third book in the series, third five-star read for me 🌟

This book has all the staples I’ve come to expect from the Rome series: the charming townspeople, the heart-warming relationship between the Walker family, the lighthearted feeling of the writing, the comedic moments.

This book also deals with heavier topics than previous book, and a little more in-depth, but still it’s very much a rom-com.

Because of the way Emily presents herself, I can see how the beginning of the story might not cast the best light on her, but it’s the journey of discovery the reader needs to go as we are getting to know this character, and, imo, it’s done very well. (All of this to say: if you find her a little bit annoying or overbearing at first, please stick with it!)

There’s nothing else to say except go read this book and this entire series because it’s worth it!!

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy of Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams. In exchange for this ARC, I agreed to give my honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. So buckle up, we’re heading back to Rome, KY!
In the third installment of the When in Rome series we find ourselves following Emily Walker, the eldest daughter of the Walker siblings. Emily is the Queen Bee of Rome and has been holding her family together since the death of their parents in childhood.
Emily is known to be a strong-willed, a fixer and a perfectionist. To all of Rome, Emily is the rock the wave crashes upon. But once we get a look into Emily’s head it becomes clear that Emily is barely holding herself together.
Enter her archenemy, Jackson Bennett.
Jackson “Jack” Bennett and Emily Walker have been archenemies since the moment they met 10 years ago. And yet, the universe is doing all in her power to keep bringing them back together.

What I have loved since the very first book in this series is the dual POV. I especially enjoyed this in Beg, Borrow, or Steal because we get to connect more with Jack, who is also struggling with his own trauma.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is by far the heaviest book thus far in the When in Rome series. Sarah Adam delicately writes about depression, anxiety, and the aftermath of having a narcissistic parent. In many ways, I found this to be the most relatable book in the series because of it.
Even with some heavy topics, Sarah Adams manages to keep Beg, Borrow, or Steal entertaining and comedic with small town shenanigans and Emily and Jacks dialogue.
I especially enjoy that we are still getting cameos from our other Walker siblings and beaus. I am eagerly looking forward to Madison’s story in the next book. And all I can say to Sarah is you better not do anything to Mabel except maybe to make her even more sassier and wise!

The way that I kicked my feet and was so happy when I was approved for this ARC ! ! ! !

Reuniting with the character in Rome, Kentucky feels like coming home.

I never worry that Sarah Adams won't deliver in this or any series of hers, but holy smokes, I love Emily and Jack SO MUCH! The banter begins in Chapter 2 and doesn't let up even a little. I instantly loved Emily; she is everything to everyone and I love that EVERYONE thinks she is the most kind, sunshine-y person there is, but underneath she is lonely and just wants more. And honestly, Emily is just my kinda gal; maybe because I see a lot of myself in her. Perfectionist, Type A... anyone else?

~

"When I'm not moving, when I'm not busy, when I'm not needed, it's so, so lonely."

"As all good and unbearable perfectionists know, if you want something done right, you mostly have to do it yourself."

"I'm all too happy to voice my opinions. In fact, I have to hold back ninety-eight percent of the time, and that two percent can still be too much."

~

Then entire Jackson Bennett from stage left please. He can get under her skin like nobody's business but to Emily's distress, the entire town also loves him. As soon as he leaves (not a spoiler, it happens in the very first chapter), she realizes that she misses him... even if it's to give him as much grief as possible. But when he returns, that's when all the fun begins. I loved all of the angst, the town coming to back Emily, all of the past characters' appearances, the vulnerability that both Emily and Jack show in their journey's of growth, and of course that closet scene. This series is so so good, and I definitely recommend to anyone who loves the small town vibes and characters you can't help but wish were in your own town/family.

Thank you to Sarah Adams, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.

Also to all my closed door romance girlies:
Sarah Adams usually writes closed door romances, but this one is an exception. If that is your thing, just skip chapters 25 and 32 and you will be all good. If you don't mind, enjoy in it's entirety!

