Sara Adams does not disappoint...sometimes when I get to a book three, I feel they are just not as good as they should be and I lose interest, but this one...for the win. My library patrons are going to be so excited for this release. I can not wait to have it in print! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC!

Oh my goodness... let me tell you something.. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! This was actually my very first Sarah Adams book and I am punching myself for not reading her other books sooner!!! "When in Rome" has always been on my TBR, but I just never got around to it... WELL THAT CHANGES TODAY!!

What a masterpiece!! This book honestly feels like a warm hug. How can I be part of the Walker Family???

"Beg, Borrow, or Steal" has the perfect balance of humor, romance, family, and touches lightly on mental health.

To entice you to drop everything and read this book when it comes out... here are some tropes:

Enemies to Lovers
Small Town Romance
Workplace Rivalry

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for an honest review. This book has changed my life

I am a big fan of Sarah Adams, while this book was cute, it was not my favorite. A bit slow and predictable. I had a hard time getting into the characters and it took me a while to finish.

I absolutely loved this book and fell in love with Emily and Jack instantly. I loved the enemies to lovers trope. The dual POV was so fantastic too!

Emily and Jack have been feuding since they first met in college. They have competed in classes and then ended up working at the same school...both second grade teachers where the competition continued. But there was always an underlying attraction and soft spot for the other.

Well, Jack ends up moving away because he is engaged and never says goodbye to Emily. She holds onto this and when he suddenly shows back up she is annoyed. Needless to say they also become neighbors when Jack unknowingly buys the house next door to Emily. She does everything she can to get in his way and make him feel unwelcome in her town.

But as things develop they find a friendship that slowly leads to more feelings. This was so good. I was laughing and smiling so much and I loved getting little glimpses of Amelia and Annie's lives. And Maddie and James...cannot wait to see what plays out in the last book!

Sarah Adams just knows how to write the cuteset romcoms and also loved the twist of teachers being writers!!

this is the third book in the When in Rome series, and it just keeps getting better! Emily and Jack are the perfect example of enemies to friends to lovers. beneath their feuding over the years, there’s always been more that they both refused to see. they both have past trauma and are able to help each other face it. through doing so they find love and happiness. being vulnerable with someone and facing change can be scary but with the right person by you, it becomes all the more worthwhile. go read this when it comes out and in the mean time read the other two books if you haven’t!

“Emily, you are the difference. I’m realizing that.”

“I’ll be so careful with you, Emily,”

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

"Don’t let him be the most wonderful thing that never happened to you because you were scared to give it a try."

"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."

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This was a lot of fun! I've always enjoyed going back to Rome, Kentucky, and this was not any different. I'm obsessed with the enemies to lovers trope, and Sarah's writing nailed it! Jack and Emily's banter was the secret sauce. And when I tell you he fell first, it was executed beautifully. Their romance was a slow build-up, but I didn't mind - I could not stop turning the page to see what happens next.
Sarah does an amazing job writing about small town romance. It's a character in itself! I eat it up, and I can't wait for the fourth and finally installment!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book. Sarah Adams is seemingly allergic to writing bad books, i’m obsessed with everything she does. These two characters are her most well suited yet and i loved it simply for that.

Absolutely amazing!! 5⭐️
I loved the entire premise of this book of how they were rivals/enemies to lovers who couldn’t see eachother without breaking into a bickering fight. I loved the banter, the chippy remarks, the epic fails, the espionage mission🤭🤣, and ultimately the connection of the characters. There was so much emotion from the characters, both heartbreaking and happy, that just brought this book to life. Emily and Jack might be my new favorites just because of how they weren’t afraid of showing the worst sides of themselves to eachother from the beginning. The cameos from the other Walker siblings and friends were top notch. This was a small town romance, teacher recognition 🫶, fast paced book that I couldn’t ever put down. I loved it and thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Sarah Adams for the eArc!! Forever grateful 💕

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Favorite quotes:
“It’s like we’re cursed to walk adjacent in this life no matter how much we despise each other”

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

“Emily... when I told you I care for you, I mean it. It's not that I care for some aspects of you, not that I care for you when you're in a good mood...
I care for you always. I want you, always. The good, the bad, and the in-between. I. Want. You, Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey heart... all of it. All of you. But I'm not going to rush you again or push you into anything you're not ready for either. In the end, if all you want is friendship, I'll take it.”

