My new favorite Sarah Adams book! I absolutely adored this installment of the When in Rome series.

Sarah Adams wrote the "perfect" BookTok boyfriend: tall, tattooed, rides a motorcycle, secretly in love with her the whole time. and compassionate. Jackson "Jack" and Emily have such a fun banter and dynamic. They are able to challenge each other and admit when they are wrong all while coming to terms with their childhood trauma. I loved seeing how they show up for one another during challenges and develop an emotional connection.

A truly fun and light hearted read with the right mix of our favorite characters from the first two books. Excellent set up for the final book in the When in Rome series.

I also loved that Sarah Adams included a note at the beginning of the novel indicating which chapters include intimacy scenes (25 and 32) so that you can be skipped to modify the story to "closed-door" romance.

🌶:3/ 10 on the Show and Tell Book Nook scale when including chapters 25 and 32

Thank you to Dell (Penguin Random House) and Netgalley for a review copy of this novel. I will update the review with favorite quotes after publication.

Will post review on YouTube on Dec 29

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Hey, Sarah Adams, question for you: how in the world did you finish writing this book? I mean, weren't you too busy laughing?? Dear readers, do yourself a giant favor and READ THIS BOOK! It is perfection. I laughed all the way through, literally from the first page. These characters in Rome, KY will remain in my heart long after the last book in the series (and I cannot wait to see what happens with Maddie). I love this family, and each book somehow is better than the previous one. The emotions that Emily & Jack go through were so sensitively written. I could relate to Emily so much. I love how "seen" they both are to each other. The banter was *chef's kiss* and the motorcycle scenes? (fans herself) This author is an automatic read for me, I don't even have to know what the book is about. This could be considered a standalone but you'd be missing out in a big way if you didn't read the whole series. Worth more than 5 stars.

Sarah Adams has done it again! Taking a trip back to Rome, Kentucky has been such a fun experience that has left me buzzing. Emily and Jack are the stars of this book and I do mean stars because they really shine both individually and as a couple.
Emily Walker is a 2nd grade teacher who is always the first one to step up to the plate to help anyone and everyone, sometimes to her own detriment. Her life is changing as her siblings need her less and less so she turns to writing and finds that it's something she really enjoys.
Jack Bennett is the most charming man in all of Rome who is back after a failed engagement and a strange need to be close to Emily Walker. Jack was kind and caring but also complex with a little secret that has the chance to change his whole life. He helped me understand that you can ask for help and if you're truly lucky someone will help you with everything they have in them.
These two "rivals" tow the line of what being rivals means until they finally realize that perhaps that title no longer suits them and perhaps it should grow into something more. The love story in this book is so sweet and goes beyond lust in so many ways while also being a little sexy and showing exactly how much chemistry both characters really have. I loved that both characters were willing to put in the work to grow and be ready to step into something new and scary together, even when trust doesn't come easy to either of them. Beyond the romance both characters are fully formed and shine all on their own along with the broader cast of characters that really makes this book a riveting small town romance perfect for fans looking for a love story with some depth as well. I do suggest reading both other Rome books before diving into this one as it helps add to the ambiance and prevents any minor spoilers this book may reveal.

4.5⭐️

My my my, what a scrumptious trip back to our beloved Rome, KY. Thank you, Sarah Adams, for taking us back to one of our favorite fictional towns!

What I love most about our two leads is that Jack and Emily are both so unapologetically themselves. Jack is charming and likes nice things. Emily is self-proclaimed “not soft” and is a fierce protector of those she loves (AND a fixer of all hurts and problems). I also felt like Sarah handled both of their pasts and traumas with great care. Their struggles felt real and relatable and they were easy to root for. It was so sweet to watch their rivalry develop into a friendship then something more. My heart warmed at the tiny moments of connection where they opened up to each other and stepped into more vulnerability.

Having read all of Sarah’s books, dare I say this one felt the most grown up? Sarah has always been an excellent writer of banter and teasing and playfulness and this book was no different, however I felt like she was able to give Jack and Emily a depth I haven’t experienced from her before. They felt mature, communicative, and honest in such a realistic way.

Read this if you like rivals to lovers, he wears glasses, books with epistolary elements, a lot of playfulness and teasing, SIZZLING tension, when he has a nickname for her, FMCs with cats, author MCs, small towns, and dual first person POV.

