I absolutely adored When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, but this book topped them both! Emily and Jack are new my favorite Rome, Kentucky couple!

I fell in love with Emily and Jack early on in Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I loved that they were both writers and elementary school teachers. Anytime there’s some facet of writing in a book it immediately draws me in. I enjoy reading about writers, so it was fun to get a glimpse into both Emily and Jack’s writing process.

I love a good enemies to lovers trope and Sarah Adams delivered! The two had such great banter and chemistry. As a reader you almost wish that Jack and Emily hadn’t fallen victim to miscommunication and forgave each other sooner just so we could see more of them, but their relationship dynamic was the plot of the book and I thought their romance was well paced.

I really appreciated how Sarah Adams touched on areas of mental health. We often get glimpses into Emily and her depression and how it often makes her feel uncomfortable to be left alone with her mind. Emily often laments that her mind is a dark place and she feels like no one would understand. She is struggling with changing relationships with her sisters now that they are paired off and in her sister Madison’s case, chasing careers. I thought Sarah Adams handled this topic with care and gave voice to her readers who struggle with their own mental health but so badly want to be loved and take down the walls they’ve put up.

My favorite scene of the book was the scene blocking between Emily and Jack (IYKYK!!!) AHH this was the best part of the book.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the perfect small town romance with elementary grade teachers, in a town where everyone knows everyone… I just love Rome, Kentucky and this fictional world Sarah Adams has created.

5/5 stars for me! I will be buying this immediately to add to my shelves when it releases in January.

Read Beg, Borrow, or Steal if you like:
-Small town romance
-Enemies to lovers
-Miscommunication
-Slow burn
-Mental health representation
-Writing/insight into the publication process
-Navigating difficult family dynamics/unhealthy relationships

Thank you to Sarah Adams and Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I just about screamed when I got approved, so thank you!

I absolutely adored Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams! Emily and Jack’s story is my favorite in the series. The way the author wove their backstory into the narrative was masterful, adding just the right depth at key moments. Emily’s grief and loneliness were portrayed so authentically, and it was deeply satisfying to watch her grow as a character while also glimpsing the softer sides of her personality.

Jack was equally well developed, and together, he and Emily complemented each other beautifully. Their dynamic felt natural and heartfelt, making their journey all the more compelling. And of course, Sarah Adams' signature banter was as delightful as ever, not just between Emily and Jack, but among the siblings too.
All in all, this was a feel-good story brimming with depth, well rounded characters, and emotional resonance. A truly wonderful read!

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

Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett have been rivals since their first week of college. The two have always been competing, trying to one up the other, and both now work as second grade teachers at the same school in Rome, Kentucky. When Jack moves to a Nebraska with his fiance, it's good riddance for Emily. Or, is it? After the wedding is called off, Jack moves back to Rome - and right next door to Emily. Not one to back down, Emily tries to get him to leave to no avail. Their bickering eventually turns into friendship, as Jack helps Emily with her (secret) romance novel, which she accidentally sent in an email to their principal. As the two open up and get to know each other, they realize they care a lot about the other. But both have secrets and emotional challenges, making feelings of love difficult to process. Are they just bound to be rivals forever?

💭 Absolutely loved this one. The perfect mix of romance, light hearted, funny, and emotional. I thought their deep seeded traumas were handled with care and weren't made light of. Emily, in particular, felt so lonely and sad at times - especially when she wasn't needed. Jack was good to her and learned to give space and time. Their bickering was flirty and fun, especially in their texts and emails. There were two open door scenes, which could be skipped if you prefer closed door like the first two in this series are. As always, loved the town, the Walker siblings, and the insight into Maddie's book!

This book made me love Sarah Adam’s When in Rome series more than I already did! 👏

Emily Walker is a hold it together, be there for everyone, perfectionist older sibling and I related to her on soooo many levels. I loved the chemistry and sassy banter between her and Jack Bennett, and all of their messy (but fun) encounters/adventures. 💕

I loved being back in the small town of Rome, Kentucky with all of the characters that I love! I can’t wait for the fourth (and what I assume will be the final) When in Rome book! 💐

Read if you like…
✏️ Enemies to lovers
📚 Bookish things in books
💻 Small towns & sassy side characters
👓 Great character growth
🐱 A cute kitten
🔨 Tons of fun banter

4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Penguin Random House AudioInfluencer for the ALC and to Penguin Random House, Dell, & Netgalley for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.💕

First, thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC! I’ve been a huge Sarah Adams fan since I read When In Rome and it was so nice to revisit the Walker family in Beg, Borrow, or Steal! Emily and Jack are such a good match and I loved the depth and detail that was poured into their characters. I loved this book so much and it’s definitely in my top 3 favorite Sarah Adams books now! 🤍

- 𝑩𝒆𝒈, 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒉 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒔, 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝟕𝒕𝒉

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
✰ 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
✰ 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
✰ 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
✰ 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯
✰ 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨

I will write a more in depth review for this book closer to release day but as of right now just know this was a masterpiece!
Jack is a sweetheart and Emily is scarily relatable but I couldn't help but fall and root for her. For them both, really.

