Sarah Adams has done it again. Beg, Borrow and Steal is THE Rom-Com. Emily and Jackson bickering made me fall in love with them just as they fell in love with each other. I really enjoyed being back in Rome and reading about how the other characters are doing.

Adam’s writing is comforting, and her story telling unfolds in a way that captures your attention until you’re done with the book.

I am a huge fan of traditional romance, although there are certain “tropes” that I enjoy more than others. One of my favorites is “enemies to lovers.” Because of this, I was extremely excited to read this book. I was a bit nervous about reading the third book in a series that I had not yet read the first two of, but I shouldn’t have been worried. Although this book is in a series, I was still able to read it as a “standalone.”

This is one book where I was able to connect with both of the main characters right away. Although there are some heavy portions of the book (I appreciated the disclaimer), some sections made me literally laugh out loud.

I am super glad that there is going to be one more book in this series, as I am not yet ready to say goodbye to Rome, Kentucky. All in all, I absolutely love this book. I can’t to read the final installment when it is out. I also plan to read some of Sarah’s past books.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

The way I SCREAMED when NetGalley approved my arc request. This book was EVERYTHING and more. THE BANTER oh my god y’all I was SQUEALING their banter was everything.
There were so many ways in which I relate to Emily and it was both heartbreaking and reassuring to have my fears and anxieties articulated so well and validated through her struggles. And Jackson Bennett is just a dream come true. Their love is tender and sweet and fierce. He is so thoughtful, supportive, and careful with her I could CRY.
I ate this up and I will not be shutting up about it. Sarah Adams books are like warm hugs and sunshine and I love her for it. She’s such a light.
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity and thank you Sarah for another book that made me feel safe and seen.

I. Loved. This. The banter… top tier. The neighbor wars and bickering between the two? Freakin delightful. I laughed. I got emotional. I swooned. Two people who have experienced trauma learning to love each other and themselves through the hard things and learning to walk together through their darkness? Well done Sarah Adams. Beautiful book. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC! ❤️❤️
Review up on Goodreads

beg, borrow, or steal | sarah adams

4.5⭐️

_____

“Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?”
His smile is a feral thing. “More than either of us is comfortable with.”

_____

It’s a Sarah Adams book! And I loved it! Shocker!

I am so happy to have another sparkling ray of sunshine coming to us from Rome, Kentucky.

I was giddy. I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I was floating in a hot air balloon and then melting like an ooey gooey chocolate bar left in the sun.

If you’re looking for criticism, you won’t find it here. If you love Rome Kentucky and the Walker siblings, lighthearted and silly humor, and genuine heart-squeezing romance…. buckle up my friends!

THINGS TO LOVE:
+ nemesis to lovers
+ teachers & authors
+ a perfectionist and a charmer
+ flirty emails!
+ small town found family
+ healthy communication
+ a man in glasses
+ scene-blocking sexy lessons omg
+ personal growth
+ do I find sports bikes attractive now?!
+ couples who champion each other’s success
+ sibling love

Favorite Quotes:

“PS. You could never be a side character.”

"It’s okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it’s okay if I move and change too.”

“It’s good to change. It hurts a little at first but then it stats to feel like stretching first thing in the morning. Like you don’t realize how badly your body needed the movement.”’

”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.”

_____

{a gigantic thank you to Sarah Adam’s, Dell & Penguin Random House publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! Out 1/7/25}

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! I feel like this series is a comfort to me 🥺 I am so excited for the next book but so sad it’s the last one 😔😔😔😔

screaming crying throwing up (e) i love emily and jack so bad!
"I've never felt important to someone else before.
And now that I am-I don't take that lightly. You've endured so much grief already. I won't needlessly be the cause of any more of it in your life. The bike goes."
SWOONING.

