else picking up the book – just something to consider. I cringed a lot throughout this story and laughed uncomfortably at some of the absurd things that happened and things that were said.

I did absolutely love the “writers” aspect of the story and any time the main characters weren’t interacting (or at least not in a sexual way) I was in the story and cared. My rating was sitting at a 2 stars before the last like 10% of the book where it moved up because I actually liked their relationship after they actually got together. I loved how supportive they are of each other.

Also the narcissistic character I think was portrayed well and they made feel so much anger and despair which was obviously the goal.

Last thing: I thought the MMC had great style. 👌

4.5 stars!!!

I had a nemesis once… but he was not as gorgeous and charming as Jack Bennett.

Enemies to lovers is my all time favorite trope and when you throw in the fact that they’re both teachers? Look, I’m head over heels with this book!!! I’ve been wanting to read Sarah Adams for almost a year and I’m still feeling out of my skin since NetGalley approved me for an ARC of this book!!!

There’s everything I could ask for in a romance book:
- dual perspective
- not too long chapters
- inclusion of other media (texts, and email screens)
- writer inspo!!!!
- both MCs getting over their trauma but not hurting each other in the process!!! Communication was amazing here.
- Older daughter syndrome (cat and all)
- 🏍️ scene!!!
- 🍓 scene!!
- quick and witty banter!
- found family vibes
- vivid characters

Surprisingly, there isn’t explicit spice here. It was all laced in double entendres and almost poetic fade to black but as Mr. Rocky once said, it makes you shiver with anticipation!

Sarah Adam’s’ writing is delicious, witty and nerdy enough! Chapter one has an Aragorn reference, guys. You know the one hahaha 😉 Some people would criticize the FMC’s internal dialogue as cringey but tbh and imo, it’s modern-day stream of consciousness with a dash of Lorelai Gilmore’s ADHD internal brain. I think it’s generational 😆 and I loved every word of this book.

I felt very seen by Emily’s loneliness, esp when she described feeling like an unwanted sponge. She had given so much of herself to her siblings after their parents died, she became so fiercely independent, she wound up fearing change and felt unnecessary. Moreover, the author tastefully commended teachers and I NEEDED THAT. As a teacher who’s increasingly sad in this profession, and wanting to quit or find an escape in writing, this book was a warm hug—not by a bespectacled Mr. Bennett but still haha a warm hug.

Let’s just stay I squealed of excitement when I got the approval for this book. Sarah Adams can do no wrong, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal did not disappoint. This is another book in her Rome, KY series with Emily and Jack as the main POVs.

These characters had so much depth in a way that I feel like a lot of people will resonate with. High achievers and having to carry a lot of burden, but doing it with humor and banter. Just like her other books, you will laugh out loud and you definitely will fall in love with the characters (and even side characters - Hi Mabel!).

Truly, it was a delight.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Sarah Adams for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGally and the publisher for this ARC. I loved every page of this book! I made the mistake of starting it one evening, had to stop and drag myself to sleep at 1am, then promptly finished it the next morning. Just like with the author’s previous books, I could not get enough of Emily and Jack’s story. So good - I highly recommend!

You know that scene in Friends where Phoebe is jumping up and down because she’s so excited? That was me when I received an ARC from NetGalley for ‘Beg, Borrow, or Steal’ by Sarah Adams. I’ve read each of Sarah’s books and absolutely adored each of them. Rome is such a fun town to “visit” throughout these books. I also really liked the main characters in this one and maybe saw a bit of myself in them. Five star rating. You NEED to read this book (all of her books actually).

This is the third in the "When in Rome" series, but easily a stand alone read, too.

