10/10!!!!! Sarah does it again!!! I always thought Annie was my soul character but she has managed to create another, Emily, that just speaks to me. I am a perfect balance of Annie and Emily… Sarah is so in touch with her readers and somehow always makes them feel seen whether it’s with a whole character or small pieces of them.

Emily and Jack are a perfect match and the banter and tension are off the charts!!!! it was funny, romantic, real, and I just loved it so much and can’t wait for the rest of the world to get to read it

I. Am. Obsessed. Sarah Adams has done it again! I loved every single second of this book. I felt all the same feeling and giddiness as when I read The Cheat Sheet (my first Adams book). Ugh. So good.

I was a little skeptical about getting Emily story since she was also kinda rigid and very much the mom of the Walker siblings but I loved her from page 1. She had so much depth and so many hidden struggles. I felt for her. The only person she didn’t have to worry about being different with was Jackson. Their banter was so good. I love the bickering that always has underlying “how do they not see that they love each other?!” vibes. It hits every time.

Jackson was *everything*. He had his own struggles but he found his solace in his “enemy-ship” with Emily. He was able to just say when he thought and not worry what she thought. He was able to be free with her.

I ate this up. I already had this book preordered and when I got approved on NetGalley I literally squealed! I’m so excited for others to read this!

This book might just be my soulmate (sorry, wonderful husband!). Sarah’s writing is so powerful, so beautiful and so encouraging. As an older sister, i FELT so much of Sarah’s writing come through the pages into my own life, and there is nothing possibly as beautiful as that.

Emily & Jack’s story was witty, clever, sweet & filled with delicious tension and banter. This book felt like a warm hug with a side of a sarcastic comment & I adored every second of it.

Thank you Sarah & your publishing team for the ARC - I already can’t wait to return to Rome, KY ❤️

"Beg Borrow or Steal" is a delightful addition to Sarah Adams' charming small-town romance series, and it captivated me from the very first page. The story centers around Emily and Jack, two fierce rivals whose competitive nature has defined their relationship since college. But beneath the surface of their rivalry lies a simmering tension that is impossible to ignore.

Emily, our fierce and relatable heroine, grapples with what I like to call "oldest daughter syndrome." This struggle resonates deeply, as she often feels overshadowed and unsure of her place in a world where she doesn't always feel needed. Watching her character grow throughout the story was a true highlight. Emily learns to embrace her emotions, shedding the need to always be okay, and finding strength in vulnerability. Jack, the charming and complex male lead, also faces his own demons, shaped by a childhood spent trying to please his narcissistic father. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and mutual support.

The moment Jack moves back to their small town, the stage is set for sparks to fly. When Emily finds herself in a bind and needs Jack's help, the dynamics shift, allowing their chemistry to bloom in ways they never anticipated. Their banter is sharp and witty, providing just the right amount of humor to balance the more emotional moments. The romance that develops is sweet, genuine, and a joy to read.

Adams masterfully crafts the small-town setting, making it feel alive with vivid descriptions and relatable side characters. It was a treat to see familiar faces from previous books in the series, enriching the narrative with their presence. Plus, the tease of James and Madison's chemistry hints at an exciting next installment that I can’t wait to dive into.

Overall, "Beg Borrow or Steal" is a heartwarming story about love, rivalry, and personal growth. Sarah Adams has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that blends humor, heart, and a touch of small-town charm, this is one you won’t want to miss!

4.5/5 stars

Sarah Adams is quickly becoming one of my must-read authors, and this book was no exception!

I've read the other two books in the series, and while I thoroughly enjoyed both, this one was my favorite (so far!) I loved Emily and Jack. Their romance felt easy and natural and while the overall story was about them falling in love, I also really enjoyed their personal growth journeys as well.

ALSO the scene blocking chapter? Yes please!!!! SUCH a good way to build the tension & chemistry! One of the best scenes I've read in a romance book for a long time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. Pick this one up if you need a lighthearted romance!

As the eldest daughter, Emily Walker takes her job very seriously. Ever since her parents died when she was young, Emily has taken it upon herself to be the rock her older brother and younger sisters needed. Emily has always put their feelings and well-being first, bottling up her feelings in the process. Emily can't be strong for others if she's crying on their shoulders. But the one person Emily has never had to tiptoe around is her college nemesis-turned co-worker-turned neighbor, Jackson Bennett. Emily was thrilled when Jack moved out of their small Kentucky town with his fiancé--even though it rubbed at her that he never said goodbye--but now he's back, single, and ready to make Emily's life a living hell.