Let me start by saying this: I will read anything Sarah Adams publishes. I am a fangirl through and through. There is nary a work of hers that I haven't loved.
I'm SO happy to say that Beg, Borrow or Steal is another winner in my eyes. Perhaps even Adams' best yet. Just when I thought I couldn't love the fictional little town of Rome, Kentucky any more, I was privileged with the opportunity to dive back in earlier than I ever anticipated. And boy, oh boy, was I glad for that chance.
Emily's story was like reading a manuscript of my own life. As an eldest daughter, Emily's behaviors, thoughts, fears, and dreams all resonated with me. I, too, have been the victim of sacrificing my own needs for the sake of making sure my family was okay. I, too, have thought myself entirely unlovable because I never let people show up for me. So from my perspective, Beg, Borrow, or Steal was a cathartic reading experience.
Emily and Jack's story hit all the right spots. The rivals-to-lovers arc was fun and not at all obnoxious or maddening like some romances can be. I really appreciated that Adams spent time developing both Emily and Jack into sophisticated, realistic people who have an equal share of positive attributes and problems. Adams has a way of allowing her characters to process trauma without it becoming an emotional burden on the reader. It adds depth to the romance while maintaining the rom-com vibe overall, which I just adore. And Jack was probably the most realistic and likeable love interest that I've read in quite a while.
I'm so glad we're not done with Rome just yet, because I NEED more and cannot wait until the final installment. BRB while I go re-read the series from the start.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

A cute enemies-to-lovers romance between two teachers - Sarah Adams continues her series about our favorite sisters, and I love how the small town bands around our FMC to support her, no matter what. I feel like here, I felt the love and romance grow more-so than with Annie - and appreciated how the two balance each other out. Excited to continue reading this series!!

This was a 5 ⭐️ read for me up until Chapter 32 (ie. Open door chapter). I was so frustrated I actually had to put the book down for a few days and pick up something else.

I LOVED Jack and Emily’s story, the rivalry, the banter…but when you have a chapter like Chapter 16 (closed door) that does such an AMAZING job with steaminess and building anticipation, it’s devastating to feel let down by the actual open door chapter.

I know Sarah Adams is lighter on the explicit scenes and I love that for those who want a closed door option (clearly not me, lol) she provides it… but I would have liked more from our main open door scene. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sarah Adams remains an auto buy for me and I still love Rome, KY.

3.5 Stars rounded to 4. Thank you to Random House Publishing, through NetGalley, for the ARC!

I absolutely adored this book! It had me laughing and smiling the whole way through. I have not read the first two books in this series, but I did not feel like I was missing out on major plot lines. I will be reading them quickly! Overall this book was well written, and a quick, easy rom-com read. It didn't have anything that set it apart from other rom-coms but it was very enjoyable!

I loved that the scene 3 breakup was not overly dramatic and huge. It was truly realistic and spoke to how couples may process their individual trauma in relationships. I feel like Sarah delivered on her promise that difficult topics would be handled with care.

I'm SO EXCITED that I was able to get an early copy of this one! Thank you thank you thank you!

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I think Beg, Borrow or Steal may have overtaken Practice Makes Perfect as my favorite Sarah Adams book.
Let me start with saying, my expectations for this were high but I was hesitant, because I am truly Sarah's biggest fan, and Practice Makes Perfect is one of my all-time favorite books. THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It was so sweet to be back in Rome Kentucky with the Walker family so the joy picking this up was instant. Sarah's writing is effortless, witty, endearing and all the good things. It never takes me long to warm right up to the main characters, and even though I was unsure how I would enjoy the hate that there was between Emily and Jackson, as we go deeper into the story, we see deeper into their history, and their individual pasts, worries and fears, and learn that there was much more going on than their unending feuding. They were building a connection of honesty and trust and seeing that unfold as they open up to each other was so precious.

One thing that pushed this book a little above Practice Makes Perfect for me is how much I relate to Emily. I'm not a first child, but I have experienced my own versions of loss and found a lot of myself in her fear of being hard to love and of letting people know her and see her for all of her parts, even the dark ones and trusting they won't leave because of them. The way that Jack intentionally showed he wanted those parts of her too made me weepy. I am a puddle at the feet that man!

I cannot stop thinking about these two and getting emotional. I would be driving to work and listening to a song that would remind me of them and start crying. They're everything to me. Sarah has outdone herself. Every scene we get with all the Walker siblings and significant others gets better and better and this book in particular made me feel much more connected to them all. Their relationships are so sweet. I'm beyond excited for Maddie's book next, but will truly be devasted to end our time in Rome!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t know how it’s possible but this series just keeps getting better and better! I love Rome, Kentucky SO MUCH. The Walker siblings are my absolute FAVORITE. This book is an absolute delight and I can’t believe I already read it! It was so much FUN! I loved Emily and Jack so much. I think they just might be favorite 🥹 every single thing about this had me literally giggling and kicking my feet! The banter and the tension and the pining!! And all the little competitions they were in with each other throughout the years! How SOFT they were with each other?? How willing they were to be open and honest and so vulnerable?! Even though they’ve been enemies this whole time?? Or have they just been their unguarded and true selves this whole time and THAT’S why whatever they’re going feel so right!!?

