I absolutely adored and devoured this book! I had to go back and read the two books in the series first before diving into Beg Borrow or Steal when i got my galley wish approved (my biggest thank you to headline) so I could get the full immersive experience and I'm so, so glad that I did! I believe this is Sarah's best work in the series. 10/10 would highly recommend. In just five weeks, I've fallen in love with Rome, Kentucky, the tight knit community that reminds me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and also the Walker siblings. I have a feeling that even if I decided to wing it and just read this without reading the first two books, I would've still fallen in love with it.

This was a wonderful read! I've been really enjoying this series by Sarah Adams, and this was a great third installment.

Things I liked:
- The small town setting and how all the side characters were so unique
- The slow burn of Emily and Jack's relationship - the nemeses to neighbours to best friends to lovers. I liked how their friendship took the time to grow before they gave into their attraction.
- Emily's character. I found her easy to relate to, especially being the oldest daughter and feeling alone. I don't agree with how mean she was to Jack at the start, but I like that she changed her tune quickly. The power of a pair of glasses lol.
- Lots of cameos from the other couples from books 1 and 2. I love Annie and Will, so I loved seeing them again in this book.
- The build up for the next book, and the challenges we can expect Maddie to face when she's the FMC in her own book. And I love James. Poor, lovesick James

This was a really solid romance. The characters were great, the relationship felt real, and the character growth made the third act conflict make sense, especially with Emily's insecurities and Jack's fears. It made sense for them to revert to these feelings before overcoming them. I love how self-aware they both were!

So excited for book 4! I'm assuming there's a book 4...

After loving the other two books in this series, this one is no exception and will probably become an all-time favorite! I ADORED both the FMC and MMC which is so rare for me in romance. Emily as a heroine is so prickly and closed-off but has such a big heart underneath. I really felt for her and could easily connect to a lot of her struggles. Jack was such a breath of fresh air in a sea of grumpy, broody romance heroes - he was so fun and complex. And their banter was TOP TIER! There also were a lot of deep emotions handled, and Sarah Adams handled all of them masterfully.
I also really enjoyed the side characters and the town setting as always in this series. I think we have one book left after this one and I‘m already so sad that this series will then be over.
Sarah Adams usually writes closed-door romance, but I was pleasantly surprised that this one was a little bit spicy! She mentions in her author‘s note in which chapters this happens, so if you would like to skip these scenes because you haven‘t come to expect them from Sarah, you can easily do that.
I highly recommend this one for fans of enemies to lovers and quirky small towns!

This is my favourite Sarah Adams book to date.

This book follows Emily and Jack. Both are teachers and they are each other's nemesis. Jack moved away from the small town to get married and Emily thought she wouldn't see him again. However, the wedding didn't go ahead and Jack has moved back to town. Emily is going to be seeing a lot of him as he is her new neighbour.

I loved this book. The relationship between Emily and Jack was perfect. I liked the banter between the two and I liked seeing their romance develop. This was a slow-burn romance and I couldn't get enough of this.

This book had all the emotions. There were some funny moments such as when Emily accidentally sends her spicy romance manuscript to her boss and the two had to break into his house to stop him from seeing it. There were also some emotional moments. Emily feels the burden of having to look out for her siblings and Jack has a very difficult relationship with his father.

This is my favourite book from this series. I can't wait for the next book which I suspect is going to be Maddie and James' romance which was teased in this book. I can't wait for the next one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

