This story was about Emily and Jack who claimed to be each other's archnemesis since college. During mid-school year, Jack left Rome, Kentucky with his fiancée and moved to Nebraska. Emily never saw him returning, but he did, and he was there to stay for good—as her neighbor.

I have read the first two books of this series and absolutely loved it. It was so unexpected that I received the ARC of this, but I am ecstatic to have the privilege of providing an early review. I knew from the start that I would enjoy this book. Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams was not just about finding love when you least expect it, it was also about the emotional and heartwarming journey about grief and learning to accept change.

"And I never realized until this moment how much I needed someone to do that for me. How good it feels to be on the receiving end of a person believing in you."

Emily. She's at a point in her life where everything changing, and it feels as if she's frozen in time while the world moves on without her. Her loneliness and self-doubt made her incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her push through her doubts and fear. What stood out to me the most was her personality—her tenacity, strength and determination.

"Grow from your experience, don't let them smother the light out of you."

Jack. He became quickly one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure! He's kind, thoughful, and quite charming. Although beneath all that, he's someone who has carried so much pain. His relationship with his father is so heartbreaking to read. Some people aren't meant to be parents, and his dad is the perfect example of that. That's why I felt so proud of him when he finally decided to do something for his own well-being.

"It's a weird thing to let yourself grieve your parent who is still living, but I've done it—do it regularly, actually."

It explored how grief takes many forms—grieving those who are no longer with us and those who are still alive but have hurt us enough. Another theme of this book was the importance of taking risks, even when the fear is taking over. Both the main characters had their moments where they had to step out of their comfort zones. It showed that while it can be painful, it's still a chance to learn, and grow. It acts as a reminder that no matter how scary something may look like, the only way to move forward is to try.

Overall, this book was more than just about Emily and Jack's love story—it's about growth, the courage to face change, and to see the beauty in taking risks. They left me thinking about how every step forward that I take—no matter how hard—is worth it.

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

Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Jack. The things each of them had to overcome in their lifetime was inspiring to see how well they turned out, even with such trauma. I loved Emily's siblings and their partners. I was especially in love with Emily's cat and her nemesis, Jack. Jack had his own past issues but was truly remarkable as an adult. I loved the way their story blossomed, and the universe kept putting them in one another's path. I laughed so many times due to Emily and her sisters quirky behavior. And Jack made me swoon! (Though I still hate his father)

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This was utter perfection. The easiest five stars I've ever given.

I am just such a fan of the When In Rome series. This story and the people of the small town in Rome, Kentucky are just a warm hug wrapped in a book. Sarah continues to excel and I personally believe that this is her best book yet.

The dialogue! The tension! The coziness! The pining! It all delivered on such a strong level and the execution was absolute perfection.

I loved Jack and Emily. My favorite trope is rivals to lovers and I really loved their competitive dynamic throughout the book. Jack is literally SO HOT. So many insane things happen in this book (that I won't say now, because I don't want to spoil anything) and I loved every single second of it. Just physically prepare yourself for Chapter 16. The pining and tension is absolutely immaculate and Sarah had my jaw on the floor. I fear I will never forget that chapter.

Overall, it is truly the perfect read. Sarah's balance of tension, pining, and tender moments make this an unforgettable read.

Thank you PRH Audio, Dell Romance, Sarah Adams, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good gravy. My heart.

I’ll be honest, wasn’t massively excited about Emily. I didn’t love her character in another the other books very much. Just kinda gave me the eww/annoying vibe.
As I read and grew to understand her actions, I related so much to inner turmoil and understood a lot of her decision making. Turns out I give myself the annoying vibe too😂😂😂
I absolutely loved her by the ending and loved the emotional tenderness between her and Jack.

Jack is just A+ for me. How can anyone not love a little teasing banter that ends with enemies turned friends turned lovers?