Jack has always loved Rome, Kentucky, and he's eager to immerse himself in the community, but unfortunately, the only house for sale was next to Emily. The pair got off on the wrong foot on their first day of college and have been trading snide remarks back and forth ever since. Growing up with a narcissistic author father, Jack has never been one for conflict, except when it comes to Emily. Jack has never felt more alive than when he and Emily bicker, and their proximity has only fanned the fire. When Emily needs help retrieving a drunken email that would expose her literary side hustle, Jack agrees to help. But he has secrets that could potentially ruin the tenuous bond they've been forming.

At this point, I would read Sarah's grocery list. She's my go-to whenever I need something light and fluffy. I dare anyone to pick up her books and not feel joy. I had the silliest grin the entire time I was reading this. I loved the bickering banter between Emily and Jack. It was so petty and a little childish but oh so fun. It was so entertaining watching them go from being at each other's throats to wanting to tear each other's clothes off. Watching them open up and be vulnerable was also such a delight. They were two sides of the same coin, which made it so much easier for them to be what the other needed. I wasn't as invested in the plot of this one, but I was all-in for the romance. I can't wait for the next installment, but I'm so sad that this series is ending.

Everyone clap, Sarah Adams has done it again. Sarah is one of my favorite authors because she has such a cozy way of writing her characters and settings that make you feel at home and seen all at the same time. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Emily and Jack. They both are so scared of being known and approaching that fear from opposite directions and it was a delight to see them lay those fears down and to risk the mortifying ordeal of being known in order to experience being truly loved. There is something so special about seeing a fixer like Emily experience rest for the first time as an adult. Jack let her rest in the fact that he could take charge when she couldn't. And Emily allowed him to be fully himself.
Jack was such a fun dichotomy of things that at first glance didn't feel like they'd all work but they boy oh boy did they. ;)
I feel like we've gotten to see growth in every character throughout this series and I love that. I think Sarah writes ensemble casts very well. Her protagonists don't exist in isolation and they have really strong and beautiful relationships outside of the love interest that add depth and dynamic to the story.
I'm just so happy to be back in this little town. <3

4.5 stars! Emily & Jack are perfect together! From the witty banter & teasing to the moments of vulnerability & their developing friendship into something more was so well done! Loved all their sweet moments & had the best time kicking my feet & giggling with them - also the scene blocking chapter was by far my fav 😍 Wished to see a little more of their rivalry play out, but I loved all the flashbacks and emails to get a glimpse into their dynamic.

This is the third book in this series and it is my favorite. I love a rivals-to-lovers romance and this is a very good one. Jack and Emily have been enemies and pushed each other's buttons since Jack spilled coffee on Emily their first day of college. Their rivalry continues while teaching at the same school in Rome, Kentucky. When Jack's engagement ends and he returns to Rome and becomes Emily's neighbor, they start to discover that maybe there is something more to their relationship other than animosity. I loved reading about their relationship evolving and the love blossoming between them. I also love how they seem like real people with complicated lives and emotions and I enjoyed reading about Emily's family and friends. I appreciated how in the arc I read, Sarah Adams included the spicy scenes because I loved them (she made a note to closed door readers in the introduction). Thank you to Dell Romance and Random House for giving me a chance to read this book early on NetGalley!

My favorite Sarah Adams book to date! I loved the enemies to lovers trope and the constant witty banter.

Ahhhh this was so cute!! I was slightly nervous going into this one because while I loved When In Rome, I wasn’t a big fan of Practice Makes Perfect (cutesy characters have never been my favorite, so I just didn’t connect with it the same) but after reading the synopsis for this one, I felt like I was going to like it, and I’m so glad I was right!! I will say, in my very personal opinion it did kind of drag on at the end, but still, I loved Emily and Jackson sm!! AND I CANNOT WAIT FOR MADDIE AND JAMES OH MY GOSH!!

Thank you for the ARC! :)

I have loved Sarah Adams stories for quite some time, my favorite series just so happens to now include this book. Rome, Kentucky seems to be the perfect place to find love and I'm here for it. I just love all of the characters and this book was no different.

Emily was in past books, a sister to the other characters in previous stories. She also despises her fellow teacher Jackson,(Jack) someone who gets under her skin and drives her crazy. Well, they drive each other crazy. What is the thing kids say about liking each other? The ones you tease you like more. Well, in this case it seems to be true. When Jack moves back after a failed engagement, secretly kind of hoping to see Emily, things don't start off well. After he moves next door to Emily they start to ease off on each other, instead becoming friends and then realizing maybe they do indeed like each other. When Emily gets nervous because of trust issues she tries to push Jack away but does he leave quietly or put up a fight?

I love romances where the guy likes the girl first. I just think its so sweet and romantic. This story had funny banter, romance, and a little spice. I love the slow burn of the story and all of the characters you see from other books. I just love this storyline and hope there is another book coming soon!

Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Adams and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for allowing me to review this ARC!! 4.5 stars

Can I give all my stars to Sarah Adams’ Beg, Borrow, or Steal? Because this is the kind of book that makes me love being a romance reader. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. It is everything! Emily Walker craves order, but when her rival/coworker Jackson Bennett moves in next door, her carefully curated life gets flipped upside down, and when she accidentally sends her spicy romance to her principal instead, she finds she can’t think of anyone better to help her than Jack—leading to a plot twist neither of them anticipated. Oh these characters, these beautiful, big-hearted characters. I saw myself in so much of what these characters go through—picture me crying in a coffee shop as they both found ways to overcome their traumas and stood up for themselves. This banter, the enemies-to-lovers, the forced proximity, all of it reminded me of all the reasons I love romance novels. The heart is this novel, the growth of these characters, the vulnerability, the small town. It is striking and beautiful. It’s well developed, and I loved how the side characters played into the story. There’s steam and a perfect balance of angst and humor. I laughed out loud, I cried, I clutched my heart with happiness. I mean this is going to be my go-to recommendation for romance readers from now on. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is truly special and I can’t wait to return to Rome for the next novel!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is my new favorite book from Sarah Adams. She consistently writes incredibly heartwarming romance that makes you feel giddy with happiness. But she also writes stories from realistic points of view that showcase that life isn't always sunshine and rainbows and we all have something to work through. I was incredibly touched by how delicately Sarah handled Jack's father and their relationship. From personal experience, it was accurate and heartbreaking. The character development of Emily and Jackson was excellent, both as they individually grew but also together. Emily learning that not everyone will leave her and that it's okay to let your guard down, and Jackson trusting that someone will love him as much as he loves them and that he can be vulnerable with them. I was also so happy to see the other Walker siblings again along with the fun townsfolk, especially sassy Mabel. The Walker family and Rome, Kentucky is a showcase in love and security, and I'm so glad they invite others in and that we all get to witness it.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and Dell for this complementary ARC. All opinions are my own.*

This is now my favorite Sarah Adams book. Was so excited to get my hands on it early and wow did it impress! The banter and small town drama had me rolling, and the enemies to lovers plot line of Jack and Emily had me 🥹 thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sarah Adams always knocks it out of the park. Rome, Kentucky is one of my favorite book small towns. Every book in this serious has made me laugh out loud (hello Walker siblings and Mabel!) - and Emily and Jack's banter is no exception. This book had so much emotion in it and it just comes across the page so well. Sarah's writing (plot, pacing, etc) is all just chef's kiss - it made me struggle to put the book down and do anything else.
There were aspects of both Emily and Jack I identified with and really enjoyed seeing their friendship grow, as well as them working through past trauma. Emily took on the support pillar of the family at a young age and struggles with vulnerability and it just really hit home and I love that Jack sees through her facade and knows when to push. Again the characters are just fantastic. This book is a treasure, as well as the crumbs of Madison and James given...
I am so beyond happy that Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell approved my eARC request (like literally I screamed in excitement) - thank you to both them and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own. *Can't wait for my signed preorder to come in and for the audiobook!



More than happy to review on Amazon and such once the book is released. Thank you a million times for allowing me early access to this book.

Beg, Borrow, and Steal was another 5 star round trip ticket to Rome, KY with Sarah Adams! Just when you think you have a favorite Sarah Adams couple she gives you a new one. I found myself routing for Emily and Jack from the beginning in this enemies/rivals to lovers story. You could just tell that the bickering and banter was a shield for Emily and Jack was taking whatever she would give him.

These two were so good for each other and it was beautiful watching them open up and accept each other exactly as they are.

I’m so grateful to have read another Walker sibling’s story and can’t wait for the 4th and final one after this! Each of the siblings are so different from each other, but I love learning more and more about their family dynamic in each book.

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

This book was fantastic! From the rivalry to the romance there was no lack of excitement and suspense. Sarah Adams is an amazing author and she does so well including darker topics like mental health issues, grief, and abuse without it taking from the full story. I love how well rounded Emily and Jack were and that we got to see all their flaws and truly relate to the things they were feeling and going through. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a new favorite book!! and I can’t wait to read the next “When in Rome” book.

Maybe my favorite Sarah Adams book to date. She just gets better and better. I loved Jacks and Emily’s story. Everyone should read this!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is definitely my favorite book from Sarah Adams. I loved both of the main characters, Jack and Emily. Both were written phenomenally. I especially related to Emily! The pacing of the writing was perfect. It wasn’t too fast or too slow. I loved being able to read about Annie and Will again, too!! Jack and Emily also had a lot of chemistry, which added way more to the book. Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an ARC!