When someone in a small town romance novel has a nemesis, it’s almost always going to end up that it was in fact love and not hate they felt!

Emily was ecstatic when Jack moved away with his fiancé - only now her nemesis is back, having called off the wedding and left his relationship.

She’s clearly upset that he left without saying goodbye - maybe he couldn’t say goodbye to her?

I loved the tension between them - the author got enemies to lovers right, where they bicker all the time and have witty retorts but this only adds to the tension.

I really enjoyed the secondary plot line that they’re authors - he’s rivalling his best selling dad and she’s a secret romance author.

In terms of setting, this has the same small town vibes as the rest in the series. There are heavy themes of community and I loved all the small town tropes (everyone knows everyone and gossip is rife).

Jack was a character I loved - he’s recently split up with his fiancé, having called off their wedding, and moved into a rundown house next door to Emily. The way his family life is described really endeared him to me as a character - he’s turned into a nice guy despite the trauma from his dad. Becoming a writer to rival him, but doing so under a pseudonym. Despite his tumultuous upbringing he’s done well for himself - a best selling author and school teacher.

Emily was an interesting character. She was clearly very lonely - touching on themes of family loss and grief, and feeling left behind when her siblings have moved on with their lives. I loved how we touched on themes of needing help and asking for it through her character, and how she navigated her struggles. Being the oldest daughter and how it makes you feel responsible for everyone and how that plays into adulthood when you feel like you’re no longer ‘needed’ - was done really well here.

Overall I loved the dynamic between the two main characters - true enemies to lovers with great tension and really good character building. I really enjoyed the small town setting and the dynamics with side characters. A good instalment in this series!

ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.n

I loved this book, it was a warm cozy can't stop smiling fun escape from real life. This author was new to me but her writing immediately drew me in and her rich and likeable main characters were a delight to read about. While this book is #3 in a series set in Rome, Kentucky it can be read as standalone. I've not read the others in the series and found this easy-to-understand but I could see the benefits in reading from the start as you would know some of the side characters that are in this. I will be going back to read all the books in this series as well as other books by this author.

Review is posted on Goodreads & Amazon Australia. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for a copy of this book.l

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

When in Rome was my first Sarah Adams book and it didn't disappoint, that book and the whole series have my heart and I find myself giggling and loving the characters.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal wasn't much different, I'd even say it was better than the previous two books! I felt more connected to the main character, Emily, because I'd already read a bit about her, but that wasn't all. I saw myself in some of her thoughts and actions, about caring so much about others and putting herself second, holding back her emotions and always trying to do things perfectly at first.

Jack was a nice surprise, he has a big heart and everyone loves him, but he still manages to keep up a good, fun banter with our main character. I think he brought another meaning to the story with his past and what happens in his family, which also allowed us to better understand the way he thinks and acts towards others.

However, I missed a more in-depth look at these problems, those of the family and those that the main characters were facing in their own lives. But I also realise that this hasn't been talked about as much because this is more of a romantic comedy book and that's understandable!

I'm curious to read the next book because we saw a lot of easter eggs!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal felt like a warm hug, an engrossing enemies to lovers story that felt unique in its execution.

The dual POV for Emily and Jack gave such powerful insights into their emotional experiences. Their initial witty bickering had me chuckling, and I loved watching this dynamic evolve. The exploration of Emily’s sadness, her putting the needs of others ahead of her own, and fear of being left written in such a relatable and nuanced way. Jacks relationship with his parents was fascinating. Watching their chemistry develop as they worked through these challenges was such a delight.

I read this as a standalone after loving other books by Adams, and found there was sufficient backstory to thoroughly enjoy it. However I now can’t wait to pick up Noah and Annie’s stories, and will be looking out for Maddie’s.

Thank you Headline for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

This was a hilarious, entertaining, sweet and enjoyable book. I loved meeting Emily and Jack, and overall had one amazing time with it.

Emily is very sensitive, a perfectionist and a true family person. Jack is funny, cute, very supportive.
I really enjoyed both these characters, and Emily was fairly relatable in some moments.

The banter between Jack and Emily made me giddy and I caught myself giggling more often than not with their interactions. I really enjoyed seeing them transition from rivals to lovers and all that's involved: them opening up with each other, saying things they'd kept hidden, and just giving into their feelings.

Now, I also feel that this book was a bit repetitive, and I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the slow-burn pacing. Additionally, I would have loved to see the characters' mental health explored more deeply, as it felt like the topic was only touched upon at a surface level.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the third-act conflict either, although it was resolved quickly.

