I absolutely loved being transported back to Rome, Kentucky. For those who know me, Practice Makes Perfect has been one of my favorite books , but Beg, Borrow, or Steal is definitely giving it a run for its money.

I wasn’t prepared for how much this book would hit me on a personal level. I found myself connecting so deeply with both Emily and Jack. Sarah truly outdid herself—she made me tear up, made my heart ache, but also had me blushing and laughing out loud.

The chemistry between Emily and Jack was everything—flirty banter and tension. And Jack? How can you not love him? The way he loves Emily just melted my heart. He’s the perfect man, hands down. Wouldn’t mind a Jack Bennett in real life. 🤭
It was so heartwarming to see Emily not only learn to love and be loved, but also to open up to those around her and chase after her dreams.
This story was an absolute joy from start to finish, and I’m already counting down the days until I can revisit Rome again. 🥹

This is my new favorite by Sarah Adams. I was so glad to be going back to Rome, KY for Emily + Jack’s story. Their chemistry was incredible. Jack is a walking green flag - an emotionally mature man who knows what he wants + shows up for the woman of his dreams.
I absolutely adored this story and ate it up. The storyline felt relatable, the characters were well crafted and the romance was top tier. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Dell for the opportunity to read this book.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is Sarah Adam's best work yet. It's a romance, so it's not surprise that the main characters end up getting together, but the way that they get together is something special. Jack and Emily have the BEST chemistry! Their banter and teasing with each other feels so natural. It does not feel forced and they just seem so easy with one another. I was smiling ear to ear for a majority of this book. I like that there are hard topics dealt with in this book and that they did not shy away from their past. Their pasts are what has made them into the people they are today, and that also is what makes them so great together. They are aware of how their different life experiences have affected them. As far as their chemistry, I too often see romances that start with an intense physical attraction, but Emily and Jack seem to have an emotional connection that reaches far beyond their physical attraction to each other and they think about each other in an emotional way that I don't see often. I love that Adams is reaching more into open door scenes, unlike a majority of her previous books, but I also appreciate that she leaves a warning in the beginning of the book to readers who are not comfortable reading open door scenes. It's also refreshing to FEEL the chemistry dripping off the pages even though they aren't jumping all over each other the whole time. I've read some romance novels recently that have far too much explicit content in them with little to no warning, so I love the overall chemistry you can feel through the whole book while also not being bombarded with a slough of explicit content.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal has all the charm, wit, and romance one could possibly need from a small-town romantic comedy. Following Emily and Jack, two rival second grade teachers, as Jack moves next door to Emily and their feud evolves into something more. Sarah Adams takes readers back to the wonderful town of Rome, Kentucky with her endearing side characters and charming romance.
This is Adams at her best. Perfect for the older sisters and those who look to books to find themselves represented in their grief and vulnerability. The rivals to lovers arc was splendid and the cozy nature of the town of Rome will make readers never want to leave this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of another wonderful Sarah Adams book! This is the third book in the When In Rome series, and it did not disappoint.
This story centered on the oldest Walker sister Emily and her arch nemesis since college Jack. This enemies to lovers story was funny and entertaining. They had the best romantic tension and slow burn romance.
The book focuses on vulnerability, particularly with showing your emotions and also how scary it is to go after your dreams.
It was wonderful to see the other Walker siblings from the previous books in the series. I can't wait to read Maddie and James' story!
I highly recommend this book if you love romance, a small town setting, humor, and inspiration.

wowie i adored this book with my whole heart. i have loved every second of the Rome, Kentucky fictional universe and beg, borrow, or steal was all that and more. this was the perfect soft, sweet, and gentle romance to escape the from the world into, while also having a lot of depth and genuine struggles interwoven that made it more than just your average fluffy romcom.

