Another delightful book from one of my favorite writers of rom coms. This was a really fun addition to the Rome, Kentucky series. I loved these two characters, in addition to all the familiar couples and townies that are brought back again. This book was especially set apart in the series in having the “heist” element added that our characters worked together on. Sarah does a good job of informing readers which chapters to skip if they have closed-door preferences, though those chapters are tastefully done for those that read them. Her banter is always top-notch, and this book is no different. The enemies-to-friends-to-more? is done so well and makes this book a delight. Thank you to Net Galley, for this ARC!

I loved this enemies to lovers romance about Emily and Jack. Set in the small town of Rome, Kentucky (this is the third book in a series and I'm off to read the first two), Emily and Jack met in college and did NOT hit it off. Now, they're both teachers in the local elementary school who bicker constantly. But who also really pay attention to each other. And when they start to become friends rather than enemies, sparks fly. I really enjoyed the banter between these two characters and the way in which they really see each other's true selves--flaws and insecurities and all. There are some steamy scenes that were great to read but could easily be skipped if you prefer a closed door experience.

The third installment of the When In Rome series did not disappoint. Sarah Adams has a way of making the characters feel so life-like. When I read this book, it felt as if I could reach out a touch the characters. Every emotion is palpable and the highs and lows of the plot are so well thought out.

The back and forth between Jack and Emily in the first half of the book is what dreams are made of. All other “enemies to lovers” type books don’t stand a chance to “Beg, Borrow, or Steal”.

This was a real treat to read.

4.75/5

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Jack and Emily's banter so much. It's much like school yard vibes of "boy-throws-pebble-because-he-likes-you". All along the jabs they threw at one another was just an underlying crush to be revealed. The downside for me was Emily's lack of independence, I understand that she was the maternal caretake amongst her siblings and when all the siblings fled the coop she felt useless, but for a brief moment I kept thinking "get a grip, woman!" Outside of the few moments I felt this way, I loved this book!

4.5 stars!

Thank you so much Netgalley and Dell Romance for allowing me to read this story in exchange of my honest opinion!
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third installment in the famous series When in Rome by Sarah Adams. It"ll be out very soon now in January 7 2025.
Emily Walker’s orderly life is upended when her longtime rival, Jack Bennett, returns to town after calling off his engagement. Now neighbors and colleagues, their mutual annoyance reaches new heights as Jack thwarts Emily’s petty schemes to drive him away. When Emily accidentally risks exposing her secret career as a romance author, Jack surprisingly offers to help her fix the situation. As their reluctant partnership unfolds, their fiery animosity turns into an unexpected connection that might rewrite their story entirely.
This was funny and cute and everything you expect from a book by Sarah Adams, I'm sure the fans of the previous books will be delighted by Emily and Jack's love story!

First off… thank you to Sarah and her team and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025 and I am tickled pink that I got to live this story before its release.

This might be my favorite Sarah Adams book of all time. You can tell how much she has grown as a writer and the stories just keep getting more deep and thorough and wonderful. Jack and Emily are to die for. I love how flawed they both are, but they go through such growth from their first meeting through the end of this novel. I was seriously mad when I had to go to work because I did not want to put this book down to sleep, work, eat, or function at all. I absolutely adore the Walkers and Rome, Kentucky and I am low key sad there will be only one more book in this town. I’m also thrilled we still got to get more of the future from Will and Annie and Noah and Amelia. I never want to leave these characters and their lives behind. What a magical world she has built…

Oh and Sarah… you had me ✨blushing

🥺🥺🥺 I DID NOT expect Emily AND JACK to make me so emotional as characters! 5 STARS OF PERFECTION.

Thank you so much to Dell Romance for an ARC of this amazing book. These are my honest thoughts....

I'm not sure how she does it, but ever new book of Sarah Adams' becomes my new favorite. And this book is ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTION.

I fully expected Annie and Will to be my forever favorite couple from Rome, KY, but from the first moment I started this book (literally from the dedication), I was HOOKED on this story! We meet Jackson when Emily introduces him as "if Mr. Rogers had tattoos and was secretly a devil," and I was SOLD. These two frenemies have quite the history... from an meet-disaster (that should've been a meetcute) in college on their way to their very first class all the way to present day where they were teachers at the same school, Emily and Jack are constantly dishing out jabs.

"Jack... why are you wearing glasses?"
"So I can see your jealous scowl more clearly."

UGH. MY HEART. SEE??? SEE?!!!! It's a beautiful frenemieship between two people with baggage too heavy for either one of them to carry on their own.

So, they went to the same college and now teach the same grade at the same elementary school, and GET THIS? THEY'RE BOTH AUTHORS. One is a well established best seller and one is a debut novelist in the making... and THEN THEY'RE NEIGHBORS. It's just the best story for little forced proximity situations. They're rivals, but they're really not. Their bickering is really just tension building and building until...

