4.5 ⭐️ I will try to put into words how much I adore this series and how each book just gets better and better. This is book 3 of the When in Rome Series, each book follows one of the Walker Siblings. I highly recommend you read these in order as they all connect and would spoil the previous books. Each book brings the siblings back together and we get glimpses and updates on their lives. This book focuses on Emily Walker, the eldest daughter of the walker siblings but younger sister to Noah. She is the prickliest sister, always stands up for her family and her town and finds herself being left behind by her siblings who are starting new chapters of their life. She is a 2nd grade teacher and secret aspiring romance writer, this takes place over the Summer, so you won’t see any classroom/kid antics but it still talks about all the intricacies of being a teacher. Emily’s college and professional rival (also a 2nd grade teacher at her school) had moved away but finds himself back in Rome and next door neighbors with Emily. This is the classic rivals to lovers trope and it is done so very well. I loved their banter, the tension and throughout this entire book it is very emotionally heavy, I found Emily to be so relatable and honestly cried my way through this entire book. I think a lot of us can see ourselves as Emily, the nurturer who puts others first, feels like an imposter when you try something new and as a result distances themselves from others or seems unapproachable. No? Just me? Well, it was so incredibly amazing to read about both Emily and Jack’s journey together. I am not ready to leave Rome, Kentucky behind and cried more happy tears when I read in the acknowledgments that the 4th and final book will be coming soon. (Yay Maddie’s turn!!)

I had a few gripes, that kept this from being a real 5 star read. For starters, this was an ARC, so there may be time to fix some of my issues. It starts off pretty mid, in that there is a lot of telling the story versus showing. I get that as a reader we need to know some background but it felt off at first. I am so glad after the first few chapters it founds its stride and got so much better. Also, I am not a fan of the 3rd act break up or similar type story, so I was cringing a bit when it looked like this was headed in that direction. It ended up being OK for me. Lastly, this is entirely non realistic. You have to suspend some reality here, there are so many coincidences between these characters that it is a bit laughable at times. Overall, I am looking past all these minor things and loving this story and these characters with my entire heart. It is also a low spice book, not completely closed door like all her last books but pretty PG-13.

I cannot wait for the last book in this series and I might cry again when it is all over. Definitely a series I will find myself wanting to re-read.

HUGE thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing - Ballentine and Sarah Adams for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.

My review on Goodreads will be published today (11/19) along with a post on Instagram this week, hyping up reading the entire series before this book comes out. I will also be posting about it again on release day on 1/7/25.

Arc Review
Beg, Borrow, Steal By Sarah Adams
Available January 7
4.75 ⭐

First off i would like to thank Sarah. Net galley & Dell for the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.

This book follows Emily & Jackson. Emily hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone especially her nemesis Jack, so when he moves away mid-school year she is happy, Until Jack moves back home after breaking up with his fiancée. With there animosity at an all time high Emily accidental sends the school principal her manuscript for her next novel, so she needs to steal it back and Jack is just the perfect person to help with the job.

Let me start with saying Jack is the absolute best. His ability to read Emily and understand her and is never afraid to give her attitude right back is beautiful. His ability to open up and let her in when he is struggling to make sense of why he feels a pull towards her. Emily my sweet girl 🥺. The way she takes on everyone else problems and never complaining about it while secretly dealing with her own problems in the dark. Her ability to finally open up & let someone in and see her vulnerably side even though its hard for her is amazing. She uses her attitude as a shield to keep herself from getting hurt until Jack slowly works his way in and helps her realize its okay to just be herself.

5/5 recommend this book. Sarah ability to write heart felt rom-coms is unmatched. She makes everyone feel seen in some way or another though her characters and its amazing. 💚

So far my favorite book in this series - probably because I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers. Loved how secretly they both didn't feel like the other was their enemy. Don't mind the other pivoted away from closed door but my preference in general is closed door.

