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

"I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”

Emily is not thrilled when her nemesis Jack comes back to Rome after calling off his wedding. Worse yet, he turns out to be her neighbour. The animosity starts up again until Emily mistakenly sends her steamy manuscript to their school's principal. She needs Jack's help to undo the mistake before her secret comes out.

I loved the banter between Emily and Jackson from the onset. They had buckets of chemistry with every interaction. Yes there was more spice in this one, but it felt right especially as they peeled back their emotional barriers and got to know each other more before going further.

I loved the motorcycle ride. Jack was so fun, flirty and endearing I couldn't help but smile. He supported her in her writing pursuits. I mean, scene-blocking anyone?🤭 Helping her tap into her emotional side in order to give her characters (and herself) breathing room was beautiful.

This definitely had heavy topics with the exploration of Jack's relationship with a narcissistic father. Emily felt lonely and without purpose with her siblings moving on and not needing her. It also tore me when the conflict happened but I loved the healthy communication they employed in those moments.

I loved seeing the other couples. The grace with which the Walker siblings handled each other during emotional hurdles was heartwarming. Mabel's presence was also felt and welcomed as always 😄

Maddie and James were heavily teased in this book. Can't wait for their story! Definitely still mourning closed door Sarah Adams but I loved this so much!

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Out tomorrow!

Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 3🌶️ Open door, mild details

Loved coming back to Rome, Kentucky 🥰 this series has my heart, and I can't wait for Maddie's story too!

📖 Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
📚 book 3 • When in Rome series

⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: open door, mild spice

💭 overall thoughts:
First off - this would make sure a cute romcom movie! I could very much picture it all in my mind 🎬

The rivalry (since college) between Emily & Jack gives us SO MUCH BANTER 😍
They banter in person, by email, through text… all of it!

I love an fmc like Emily, that’s a little harder to love. She’s got her walls up, and feels like she has to have it all together.

Emily takes care of everyone but herself, and Jackson has ALWAYS seen this in her - and eventually finds a way to be the one that takes care of HER.

They both break down the other’s walls, showing vulnerability & truths they’ve never shown anyone else.
I love that they were different, yet also 2 sides of the same coin. It felt like this just made them so perfectly matched 🥹

read if you love:
🏫 rivals since college
👨‍🏫 second grade teachers & writers
🏡 neighbors in a small town
🫣 hidden identity
🏍️ tattooed, glasses-wearing, motorcycle riding mmc who totally falls first
💛 a guarded fmc with baggage, who has a heart of gold & will do anything for the ones she loves
💬 texting & email banter
🐢 slow burn
💞 dual 1st person pov

Thank you to Headline Eternal & NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Emily & Jack ❤️

📝They met at college, both studying teaching, then found themselves at the same school teaching second grade.

🖋️Brutally honest with each other, the rivals have missed each other since Jack moved to Nebraska to follow his fiancé.

✍️Except now he’s broken up with the fiancé, is moving back and buying the house next door to Emily.

📚Emily’s the third sibling to get a HEA in this charming small town series, where the kids grew up with their grandmother after their parents died. The death of their parents has affected each of them differently, Emily, as the oldest daughter took on the role of mother, and is now struggling with an empty nest as Noah, Annie and Madison move on. Jack’s got his own demons but it’s the most special thing when these two put aside their hatred for each other and start to work together.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Pub Date 7 Jan 2025

DNF at 30%

I couldn't read this, it was awful. I'm not sure if it was writing or the plot but I just couldn't finish it.

I haven't read any books from this series so I don't know about Rome, Kentucky, but I hated this town since the first page. The FMC says how everyone in town (EVERYONE) had been stalking her sister and bullying her sister's boyfriend because they thought she was too good for him and that's described as... normal? As if there's nothing wrong with it? I haven't read the book so I don't know the details, but they made a PETITION? For her to stop dating him? Jesus Christ if someone would have bullied me and the man I loved that way because they thought he wasn't "good enough for me" I would have left with him and never come back. This is not normal. I don't know why the author treats it like it's somehow cute and quirky when that behavior is toxic.

ANYWAY, onto the story - FMC was just pathetic. I hate when the authors try to make us believe that FMC hated MMC when her heart skips a beat at the sound of his name, her breath hitches as they grow closer, she cares about whether or not he broke up with someone... Just stop it. Show us hate for once. Show us that she doesn't care about him or what he thinks or does (but no, she constantly has to bring up how he didn't say goodbye to her), show us that she doesn't pay him any attention because she focuses on something else, show us her having walls around him because he already hurt her once and she doesn't trust him. Show us how he tries to be a dick to her to get a reaction but realizes that's a bad call because she doesn't rise to his bait. Show us how he changes his approach and tries to be nice but she doesn't trust him. Show us how she begrudgingly (AND SLOWLY, NOT IN A SINGLE CHAPTER) starts listening to what he's saying and how his little acts of service show her that he means it. Show us how she goes from not giving him the time of day and rolling his eyes (because she thinks he's an idiot not worth her time, not because she's trying to hide she's attracted to him), to slowly getting to know him better and slowly starting to see him in a different light and developing feelings.

I'm sick and tired of authors promising us enemies to lovers, only to have them be already attracted to each other and pining for each other and the whole animosity being there for all 3 or 4 chapters. I want them hating each other with no love or lust underneath it at least until the 30% of the book or something. is this too much to ask?
I'm

Jack and Emily made me not want to put this book down. I needed to know what would happen next. I need to go and read more of Adams books now!