First of all, I’d like to thank NetGalley and Sarah Adams for the ARC of Beg, Borrow, or Steal. This book was such a great time! As the third instalment in the When in Rome series, it follows Emily Walker, the second eldest of the Walker siblings. I haven’t read the first two books, and while you don’t need to read them to dive into this one, I suspect you’d enjoy the series even more if you did. Emily shoulders the heaviest burden after the loss of her parents and, more recently, her grandmother. She thrives on being needed and bases her self-worth on how much her siblings rely on her. It’s not healthy, but it makes her so relatable and human. Emily loves her routines and being in control, so seeing her siblings pairing off—boyfriends, marriages, dream jobs—leaves her feeling stuck. She’s happy for them but can’t help feeling stagnant. Honestly, I relate to Emily a lot—not just because we share the same name, but because we have so much in common. We’re both romance readers, and Emily’s even trying her hand at becoming a romance writer. Plus, she and I probably share a touch of OCD or ASD, which added another layer of connection for me. The story follows Emily and Jackson “Jack” Bennett. Jack, a teacher at the same elementary school as Emily, has been her rival since university. They’ve competed over everything: grades, internships, parking spaces—you name it. But here’s the kicker: Jack’s always been drawn to Emily. While he doesn’t shy away from their arguments, there’s always been an undeniable pull between them. Jack’s a people-pleaser, constantly trying to make others happy—except when it comes to Emily. Around her, he can let that guard down, which I loved. Before the events of the story, Jack was engaged and planning to move to Nebraska to be with his fiancée. When the engagement fell apart, he returned to Rome, Kentucky, determined to put down roots. And that’s where things start to heat up. Emily tries to keep their rivalry alive, but Jack’s vulnerability and charm make that impossible. What follows is a love story that unfolds through their shared moments, mutual growth, and undeniable chemistry. Let me just say this: Jack is a sweetheart. Yes, he’s a people-pleaser, but it stems from past trauma. He’s kind, thoughtful, and oh—he rides a motorcycle. Picture this: tall, tattooed, wearing glasses, a golden retriever-type guy with a dirty mouth and a bike. There’s a scene where Emily talks about the “helmet effect,” and I couldn’t help but feel it too—for this fictional man! The care they have for each other is heartwarming. Jack is always there when Emily needs him, and their relationship feels so real. It’s a beautifully written slow burn. They don’t even kiss until 60% in, but the tension is chef’s kiss. From rivals to neighbors to friends to lovers, the progression of their romance is so satisfying. Jack, by the way, is a mystery writer who publishes under a pen name to avoid riding the coattails of his narcissistic father, a famous author. Meanwhile, Emily dreams of publishing a romance novel. Jack offers to help, citing his father’s connections (without revealing that he’s a famous writer). One swoon-worthy scene has Jack helping Emily write an intimacy scene through a bit of role play, and let me tell you—the tension is palpable. Sarah Adams packed so much story, plot, and trauma into this book, but it never felt overwhelming. Even though I hadn’t read the earlier books, I could follow along just fine. The story is wholesome, funny, and charming, with a third-act conflict that had me groaning in frustration. Seriously, I had my head in my hands, muttering, “Just let them be happy already!” Thankfully, it resolves quickly, and I loved how everything came together in the end. Both Emily and Jack have healing to do, and their individual growth is so satisfying to watch. They learn to lean on each other and the people around them who love and care for them. Side note: Jack’s father is the literal worst. What he does at 95% through the book is diabolical, and I wanted to scream. Poor Jack! But Emily takes care of him, and seeing how they support each other is so heartwarming. Jack even makes Emily dinner afterward, which is adorable. I like how everything is wrapped up in the end, the only thing that would have made it better would’ve been that if we saw Jack’s dad get his comeuppance I would’ve revelled in his downfall or whatever came out of the resolution to the shitstorm he caused. Other then that I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance, rival-to-lovers tropes, and characters who feel real. It’s sweet, funny, and filled with just the right amount of tension. I can’t recommend it enough!

Rating: 3.75 Stars

While I was reading this I was laughing and having a fun time, but the book gave me nothing outside of that, but that is not to say that this was a bad book. I will be continuing to read Sarah's work and I would recommend it but I would not go into this book expecting that it might affect on a deeper level like few books do.

If you go into this book expecting a fun and easy read you are guaranteed a good time.

Having loved the first two books in the series, I wasn’t worried in the slightest going into this! This is a perfect enemies to lovers romance with lovable characters (can I be friends with Emily and Jack please?), fun banter and so so much heart! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and see what Maddie will be up to!

Don't you just love it when a romcom book actually romcommed? (I don't think that's a word but it describes this one perfectly ✨️)
Cuz that's what Sarah Adams did with Beg, Borrow, or Steal and I enjoyed every bits of it!

I really had a good time reading this one. With just the right amount of witty banter and antics between Emily and Jackson, they just served the perfect romcom I needed to start off this year! I couldn't count how many times I've cackled, giggled, and swooned because of these two 😍

Aside from their chemistry, I also really enjoyed relating myself to the characters, specially Emily's big sister dilemmas that hits me right in the feels. I love it when books about eldest daughters are written right 🥹✨️

And Jackson, this man knows pining well and does it right. Definitely added to my book bfs now ❤️

This is my first Sarah Adams book and I can't wait to dive into the first two books and the rest of this series!

A big thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital copy of the book! ❤️

I adore Sarah Adams’ novels and her latest one, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is another five star for me. I loved the characters, the story, and I am always happy to return to Rome, Kentucky, and the Walkers siblings. Practice Makes Perfect, Annie and Will’s story, will probably always be my favourite, but Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a close second and I couldn’t get enough of Emily and Jack.

Enemies and competitive since the day they met in college, Emily and Jack had never got along, not even when they started working together as teachers in the same school. Then, Jack left to move to Nebraska with his fiancée and it appeared that that was the end of their story. Except that Jack is now back in town, single, and back to work at her school and, worst of all, he is her new neighbour. Emily is determined to make sure that Jack regrets it and gets the whole town to support her sabotage attempts. However, when she makes a mistake that could ruin her career, Jack jumps in to help her and she discovers that maybe he is not the detestable man she thought he was.