This romance was a delight thanks to the banter but also swoony because the chemistry between the characters was off the charts. I truly adore them and their love story.
I cannot recommend it enough and I need to catch up with this series asap

Thank you @authorsarahadams and @dellromance for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book ✨️🎀🫶

A great addition to the When in Rome series. I thoroughly enjoy this series and can't wait for book 4!

Read it if you like:

Enemies to lovers
Phenomenal banter
Quirky small town - the side characters are great!
Strong family dynamics
Romance with depth

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book

#BegBorroworSteal #NetGalley

**Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!**

2.75 ⭐️

Okay first off I’d like to say that I have never rated a Sarah Adam’s book lower than 3 stars. I like her books, but this one was definitely my least favorite.

I liked the characters for the most part (although our FMC was kind of frustrating at times) but the rivals to lovers aspect of this story was not realistic or believable to me.
There were a lot of parts of this book that felt as if they were directed at a TikTok audience, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for someone else picking up the book – just something to consider. I cringed a lot throughout this story and laughed uncomfortably at some of the absurd things that happened and things that were said.

I did absolutely love the “writers” aspect of the story and any time the main characters weren’t interacting (or at least not in a sexual way) I was in the story and cared. My rating was sitting at a 2 stars before the last like 10% of the book where it moved up because I actually liked their relationship after they actually got together. I loved how supportive they are of each other.

Also the narcissistic character I think was portrayed well and they made feel so much anger and despair which was obviously the goal.

Last thing: I thought the MMC had great style. 👌

4.5 stars!!!

I had a nemesis once… but he was not as gorgeous and charming as Jack Bennett.

Enemies to lovers is my all time favorite trope and when you throw in the fact that they’re both teachers? Look, I’m head over heels with this book!!! I’ve been wanting to read Sarah Adams for almost a year and I’m still feeling out of my skin since NetGalley approved me for an ARC of this book!!!

There’s everything I could ask for in a romance book:
- dual perspective
- not too long chapters
- inclusion of other media (texts, and email screens)
- writer inspo!!!!
- both MCs getting over their trauma but not hurting each other in the process!!! Communication was amazing here.
- Older daughter syndrome (cat and all)
- 🏍️ scene!!!
- 🍓 scene!!
- quick and witty banter!
- found family vibes
- vivid characters

Surprisingly, there isn’t explicit spice here. It was all laced in double entendres and almost poetic fade to black but as Mr. Rocky once said, it makes you shiver with anticipation!

Sarah Adam’s’ writing is delicious, witty and nerdy enough! Chapter one has an Aragorn reference, guys. You know the one hahaha 😉 Some people would criticize the FMC’s internal dialogue as cringey but tbh and imo, it’s modern-day stream of consciousness with a dash of Lorelai Gilmore’s ADHD internal brain. I think it’s generational 😆 and I loved every word of this book.

I felt very seen by Emily’s loneliness, esp when she described feeling like an unwanted sponge. She had given so much of herself to her siblings after their parents died, she became so fiercely independent, she wound up fearing change and felt unnecessary. Moreover, the author tastefully commended teachers and I NEEDED THAT. As a teacher who’s increasingly sad in this profession, and wanting to quit or find an escape in writing, this book was a warm hug—not by a bespectacled Mr. Bennett but still haha a warm hug.

Let’s just stay I squealed of excitement when I got the approval for this book. Sarah Adams can do no wrong, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal did not disappoint. This is another book in her Rome, KY series with Emily and Jack as the main POVs.

These characters had so much depth in a way that I feel like a lot of people will resonate with. High achievers and having to carry a lot of burden, but doing it with humor and banter. Just like her other books, you will laugh out loud and you definitely will fall in love with the characters (and even side characters - Hi Mabel!).

Truly, it was a delight.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Sarah Adams for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGally and the publisher for this ARC. I loved every page of this book! I made the mistake of starting it one evening, had to stop and drag myself to sleep at 1am, then promptly finished it the next morning. Just like with the author’s previous books, I could not get enough of Emily and Jack’s story. So good - I highly recommend!

You know that scene in Friends where Phoebe is jumping up and down because she’s so excited? That was me when I received an ARC from NetGalley for ‘Beg, Borrow, or Steal’ by Sarah Adams. I’ve read each of Sarah’s books and absolutely adored each of them. Rome is such a fun town to “visit” throughout these books. I also really liked the main characters in this one and maybe saw a bit of myself in them. Five star rating. You NEED to read this book (all of her books actually).

This is the third in the "When in Rome" series, but easily a stand alone read, too.