Emily and Jack have been at each other’s throats since they met in college a decade ago and life keeps throwing them in each other’s path. So when Jack walks away from his engagement and moves back to Rome (right next door to Emily no less), they start to put down their swords and realize that their constant antagonizing each other is actually born from a place of respect and making each other better. Their relationship evolves to love but they’re both holding onto things that are holding them back from diving all-in on their relationship.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🫑

Liked
* I very much related to both of these characters: Emily is surely an Enneagram 8 (🤝) and Jack has a narcissist for a parent. These things play so well into their development as characters and their relationship.
* I’m a sucker for a story where the woman feels like she is hard to love and the guy is all “it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done” (also wildly relatable for me)
* I love the world of Rome, KY and the Walker family. Also a sucker for big loving families and it was lovely to see how Noah and Amelia plus Annie and Will were doing. Can’t wait for Maddie’s book.
* Sometimes books that are “I’m scared to love you” have very immature characters. I did not feel that way about this one.
* I love that Will dressed well, appreciated fancy thing and was talented (but still down to earth and not a douchelord)

Disliked
* The breaking and entering subplot was… weird?
* Emily needs to go back to therapy

🫡 Tropes deployed: small town, enemies to lovers, secret identities, (not forced) proximity

Jack and Emily met when taking the same college courses to become teachers. Both could not handle each other then. Fast forward, they got hired at the same school. Jack moves away to get married, but less than a year later is back unmarried. How will Emily take the news? Can Jack break the tension and reveal his true self to Emily?

Enjoyed and savored every single second of this one. I’m a fan of this series and these characters. Practice makes perfect sat at the number one slot for me. After reading this one… It’s definitely topped it and has exceeded my expectations. I haven’t had a romance book truly make me laugh out loud (and not cringe), get warm fuzzy feelings, and hit on a deeper level… in quite some time.

The character development of Emily throughout was amazing to watch. Her struggles also didn’t feel too repetitive throughout reading. It felt real. Relatable.

The chemistry was also off the charts. These two really belonged together and you could feel it on the page. It didn’t feel forced.

Sarah’s writing is getting better and better with every book. It’s truly impressive. I’m so grateful for this to have been my first ARC.

Another spectacular book by Sarah Adams. Emily and Jack's back and forth banter was so hilarious. I loved visiting Rome, Kentucky again. This was a great story full of emotion and comedy. I will always buy and read Sarah's books.

This is my favorite from the When in Rome series. The characters had amazing depth and growth. I loved their arguing, but when started to fall that was priceless. An amazing book!

I don't know how Sarah Adams continues to put out banger after banger but I am grateful to be around to reap the benefits! A When In Rome book always feels like coming home and I can't believe we only have one more left after this. I absolutely loved Emily and Jack's story and the way that Adams always intertwines light hearted romance with the heavier parts of human nature. We see such a journey in both characters and it was so lovely to go along with it. I absolutely can't wait to be in Rome again!

I recently re-read the first two books in this series because I was so excited to read this one and wanted to have all of the relationships/characters fresh in my mind. I will admit that I was disappointed to learn this was Emily's story and not Madison's, because Emily was my least favorite Walker sibling. I struggled with her holding back her siblings, especially in Noah's story (When in Rome).

But, now that I have finished this book I can honestly say I'm not disappointed and I adore Emily! She is strong-willed, stubborn, caring and passionate. Her 'Type A' personality is relatable and her fierceness to care for the people she loves is intense.

The enemies to lovers troupe is always one of my favorites. Jack is a well-fit nemesis to Emily. While I didn't buy how the feud started I did enjoy how the fire was flamed over the years. Jack is soft, understanding, caring and patient - the perfect fit to Emily.

The two characters are both beautifully flawed with their own trauma and that makes this story even better, as they not only work on themselves but learn from each other and grow together.

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

honestly sarah adams is such a baddie i really love her books and this rivals to lovers was an amazing title. the writing style was really on point and I'm obsessed with Emily and Jackson

Title: Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Author: Sarah Adams
Length: 368 pages
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: Jan 07 2025
Spice Level: open door with modifications listed
Genre: Romance
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Summary:
Emily Walker’s world is turned upside down when her longtime nemesis, Jack Bennett, returns to town after calling off his engagement. Now her colleague and neighbor, Jack seems eager to provoke her at every turn. But when Emily’s secret life as a romance writer is accidentally exposed, she reluctantly teams up with Jack to fix the situation. As their fiery rivalry turns into an unexpected alliance, could it lead to a twist neither of them anticipated?

Thoughts:
It is time to get HYPE people!! This is my favorite of Sarah’s Rome, Kentucky series! Personally, I think I have loved each book more and more. I thought I absolutely adored Practice Makes Perfect (and I do), but I love this one even more. Enemies/rivals to lovers is so hit and miss for me because sometimes authors take it a little too far, and the characters end up being straight a-holes to each other. But these two? Emily and Jack? OMG I was craving more of their banter. It was perfection. And we get to reunite with all of our favorite characters? And we get to finally see inside Emily’s head and heart? And we get little hints of what we’ll get with Madison’s book? AND we get Jack on a motorcycle? If you’re a Schitt’s Creek fan, think “Ted showing up on his motorcycle and taking off his helmet” vibes. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I never want to leave Rome, Kentucky.