I had so much fun reading this novel. It’s hilarious, addictive, romantic and I loved the characters of Emily and Jack. Since the death of their parents when she was very young, Emily has been taking care of her family, always putting their needs above hers. But now they don’t need her anymore and she is struggling. Jack is also facing his own problems, his difficult relationship with his father, and his secret career as a best-selling author. I loved how their story develops, their journey as they face their struggles, on their own and together, and how they turn from enemies to friends to lovers.

I can’t ever get enough of Sarah Adams’ novels. Her writing is witty and immersive and I always fall in love with her wonderful characters and her beautiful stories. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the fantastic third book in the When in Room series (although it can be easily read as a stand-alone) and I already can’t wait for the next one!

Being back in Rome, Kentucky was so lovely and I loved checking back in with the Walker siblings and everyone in town. I love a good enemies to friends to lovers story and Jack and Emily’s love story was amazing. Their banter was everything and their pranks on each other were hilarious, but it was their softer, more tender moments when they really opened up to each other that tugged at my heartstrings and sold their romance to me. I also really identified with Emily in being seen as cold, the older sister who takes care of everyone but when she isn’t needed by those around her she feels like nobody actually needs her, like seriously, that bit wrecked me. And Jack. Jackson Bennett THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. Seriously, he’s somehow a nice guy and a sweetheart but he also gives as good as he gets, and he loves Emily. I love a good he falls first and harder romance so this was amazing. Beg, Borrow or Steal is a gorgeous story about two people who choose to sit in each other’s darkness and yet another lovely installment in the When in Rome series.

Things I loved about Beg, Borrow or Steal
🌷 the banter was delightful
🌷 this one had all the Gilmore Girls vibes
🌷the Walker siblings taking care of Emily 🥹🥹
🌷 “I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.” 😭🥹
🌷 she has a cat named Ducky 🥰
🌷"it takes one to know one" vibes ❤️‍🩹

Jack and Emily went to school together and she is glad when he leaves town. Now he is back and living next door will they become more than enemies? A fun read!

Absolutely loved this book!
This was my first introduction to Sarah Adams and the When in Rome series, but it definitely won't be my last!
Emily and Jack were written well, and had great chemistry. As an eldest daughter, I definitely empathised with Emily and her struggles.
I really loved the side characters and how well fleshed out the town and it's community was.
Excited to read book 1 & 2 now!

When you see this, I've read an excellent rom-com.

Sarah has been in my sights for a long time now and when I saw that I had been given this read, I knew the time had come.

I have loved the interaction of the characters, I never thought seeing two masters in a rival to lovers, would be so great, but it is; it was phenomenal.

I went in very blind with the story, as I understand this is part of a saga already published by the author, but it's an easy read in my opinion.

Light and catchy writing, sure to have a great time reading it and wanting something different.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams. 4-stars. Spice level: 2.5 (open door, but brief and light on description)

Sweet, swoony, and utterly relatable.

A delightful read in the moment, but one I don’t remember much of a month after reading it. It was my first Sarah Adams book, and I do wish I’d read the other books in this series of interconnected standalones first. I think I would have enjoyed this story more if I’d had a better grounding in the small-town of Rome and its quirky cast of characters.

There were a lot of bits that seemed to reference the other books, which I know can be a lot of fun for readers, but as an outsider to the series I shouldn’t have been able to pick up on as many of them as I did. If you’re a fan of the series, I think you’ll enjoy the call backs. For me, many of them felt forced.

Structurally, this was a little messy. There were several points where it felt like the story was wrapping up, only to keep going. It made the last thirty-ish percent drag. The characters’ goals aren’t clearly set-up in the beginning, so as readers we’re left to guess when they’ve actually achieved them. This isn’t the only new/upcoming Romance release by a popular author I’ve read with this same issue, so maybe it’s a me-problem.

This series can be read out of order, but I wish I’d started with When in Rome. The side characters and residents of Rome, KY, are set-up well enough in Beg, Borrow, or Steal, but I think the reading experience would have been more immersive if I’d had a connection to the town.

This is the perfect light-hearted rom-com! Sarah delivered everything I wanted and more. I was truly taken aback by how much I connected to this story.

The chemistry and tension between Jack and Emily was undeniable. I was squealing out loud reading this because this is the stuff you only see in early 2000's romance movies. I had to physically stop myself from reading several times because I couldn't contain myself. Some of their moments felt like those movie scenes where the guy finally kisses the girl in the rain.I loved their dynamic. Never underestimate the power of good banter and rivalry!!