All in all, this was a sweet and funny read, and I loved being back in this small town. ❤️
ALSO! I need Madison's book IMMEDIATELY! Please.

I enjoyed going back to Rome and reading Emily’s story. I did find that it just seemed unfinished in the storyline, it seemed to end very abruptly and I would have liked if we could have seen a bit more about Jackson’s identity being released.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in the When In Rome series by Sarah Adams and it was so so cute!!
I really liked the book right from the start, however, somewhere in the middle it started to slow down and became repetitive, but it quickly picked up again and it was so so worth it because the end is a beautiful story.
I absolutely love Emily (Emily is for the older siblings, sensitive and perfectionist girlies)!! Emily was so relatable when she dropped her walls. I love how her story played out.
The romance is a bit push and pull, with really great chemistry between the main characters (Emily and Jack).
I just can't wait for everyone to pick this one and be transported to Rome, Kentucky (the most adorable small town!!!)

Thank you Headline Eternal and Sarah Adams for the eARC copy.

It was no surprise to me that I absolutely loved this book! I genuinely have enjoyed every book that I have read of Sarah’s this one is a continuation of the When in Rome series and it follows the oldest sister. It’s an enemies to lovers plot line and the banter was great! I really liked getting to know Emily she was a fairly complex but loveable character. I always love series’ and getting to drop back in on old characters, books like this just feel like a warm hug to me.

4.5⭐️ 🥹❤️‍🩹

Thank you to headline and netgalley for the ARC!! This was my first Sarah Adams book so I was a little nervous going in, I didn’t know what to expect but I was so pleasantly surprised!!

I loved so much about this book! I thought that both Jack and Emily had so much emotional depth and felt so real and relatable - as someone who has lost a parent and deals with that everyday, I felt so seen by Emily’s grief. Her perfectionism and need to do so much for others really resonated with me. I love her! And as for Jackson, the man that he is! I wish we got a bit more backstory on his relationship with his mother and father/ saw a little more of that in real time in the book - the scenes towards the end were great in terms of understanding his struggle and I enjoyed seeing his development on that front, but I sort of wish we got a little more?! But the parts we did see were so emotional and I really felt for him!

The character development for both Emily and Jack was so beautiful to see and I feel like we really went on a journey with them. The plot was so fun, and I loved how they went from rivals-friends-lovers 🥹 the tension and banter between them was palpable, i laughed a lot - was just so good in so many ways!!

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, especially because of the parts we got to see of the other couples!! Sarah Adams is definitely going to be a fave author of mine and I can’t wait to read all she has written!

3.5*

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This is the third in the When in Rome series, although they can all be read as standalones. I spent the first few chapters trying to remember what had happened in the previous two books, there was no need! Sarah slips in reminders on what we need to know! So, I'm blaming myself for it taking a bit longer for me to get into the story.

Emily was such sweet character, even with the walls she's built to protect herself and Jack was the perfect match for her even as a nemesis. They really do bring out the best inb each other and it was lovely to watch their relationship change.

Hoping we get more in this series!

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

This has to be my favourite in the series so far. Emily Walker, I see you and I love you.

Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett didn't start off on the right foot. Freshly out of a breakup, Emily bumps into Jackson on their first day in college. Literally. Coffee spills; Jackson tries to charm her but she basically steps on his foot. Thus began their academic rivalry. A couple of years later, both end up teaching at the same elementary school and constantly fight to be the students' favorites. But, now, Jackson is getting married and has left the state. Without saying goodbye. That bothers Emily for some reason.

Things happen (for the best), and Jackson ends up moving to Rome and being her new next-door neighbour. Emily swears to bring hell on him and send him running. But a situation falls upon her, and she's forced to seek help from her one and only nemesis.

Sarah Adams casually drops one of the best small town romcoms ever, thinking we won’t notice 😤😤😤😤

Emily is the eldest daughter in the Walker family, and she takes her role very seriously. So seriously that sometimes she becomes a victim of her own neglect. Everyone knows how strong she is and they adore her. But no one really SEES her. And that leaves her feeling lonely.

Jackson... this man is everything a girl needs. Aside from being a fashionable secret author with colorful tattoos, he's a GOOD MAN. He's witty, strong but sensitive, smart, and levelheaded.
There’s really no one like him. He’s so devoted, caring, and such a great listener. He just gets people in a way that’s almost unreal. That's what makes the people of Rome fall in love with him instantly. And the best part? He’s not afraid to face his feelings. Oh, and he's got a motorcycle. (he looks absolutely delicious riding it.)