I will not spoil anything about this story, because the magic is in the mystery of discovering where this story goes. There's so many tender moments of vulnerability, sadness, grief, mourning, and also many moments of joy, growth, celebration, and leaning into the hard to discover who we are underneath it all. And it's learning to let someone else in when you're scared because people you love either leave or die.

*THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK YOU SHOULD NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED*

Things I absolutely loved about this book:
- Chapter 16
- The EMAILS
- The TEXT MESSAGES
- THE BICKERING
- *THE BANTER*
- he fell first, and he is DOWN BAD
- DUCKY
- They're both bossy... and it works ;)
- How well Jack reads Emily and anticipates her needs and the things she's not asking for but telling him
- the other Walker siblings and their SO making many cameos
- hints and easter eggs about book 4 in Rome, KY????????????? *squeeeeee*

This one is out in early January and gets literally the most perfect 5 star rating of all time.

When I started this book I was ready for a cute romance, I wasn’t quite ready for the depth of some of the moments in this book, but wow did they add to my experience with it. If you are an oldest daughter who took on some parenting roles for your sibling(s) &/or you’re the child of a narcissist, be prepared for some feels because there were definitely some moments that hit the mark.
Emily is a perfectionist, she fell into the role of parent to her siblings, she’s resigned to spending her life single, she cares about her family more than anything else, oh & she HATES Jack Bennett!
Jack Bennett is charming, sexy, intelligent, & goes out of his way to get under Emily’s skin. Emily & Jack have been one upping & sabotaging each since freshmen year of college to the point that they’ve reached enemy levels of spite & hatred, yet there’s also a connection they can’t deny. Jack & Emily reach a tentative friendship, which gets stronger when Emily gets drunk & makes a big mistake, then must enlist Jack’s help to undo it before disaster strikes. The dynamic between Emily & Jack provides some intense tension right from the start! There were points in this book that had me giddy & literally kicking my feet.
The town is full of fun side characters, I didn’t realize this was a standalone untwined with the When in Rome series, but I look forward to picking up the previous books after reading this one! Basing my rating on this being a small town, cute, romance, I have no notes, it was perfect! I couldn’t even choose favorite quotes among the mass that I highlighted.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is officially my favorite in the When In Rome series. Emily just completely resonated with me. She is the backbone of her family and therefore she cannot show the vulnerability that she encourages her siblings to share. She is left behind as she encourages her family to go out and grow and explore. Jack and Emily are school teachers who secretly write great books also really hits home with me as a school teacher who loves to read great books! They are delightful as rivals to lovers and their chemistry is off the charts. I also love how the entire town of Rome stood by Emily because that’s what community and love is all about! I can’t wait for the next book, but I don’t want this series to end at all.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I feel like Sarah Adams’ books keep highlighting things she needs to work through with her therapist. I loved the first chapter but then we go down her usual road of the FMC is perfect and quirky and cutesy and the MMC is perfect and quirky and cutesy (his retro clothing and the weird kid tattoos and the necklaces he wears). All her characters feel largely the same from book to book. Easy reads, same lather, rinse, repeat. For having a trad deal, I expect her to push herself as a writer more than she has.

This series just gets better and better with each book!! I loved getting the next Walker sister's story in emotionally closed off/takes care of everyone/romance novel enthusiast Emily!!

Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett have hated each other for a decade. There's nothing more fun than having a nemesis, and these two take it to the extremes- which makes the adorable small town of Rome, Kentucky not know what to do or whose side to take! Emily's fiercely protective of her loved ones, her town, her cat, and basically everyone she meets. Jack's a smooth charmer, a truly good guy who had to adapt to reading emotions with a manipulative parent. Emily is all confrontation all the time, and Jack won't confront anyone- except for Emily!! When circumstances bring him back to town (those circumstances including his inability to forget his nemesis), and circumstances make these two next door neighbors, they get more than they bargained for on the emotional level!

I absolutely adored this story and these two perfectly imperfectly matched people. I laughed out loud at their arguments and pranks, kicked my feet when they were talking about Emily's book, and felt all the feelings when our two main characters were going through it emotionally and grappling with their pasts and hopes for the futures. This was spectacular, and I loved how much we also got of the other Walker siblings living their happy ever afters!!

Thank you so much to Sarah Adams and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

I have really enjoyed all the Rome books in the series but this one may have snuck into my favorite of all three. I am loving the plot and the characters. Set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky (i got fooled with book 1 thinking Rome, Italy LOL), the story follows second grade teachers Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, who have been feuding as enemies for years. When Jack returns to town after calling off his wedding, their rivalry reignites, but a surprising turn of events forces them to team up in an unexpected mission. This book is filled with tension and undeniable sparks in this steamy and small town romance!

As the oldest child of six siblings and with a dad’s that’s passed away, I really connected with Emily’s character. She takes on the weight of the world and holds herself to a high standard. The way she felt safe with Jack to be vulnerable and express her emotions was really powerful. Another beautiful addition to the Rome series. I’m really excited for Madison’s story line!

