I think it’s safe to say, I will read anything Sarah Adams writes!! When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect are two of my favourite books, so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of book 3, and it did not disappoint! I LOVED it!!

Sarah has the ability to make you escape as soon as you start reading, and before you know it you’re invested in the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next! It’s the best!!

I loved Emily and Jack!!
They are fabulous characters, their tension is on point, their honesty is brilliant and their chemistry is HOT! Not to mention the banter is a lot of fun too! I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved that the heat was turned up around the half way mark, it was highly entertaining watching these two get to know each other! I could feel the love 🥰

I can’t forgot to mention another favourite character…
Oh Mabel, I’ve missed you and your wonderful words of wisdom!
“Life can be a little sh!t sometimes. But sh!t also makes great fertilizer”.

I also loved that this wasn’t just a romance, the characters are dealing with difficulties in their lives and issues from their past, which Sarah addresses really well and makes you feel a whole lot more too.

What I love about Sarah’s writing is that you get to know the main characters really well. They feel like old friends where you know their deepest secrets. You feel completely invested and feel genuinely happy or sad for them when things happen. It’s so good!

I will miss the Walker siblings and their partners, I cannot wait for book 4 now! This book gets all the stars from me and I highly recommend it!

‘Beg, Borrow Or Steal’ by Sarah Adams is the third novel in the swoony small-town ‘When In Rome’ series, set in Rome, Kentucky and following the Walker siblings. This time, the main character is schoolteacher Emily, beloved by the townspeople and adored by her siblings. The story begins with her arch-nemesis since college days, Jack, returning to Rome after a failed engagement, and becomes a funny, sweet and steamy enemies-to-lovers romance.

Sarah Adams is great at creating likeable characters, and Emily and Jack certainly fit the bill! Emily’s ambition, humour and relatable insecurities about not being needed by her coupled up siblings and her youngest sister living it up in New York endeared her to me, and I enjoyed Jack’s earnestness and banter. Both characters loving to write was a nice feature, and I especially enjoyed how Jack’s relationship with his father impacted his motivations.

I felt like the chemistry between the two leads could have been stronger, and found the plot quite slow compared to the other books in the series, but it was definitely heartwarming and fun to read. The way we got to see Annie and Will’s love progress, and Amelia and Noah making big decisions (while Amelia casually made every new character she was introduced too starstruck) helped keep me eagerly reading!

Overall, this gets four stars from me. A lovely romance, but not my absolute favourite from the author… I can’t wait to see if she writes a book on the final sibling Maddie - and whether it’s set in the big city or the small town!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Headline via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Oh, *Beg, Borrow, and Steal* is the rom-com I didn’t know I needed but now can’t stop thinking about. There were so many moments that had me giggling, full-on cackling, and swooning all at once. And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it hits you with the perfect amount of emotion that doesn't feel forced or cheesy. It’s just... (I honestly can't put it into words)

Sarah Adams has been a bit of a hit-or-miss for me in the past, but this book? Hit it out of the park. Her writing just keeps getting better! The pacing was perfect. The characters didn’t feel rushed, and I loved the slow-burn vibe. Even the conflict felt like a natural plot twist instead of something thrown in to stir the pot. Plus, the communication was *so* on point, making the tension angsty in just the right way—without dragging things out too long.

Now, let’s talk about Emily and Jack ˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎
Like, do I even need to say more? These two were *everything*. Their journey from rivals to reluctant friends to full-blown lovers had the perfect pace, and I was never bored for a second. Emily - she was everything to me throughout this book. I related to her being the older sister who feels like she has to be perfect all the time. Watching her learn to let go and realize she doesn’t have to carry that weight made me cry like a baby.
And Jack. New book boyfriend for sure. This guy was SO gone for Emily the second he laid eyes on her again.

And let's not forget Rome!˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎
Coming back to that city and seeing the other characters I’ve come to love was like getting a big warm hug from the book world.
Seriously, this book is the definition of a perfect romcom. It's got the right balance of fluff, angst, and that delicious tension that makes it a five-star read I’ll probably never shut up about. My heart is full. ❤️

Gosh this was just so perfectly wholesome and wonderful! I adored Practice Makes Perfect immensely last year (way more than I anticipated) and hoped that Beg, Borrow or Steal would live up to it… and boy did it! I’m so happy this filled me with the same giddiness and joy that Annie and Will did. Emily and Jack were hilariously petty, sharp and witty, and sizzling with so much tension from the moment they laid eyes on each other I thought I might combust.

