This is perfect for any fans of rivals to lovers. I love the petty arguing between Emily and Jack that is obviously disguised longing. The development of their relationship is natural, and their chemistry is off the charts. The third act drama in this makes a lot of sense for the characters and doesn’t bog down the story.

This is my favorite Sarah Adams book yet! I’m excited to see Madison’s story as well.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I could not wait to be back with my friends in Rome. Sarah Adams gets better with each book. It was like a warm hug. I loved how Emily felt like she had to be strong for everyone…. but Jack could see through the bullshit and how he took care of her when nobody else really could. I need Maddie and James book ASAP.

Super cute, fun easy read that I flew right through. I always love an enemy to lovers plot and this one was meatier than some, which made it even more likeable! Highly recommend for a cute book you can’t put down.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

Sarah is an automatic purchase for me, and this was GOLD. the characters were perfection, Sarah’s written is beautiful. I will read anything she writes, no matter what it is!!!

Having been nemesis since that faithful day they met on their college campus 10 years ago, Emily and Jack have spent their time pushing each others buttons. They then became teachers at the same school until the day Jack packed his bags and left Rome, Kentucky with his fiancée. Now he's single and back in town for good.  He is reinstated as Emily's colleague and now neighbor. Since his plans changed, Jack is able to work on his house, continue writing his bestselling mystery series and go back to pushing Emily's buttons.  Although he doesn't see Emily so much as a nemesis but rather something more.  Because how can nemesis's have this much chemistry? With one funny event after another and each coming to each other's aid, could this possibly be love after all? 

Sarah Adams has done a wonderful job continuing her "When in Rome" series with the story of Emily and Jack. This story will pull at your heartstrings and make you laugh along the way.  The characters are well developed and you are immediately drawn into the story. It is a definite must read!

Sarah Adams' third book in the When In Rome series gives us Emily, with big eldest daughter energy, and her long-time nemesis Jack. Small-town hijinks and all the FEELINGS ensue as Jack moves back to town. This rivals to lovers story will make you kick up your feet in delight and swoon as Emily & Jack fall for each other. Plus the way these two support each other, chef’s kiss!

"Beg, Borrow or Steal" is the third book in Sarah Adams' delightful "When in Rome" series, set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky. This installment features an enemies-to-lovers romance between Emily Walker and her long-time nemesis, Jack Bennett—the surname being an intriguing nod to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Adams has a natural talent for crafting stories that evoke the feel of classic romantic comedy films. The narrative is filled with witty banter, flirtatious bickering, and the kind of sizzling chemistry that keeps readers on their toes. Her vivid imagery and impeccable pacing bring this story to life, making it a joy to read.

The plot masterfully balances anticipation, flirtation, and frustration, with well-developed characters that readers can easily relate to. You will find yourself rooting for Emily and Jack to realize what has been right in front of them all along and sharing the town's frustrations at what's taking them so long!

Like most romance novels, "Beg, Borrow, or Steal" is about the journey to an inevitable destination, and this one offers a cozy adventure that wraps you up in its charm.

Visiting Rome, Kentucky, feels like coming home to old friends. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series!

I have not read many Sarah Adams books, but she always gets rave reviews. I read another of her more recent books a few months ago and thought it was okay. However, when I saw the main character in this one is an elementary school teacher, I could not help but request it.

Perhaps, the elementary school teachers who chose their profession and grade level to help kids who are experiencing trauma is the reason I loved this from the start (I have a Masters in Trauma and Resilience in the classroom.) Perhaps it was that Emily, the FMC, is also the eldest daughter and has taken on the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of her whole family. Either way, this resonated deeply with me in a way that I cannot fully describe.

I think this may be one of my favorite romance novels of all time. Now I need to read the love stories of her siblings and eagerly await getting to read Madison's!

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

Classic enemies to lovers tale, but I'm here for it. Emily and Jack have hated each other since college. But after Jack moves in next door, their relationship starts to shift. While I didn't realize this was the third in the series (the first two books were about the romances of Emily's siblings) this was still an enjoyable read. Predictable but satisfying.

The banter as always was top tier reading and I was cackling away endlessly. This is an amazing book, and I'm so grateful I get to read it ahead of its release. You bet I'll be getting my hands on a physical copy as soon as it's out in the world.
I thought Will and Annie's story was my favourite but I think this one just tops it!