Emily and Jack's story was a sweet, silly time. The very strong disdain that they have for each other proves to be a great vessel for plot progression, but it felt immature and depthless. Their romantic connection, once it starts building, also lacked nuance and depth. If you're looking for a fun and unserious read this is great for that, but the book missed the mark as something that inspired strong emotional responses or the audience's connection to the characters.

I've loved some of Sarah Adams' past work, but I have learned that her books are very hit or miss for me personally, which is totally okay! This one felt like a miss for me, but I know that this book will find its audience and be loved by a different type of reader.

I’m so sad to report that I did not enjoy this book at all. :( being inside Emily’s head had me constantly cringing and I had to put it down.

“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”

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

* Oh, good old Rome, Kentucky
* I can already tell that Emily is me and I am Emily
* Not the emails while they’re sitting at the same table 😅
* He’s just so likable hahaha
* Oh nooo
* Not him and the cat just so cozy at her house 😭🫶
* These siblings are just the best and I love them
* Jack is so swoony I can’t handle it
* Nooo Emily, don’t listen to her!
* We love an adult conversation about needing to process emotions 👏
* THAT JERK
* Awwww. I love them all so much

Content: moderate swearing (including some f-words), skip the spice: chapter 16, chapter 19 (a pretty heated make out), chapter 25, chapter 32, chapter 36 first few paragraphs

Here are a few more quotes that will probably convince you to read it more than any review I could write:

“I want to make up for every day of every year I spent fighting with her instead of loving her.”

“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”

“Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer.”

“Emily . . . when I told you I care for you, I mean it. It’s not that I care for some aspects of you, not that I care for you when you’re in a good mood . . . I care for you always. I want you, always. The good, the bad, and the in-between. I. Want. You. Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey heart . . . all of it. All of you.”

I just.. wow. I relate to Emily and her struggles with perfectionism and feeling like she’s too much for people, too hard to love. Those fears and feelings just went straight into my soul.

I was so happy for Emily, seeing her grow and stretch, and start to be okay with change. Watching her let herself love and care for someone outside of her family. So good.

And Jack? I LOVE him. He’s such a sweetie and so good for Emily. They’re good for each other. I loved getting to see him work through his issues with his family and learn how to love Emily.

And I just love all the Walker siblings and getting to see them together was so good. 🫶 I can’t wait for Maddie’s story!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.

Loved the slow burn and banter between the main characters! Despite Emily going out of her way to run Jack out of town, he shows up for her when she needs him. Sarah does a great job pulling in characters from previous books. Definitely add this to your TBR list!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams gave me butterflies! I couldn’t wait do dive back into the When in Rome series.

Second grade teachers Emily and Jack are long time nemesis when Jack moves back to Rome, KY and buys the fixer upper next to Emily.

The characters are so lovable you couldn’t help but cheer them on and the tension between Emily and Jack was oozing off the page. The dialogue in Beg, Borrow, or Steal had me laughing and smiling so big my cheeks hurt. I also really enjoy the side characters and town of Rome, which is almost a character in itself!

I’ll read anything Sarah Adams writes— every book just keeps getting better. Looking forward to the final trip to Rome next year!

Highly recommend picking up Beg, Borrow, or Steal— but don’t miss the first two books in the series first!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine- Dell for an advanced copy of this book!

Sarah Adams did it again: Beg, Borrow, or Steal is an amazing addition to the series. Rome and its residents are a soft place to land and this installment was no different. Emily is the epitome of eldest daughter, ultimate protector and defender. Her sheer love for her siblings was soooo palpable. This book came to me at the right time when I was in dire need of a comfort read.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

Emily’s tightly wound personality contrasts perfectly with Jack’s easygoing charm, creating a dynamic filled with playful pranks, sharp banter, and romantic tension. Their battle of wits takes a turn when an accidental email threatens to reveal Emily’s secret, forcing her to team up with Jack in a hilariously unexpected alliance. As they work together, their animosity evolves into a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and they balance their witty exchanges with moments of genuine vulnerability. The small-town setting and lively side characters add extra charm, making the story even more engaging.

Emily and Jack are both such incredibly relatable characters (for those of us with jilted love lives and messy families), but I love how this doesn’t stop them from openly and maturely communicating with each other through it all. Especially Emily deserves all the love, attention, and dedication, and Jack really shows up to make sure she gets it alllll *winky face*. This is such a cute yet emotionally deep read that I really enjoyed and blew through within a day. It really does feel just like a big hug you could drown in.

I absolutely adored this book. The characters. The setting. The banter. The growth. THE ENDING!! All of it was done so perfectly. I loved how Emily and Jack treated each other with grace and kindness while also being honest and having a fun time. It’s definitely one of my favorite romances I’ve read recently and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy on January 7th!!