Thank you, Dell and NetGalley, for the review copy! All opinions are my own.

This was Sarah's best yet <3. Loved loved loved. Jackson and Emily operate as perfectionists in very different ways, but at their core, they are truly so alike, and they understand each other so well. This is my favorite kind of enemies/rivals to lovers dynamic, where you can see how compatible they are even amid their surface level differences. In how were their worst selves with each other, they were also their most honest and vulnerable selves, and to see how they built trust and intimacy on that foundation was touching and romantic and incredibly swoony.

"I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time."
"We need each other, and that’s good."

(I'm fine. Totally fine.)

Read it one sitting. This book will have you feeling all the emotions. If you’re looking for a book full of banter, sarcasm, tension, spice, humor, heartfelt moments, small town vibes, and will make you emotional pick Beg, Borrow, or Steal up. I loved Emily and Jackson’s relationship. I truly felt myself in Emily’s character a lot. The desire to always be needed, because the loneliness is just laying dormant. So you push yourself to constantly do or help others to avoid dealing with your own emotions. Jackson’s desire to be enough. Both of their need to hide who they really are and what brings them joy. Just to please someone else even if it hurts them in the process. I just love everything Sarah writes. I will forever sing her praises. The best part of this book. Seeing all my favorite couples again in the series. It’s like a big reunion in this small town. Which just feels like a giant hug.

Oh and be sure to read the acknowledgment part. That last part has me squealing!!

Wow. I really loved this book. Sarah Adams has a talent for creating characters who have a lot of baggage but are still open to the possibilities of change. Emily and Jack both stole my heart in this story, and I loved the supporting cast of characters with their backstories as well. I usually am not into small town romances but this one felt authentic. The fact that the townfolk understood Emily and her history so well, and were so protective of her was very touching. I will highly recommend this to readers of romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dell Romance, and Sarah Adams for an ARC of her newest release! As a fan of the two previous books in this series I would like to say I was extremely hyped for Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I love a good enemies to lovers trope. The beginning of this book started off super great for me. Then, as the story progressed I got frustrated with Emily. I started to find her extremely unlikable as an FMC. I loved seeing Jacks character development and how he’s always had a thing for Emily. Their banter was hilarious. I just couldn’t get behind Emily making one bad decision after another and just got frustrated with her. Constantly getting upset with her family for moving on with their lives didn’t sit right with me. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

As a huge fan of her Cheat Sheet series, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Sarah Adams’s newest book: Beg, Borrow, or Steal. At the time I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series, but I can say I had no trouble following the story at all, though I definitely intend to check out the two previous books. The series is the When in Rome series, though the Rome in question is Rome Kentucky.

Sarah Adams just has a way of writing characters you can’t help but love. And that is definitely the case with Emily and Jack; neighbors, colleagues, and ‘enemies’…until they aren’t. The sparks really fly between these two, and I loved watching their feelings change. At times both lighthearted and yet emotionally compelling. With each book I read I become more and more of a fan of Adams. I’d like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2X7RNWH0MUOU1/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

While I had previously read some of her books, in 2024, I became a huge Sarah Adams fan.

I was thrilled to be lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. The Rome series is my favorite of Sarah’s and this is the third book (out of 4) in the series. All books can be read stand alone, but I think, are best enjoyed in order!

Sarah always delivers on a sweet, heartwarming love story, but this one had so much more depth. Each character was beautifully flawed, and I found myself rooting for both of them as individuals, in addition to as a couple.

It was so fun to return to Rome, Kentucky with its cast of characters, and of course, the Walker family. This time we really got to know the oldest walker sister Emily, and her long-term arch nemesis Jack.

I found this to be such a sweet love story filled with fun banter and beautiful character growth.

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, small town romance, and hurt/comfort

Spice: 🌶️

I am so glad this book is out and everyone can experience Emily and Jack for themselves.

This quotes are my FAVORITE!
<i>“And to think you consider yourself hard to love. Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done.”
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me.”</i>

As the oldest daughter, who is always ready to help with anything anyone needs, I empathize with Emily. She wants to be that support pillar for everyone, and when they aren't there- who will be that pillar for her. Jack is her rival in every way, and when they say "There's a fine line between love and hate", these two are the perfect example of that.

I love these two characters and cannot wait for the last book of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

•Rome, Kentucky•

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by @authorsarahadams
🥧OUT NOW

An enemies to lovers story that will have you laughing the till the very end. I mean it had me laughing the whole time so it’s proven. I was literally kicking my feet at one point 🏍️

I can’t even describe the joy Emily and Jack’s story brought me. I loved seeing how their relationship went from hate to friends to lovers!! It’s the perfect romcom to spend your day with!

Thank you @authorsarahadams, @dellromance, and @netgalley for the early copy🥧💜

Loved being back in Rome, Kentucky with these characters. Emily + Jack’s sparring and banter is hilarious. You can’t help but fall in love with them. I love that you get the town characters from the first two books and updates on their story lines that don’t take away from this story.

A smidge spicier than previous books but not much. She does tell you in the authors note which chapters to skip if you want to keep the doors closed.

Can’t wait for Maddie’s story !

Thanks to #NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the ARC. Opinions are my own :)

#BegBorroworSteal

Wow wow wow, Sarah Adams has done it again. How do I even put into words how much I loved this book? Emily and Jack were two beautifully created characters that had so much heart and depth to them. The chemistry between them was flying off the pages - even when it was little zaps as they quipped back and forth as nemeses. I can’t even count the number of times I laughed, cried, squealed, and gasped while reading. Love love love this book. Until we meet again next time in Rome, Kentucky!

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! I love Rome and the small town vibes are just so good! The love to hate connection between these two was so fun and I loved that even with all the ribbing they were really still friends at the heart of it. I adored the way he supports her writing and tries to do all that he can to help her reach her dreams. The emails were also a super fun edition and I especially loved the unsent drafts!