Pub date Jan 7! Thanks to Dell and NetGalley for the early copy. Special thanks to Dell for also sending a physical copy. It’s my most prized possession now.

This one is for the eldest daughters. The ones taking care of everyone else so they can avoid stopping and thinking about their own needs and wants. For those that desperately cling to their people in the hopes they won’t get left…again. Unclench your hands. Open your heart. Know that you can hold space for joy and change AND loneliness and dark days.

If you’re unfamiliar, this is the 3rd installment in an interconnected standalone, small town romance series. This book follows Emily, the oldest daughter, although not the oldest sibling. She has a plan and agenda for everything, even when you think she doesn’t. She’s the fixer, the care taker, not the one that needs some care and support…right?

I love a book where it’s rivals to lovers but they’re clearly down bad, sweet, little idiots. Emily and Jack have been rivals since college but what happens when she starts to realize her nemesis might actually be her friend. Even more than that, what if she starts to learn that even though she’s always thought she was difficult to love, he loves her as easily as breathing. Even in the midst of her secrets, loneliness, and sadness.

Sarah Adams writes a breathtaking romance novel about two traumatized people fighting their way to something better. This is also such a wonderful ode to the importance of the romance genre. Pick this one up, you certainly won’t regret it!

Sarah Adams proves, once again, that she writes with heart, humor, and wit. With Beg, Borrow, or Steal, readers that are all-too-familiar with being the titular "strong" one in the family will find a piece of themselves in Emily Walker and discover an extra level of care given by our male lead, Jackson Bennett. The story unfolds with discussions of grief, family, and vulnerability while still delivering the charm that can only be found in Rome, Kentucky.

Sarah Adams does it again. She's brought another cute, endearing, emotional, heart-warming and hilarious rom-com that I simply couldn't put down. The main characters, Emily & Jack, had the best banter I've read in a while, and also simultaneously gave us these beautiful character arcs as they learned to overcome their struggles.

Emily took on a lot of responsibility as a child after their parents passed and she took on the role of caregiver for her younger siblings. Now she struggles with feeling needed by her siblings as adults, and this overwhelming sense of pressure she puts on herself to be the strong, independent one who doesn't need any help. I couldn't help but get teary-eyed a few times as Emily navigated learning how to let her emotions out and that real strength comes from asking for help from those around her. I think her overall story was just so relatable and I found myself rooting for her from page 1.

Meanwhile, Jack struggles with his people-pleasing tendencies because of his childhood growing up with a narcistic father. Because of that, he learned to read people and modulate people's emotions. Like with Emily, it was really beautiful to see Jack figure out how to suppress his people-pleasing tendencies and put himself first to protect his emotional well-being when it came to his father.

And outside of the great character arcs of the MCs, they just had the absolute funniest banter. Sarah really knows how to write these comical scenes that you can picture with perfect clarity in your mind. I always feel like I'm watching a movie when reading her books. Plus, the town of Rome, KY where this series is set, was inspired by Gilmore Girls and you can see that influence all over the cast of side characters living in town. Each of them is quirkier and sillier than the last, and it really makes for a book you can get lost in as you imagine living in this town. For that reason I would recommend reading the first 2 books in the series first, but you can most certainly read this book as a standalone with no issue.

Overall I highly checking out Beg, Borrow, or Steal as soon as it comes out, and most especially if you're wanting a fun small town, witty banter, and emotional character growth story.

Sarah Adams does it again! This was such a fun, swoony romance, and it delivered an emotional punch that I just wasn't expecting. Emily and Jack have so much chemistry, and their banter was a lot of fun to read. Their journeys through their grief and trauma felt a little too real, and I found myself tearing up a few times as they opened up to each other. It made their whole relationship feel more realistic. I also LOVE Jack. He's one of my favorite MMCs I've encountered in a while, and I really appreciated how much care was taken in developing his personality and aesthetic. His whole look felt very Harry Styles, and he was just so well-rounded. I just wish I had gotten more of an epilogue since the ending seemed more concerned with tying up plots from the previous books in the series.