This was my first introduction to the When in Rome series as well as to Sarah Adams’ work. To put it succinctly, I really loved this book! This year has been my year of Romance Comedy and Beg, Borrow, or Steal was a perfect addition to that. It became one of my favorites from the genre (and that is saying a lot). I loved how well balanced all of the components were. The characters are funny, witty, relatable, and real while also having great chemistry together. This was probably the most realistic enemies to lovers I have ever read. Adams didn’t chalk up their ten-year long beef to “he’s so sexy so i hate him :(“ it was well-thought out, multilayered, and well-executed at that. I also really loved the emotional health and self-awareness exhibited by both characters. All the characters had so much depth that even as I entered the series on the third book, even side characters felt so well-formed. I fell in love with Emily’s whole community. This book made me feel held and uplifted all at once. I can’t wait to read the others in this series! Madison & James up next ;)

✨ e-ARC Book Review ✨

🌷 Beg, Borrow or Steal - Sarah Adams 🌷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Swipe for GR synopsis ➡️

When I say I screamed when I was approved for this e-ARC I’m not exaggerating!

I adore Sarah Adams books and was so excited when she announced there would be a 3rd book in the When in Rome series. And oh I loved being back in Rome, Kentucky. This whole series is the epitome of small town and I loved being reunited for our favorite characters and seeing where they were in life!

Okay onto my review…

We are finally really introduced to Emily Walker and I immediately liked her. I resonated with her character in alot of ways in that she always seems to have a smile on her face even though she may not actually feel like smiling. She is the caretaker of the family and it shows with how fiercely she loves everyone around her. Now enter Jackson Bennett: college nemesis, turned co-worker and now neighbor. From the moment these two interact you can just feel the tension oozing off them and it was SO good! I loved that writing and books were also such a big part of this story too, especially how Jackson was so supportive of Emily’s writing and was willing to help her in so many ways! This was truly an enemies to friends and then friends to lovers scenario and I loved it. I mean the scene in the closet of the principals house had me cackling, it was SO GOOD!

I just adored this book and it may be my new favorite in the series! So if you’re looking for a small town romance full of banter, tension, and a little spice add this to your TBR immediately!

This one is coming out 1/7/2025 so be sure to grab your copy!

This review was posted to Goodreads on 11/28/24

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a dual POV centering on Emily and Jack, 2nd grade teachers(who both moonlight as writers) at the same school who have a long history of competing with each other since college.

I love a good enemies to lovers and this didn't disappoint. Emily and Jack have a great chemistry and I like that they both admitted that their rivalry is unhinged but they can't seem to stop. I found myself laughing and cringing with the pair of them over some of the things they said/did to each other.
In addition to Jack and Emily spending their summer break working on their books, renovating Jack's home, and living in small town Kentucky, we also get another look at Emily's sibling's relationships(Noah and Amelia/Will and Annie from the first books in the series) and how they're growing together as pairs and their family unit.

I appreciated that this book discussed both Jack/Emily's struggles with anxiety, feeling stagnant and childhood traumas impacting their adulthoods. I also appreciated that instead of having a third act breakup, the author had the two discuss their issues like mature and reasonable adults(totally on brand for both of them).

My biggest beef was the closet hijinks. How big was this closet. The entire scene, I could not wrap my head around the absurdity of the situation/trying to figure out if this closet is a walk-in type of situation.

This is not my first Sarah Adams book but it's the first book I've read in the When in Rome Series. I don't think you miss much as a standalone, however, I loved reading about Emily's family and I am going to go back and read the first two now.

Rating: 4.25/5 Stars
Spice: 2 Open Door Chapters, Author provides closed-door modifications

Wow, I felt seen in this book. Emily and I are kindred spirits in the fact that we've always taken care of people, but sometimes there is no-one to take care of us. She takes care of her family, her students, and the only person that she ends up letting her guard down around is Jack, her rival for over a decade. I can see myself in Emily, which always bring me joy to see her navigate that feeling of being alone.

Overall, this story was a fantastic investigation into the "oldest" sibling finding their place once everyone else finds what they need. Sarah did a fantastic job of navigating her story, and how she relates to Jack and feels seen by him.

Thanks to Dell Romance and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Beg, Borrow or Steal

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

Oh my heart this book. Jackson + Emily are everything. I adored their story and could not get enough of the banter! Their quips were top notch, their chemistry undeniable and their love story just SO MUCH FUN.

