This book was adorable! In my opinion, it's the ideal summertime read, and it felt like a cozy hug. Every time I saw Emily and Jack's brief email/message interactions, I felt like a complete idiot. The rivalry between them was so wonderfully done, and their flirtatious banter always made me laugh out loud. I had no idea this book would touch me so deeply. In an attempt to persuade you to add this to your to-do list, I annotated it extensively and only posted ONE out of context.

Another wonderful read by Sarah Adams. I had high hopes for this book after her previous novel in this series and it was all i wanted and more.

Honestly Sarah Adams has done it again. As an author I have recently got into I have really enjoyed being back in the small ton of Rome, Kentucky.,

This book was romantic perfection, it was laugh out loud and just an amazing, easiy read. I loved the main characters and found them to be really likeable. I really enjoyed the slow burn of their enemy to friendship and then eventually lovers story line. The way they can reveal their true selves to each other is so refreshing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[ 4.25 ★ ]

’𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧-𝐢𝐯𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.’

— my review 💌
*no spoilers*

i’m so grateful to have received an arc of one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint <3

sarah adams never fails. her books are always the sweetest, cosiest reads, and she always knows what we want!!

when jack comes to the small town of rome after the end of his engagement, he’s met with his rival, emily, who proceeds to do whatever she can to get him out of her town. but when it doesn’t work, and she realises jack is there to stay, they get closer, until they find themselves…falling for one another.

emily’s need to fix everything, to help everyone, is something i found deeply relatable. watching her finally find the love she has deserved this entire time in jack was everything to me. it was so beautifully done, the way her walls were slowly being broken down as jack proved he saw her and wasn’t like everyone else.

jack… jack bennett, the man you are! ugh, i love him. everything about him was the things you’d want in your ideal guy, but lets be real, that’s just sarah adams’ men for you. he was so attentive and caring, while struggling with his own issues too, and it was just so real. he had his barriers, but just like em, they were broken down, as well, with the promise of eternal love and being with a person who truly understood him.

overall, i absolutely loved this book, and it felt so good to be back in the world of rome, kentucky.

spice? yes, but it isn’t SUPER in depth

some tropes :
★ feuding teachers
★ rivals to lovers
★ secret writers
★ a heist

First huge thanks for this ARC read. I really, really wanted to read it.
I must say that this is my favorite book in the series.
Love being in Rome, once again. Thi one fealse so similar and so at home, but different and mature , then the other books in the series

I adore this book. I love the trope enemies to lovers, but were they truly enemies?! I think not.

I love thair connection and how they are opposite sides of the same coin.

They complite ome another . Such an easy 5 stars.

I absolutely love Sarah Adams and screamed when I got the netgalley approval to advance read Beg Borrow or Steal. I’ll return to my favourite fictional town of Rome Kentucky any day and especially to check in on the Oldest Walker sister, Emily.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He’s the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

This has the same fun and easy to read writing style that Adam’s books usually contains including dual POVs, present and past timelines, as well as the use of emails and text messages. I think this is her funniest book yet and the banter was laugh out loud worthy. I love the enemies to lovers trope and no one does it as well as Adams does. (Don’t argue with me you won’t win). Emily is also the most relatable Walker sibling with her anxiety, fear of change, and self expectations to be perfect and always put together. Jack to was relatable personally for me with journey of dealing with someone with narcissistic personality traits (IYKYK). Put them together and phew, tension but two of the strongest built characters I’ve had the pleasure reading about.

However; this story itself wasn’t my fav of Adams. At times it was extremely repetitive and didn’t have the entertainment value that some of her previous books had. I think it may be because this one is more character driven than plot focused which is not my or her usual style. Overall, I still loved it, it just isn’t rated five stars for this reason.

With her previous books Adams tried something new and opened the doors; be warned everything is once again on full display.

I’m always happy to read this author and return to Rome and I hope the subtle hints I picked up on are right and we get to return to visit the remaining Walker sibling Madison soon.

This book made me feel so seen. Just like Emily, I’m an older sibling, and I totally get everything she feels and thinks. Thank you, Sarah, for creating this character. Also, the number of times this book made me smile is ridiculous—the chemistry between Jack and Emily is insane. And the emails? OMG, I loved seeing their interactions. THIS BOOK IS JUST PERFECT!

Thank you so much, Headline, for granting my wish!

