Emily's greatest fear that she’s been trying to keep under wraps is that everyone will leave her, like people in past always have. In love, in life and as her siblings find their own footing in life she’s feeling left behind. Her world is turned upside down when her nemesis, former college rival/ fellow teacher, returns to Rome to teach alongside her again. Now he’s her neighbor hammering in house after hours next door just to annoy her.

Jack Bennett, secretly successful writer and son of a best selling mystery writer, has his own reasons that brought him right back to Rome, and they have everything to do with Emily. When Jack finds out Emily has been secretly writing a spicy Highlander romance, he’s offers her advice, you know since his dad is a writer, to help her get her foot in the door. (Note: the scene blocking with Jack was hot!) In the process both of them begin to see the real people behind the banter and barbs. Maybe fate has brought them back together just like they always should have been.

I loved getting dropped back into Rome, Kentucky. But, this time with Emily Walker, the oldest sister of the Walker siblings. I was a little worried because I didn’t really connect with Emily in the previous books, but shouldn’t have been worried at all. Her quirks as the oldest sister and taking on everyone else’s worries felt very relatable. The rivals to friends to lovers vibe with them both brought the best banter. The tenderness Jack has for Emily that she doesn’t give her self is beautiful. He sees the soft heart underneath her hard shell. And the way Emily is fiercely protective over Jack and the people who have used and hurt him is precious. Both of them are bringing something to their relationship they’ve always needed.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and Sarah Adams for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

Yes yes and yes for this adorable and sweet book.

Very swoonworthy. I loved this book and might read it again in the future.

ahh i don’t even know where to start. i absolutely adore sarah adams and most of her books have been 5 stars for me and this one was no different. i loved this book and being able to go back into this small town that i loved so much. i will be reading all of her future books and recommending this book to everyone!!!

Thank you to Sarah Adams, the publisher, and netgalley for the advanced copy.

Emily and Jack are my new favorite book couple. The banter is top notch and I love the town of Rome, Kentucky. Sarah Adams is an auto buy author for me so I can’t wait for the physical copy that I preordered to come in!!

Oh, this book! Sarah does not miss and this Rome, Kentucky series has hit me right in the feels with every book. This one is no exception. We finally get to see inside big sister Emily Walker’s head, and honestly, it really hit home.

As the older sister myself and a bit of a control freak who tries to fix everyone’s problems, I felt a kinship with Emily. There’s something so real about wanting your siblings to have the world, but also being afraid they will go so far and leave you behind. Also, all the grief she is still clearly dealing with from the loss of her parents and then her grandmother. She is someone who had to grow up very quickly to be there for her siblings and I just wanted to hug her so many times.

Enter our MMC, her nemesis from their college days, Jackson Bennett. These two had tension and chemistry from the second they were on the page together, that much was clear. Jackson is dealing with his own family trauma and how that has shaped the way he looks at the world and interacts with people. The way these two were so much alike even while they were “hating” each other for a decade just made it so clear they were going to love HARD.

I adored this story and each book in this series always feels like coming home. Sarah has created such a fun and sweet little town and I love coming back to it. It will be bittersweet when this series ends, but I am beyond excited for Madison’s book!!!

Thank you to Random House/Dell and Sarah for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.💝📝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 (rounded to 4)
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the next installment of Sarah Adams’ When in Rome series, and after loving Practice Makes Perfect, I was so excited to receive the next book of the Walker clan! Emily is a protective eldest sister who is always taking care of her family and her community and will never ask for help or let her troubles show, and her nemesis Jackson Bennett (who wins over everyone he meets) is moving back to town after breaking off his engagement. Their college feud and competition to be better than the other is reignited when he returns to Rome to teach at the same school as Emily, and even moves in next door!! But is there something more behind their spats and banter?
Yall this was precious! Emily is so relatable (as an eldest daughter myself) and her inner monologue was so refreshing. Jack was the perfect MMC here to balance Emily out and their fun banter and antics were really entertaining and sweet.
“I think because when we would fight, I’d show you my absolute worst again and again, and you kept coming back for more. You never shut the door on me. My thoughts and opinions have always been safe with you.”
I just love the small-town romance that Adams writes, my only complaint is that I actually wished we had delved deeper into the mental health aspects both characters had, and had gotten a little bit more somber with the realities of their characters and not skirted over those issues. Overall, this book was DARLING and I am excited for the 4th book and would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance. 💝📝

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Netgalley for providing me with this book in advance. I was incredibly excited to receive it before its official release day, and I’m even more thrilled to attend Sarah Adam’s release party for this book in January.