FULL REVIEW
To say this release has been highly anticipated is really an understatement. I love everything Sarah writes, but Rome, Kentucky is definitely a special place and the Walker family is at its heart! Emily might be my favorite Walker so far since she reminds me a lot of myself. The rivalry between Emily and Jack runs deep, but underneath its surface is some seriously simmering tension and chemistry! Their journey was rivals, to coworkers to friends and then more was such a fun ride. I LOVED the banter between these two and I especially loved that it doesn’t just stop when they realize their true feelings. The way Jack supports Emily and her writing dreams was so sweet and getting to watch their romance unfold was everything!

TROPES
😈Rivals to Lovers
🏘️Neighbors
📝Secret Writers
🏡Small Town
🗣️So Much Banter
🍎Teacher Coworkers

love this series so much!! the author writes the perfect amount of romance in her books with that added tension! love love love these characters

I got this book as an ARC from NetGalley and consumed it in 2 days. I love Sarah Adams and this book did not disappoint! It was funny and sweet and I couldn’t put it down. Already wanting to start the series over again.

I was disappointed in this one. The FMC was really frustrating with her self doubt and insecurities and it felt like she only moved past that bc she got validation from others. It took me a long time to read thing because I wasn’t hooked

I’ve been savoring this book ever since I received the ARC, and I can’t believe it’s over. I’m completely in love with this couple—I can’t even decide if they’re my favorite or if Annie and Will still hold that spot. Regardless, they have a special place in my heart, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of this story. I’ll probably end up reading it again soon.

The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the epilogue. I expected more—I wanted more, needed more. A half-page epilogue just isn’t enough for me. I needed more closure: to see his father defeated, to witness both of their successes, and to experience their happy ending more fully. Instead, I was given another epilogue for Annie and Will. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but I wanted more for Emily and Jack.

4.5⭐️ but I’m rounding it up


<b> "Loving you is the easiest thing l've ever done." </b>

Sarah Adams is a GEM and this book is no different. She takes us back to Rome, Kentucky for what may be my favorite Walker sibling story. Emily and Jack have always been rivals but when they become neighbors, their relationship turns into something more. I always love a romance when the MMC is Down Bad and the FMC doesn't realize it. The slow burn of the transformation of their relationship was so fun to follow along with, and it's so refreshing to see two characters who are so authentically themselves.

Sarah - please write more Rome books, we love this little town!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really don’t know how Sarah does it. She puts pure magic into her books ✨ I loved “When In Rome” and I loved “Practice Makes Perfect” even more! But this one!! I honestly wasn’t expecting for this one to be my favorite. It was so so nice to see a vulnerable side to Emily. To really get to know her character. Jack and Emily are the enemies to friends to lovers story that I needed to read ❤️ The way they both can’t express vulnerability or be completely honest with anyone but each other, even when they were enemies, is truly the sweetest thing. I love that they are both teachers and writers! The book is definitely a love letter to teachers and to the oldest sisters out there.

Jack is one of my new favorite MMCs! He’s just so swoon-worthy. The way he loves her for exactly who she is 🥹 I smiled so much while reading. I laughed and I teared up. This one gave me all of the feels. I fall more and more in love with Mabel’s character throughout the series. It’s always nice taking a trip back to Rome, Kentucky. I’ve been impatiently waiting for poor James to get his chance with Maddie. I seriously can’t wait for Book 4!!! This is definitely a new favorite ❤️

“𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿?”

We’re back in Rome starting 2025 off with one my most anticipated reads of the year!! I’m having a little trouble putting into words just how much I loved this book. Not only did it have some of my favorite tropes (rivals to lovers, forced proximity, black cat/golden retriever), but it had so much more than that. It told a story of the older sister that has always been the shoulder to cry on but never wanted to burden others with her feelings. The heartbroken woman that is scared to love and be loved again. The aspiring writer that has never felt good enough to take that leap.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal also came through with the banter and the tension. Rival/enemies to lovers is one of my favorites for both of those reasons. The sassy banter between characters that “hate” each other and the internal thoughts telling us that they’re actually loving the feuds have me kicking my feet! The sexual tension between Jack and Emily was insane. When they acted out the scene from her book… phewww. Jack Bennett has moved his way up to the top of my book boyfriends list. I mean, who doesn’t love a man in glasses?!

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦:

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 (𝐞𝐱-)𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬: 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐞.”

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

“𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲, 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐧𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞.”

⭐️: 5/5

🍒rivals to lovers
🍒fueding teachers
🍒neighbors / forced proximity
🍒small town
🍒black cat / golden retriever
🍒secret writers
🍒MMC with glasses

Thank you Dell Romance / Sarah Adams for the adorable PR box and finished physical copy of this book and NetGalley for the eARC!

Author Sarah Adams delivers a delightful small-town rom-com with her newest 2025 edition, Beg, Borrow, or Steal. Emily and Jack’s long-standing rivalry heats up when he becomes her coworker and next-door neighbor. Their banter is sharp, the tension is palpable, and their journey from foes was so heartwarming and enjoyable.

The cozy small-town setting and lovable side characters make this story shine, while Jack’s charm and Emily’s growth add depth to the romance. Though part of a series, it stands perfectly on its own—but it totally made me want to read the rest!

This is perfect for fans of rivals-to-lovers and warm community vibes and I highly recommend adding it to your winter weekend TBR list.

Thank you to Ballantine for my free review copy.

This book is very different from my usual reads but I wanted to try something in the romance genre. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would! There were lots of little moments that made me laugh and I found the characters endearing. I quickly realized there were books prior to this one that I should have read for some context, but they were not really needed- although I may go back and read them now.