It was great being back in Rome and getting to know the story of another one of the siblings. This book was so much fun with amazing banter between Emily and Jack while also handling heavier topics (content warnings at the beginning) for both in a very realistic, communicative and empathetic way. I really liked how they were written - this one might be my new favorite of the series - and I'm excited to get back to Rome again for Madison's story.

A delightful, heartwarming story that will leave you with a smile. Sarah Adams masterfully creates relatable characters and a story that feels both fresh and familiar at the same time.

I enjoyed this book sm. It was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. and it was so so good. I loved it everything about it. The connection between the character, the small town , siblings bonds everything in it has my heart. Definitely going to reread it soon!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the arc!

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Full disclaimer: I did not know that this was a part of a series before I sent a request on NetGalley. While this works as standalone, reading the previous 2 books would've provided me a better understanding of the town and the characters. That said, I adored this for what it was!! Despite of my previous disappointments in the sub-genre of small-town romance (looking at you, Pumpkin Spice Café), I've realised I might actually be into it after all. (If y'all have any recommendations, GIMME)

It's been a long time since a romantic relationship in a book has made me FEEL anything. It's also been a long time since I've seen an MMC who actually has a fleshed out personality and is not as flat and repulsive as a piece of wet cardboard. I found Emily to be a little annoying at first, but she grew on me. Her interactions with Jack gave me all the feels. I was giddy with laughter but also teared up with the discussions about vulnerability. The struggles they both faced felt real. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a very compelling read and I couldn't put it down!

The only thing I had an issue with was the tell-don't-show approach to Emily and Jack's life as teachers. I'd have loved to read more about that since the premise promised a rivals to lovers story between two teachers. However, I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I adored this that it's just a minor complaint.

Overall, I had an absolute blast with 'Beg, Borrow, or Steal' and am looking forward to making my way through the 'When in Rome' series!!

I’m sorry but I have to! I simply must give it a 5⭐️, it was that good! If you’ve been following my reviews for a while, you know Sarah Adams and I have a difficult relationship. I found The Rule Book quite mid, and DNFed The Cheat Sheet. And for a woman who has a book called Practice Makes Perfect, practice does make perfect indeed because I absolutely loved this one. The FMC, Emily (btw, hi, I’m also Emilie), had so much more depth than her previous characters, and her growth just felt so real and tangible, I didn’t necessarily resonate with her, but I did strongly sympathize with both her and Jack as characters. This had both humor, good banter, and a heartwarming romance, basically everything I need and love in this genre. This was the escape from the world I needed for a time and I truly loved it!

Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley / Headline Eternal for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I struggle to write a book review when I have nothing bad to say (what does that say about me as a person lol). But honestly, I loved this book! I devoured it, and the entire series as well.

I was initially unsure about how I'd feel about Emily after reading the previous books, but I ended up really liking her. This book made me reflect on the struggles and inner thoughts people often hide behind a façade, which I really appreciated.

The banter in this book was fantastic, and the pacing was perfect for me. I absolutely loved the motorbike scene—it made me giggle and blush! It was also nice to see characters from the earlier books and see their progression.

After reading the previous books, I wasn't expecting any spice, there was some in this book but it wasn't too much for me.

Sarah Adams strikes again for me!
#Netgalley #BegBorroworSteal

An absolute delight! I love Sarah Adam's banter and how she writes her characters so authentic and sometimes a bit quirky or odd.
It was lighthearted and a perfect book to cleanse if you need just something where you can lean back and giggle.

Beg, borrow or steal is a cute and easy read. Sarah Adams has done a really good job at writing a good rivals-to-lovers story. I enjoyed the playful banter between Emily and Jack. Their love story was very sweet and fun. I wish we could've seen more of them as teachers. As the oldest sister myself, I could definitely understand and relate to Emily's struggles. At the same time, I still found myself a little annoyed at Emily's inner monologs. All in all, a good book, but I expected a little bit more.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending me a ARC in exchange for an honest review ♡

Sarah Adams has unsurprisingly done it again. I've officially had to don her the queen of romance, because she has NEVER EVER missed

Rated 3.75

It's definitely an enjoyable read from Sarah Adams.
Third book in this instalment following oldest sibling Emily.

Emily and co-worker Jack make snide jabs at each other, at any chance they get.


Enemies to lovers

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to review an arc copy

This was too cute!

I’ve been hyped for this ever since these two were hinted at in Practice Makes Perfect. I truly didn’t think there could be competition for my favourite Sarah Adam’s book but here we are. This is definitely her best book yet!

This book follows Emily and Jack, who have been rivals since their college days and work at a school together. Emily doesn’t expect to see Jack again after he got engaged but now he is newly single and just moved in next door to Emily. While they may not be thrilled by this new arrangement, the realized they’d missed each other and realize that their feelings for each other might be stronger than your ordinary rivalry.

Enemies to lovers isn’t my go to trope so it says a lot that I was super excited for this one when it was just being hinted at in Practice Makes Perfect. It not only lived up to my expectations but fully exceeded them and blew them out of the water! I knew this book was going to be good but it was even better than I was expecting!

I loved the development of their relationship. The pacing was absolutely perfect. There was such good romantic tension between them that got to simmer and develop over the course of the story. Their banter was a lot of fun and I loved the peek into getting to see some of their email and text interactions as well. Their romance was so beautiful and sweet. These two really complement one another well. I like that their cute bickering didn’t go away when they got together.