The first book in this series was good, but the second book was even better. The third book didn’t disappoint in any way. I believe Sarah’s writing is improving with each book. I can see the character development and how it influences her writing style, and I absolutely love it.

There were so many great parts to this book. The enemies-to-lovers trope, the small-town setting, the banter, the tension buildup, and the slow-burn romance were particularly enjoyable. The scene where she’s experiencing a writing block was particularly steamy!

The male lead, Jack, is so perfect. He’s willing to talk and communicate his feelings, which is refreshing. I also appreciate how the mental health of both characters is portrayed. They’re able to talk to each other, learn to trust each other, and try to be better. The way their relationship is portrayed is a healthy one, even though they’ve both been through trauma.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series, and I eagerly anticipate the release of Madison and James’s book. I have a strong feeling that it will be an excellent read.

4.75🌟 I LOVED this book (so lucky to have received the ARC!) and I adored Jack and Emily both on their own and as a couple. set in the same world as when in rome and practice makes perfect, this book blows the other two out of the water. the depth of emotions, the SLOW BURN romance, the growth and healing 😭❤️ sarah adams killed it with this one - I just know when this comes out, everyone is going to be OBSESSED!!! to all my besties - you’ll love this if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, small town, slow burn romance to pull at your heartstrings

(first of all thank you to Random House Publishing for this NetGalley arc!!)

this was my first sarah adams book and it did not disappoint! this book was so cute, fast paced, and definitely relatable. i saw myself quite a bit in emily and the way she’s hesitate to let people into her life when they constantly leave. i loved nemesis to lovers aspect of this book and definitely recommend this read!!

a BIG 4.5 stars for beg, borrow, or steal simply for not having a third act breakup and the characters being able to talk through their emotions like adults!!!!

I loved this book so much!! It was my favorite so far in the series, I was completely hooked.

Emily and Jack were the cutest enemies to lovers. So much tension and fun banter. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I love being able to see how the other relationships from the previous two books are developing. It’s such an intricate series that weaves serious family dynamics with small town life and so many cute love stories.

I’m so excited for the next book…. (Maybe Maddie and James?!🥰)

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sarah Adams, and the publisher for this ARC!

"Beg, Borrow, or Steal" is a captivating and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Adams' masterful storytelling and the charming characters make this a must-read for fans of the genre.

Another terrific entry in Sarah Adam’s’ Rome, Kentucky series. Emily’s oldest daughter vibes are very relatable even though they are amped up due to trauma. But I loved how fiercely she cares for those people she loves. And her petty streak is a little funny. Jack is a terrific love interest but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more tension and mystery about their true feelings before their relationship changed. I also would have liked to see, not just be told about, Jack’s reveal and taking ownership of his secret at the end of the book. Overall, this was a fun read and I’m looking forward to Madison’s story in book 4.

Hardest review EVER!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is impossible to describe! It's Sarah Adams best book.... a complete work of art,.. a literature masterpiece... and I am supposed to review it?!

If you want...
📖 a perfectly paced work of art! Bedtime be d*mned - this book is one you cannot put down.
❤️‍🔥 rivals to lovers that unfolds beautifully throughout the story. The way she builds the emotional connection between the two of them and gives you "history" throughout is honestly GENIUS!
💌 the CUTEST emails! All the details in the emails sent between the two of them is hilarious and I couldn't get enough
😽 cute kitten snuggles! I am not a cat person AT ALL but darn if Ducky didn't make my heart melt just a little
👠kick-a FMC that is independent, fierce, deeply flawed, emotionally healing, and beyond relatable! I think Emily makes this story SHINE so bright to me BECAUSE I saw myself in Emily. The healing I witnessed her getting is healing I need to claim for myself - it's inspiring and incredibly freeing.
🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Family dynamics - whether it's a tight knit family healing together or a completely dysfunctional family... there is so much "real life" portrayed! Again, healing me in ways I needed.
💋 Hands down the HOTTEST and BEST closed-door chapter known to man! I didn't read the two open-door scenes so can't review them but I can say this book checks allllll my closed-door romance desires.
😍 Jack. This man... is.... MMC of the YEAR!!

