Every time I read the latest Sarah Adams’ novel I think that’s it, this is my new favourite. I’ve loved all of her books and somehow they keep getting better and better, and though I don’t doubt that will continue I have a feeling that Beg, Borrow or Steal has become THE favourite, the one that just won’t be beat. That said I still cannot wait for our final trio to Rome in what I can only hope will be Madison and James’ story.

Beg, Borrow or Steal takes us right back to glorious Rome, Kentucky and oh how good it was to be back. This time it’s eldest sister Emily’s turn to take centre stage, along with her long time nemesis Jack, who’s back in town and here to stay. Emily is determined to get rid of Jack, especially given he’s now her new neighbour, something that took them both by surprise. With their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, Emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. Frustratingly, she needs Jack's help to make it right. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

I absolutely loved Beg, Borrow or Steal and as with all her overture novels Adams has created such stunningly real, messy and wonderful characters. I felt for Emily so much, she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and is silently drowning in her grief and fear of being left alone. Whilst poor Jack has had to hide one of his proudest achievements because of his downright awful father. These two have been through it, but my goodness are they there for each other. Whilst it takes a lot for Emily in particular to allow Jack in fully, it’s the most beautiful and healing journey to get there. Also let’s not forget their chemistry and banter is off the charts - these two really did feel inevitable.

The duel POV was perfection, I love how much we get to see and learn from each of our MCs, it worked so well. It was also such a treat to get to see more of Annie and Will, and Noah and Amelia. Their friendship group is the kind you just wish you could be a part of.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I can’t wait for the next, though I’m already sad that it’ll be our last trip to Rome.

I’m so thankful that my wish for this in NetGalley was granted, as I am such a fan of Sarah Adams and this series so far. Beg, Borrow, or Steal did not disappoint. This was a wonderful, emotional rollercoaster of a book that felt like such a big, warm comforting hug. I cried so much. I laughed so much. Reading this book was such an emotional experience in all ways, and it brought me such joy, such comfort, and I related in so many ways.

I love Emily, and I loved getting to know her character more and peel away the exterior that she has on for those around her. She has great depth, and I really did relate a lot to some of the ways she approaches things in life and why and it felt therapeutic. She was funny and sassy and determined and I love her.

I loved Jack too, I thought he has such a big heart and he was hilarious. I loved the chemistry between Emily and him, the banter and sexual tension was OFF THE CHARTS. I loved the way they cared for each other and grew together. I found it to be such a beautiful relationship.

I liked the insights we got in to the lives of the characters from previous novels. It always so weird to read about them when they were the main focus previously but it was great. I really enjoyed how this book set up the final novel in the quartet and I’m incredibly excited for Maddie and James’ story.

I absolutely adored this book. It had me kicking my feet and giggling from the start. Jack is a walking green flag and I cannot express how much I love him 🥹 The tension between him and Emily was so so good 😍 I loved their banter and bickering. They were just the perfect fit for each other.

3⭐️s

This was a cute romance story!! I love Sarah’s writing, and after reading Practice Makes Perfect last year I was so excited to return to Rome. The writing is whitty and light, but this book handles some intense feelings in a beautiful way.

I think the way that Emily and Jack were written together as a duo was beautiful, truly a dream to behold. They bounce off each other in such a natural way, and their dialogue was honestly my favourite part of the whole book. However, individually they were a little flat. Emily had some intense feelings about family dependency and feeling lost and lonely, and when those were talked about in the context of Emily alone it all felt a little 2D; but when she shared those feelings with Jack, they felt alive. Jack was a great character with easy whit, but again the intense parts of his character arc felt rushed and flat in his own context. Loved all of the other side characters popping back in though! I love this town :’)

The plot was easy to follow but not too simple, and it gave us some really good arguments/disagreements that were amazing to read. There is one scene, where they’re “pretending” something and it was genuinely one of the hottest things I have ever read!!! So good!!!

Sarah Adams does fast paced small town romances like no one else! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eArc!