emily and jack’s “enemies” dynamic and subconscious feelings towards eachother was so fun to watch unravel. despite all their insistence that they hated each other, this may have been the most romantic book of the series yet. what can i say? i’m a sucker for two idiots who swear they hate each other while they are so obviously in loveeee!! (on a related note, i think i loved this so so much because it was veryyyy beach ready!! college rivals! authors! neighbors!! i was SAT!)
i also just really really really loved emily so so much i am her but also want to be her best friend. i want to hug HER! but i also need a hug FROM her!!! my best best girl!!!!

i know closed vs open door is a very polarizing debate in the romance novel community but i am so so glad sarah decided to start opening that door a bit! she always writes such great tension and i personally, feel like it really added to the story and emily and jack’s chemistry to get to see it snap.

i just really loved this tender, swoony, funny story so so much. most definitely my favorite of the series!! cannot wait for the final Rome book!

4.5 stars for this absolute delight!

Sarah Adams has a way of perfectly walking the line of cute and wholesome, along with fun and flirty. I absolutely adore her writing style and the way that she firmly plants you in her characters lives, immersing you fully in their joys and struggles, their dynamic and complex familial relationships, and their adorable and nosey small town. I won’t even mention how much she had me falling in love with a teeny tiny cat named Ducky. I mean, come onnnn.

I could go on and on about how much I loved the changes and growth in Emily and Jackson’s relationship that Sarah Adams so expertly weaved into her story. They seamlessly went from enemies and rivals to friends and then further to lovers, and all of it felt completely authentic. A job well done!

Keep pumping the stories out, Sarah. I can’t get enough!

thank you so much Dell Romance for this arc, I am so grateful!!!!

Sarah Adams has consistently been one of my favorite authors for several years now, and her newest book further solidifies my fangirl status!!!! even an enemies-to-lovers, Sarah Adams can’t help but write the softest, tenderest, most lovely characters!

Jack and Emily have the softest relationship- soft in their rivalry, soft in their friendship, soft in their love for each other. they are always honest & communicative with each other, showing how safe the other can be in such a relationship. I love how they lean on each other, even when they don’t realize it, knowing even subconsciously that they are wholly safe with the other.

the way Jack shows Emily she’s worth staying for, fighting for, is so lovely. he shows Emily he will always be honest and talk everything out with her, and that he’ll always be there no matter what. and Emily is so tender with Jack, even when trying to get rid of him, she always makes sure to care for the rawest parts of him that need the most TLC. she shows Jack just how wanted and needed he is, just how at home he is in their family and their small, lovely little town.

and speaking of their small little town, I absolutely loved being back in Rome, KY with all its lovely little misfits! the friendships and family of Rome, being with the Walker’s again, was the best comfort a reader could ask for. I read this book when needing the most comfort, and I felt my soul heal reading Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I am so thankful for this story, this author, and this arc!

Sarah Adams has done it again. Beg, Borrow and Steal is THE Rom-Com. Emily and Jackson bickering made me fall in love with them just as they fell in love with each other. I really enjoyed being back in Rome and reading about how the other characters are doing.

Adam’s writing is comforting, and her story telling unfolds in a way that captures your attention until you’re done with the book.

I am a huge fan of traditional romance, although there are certain “tropes” that I enjoy more than others. One of my favorites is “enemies to lovers.” Because of this, I was extremely excited to read this book. I was a bit nervous about reading the third book in a series that I had not yet read the first two of, but I shouldn’t have been worried. Although this book is in a series, I was still able to read it as a “standalone.”

This is one book where I was able to connect with both of the main characters right away. Although there are some heavy portions of the book (I appreciated the disclaimer), some sections made me literally laugh out loud.

