Sarah Adams crafts a delightful rivals-to-lovers romance in Beg, Borrow, or Steal, set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky. The story centres on Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two second-grade teachers whose longstanding feud takes an unexpected turn when circumstances force them into an uneasy alliance.

Emily is a meticulous and passionate educator who secretly writes romance novels in her spare time. Her orderly life is disrupted by the return of Jack, her infuriatingly charming neighbour and colleague who left town abruptly months earlier. Jack, a successful mystery novelist writing under a pseudonym, is back to renovate his home and resume teaching, much to Emily's chagrin.

The chemistry between Emily and Jack is palpable, fuelled by sharp, witty banter that showcases Adams' talent for dialogue. Their interactions are laced with humour and underlying tension, making their evolving relationship engaging and entertaining.

At first, their relationship is defined by tension and miscommunication. Emily is frustrated with Jack's carefree attitude and lack of responsibility, while Jack finds Emily's uptight nature too much to handle. But when Emily accidentally sends a revealing email to their principal, she enlists Jack's help to retrieve it, which forces them to spend more time together. This unexpected partnership gradually shifts their dynamic from antagonism to mutual understanding.

As they work together to solve problems and cover for each other's blunders, Emily and Jack begin to peel back their walls. Emily, who is used to being in control, starts to see Jack in a new light—realising that beneath his charming exterior, there's someone more vulnerable and earnest than she initially thought. Jack, in turn, begins to understand the reasons behind Emily's guarded nature. He sees how her past has shaped her, which softens his approach to her, showing that he values more than just her outward appearance.

Their development isn't just about romantic attraction—it's about trust, vulnerability, and breaking down preconceived notions. Emily's willingness to loosen her grip on control and let Jack in and Jack's commitment to proving he's more than just a carefree flirt make their relationship feel both authentic and heartwarming. Spurred by their growing bond, these personal transformations make the eventual love story feel earned and satisfying.

Supporting characters—quirky townsfolk and family—add depth and warmth to the narrative, enriching the small-town atmosphere that Adams portrays so well.

While the plot follows familiar romantic tropes, Adams infuses it with fresh energy through well-developed characters and genuine emotional arcs. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths leading to where we belong.

**I received an eArc of this book from Hachette Australia and New Zealand and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. **

THIS BOOOOKK!!! when i say i cant stop thinking about jack and emily, i am being dead series. i absolutely love this small town with my entire heart and was so excited for the newest instalment. Sarah Adams DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! the chemistry, the tension, the family dynamics, the slow burn... everything was 10/10. would 100% recommend this book to absolutely anyone

5⭐️ this was so good! 🤧😍 i loved the tension, i loved the enemies to lovers, the forced proximity.. i loved them acting out the scenes for her book 😏🤪 i loved that their lives alwayyyys coincided - both teachers, both authors. I also loved books about authors/books, or just some kind of occupation like this! All round great read.
Thanks netgalley for the arc 🥹💗

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Australia for this ARC!

Absolutely LOVED this book! This was my most anticipated of all the Rome couples and the story did not disappoint. I read this all in a sitting. This is by far my favourite Sarah Adams book - great writing and this book went beyond all my expectations. Such delicate and sensitive topics handled with such care that it added so much depth to this romcom. I especially feel for and relate to the FMC so much that my heart aches.

Obviously the tension and the banter was everythinggggg! I was so invested in their frenemies/dislike-to-lovers story line since everything felt so genuine and realistic. I could really see and feel how they came to love one another and enjoyed how they were always honest with each other - it was so refreshing. And they had great communication skills.

I loved the character development, the small town side characters and the pacing. I especially enjoyed reading the flashbacks and the email correspondence; but also cannot believe the things they be sending using their school emails lol - it was so endearing and sweet.

My favourite scene would have to be how they tended to each other's wounds. That was so tender and I could literally feel their love. But also, CHAPTER 16?!? Ma'am. I literally screamed. It was too good I cannot. Also the MMC doing the pulling the chair closer microtrope? That was delicious.

I also loved reading about the previous book couples and how they are going. I loved the found family aspect and am so keen to read the next/last in the series!

Would read again, as well as anything else Sarah Adam writes!

Overall rating: 5/5

When I think of a comfort read, Sarah Adams' name always comes to mind. Her books are sweet and funny and are so easy to read that I always want more!

I felt the same way with Beg, Borrow or Steal. I devoured it as I read and felt sad when it was over. It was a fun read with two teachers, Emily and Jack reuniting after Jack moves back to town. They not only work together but Jack moves in next door to Emily. Cue the fun!