“My entire body is dragging me to her like it knows she is safety.”

“That’s why you scare the hell out of me. I’ve never . . . I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel so seen and known as you do, Jack.”

Not a contemporary romance reader, really, but I feel like if I was, it would be a great read. Has all the right things, including repeatedly running into each other partially clothed and riding on a motorcycle!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

10/10!!!!! Sarah does it again!!! I always thought Annie was my soul character but she has managed to create another, Emily, that just speaks to me. I am a perfect balance of Annie and Emily… Sarah is so in touch with her readers and somehow always makes them feel seen whether it’s with a whole character or small pieces of them.

Emily and Jack are a perfect match and the banter and tension are off the charts!!!! it was funny, romantic, real, and I just loved it so much and can’t wait for the rest of the world to get to read it

I. Am. Obsessed. Sarah Adams has done it again! I loved every single second of this book. I felt all the same feeling and giddiness as when I read The Cheat Sheet (my first Adams book). Ugh. So good.

I was a little skeptical about getting Emily story since she was also kinda rigid and very much the mom of the Walker siblings but I loved her from page 1. She had so much depth and so many hidden struggles. I felt for her. The only person she didn’t have to worry about being different with was Jackson. Their banter was so good. I love the bickering that always has underlying “how do they not see that they love each other?!” vibes. It hits every time.

Jackson was *everything*. He had his own struggles but he found his solace in his “enemy-ship” with Emily. He was able to just say when he thought and not worry what she thought. He was able to be free with her.

I ate this up. I already had this book preordered and when I got approved on NetGalley I literally squealed! I’m so excited for others to read this!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!

This book might just be my soulmate (sorry, wonderful husband!). Sarah’s writing is so powerful, so beautiful and so encouraging. As an older sister, i FELT so much of Sarah’s writing come through the pages into my own life, and there is nothing possibly as beautiful as that.

Emily & Jack’s story was witty, clever, sweet & filled with delicious tension and banter. This book felt like a warm hug with a side of a sarcastic comment & I adored every second of it.

Thank you Sarah & your publishing team for the ARC - I already can’t wait to return to Rome, KY ❤️

"Beg Borrow or Steal" is a delightful addition to Sarah Adams' charming small-town romance series, and it captivated me from the very first page. The story centers around Emily and Jack, two fierce rivals whose competitive nature has defined their relationship since college. But beneath the surface of their rivalry lies a simmering tension that is impossible to ignore.

Emily, our fierce and relatable heroine, grapples with what I like to call "oldest daughter syndrome." This struggle resonates deeply, as she often feels overshadowed and unsure of her place in a world where she doesn't always feel needed. Watching her character grow throughout the story was a true highlight. Emily learns to embrace her emotions, shedding the need to always be okay, and finding strength in vulnerability. Jack, the charming and complex male lead, also faces his own demons, shaped by a childhood spent trying to please his narcissistic father. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and mutual support.

The moment Jack moves back to their small town, the stage is set for sparks to fly. When Emily finds herself in a bind and needs Jack's help, the dynamics shift, allowing their chemistry to bloom in ways they never anticipated. Their banter is sharp and witty, providing just the right amount of humor to balance the more emotional moments. The romance that develops is sweet, genuine, and a joy to read.

Adams masterfully crafts the small-town setting, making it feel alive with vivid descriptions and relatable side characters. It was a treat to see familiar faces from previous books in the series, enriching the narrative with their presence. Plus, the tease of James and Madison's chemistry hints at an exciting next installment that I can’t wait to dive into.

Overall, "Beg Borrow or Steal" is a heartwarming story about love, rivalry, and personal growth. Sarah Adams has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that blends humor, heart, and a touch of small-town charm, this is one you won’t want to miss!

4.5/5 stars

Sarah Adams is quickly becoming one of my must-read authors, and this book was no exception!

I've read the other two books in the series, and while I thoroughly enjoyed both, this one was my favorite (so far!) I loved Emily and Jack. Their romance felt easy and natural and while the overall story was about them falling in love, I also really enjoyed their personal growth journeys as well.

ALSO the scene blocking chapter? Yes please!!!! SUCH a good way to build the tension & chemistry! One of the best scenes I've read in a romance book for a long time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. Pick this one up if you need a lighthearted romance!