I loved this enemies to lovers romcom so much! I haven't read any book by Sarah Adams before but I need more! I always love a good rival-teachers thing and it did not dissapoint!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.75 stars

I approached this book with high expectations, especially after the exhilarating experience of the second installment in the series. the dynamic between the academic rivals, who transitioned from their college years to teaching at the same small-town school, was a delightful aspect of ’Beg, Borrow or Steal’. their verbal jousts were absolutely delicious.

however, I couldn't help but feel that the characters' depth and their day-to-day struggles and mental health were underexplored, which could have further enriched the narrative. some plot elements, such as both protagonists being teachers and authors, felt too coincidental.

additionally, I found the male lead's decision to traverse the globe to be with his ex-fiancée—someone he never truly loved but was going to marry—to be quite unsettling. given that he and the female protagonist had shared a deep connection over the years, this choice felt inconsistent.

all in all, it was a fast pasted read and i especially loved reconnecting with some dear characters and to be thrown once again in the hilarious neighbourhood of Rome!

many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another lovely romance by Sarah. I always read her books really quickly, this one is an enemies to lovers romance between teachers and I highly recommend!

Ah this book was everything I was hoping for and more. I love Sarah Adams books and this one didn’t disappoint.
It was so lovely to catch up with Walker siblings and I was excited to read Emily’s story. I love a good enemies to lovers and the sexual tension between these two was brilliant. A dual POV is another massive tick for me as I love to get into both main characters heads!

I really loved Jack and Emily, I loved the tension between them, the bickering, but also the fact they were both dealing with external factors that were brought in to the story.

Sarah is an absolute queen with these books!

This was just an absolute treat, and I’m excited to hopefully read Madison’s book next!

(Also reviewed on my @whenivefinishedthischapter Instagram)

Beg to borrow or steal.
 
 
I had the amazing privilege to receive the advance copy from NetGalley.
 
Sarah Adams has slowly become one of my favorite authors due to her ‘When in Rome series.' I was so excited to read Emily and Jack's story.
 
The basic premise is Emily and Jack have hated each other since the day they laid eyes on each other in college; since then they have sent heated emails, said terrible things to each other, and wished for the other person's downfall.
 
We pick the story up when Jack comes back to town after being away for a while.
 
We follow Emily and Jack as they navigate forceful proximity and their rivalry.
 
 
My thought ˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎ this book had me kicking my feet and giggling all the way through. Emily and Jack's relationship was the perfect amount of rivals to lovers. I felt like the relationship moved a little quickly sometimes, especially as they were rivals only a couple of chapters ago. But overall, Emily and Jack belong together, and I loved watching their relationship unfold.
 
 Emily ˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎ my sweet Emily. Going into this book, I didn’t know how I would feel about Emily, as the last two books haven’t portrayed her as the nicest character, but we definitely got her redemption arc. I felt like the beginning of the book allowed the reader to really understand Emily but also come to love her. She was really misunderstood, and I am so excited for everyone to read and fall in love with Emily just like I did.
 
 
Jack ˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎ this man is the perfect book boyfriend. Jack and his struggles were very real and raw and were woven in perfectly to the story. I loved Jack's humor and how he always brought positivity. You could say Emily is the black cat to Jack's golden retriever.
 
 Overall, this book deserves every single star. I loved being back into this world, which feels like my second home at this point, and I can’t wait for the next book; it’s going to be a good one.

3.75 stars

Sarah Adams did it again: Beg, Borrow, or Steal is an amazing addition to the When in Rome series. It’s so nice to be back in their familial universe, and this book came to me at the right time when I was in dire need of a comfort read. Emily and Jack’s characters are lovely, and I enjoyed the dynamic. It was the perfect balance between banter and bickering, and the fact that ‘Oh, we’re adults and don’t have to act like children 24/7’. Them coming together also felt natural and had no insta-love vibes whatsoever.

Everyone in this book is incredibly supportive of Emily, loving, and nice. While the plot is obviously centered around Jackson moving in next-door to Emily during the summer, there’s also a few sub-plots such as Maddie struggling in New York (and hints at a situation with James), as well as Emily and Jack just figuring out their own issues with their families and heartbreak—while getting closer to each other after a decade of being nemeses. What’s not to love?

Emily and Jack are both such incredibly relatable characters (for those of us with jilted love lives and messy families), but I love how this doesn’t stop them from openly and maturely communicating with each other through it all. Especially Emily deserves all the love, attention, and dedication, and Jack really shows up to make sure she gets it alllll *winky face*. This is such a cute yet emotionally deep read that I really enjoyed and blew through within a day. It really does feel just like a big hug you could drown in. And spoiler alert! Of course, this means they get their happy ending.

It was so so good to be back in Rome, KY! Sarah Adams has created such a beautiful place and I would give anything to be a part of it. I absolutely loved the glimpses of Noah + Amelia and Will + Annie, especially the final scene!!!
I am beyond excited for book 4. I think the vibes between those characters were excellent.

But more about Emily and Jack. Oh Jack! What an utter heartthrob. He was so special and caring and soft in the best possible ways. The scene where he helps her reenact some of her book was hot hot hot! However I did want a bit more from the actual spicy scene. I did think the heist storyline was a little odd. Breaking and entering isn’t ever going to be cute I don’t think. But overall such a good read. Sarah will always be a favourite author of mine!