I am super glad that there is going to be one more book in this series, as I am not yet ready to say goodbye to Rome, Kentucky. All in all, I absolutely love this book. I can’t to read the final installment when it is out. I also plan to read some of Sarah’s past books.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

The way I SCREAMED when NetGalley approved my arc request. This book was EVERYTHING and more. THE BANTER oh my god y’all I was SQUEALING their banter was everything.
There were so many ways in which I relate to Emily and it was both heartbreaking and reassuring to have my fears and anxieties articulated so well and validated through her struggles. And Jackson Bennett is just a dream come true. Their love is tender and sweet and fierce. He is so thoughtful, supportive, and careful with her I could CRY.
I ate this up and I will not be shutting up about it. Sarah Adams books are like warm hugs and sunshine and I love her for it. She’s such a light.
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity and thank you Sarah for another book that made me feel safe and seen.

I. Loved. This. The banter… top tier. The neighbor wars and bickering between the two? Freakin delightful. I laughed. I got emotional. I swooned. Two people who have experienced trauma learning to love each other and themselves through the hard things and learning to walk together through their darkness? Well done Sarah Adams. Beautiful book. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC! ❤️❤️
Review up on Goodreads

beg, borrow, or steal | sarah adams

4.5⭐️

_____

“Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?”
His smile is a feral thing. “More than either of us is comfortable with.”

_____

It’s a Sarah Adams book! And I loved it! Shocker!

I am so happy to have another sparkling ray of sunshine coming to us from Rome, Kentucky.

I was giddy. I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I was floating in a hot air balloon and then melting like an ooey gooey chocolate bar left in the sun.

If you’re looking for criticism, you won’t find it here. If you love Rome Kentucky and the Walker siblings, lighthearted and silly humor, and genuine heart-squeezing romance…. buckle up my friends!

THINGS TO LOVE:
+ nemesis to lovers
+ teachers & authors
+ a perfectionist and a charmer
+ flirty emails!
+ small town found family
+ healthy communication
+ a man in glasses
+ scene-blocking sexy lessons omg
+ personal growth
+ do I find sports bikes attractive now?!
+ couples who champion each other’s success
+ sibling love

Favorite Quotes:

“PS. You could never be a side character.”

"It’s okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it’s okay if I move and change too.”

“It’s good to change. It hurts a little at first but then it stats to feel like stretching first thing in the morning. Like you don’t realize how badly your body needed the movement.”’

”I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of.”

_____

{a gigantic thank you to Sarah Adam’s, Dell & Penguin Random House publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! Out 1/7/25}

This was perfect as all of Sarah Adams books are. Truly I felt like I was back home in my safe place of Rome, Kentucky! I love these characters so much and loved getting to learn more about Emily and her and Jack are just the cutest I die!!! They both are struggling with things that are very real and relatable which makes them feel like real people. Sarah’s writing also just gets better with every book she writes!!

I feel like Jack is nothing like any other mmc I’ve read and I love that Sarah was able to portray him in such a real way. He’s so quirky and fun and so likable and charming and hot — the motorcycle is so hot I can’t lie

The emotional depth and mental health rep in this is so good and seeing the other characters from past books had me giddy! I love them so much! I feel like this series is a comfort to me 🥺 I am so excited for the next book but so sad it’s the last one 😔😔😔😔

screaming crying throwing up (e) i love emily and jack so bad!
"I've never felt important to someone else before.
And now that I am-I don't take that lightly. You've endured so much grief already. I won't needlessly be the cause of any more of it in your life. The bike goes."
SWOONING.