Dueling second grade teachers, Emily and Jackson, are the main characters. When Jackson moves and becomes engaged, Emily is hurt he doesn't say goodbye, even after their antagonistic ways. And she's really surprised when he moves back, unmarried and is her new neighbor. But they find out they have more in common than expected. Both are writers and Jack offers to help Emily with her manuscript and find a deal. It's a cute story set in a small, Southern town and enjoyable to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is one-hundred percent a book for readers who have already devoured the rest of author Sarah Adams' When In Rome series. I mean, technically it can stand on its own, and does, but it makes more sense for context and continuity if you already know the backstory and the lore of the Walker siblings. They also all make plenty of cameos. That being said, "Beg, Borrow, or Steal" was so easy to get into and this dual-perspective rivals-to-lovers romance has such delicious banter. Like, um, yes please!

While I haven't read the first two in the series, I fell hard for the town of Rome, Kentucky and its inhabitants. A fabulous rivals to lovers story that is meant for all the emotionally guarded women and oldest daughters in your life.

4.5 stars. From an overworked teacher in the education world who hates showing emotions and covers everything with banter this one hits home.

Second grade teacher Emily Walker is horrified to learn that her arch nemesis Jack Bennett has broken up with his fiancé and moved back to her hometown of Rome, Kentucky. Not only does Jack return to his teaching position at her elementary school, he also moves into the house next door.

Emily and Jack’s sparring is laugh-out-loud funny and Jack is everything a girl could want in a guy: handsome, charming, and secretly a best-selling author. Emily is beloved by everyone in her hometown, devoted to her siblings, and keenly observant, especially when it relates to uncovering Jack’s secrets.

With the exception of one hard-to-believe scene, this book was a delight. The characters were well-developed and I didn’t want the story to end.

Refreshingly unique and clever, this book belongs on every rom-com lover’s beg, borrow, or steal list.

Now I have to go back and read the other books in the When in Rome series!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Sarah Adams for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jack and Emily are 2nd grade teachers who have been each other’s nemeses since college. Jack moved away with his fiancée but moved back after calling off the wedding. Jack ends up buying the house next door to Emily’s and over time they slowly become friends.

Emily is a deeply caring person who struggles with depression and has a hard time letting others get close to her. She spends a lot of her time being there for her siblings, but Jack becomes the person Emily didn’t realize she needed. She’s used to supporting everyone and Jack is able to do that for Emily now.

I loved the flirty banter between Emily and Jack! I love how Jack is such a good listener and has a natural gift for reading people. I also liked how Jack felt comfortable being his true self around Emily.
One thing that didn’t sit right with me was Jack was moving away with his fiancée even though he knew something was off in their relationship. This is such a huge decision, getting married and moving away, it just felt out of character for someone as thoughtful and perceptive as Jack.

If you enjoy small-town settings or enemies to lovers this book is for you!

A special shout to Sarah Adams for including a note at the beginning of the book with what chapters to skip if you prefer closed-door romance. I thought that was thoughtful and helpful!

This might be the perfect rom-com novel.

I would read ten more books about Emily and Jack. That’s how much I love these characters. I love the first two books in this series but this one takes the cake.

Emily and Jack have been competitive nemeses since college. They became second grade teachers at the Rome, KY elementary school with some series Anne and Gilbert vibes. He relocated to Nebraska with his fiancé Zoe; who was unfaithful and canceled their nuptials. So now Jack is back in town and happened to buy the house next door. Emily hasn’t told anyone that she has been secretly writing a romance novel for years. She struggles with depression and is careful not to let anyone get too close.

This is the best banter I have read in years, it was so obvious that these rivals were in love for the reader, but also very believable that they didn’t realize it themselves. I laughed, I cried. One of my favorite things about Sarah Adams is that she lets the reader know up front which chapters to skip if you “prefer to keep the bedroom door closed,” it’s so accessible if the steamy scenes aren’t your thing.

Perhaps my favorite thing is how well Sarah Adams is able to describe what depression feels like, Emily was extremely relatable. There is something so healing about reading in a book EXACTLY how you feel, seeing on a page the words that you have never been able to find.

Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC. Book to be published January 7, 2025; you bet I preordered this from Barnes and Noble.

Where is the 6th star?

#booksbooksbooks #booktok #bookstagram #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecommendations #BegBorrowOrSteal

Emily and Jack met in college where they immediately became rivals. Both characters have past trauma that contributes to understanding their personalities. The playful banter, attraction and tension builds until they realize they never really hated each other at all. They enjoy someone who can match their energy/intellect. Emily is extremely relatable and Jack is A+ boyfriend material. I love a text thread and/or email chain in books and Emily and Jack’s messages back and forth did not disappoint. This book had me giddy, giggling and swooning. Absolutely recommend!

My first Sarah Adams book and it will definitely not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.