G

Emily Walker a 2nd grade teacher living in the small town of Kentucky, Rome happily enjoying her summer break and working on her romance debut when she learns that her work nemesis since college who moved away 4 months ago is back in town, no longer engaged, and moving in next door.
Jack also teaches at the same elementary school as her and is happy to be back bantering with Emily coz her realized that he missed her a LOT.
Emily is emotionally vulnerable feeling lonely now that all her sisters are busy with their own lives and she's not feeling needed anymore she thinks that she's not worthy of love she's not going to be loved and will be alone for the rest of her life but with Jack around things are going to change forever.
There's no words to describe how much I loved this book it is Sarah's best yet and I could feel and tell how she pulled her heart out writing this novel because it was different (of course in a good way) it's felt deeply emotional and relative to me and I enjoyed it a lot I laughed, cried, smiled, and swooned and Jack is my favorite fictional character to date.
The connection between him and Emily the change in their relationship from rivals to friends to lovers it was absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait for everybody to get hold of this book and read it you are in for an amazing treat.

Thanks so much to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #begborroworsteal in exchange for my honest review 😁.

Xoxo😘

A very good story, beautifully written. Some very different personality types showcased and juxtaposed in an endearing and captivating way.
I would recommend to all age adults.

I’ve said it before, & I’ll say it again:
Sarah Adams books are pure sunshine☀️

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the softest & kindest rivals to lovers relationship that you’ll ever read. I found myself wanting to devour this book while simultaneously needing to savor every moment between Jack & Emily.

A very easy 5⭐️ for me.
Rivals to lovers • small town • teachers • neighbors

I can safely confirm this is my favourite book in the When in Rome series so far. I honestly struggled with Noah and Amelia, fell in love with Annie and Will and honestly, Jack and Emily goddamn stole my heart.

This was such an easy romance to fall into. The enemies to lovers trope has been in my top tropes for a long time and this story is the reason why. Sarah Adam’s wrote this relationship so well and I loved the snippets we get of their past emails.

It was such a beautiful development of characters that was so well done. The Walkers are an amazing family and I’m extremely excited to see what I believe will be Madison and James’s story next.

I’ve read the two first books in this series this summer and I was so excited to read Emily story .
I’m in love with writing and the topic discussed are very well done 😍😍
Emily deserves to be loved and have all the happiness and Jack also : the best match , I loved the tension between them and how I enjoyed it so much.
The healthy communication ❤️ nemesis to lovers 🥰
My best scene : getting into Brad house to delete the E-mail that Emily sent when she got drunk 😂
Can’t wait for Maddie book 🥳🥳

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the third book in the When in Rome series. This story follows Emily and Jack who are both teachers and have been rivals for many years. Once they start to uncover things about one another that allows them to see each other in a new light, they begin to question their years-long feud and lines begin to blur.

I really enjoyed the rivals to friends to lovers aspect of this book. I also enjoyed how Adams was able to encapsulate the feeling of being stuck in the past while everyone around you seems to be moving forward through the character of Emily. It really resonated with me as a reader.

The book explores themes of identity and self-discovery; friendship and loyalty; love and relationships; sacrifice and choices; and ambition and dreams. Adams uses these themes to create a narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships. There were so many parts that were relatable and that’s what made this book memorable.

<b><i>‘you think you're unlovable, but i think i've never known how to love until knowing you.’</i></b>

this is the first adams's book i've read. and among the three books in this series, this is the most emotional one (in my opinion).

aside from the banter between emily and jack (which i love), it also depicts their individual issues; like emily's grieving from her grandmother after she died years ago, her fear about publishing her debut novel and losing her siblings. and for jack who's fear of revealing his pseudonym since he's the bestseller mystery author, and his hatred for his dad since he doesn't want to reveal himself as ‘fredrick's (jack's dad) son’.

but the only problem is that at the first few chapters, i'm disappointed at emily's actions; especially when she planned to her neighbors that jack didn't welcome in rome, kentucky after when he came back to the same city after the wedding called off. i think it's a childish act to me, despite her big age. also, there's a small conflict at about 7% left.

nonetheless, this book got me giggling and kicking my feet. and i'm excited to read the first two books 😄

📕Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams

⭐️Spicy
⭐️Enemies to Lovers
⭐️Dual POV

The third book in the When in Rome series tells the story of Emily & her nemesis Jack. I’m a sucker for a dual POV and a slow burn enemies to lovers and this book has both! The banter between Emily and Jack was hysterical. I love a strong FMC who finds her equal and loves her completely!

