Emily Walker’s life is thrown off track when her rival, Jack Bennett, moves back to town as her neighbor and coworker. When Emily accidentally sends her secret romance manuscript to their principal, Jack agrees to help her get it back, sparking an unexpected connection between the two.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in the When in Rome series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. While I read When in Rome and wasn’t a fan, I didn’t realize Beg, Borrow, or Steal was part of the series until I was halfway through the book, as I hadn’t read Practice Makes Perfect. That said, I devoured this book in just 24 hours! I absolutely loved Emily and Jack—their personalities and chemistry were spot-on. Sarah Adams did a fantastic job developing their relationship from enemies to friends to lovers in a way that felt sweet, endearing, and natural. The banter between them was off the charts and the texts and emails interspersed between chapters showing moments from 10 years ago to the present added depth and kept the story engaging. It was also wonderful to see both characters grow and learn more about themselves and each other. Emily’s quirks might not appeal to everyone, but given her past, I found them relatable and understandable. I especially appreciated getting inside Jack’s head as his perspective felt unique and introspective. Seeing the previous couples from the series as supporting characters was a delightful touch. Overall, this was a solid 5-star read for me! I’m hoping for Madison and James to get their own book because their chemistry seemed electric!

4.5⭐️!! this book was such a delight to read. the oldest daughter/teacher/rivals to lovers was made just for me. sarah adams did an excellent job balancing the romance and emotional aspects of this book!! they had real struggles and real love. i connected so much to the main characters and laughed out loud at their banter. 👏🏼 i loved that these adults were successful and were able to work towards their dreams! 💫 their emails in between chapters was the cutest touch. the only reason it’s not a 5 star is because the spice felt like a tad more than necessary (it’s still minimal tho) and i wanted more of them being teachers. other than that… i adored this book. jack & emily forever ❤️ what a wonderful romance novel!

⚠️content: 2/5 spice rating 🌶️ & 3/5 language rating 🫢

huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Dell for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

Our main characters met in college, and unfortunately started out on the wrong foot, becoming bitter rivals with snarky attitudes that followed them for close to a decade. 

Emily is your typical older sister, needs to take care of everyone, doesn't want to be a burden, bottles up all of her own feelings FMC.

Jack has his own trauma, which makes him a social chameleon, people pleaser, can never truly be himself/comfortable with others MMC.

Now, having known each other for so long, and always comfortable with being their true authentic selves with the other, they realize that maybe hate isn't the most appropriate word to describe their relationship. 

Honestly, this was a lovely read, with many difficult emotions to deal with from both MCs, a lot of which resonated with me. Though they did resolve it fairly easily, lacking a bit of depth, and making me envious that it's not as simple in real life. 

The Walkers (significant others and James included) were - as always - great side characters, providing comfort and sage advice. All while making fun of each other... come on, they're siblings.

Since Sarah's books are usually closed door, I think it's valid to discuss the sex scenes. They weren't particularly steamy, or even explicit to be honest, giving me a kinda whimsical vibe, if that makes sense. I'd give it just one 🌶.

Overall, I liked both main characters, I loved the dynamic between them, from start to finish (which changed quite a bit), the secondary characters were great as always, but I do think it lacked more exploring those emotional burdens they both carried. The resolution was way too quick and simple for such a complex trauma, for both of them.

I'm looking forward to James and Madison's book.

Sarah Adams books are like fresh cut grass on a sunny day, fuzzy socks and hot cocoa on the first cold day of fall, snuggling your stuffy (his name might be Ranger). I can’t fully describe the joy that her stories bring me. They resonate with the reader on such a profound level, in some way, that it makes you feel immensely seen. I have been able to see myself in some regard in every single one of her heroines. The vulnerability it gives, to be able to read about pieces of you on her pages heals something you didn’t know needed a hug. I laugh, I cry, I fall in love, I swoon.

Emily and Jack’s story was full of the romance book tropes we all adore, and simultaneously presented in a fresh way. (Enemies to friends to lovers, academic rivals, forced proximity/neighbors, secret identity, they work together, she’s a black cat and he’s a golden retriever). They were truly enemies in a feud for a decade. And their banter and competition was so well developed. And at the same time, while we were being given the physical evidence of their true dislike, we were also presented with the emotional evidence that it was much more under the surface. Their journey to friends, and more, seemed so natural for them. While it was amusing to see how they were going to outdo each other with their antics, it was adorable to see how they could actually find refuge in each other and a security that they never had with anyone else. By not holding back with their brutal sides, they could find true acceptance in all the good too.

There were so many little details that were perfection too, like the texts and emails at the start of chapters. We got a motorcycle flirting moment?! The glasses that were such a sexy nerd vibe, and how he wore the necklaces his students made for him! I also adored all the moments we got with the rest of the characters from the series, and how we could see the connection with all the Walker siblings. And I am loving that we are getting a bit more spice in there too!

I was ecstatic to be back in Rome, Kentucky and I had the best time!!!!

I love everything Sarah Adams writes, and this book is no exception. I reread the rest of the When in Rome series before starting this one, and I was a little unsure about whether I would like Emily’s story, because she’s portrayed as sort of an uptight know-it-all in the other books in the series. Sarah totally pulled it off, though, and made Emily just as vulnerable and relatable as all of her other main characters.

Annie and Will’s relationship will always have a special place in my heart, but Emily and Jack both fully won me over, too. Sarah has a way of writing stories that are fun and lighthearted and cozy, while also being incredibly sweet and emotional. Although thankfully the major conflicts never last too long. Her books are always the perfect escape, with excellent banter and even better storytelling. The only downside to finishing this book is that now I have to wait an entire year to read the next one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Dell for the ARC of this book!

First off, can we get a standing ovation for Emily and Jack being actual grown-ups who have their life together? Like, no chaotic broke FMC who doesn't know how to function, and no broody “I’m broken, don’t love me” MMC. These two are capable, thriving adults, and it’s giving refreshing.

Emily? A total queen. She’s strong, smart, and (thank you, Sarah Adams) not a hot mess. Jack? THE MAN. Their bickering? Adorable. Their chemistry? Sweet and spicy, but in that grounded, realistic way that makes you go, "Oh, this is love."

And the little moments? Chef’s kiss. Let’s talk about that motorcycle scene where Jack just casually reaches down and grabs Emily’s calf. I DIED. It’s so subtle, so intimate, and so real. That’s the kind of touch that says, “I’ve got you.” I need more romances that give me this level of swoon.

By the end, they help each other learn to lean on someone else—because yes, being capable is great, but letting someone in? Even better. This story is funny, heartfelt, and just perfectly Sarah Adams. If you’re into swoony banter, relatable romance, and moments that make you slow clap IRL, add this one to your TBR immediately.

10/10 recommend. Would beg, borrow, or steal to read again. 👏❤️

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!