Their chemistry was just so effortless, full of charm and humour, while their vulnerability with each other perfectly balanced the humour. I really connected with Emily’s anxieties about her loneliness, god it was so gut wrenching that I couldn’t help but cry a few times. I loved Emily just as much as I loved Annie. I need Madison and James now… like right now.

okayyyy sarah adams!! this was my first book by this author and after all the hype, she definitely knows her way around a quick and cute romcom! i thought that their chemistry wss SO palpable and his unwavering support in her career was utterly swoon worthy. i will absolutely be reading her next book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve not read the previous two books in the series and I think this affected my enjoyment of the story a little bit. I still really enjoyed it and would recommend to friends who love rivals to lovers set in a small town! The premise appealed to me because I have a history in teaching and am always drawn to books with teachers - they feel really relatable. I think I’ll re-read this once I’ve read the first two books and see what I think then!

Love books with a unique troupe as it draws my attention into the book. Teacher x Teacher is definitely an underdone troupe and I applaud Sarah Adams for writing that unique troupe. The pacing on the book felt a little slow for me and I wished that the book had a quicker pace to retain interest.

The book follows 2 second grade teachers that tech at the same school in a small town. These enemies to lovers have known echoer since college and have been enemies since.

This is my favorite from the series.

Even though I've had a feeling since WIR that Madison and James' book would be my favorite, I have a hard time seeing how it can top this one. I spent the whole book with a smile on my face. I loved everything about it, from the characters to the plot, from the found family to the deep topics covered.

It was impossible for me not to find myself in the character of Emily. I honestly think she's one of the female characters most like me. This book is for all the older sisters who find meaning in their lives only by being useful to their siblings or relatives. It's for those on whom others rely but who don’t rely on anyone. It's for those who stay, who are afraid of change.

Jack, her nemesis, well… he’s husband material in the real life. He’s blond with glasses… a man after my own heart. He's the one who doesn't make waves. Who keeps his emotions bottled up. Who can never really be himself and say what's on his mind... Except with Emily. Their bickering is what keeps him honest. The worst of their interactions brings out the best in them. And they serve the “it’s always been you” trope.

Honestly, I laughed a lot during my reading. There are some completely hilarious scenes and improbable situations that counterbalance the much more emotional moments.

I'm so glad I was able to get an advance copy of this book. Thanks to Sarah Adams and Netgalley!

Release date: January, 7th.

The best book in this whole little series! I adored it so so so much!
The only thing I can say is read this!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal was another delightful trip to Rome, Kentucky, this time with eldest daughter Emily Walker, and her nemesis, Jack Bennett.
I loved everything about this story. Sarah Adams balances fun, heartfelt, and deeply emotional moments perfectly. She ratchets up the intensity when you least expect it, and the feels will come out of nowhere and punch you in the gd throat. Emily and Jack suit each other so well, in all the ways that they need and want.
Tearing up while writing this, but it needs to be said: this story shows you that it's OK to let people in, and that you don't have to do it all alone. And to set boundaries because your sanity is important!
Sarah Adams writes the kind of stories that make you cheer for the main characters, and characters that make you feel seen. An absolute treasure!

ೃ⁀➷ 5⭐️

Read if you like :

small town 🏡
rivals to lovers 🌸
sunshine / sunshine 🌞

I didn’t know being back in Rome, Kentucky would feel so good but GOD it did.
I stayed up late to keep reading it, i couldn’t stop, didn’t want to.
Emily was the character I felt less connected to in the two first books so I didn’t have a lot of expectations on her book. I should have known tho. I should have known that Sarah Adams’ would have made such a profound character. Emily has so much depth i actually felt bad for not noticing her struggles. She has the ‘big sister’ role even tho Noah is three years older. She takes this family’s hand and didn’t let go since she was 8.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ The Plot *ੈ✩‧₊˚
I was afraid I wouldn’t like the rival-teachers thing and to be fair I didn’t actually even liked the summary but let’s be real here, the setting of this small town and all the characters is so good I knew i would like it. And yep it didn’t disappoint.
Sarah Adams’ ideas for the plot was amazing, there’s not a single thing I didn’t like… okay maybe Jack doing a wheelie got me cringing a little. But that’s it. 😭


