Sarah Adams is back with another heartfelt, swoony, and utterly charming romance in Beg, Borrow, or Steal the third installment in her When in Rome series. This book delivers everything we love about Adams’ writing: laugh-out-loud banter, deeply emotional character arcs, and a romance that tugs at the heartstrings while making us swoon. If you’re a fan of rivals-to-lovers, second-chance romance, or stories with strong, independent heroines learning to let love in, this book is for you.
Summary
Emily Walker and Jackson Bennett have been feuding for years. As longtime colleagues-and now neighbors-their relationship has always been filled with competitive animosity. Emily is a dedicated second-grade teacher in Rome, Kentucky, who secretly moonlights as an aspiring romance author. She thrives on structure, control, and avoiding vulnerability at all costs. Meanwhile, Jackson, a fellow teacher and secretly bestselling mystery writer, has just returned to town after calling off his engagement. He’s determined to renovate his house and settle back into Rome, but he never expected to find himself living next door to Emily-the one woman who can push every single one of his buttons.
Their rivalry is at an all-time high when Emily makes a disastrous mistake: she accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could expose her secret identity as a romance author. Desperate to retrieve it before her secret is revealed, she enlists the last person she’d ever want to work with-Jack.
As they team up for this unlikely mission, their bickering turns into banter, and their mutual disdain slowly shifts into something neither of them saw coming. But will their new partnership stay strictly business, or will this enemies-to-lovers story end in a happily-ever-after?
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4.5 stars
I absolutely adored Beg, Borrow, or Steal! Sarah Adams has a way of making her romances feel so personal and heartfelt, and this book was no exception. What starts as a fun, witty rivals-to-lovers romance quickly turns into a deeply emotional story about grief, vulnerability, and learning to accept love in all its messy, imperfect glory.
Emily is such a relatable heroine. As the oldest sibling, she carries the weight of responsibility, always putting others before herself. Her romance writing career started as a way to cope with grief, but it also became an outlet for her emotions—ones she struggles to express in real life. Seeing her journey unfold, from her rigid independence to learning to open up, was incredibly moving.
And then there’s Jack-our grumpy, tattooed mystery writer with a secret soft side. At first, he comes off as cocky and infuriating, but as the story progresses, we see just how deeply he cares. The way he teases Emily isn’t just for fun-it’s his way of trying to get her to let her walls down. And when he starts calling her Goldie? Swoon.
Their dynamic is pure perfection. The banter is sharp, the tension is palpable, and their emotional connection is beautifully developed. And let’s not forget the hilarious email exchanges-some of the best I’ve read in a romance novel!
Beyond the romance, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is also a story about self-discovery. Emily’s journey of realizing that being strong doesn’t mean shutting people out really resonated with me. There’s also a wonderful sense of community, as we get to reconnect with characters from the previous books in the When in Rome series, making it feel like a warm hug of a read.
Why You Need to Read This Book
✔ Rivals-to-lovers romance - The banter, the tension, the chemistry. It’s all here.
✔ A grumpy, secretly soft hero - Jack may push Emily’s buttons, but he also pushes her toward happiness.
✔ A strong, independent heroine learning to let love in - Emily’s journey is deeply relatable and empowering.
✔ Hilarious email exchanges and laugh-out-loud banter - Prepare for plenty of giggle-worthy moments.
✔ A cozy small-town setting - The charm of Rome, Kentucky, adds an extra layer of warmth to the story.
✔ An emotional depth you don’t expect - It’s more than just a romance; it’s a story about healing, self-worth, and family.
Final Thoughts
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a delightful, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying read. It balances humor, romance, and emotional depth in a way that only Sarah Adams can. If you love small-town romance, slow-burn tension, and characters that feel like real people, this book is a must-read.
Whether you’re new to the When in Rome series or already a fan, you’ll love every second of Emily and Jack’s journey. So do yourself a favor and grab a copy-you won’t regret it!
The When in Rome Series by Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams’ When in Rome series-a collection of small-town romances set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky. Each book delivers swoony romance, witty banter, and heartfelt character growth, all wrapped up in the cozy, feel-good vibes that make Sarah Adams a go-to author for contemporary romance lovers and one of my must buy authors!
Book 1: When in Rome
A grumpy small-town baker meets a stranded pop star in this opposites attract romance that’s as sweet as a warm cinnamon roll. When international pop sensation Amelia Rose finds herself stuck in Rome, Kentucky, after her car breaks down, she has no choice but to rely on Noah Walker—the gruff, no-nonsense pie shop owner who wants nothing to do with her. But as they’re forced into close proximity, sparks start to fly, and Noah might just learn that love is worth the risk.
Book 2: Practice Makes Perfect
A fake-dating, sunshine-grump romance featuring the town’s sweetheart and a broody bodyguard? Yes, please! Annie Walker has spent her life being the nice girl, but when she decides to shake things up and become more confident in dating, she enlists Will Griffin—a grumpy, tattooed security expert—to teach her the ropes. What starts as a simple arrangement turns into something much deeper, making Will question if he’s really as unlovable as he thinks.
Have you read Beg, Borrow, or Steal yet? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you’re looking for more cozy, swoony reads, check out my other romance recommendations!
