Sarah Adams has firmly established herself as an autobuy author for me. Her writing consistently feels like a warm embrace—safe, engaging, and brimming with charm. She masterfully weaves wit, humor, romance, and meaningful depth into every story, creating narratives that linger long after the final page.

This particular story about Emily and Jack made my heart absolutely sing. After over a decade of being at odds, fate—or perhaps something more—places them back in each other’s orbit. One of them clings to their frustration, but how long can anger hold its ground when something softer, something more profound, begins to take its place?

I adored every moment of this book and feel so grateful to have received an advanced copy from Dell. Thank you so much!!!

"I'll be so careful with you, Emily." -Jack
Love Emily & Jack's banter, their history, and them as a couple!

They're such a great couple that they somehow have me convinced that I can write a book, too! (I'm not even sure how that happened but somewhere around 50% I decided, I want to be a writer, too!) LOL!

My only real complaint is there is a bit too much of the mental anguish and how the characters are so-called evolving. Sometimes it really is okay for people to just fall in love without it changing everything about their past or learning a lesson from it. It's okay to be simple, too.

Also, I just can't leave out the part where Emily's sister tells her she can do hard things. I tell my kids that daily!

Thank you so much for the opportunity given by Sarah Adams, PCH-Ballantine, and NetGalley!

✏️ Small Town Romance
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✏️ Hate to Love
✨ He Falls First
✏️ Hidden Identity
✨ Adorable kitty- Ducky
✏️ 30s MCs and both Teachers
✨ MMC with glasses and tattoos
⚠️ Narcissistic Parent

This is the 3rd book in the When in Rome series that follows Emily and Jack. Emily is an elementary school teacher and aspiring spicy romance novelist. Jack is her longtime work rival and a secret best-selling mystery author. He has just returned to town following a broken engagement and unknowingly becomes Emily’s new neighbor. Their animosity towards each gets ramped up until one day Emily needs Jack’s help and their collab marks a turning point in their relationship.

Umm excuse me, this book is so FREAKING GOOD! The rivals to lovers dynamic between Emily and Jack is absolute PERFECTION! This book has everything you could want in a hate to love, nemesis romance book - comical quips and jabs, mutual pining, and undeniable attraction! I was kicking my feet over their interactions! Jackson is the epitome of a book boyfriend and I loved how he was able to get under Emily’s skin at every turn. I love them both separately but together they are magical! 😍

Both characters have so much depth and I absolutely loved seeing both of them peel back the layers of each other. Emily is seen as cold, utilitarian, and rigid - a role and demeanor she fully embraces and encompasses as the oldest sister. She has to make sure everyone else is taken care of and, in turn, knows she will always be needed by her family. She had her heart broken and vowed to never let it happen again so she intertwined herself in her family and town’s needs. I could see myself in Emily and completely understood her ways! Jackson Bennett has my whole heart! He’s the charming and charismatic teacher who is harboring a big secret and family trauma. He’s apprehensive about anyone finding about his private life and does everything he can to put on this facade yet Emily seems to break down all his barriers. They’re literally perfect for each other!

Sarah Adams does not miss and this is my favorite one yet! 💖

Thank you so much to Dell Romance for the gifted copy! ❤️

Thank you Netgalley and Random house for the delightful third installment of Sarah Adam's Rome. KY series! If you are new to Sarah Adams, this series follows three siblings and how they fall in love. The third installment is about Emily, a lovable but high strung second grade teacher who is feeling lonelier than ever. Her only single sibling has moved across the country and she is missing her deeply. When her arch nemesis( who she thought moved away to get married) comes back into her life as her neighbor and coworker, she flips! However, she soon realizes that Jack might be exactly what she needs. While this novel was beyond predictable, it made me happy and I fell in love with both Emily and Jack even with all their quirks.

💖 R E V I E W 💖

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

Happy, Happy Pub Day to Sarah Adams’s Beg, Borrow, or Steal, third book in the When in Rome series!

I’ve come to absolutely adore these books, but this one is by far my favorite. I love how feisty the FMC is and felt that this is one of the best enemies to lovers stories I’ve ever read.