I cannot wait for you to read this book and see perfection for yourself. ❤️‍🔥 Thank you Dell Romance and Netgalley for an ARC copy for an honest review.

This was a book that I couldn’t put down, but simultaneously did not want to end. I loved it so much!

Emily is the oldest of the Walker sisters. She is a second grade teacher in the small town of Rome, Kentucky. She is used to taking care of her family, even her older brother. And, I think it’s safe to say that Emily’s life motto is “if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.” She likes things how she likes them.

Jackson is new to town, but not new to Emily. He is also a second grade teacher and they have been enemies since freshman year of college. And, the only thing they agree on is how much they enjoy fighting with each other.

Something else that Emily and Jackson have in common? Trauma, grief, hurt, loneliness…keeping people at arms length. I think the author, Sarah Adams, wrote the stories of Emily and Jackson in such an honest and relatable way. This is so much more than a romance. It is a journey of personal growth, self discovery, and learning how to trust.

I have loved continuing to learn about the Walker family through this series. I honestly thought that nothing could beat Annie and Will, but this has been my favorite by far!

4.25⭐

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two rival teachers, who also happen to be neighbors must work together to steal back a mistakenly sent manuscript, leading their antagonistic relationship to develop into something more.
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THIS WAS SO STINKING CUTE!! I loved Emily and Jack and their story so much. It was sweet and their banter had me laughing throughout.

Though it was a slow start for me—there was a lot of inner monologue narration in the first couple of chapters that felt like the main plot wasn't progressing at all. Once I got past that, this was absolutely enjoyable and I fell in love with both Emily and Jack. I loved how their romance blossomed naturally and slowly.

I enjoyed being back in Rome, Kentucky. This one ranks between Practice Makes Perfect and When in Rome with the former being my favorite. There's just something so special about Sarah Adams' writing. I swear I had a smile on my face the entire time I read this 🥰

I'm so excited to read Madison and James' book! Sarah heavily sets the groundwork for their romance and I'm (not so) patiently waiting for it.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dell Romance for this ARC.

Read if you love:
💕small town romance
✍🏼writers' romance
💕rivals to lovers
✍🏼colleagues
💕next door neighbors

I LOVED EMILY AND JACK SO MUCH! I really connected with each character, and it made this such an enjoyable quick read! The Walker siblings remain so strong and such a family unit! Rome, KY is such a perfect setting- and cannot get enough from this author! I hope Maddies story is just as good, and she comes out with it quickly! You dont have to read the first ones, but I do recommend, so you can connect with the full story of this family.

"Because you're the only person I'm nothing but honest with." His words snip the last vines of loneliness from my heart and replace them with balloon strings.~
Beg, Borrow or Steal, by Sarah Adams, is the third installment (and thank goodness not the last!) In the When in Rome series, set in the whimsical Rome, KY. I loved stepping back with all the Walker siblings, and I am certain Emily and Jackson are my favorite duo. Sarah Adams has a beautiful writing style where I feel like I am right there in the story. Thank you for making these fun, deep and just plain good characters!! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC. Pub date is January 7th!! Don't sleep on this one!! Be sure to read When in Rome #1 and #2 first❤️

While I enjoyed reading this book, I was only able to read this book in short spurts (it took me weeks to read vs days) I had a real hard time feeling connect to Emily but loved Jack.

4 stars

“Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?”

“More than either of us is comfortable with.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the latest book in the Rome, Kentucky books by Sarah Adams. Emily and Jack stole my heart right away. They are rivals and thrive on bickering and triggering one another, but deep down they both have some demons to face.

Jack moves back to Rome after a failed engagement, and Emily is infuriated that he has the audacity to buy the house right next to hers.

Emily and Jack are unique from the previous characters in this series and I really enjoyed both of their back stories and the way they came together. While Sarah does consider this book open door (most of her previous works are closed door), this book is not very explicit. There is great tension and a tiny bit of spice so I feel like it is good for any type of romance reader.

Thank you to Dell for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Adams did it AGAIN! We return to lovely little Rome, KY and follow the love story of Emily and Jack. Given their competitive nemesis start, the banter between these two is top notch. There were so many moments where I smiled or laughed while reading their dialogue. I related super hard to a lot of Emily’s oldest sister feelings and Jack’s family issues. This book was beautiful, and had such a beautiful ending. Must read!