Thank you thank you, Dell and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Ahhh what a book!? I was so excited when I found out I got a chance to read this early through NetGalley that I had to start it immediately. I loved When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect so it should be no surprise that I also loved this book. Having the 2 main characters also be teachers was a big win in my teacher heart. If you love small town vibes, enemies to lovers, found family, and some great banter, then this book is for you!

Emily and Jack are simply made for each other. Their banter and antics are the most delightful thing to read and to then see it transfer into genuine vulnerability with each other is the precise magic of Sarah Adams' voice as a romance writer. Wonderful! Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I absolutely loved Practice Makes Perfect so I was excited to get back to Rome, Kentucky! Annie and Will will always be my #1s but I really loved Jack too. A perfect silly, little romance 🩷 It has been fun to follow Sarah Adam’s journey and I really feel like she’s coming into her own as an author. Definitely an auto-read for me!

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL [thank you to Dell and @netgalley for my #gifted copy!]

Title: Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Author: Sarah Adams
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Would I Recommend: 👍🏻

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
When Emily’s secret life as a romance writer is threatened, her infuriatingly charming rival Jack is the only one who can help—turning their rivalry into a story neither of them expected.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
A return to Rome, Kentucky? Sign me up! I loved getting this deep dive into Emily after meeting her in the previous two novels. Emily appears to have her sh*t together, but once we’re inside her head, you realize that outward appearances aren’t always accurate.

As an oldest sibling, I felt like I understood Emily’s inner battles very well and saw a bit of myself in her. And that made me very invested in her story and seeing her come out of her shell.

And that rivalry between her and Jack - yes please! It’s giving Hating Game but make them Elementary school teachers. 😂

While Annie & Will will always be my OTP Rome couple, Emily and Jack will have a special place in my heart.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Small Town Romance
Teacher Romance
He Falls First
Hijinx and Heists
They’re Neighbors
Enemies-to-Lovers

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 4.53 ⭐️
# of Pages: 384
Pub Date: January 7, 2025

3.75 ⭐️

Firstly, thank you Random House and NetGalley for the arc! I about died when I saw I got approved.

This was such a cute feel-good story. I love all the small town romances, and this one was no different. I loved Emily’s character and depth. And what’s not to love about Jack? He’s like actually my dream man. Not to mention they’re both writers, which is my ideal story as someone who also writes. The only gripe I have is that their “hatred” was never really hatred and felt a little silly, which took me out of the story a bit. But, I also am a sucker for a couple who “hates” one another while secretly pining for one another, so it didn’t bother me too much.

Sarah has proven to be an auto-buy author, and I can’t recommend this story enough—especially if you’re looking for a light fluffy romance that also has complex characters with relatable backstories.

Devoured this book in an afternoon if that tells you anything.

"Beg, Borrow, or Steal" is the story of two elementary school teachers, writers, and long-time nemesis- Emily Walker and Jack Bennett.

I simply adored this book. It is full of banter, laughs, and depth. I appreciated how Emily and Jack had depth to their characters and their history of rivalry. This book is a perfect portrayal of a realistic approach to the ‘rivals to lovers’ trope within a contemporary romance. This book has a wonderful balance of deep, personal issues and heartfelt scenes while remaining fun and lighthearted. They have great communication skills too!! The problems of the character's past were handled with care. The characters and their development are so realistic. I adore Rome, Kentucky and I loved being back with the Walker family. This book was fast-paced and lighthearted, with just the right amount of depth. I can’t stop thinking about Emily and Jack!!

*Closed Door Modifications:

Chapters 25 and 32

(I would personally add Chapter 16, there is no on-page spice but it gets intense and very sexually charged. I add this just as a heads up, not necessarily a warning to skip.)

*If you started reading Sarah Adams for her closed-door writing like me, this book has strayed from that. At the beginning of the book, the chapters containing spice are disclosed along with the trigger warnings, making it easy to know what to skip. That being said, I found that there is more sexual language throughout the book. Overall, the spice stayed within those two chapters, but a few scenes got intense, so to speak. I appreciate how she still caters to closed-door readers by providing which chapters to skip and keeping the spice contained in those chapters. I still adore her writing and will personally continue to read her books!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review and making my reading year!!

Exactly what I expected and that’s a good thing. A bit cringe, a bit sugary sweet but it hit the spot.

𝗕𝗲𝗴, 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹 is Emily Walker's second chance romance with her longtime nemesis Jackson Bennet. He's the poster of perfection and charm in front of others but for her solely he's reserved the best of the worst because she drives him crazy even if he'll never admit it.