The slow burn is so, so sweet, and I was basically drooling over these characters the entire time. 🔥 They both have very real and relatable flaws that are handled so beautifully, and the struggles they overcome are quite impressive.

I also greatly appreciate that Adams opens up the door a little bit in this one (this is listed in the content warnings at the beginning of the book), something I really missed in the first two books. 🌶️

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is available today, and I am so grateful to @dellromance for sending me an advanced digital copy!

I love love love this book! I was hooked from the beginning and being back in Rome, Kentucky was so much fun! Beg, Borrow, or Steal truly means everything to me! I related to Emily on so many levels and I loved watching her growth throughout the story! She deserves all the happiness! The banter was flawless! Both Jack and Emily were quick with the comebacks and I ate it up! Jack was perfection! So many swoon worthy moments between him and Emily! I also really enjoyed Jack’s story! We got to really know him. We seen his struggles and growth and it made his character that much more special.

I cannot write this review without talking about the town and the people of Rome, Kentucky! They truly all have my heart. The way they rally around one another and always there to love and support each other is so special. Sarah really built such an amazing community with these characters and I can’t wait to see what they are all up to in Maddie’s book!

Brb booking a flight to Rome, Kentucky

The dynamic between Emily and Jack was SO much fun. I loved how Emily didn’t hold anything back with her snark, and how Jack was always able to take what Emily threw at him. And don’t even get me STARTED on how DANG cute they were once they finally started to become friends. I stayed up until FIVE AM reading this book, and that’s because I was so hooked on these two and NEEDED to keep reading until they got their happy ending.

The supporting characters always shine. I loved getting to see more of Annie and Will, and the townsfolk are always SO entertaining. This book also had me SO excited to get to Madison’s story. I have always seen some part of myself in each of the leads of this series, mostly Annie, but I honestly think I’m going to connect to Madison the most, and I cannot wait.

I feel like I’m running out of space so here’s some other things I loved:

-Jack’s character description (so unique and 😍)
-Emily’s journey and how she learned to be vulnerable with her family
-the dual POV exposing how OBSESSED these two are with each other
-the “acting it out” scene (iykyk)

Beg, Borrow, or Steal was such a fantastic follow up to Practice Makes Perfect! I love how each book in the series has completely different characters and story arcs. It makes for a great reading experience since I never know where the story will go.

I went into this book a little bit nervous I wouldn't love it as much as the first two in the series. Emily is the sibling most different to me and I was worried I would have a hard time connecting to her. I was absolutely proven wrong! The discussion on loneliness hit so hard and was done so well. I feel this is a topic not often covered in books and it was refreshing to read about it.

This book was so much fun and I loved seeing the relationship between Emily and Jack progress. They had such a palpable connection and their banter was so witty and entertaining. I also adored seeing how much Emily and Jack both love their professions (both teaching and writing!). I also found the inclusion of Jack's relationship with his father provided the character growth necessary while also being handled with such care.

Both characters learn and grow so much throughout the book, which made the ending that much sweeter. I absolutely recommend picking up the whole series and especially Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

Sarah Adams! You Queen, You Vixen! Once again, Sarah delivers with a great couple and to make matters even better, this chapter in Rome KY has SPICE! Yes, this could be a stand-alone read but read books 1 and 2, they're great and set up this couple to make us even more emotionally invested. There's wit, there's banter, there are butterflies flapping. So glad I got to read this gem, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher. Happy publication day!

I absolutely loved Emily and Jack’s story. The beginning half or so when they were in their “enemies” stage had some of the absolute best banter I’ve ever read. I was genuinely laughing out loud and I really appreciated how well that helped establish the hatred between each other. Then to see the glimpses of Emily and Jack questioning their hatred, admitting more kind feelings towards one another, and then breaking down their walls to realize how in love they are with each other was so sweet to read. This might be my favorite of the series so far and I am so in love with Rome, KY. Can’t wait for the next chapter for the Walker siblings.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in Sarah Adams “When in Rome” series, which centers around the Walker siblings in the cozy small town of Rome, Kentucky. I had already read the first two books (When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect) so I jumped at the chance to snag an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This newest volume centers around Emily, the eldest Walker sister that has for years acted as a pillar of support for her siblings, while internally hiding her own heartbreak and grief. Truthfully, I wasn’t looking forward to Emily’s tale based on her character interactions in the previous books, as she always came off a bit abrasive when things didn’t go according to plan (ultimately she was always supportive of her siblings, but she would start off very set in her ways where each of them was concerned). Needless to say, it was nice to see her internal struggles and better understand the losses that she dealt with in life and how she hid her feelings to always play the motherly figure to her family.