Rival second grade teachers who are now suddenly next door neighbors and accomplices. Emily mistakenly emailed her explicit romance novel manuscript to their very conservative principal, and Jack is exactly the person to help her. Spending time together in their adventure just shows how sizzling their chemistry is and ohhhh the butterflies from Jackson Bennett.

Highly recommend this one, especially if you’re looking for:
❤️ Rivals to lovers
❤️ Forced proximity / neighbors / coworkers
❤️ Amazing banter
❤️ Hilarious cast of supporting characters
❤️ Small town vibes
❤️ Open door
❤️ BUTTERFLIES

Thank you to Dell Romance for this ARC! My opinions are my own. Beg, Borrow or Steal is on shelves January 7, 2025!

Thank you so much to Sarah Adams and Dell Romance for the E-ARC of this book!! I truly cannot thank you enough for letting me read this masterpiece early! 🫶🏻

I honestly don’t know if I have the words to express how much I LOVED this book! It was so funny, and so sweet, and it was just honestly perfect!✨ I was constantly laughing throughout the book, but then there were also sweet moments that made me cry 🫶🏻 I loved that this book was about 2 teachers, because I’m in school to be a teacher, so I was able to relate to them SO much! I am absolutely gone for Jack Bennett and am already wishing I was back in Rome, Kentucky 🤍✨

Also, I’m so excited for Madison’s book! Sarah has been teasing her and James for SO LONG and I am SO READY!! The only downside is that it will be our last trip to Rome 🥲 I don’t think I will ever be ready to let go of these characters 🫶🏻

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC.

I have a bunch of Sarah Adams books on my tbr list but this is the first one I've read and definitely won't be the last. This Author does rom-com perfectly.

This is a perfect example of Enemies to friends to lovers in a story.

This book has some of my favorite tropes:
❤️ Workplace Romance ( They work together as and grade teachers).
❤️ Forced Proximity ( After a failed engagement Jack moves back to be neighbors with Emily)
❤️ Enemies to Friends to Lovers- ( Emily and Jack met in college and have been cold and antagonizing to eachother since. When Jack returns afyer moving away they grow closer and Jack calls her his best friend ).
❤️ Family Drama ( Emily is the oldest sister to several siblings and has been a Mother figure in her siblings Drama. Jacks father is a famous author who is a raging drunk and narcissist).

Jack and Emily are both undercover writers and 2nd grade teachers. Jack is successful and Emily is hoping to get published one day. They have always had a precarious spite fueled relationship. When Jack moves away with his Fiancée and doesn't say goodbye to Emily, she's mad. When he returns to his job and moves next door she's even madder. However the more time they spend together, she becomes confused about her feelings.

When Emily accidently sends her smitten romance novel draft to her principal, she asks Jsck to get it back.

Will their teamwork lead to a realization of their feelings? I highly suggest reading 📚 to find out.

Told in 1st person , alternating povs.

Emily Walker is an independent woman who teaches second grade in her hometown of Rome. She is shocked when her college nemesis moves to Rome to also teach second grade. Jack moves into the house next door to Emily, which just annoys her!

Jack wants to renovate his house, teach second grade, and work on his next mystery novel. Instead, Emily wants to sabotage his life!

Emily accidentally sends the principal her risque steamy romance. Jack will help her, if she will stop sabotaging him. They begin to feel the chemistry.

What a great novel!

This was so stinking cute! Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a delightful romance that thrives on the sizzling chemistry and witty banter between its two main characters, Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett. The strongest aspect of the story is the back-and-forth between Emily and Jack. From their exchanges and inner thoughts throughout the book, it’s clear they share not just an attraction but a playful rivalry that makes their interactions feel fresh and engaging. The author does an amazing job at balancing the simmering tension with the tender moments of vulnerability between the two to help them learn how to trust each other. Their relationship evolves in a way that’s both heartwarming and emotional, making this novel an enjoyable and satisfying read! Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!! I want to live in Rome! This was my favorite of the series so far. These two are the most well developed characters yet. It was a perfectly paced slow burn. I do wish we got a little resolution with his parents but wow did I love this!