- ~ -

Hmmm... this book was lovely. Sweet as molasses. Some might say too pure.

The problem is, I read this book in two sittings. The first half was banter filled with subtle longing from both sides. There's a particular bike scene that's the perfect amount of flirty and daring that has been stuck in my mind for long and I just can't help but wonder what it would've been like if that was the tone for the rest of the book.

The second half just needed a bit more angst and agony for it to by my perfect five, but as it is, it's an easy, fun read. A bit like a therapy session with a flawless conclusion but that's fine.

- ~ -

3.89 / 5☆

Thanks to Random House Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I rated this book 4.25 stars! I absolutely loved this book and the story so much! I think Sarah Adams did a wonderful job at giving the main characters emotional depth. I loved Emily and Jackson, and I adored their relationship development!

I read this book so fast I couldn't believe it was over! The main characters, Emily and Jack, have been frenemies for years, but who doesn't love having a sparring partner because that creates the best tension! I wasn't sure I'd like Emily when the book first started but you quickly realize how big her heart is and what a fiercely loyal sister/friend/confidant she is and you can't help but root for her and all the good things she deserves. Same with Jack, you might think he's pompous for a moment, but you get to see the interworkings of his brain so fast and now you're rooting for him too. Sarah Adams builds these characters with such care and humor, I found myself frowning, laughing and getting sad along with them. Loved the Walker family too - their close knit bonds with each other are like a warm hug. Since this was my first time in Rome, Kentucky, I'll be looking forward to revisiting again with Sarah Adams's other books!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

Returning to Rome is always a pleasure, and the third installment in this series is no exception. Jack and Emily’s story is a captivating blend of humor, tension, and heartfelt romance. What begins as a college rivalry evolves into a decade-long feud that neither seems able to let go of. Just when Emily thinks she’s finally free of Jack after he leaves town—he’s back, and as her new next-door neighbor, no less.

The small-town charm and the undeniable chemistry between Jack and Emily make this story impossible to put down. The buildup to their romance is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book, making their journey from rivals to lovers all the more satisfying. This delightful addition to the series is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers stories and small-town romances

This book literally made me cry and that is one of the highest compliments I can say. Sarah Adams is a gem at making you feel every emotion possible. The depth at which I feel Jack and Emily is intense. An incredibly well-written book and it was so wonderful to go back to Rome Kentucky again.

Another incredible, quirky, lovable story by Sarah Adams!

I love that every character she creates the heroine has a symbolic attribute. For Emily it’s her red nails. I love her no nonsense, take charge attitude and caring nature for her siblings. Her conflict of dealing with changes were well written and she overcame it fantastically with Jake by her side and showing her change and getting out of her comfort zone isn’t so bad.

I love the dynamic with the Walker family and the found family and community being in Rome - small town trope.

Sarah creates the best male leads! Someone that supports and loves the main character for who she is.

Officially my favorite in this series. Which I thought was impossible with my dying love for Will and Annie. Love their cameo!!

Synopsis: Book 3 of the When In Rome series which follows four siblings and their love lives. This story revolves around the eldest sister and her nemesis.
Thoughts: Overall this is a really cute but cheesy series! It makes me smile and roll my eyes. This was the first of the three with the tiniest bit of spice, and thank goodness for that! So excited to have received an arc from NetGalley and truly feel so lucky with the arcs I’ve been getting! Excited for the conclusion of the series.

I am so incredibly honored to have received this ARC from NetGalley. I have said it before and will say it again, Sarah Adams is on my always must read list. I don’t want to get into too much detail but I loved Emily and Jack’s story. It does touch on some harder topics but Sarah Adams touched on them with a gentle and beautiful touch. Now off to pre-order the physical book to add to my collection.

I love love loved this book! I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Emily’s story and it did not disappoint. The pranks and banter between Emily and Jack literally made me kick my feet and curl my toes in very embarrassing glee. Their antics and hijinx were nonstop funny and sexy and just the right amount of sweet. Emily’s battle with depression, and the way Jack always showed up for her was beautifully written and got me in the feels quite a few times. Getting to see more of Rome and its citizens was another one of my favorite parts. I want Mabel as a grandmother/motherly hen butting into all of my business. And then there’s ducky. I am writing this with my own emotional support cat on my lap and could not have loved those parts with ducky more.