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @dellromance for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was my very first Sarah Adams book, and as soon as I finished reading it I went and got the first two books in the series. I devoured those too, and it's safe to say I'm a fan for life. Her characters have flaws and are super relatable, and each book has amazing character development that allows you to be on their journey while they grow and learn from those flaws. The found family, not just with the Walker siblings, but in the town of Rome is so sweet and puts a smile on your face. I loved the banter between Emily and Jackson, especially in the emails and flashbacks. The way they learned to lean on and trust each other was so sweet. It's safe to say I cannot wait for book four and to see James and Maddie fall stupid in love.

Sarah Adams has done it again, folks. 👏🏼 This series is one of my absolute favorites and this book is my favorite in the series. I was blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet. The banter, tension, and the slow burn romance was EVERYTHING. I appreciated how realistic their grief and trauma was, but it was also balanced well with humor. I cried and I laughed. I already want to re-read it. Thank you SO much to Sarah Adams, Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for the early review copy.

My review is published on Goodreads as of 11/19/2024.

4.5 stars!

Ever since a disastrous first meeting in college, Emily and Jack have become sworn enemies and have always competed against each other. They work at the same elementary school in Rome and always seem to clash. Jack is charming with everyone but Emily. Emily is her town's overall go getter, planner and speaks her mind no matter what. These two have existed by each other and thankfully he's getting married and moving away so Emily doesn't ever have to ever think of him anymore until…

Jack suddenly becomes single and moves in next door to Emily. Things go from bad to worse with Emily determined to drive him away for good. But then Emily accidentally sends her secret romance manuscript she's been working on to the school principal, she enlists Jack's help to get it back and he surprisingly agrees! When these two start to work together instead of against each other they both realize that maybe it wasn't always hate between the two of them but rather something deeper that connected them together.

I always adore Sarah Adams books and her When is Rome series is an absolute favorite and this book did not let me down. It was sharp, quick paced and full of anticipation tingles! I loved the internal thought process both characters went through. Emily couldn't comprehend her feelings of relief when she finds out Jacks not getting married and he doesn't understand why he always is drawn to her when all she does is push his buttons and why he likes to push her buttons right back.

The shenanigans and banter was top notch and you could feel the attraction these two had to each other. I also loved seeing the other characters and catching up on what was going on with them. I had the best time reading this book!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House–Ballantine for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Sarah Adams
Genre: Romance
Troupe: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity

Review will be published on release date (Jan 7th)

Let me start this by saying, I absolutely adore this series. I will die on the hill of how amazing it is. Sarah touches on so many big things, but in a way that doesn't totally drown you.

Secondly, I am Emily. The further I go into this book, the more connected to her I became. I understand her fear, her motivation, her perfectionism. All of it. And, dare I say, before this book she was my least favorite Walker 🤦But, man do I understand her now. Emily, so terrified of change of loss. My heart hurt for her so many times. The romance almost took a back seat. ALMOST.

Enemies to lovers is where it's at. And this is...like....legit enemies to lovers. Not some fake disgruntled "too scared to tell you how I feel" crap. It's that too (in a good way), later on. But these two actually really dislike each other at the beginning of the book, with YEARS of history to back it up.

As far as Jackson goes, he's got his own issues. I don't have the experience to connect with him as much, but I love how Sarah makes her Characters so real. They have pasts, and flaws, and trauma, and they have to screw up and start over. Jackson is a prime example. Although, both he and Emily need therapy 🤷

And now, for quote heaven:

"Everyone is dead. Dead, dead, dead. And yes, I do like to throw startling little facts like those into conversation whenever I can because shock is always more preferable to pity."

"I don't know how to tell him that this pain is always hovering just below the surface these days. It's not alcohol induced. It's raw and it's lurking and I'm not nearly as capable of handling my shit as I seem."

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

"Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done."

"I smile and then bite his finger. Just a little. Enough to make him grin."