*ੈ✩‧₊˚The Writing *ੈ✩‧₊˚

I didn’t get bored for a SECOND, the pace wasn’t slow nor fast it was perfect. There wasn’t too much words or too little. SA has a way with words it’s frightening. She lays words on paper and without knowing it you find yourself crying in the middle of the night over some people who doesn’t even exist. Then a second after you are trying not to laugh too loud because your man is sleeping next to you and you don’t wanna explain to him how words make you laugh so hard a second and boil your eyes out the next.
What she writes best tho is the chemistry. In every damn book. That’s what i love most about her.


ੈ✩‧₊˚ The characters *ੈ✩‧₊˚
I’m gonna start with Jackson because please this man cannot exist in real life. There’s no man like him, he is so devoted, caring, such a good listener and he can read people like no one else. He’ll always face his feelings and embrace them, even when he doesn’t know what they are. Like every character in this series, there’s depth in him, a background, a scar that hasn’t heal. And he dig into his darkness to be the sunshine everyone wants. But not with Emily, never with her. He can be himself around her.
Emily has proclaim herself the big sister of the Walker’s family and she doesn’t allow herself to feel sadness, despair, heartache or grief. She feels like she has to shoulder everything and take everyone’s weight and make them all feel lighter. Until she collapses under her siblings’ burdens. She doesn’t allow herself to cry until there’s only tears left in her and she can’t control the sadness in her anymore.
Enters the room her all-time nemesis, Jack.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ More things I loved ੈ✩‧₊˚

☆ Mabel !!!! The way she talked about Emily with Jack ? That made me tear up
☆ The crumbs we got of Madison and James and let me tell you this is my most anticipated read. I feel like this gonna be a favorite. I liked James from the first second and I hoped so bad to have a book about him.
☆ When they tasted Amelia’s pancakes at the end and the place that Jack immediately found in the family. The way they were all happy ? It made my heart bursts to thousand of emotions like this was my own eyes witnessing the moment.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ Quotes ੈ✩‧₊˚

“Emily Walker. You might be able to steamroll everyone else around here into submission. But not me.
Never me. If you want something from me, you'll have to ask politely."”

I put my laptop away and give in to the part of the night I dread: cutting off my light.
When there's nothing but gaping darkness, the word alone seems to pulse around me. It's a salivating monster in every corner.

"Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?"
I guess a little of that flirtation from the road has lingered. His smile is a feral thing.
"More than either of us is comfortable with.

He gets closer to me. Tentatively.
"Tell me you're okay. I need to hear you say it."

Goldie.

"Jack..." He stops and turns his head back to me. "Why did you have a spare helmet?"
All I can see is my own refection in his visor. He waits so long to respond that I know he's looking for a lie but can't find one.
"I hoped you would ride with me some day and I wanted to be prepared."

Why do I want to bite his elbow? I'm ninety percent sure that's a weird thing to
think.

Sex for me has always been A + B = C. Meanwhile it seems Jack has been out there perfor-ming advanced algebra.

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

"I don't want to be one of the guys. I want to be yours."

"I love you too, Emily... I don't need any-thing from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of.”

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

We're not going to be competing over a parking space because we'll ride together.

"And to think you consider yourself hard to love." I kiss her temple. "Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done."


Thank you so much Netgalley for sending an advanced copy of this treasure. Forever grateful. ✨🤍

I’m a huge fan of Sarah Adams books, I think I’ve read pretty much all of her recent series but this one just felt deeper. Maybe because I already have a connection to the characters? I do love a series!

But for me the writing in this book just went that little bit deeper. The emotions were a little bit rawer and it all just felt more real than her other books.

Emily our FMC has been the caretaker of the family, the one who puts her feelings aside to care for everyone else and her battles to take something for herself hit hard. Her need to be strong and not show weakness but of course there’s one person who can see through all of that. Her arc nemesis Jackson.

Jack and Emily’s banter is top tier, I loved the email communications, and the way old emails tie in, building on their journey from rivals to friends to…..maybe more.

The background to both characters is perfect, enough to give me an emotional attachment to both, without going too in depth to loose the main storyline.

The pace is great, highs and lows to keep you engaged.