Overall, I'd say this is a 4.5 rounded up to a 5. I flew through this, and I can't wait for the next title in the series. Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sarah Adams for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Adams has done it again! This one is my favorite of this series by far and I loved everything about it.

I absolutely loved this book! I have been anxiously awaiting coming back to Rome, KY, and I love that the other Walker siblings still had a big part in this story. Emily is true big sister energy—always the caretaker, never in need of help herself. Watching her develop and grow through the story was very satisfying. Her chapters also made me laugh out loud in spots—it felt like talking to a girlfriend on FaceTime. This was a super fast read (binged it in 48 hours), but didn’t feel like the story was rushed. I am forever a fan of enemies to lovers, and this one did not disappoint! Now to hope and see if Maddie gets a story to complete the series!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Somehow I missed the first two books but that didn't hamper my enjoyment of this (although it could be why I'm less committed to the characters than those who did.). It's a trope-y enemies to lovers small town romance featuring two second grade teachers-Emily and Jack-who are both writers in secret. He's the son of a uberfamous thriller writer who publishes under pseudonym and she's just finished her first steamy romance. The romance she accidentally sends to the principal of their school-and that's how they build a bridge past the walls they've put up against one another. This has all the feels for those who like the tropes complete with a good cast of supporting characters at the hair salon and elsewhere in town as well as in Emily's family. The third act crisis didn't work for me but I know I'm an outlier. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a zippy read that might be just the thing to relax with.

Thank you to Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell and NetGalley for the ARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

I love Rome, Kentucky! Sarah has said this one is her favorite and I think this one is my favorite too! In my opinion it's her strongest writing. I don't know if this will make any sense, but Emily feels, so real. Like a real life person. There isn't anything about her or her life that wasn't completely realistic; from her classroom decor thrifting to her scrimping and saving for a few luxury items.

Jack is a complete dream boat. I love his perceptiveness and his emotional intelligence. Jack and Emily's interactions are banter GOALS! I loved every single second of this book!

Ahh I have been SO excited for this book! This is one of my favorite small town series. Emily and Jack were true enemies/rivals to lovers. I related to Emily a little, her independence, her perfectionism, and her feeling like she has to hold her family together. I think she came off a little uptight, but I also think that made watching her growth so rewarding. I LOVED Jack Bennett, he was a dream. The chemistry between Jack and Emily is so good, and the meddling from the town and her family is even better. Loved reuniting with all the main and side characters from the other books, and all the Audrey Hepburn vibes. My only complaint is that I wanted more, but I guess we will hear from them in the next book!

I wasn’t sure anything could top Practice Makes Perfect, but I’m obsessed with this entire series. The set up for Maddie and James’ story – I literally cannot wait!!!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine for this ARC!

The third book in the When in Rome series, this novel follows eldest sister Emily Walker as she is once again confronted with her college nemesis, Jack. Jack and Emily have always competed - for grades, for attention, for jobs - but something has changed between them, and neither knows how to feel about it — at first. As a ridiculous situation brings them together, Emily and Jack must each work through their developing feelings and secrets they’re holding back. This book has it all: emotional scenes, heavy scenes, spicy scenes, and scenes that will make you laugh out loud. It also has dual POVs!

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. It felt childish at times, cringy at others, and overly lustful most of the time. I’m also a bit tired of publishers pushing an “enemies-to-lovers” romance, when really the two characters are just mildly irritated with each other and immediately fall into lust about 10% the way through the book. It was nice to see the other couples in this book, though!