Like I said, Em is my soul sister. The Walker's feel like a warm hug. And I can't wait for Madison's story. I'm rooting for James 😉

Thank you Netgally, the publish, and the amazing Sarah Adams for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since reading Practice Makes Perfect, book 2 in the series, I have become a fan of Sarah Adams. She is now on my auto-buy/checkout list. I was excited to read this one and was glad I was able to get an advanced copy. I really have come to love the small town of Rome and its quircky cast of characters. Emily and Jack were such a good pairing with this enemies to lovers premise. There "meet cute" in college was great and I liked that Adams broke up chapters with excerpts from the past. There was no big third act breakup, though they did still have some issues to work through. Overall a very cute romance that I will be recommending. (Thank You to Random House and Netgalley for the ARC)

Sarah Adams' Beg, Borrow, or Steal offers a charming, if predictable, rivals-to-lovers romance set in the cozy town of Rome, Kentucky. The story centers on Emily Walker, a second-grade teacher with a penchant for writing romance novels under a secret pen name, and Jack Bennett, her former neighbor and current colleague, who returns to town after a messy breakup. The two have spent years at odds, but when Emily accidentally sends an email to their school principal that could expose her literary side hustle, she finds herself reluctantly teaming up with Jack to retrieve her manuscript—and maybe, just maybe, something more.

Adams excels at creating warm, relatable characters, and Emily and Jack are no exception. Emily, with her tightly controlled life and her not-so-secret love of writing steamy romance novels, is easy to root for, even when she’s acting a little too prickly for her own good. Jack, on the other hand, is a lovable grump with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The chemistry between the two is palpable from the start, making their eventual shift from antagonistic colleagues to romantic partners a satisfying, if well-worn, journey.

The plot itself doesn’t break new ground, but that’s part of the charm of Beg, Borrow, or Steal. It’s a lighthearted, feel-good romance that thrives on the familiar enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The town of Rome adds a small-town charm that feels comforting, and the quirky supporting characters, particularly the ever-present school staff, add delightful moments of humor and heart. The small-town backdrop and slow-burn romance make it an easy read for fans of feel-good, character-driven stories.

That being said, there are a few predictable moments that detract from the book’s overall impact. The conflict between Emily and Jack is resolved a bit too smoothly, and at times, the stakes feel low for a romance that wants to tap into deeper emotional arcs. The pacing occasionally drags, especially when the characters circle around their growing attraction without much real forward motion. There’s also an element of “forced proximity” in their constant interactions as neighbors and coworkers, which occasionally feels more like a plot device than a natural part of their story.

Still, Adams’ writing is filled with heart, and her ability to balance humor and emotional vulnerability shines through. The banter between Emily and Jack is fun, their chemistry is undeniable, and the ultimate payoff of their romance feels earned. Fans of Adams’ previous works, like The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect, will find much to enjoy here, even if it doesn't quite reach the same emotional highs as some of her other books.

In short, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a light, enjoyable romance that doesn’t break any new ground but delivers a satisfying, heartwarming story. It’s perfect for readers looking for a feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romance with a healthy dose of humor and charm. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s still a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

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

no because wdym jackson bennett doesn't really exist???? every time i go into a new sarah adams book i think “surely ____ is not going to outdo or be more perfect than ___ was.” and every damn time i am proving wrong (clearly skill issue and i should know by now to never doubt this happening).

i have been incredibly lucky to receive an arc for each book in this series so far and man oh man do i fall more in love with Rome, Kentucky and its townspeople every time i crack open a new one 🥹. i leave every book yearning for their small town life to be mine, for them to be real and for us to be besties because theres just something so comforting about these characters and their struggles.

“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

everyone deserves to have a love like emily and jacks and should never settle until they have it. i will be coming back sooner or later to give a bit more depth to this review however right now i just wanna bask in the warm little cocoon that it their love ❤️

Emily has hated Jack since they were in college and had their first interaction. Then Jack ended up teaching in Emily’s small town school with her and annoying her for even more time. But then he got engaged and moved away and Emily was finally free of him; until he comes back to the school and her small town of Rome - without a wife. Now he’s ready to move to Rome and settle down but Emily will do everything she can to make his life miserable in her town - that is until she needs his help. Like all Sarah Adams books - the slow burn kindling begins to smoke throughout the novel between the two characters and it’s fun to watch.

Let me just say that I love this series, it’s like putting on a comfortable sweatshirt because we know all of the characters (Emily is part of the “When in Rome” series) and we have already watched three of her Walker siblings find love in the other books. Each sibling has their own quirks that are hinderances to finding love until the book focuses on them and they find their match. Her novels are written with humor and are just so much fun to read and this one is no different. It takes a great story to keep a reader interested even when you know the ending - this had a great story and some cute hijinks. Jack was such a good character and I look forward to the next edition of this series when Jack is part of the gang.

4.25 stars

Thank you to Ballantine Dell and NetGalley for the ARC