always a good book when Sarah Adams is involved! i am so thrilled to be back in the Rome, Kentuckys series, this book is absolute perfection in every way! I read the dedication and immediately knew I was in for a treat.

Funny thing about requesting books from netgalley, I don’t always think to check if it’s part of a series 🤦‍♀️ I also don’t always realize it in time to get the first two books before reading the 3rd installment in time for pub date 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ BUT since Sarah Adams is an awesome writer and Beg, Borrow, or Steal is such a fun book, it didn’t really matter! I still absolutely adored this story.

Some facts about Emily Walker - she is fiercely protective of her siblings, she loves being a teacher, she has the cutest cat in the world, the people in her hometown of Rome, Kentucky would do anything for her, and her nemesis is Jack Bennett. A few facts about Jack Bennett - he moved to Rome recently after a broken engagement, his father is a narcissistic ass, he is charming AF, he’s secretly a best selling author, everything about Emily Walker drives him crazy. When Jack buys the rundown house next to Emily and begins renovations the two cross paths frequently with tensions building higher and higher. Except eventually what they both considered to be hatred starts to feel a bit like attraction.

This book has sooooo much chemistry! I loved how Adams took her time to build up this romance and gave us a glimpse into their college years for context. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is funny, sexy, and enjoyable in every way. I am diving right into the first two books because I want more of Rome asap!

I have been thrown right back into Rome, Kentucky and right into the arms of the Walker family and I am so happy. (yes, we get cameos from all our beloved previous Walker characters)

This town, this family, these characters just turn me into goo. I love them, this series, and this book so much. Happy pub day, Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

Absolutely loved this new edition to Rome Kentucky! Such a great enemies to lovers story with Emily and Jackson. I loved to see the addition of the main characters from the other two novels as well! Emily and Jackson are both school teachers that have had a battle going on between them since they went to the same college and obtain the same education degree. They are constantly competing and when he moves away, she has a slight twinge of what might be sad sadness to no longer have that interaction. Along with that, her sisters have moved out of the house and she is alone for the first time in a long time. But… When Jackson moves back sparks are flying and I loved the banter between those two. I can’t wait to see. Maddie‘s love story next.

Reading a book from Sarah Adams feels like cookies fresh from the oven, a warm hug from a loved one, a book in hand on a rainy day, and no plans on a peaceful weekend.

Beg, Borrow or Steal was a masterpiece. It had Sarah’s clever humor, lovable side characters which were the townspeople of Rome, a slow burn which was blazing by the end of the book, and two characters with very real life situations that many people can relate to.

So many times throughout the book I found myself relating to Jack’s situation with his narcissistic father and Emily feeling like she always needing to put on a strong front, even on her weakest days. Both of these characters showed such incredible strength in their own ways and to see them both overcome it was incredible.

Also, it would be a crime to not mention Jack and his glasses and candy necklaces. That alone deserves 5 stars.

I truly with all of my heart loved this book and I thank Dell Romance for gifting me a copy! I am forever grateful!

This book is amazing!!! I loved reading this one so much!! Getting to go back to Rome, KY is always great, and this was no exception! Emily's battle with her own emotions and needs was so real and raw, and I absolutely saw so much of myself in her! I just loved getting to see her grow and learn to rely on those around her more. And Jack was such MMC perfection! I loved that he had his own emotional journey that he struggled with, and wasn't afraid to open up about it all! These two had all the best banter, and I absolutely ADORED getting to watch them battle it out! And the Walker siblings never disappoint! Not to mention all the perfect Rome citizens! I love small towns like this, and seeing how they all love Emily so fiercely is so beautiful! I loved this one so much, and I cannot wait to get a trophy copy so I can read it again and tab it!! Maddie's book cannot come soon enough!! 5 stars; 2.5 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Small Town
- Nemeses to Lovers
- Meddling Siblings
- Secret Identity
- All the Banter
- Neighbors

Book Review: Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

This rivals-to-lovers romance is everything I hoped for and more! Of the When in Rome series, this one stands out as my absolute favorite. Emily and Jack’s chemistry-fueled banter, unlikely alliance, and the hilarious, heartwarming moments had me hooked from start to finish.