I read this as a standalone but I’m going to go back and read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect and you should too! Beg, Borrow or Steal comes out January 7 so there’s plenty of time!

Thank you to Sarah Adams, Dell Rance and Net Galley for this ARC! ♥️

“Maybe we’ve always been friends in a weird unconventional sort of way.”

“Beg, Borrow, or Steal” takes us back to Rome, Kentucky and tells the story of Emily and Jack, two feuding second grade teachers (that became neighbors).

As an eldest daughter, I related to Emily a lot and felt a lot of empathy for her. She is very strong, tenacious, protective and has a big heart.

Jack became my favorite after the way he uplifted Emily.

This book made me go through a whole range of emotions, from happy to sad and angry, while making me fall in love with the characters that are relatable.

The story is beautifully written, with mature characters that have depth and a bit of spice that was important to the story. I liked the way Emily and Jack went from rivals to friends to lovers.
I read (almost) all of Sarah’s books and this one became my favorite.

Please be aware that it includes themes of grief and mild accompanying depression, as well as the portrayal of a narcissistic parent.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the Headline Eternal and NetGalley for which I am grateful. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sarah Adams does it again!

Her books are like warm sunshine, they're the book equivalent of a hug, or the comfort of a hot chocolate on a cold winter night. They never fail to make me happy. It's always such a joy to read her stories, and the writing always effortlessly flows so well and easily bingable every time.

I've fallen in love with Rome, Kentucky, with it's Stars Hollow vibes with eccentric characters, funny conversations and it's adorably close-knit community. It ticks all the boxes. I want to live here!

I loved the relationship between Emily and Jack, the banter and sass mixing with the growing friendship and eventually relationship was done so well. I was rooting for them from page 1. The comfort, respect and care they gave one another but still being competitive and sniping, ugh I'm such a sucker for rivals to lovers!

Their individual journeys were wonderfully written and I was hooked on both storylines. Although, as a writer and aspiring author myself, Emily's moreso! I absolutely love books about writing books, they give me such motivation and inspire me to open up my own novel and make myself edit it. (Which I was supposed to be doing but decided to read this instead, and I regret nothing!)

I always love interconnected series as well, the little crumbs for future books (which I can't wait for!) and updates from the previous makes you feel part of it :)

Overall, I loved it. You can't go wrong with Sarah's books, which never fail to make me smile. I always recommend them to anyone who wants a cute, heartwarming read.

I can't wait for Maddie's story!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Emily and Jack have been enemies for over a decade after Jack accidentally spills coffee over Emily in college. Now they both teach second grade at the same school. After Jack comes back to Rome with a failed engagement under his belt both Emily and Jack realize that they don't avtually hate each other that much.

I enjoyed being in emily's mind. It felt like i was inside a real person's mind. She is complex and has a hard time wit with accepting love, even feels envy of her siblings at times. I loved that we could see those moments, we al have hardships and emotions are more complex that we might think. That was the problem with Jack that he was too perfect he did in fact feel like a male character written by a female author for the female gaze. He felt too perfect and too sweet and that fight felt out of character it was as if the author realized he was too good and needed to do something to make him more relatable. Besides this i enjoyed the banter and i am a sucker for messages and emails in books.
Overall i really enjoyed it although Emily should go back to therapy and a discussion of that would have been nice to see.

I’ve been a huge fan of Sarah’s ever since I read The Match so I had high expectations for this book and ooooh how she delivered!!!