And a sneaky sneaky hint of a possible book 4 because let me tell you, Maddison and James are building to something! And side character giving MC energy to Mabel who deserves her own book, mainly for this quote!

“Good. Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer.”

The tea ☕️

⚔️- enemies to lovers
🏘️ - small town romance
🤭 - banter
🤫- secret identity
❤️‍🩹 - battles with mental health/grief
🏍️ - he has a motorbike
🐈 - she has a cat
🔥- slow burn
🌶️ - 1.5/5 spice

***warning - highlight quotes may give clues to spoilers***

—- Highlights ——

“I also don’t want to talk shit about him when he’s not present. Not because I’m protecting him, but because I’d rather do it to his face where he can react. It’s more fun that way.”

“I’m incapable of doing anything but stare. Gawk. Ogle. Dear lord. Heavens to Betsy. Good gracious. I am unwell. “

“I’m on the floor and a little drunk. I didn’t mean to get drunk. I was perfectly sober before I started drinking.”

“It doesn’t matter.” The wine I drank pours itself out of my eyes. “My life is over. O.E.V.E.R.”
“I’m glad you also know the super-secret way to spell ‘over,’ ” he says

“I tickle him and he flinches with a laugh. It stops me dead in my tracks. Are Jack and I playing? Yes. We are . . . and I love it. I’m scared of it—this joyous, reckless feeling—but I love it.”

“His eyes are invisible hands—I feel them everywhere they linger.”

“Sex for me has always been A + B = C. Meanwhile it seems Jack has been out there performing advanced algebra.”

“I’m in a pair of high-waisted jeans and a red-and-white floral top with cute little pearl buttons lining the front. Very impractical for a heist. But very cute. I regret nothing.”

“I’m chasing sensations and collecting them all in my pocket for later.”

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

“Good. Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer.”

“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”

Competitive enemies-to-lovers? Yes please.

The perfect edition to the When in Rome series. Continuing with the small-town trope in Rome, Kentucky, as the story focuses on town sweetheart and typical sunshine character, Emily Walker, as her decade long nemesis returns to town.

Second-grade teachers who have a petty rivalry for a reason unbeknownst to them, Emily and Jackson’s story is both heart-warming and hilarious. I found myself highlighting like no tomorrow whilst reading this book so prepare yourself for the quotes.

Emily Walker is the loveable town sweetheart who would do anything for anyone. She’s fiercely independent, loves her routine and is the unofficial parent to all of her siblings. Emily thrives off being needed by the people around her yet feels a deep sense of loneliness after a high-school heartbreak.

A 10-year-long feud between herself and fellow teacher, Jack Bennett, comes to an end when he moves away to get married. However, in typical small-town fashion, the gossip mill works overtime, and Emily soon learns that her nemesis has returned to town. Unmarried. But why should that matter when they hate each other so strongly?

“It’s a sensation I felt but wasn’t able to explain. A wrongness. The feeling of he was there, and I was here, and it wasn’t supposed to be that way, even if we were enemies. We were always supposed to be near each other.”

After attempting to get the town to shun Jackson, Emily comes to the realisation that continuing to hate this eccentric, tattooed, candy-necklace wearing man isn’t so feasible when he’s just moved in next door.

Sarah Adam’s has this ability to make you feel the loneliness of Emily and the responsibility she feels to care for her siblings. How can she possibly have time for anything else when she’s so busy helping others? However, Emily has been keeping a secret as she pursues her own passion of writing. Yet, she is also unaware that Jackson has a secret of his own.

As the two begrudgingly find help and support in one another, it seems the deep-rooted hatred isn’t as necessary as they first believed.

This is potentially my favourite read of 2024. The sense of belonging, resolving trauma, and found family were so well written, you could almost feel the emotions of the characters. I have not a single complaint.

Favourite Quotes:

“it turns the Christmas lights on in my heart”

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

“I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of”

“I may have lost the safe place I needed all these years, but I have found a far more incredible one for the years ahead.”

Thank you NetGalley and Headline Eternal for the arc in exchange for an honest review. And THANK YOU for granting my request wish and providing me with the chance to read what is most likely going to become my favourite book ever.

Firstly, can I just say how completely thrilled I was to be back in Rome, Kentucky? I am obsessed with this world.

