3.5⭐

Emily and Jack are enimies that become neighbors. Both of them are 2nd grade rival teachers. Jack moves away with his fiance and has a break up which brings him back. He finds out he’s now neighbors with the girl who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited about—shaking up Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. When Emily accidentally sends a manuscript of her first novel to their school principal she needs Jack to help her get it back before he reads it. She has to learn to play nice and starts to realize that he isn't so bad after all.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House publishing to allow me to read this arc!

you know how everyone pretty much fell in love with “Nobody Wants This” because it was about a girl, who kinda (definitely) believed she was too much and really didn’t want to be, who found a boy, who felt she was just the right amount and wanted to tell her every day, and he said “I can handle you” and girls everywhere who had been secretly hoping that someone would be able to handle them, and not just handle them but delight in handling them, were able to let out the breath they were holding??

yea this book is like that. letting out a breath when you realize that even though you have some rough edges, some prickly parts, and some deep fear that loving you requires too much, you are not too much. you are the right amount. that you are wanted even when you’re not needed.

i think I loved watching Jack with Emily because it felt like with each word, action, moment he was whispering “I can handle you” and while she feared that she would come to the end of hearing that eventually, she never did. Jack for all the girls like Emily, please never grow tired of whispering “I want you.”

also, competency isn’t really on the list of hottest traits in a man but i’m think it’s probably should be.

This was incredible! Sarah Adams' stories are getting better with each book. She's truly becoming unstoppable! I can't wait to see what she writes in the next few years!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in the Rome, Kentucky series. I've come to love Rome so much! I have truly enjoyed my visits with each new book and I never want it to end - although I know it will! I loved how this story had a secret identity, multiple authors, feuding teachers, and so much more!

The emails between the main characters were perfect! Everything about this book was phenomenal. Don't just take my word for it = make sure you read this one!

6 STARS!!!!!!

Emily and Jack have hated one another for over a decade. Between their stint in college and their careers teaching together, they've become master nemeses. They've become very comfortable in their roles, not only with each other, but with everyone. But this summer, Jack has moved next door to Emily, and what follows shakes up every aspect of their lives. The intense feelings they've always had for each other start to morph into something else...something deeper. But are they both brave enough to change and accept a love more profound than they've ever experienced? You'll have to read to find out!!

What's NOT to love about this book?!? You have a fantastic ensemble cast, one who readers will be thrilled to see back and better than ever. It builds beautifully on the first two books of the When in Rome series while setting up the fourth and final installment seamlessly. The small town aspect is incredibly charming, especially after experiencing these characters in two other books. It felt like coming home! I really appreciated the humor, and the slow burn was done impeccably! That scene where they do "blocking" to help her figure out how to write a love scene?!? It's a MUST READ!!!

I really enjoyed getting to see the inner workings of both of these charmingly flawed and richly created characters. The dual POV was great. Another fun layer were the emails and text messages peppered throughout the story that go back to the very beginning of their relationship. We have two people who have been hiding themselves away, slowly and carefully peeling back each other's layers, and it was beautiful to watch. I highlighted line after line of gorgeous prose. Romantic, tender, and endearing. Adams' characters feel real. This isn't the first time I've closed one of her books, only to miss the characters afterwards. Can Adams go ahead and finish book four? (I'm ready, but at the same time, that means it'll be over!)

Trigger warnings: narcissistic parent, dysfunctional family dynamics, alcoholic parent (before story begins), death of parents in storm (before story begins), death of a beloved grandmother (before story begins), struggles with perfectionism

I'd like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, Dell, Sarah Adams, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This one was so cute! I loved it and I loved Emily and Jack from the very first meet-cute! The emails between the two main characters were a super cute touch, and the enemies to friends to lovers was just done perfectly!

I don’t think anyone will be able to beat Annie and Will as my fav Rome couple, but I still 100% recommend this one!

I just. Love Sarah Adams- her characters are quirky and unique and yet feel totally realistic. This may be my favorite I have read of hers!! I loved the story and the grumpy sunshine back and forth banter by the two main characters. If you like Abby Jimenez you will love Sarah Adams.

Beg borrow or steal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I could cry for how much I loved this book. Sarah Adams has created a masterpiece.

Emily is the eldest Walker sister. She is an empathetic sweetheart that is tough as nails! She is the elected Queen b and backbone of our favorite little town of Rome, KY.

The only person she cannot seem to get along with is Jack. Her college nemesis turned 2nd grade teacher rival at her school. The good news, Jack left town to get married and start a new life, far far away. The bad news… he is unexpectedly back and sitting in her favorite corner booth at the coffee shop!

One night, when Emily is less than sober and raging mad at the mere existence of Jack, she accidentally emails something racy to the school principal… So for the person that never asks for help, Emily has to ask the one person she loathes the most, Jack. The heist that ensues is hilarious, risky and just the game changer their dynamic needs.

This is one of the best books ever written!!! Everyone will love this book: the rivals to enemies to friends to more… yes!!! The quippy banter and verbal sparring are delicious! And LORD, the blocking… yes sir!

An unexpected favorite is the text message excerpts between Jack and Emily: they are so funny and really show the evolution of their relationship.

This was such a cute rom com with likeable and authentic characters. I immediately went to read all of the other While In Rome installments. I will recommend this small town romance series to other readers! I loved it.

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.