Jack was the sweetest human being and he was so easy to fall in love with. You can tell he was written by a woman with the utter compassion, tenderness and thoughtfulness he carried himself with. If you're an older sister, you'll understand Emily and struggles putting herself first before her family. I loved the moments she shared with her sisters and brother. Both Jack and Emily were very relatable characters and I felt represented by their struggles.

I don't often rate rom-coms 5 stars because I always crave a deeper layer to storytelling. This touched on some emotional topics but still kept things lighthearted and fun. These topics were well balanced with the swoonworthy romance.

This is some of Sarah's best writing, she had me hooked from start to finish. To top it off, there was no silly conflicts. It is refreshing to read GROWN characters that know how to COMMUNICATE, even when they have disagreements.

No notes, give me more of this please!!

Thank you so much Netgalley and Headline for granting my wish and approving my request!!

This was such a lovely romcom, i could relate so much to Emily, sometimes painfully so. It was endearing to see just how smitten Jack was from the beginning and his determination to win her heart over was swoon worthy. I really love this small town Rome in Kentucky, and i can´t wait for more books in this series. Perhaps next are James and Madison.

I absolutely loved Beg, Borrow, or Steal, I enjoyed returning to Rome so much! I finished the book in a day, I couldn't put it down.

Emily and Jack are wonderful together, the banter was amazing! I sometimes struggle when characters know each other before the story starts because it's hard to feel their connection but this was written perfectly. There's just the right amount of history and their relationship develops on page in a way that feels genuine.

I related to the main characters a lot, Emily in particular, she has a lot of worries and struggles with change - her personal growth was handled very well and developed at a realistic pace. Jack is the perfect book boyfriend, I loved the way he communicated with Emily and helped her see her potential without being overbearing.

The plot was interesting too, there's no third-act breakup which is brilliant! There's plenty of emotional depth without it.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series, I've loved having a book for each sibling and can't wait to read Madison's story!

Sarah Adams has become one of my favourite romance authors, and I think Beg, Borrow, or Steal may be her best book yet (or at least on par with The Rule Book for me). I adore this book, it is / has:
🖊️ Rivals to allies to lovers (the perfect progression within this scenario)
🔨 Small town
🖊️ Hidden identities
🔨 Themes: grief, loneliness
🖊️ Dual POV, third book in the When in Rome Series

So why did I love it?
• Our main characters. I remember finding both Emily and Madison a challenge to like when reading Practice Makes Perfect, but Beg, Borrow and Steal changed my opinion about Emily straight away. She is caring, fights for those she loves, but also a bit of a “porcupine” (I wouldn’t fully agree with this!). Her character had such great depth. I loved watching her feelings for Jack change, as well as her perceptions of herself.
• Which leads to our other MC, Jack, who is now on my book boyfriend list. He is wonderful but I’m not going to say anything else as you should read about himself yourself.
•Beg, Borrow, or Steal has one of my favourite moments in a romance book, I know I’ll go back and read this scene many times - plus I know it will make me grin each time too.
• Rome, Kentucky - I love this small town!
• This book is part of a series of interconnected stand-alones, it includes the characters we know and love from previous books but still allows Emily to take the full spotlight of her story. I especially loved the moment she got to have with Noah 🥹. Plus it has set up Madison’s book perfectly.

I will be buying this in print ASAP!

This was my first read by this author, but I've been following her for a while, and now I want to go and read the backlist books.

I loved the banter between Emily and Jack and the different formats thrown in - old and new emails and texts and the tidbits revealing that their 'dislike/hate' for each other was something else entirely.

Emily's siblings were a delight ( hence the need to back to the previous books) and even though I haven't read the previous ones, I don't think too much was spoilt, but it left me curious.

Sarah Adams delivers yet another captivating addition to the When in Rome series with Beg, Borrow, or Steal. Set once again in the charming small town of Rome, Kentucky, this instalment follows the irresistible enemies-to-lovers journey of Emily and Jack. Their tension-filled relationship, marked by witty banter and competitive antics, evolves beautifully as they begin to let their guards down. Emily, the fiercely loyal older sister grappling with her shifting role in her family, and Jack, a teacher-turned-best-selling author with a strained relationship with his father, are richly developed characters whose personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the progression of their bond from adversaries to friends to lovers is both heartwarming and addictive.

Adams’ signature humour, immersive storytelling, and memorable characters shine in this novel, making it a standout in the series. Fans of small-town romance will adore the familiar warmth of Rome and the Walkers siblings, while new readers will find this book perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. The motorbike scenes, Emily’s career crisis, and Jack’s unflinching support all add depth and charm to this delightful story. Whether it’s the laugh-out-loud sabotage attempts or the tender moments of vulnerability, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a masterclass in romance writing. Adams continues to enchant with her ability to craft compelling love stories, and this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a mix of humour, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Thanks NetGalley