If you thought you loved Noah.. if you thought you loved Will.. believe me when I tell you, you will be kicking your feet when you meet Jack. He is my favourite love interest from this series so far. He’s honest and thoughtful, smart, kind and caring. The banter between Emily and Jack will make you giggle and squeal. You’ll be begging these characters to just figure it out!

Now Emily. Emily is my favourite character that Sarah Adams has ever written!! She has so much depth. I related to her so deeply which I think just added so much more emotional impact to this story for me. She’s closed her heart off to love because she’s scared of being hurt. She’s the shoulder everyone cries on, the mothering kind, a natural care giver who doesn’t like to have to rely on the people around her, even her family. Until Jack opens her heart and makes her realise being vulnerable is okay if you’re with the right person. Someone who will meet you in your darkness when that’s what you need. Someone who will challenge you in every way and support all of your dreams.

I could keep going, but trust me you just have to experience it for yourself. I can guarantee you will be making notes and highlighting paragraphs on every. Single. Page. My kindle clippings for this book are off the charts.

For lovers of small town romance, workplace enemies to lovers, second chance romance, found family oh and a romantic little heist (fun!!!). Make sure to read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect before this one to get the absolute Sarah Adams experience.

Thank you so much NetGalley for making my arc dreams come true.

I absolutely knew that Beg, Borrow, or Steal would be my favourite Sarah Adams book to date. Sometimes in my experience, you find a book that just speaks to you- characters that you can really see yourself in. Characters that make you think "other people feel this way too?" Beg, Borrow, or Steal was one of those books for me. Both of the Characters Emily and Jack really spoke to me and although the book was silly and lighthearted at times, Sarah really gets to the root of grief (the poor Walker kids) and analyzes the different ways that people can respond to it.
Emily tries so hard to be perfect and keep everything the same- where she is holding everything together by a thread. Jack is a perpetual people pleaser and is constantly adapting to the moods and emotions of people are him. Watching the two of them fall in love despite all their baggage and grief felt incredibly authentic. For those of you who love the romance of it all- we had forced proximity, and rivals to lovers and their bickering I swear gave me life.

A book for all the older sisters out there. The Walker family are just the most beautiful people.
The third Rome book follows eldest sister Emily. She's the protector of her siblings, the strong one who always holds it together. She's spent years of her life putting on a brave front, pushing her own feelings down in order to be the support for them, so that she isn't quite sure of her identity when life starts pulling them away.
Enter Jack - long term nemesis who has just reappeared in Rome. Jack pushes her, and challenges, and Emily can give him her blunt, angry knee-jerk responses with no guilt. But perhaps he can also handle her sadness, and her loneliness and help her find the silver lining in every cloud.

The Rome books have been my favourites from Adams, and I didn't think anything could knock Annie off the top spot. But Emily just speaks to me in a way I didn't expect.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Adams and Headline Books for granting my wish and giving me early access to Beg, Borrow, or Steal.

Thank you Netgallery for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.

This book really surprised me, was going into this book previously not reading anything from this author and I loved it.

Enemies to Lovers kinda vibes with Characters Emily and Jack. First I thought this story and relationship was so slow but thinking back this is the essence of the story seeing the relationship build and progress from enemies, friendship then to Love. It felt more real and realistic.

The story discussed some hard hitting topics and this was clearly outlined by the author at the beginning book of the chapters of potential triggers, which I really respected.

I would love to read more from this author throughly enjoyed reading this book. Thank you

I've read all the books in this series so far, and I have to say this is by far my favourite! I love visiting Rome, Kentucky and all its residents through these stories. It's a comfort series for me and I'm so happy that Emily's story was so much more than I ever could have hoped it would be.

The tension between Emily and Jack was perfect, I just loved all their bickering and needling, and there were so many moments that made me smile and kick my feet while reading - both motorbike scenes, I'll be thinking about for a while.

Emily's struggle as an older sister felt very real and relatable, and after getting to know her across all the books, I was so happy when she finally let Jack in to care for her.

I loved the teasing of Madison's story and I cannot wait to read it!!

I love this series! And this is probably my favorite.
I found Emily to be very relatable and
Jack was an amazing person who just wanted to help Emily anyway he could.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the last one in this series.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Headline Eternal for the opportunity to read this book early.

Effortlessly 4.5 stars—I devoured this book! Full review to come closer to the publication date, but if you're a fan of the first two books, this one is an essential read.!
Thank you to Headline for an arc in exchange for an honest review :)