Jack and Emily are absolutely EVERYTHING! Their chemistry is off the charts, and the enemies to lovers trope? Flawlessly done. THE TENSION? OOOFF *fanning myself*. Their banter is pure gold. So sharp and hilarious, I was giggling and laughing out loud the whole time. The way they bicker and tease... omg so cute, and you can just feel their harmless animosity turn into something really deep. It makes the entire story shine with so much warmth and humor. I’m obsessed! It's literally the perfect example of when the fmc believes she's hard to love and the mmc loves her like it's breathing. PLS IM GONNA CRY. I love how Jack helped Emily with her wanting to become an author. I really enjoyed the overall story. All the characters were so loveable.

I'm going to be recommending this book A LOT.

Thank you so much for the ARC @NetGally @HeadlineEternal

Absolutely brilliant book!
I am a big fan of this author and love the writing style!
I cant wait to read more!

Read if you like: rivals to lovers, workplace romance, neighbours to lovers, small town, forced proximity, bickering, he falls first, decade feud

Oh my god the banter was UNMATCHED in this book. I loved every single second of their rivalry and verbal sparring, I couldn’t stop giggling!! 🥰😂
Emily and Jackson are teachers at the same school and now neighbours. Emily is independent, determined, loves a routine and hates change. Jackson is cheeky, charming, charismatic, friendly, and just as determined as Emily. Their chemistry was so freakin hot!! 🔥🔥 I had to stop reading at times just so I could process what I read and fan myself 😮‍💨🤭

I enjoyed this book so much. Seeing how they went from (sort of) hating each other, to flirting, then to loving each other was so freakin cute. It was in the touches, the glances, the awkwardness, and when they tried not to smile at each other.
They were two characters with rough pasts and secrets. They don’t get too close to anyone, but they somehow found solace in each other. The way Sarah Adams wrote these complex characters made my heart ache, but I’m eager to read the other books in the series just to find more about Emily’s siblings. This book shows that you aren’t alone in hiding your sadness, fears, and scary emotions. You just never know what someone might be going through.

I did have a tiny problem with Emily at the end, she frustrated me when she ran away from her emotions and how she didn’t like change. She needs a therapist 😭 Nonetheless, it was a great story and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to her as the eldest daughter who has the weight of the world on her shoulders.

This was my first book from Sarah and definitely not my last. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for everyone else to read it when it comes out. It’s insane how many quotes and pages I have highlighted and tabbed 🥹

Thank you so much Headline Eternal and NetGalley for this ARC 🫶🏻

If you like small town romance, rivals to lovers, cutesy-boots-down-bad-sunshine-boys, this one is for you!

Thank you Headline Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Headline Eternal, and Sarah Adams for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Beg, Borrow, or Steal” by Sarah Adams is the fourth instalment of the “When in Rome”-series and follows the story of the eldest Walker sister Emily and her archnemesis Jack on their journey from rivals to lovers.

The story begins with Jack Bennett returning to the small town Rome, Kentucky. Though able to charm everyone around him, there is exactly one person he cannot seem to win over: Emily Walker. From rivalry at university to rivalry at their shared work space at an elementary school, Jack and Emily had many exchanges, most of them containing foul comments and threats. Yet, it is Emily that inspires Jack to return to Rome after ending his engagement to his long term girlfriend. He cannot seem to get her out of his head, now she lives next door and Jack is set to explore those strange feelings underneath all the quarreling. Luckily for him, Emily is very much in need of some attention and writing advice. After all her siblings started living their dreams and settling down, Emily feels left behind and a little lonely. All of her frustration is channeled into her writing project, but something is holding back. Something that Jack, who secretly is also a writer, helps to unravel, just like all the feelings she has been harvesting for the cute guy with glasses that gets on her nerves…

Though this novel can be read as a standalone and reviewed as such, I will discuss in the context of the series. Among all the three books in the series so far, Emily’s story has been the weakest so far. After two books of buildup to the eldest of the bunch, it was a rather disappointing experience. The biggest difference between this novel and the instalments before is the lack of depth. While Annie and Noah’s stories were also romantic comedies, the heartache and personal conflict part was executed much better.