I also found the characters relatable. I mean I am an older sister named Emily who would also like to one day write my own romance novel and also has a crush on Jack. Emily’s story and character growth was beautiful to see and you could tell the author put a lot of heart in it. She’s this closed off person who believes she’s unlovable but she gets proven wrong by that by every character in this book.

I also found Jack relatable in his people pleasing tendencies. I loved his sunshiny charm. He was so loveable from the get go. I loved seeing the way he started opening himself up to Emily and how he let her see parts of himself he hadn’t been comfortable sharing with other people. He also has a secret in this book and I like the way that was handled with how it eventually comes out.

One of the reasons this series is so loveable is the characters. I love the sibling dynamics and I love how Amelia has been adopted into that as their sister in law. I’ve enjoyed every book in the series so seeing the side couples makes me so giddy! Especially Will and Annie! They were so sweet in this book so I loved being able to see how their lives have been since Practice Makes Perfect ended.

I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! The couple seems to be hinted at in this one as well as prior books I think so I’m excited to see their story and how everything wraps up for the series!

If you haven’t given this series a shot yet, I highly recommend it, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t like small town romances. You need to read this series! It’s so cozy and fun! I can’t recommend it enough.

I enjoyed this one. Not my favourite in the series.
Nothing will top Annie and Will's story for me but I really enjoyed being back in this small town. Emily and jack are really sweet characters. I loved the tension between them to start with. Over all a cutesy easy read.
Sarah Adams never fails in my opinion. Want a cute fluffy romance then this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Headline and Sarah Adams for an early copy of Beg, Borrow or Steal.

It was an absolute delight! I seriously couldn't put this one down. From start to finish, it had me hooked with the perfect mix of humour, tension, and heart.

The enemies to lovers trope in this book? Chef's kiss 🤌 The chemistry between the main characters was everything. The way they went from total adversaries to something much deeper was a wild, fun ride. I’m a sucker for that slow-burn transformation, and Sarah Adams delivered it flawlessly!

What I loved the most was how this book ties into the interconnected series—it's hands down my favorite so far. Each character’s journey feels so real, and Adams just knows how to make you root for everyone.

If you're looking for a feel-good, hilarious, and swoon-worthy read, this one is a must!

I haven't read the rest of the series, but still enjoyed this very much. It can definitely be read as a standalone.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal was everything I want in a rom-com. It's sweet, hilarious, and the rivals-to-lovers is on point. If you like tension between two characters who hate (but obviously secretly like each other), then this book has plenty of that.

Overall, I found this super enjoyable and unputdownable. Highly recommend!

Amazing!!!!! Sarah Adams can do no wrong in my eyes! I’ve loved all of the books in the ‘When In Rome’ series, but I have to say I have a particular soft spot for Jack(son). He is just adorable! I loved watching his and Emily’s romance develop from frenemies, to Lovers! I not usually the biggest fan of a slow burn, but I adored this one and I’m glad it wasn’t forced or rushed! I’m extremely hopeful that Sarah will be doing another book in this series and it will be Maddie & James!! 🤞🏻
Although I’ve read this on Netgalley, I’ve already placed an order for a physical copy to add to by Sarah Adams collection of read books!
I did not want this book to end and I’m already excited for Sarah Adams next new release (whenever that is)!!

First of all, thank you so much for this ARC! I absolutely loved this book and it's rare that I feel this connected to characters to be honest! It made me laugh, made me sad and made me giddy because of the lovey Dover stuff. I'm definitely recommending this book to everyone I know and I'm so ready for the next book already!

Oh, my heart! Sarah Adams has done it again with "Beg, Borrow or Steal"! This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed—a perfect blend of humor, heart, and swoon-worthy romance.

Jack and Emily, rival second-grade teachers (and neighbors!), are the ultimate frenemies-to-lovers duo. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from feuding to falling for each other was everything I hoped for and more. I laughed, I teared up, and I may have audibly gasped during THAT scene (if you know, you know).

Emily’s journey was so relatable and beautifully written—her fears, her loneliness, and her determination to be everything to everyone. And Jack? Absolute perfection. He’s grumpy, thoughtful, and quietly head over heels for Emily in the most heart-melting way.

This story isn’t just about romance; it’s about finding the courage to be vulnerable, the power of someone believing in you, and the beauty of letting people in. Add in the cozy charm of small-town Rome, Kentucky, and it’s impossible not to fall in love.

If you’re looking for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, emotionally rich romance, this is it. Sarah Adams, take a bow—you’ve written a new favorite!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC.

#BegBorroworSteal #NetGalley

sarah adams always knows how to deliver.
i am always such a fan of her books and this was no expection.

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

I absolutely LOVED this book. I absolutely devoured it and was so so sad anytime I had to put it down for adult responsibilities. There were some grammatical or spelling errors in a few spots but I didn’t even care because the plot line and writing overly made up for it! As a 2nd grade teacher I was immediately drawn to the fact it was a story about two teachers. However, I found that since it took place over summer break, it made it more relatable for those not in the profession. I absolutely loved the depth in the characters and their backgrounds. I followed it up with “Funny Story” by Emily Henry and honestly I’m still thinking about Beg, Borrow, and Steal. I think it may end up being one of my favorites of 2025!!!

This was cute...but it was not as great as the first two books in the series.
I feel this one dragged on a little more towards the end but it was still a cute, fun read.