Dueling second grade teachers, Emily and Jackson, are the main characters. When Jackson moves and becomes engaged, Emily is hurt he doesn't say goodbye, even after their antagonistic ways. And she's really surprised when he moves back, unmarried and is her new neighbor. But they find out they have more in common than expected. Both are writers and Jack offers to help Emily with her manuscript and find a deal. It's a cute story set in a small, Southern town and enjoyable to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is one-hundred percent a book for readers who have already devoured the rest of author Sarah Adams' When In Rome series. I mean, technically it can stand on its own, and does, but it makes more sense for context and continuity if you already know the backstory and the lore of the Walker siblings. They also all make plenty of cameos. That being said, "Beg, Borrow, or Steal" was so easy to get into and this dual-perspective rivals-to-lovers romance has such delicious banter. Like, um, yes please!

While I haven't read the first two in the series, I fell hard for the town of Rome, Kentucky and its inhabitants. A fabulous rivals to lovers story that is meant for all the emotionally guarded women and oldest daughters in your life.

4.5 stars. From an overworked teacher in the education world who hates showing emotions and covers everything with banter this one hits home.

Second grade teacher Emily Walker is horrified to learn that her arch nemesis Jack Bennett has broken up with his fiancé and moved back to her hometown of Rome, Kentucky. Not only does Jack return to his teaching position at her elementary school, he also moves into the house next door.

Emily and Jack’s sparring is laugh-out-loud funny and Jack is everything a girl could want in a guy: handsome, charming, and secretly a best-selling author. Emily is beloved by everyone in her hometown, devoted to her siblings, and keenly observant, especially when it relates to uncovering Jack’s secrets.

With the exception of one hard-to-believe scene, this book was a delight. The characters were well-developed and I didn’t want the story to end.

Refreshingly unique and clever, this book belongs on every rom-com lover’s beg, borrow, or steal list.

Now I have to go back and read the other books in the When in Rome series!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Sarah Adams for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jack and Emily are 2nd grade teachers who have been each other’s nemeses since college. Jack moved away with his fiancée but moved back after calling off the wedding. Jack ends up buying the house next door to Emily’s and over time they slowly become friends.

Emily is a deeply caring person who struggles with depression and has a hard time letting others get close to her. She spends a lot of her time being there for her siblings, but Jack becomes the person Emily didn’t realize she needed. She’s used to supporting everyone and Jack is able to do that for Emily now.

I loved the flirty banter between Emily and Jack! I love how Jack is such a good listener and has a natural gift for reading people. I also liked how Jack felt comfortable being his true self around Emily.
One thing that didn’t sit right with me was Jack was moving away with his fiancée even though he knew something was off in their relationship. This is such a huge decision, getting married and moving away, it just felt out of character for someone as thoughtful and perceptive as Jack.

If you enjoy small-town settings or enemies to lovers this book is for you!

A special shout to Sarah Adams for including a note at the beginning of the book with what chapters to skip if you prefer closed-door romance. I thought that was thoughtful and helpful!

This might be the perfect rom-com novel.

I would read ten more books about Emily and Jack. That’s how much I love these characters. I love the first two books in this series but this one takes the cake.

Emily and Jack have been competitive nemeses since college. They became second grade teachers at the Rome, KY elementary school with some series Anne and Gilbert vibes. He relocated to Nebraska with his fiancé Zoe; who was unfaithful and canceled their nuptials. So now Jack is back in town and happened to buy the house next door. Emily hasn’t told anyone that she has been secretly writing a romance novel for years. She struggles with depression and is careful not to let anyone get too close.

This is the best banter I have read in years, it was so obvious that these rivals were in love for the reader, but also very believable that they didn’t realize it themselves. I laughed, I cried. One of my favorite things about Sarah Adams is that she lets the reader know up front which chapters to skip if you “prefer to keep the bedroom door closed,” it’s so accessible if the steamy scenes aren’t your thing.

Perhaps my favorite thing is how well Sarah Adams is able to describe what depression feels like, Emily was extremely relatable. There is something so healing about reading in a book EXACTLY how you feel, seeing on a page the words that you have never been able to find.

Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC. Book to be published January 7, 2025; you bet I preordered this from Barnes and Noble.

Where is the 6th star?