Emily Walker is my hero and I love her and her heart SO MUCH. She is just a girl who had to grow up SO FAST and is just a tough girl on the outside and THE SOFTEST girl on the inside. And she is a different kind soft than Annie is, and I really loved that she finally got to open up to her family too. And I love how fiercely she loves and protects her family. But finally getting inside her head was just a little heartbreaking. BUT watching her FALL IN LOVE!! With her nemesis!!! Was. The. Best.

Jack Bennett is THAT man. He was the perfect match for Emily in every single way! And not only that he was also SUCH A SWEETHEART! He actually was SO GONE for Emily kind of from the start?? And the way they were able to use all that banter and bickering and flirting throughout the years to really have such good foundation for the eventual relationship?? It made PERFECT sense for their relationship.He also was a sad little softie too and watching him struggle with his family and his own loneliness and lack of self worth was tough. But then again watching him and Emily flourish together!! It was just SO SWEET!

Thank you SO MUCH to Dell for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! They always pull through and I am so SO grateful 🥹

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I have became a Sarah Adams fan within the last year so I was insanely happy to receive an early copy of her newest in the When in Rome series! I knew going into this book that I have loved all of her other books and had high hopes for this one as well. I can happily say that Miss Sarah does not disappoint!

From the start of this book I could tell that the banter was going to be amazing between these teacher rivals. They have so much history between them and it is years in the making of their hatred for each other. In the beginning I wasn't so sure how I felt about the characters themselves but I do know that I loved their rivalry. As the book goes on, though, we learn so much more about them as individuals and by the end I had so much empathy for both Emily and Jack. The reader finds out why exactly their feud started and that it was possibly all just a bit of misunderstanding between one another.

I was also very excited to find out that Sarah Adams decided to dive into a bit of the steamy side of romances when her previous works are all closed door romances. For this being her first published work as open door, I will say that she did very good and those particular scenes were so amazing for the story as well as for the character development. I still cannot believe they tried to get together in their boss's closet! XD

Although I'm not sure that I can say this is my favorite Sarah Adams book to date (Will Griffin is very much my type of man) I still absolutely adored Emily and Jack! I cannot wait for the final book in the When in Rome series!

I loved this book! It was so much fun to be back in Rome, Kentucky! I read the first two last spring when Practice Makes Perfect released so I’ve been excited to see the other sisters’ stories! I love the Walker family, so sweet and fun!

In this book, Emily’s nemesis, Jack, moves in next door to her and she is determined to scare him off. When she needs help erasing an email she accidentally sends their principal, she asks Jack for help. They team up and find that maybe the other isn’t so bad after all.

I enjoyed the banter and teasing in this book. Emily and Jack were funny together. I loved that they had so much history together since they’d been enemies since an encounter in college. I also enjoyed how much they both grew and overcame throughout the book! I felt myself relating to Emily on a lot of aspects and it was fun seeing her walls come down and her letting someone in.

I’m very excited for Madison’s story and sadly our last trip to Rome, KY!

This review was posted on my instagram page @outdoorreadingmama and my Goodreads page on Wednesday, Nov 13. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

How to Steal a Million has been a favorite movie of mine for decades so I KNEW I was going to love Emily and Jack’s story and no surprise, this latest trip to Rome, KY did not disappoint!

I adore everything Sarah writes and love how she pens such wonderfully layered stories with deeply relatable characters. Alongside discussions of grief, toxic relationships, and complicated family dynamics, Sarah encourages readers of their worth, reminds them to never diminish their accomplishments or to stop pursuing what brings them joy, and the importance of finding community, all while giving our hearts a place where we can be safe, loved, and seen. Beg, Borrow, or Steal also reads as a love letter to educators and speaks to the tremendous impact that teachers make as they bring light and hope to their students’ lives each and every day.

The dynamic between Emily and Jack was delightful and the tension so delicious. Their push and pull was playful, never mean, and I loved their quips and witty banter. And the romance… OMG who knew scene blocking could be so hot AND if you’re a fan of forced proximity, you’re in for a treat when Jack and Emily find themselves hiding in a closet.