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Ballantine, for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. Sarah Adam’s does it again with this heart tugging installment in the When in Rome series! If I could rate this 6 stars I would! I felt such a strong bond and such strong emotions with Emily and how she felt like she had to take care of everyone and everything but feeling like she wasn’t needed by them. I kept forgetting I was reading and genuinely felt like I was right next to Emily and Jack during many of their interactions! Their love was so relatable and sweet and also so fun with how it comes about. I feel so honored to have gotten the chance to read this as an ARC and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to meet Jack and Emily - they are truly so special ❤️

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6643365782

Yes, another blazing five-star review from me—no surprise there! I can’t resist the charm of revisiting my favorite small town, Rome, Kentucky, to explore more of the Walker siblings’ romantic escapades. While Will and Annie’s book has been my favorite in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Jack’s love story just as much, thanks to its delightful blend of enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes, along with the incredibly likable characters.

What happens when college frenemies and former colleagues reunite as neighbors? Emily Walker, who has loathed every fiber of the pretentious, devilishly charming Jack Bennett since he spilled coffee on her and brazenly flirted with her during their first meeting on campus, is about to find out. What started as a meet-cute quickly turned into a full-blown rivalry, with the two battling over everything from lecture seats to teaching assignments during their years as middle school teachers.

When Jack tied the knot and moved to Nebraska with his fiancée, Zoe, Emily found herself dealing with some confusing emotions—could she actually miss her nemesis, or was she just frustrated he didn’t even bother to say goodbye? But there’s no need to dwell on it, because Jack is back, newly single and starting fresh in Rome. His first mistake? Moving into the run-down building right next door to Emily’s house.

Emily can barely tolerate seeing Jack occupy her favorite spot at the local coffee shop, but living next door? That’s where she draws the line. Determined to drive him away, she sabotages his renovation efforts and even tries to turn the town against him. However, when her secret side hustle as a romance writer is accidentally exposed—courtesy of an email to her ultra-conservative school principal—Emily realizes she has no one else to turn to for help but Jack.

Surprisingly, Jack agrees to save the day, and Emily begins to wonder if she’s been wrong about him all along. Beneath his mischievous, pretentious façade lies a caring, golden heart. Could he be more than just an enemy-turned-ally? Their growing chemistry certainly suggests so, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens next!

Overall: This is a cute, heartfelt romance with the perfect execution of enemies-to-lovers and excellent chemistry between the characters. My only gripe is the slightly abrupt ending, but I’m still rounding up my 4.5 stars to a glowing 5-star rating. I’m already eagerly anticipating Madison and James’s story in the next book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for providing this amazing romance’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I had a hard time deciding what to rate this, but eventually landed on a solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 😊 Sarah Adams did it again!! ❤️

When in Rome was an easy 5 stars for me, while Practice Makes Perfect was more of a 4 star, so I was anxious to jump into this one. And boy, did it NOT disappoint! 😍 The top-of-the-line banter, steamy chemistry, and mental health representation were just pieces of what made this a great story. I loved Emily and Jack’s rivalry, and how it slowly transitioned to a partnership in which they support and encourage the other rather than trying to one-up the other.

As someone who prefers closed door romance, I did read with the closed door modifications(though I read a bit of the mentioned chapters, skipping pages only when things got physical). I appreciate that the author includes these SO MUCH, because I love her writing but hate to miss out. The sexual tension was written well, and I liked how Jack taught Emily how she should feel in a healthy relationship, especially in making love. I typically prefer keeping sex talk out of books completely, but I thought the “scene-blocking” was written in such a way that was relatively “clean,” while demonstrating their obvious chemistry and how one SHOULD feel while making love with someone they care about.

Also, reading this book made me want to write a book. 😂 Both Jack and Emily seem like the kind of people I’d want to be friends with, and authors whose books I’d love to read. Give me an AJ Ranger book please 😍😂

Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartwarming and hilarious read. I’m soooo excited to finally see Madison fall in love(I hope!!) in a coming book. I removed half a star for personal preferences, just for more crude language and sexual content than I usually like reading.