I can't rave enough about this book. It comes out early January so make sure you get your hands on a copy.

DNF @ 8%

Unfortunately, due to marketing choices to promote a sunnily-sounding synopsis, and no content warnings available outside of picking this book up, I've had to stop reading this almost immediately. There is nothing inherently wrong with the storyline - albeit, I wasn't warming up to the FMC at all - but the content of the FMC's grief was triggering to my current personal family situation. In the synopsis, the MMC's failed engagement is mentioned, but not the recent death of the FMC's loved one leading to her suffering from grief and depression. This is perhaps due to being an established world and having experienced that sort of loss on page in previous books, but for someone like myself, who applied for this not knowing it was a third book in the series (there is no mentioning on NetGalley that it's part of a series or I wouldn't have applied), I've come in blind expecting a cute romance, and instead I've been confronted with parents "kicking the bucket" and all her family members, aside from siblings, now being "dead, dead, dead."

For someone who hasn't or isn't suffering from parental loss, or can overlook this, I'm sure this story is a sweet read, but I am not the right reader for this book.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Adams is one of my favourite authors, so I knew I’d love Beg, Borrow, or Steal before even picked it up. The When in Rome series has been a standalone favourite that I recommend to many of my friends, so I was thrilled to read the third book as an ARC reader!

I was instantly drawn to Emily and Jackson. They are two very different characters, each with their own struggles, but I enjoyed watching them navigate their similarities and differences as the story unfolded. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved how they became each other’s biggest cheerleaders. I’m always a fan of the dynamic where one character thinks their quirks are flaws, but the other sees them as pure, molten sunshine—and this book nails that perfectly.

While the story had many moving parts that were well-developed, some plot lines wrapped up too quickly toward the end, leaving those moments feeling a bit rushed.

I’d recommend this book if you enjoy these aesthetics/tropes:
• Re-enacting a spicy book scene
• Motorcycle riding
• Small-town vibes
• Breaking into your boss’s house
• Close-knit family dynamics
• House renovations
• Enemies-to-lovers

Thank you Hachette Australia & New Zealand for providing this ARC for free via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have been DESPERATE to get back to my favourite small town of Rome, Kentucky. Sarah Adams has built a community that feels so real it’s like coming home.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal follows Emily and Jack who are rival second-grade teachers. Jack separates from his fiancée, moves back to Rome and (obviously and accidentally) buys the house next door to Emily. Oh, and they’re both writers.

This book isn’t just a romance. It has some important messages around mental health and relationship dynamics. However, it also has a lightheartedness and had me laughing out loud.

It was slow burn without feeling slow. Sarah gave us tension and a wholeeeeee lot of chemistry. I’m looking at you Chapter 16.

Jack was a fantastic MMC. He’s tall, witty, tattooed and has the best fashion sense I’ve ever read.

If you love romance, small town and dual POV then this series is for you. The books can be read as standalones, so you can start here. HOWEVER, with a little over a month until release, I highly recommend reading When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect first!!!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is out January 14th, 2025.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is my new favourite of her novels! I absolutely adore the When in Rome series and following Emily Walker and Jack was so heartwarming, especially as Emily learnt to live for herself and not others. Sarah Adams perfectly captures and portrays so many raw emotions in every one of her books, and Emily’s struggles really resonated with me, perhaps it’s an oldest daughter thing. This was such an enjoyable read, I could not put it down! I highly recommend this novel and all of Sarah Adams’ books, they never fail to cheer me up and make me feel right at home in the worlds of the characters.
Thank you to the author, Hachette Australia & New Zealand and NetGalley for the ARC!

Nearly died when I received this eARC, thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette Australia.

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

I was beyond excited to dive into this book, especially after adoring When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect. And wow, this story delivered! It was absolutely adorable—a warm, comforting hug in book form and, in my opinion, the perfect read for summer.

The email and message exchanges between Emily and Jack had me grinning like an idiot every single time. Their flirty banter was delightful, and their rivalry was executed so well—it kept me hooked from start to finish. I wasn’t expecting the emotional depth to hit so close to home, but it did in the best way possible.

Tropes and Themes I Loved:
Enemies/rivals to lovers
Small-town setting
Writer main characters
Workplace feud and neighbors
Mental health representation

The mental health rep in this book was handled so thoughtfully, adding layers of depth that made the story more than just a fluffy rom-com. And seeing familiar faces from the previous books in the series? It was like coming home. I loved how their appearances seamlessly added to the story without stealing the spotlight.

