Beg, Borrow or Steal is a 5/5 read and an instant favorite for fans of slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers CONTEMPORARY romances.

Emily and Jack, two feuding second-grade teachers deliver sizzling CHEMISTRY. black cat/golden retriever dynamic—her precise and guarded, him playful and CHARMINg.

With its small-town charm, secret identities, and forced proximity, Beg, Borrow or Steal checks every romance box while adding Sarah Adams’ signature wit and heart. This is the kind of book that makes you laugh, swoon, and want to reread immediately.

3 stars

In this rivals-to-lovers romance, Emily Walker and Jack Bennett are second-grade teachers who can’t stand each other—and to make things more complicated, they’re neighbours. Emily’s world is shaken when Jack returns to town after breaking off his engagement, and now he’s not only her neighbour again but also her colleague. As they clash over everything, things take an unexpected turn when Emily accidentally sends an email to the principal that could reveal her secret career as a romance writer. Needing help to retrieve her manuscript, she reluctantly turns to Jack, and as they team up, their rivalry quickly turns into something much more heated.

I did find this book enjoyable, but honestly, it felt pretty mid—nothing too groundbreaking. I’m a little embarrassed because my expectations were pretty high going in. I gave the first two books in this series great ratings a year ago, so I assumed I’d love this one too. But after reading it, I realised my taste has changed quite a bit since then. I honestly can’t even remember the characters from the first two books. 💀 That being said, Sarah Adams’ writing is still nice and enjoyable. It’s lighthearted, sweet, and makes for a breezy read, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression or feel all that memorable. She’s great for a fun, easy read, but sadly, that’s about it for me right now.

It was very bingeable, though—I ended up reading most of it in one sitting. But by the time I reached the last 30%, I kind of zoned out and had to push through to finish. It just didn’t have that wow factor to keep me fully engaged all the way through.

When it comes to the characters, Emily as the oldest sibling constantly feels the weight of responsibility constantly on her shoulders, and it often leaves her feeling disconnected from others. She’s the one everyone turns to, always putting their needs before her own, which leaves her with little time or energy to focus on herself. This has made it difficult for her to open up, especially when it comes to love. Deep down, she’s afraid to get too close to anyone, worried that no one will truly love her for who she is beneath her "perfect" exterior. Instead, she feels like people only put up with her because of the role she plays, making it even harder for her to be vulnerable and authentic.

Jack, on the other hand, was shaped by a narcissistic father, which left him with a deep need to seek approval and always try to please others. At first, it seems like he’s always trying to win people over with charm, but what stood out to me is that he doesn’t let this need for validation control him entirely. Despite the emotional baggage from his upbringing, Jack is actively working to overcome it, striving to become a better version of himself.

As much as I appreciate Sarah Adams trying to make these struggles feel real and relatable, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a bit underdeveloped. Things wrapped up too quickly, and while I get that this is meant to be a lighthearted romance, I just needed more depth. It didn’t deliver for me on that front. I should’ve lowered my expectations based on my previous ratings from a year ago because my tastes have shifted, and I need a bit more from a book these days. But that’s just a personal thing.

The romance was cute and fun—nothing that really blew me away, but it definitely did the job. I enjoyed the playful banter between Emily and Jack; it was lighthearted and funny, which made their interactions enjoyable to read. While the chemistry between them wasn’t exactly electric, I found myself rooting for them as a couple, especially as their rivalry turned into something more. The slow burn and their moments of vulnerability added a nice layer to their dynamic, even if it wasn’t anything too extraordinary. Ultimately, it wasn’t the most memorable romance, but it was sweet and definitely kept me engaged enough to want them to get their happy ending.

Overall, I would still recommend this book. It’s heartwarming, light, and sweet, with that cozy small-town charm. It’s a perfect pick if you’re looking for something easy and fun to read, but just don’t go in expecting a ton of depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the ARC.

Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams has the perfect cosy, comforting vibes you want in a romcom. I looked forward to picking up this book at the end of my day.

The story follows Emily and Jack who have been enemies and rivals throughout there lives yet continue to be thrown together, at uni, at work and then Jack permanently moves back to Rome, Kentucky and continues to run in to Emily at every moment and they form an unlikely (and very flirty) friendship.

The story captures such depth and understanding to Jack and Emily's characters, I thought I could see and understand them so clearly and I liked that there was clear and logical understanding around why they were rivals in the first place and acted the way they did for so long.

It is definitely one of Sarah Adams' more "spicy" books and there are a few open door scenes, but I'm not sure I would exactly call it spicy but more that it beautifully captures being in an intimate relationship and navigating that.

I think that it also beautifully captures the feeling of being an aspiring author (which I also am) and the struggles and fears within that, and made Emily such a relatable character to me.

I'm so happy to say that this is a five-star! It's a wonderful asset to the When in Rome series and definitely one of Sarah Adams' best books! I could not highly recommend this book more, and can simply not capture just in this review how amazing this book is! It was in my top ten books of 2024 and can't wait to see the finished copy on shelves!

Rating: 3.5
My first read from Sarah Adams and it was good! Classic Enemies to lovers, a sprinkling of trauma to overcome and a dash of secrets.

It was a super light fun read, I especially enjoyed the emails and texts (maybe because it appeals to my nosey need haha!) and theres a few really amusing easter eggs from movies and other literature that really loved!