As the eldest daughter, Emily Walker takes her job very seriously. Ever since her parents died when she was young, Emily has taken it upon herself to be the rock her older brother and younger sisters needed. Emily has always put their feelings and well-being first, bottling up her feelings in the process. Emily can't be strong for others if she's crying on their shoulders. But the one person Emily has never had to tiptoe around is her college nemesis-turned co-worker-turned neighbor, Jackson Bennett. Emily was thrilled when Jack moved out of their small Kentucky town with his fiancé--even though it rubbed at her that he never said goodbye--but now he's back, single, and ready to make Emily's life a living hell.

Jack has always loved Rome, Kentucky, and he's eager to immerse himself in the community, but unfortunately, the only house for sale was next to Emily. The pair got off on the wrong foot on their first day of college and have been trading snide remarks back and forth ever since. Growing up with a narcissistic author father, Jack has never been one for conflict, except when it comes to Emily. Jack has never felt more alive than when he and Emily bicker, and their proximity has only fanned the fire. When Emily needs help retrieving a drunken email that would expose her literary side hustle, Jack agrees to help. But he has secrets that could potentially ruin the tenuous bond they've been forming.

At this point, I would read Sarah's grocery list. She's my go-to whenever I need something light and fluffy. I dare anyone to pick up her books and not feel joy. I had the silliest grin the entire time I was reading this. I loved the bickering banter between Emily and Jack. It was so petty and a little childish but oh so fun. It was so entertaining watching them go from being at each other's throats to wanting to tear each other's clothes off. Watching them open up and be vulnerable was also such a delight. They were two sides of the same coin, which made it so much easier for them to be what the other needed. I wasn't as invested in the plot of this one, but I was all-in for the romance. I can't wait for the next installment, but I'm so sad that this series is ending.

Everyone clap, Sarah Adams has done it again. Sarah is one of my favorite authors because she has such a cozy way of writing her characters and settings that make you feel at home and seen all at the same time. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Emily and Jack. They both are so scared of being known and approaching that fear from opposite directions and it was a delight to see them lay those fears down and to risk the mortifying ordeal of being known in order to experience being truly loved. There is something so special about seeing a fixer like Emily experience rest for the first time as an adult. Jack let her rest in the fact that he could take charge when she couldn't. And Emily allowed him to be fully himself.
Jack was such a fun dichotomy of things that at first glance didn't feel like they'd all work but they boy oh boy did they. ;)
I feel like we've gotten to see growth in every character throughout this series and I love that. I think Sarah writes ensemble casts very well. Her protagonists don't exist in isolation and they have really strong and beautiful relationships outside of the love interest that add depth and dynamic to the story.
I'm just so happy to be back in this little town. <3

4.5 stars! Emily & Jack are perfect together! From the witty banter & teasing to the moments of vulnerability & their developing friendship into something more was so well done! Loved all their sweet moments & had the best time kicking my feet & giggling with them - also the scene blocking chapter was by far my fav 😍 Wished to see a little more of their rivalry play out, but I loved all the flashbacks and emails to get a glimpse into their dynamic.

Sarah Adams does it again!! This one genuinely might be my new favorite of hers…which is saying something because I’m obsessed with all of her books

I literally lost sleep because I couldn’t put this book down! I loved being back in Rome Kentucky again getting to know Emily and Jack while seeing lies of familiar faces, I felt like this book was about watching Emily and Jack become each others safe space and grow together and it was SO cute!!

I really really appreciated Sarah Adams adding in what chapters to skip for no spice! Bless her for doing that! When I skipped the first spicy chapter I felt a little lost like I missed something. It was easy for me to back track a little and fill in the hole but still skip the spice though, so it was fine!

This is the third book in this series and it is my favorite. I love a rivals-to-lovers romance and this is a very good one. Jack and Emily have been enemies and pushed each other's buttons since Jack spilled coffee on Emily their first day of college. Their rivalry continues while teaching at the same school in Rome, Kentucky. When Jack's engagement ends and he returns to Rome and becomes Emily's neighbor, they start to discover that maybe there is something more to their relationship other than animosity. I loved reading about their relationship evolving and the love blossoming between them. I also love how they seem like real people with complicated lives and emotions and I enjoyed reading about Emily's family and friends. I appreciated how in the arc I read, Sarah Adams included the spicy scenes because I loved them (she made a note to closed door readers in the introduction). Thank you to Dell Romance and Random House for giving me a chance to read this book early on NetGalley!