Our leading man is Jack, who for years has acted as Emily’s rival in all aspects of life. While he often comes across as the more sociable and likable of the two, Jack has his own past traumas and secrets that have affected his ability to form real relationships with people. The enemies to lovers tension is pretty much palpable from their first interaction, which I absolutely adore and the snarky banter and attempts to sabotage one another are comical.

Overall I would say I ended up really adoring the dynamic between Emily and Jack, especially after Emily’s secret romance novel is accidentally sent to the Principal of the school where they both work and they agree to work together to get it back. For the most part the romance is very PG-13, with a few mildly spicy scenes - while very tame compared to other books I read I enjoyed the way their relationship developed.

I would definitely recommend this series to my romance loving friends (maybe not my dark romance girlies as this may be a little too vanilla for their tastes). I look forward to the final tale, as there were more hints towards the dynamic between Madison and James that needs to be revealed!

I don’t think I can sing the praises of this book enough. Going in I had high expectations because I have loved all of her other books thus far but this one completely blew those out of the park. Finding out if Emily would learn to love again and watching the banter play out between her and jack was truly an honor to witness. This book was perfectly paced and so quotable. It touched on the harder topics of grief and dealing with a narcissistic parent really well in my opinion but if those topics are hard for you I would tread lightly. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend to anyone.

This is my favorite book of Sarah Adams. I thought it might be Noah’s book or even The Rule Book, but Beg, Borrow, Steal has edged them out. It takes true talent to write two deeply complex characters, especially a heroine that could’ve been so unlikeable, but as Mabel says, “she’s my favorite” (and of course will deny deny deny). I felt so connected to Emily. She’s a strong woman, the eldest daughter, the perfectionist glue that keeps her family together, someone who really struggles with showing vulnerability, but who is the most amazing person behind her fearful façade. And I loved how it took someone just as strong, her work nemesis Jack, to show her she is valuable and worthy of being the main course and not the afterthought.

I think I keep coming back to Sarah Adams’ books because she writes attraction so well. As a foray into the rivals-to-lovers trope, I knew from the beginning that Jack and Emily would have unbelievable chemistry, but it’s the path they take to get there that is so satisfying. Possibly the most erotic moment Adams has ever written occurs when Jack and Emily block out a romance scene fully dressed (yes, you read that correctly). I could feel how much they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off, and yet neither would directly cross the imaginary fragile line of friends-who-fight into the friends-who-f**k. Don’t worry, they eventually cut that line later, and readers who want less explicit love scenes are given the options of which chapters to skip over in the author’s note.

Not only is romantic innuendo steamier than in any prior book, but this is possibly the most vulnerability I’ve felt from Adams’ MCs. Jack has a narcissistic and alcoholic father whom Jack has thrived in spite of, and Emily has hidden her insecurities and fears under a blanket of carefully crafted nonchalance. What originally begins as competition between them devolves into them seeing similarities mirrored back and recognizing a shared struggle for being needed and desired. It goes without saying that I highlighted half the book in my love for the MCs internal dialogue just as much as their banter. I can say without a doubt that I will come back to Rome, KY for Madison and James’s book not only to reunite with the Walker family, but to feel drawn into the escapist small-town romance where everyone is family. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭.5
Emotional Steam: 😰😰😰
Interconnectivity to other books: 💯 but can be read as a standalone

I don’t think that Sarah Adams can write a book that I would not love. Being back in Rome was everything I imagined it would be when we got this book. The characters, the banter, the love interest. I loved it all.