This book was epic. People will tell you that its a small town romance, I will tell you that this is the tale of two people slowly learning to work together, communicate and be vulnerable with each other while also learning to grow beyond the things that were holding them back and preventing them from being happy. This is the best type of romance, the story that showed that becoming a Us helped them grown as individuals and becoming better selves.

Beyond being Epic it was genuinely funny. We have some hilarious moment where I LOL quite hard, and had many many moments of giggling over those two. I just want more of Jack and Emily.

I was lucky enough to be given an Arc of this book and let me tell you I started this book at 6pm and didn’t put it down until around 4am, so I devoured this story. I will be getting my own physical copy to reread and annotate as need more of those two and this funny silly town.

The story still retained all the charm that we got with previous walker siblings stories, and of the Rome town. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Thank you Headline and Sarah Adams for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

WHAT A BOOK! I stayed up til 4am to finish this, I could not put it down.

Just like Practice Makes Perfect, I was totally absorbed in this book. Emily and Jack were perfect MCs and I was so invested in their relationship, their chemistry was everything! I loved the sniping but when it turned to flirting!!!!! The best

I related so hard to Emily as a fellow anxious gal with controlling tendencies and it was so great to see someone who was able to support her as well as her learning to lean on her siblings for once, I cried so hard when Maddie came home. I love that she knows what she likes as well, the pjs and cowboy boots are the makings of an icon!

The townspeople of Rome Kentucky were gorgeous as ever, they’re just the perfect backdrop to anyone’s romance. I cannot wait to head back for book 4 and see Jack and Maddie’s romance bloom <3

I even highlighted a quote, I never ever do this on my kindle which just shows how phenomenal this book was.

‘If you want to make love, make it with me’

5 stars always!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for my e-ARC xx

4.25 ⭐

“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”

I hadn't high expectations for Beg, borrow or steal but it turned out to be my favorite one from this series! Emily was painfully relatable to me – no, really, get out of my head Sarah Adams :) And I loooved Emily & Jack’s dynamics. I’m a sucker for academic rivals to lovers and their interactions reminded me of coballoway (from the Calloway sisters series) sooo I enjoyed this book a lot!!

Also, I LOVED the bonds between the Walker sisters and the found family was so sweet and comforting 🥹 I can't wait for the last book, I’m sure Maddie and James will serve boy obsessed and ‘it’s always been you’ and I’m here for it!

I to-ta-lly LOVED it! This is such a freaking cute story. 😍

4-4.25 ⭐
The relationship between Emily and Jack is delightful, sexy, and so funny—I laughed out loud! Their witty banter when they're still nemeses is perfect, and you can easily understand their emotional challenges. I loved watching them fall in love because the author takes time to develop their dynamic. There are so many romantic moments, and you finish the story with happiness in your heart.

The book has some spicy scenes—not over the top, just the perfect balance that I personally love.

I have to admit, I hadn’t really connected with Sarah Adams' writing...until now. This is definitely my favorite of her books. So, if you’re looking for a story to brighten your days, this rom-com is the answer!

"You think you're unlovable, but I think I've never known how to love until knowing you."

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

And again Sarah Adams proves that she is my all time fav author!! I absolutely loved being back in Rome and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to get the eArc. Emily is by far my favorite sibling, maybe it's because I'm also an older sister, but I could really relate to her personality and inner conflicts. And the banter between her and Jack was just chef's kiss, I was grinning like a damn teenager while sitting in public and reading, because I couldn't contain my emotions!

So here's the thing: I clearly have an issue with specific kinds of characters and sometimes - though, admittedly, not often - I am convinced to like them. Not only do I need the backgrounds - the reasoning behind the way they act - to be convincing enough to let these characters get to me, but their actions in the books also need to help and Emily simply did nothing of those things for me. I understand Sarah Adams was trying to make this whole "rivals to lovers" thing work but it just made me not like these characters. Emily's entire reason to dislike this man was childish and ridiculous and no matter how they put it, I simply had to roll my eyes (yes, I am aware it's fiction, but I need adults to actually act like adults for once). And not to mention the way she acts throughout the book (be mindful of mild spoilers, from here on out) - she goes from missing Jackson, to being sad he left, to acting deranged the second he comes back for no reason at all other than Rome, Kentucky being "her town" (at this point, I half wished she had started a musical number worthy of a West Side Story production) and apparently her not wanting Jackson there....because....I don't know anymore. I just think someone was trying very hard to make me believe that Emily Walker is this selfless, perfectly flawed human being to the point where I reached the end of it and kinda wasn't sure if she even went through a specific arc other than letting her quirky rival date her? I guess.

This was my second book written by Sarah Adams and while I was definitely intrigued by the next sister, I simply don't know if I'll have the will to give that book a try - maybe I just have to accept this author isn't for me.