The plot has its ups and downs, i would have liked a little more depth put into both characters traumas for the length of the book, but in no way did i find myself forcing to finish! Just wanted to hit a little deeper.

Overall its a decent read with decent banter and the dual POV really worked for this style of story.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review!

This was a really cute story and a very easy, enjoyable read.

The enemies to lovers banter was top tier in the first half of the book, however then took a back seat to the characters back stories. Which was nice, but just wasn’t my favouriteeee.

What I did adore was the found family in this book and the small town.

I hope there is a book 4, because I really need Madison and James’ story.

Enemies to lovers perfection!!
This was so much fun to read, adored the dynamics between Emily and Jack - their banter was so freaking good. I could feel the connection and tension between these two through the pages and the fact that this is mostly a closed-door romance and I can still feel that tension. SO GOOD!

While this was cute and fluffy, a few deeper topics were also covered and man they were covered well!

If I was a fan of Sarah Adam's before I'm even more of a fan now - Can't wait for the next one!

It’s hard to start a review in a series when it’s book three or more because do I started by telling other readers it’s a complete standalone novel and not to worry if you’ve not read books one and two. Or do I convince you to definitely go back and start from the beginning with Noah and Amelia, then Annie and Will which was my favorite until now. It’s such a great series and I would highly recommend reading them all but now I’ll focus on why this book is worth the five stars.

The main reason I read rom-coms is for the banter, and I connected with the way Emily and Jackson interact with each other, so that was a great start. I also adore vulnerability in any character as I feel it isn’t a sign of weakness but the total opposite, it also means you have the capacity to have empathy for others and have a huge lovable heart. Both Emily and Jack had these qualities as well as her siblings. Another thing I appreciated about this story was no added drama for fake angst, they had to deal with enough before becoming a couple to then pile more on top. And most importantly, I just loved the way they looked after each other in their time of need. Normally we fall for the hero more so in a romance novel, but I loved these two equally because of their personalities and loyalty. Don’t get me wrong, you’re going to swoon about Jackson as much as any other BBF, maybe even more than Will!

If you are a fan of Sarah Adams, then you know she writes mostly closed door or fade to black romances, where the intimate moments are left up to your own imagination. This series, she is stepping it up a little with a couple of chapters more detailed than her normal. I for one can take these scenes either way. I will say it was written well and needed in this book to express and cement the growing bond between Jack and Emily without being smutty.

4.25⭐️

This was just so cute!! I’m obsessed with the small town and found family in this series 🥹. The banter between Emily and Jack is SO GOOD I was cracking up ❤️

Let me tell you I bloody love a rival turned romance book and lord did this book deliver!!! 😻 The balance of witty banter, character development and pacing of storyline was SPOT ON. Would highly recommend this read to all romance lovers.

This ARC was a gifted copy provided by Hachette Australia & New Zealand - thank you so much! These thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

This may be my favourite Sarah Adams book?!

Emily has curated the perfect life for herself. A teacher who is compassionate yet firm, her house is in order, and best of all: her nemesis, Jack Bennett, moved away to another town. When Jack moves back, fiancée-less and not entirely sad about it, Emily's perfectly crafted world falls apart. Jack is eager to get into renovating his new house (conveniently next to Emily), and working on his next best seller. But as Emily makes a mistake that could cost her her career, Emily begs for Jack's help.

As I've come to expect from Sarah, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a swoony, sweet romance with two adorable and loveable main characters. Emily & Jack's banter was my favourite, but as they become closer and sweeter I was kicking-my-feet giggly happy!

The blocking out of the scene in her book - AAAAAA! (IYKYK)

Thank you Hachette Australia for an e-arc of Beg, Borrow, or Steal! All opinions are mine.

Loved it!
I am yet to read others in this small town series, but it didn't matter. It can easily be read as a standalone.
I ADORED Jack and Emily.
Sarah Adams is quickly becoming a favourite romance writer of mine.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book after reading Practice Makes Perfect, this book made me a Sarah Adams fan ❤️ I loved going back to Rome and seeing the dynamic of the entire community & of course the banter and rivalry between Emily & Jack.

I absolutely adored Jack from the beginning & loved seeing both of our MC’s working towards healing while providing a safe space for each other.
The characters, the setting, the banter, the plot, the romance - the perfect rom-com.

Definitely read this if you’re a fan of:
🖋️ Rivals to Lovers
🖋️ Forced Proximity (neighbours)
🖋️ Amazing Banter
🖋️ Close knit Community
🖋️ Rom-Com

I’m super grateful to have gotten an ARC of this book, but I had mixed feelings overall. At first, Emily’s hatred toward Jackson felt a little over the top, but I started liking the book a lot more once they stopped being enemies and actually became friends. Their banter was so fun, and I really appreciated how honest they were with each other—it made their relationship feel real.

I also really liked the storyline about Jackson’s family; it added some nice depth to the plot. That said, I didn’t feel super connected to the characters, which made it harder to fully get into the story.

I’d recommend it if you’re a fan of Sarah Adams or enjoy light, cute romances with a bit of family drama thrown in.

FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!! Definite favourite book by the queen Sarah Adams.

I wanted to both speed read this but also savour it. I adored every single moment. I loved both characters so so much, and I loved the relationship between them.

The emails back and forth from the past to present were a great addition.

I can't wait to get this book in paperback so I can read it again and tab the absolute shit outta it!

Bravo to Sarah!!

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.