This book tries to go down many roads, yet never arrives anywhere fulfilling. For one we have Emily and her struggles as the eldest daughter, her aspirations of becoming a writer, and her problems with intimacy, on the other we have Jack, a teacher with a secret writing career, battling his narcissistic father and also tortured by a lack of trust in anyone. Emily’s struggle with being the eldest daughter, seeing herself responsible for everyone in the Walker family and prioritizing the happiness of others instead of her own, is mostly just brushed over. A sad choice considering that many could identify with such pressures as the oldest sibling in the family. But the resolution of this family conflict was very unsatisfying. All it took was one mediocre conversation with her sisters and all was good. Her career as a writer was mostly used as a plotpoint to create a connection with Jack, and her intimacy problems were lost in the inconsistency of her character. Similar problems arose with Jack whose secret writing career was so low angst that I didn’t really get why he kept it under covers. His narcissistic father barely played any role, and there was no exploration of correlation of his difficult relationship with his parents and his personal relationships. And his lack of trust also got lost in the weird inconsistency in his character.

I think Adams tried to go with a black cat and golden retriever type of relationship, but in the end the roles of who was supposed to be who were very unclear. Emily is a warm person when it comes to her pupils, siblings and anyone in town, but mostly cold when it comes to letting in men. So, I thought it was a little strange to constantly brand her as the cold and quiet one when in the context of the story does not make that much sense. Like many MMCs in recent works Jack lacks a truck load of personality. He was just random attractive traits thrown into a pot with a pinch of secrecy. For someone surviving a household with an alcoholic and narcissistic father I expected a bit more edge, but he was as hardcore as an overcooked noodle.

Their romance made sort of sense, but as so many novels before I didn’t buy the whole nemesis bit. Jack tried to flirt with Emily after the day her boyfriend broke up with her, and she hates him for the next decade or something. It seems a little too silly for me. Being rivals yes, but the whole bickering and being mean not really. I liked a bit of their chemistry. Especially all the scenes Jack catches Emily in her satin pyjama sets. I wish there would have been more of Jack trying to reenact the scenes of Emily’s novels with her, I thought that bit was very fun. When they were trapped in the closet at the principal’s house, the steam was off the charts, and I think that was one of the best scenes romance wise in this novel. A physical representation of how emotionally close they have grown over the past weeks. That was very lovely.

Like always in this series I love the entire cast of side characters. I especially enjoyed Annie and Will’s relationship in the aftermath of their own story. It was such a treat to see them finally get engaged, and everyone being so supportive. Even Mable’s role in this novel was superb as the figure to talk some sense into Jack and seeing Emily in her true form. There was much built up for Maddie’s story, and I very much look forward to it.

This book is a little steamier than the ones before. I guess, after Adams finished her first open door romance, she opened the door a bit more in this series as well. I do not mind this decision, but I am a bit hesitant if having such a change midway in a series is the best decision.

Overall, this novel does have the Sarah Adams’ feel good vibes, fun dialogue and most importantly a return to my favourite small town in Kentucky. I wish there would have been more depth in character exploration and development, as well as a more believable overall conflict. The plot seemed a bit too vague in my eyes, and I wish a clearer story outline would have framed Emily’s story. I hope for more satisfaction in the next instalment, as the buildup so far appears very promising.

The third fabulous romance in the Rome, Kentucky universe from Sarah Adams. This is joyful, and very funny, and just as wonderful as the first two.

Emily and Jack have taught at the same school for years. Jack is also (secretly) a successful mystery novelist, while Emily has (secretly) written her first romance which she wants to send out into the world. As the book opens, Jack has moved to Nebraska to get married. Then he returns to Rome after his engagement ends, essentially because he misses Emily and the possibility of what they might be. He buys the house next door, Emily declares war and it’s game-on with sparring and pranking and trying to best each other. Jack is aware of his feelings for Emily and is quite deliberate in breaking down her barriers. Slowly the mood changes from the sniping, pranks and bickering towards a more thoughtful exploration of their differences. Side characters push and pull the attraction between Emily and Jack. Coincidence and interruption play a big part. Sarah’s writing is that little bit cheesy but as always, it’s incredibly caring of both her characters and the reader. Sarah’s books have been closed door until recently, and this has two chapters of intimacy which are flagged in the content warnings. One highlight is after Jack reads Emily’s manuscript, he talks her through rewriting a sex scene. It’s so hot even though nothing actually happens. So clever!

While this is a standalone, you’ll have had glimpses of Emily if you’ve read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect. Emily is the eldest girl in the family of four orphans and has been mothering her siblings since their parents’ death when she was eight. She’s that complicated mix of matriarchal and meddling that makes her bossy and inflexible. It’s as if her self-worth is tied to her centrality in her siblings’ lives. Trouble is they are moving on, and Emily’s getting left behind. This manifests in a kind of low-level depression and spikiness that pushes everyone away. As she thinks, “When I’m not moving, when I’m not busy, when I’m not needed, it’s so so lonely.” She’s also intensely competitive which creates a complication with Jack’s success.