#booksbooksbooks #booktok #bookstagram #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecommendations #BegBorrowOrSteal

Emily and Jack met in college where they immediately became rivals. Both characters have past trauma that contributes to understanding their personalities. The playful banter, attraction and tension builds until they realize they never really hated each other at all. They enjoy someone who can match their energy/intellect. Emily is extremely relatable and Jack is A+ boyfriend material. I love a text thread and/or email chain in books and Emily and Jack’s messages back and forth did not disappoint. This book had me giddy, giggling and swooning. Absolutely recommend!

My first Sarah Adams book and it will definitely not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

This story was about Emily and Jack who claimed to be each other's archnemesis since college. During mid-school year, Jack left Rome, Kentucky with his fiancée and moved to Nebraska. Emily never saw him returning, but he did, and he was there to stay for good—as her neighbor.

I have read the first two books of this series and absolutely loved it. It was so unexpected that I received the ARC of this, but I am ecstatic to have the privilege of providing an early review. I knew from the start that I would enjoy this book. Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams was not just about finding love when you least expect it, it was also about the emotional and heartwarming journey about grief and learning to accept change.

"And I never realized until this moment how much I needed someone to do that for me. How good it feels to be on the receiving end of a person believing in you."

Emily. She's at a point in her life where everything changing, and it feels as if she's frozen in time while the world moves on without her. Her loneliness and self-doubt made her incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her push through her doubts and fear. What stood out to me the most was her personality—her tenacity, strength and determination.

"Grow from your experience, don't let them smother the light out of you."

Jack. He became quickly one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure! He's kind, thoughful, and quite charming. Although beneath all that, he's someone who has carried so much pain. His relationship with his father is so heartbreaking to read. Some people aren't meant to be parents, and his dad is the perfect example of that. That's why I felt so proud of him when he finally decided to do something for his own well-being.

"It's a weird thing to let yourself grieve your parent who is still living, but I've done it—do it regularly, actually."

It explored how grief takes many forms—grieving those who are no longer with us and those who are still alive but have hurt us enough. Another theme of this book was the importance of taking risks, even when the fear is taking over. Both the main characters had their moments where they had to step out of their comfort zones. It showed that while it can be painful, it's still a chance to learn, and grow. It acts as a reminder that no matter how scary something may look like, the only way to move forward is to try.

Overall, this book was more than just about Emily and Jack's love story—it's about growth, the courage to face change, and to see the beauty in taking risks. They left me thinking about how every step forward that I take—no matter how hard—is worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Jack. The things each of them had to overcome in their lifetime was inspiring to see how well they turned out, even with such trauma. I loved Emily's siblings and their partners. I was especially in love with Emily's cat and her nemesis, Jack. Jack had his own past issues but was truly remarkable as an adult. I loved the way their story blossomed, and the universe kept putting them in one another's path. I laughed so many times due to Emily and her sisters quirky behavior. And Jack made me swoon! (Though I still hate his father)

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This was utter perfection. The easiest five stars I've ever given.

I am just such a fan of the When In Rome series. This story and the people of the small town in Rome, Kentucky are just a warm hug wrapped in a book. Sarah continues to excel and I personally believe that this is her best book yet.

The dialogue! The tension! The coziness! The pining! It all delivered on such a strong level and the execution was absolute perfection.

I loved Jack and Emily. My favorite trope is rivals to lovers and I really loved their competitive dynamic throughout the book. Jack is literally SO HOT. So many insane things happen in this book (that I won't say now, because I don't want to spoil anything) and I loved every single second of it. Just physically prepare yourself for Chapter 16. The pining and tension is absolutely immaculate and Sarah had my jaw on the floor. I fear I will never forget that chapter.

Overall, it is truly the perfect read. Sarah's balance of tension, pining, and tender moments make this an unforgettable read.

Thank you PRH Audio, Dell Romance, Sarah Adams, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good gravy. My heart.