If you know me, you know I LOVE Sarah Adams's books, especially those set in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. So when I saw book 3 was being released, I Ran to NetGalley in hopes of an ARC...and got it!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a stand-alone 3rd book in the "when in Rome" series that follows Emily Bennett and her college rival, Jack. Emily is the eldest Bennett sibling, she's overly organized, opinionated, and secretly writing a romance novel. Jack upends her perfectly fine small-town life by moving back after a broken engagement and taking up his previous teaching position, oh, and the residence next door to Emily. When a mishap occurs with a smutty novel accidentally being sent to her boss, Emily reluctantly seeks help from Jack.

This one hit all the right tropes for me:
📖academic rivals to lovers
👢top-tier banter
📖small-town romance
👓MMC with glasses who is well-read
📖the best of a slow burn
💕and of course the HEA.


Fav. Quotes:
"You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

Side note: I hope we will get a 4th book for Maddie & James...childhood friends to lovers?!?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is the newest addition to the "When in Rome" series, set in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. The story focuses on Emily Walker and Jack Bennett. Both are second-grade teachers who have a time-honored rivalry, but when forced to collaborate, their relationship takes a turn.
This story is my new favorite Sarah Adam’s book. The cover, plot, and characters were just perfect.
The characters are well developed and It’s easy to envision the characters as real people. They were super fun to read about. I absolutely adore Emily and Jack's banter. Both of them are very likable, which makes it easy to connect with them and the story.
I will read anything Sarah Adams writes. Five stars.

Absolutely Loved It! Sarah Adams Does It Again!"

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is everything I hoped for and more. I absolutely loved this book! There were so many aspects of Emily and Jack’s story that I could deeply relate to, which made it a bit more emotional for me. But honestly? That’s what made it so special. The way Sarah Adams handled these themes was so refreshing—she brought the emotions without it feeling heavy, and I found myself smiling even through the tougher moments.

Emily and Jack’s chemistry? Perfection. Their banter and connection were just the right mix of sweet and spicy (and yes, it’s a 2-spicy kind of story, so don’t expect things to go all-out, but it’s still packed with romantic tension that’ll make your heart flutter!).

This series is hands-down one of my favorites, and getting to know Emily and Jack felt like catching up with old friends. I didn’t want their story to end! If you love romance that’s heartfelt, swoony, and beautifully written, I highly recommend Beg, Borrow, or Steal. It’s a gem, just like the rest of the When in Rome series. ❤️

beg, borrow, or steal review 🏍️💘💐📝 🥞

✨blurb about it -

The story follows two rival teachers, Emily and Jack, who can't stand each other. Emily is organized and secretly writes romance novels, while Jack, her annoying neighbor, is back in town after breaking off his engagement.
When Emily accidentally sends an email that could reveal her secret writing career, she needs Jack's help to fix it. Even though they don't get along, they team up. But as they work together, their rivalry starts to turn into something more, leading to an unexpected romance.

☁️my thoughts-

this book was a masterpiece. The balance of a cozy romance but also the intricacies of emotional healing. This is for eldest daughters who want to feel seen, heard & loved in a way perfectly suited for them. I loved the interweaving of stories, the internal battles both main characters faced and how they navigated things together. It felt like such a healing and redemptive story. Learning that it’s ok to ask for help and accept the help you so freely give others. A call to embrace who we are in all shapes and forms and trust someone enough to do the same. It was the perfect balance of light hearted and flirty but had so much real tension and real struggles. This book to me felt a lot like a mix of just for the summer x book lovers x funny story? Combining all the best parts to make a beautiful new story that I will probably never forget! This book made me swoon but also reflect on my own life. Jack and Emily are such unique characters with their own strengths and flaws and depict such a real, raw and healthy relationship. This book will live rent free in my head & I can’t wait for you to experience it!!

Releasing Jan 7th, 2025!!

The perfect read to start the new year! 🤭

Thank you NetGalley & Dell for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. & thank you Sarah for writing such a fantastic story! 🫶🏾