Jack and Emily's story was a lot of fun and I absolutely love these characters. This rivals to lovers felt genuine to me, I don't always love when it is just a miscommunication. Our MFC is dealing with perfectionism, being strong for other, and trust issues, I thought it was very well done. We all know that person in our life that suppresses their feelings for other. I love this entire series and struggle to choose one over the other, but I have to say that I absolutely adored this one and it is sitting on the top of the series for me so far. I will be posting this on the blog most likely for the month of February of 2025.

Sarah Adams is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! She just can’t miss. I love that Jack and Emily were second grade teachers and writers. I loved the small town vibe and sweet cast of characters. The witty banter and the enemies to lovers trope was perfection. 5 stars!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for honest feedback.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is yet another fun and heartfelt installment in Sarah Adams' "When in Rome" series. I really enjoyed the first and second installments; and I was not disappointed by the third!

Something I especially love about this small town romance series is each protagonist's unique inner struggle along with the development of the romance. I enjoy seeing them work through their challenges and the ways they grow as individuals throughout the story.

Our main character Emily works through themes of grief and depression and learns how to lean on her family for support during crisis. It is represented beautifully and I felt as though I was able to connect deeper with Emily's character because of it.

The romance was also fantastic, as always with Sarah Adams' books. This one in particular was a very sweet, rivals-to-lovers plot line between characters who realize they have much more in common than their workplace feuds! I enjoy the fact that the romance is based on emotional connection and friendship rather than open-door intimacy scenes - though there are a few sprinkled here and there as well!

Thanks again to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the free advanced copy of this novel!

Emily is a perfectionist. She wears her “oldest-daughter” batch loud and proud. As her siblings grow and making lives of their own, her presence is not needed anymore. The only thing that is keeping her sense of direction alive is writing her very top secret, raunchy romance novel. After a night of sorrow and too many wine glasses, Emily sends the manuscript to the person that could end her career. Enter Jack. His longtime feud with Emily is the reason he comes back to Rome, Kentucky after his failed engagement. He’s willing to help his former nemesis just to see the smile that recently he’s started to like more and more. Working together allows them to bridge that fine line between love and hate.

I thought the book was appropriate for a Sarah Adam’s book. However, Jack and Emily lack chemistry. Their jump from hate to love felt rushed and brisk. I would have liked to see more bonding scenes that add tension and sweetness to the relationship.

As always, I am a fan of Sarah Adams. She's one I've recommended to all and I will recommend this one.

Emily and Jackson: competitive rivals to lovers…. Ummm yes, I’m here for it! This was such a cute romance that I quite literally wanted to Eat. It. Up.

I fell in love with Emily from chapter one where she takes over finishing her own hair dye job in the salon because the hairdresser is too slow due to the town gossip happening around her. I relate so hard to the “do it yourself” personality that Emily gives off. She is the sweetest gal in town, but people do get in her way when she wants to accomplish something. Not being able to let anyone else help?? Yeah, I might slightly relate to that😂

And Jackson…. Oh my. I was drooling over him the entire book. From the glasses and trendy style to the way he would show up for Emily, physically and emotionally… *insert heart eyes*

Couldn’t have enough great things to say about this small town romance🥰

Love Sarah Adams. I love her lighthearted writing style. Appreciate the warnings for open door scenes. While I wouldn't purchase for my library, due to age restrictions, I would recommend to coworkers.

Another great romance from Sarah Adams. Emily and Jackson are both teachers (and I love how they speak about their profession) in a small town. As book 3 in the series, I loved revisiting familiar townspeople and family members. Their rivalry, shenanigans, and relationship is a lot of fun.

Emily and Jack’s chemistry is electric, and their reluctant partnership to save Emily’s secret life as a romance writer sets up plenty of hilarious and steamy moments. The witty banter and slow-burn romance add charm, though the story does take its time building up to the inevitable spark between the two. Some readers might feel the book runs a little long, especially with the setup for the next installment involving Emily’s sibling, but the humor and heart keep things entertaining.

Fans of the series will enjoy the gradual increase in romantic tension and spice, while new readers will find a sweet enemies-to-lovers story full of fun twists. Sarah Adams continues to deliver a delightful blend of humor, romance, and small-town charm in this latest installment.Emily and Jack’s chemistry is electric, and their reluctant partnership to save Emily’s secret life as a romance writer sets up plenty of hilarious and steamy moments. The witty banter and slow-burn romance add charm, though the story does take its time building up to the inevitable spark between the two.

Super charming and fun. Another great edition to this series. Emily and Jack were so fantastic and I can't wait for the next book.