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

🍎Small Town Romance
🍎Elementary Teachers
🍎Secret Writers
🍎Enemies to lovers
🍎Forced Proximity

Rome, Kentucky is becoming a place I love to visit! I was able to read When in Rome before starting this book which made it even better because I already knew and loved the characters. I love how Sarah Adams is able to immerse you into the world she creates. Both characters go through major changes and growth through out their stories that are very powerful and makes you feel a connection to them. When Emily finally broke down I will admit some tears were shed. I loved the banter between these characters and the underlining of tension which later they realize is affection for each other. Overall I loved this book and am hoping that book four is on its way because I want more! 👀
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Dell and Sarah Adams for the ARC. I was so happy to receive this one and it did not disappoint!

I loved it SO much! My favorite in the series so far!
Emily is the tough, independent, motherly older sister of the Walker siblings. Emily and Jack bumped into each in college and it was there their rivalry began and has continued to go strong even years later as they teach at the same school. It’s the beginning of summer and Jack has moved back from Rome after calling off his engagement. It isn’t until the dotted line is signed on his new home that he finds out he moved in right next door to Emily. There is a fine line between love and hate and the two are realizing maybe it isn’t hate they feel for each other after all. The banter between the two was soo good. I loved how sweet and caring Jack was towards Emily. The chemistry between the two was soo good. Sarah Adams did not disappoint with this book.

Read if you like:
💕Enemies to Lovers
🏘️Small Town Romance
😏Banter
🔥Slow Burn

Emily and Jackson are frenemies who both teach in Rome, KY. Jackson moves away to get married but unexpectedly comes back having broken it off. He buys a fixer upper home next door to Emily and as neighbors and co-workers, the two feud. But when they start needing each other, their not-friendship turns into something more.

This is the latest in Sarah Adam's rom com series set in the small town of Rome. It feels a little like the Runaway Bride. I liked the setting and all the side characters, but I didn't love these two and their relationships. I found lots of the plot points kind of dumb and just wanted something more. This was light and fun but it's starting to feel like Adams' books are all basically the same. This one is a nice read but not my favorite.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I couldn’t resist returning to Rome, Kentucky, so was especially excited to get an ARC of "Beg Borrow Steal" and enjoy another Walker sibling romance. This time, the story delivers a perfect mix of enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes that had me hooked - plus the banter is a classic Sarah Adams!

Emily Walker thrives on order and control, so it’s no surprise that Jack Bennett—her childhood nemesis—drives her absolutely crazy. She was more than happy when he skipped town mid-school year with his fiancée. But just when Emily thought she was safe, Jack comes back to Rome, single and sticking around for good. The dynamic between these two is full of sparks, banter, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction between them a delight.

I love when a main character is a romance reader, it feels like a nod to US! Thank you, Sarah and Random House, for another lovely story!

(A full review will be on my instagram @BeckaFreeWrites after attending a release event with Sarah Adams on January 15!)

emily and jack were such great characters because they were so relatable! i wasn't sure about the rivals trope when i started the book, but as the characters developed, i couldn't get enough! sarah's latest books have her
becoming an auto-buy author in my world!

Beg Borrow or Steal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much Netgalley, Sarah Adams, and Dell Romance for the LOVELY AND MOST AMAZING opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I am so happy I got to read and feel so warm and relaxed back in Rome Kentucky.

IM SORRY ??? SARAH??? This was absolutely hands down incredible. I gobbled it up and I loved every moment of it.

I am officially now a Jack Bennett fangirl. I have a new book boyfriend added to my list. He’s never leaving. He’s staying for a long time. I am just wow. I enjoyed his character so much.

Emily Walker, I also throughly enjoyed reading as well. Her personality and her aura was just the energy I needed to read. I also felt a little bit at home with her (which is funny considering she loves to make kids feel at home when she’s teaching her class, guess I felt like one of her students because I felt so at home with her)

I loved the slow burn, the banter, the characters, every flipping thing. I am just in awe. I knew this book was going to be good from the cover and title, but actually getting to read it before release and it being a BANGER and INCREDIBLE. Yeah I feel like the book gods must love me right now for sending me this opportunity my way knowing I would die for Jack Bennett.

ALSO, I highlighted so many things. I want to spill them, but yall will have to read and understand why I’m so down bad for this man. You will thank me.