Sarah Adams perfectly blends humor, swoon-worthy romance, and small-town charm in this irresistible story. I couldn’t get enough of Emily and Jack’s journey—it’s a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances! 💕📚

ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher—Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine—for an honest review. 😊

I love Sarah Adams! Every single one of her books is a must read. The Rome serious is by far my favorite and I cannot wait for book four! Definitely laughed out loud a few times reading this one.

4.5 stars!

Emily and Jack have competed in everything academic and career-wise since they met in college 13 years ago. When Jack moves back into town after calling off his engagement, Emily does her best to drive him out. But when she drunkenly sends her secret romance manuscript to her boss, she needs Jack to help her fix it.

What a GREAT book to kick off the new reading year with! I was in a reading slump all last year, and this was one of the few books I could finish without listening to the audio. It had my attention from the very beginning. Their banter and emails were hilarious and also gave us a glimpse into their relationship throughout the years. I love it when I can relate to both of the characters and this one was in a PAINFUL way. I teared up so many times throughout the book. I think this is the deepest book I've read from Sarah Adams so far.

This book also made it into a category I like to call ✨inevitable✨ , which means the characters are so meant to be, that nothing will stop them from getting together but they have to go through a lot to get there. Sarah Adams has yet to disappoint with this series and I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you so much to the publisher and Sarah Adams for this ARC. It made my year last year!

I'm a big fan of the second book in this series, and also enjoyed the first, but this one missed the mark for me. I don't think I"m the biggest fan of the rivals to lovers trope, and while I enjoyed the main characters growing closer, the original tension wasn't something I felt as much as I would have liked. While not my favorite, it was an easy read, and I'm still looking forward to Sarah Adams's next book! I'm hoping I'll be able to relate to the characters and their thought process a little bit more. Thanks for the eARC!

WOW!!! Sarah Adams outdid herself with this one. This is hands down her best book to date and I have loved all of her books. I saw so much of myself in Emily. I loved how Jack loved her despite her inability to sometimes even love herself. He loved her flaws. I found that incredibly beautiful. The email exchanges that popped up throughout the book were my favourite - the banter they had back and forth had me laughing and swooning. Cutest couple of booktok 2025!!

Visiting Rome, Kentucky always feels like a warm hug, and this book was no exception. This may truly be Sarah's best work. The banter, the slow burn, the way the main characters support and handle each other's challenges and darker moments, it's all truly lovely. Devoured this book when I meant to savor it slowly, but I could not put it down.

Superstar teacher, proud Rome, Kentucky resident and all around powerhouse, Emily Walker has been feeling a bit lost and lonely. Her siblings don’t seem to need her help anymore, her love life is at a standstill, and her nemesis and favorite snark buddy has moved away, leaving Emily at loose ends. Then she hears that not only is the decade long thorn in her side, Jack Bennett returning to his position teaching the other second grade class, but he’s bought the house right next door. The news lights a fire in Emily she hasn’t felt in months and all her energy goes into making Jack’s life as uncomfortable as possible. She even ropes the rest of the town into her hijinks. But Emily has yet again underestimated Jack and his magnetic personality. Soon he’s won over the town and has even wormed his way into Emily’s life. Jack has always been the one person Emily has never been afraid to show all aspects of her personality, the good, the bad, and the sad. When Emily finds herself in a bind at work, Jack is the only one she trusts to help with her shenanigans. The new neighbors find themselves spending more and more time together and start to realize they’re not enemies, but they just might be each other’s happily ever after.