I love it when bickering turns to bantering, feuding shifts to flirting, and enemies slowly become lovers. This was the perfect example - our heroine is convinced that her coworker has been her nemesis for the past ten years, until forced proximity changes the dynamic and they find themselves becoming friends. I loved that they truly did dislike each other for years, and yet had come to know each other in a way that no one else ever had. They were able to pick up on subtle signs that something was off about the other, and absence truly had made the heart grow fonder. I adored the feuding at the beginning, but I also loved the way they understood each other so well. It's a very slow burn from professional rivals to neighbors to friends to lovers, and each step made the journey richer. Though there are small town rom com vibes, there's also plenty of angst and emotion, particularly when it comes to the "difficult" heroine. She's always had trouble opening up to people, so her walls are sky high from the start. It's a nuanced, engaging read, and another great addition to the series.

The story follows Emily, a teacher who is feeling a little off at the start of the summer. Though she practically raised her siblings, they're all self-sufficient and finding their happy ever afters... while Emily is more alone than ever. The coworker she loves to hate, Jack, also moved out of town a few months ago with his fiancée, and that's been rubbing Emily the wrong way. So when Jack moves back to town - after calling off his engagement - and he unknowingly buys the house next door to Emily, the two teachers begin to see brand new sides of each other. Not only is it the first time they've interacted out of school, but Jack is also newly single and right next door. As Emily and Jack get to know each other in a whole new way, they form a tentative friendship that feels like it could be more.

I loved the second book in this series so much that I couldn't wait to dig into this one, and it didn't disappoint. Jack was such an absolute sweetheart, and also the perfect match for Emily. She's a prickly pear who needs to be handled with care, and he always seemed to know exactly what made her tick. They'd been enemies for so long that they'd picked up on little details about each other, and that was one of my favorite parts. They've both got insecurities that have kept them from growing close to anyone, so their path to love was never going to be without some bumps. The vibes of this were light a lot of the time, but there was a significant amount of focus on Emily's hangups. Maybe a little too much focus, though I really did love that our black cat heroine was front and center. I had no trouble bingeing this, and I was swooning by the end.

it has taken me days to emotionally process the book and to be able to sit down and write a review.

when i was approved for my arc copy, i could have literally jumped around with joy. i love all of sarah adams books, especially the ones about rome, kentucky!

beg, borrow, or steal was beautifully written, i couldn’t put the book down even after working an 11 hours shift i would read until the very last second i had to go to bed.

emily walker and jackson bennett are so beautifully complex. coworkers AND neighbors. nemesis but they can’t stop thinking.. of each other. oh okay. the FLIRTY EMAILS. ugh i could read this book again and again.

thank you netgalley for giving me an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Sarah Adams third installment to When in Rome! Adams's writing is so wonderful and fun to read that I always get caught up in the storyline. It's hard to put her books down. With this third installment, I found the storyline to be something I could relate to since I am a teacher and this was so fun, sexy, and lovely enemies to lovers! Wonderful job once again Sarah Adams!

Every Sarah Adams book I read is better than the last! This story was such a fun and fast paced read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

4.5⭐️ Sarah Adams you are a mastermind.

Emily is a second grade teacher and find out her rival (👀) at work, Jack, is finally moving to her small town. Emily has disliked Jack since the moment she met him, but then finds out he is not only going to have the class across the hall, but he will be living next door.

There are so many things I loved in this book, especially the chance to go back to Rome and catch up with some of my favorite book couples. Jack is a top tier book boyfriend that I need more of. Will & Annie’s story will still forever be my favorite but this is a close second. I love rivals to lovers, and I love dual POV. Warning: many of Sarah’s books are closed door but this one has 2 spicy scenes both down very well!

This was an advanced read copy I received through Netgalley so it’s not going to be officially published until January 7, 2025! But this is my honest review!

Add this book to your to read list, I promise you won’t regret it! & then let me know what you thought!

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It was so much fun to visit Rome, Kentucky again and catch up with the Walker siblings. ;)

If you like small town romances and rivals to lovers and witty banter, this is the book for you.

I thought Emily was so relatable, and as an oldest kid, I could see myself in her.

This book was like a warm hug, and I couldn’t help but smile while reading it.