I’ll be honest, wasn’t massively excited about Emily. I didn’t love her character in another the other books very much. Just kinda gave me the eww/annoying vibe.
As I read and grew to understand her actions, I related so much to inner turmoil and understood a lot of her decision making. Turns out I give myself the annoying vibe too😂😂😂
I absolutely loved her by the ending and loved the emotional tenderness between her and Jack.

Jack is just A+ for me. How can anyone not love a little teasing banter that ends with enemies turned friends turned lovers?

This was my first introduction to the When in Rome series as well as to Sarah Adams’ work. To put it succinctly, I really loved this book! This year has been my year of Romance Comedy and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was a perfect addition to that. It became one of my favorites from the genre (and that is saying a lot). I loved how well balanced all of the components were. The characters are funny, witty, relatable, and real while also having great chemistry together. This was probably the most realistic enemies to lovers I have ever read. Adams didn’t chalk up their ten-year long beef to “he’s so sexy so i hate him :(“ it was well-thought out, multilayered, and well-executed at that. I also really loved the emotional health and self-awareness exhibited by both characters. All the characters had so much depth that even as I entered the series on the third book, even side characters felt so well-formed. I fell in love with Emily’s whole community. This book made me feel held and uplifted all at once. I can’t wait to read the others in this series! Madison & James up next ;)

✨ e-ARC Book Review ✨

🌷 Beg, Borrow or Steal - Sarah Adams 🌷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Swipe for GR synopsis ➡️

When I say I screamed when I was approved for this e-ARC I’m not exaggerating!

I adore Sarah Adams books and was so excited when she announced there would be a 3rd book in the When in Rome series. And oh I loved being back in Rome, Kentucky. This whole series is the epitome of small town and I loved being reunited for our favorite characters and seeing where they were in life!

Okay onto my review…

We are finally really introduced to Emily Walker and I immediately liked her. I resonated with her character in alot of ways in that she always seems to have a smile on her face even though she may not actually feel like smiling. She is the caretaker of the family and it shows with how fiercely she loves everyone around her. Now enter Jackson Bennett: college nemesis, turned co-worker and now neighbor. From the moment these two interact you can just feel the tension oozing off them and it was SO good! I loved that writing and books were also such a big part of this story too, especially how Jackson was so supportive of Emily’s writing and was willing to help her in so many ways! This was truly an enemies to friends and then friends to lovers scenario and I loved it. I mean the scene in the closet of the principals house had me cackling, it was SO GOOD!

I just adored this book and it may be my new favorite in the series! So if you’re looking for a small town romance full of banter, tension, and a little spice add this to your TBR immediately!

This one is coming out 1/7/2025 so be sure to grab your copy!

This review was posted to Goodreads on 11/28/24

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a dual POV centering on Emily and Jack, 2nd grade teachers(who both moonlight as writers) at the same school who have a long history of competing with each other since college.

I love a good enemies to lovers and this didn't disappoint. Emily and Jack have a great chemistry and I like that they both admitted that their rivalry is unhinged but they can't seem to stop. I found myself laughing and cringing with the pair of them over some of the things they said/did to each other.
In addition to Jack and Emily spending their summer break working on their books, renovating Jack's home, and living in small town Kentucky, we also get another look at Emily's sibling's relationships(Noah and Amelia/Will and Annie from the first books in the series) and how they're growing together as pairs and their family unit.

I appreciated that this book discussed both Jack/Emily's struggles with anxiety, feeling stagnant and childhood traumas impacting their adulthoods. I also appreciated that instead of having a third act breakup, the author had the two discuss their issues like mature and reasonable adults(totally on brand for both of them).

My biggest beef was the closet hijinks. How big was this closet. The entire scene, I could not wrap my head around the absurdity of the situation/trying to figure out if this closet is a walk-in type of situation.

This is not my first Sarah Adams book but it's the first book I've read in the When in Rome Series. I don't think you miss much as a standalone, however, I loved reading about Emily's family and I am going to go back and read the first two now.