This series has become such a comfort for me, and this book is no exception. Sweet, gentle, and full of heart, it’s the perfect escape while still addressing genuine struggles in a meaningful way. I’m both excited for the next book and devastated that it will be the last.

I continue with my bad habit of reading books in the series out of order. This was my first Sarah Adams book, but it is the third in an interconnected series. This book is for the oldest sisters who feel that they need to be needed in order to be loved. Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett have been nemeses since university. This rivalry has followed them to their jobs as school teachers in Emily’s home town of Rome, Kentucky. Jack is loved by everyone he meets and is hiding his authorship of a successful series of books. Emily has been looking out for her siblings from a young age after the death of their parents. She is a woman who gets things done, who needs to be in control and doesn’t like change, especially in the form of her new neighbour - Jack.

This was cute and enjoyable. It also has some emotional substance to it with the MCs exploring how their upbringing impacts how they relate to each other. The characters were realistic and had believable chemistry and relationships with the other residents of the town. I found Emily’s character to be a bit too annoying at times, but her cat Ducky made up for this!

"Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?" I guess a little of that flirtation from the road has lingered.

His smile is a feral thing. "More than either of us is comfortable with."

Oh.
🫶

"How do you feel this good?" he says, words scraping over my jaw.

"Vitamins."
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥


I was lucky enough to receive the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley and I am obsessed!!! Emily and Jack are the best rivals-enemies couple I’ve read in ages (that aren’t fantasy related) and the chemistry these characters have is astonishing. There’s just something about this book that had me giddy the whole way through.

Emily and Jack have been enemies for years, both being able to give as much as they get, the unusual approach results in a friendship which eventually blossoms into romance before they know it when Jack moves back to town (next door to Emily of course) after a failed engagement. Emily is determined to run him out of town with the help of her community, god forbid she has to work with the man as well as share her town with him.


4⭐️
love the banter, wish the epilogue was longer 🥲

Honorable mention: Ducky 🦆🐱

Okay, I’m gonna be honest. Of the When In Rome series, I thought I was in love with Will out of all the boys. But it turns out, I was just waiting for Jackson Bennett.

Sarah Adams has done it again. The chemistry of the two main characters is TDF. I find myself smiling at Emily and Jack’s connection. Honestly, it probably has a lot to do that they’re rivals to lovers, which is my absolutely favourite trope.

The characters’ depths are just right. We both have enough background to know their motivations. Emily is officially my favourite Walker sister. I totally get her and her Luisa (from Encanto) vibe. And Jack, with his Clark Kent, sexy-motorbike-riding-teacher thing going on is heaven sent.

I think this is my favourite out of the 3 books so far, and I can imagine Madison’s book (I’m calling it!) is gonna be so, so good as well.

4.5 Stars 🌟

Thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for providing an early copy of this book! 🫶🏼

Stepping back into the charming world of Rome, Kentucky was like wrapping myself in a warm, familiar blanket. This small town has quickly become one of my favorite fictional settings, and I was so happy to return.

The enemies to lovers romance between Emily and Jack is absolutely chef’s kiss 👌🏽 - the tension, the banter, and their quick-witted exchanges had me genuinely laughing out loud. Their complex history adds so much depth to their dynamic, making every moment between them a joy to read. Also the emails were such a great touch! I looked forward to those exchanges.

One standout scene that I devoured was the break-in and the closet scene that followed 😏 It was perfectly executed and delivered some of the best moments of humor and heart.

The sibling relationship between Emily and her sister, Maddie, was another aspect I loved. The exploration of their bond felt real, and I could easily relate to Emily’s character. I think many readers will find something of themselves in her. 💗

The only minor hiccup for me was the miscommunication trope, which I’m not always fond of. It did slow the pacing a bit in certain parts of the story, but this was really my only small complaint.

Overall, this book is a delightful, laugh-out-loud romance with great character dynamics and plenty of heart. Highly recommend for fans of small-town romance, witty banter, and enemies to lovers stories! 🌻

I love Sarah Adams books for what they are. Quick, fast paced and a nice fun time. This book was no different. The banter was so fun! I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it! Definitely will be sharing this one on my socials when it’s released

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams was my first experience with this author, and I absolutely devoured it! I’m definitely going back to explore the rest of this universe. The banter between Emily and Jack was absolutely hilarious, and watching their growth as individuals made the story so much more fulfilling.

When Jack returns to Rome, Kentucky, Emily is probably the only person who isn’t thrilled to see him after all, he’s her arch nemesis. She’s determined to thwart his plans to settle down in the small town, but it doesn’t take long for their undeniable chemistry to bubble to the surface. With Jack living next door and working with her, avoiding each other becomes impossible. Their tension is electric, and it’s clear that fate has other plans.