Let me start by saying this: I will read anything Sarah Adams publishes. I am a fangirl through and through. There is nary a work of hers that I haven't loved.
I'm SO happy to say that Beg, Borrow or Steal is another winner in my eyes. Perhaps even Adams' best yet. Just when I thought I couldn't love the fictional little town of Rome, Kentucky any more, I was privileged with the opportunity to dive back in earlier than I ever anticipated. And boy, oh boy, was I glad for that chance.
Emily's story was like reading a manuscript of my own life. As an eldest daughter, Emily's behaviors, thoughts, fears, and dreams all resonated with me. I, too, have been the victim of sacrificing my own needs for the sake of making sure my family was okay. I, too, have thought myself entirely unlovable because I never let people show up for me. So from my perspective, Beg, Borrow, or Steal was a cathartic reading experience.
Emily and Jack's story hit all the right spots. The rivals-to-lovers arc was fun and not at all obnoxious or maddening like some romances can be. I really appreciated that Adams spent time developing both Emily and Jack into sophisticated, realistic people who have an equal share of positive attributes and problems. Adams has a way of allowing her characters to process trauma without it becoming an emotional burden on the reader. It adds depth to the romance while maintaining the rom-com vibe overall, which I just adore. And Jack was probably the most realistic and likeable love interest that I've read in quite a while.
I'm so glad we're not done with Rome just yet, because I NEED more and cannot wait until the final installment. BRB while I go re-read the series from the start.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal!

A cute enemies-to-lovers romance between two teachers - Sarah Adams continues her series about our favorite sisters, and I love how the small town bands around our FMC to support her, no matter what. I feel like here, I felt the love and romance grow more-so than with Annie - and appreciated how the two balance each other out. Excited to continue reading this series!!

This was a 5 ⭐️ read for me up until Chapter 32 (ie. Open door chapter). I was so frustrated I actually had to put the book down for a few days and pick up something else.

I LOVED Jack and Emily’s story, the rivalry, the banter…but when you have a chapter like Chapter 16 (closed door) that does such an AMAZING job with steaminess and building anticipation, it’s devastating to feel let down by the actual open door chapter.

I know Sarah Adams is lighter on the explicit scenes and I love that for those who want a closed door option (clearly not me, lol) she provides it… but I would have liked more from our main open door scene. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sarah Adams remains an auto buy for me and I still love Rome, KY.

3.5 Stars rounded to 4. Thank you to Random House Publishing, through NetGalley, for the ARC!

I absolutely adored this book! It had me laughing and smiling the whole way through. I have not read the first two books in this series, but I did not feel like I was missing out on major plot lines. I will be reading them quickly! Overall this book was well written, and a quick, easy rom-com read. It didn't have anything that set it apart from other rom-coms but it was very enjoyable!

I loved that the scene 3 breakup was not overly dramatic and huge. It was truly realistic and spoke to how couples may process their individual trauma in relationships. I feel like Sarah delivered on her promise that difficult topics would be handled with care.

I'm SO EXCITED that I was able to get an early copy of this one! Thank you thank you thank you!

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I think Beg, Borrow or Steal may have overtaken Practice Makes Perfect as my favorite Sarah Adams book.
Let me start with saying, my expectations for this were high but I was hesitant, because I am truly Sarah's biggest fan, and Practice Makes Perfect is one of my all-time favorite books. THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It was so sweet to be back in Rome Kentucky with the Walker family so the joy picking this up was instant. Sarah's writing is effortless, witty, endearing and all the good things. It never takes me long to warm right up to the main characters, and even though I was unsure how I would enjoy the hate that there was between Emily and Jackson, as we go deeper into the story, we see deeper into their history, and their individual pasts, worries and fears, and learn that there was much more going on than their unending feuding. They were building a connection of honesty and trust and seeing that unfold as they open up to each other was so precious.

One thing that pushed this book a little above Practice Makes Perfect for me is how much I relate to Emily. I'm not a first child, but I have experienced my own versions of loss and found a lot of myself in her fear of being hard to love and of letting people know her and see her for all of her parts, even the dark ones and trusting they won't leave because of them. The way that Jack intentionally showed he wanted those parts of her too made me weepy. I am a puddle at the feet that man!

I cannot stop thinking about these two and getting emotional. I would be driving to work and listening to a song that would remind me of them and start crying. They're everything to me. Sarah has outdone herself. Every scene we get with all the Walker siblings and significant others gets better and better and this book in particular made me feel much more connected to them all. Their relationships are so sweet. I'm beyond excited for Maddie's book next, but will truly be devasted to end our time in Rome!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!