I laughed, cried, and my heart was filled with so many warm fuzzies and rainbows!

It felt so great to be back in Rome, Kentucky, the fictional town I fell in love with back in "When in Rome"!

I don't think I have related to a character more than FMC Emily, the eldest daughter of the Walker family, who takes care of everyone and everything...except her nemesis, Jack. To everyone else in Rome, she is a steadfast second grade teacher but to Jack, she's an argumentative porcupine. The two of them have been competing in the same spaces since college and are now rival second grade teachers.

Jack and Emily's witty banter throughout the book completely makes the story and as the banter becomes ... less banter-y, their honest dialogue and heartfelt moments make you fall in love with both of them and root for them both individually and together.

This book is one of my top reads for 2024!

THANK YOU to Sarah Adams and Random House publishing for this eARC (literally I screamed when I got the email 😭🫶🏻)

This book was such a treat!!! I missed Rome, Kentucky so much. It felt like a warm hug to be back here again with our Walker crew.

Emily was such a unique fmc to me - to be so fiercely protective and motherly to her siblings and students but to be so feisty to everyone around her. Love a good rivals trope; it’s adjacent to my all-time favorite, enemies to lovers (like basically the same, right?). Usually the man is the “grumpy” in our grumpy/sunshine trope, but it was really endearing to experience in reverse (and slightly humbling as I related far too much with Emily and Jack’s dynamics - oops love you Hubby for putting up with my sass 💁‍♀️). But truly there was so much relatability to me with Emily as an older sister, her adapting to life through her grief, and the trials of young love. And Jack is 100% cinnamon roll book bf material with fantastic style. What’s not to love?!

**For my fantasy girlies: if you’re like me and couldn’t totally buy into being a Nesta stan even after her redemption arc in Silver Flames, then this will give you that full redemption that you were missing**

This is book 3 of the When in Rome Series, which can all be read standalone but I would highly recommend reading in order. I read them 2, 1, 3… which is very unusual for me to go out of order, but all that to say you can’t go wrong! 5⭐️ series all the way! Can’t wait until we get Madison’s love story!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5

I didn’t mean to stay up so late to read this book. I thought I would get to the spicy part and then go to bed, to finish the next night. Delightful is the first word that came to mind. I had a small smile on my face the whole time and laughed out loud a few times.

Emily Walker is the oldest responsible sister of the Walker clan. Jack Bennett is her nemesis. But, is he? Emily knows everyone loves him except her, so why is she secretly happy that he has moved to town single? This DELIGHTFUL novel explores Emily and Jack’s trauma history and how to support friends when they need you. And, yes there’s some spice.

What I Loved:
I’ve read the other books in this series, I love the town, their family, the banter, and the characters.
Emily and Jack’s conversations; they get deep and lovely.
Kindness - in general.
Surprisingly, this book made me love the thought of writing one day.
The content warning at the beginning was thoughtful.

What I Didn’t Love:
Jack’s career situation at the end felt abruptly pushed aside. I think we can assume what happened, but would have liked a little more details on what happened after. Maybe in Madison’s story!
I love the cover, but I don’t understand the title of the book. I see the Beg, but not necessarily the Borrow or Steal. Perhaps I missed it.

Overall, I loved this book. I don’t own too many books because I read very quickly and frequent my public library. This is one I would purchase and read all over again. This series is lovely and I cannot wait to see what happens next in Rome.

It is so great to be back in Rome, KY! In this book, the 3rd in the When in Rome series explores enemies to lovers, Emily and Jackson. Emily is the eldest sister of the Walker family. She is neurotic and driven to be the best sister, friend, and teacher. Jackson is a loveable guy with a taste for retro fashion. The two teach 2nd grade at Rome Elementary. They share a decade old feud. I enjoyed how both MCs grew in this book. Emily was easy to love from the beginning. Her tenacious care for her loved ones and her precision to detail make her a fearsome enemy. Jackson is voted all-around best guy. I think the pacing was an issue in the story. Some scenes seems to move slowly while others past by too quickly. The engagement scene was a snippet and made me wonder why it didn't get more attention. I love the content warning the beginning. I did skip the spicy scenes, so I cannot give much comment on that aspect. I did not appreciate the nursery rhyme in the shower scene, though-- seems a bit misplaced for the setting.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for this ARC. I cannot wait to get my hands on my physical copy in January!