Both Emily and Jack are dealing with their own personal struggles and traumas, and seeing them navigate those challenges while growing as people was incredibly rewarding. Their journey to healing, both individually and as a couple, felt authentic and earned, making their eventual happy ending all the more satisfying, even if it wasn’t easy.

This book is like a warm hug, and I loved the little email exchanges between Emily and Jack so sweet and funny! Jack’s unwavering love for Emily, even when he riles her up, was downright adorable. His quiet attentiveness to her, particularly when it came to supporting her dreams with her writing, was truly heartwarming.

The mental health representation, family dynamics, and struggles they both faced felt so real and relatable. There were moments that were heart-wrenching, yet swoon-worthy, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. There was so much more to this book than just banter and romance it was about personal growth, healing, and the lessons learned along the way. I was rooting for Emily and Jack, not just for their relationship, but for them as individuals to overcome the obstacles in their paths.

Five shining stars!!! I could not put this down!

Oh Emily Walker, we are one in the same, or however that saying goes. Control freak? Can’t handle change? Scared of being alone? Worry now, think later? This book is so raw and so incredibly real, like a breath of fresh air.

Jack and Emily’s banter? I cannot express in words other than sizzling perfection. This book had me grinning and a Cheshire Cat, smiling ear to ear. I loved it! I never wanted it to end. I want to read it again right now. The amount of quotes I have from this too. Which will share when it’s out…oh my lords. And seeing Amelia and Noah and Annie and Will again? Agggghh. My favourite Sarah Adams by far!!!

Ps. Sarah please write a book for Maddison and James. Please!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette and Sarah Adams for the early review copy of Beg, Borrow or Steal, I loved jumping right back into Rome, Kentucky and the Walker family.

Emily Walker thrives in her carefully crafted world and no one disrupts this more than her fellow second grade teacher and long time nemesis, Jack Bennett. Jack left town mid school year with his fiancée, so Emily never expected him to return to Rome alone, especially as her new neighbour. Emily’s plans to sabotage Jack into leaving town again fuel not only their animosity but also their chemistry.

This book felt like going home, I absolutely love getting to visit Rome again and see all my favourite characters. By chapter three, I was already obsessed with these two and you could feel the love underneath all of their bickering. Sometimes I find the bickering in rivals to lovers romances uncomfortable but this was the perfect level and the perfect set of characters. Emily has always seemed a little abrasive in previous books so it was nice to finally see behind the curtain and find out more about her. Jack was also a super interesting character and I loved that they were both keeping secrets. I also absolutely love authors in books, I think it’s so fun.

Rating: 4.5 rounded up!

3.5 ✨ Okay hear me out - really really enjoyed both Noah and Annie’s books and I was so excited for the next instalment of this series. But this one felt kind of slow to me and not as deeply explored?

There were certainly themes of depression and immense loneliness and family strains but I don’t think they were explored as deeply as they could have been. I feel like they were kind of brushed over to get back to the romance. Which don’t get me wrong, give me all the romance, but I would have like a deeper dive into the characters’ psyches.

In saying that, any story about two rival second grade teachers who are also secretly authors without either one knowing (until they do) will always keep me entertained. I love a good enemies to lovers and this one didn’t disappoint on that front.

I also loved seeing the other Walker siblings and their significant others once again and Jack, of course, was the perfect mmc and could do no wrong 🫶🏼

I also cannot wait for Madison and James’ story plsssssss

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eARC to review.

Sarah Adams has straight up knocked it out of the park yet again! I was hooked from the first chapter and I struggled to put it down!
Emily and Jack’s story was beautiful yet heartbreaking at times. I loved their battle with one another to always come out on top, yet they both respected each other so much (just kept it a secret). Emily’s pettiness to turn the whole town on Jack was actually hilarious; watching her scheme play out and Jack being blindsided constantly (but also not?) was such incredible writing. Sarah just knows how to make pettiness seem to attractive (if that makes any sense!)
Emily was a character I could relate to a little too closely, so I felt everything she was feeling, and had been in her exact shoes a few too many times. Sarah’s ability to channel what it is like to be an oldest daughter was really well done, to the point I felt like I was reading myself on the page.
I love seeing all of my old favourites back in Rome, Kentucky. The townspeople make Sarah’s books just that much more special, and this one was no exception.
Now we just need Maddison’s story please!

Thank you for providing an ARC of this book. I’m so grateful to have experienced this amazing book before its release. I can’t wait to take it up to my customers!