I loved this book so much!😍 Emily and Jack’s dynamic? PERFECT! their chemistry? Outstanding! I had so much fun following them along, seeing them bickering and eventually getting vulnerable and opening up to each other.

Emily’s struggles hit close to home and I just wanted to give her a massive hug. Similarly, Jack’s childhood and family dynamic were anything but easy. The way they supported each other through it all was heartwarming; Jack was Emily’s greatest supporter and seeing him not only encourage her but also do whatever he could to make her dream of becoming a published writer come true was heartwarming. Same goes for Emily, who became Jack’s family, his safe place, where he feels loved and able to be his true self. They were such a perfect match.

Also I need to mention seeing all the Walker siblings and the people from Rome. I love how close all the siblings and their partners (especially the girls) are and it was lovely to see Emily be more vulnerable with them. I also loved the way they welcomed Jack with open arms and made him feel like he belonged.

Another 5-star read from Sarah Adams. If you like the sound of a really sweet rivals to lovers romance with hilarious banter and small town vibes, make sure to check this one out!!

I have enjoyed all of Sarah Adams novels so I was delighted to receive an early copy of this one. The third in the Rome series, this book is the best so far. I loved the journey the characters went on together - I am always a sucker for enemies to lovers and this novel did it SO well, The longing, the angst, the build up and the eventual, inevitable get together is so well crafted. I loved the characters, their journey of self change and acceptance and the growth they did together. A truly excellent novel! I can't wait for the fourth.

🏍️Beg, Borrow or Steal - Sarah Adams📚

Emily and Jack have disliked each other since college. Their dislike for each other fuelled a rivalry that lasted a lifetime atleast until Jack’s failed engagement brings him back to Rome.

Beg, Borrow or Steal is 3rd in the When in Rome series of connected standalones. As a big fan of Sarah Adams other books it was lovely to dip back into the small town of Rome and catch up with other characters from previous books.

I loved the storyline of Emily & Jack being authors as it allowed the reader to understand what goes on behind the scenes to make our favourite novels.

At times the pacing felt a little off and the rivalry definitely felt more like disgruntlement but once the book got going I enjoyed it more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can’t wait for book 4 as the set up already has the anticipation building!

Big thankyou to Netgalley, Sarah and her publisher Headline for my e-ARC.

Título: Beg, Borrow or Steal
(When in Rome series #3)
Calificación: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 ♥♡

AAAAAAAH!! ¡¿Puede un libro ser más perfecto, conmovedor, tierno y esencialmente espectacular?!

Esta serie -oh, dios mío esta serie- me tiene fascinada en cada sentido de la palabra.

Amo cómo desde donde todo comenzó (When in Rome) la autora convirtió a estos personajes en auténticas obras de arte.

El sentido de familia, de superación, de sanación y amor... es hermoso 🥹✨

Entretenido, dulce, complejo y adictivo. Que llevo toda la noche leyendo y no lo he podido soltar hasta terminarlo!!

Conocer a los hermanos Walker hace mi vida feliz. Adoré a Annie y Emily (aunque Amelia, baby, you're my number one) y poder aprender tanto de ellas. De Noah, Will y Jack...

Y me muero pero QUE PODRÍAMOS TENER OTRO LIBRO?! PERDÓN?!

'y ya puedo oler los personajes principales en este 🤭'

Agradezco de corazón a Netgalley y a la autora por esta gran e increíble oportunidad de leer este e-Arc que tanto había deseado 🩷

After reading When in Rome and Practice makes Perfect, expectations were high. I’m not sure they have been met…

Don’t get me wrong, I still liked the book. Academic nemesis, who have always competed with each other, finally figuring out they don’t really hate each other.

But for me, the first two books were perfect, especially the second one. The banter, the chemistry and the story line were perfect.

For this one, it felt a little flat. The first couple of chapters I honestly found Emily a little petty. After getting into her reasons for her behaviour I honestly wouldn’t have accepted it as easily as Jack did.

Would recommend the book, also because of the cameos of the characters out of the first two books!