Sarah Adams’ Rome, Kentucky series is fresh , fun, and truly special and Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the best book yet. Adams is a master with characters and character development. Emily and Jack are just amazing with deep, well formed personalities. Emily is so relatable. She feels like she’s being left behind by those she loves and that she’s no longer important to them. As a recovering control freak, she’s learning to give her loved ones the space they need to live their own lives. In the process she’s found herself adrift. I think we all feel like this at some point, lonely or like we’re not important or are being left behind. Jack is an absolute sweetheart who’s lost himself too. Dealing with a narcissistic parent has turned him into a people pleaser, someone who never shows his true feelings. It’s only with each other that they let their masks drop and their truth out. We also get to see all our favorites from the first two books in the series. Rome is the town where everyone wants to live and its residents are who you want for friends and family. Adams has written such a warm, comforting book that deals with hurts and traumas, but gives the reader hope with humor and love. Full of sexy banter, playfulness, joy, and deep connections, Beg, Borrow, or steal is pure magic!

I honestly cannot get enough of Sarah Adams! The town of Rome, Kentucky has everything a small town could need. Busy bodies, nosy neighbors, and sexy teachers!!! Sarah has such a way with writing comedy in a way that isn’t forced and feels natural. All of the dialogue in this book felt like I was taking part in it, and it was so much fun re-visiting Rome!
You don’t need to read the other books that take place in the “series”, and I like that a lot because series can make some people stress about timeline order. This book however does not need to be read after any other book. You can still enjoy the story and fall in love with the town and the character fresh and new!!!

Sarah Adam’s has done it again! Back in Rome, Kentucky, two feuding second grade teachers. Emily and Jack have to team up and it is SO SO GOOD!!! Rivals to lovers, humor, romance, the banter!

So good. Highly recommend!!

Ahhh Sarah did it again with the charming feels Rome, Kentucky. I loved the witty banter, amazing chemistry that will make you swoon and squeal, the sunshiny perspective of her writing and just very relatable characters. This book will have you plastering a mega watt smile throughout and I absolutely adored every minute of it. The personal growth and relatability of the characters is such a great addition to the story / plot with their rawness. You will love this!

It's so great being back in Rome, KY! Especially with Emily and her obnoxious neighbor AND coworker, Jack. Gosh, I love how much he infuriates her.

If you enjoyed When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, you must add this book to your list! It's full of witty banter between two authors who love to hate each other. It's like they've never heard of enemies to lovers.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.

Sarah Adams is a must read author for me and Beg, Borrow, or Steal solidified it. Her books have the perfect mix of tropes, humor, and chemistry. I think Emily and Jack just might be my new favorite When in Rome story. I loved the enemies to lovers vibes and all of their little escapades.

I do HIGHLY recommend reading this series in order.

4.5/5

Sarah Adams has a magic touch. Her stories are so immersive and additive. I guess because we already have the context for Rome, I was sucked in even faster here. And teacher rivals? My fave. Their split POVs were so good, too. Bravo, Sarah, and thanks for the ARC NetGalley and Dell Romance!

𝒜𝓇𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝐵𝑒𝑔, 𝐵𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌, 𝑜𝓇 𝒮𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓁?

@authorsarahadams has done it again. I have yet to meet a book by Sarah that I didn’t absolutely devour, and this is no exception. ✨

This book unlocked things in me I didn’t know were hiding in the first place, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same. 💅🏻

Jack Bennett is quite literally the blueprint for the perfect MMC, and Emily is the confident, fierce, secretly soft FMC that you’re sure to love. It’s rare for me to feel such a deep connection to not just one, but both characters in a book. I am obsessed with these two individually, but my love for them together is on a totally different level. 👏🏼

While this book covered some pretty heavy topics, I was also literally shaking with laughter or giggling and kicking my feet during the majority of it. 🥰 I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt this giddy reading a love story.

So much of my heart lives within the pages of this book, and I am beyond grateful to have been given the privilege of getting to receive an eARC from @dellromance & @authorsarahadams. It was seriously a dream come true. 🥹

This book set the bar HIGH for 2025 and deserves all of the love it’s about to get from all of you. ✨

You can purchase a copy anywhere books are sold Tuesday, January 7th, 2025!