Jack has his own issues. He’s a successful novelist, but hiding behind a pseudonym - so there’s secrets, which are never a good idea. His father is a narcissist who gaslights his mother and he’s trying to navigate this, along with a full-time teaching position and keeping his novelist-self private. Flamboyant and extroverted (his dress-choices are hilarious), he makes people like him, but there’s a cost: ‘I read people and adapt before I even realize I’m doing it’.
There’s both internal and external conflict, lots of character development, tenderness and caretaking. The mood is like an enhanced reality where everyone is lovely but the characters still have their darknesses and insecurities. It’s a safe place in the best way.

Thank you Sarah Adams, Headline Eternal and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I was so excited to read this book, and I wasn’t disappointed!!!

The story, the progression of events, the characters, and their development—I loved it all.

Jackson won my heart the moment I found out he wore glasses (I have a soft spot for men who wear them). I adored his personality, the development of his character, and his past, which added a touch of respect for what he went through and what he became because of it.

However, I struggled with Emily. She annoyed me so much, even when I tried to understand her. I just couldn’t; I felt like she was unnecessarily mean and unapproachable. But her past adds a touch of humanity to her character (that’s Jack’s opinion, not mine).

In the end, the book was truly excellent. I laughed a lot, and I loved every moment of the Walker family gatherings.

The town’s loyalty to the Walkers is something worth highlighting—it really moved me.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the third book in a series, but it can also be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the first two books), and that didn’t bother me at all. In fact, it only made me want to discover the earlier books even more.

I have no idea how Sarah Adams consistently writes such swoony, steamy slow-burns that are also closed-door? She makes you fall in love with the characters almost instantly and I think just about everyone can relate to Emily, who's taken on running the family and her life and her class with a military precision. I love that we got to unravel Jack as Emily got to know him properly, and you really get the sense that Sarah has plotted these characters so extensively that you really get to know such full and well rounded people. She leaves no stone unturned and I ATE IT UP.

My only complaint is that Sarah Adams doesn't have 5000 books for me to work my way through!

I go into every Sarah Adams book expecting to absolutely love it, and it never disappoints.

This third book in the When in Rome series is just as amazing as the previous ones. I fell in love with Emily in a heartbeat. I felt so much for her, how she cares for everyone around her and has given up on finding someone to care for her - to cherish her rough edges and see they're only here to protect herself from more heartbreak. She's vulnerable but she hides it, until Jack sees through it and shows up for her. He wants her just as she is, and she didn't even think that was possible.

Were there ever a better love declaration than "I care for you always. I want you, always. The good, the bad, and the in-between. I. Want. You. Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey hart... all of it. All of you."? (That was a rhetoric question - no, there was not).

*I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion*

This book blew me away. Definitely the best of the 3 in the series so far. I felt such a connection to Emily, she is just like me. I also have a hard time asking for help, letting myself feel vulnerable, and feel the constant need to put others first. And I love that she found her equal in Jack. I am a HUGE fan of banter, and the banter was on point. I loved their feuding and teasing relationship. It provided for some great tension, which led to their even greater romance.
I love the "blocking" scene. It had me kicking my feet waiting to see where it went, and the closet scene had my toes curling. They are truly the perfect match for each other and I love that even in the end, they continued their relationship with that foundation.
The scene where Emily got the feedback from the publisher was tough. My heart broke for her that she couldn't let Jack in when all he wanted to do was be there for her. But they eventually found their way to each other, and discovered how to be patient and help each other in their own way. Even when Jack had his difficulties with his father, he still let her help and take care of him.
They relationship was great. It felt real and I love how it built up. Seeing the past emails they sent were so enjoyable, and it really gave a foundation into their relationship. I love when she later asked about why he stayed late at the library. It just made my heart melt.
And while it was such a small part, the 2 unsent emails to each other said everything we needed to know about their relationship. They felt so restricted by this rivalry that they felt they should have, that they were afraid to take the leap and fall.
I loved the foreshadowing to the next relationship we will get in the next book as well. None of the others really had that, and it makes me so much more excited for the next one.
To be honest, I don't have much critiques. I tend to like spicier books, so for me the spice content could have been upped, but that is not what this author writes, and I feel like it would have taken away from the true story for Emily and Jacks. While they both grew together in their past traumas, I would have maybe liked to see them explore their own healing journeys individually as well.

But this was a 4.5 star read for me!