Sarah Adams returns to the charming small town of Rome, Kentucky with Beg, Borrow, or Steal, the third installment in her beloved When in Rome series. Following When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, this enemies-to-lovers romance delivers Adams’ signature blend of wit, heart, and small-town charm while exploring deeper themes of vulnerability, family bonds, and learning to trust again.
The Story
Emily Walker likes her life organized, predictable, and under her complete control. As a dedicated second-grade teacher in Rome, Kentucky, she takes pride in creating a safe, nurturing environment for her students while maintaining careful boundaries in her personal life. But beneath her perfectly curated exterior lies a secret – she’s actually a romance novelist, pouring her hidden dreams and desires into stories of passionate Highland warriors.
When her longtime nemesis Jack Bennett returns to town after calling off his wedding, Emily’s carefully structured world begins to crumble. Not only is Jack her colleague and next-door neighbor, but he also harbors his own literary secret – he’s actually bestselling mystery author AJ Ranger. Their decade-long rivalry takes an unexpected turn when Emily accidentally emails her steamy manuscript to their school principal instead of a literary agent. Suddenly, these two competing teachers must work together to retrieve the email before it’s too late.
Writing Style & Character Development
Adams excels at crafting complex characters whose sharp edges slowly soften as their walls come down. The banter between Emily and Jack crackles with chemistry and wit, while their vulnerabilities emerge organically as the story progresses. The author skillfully peels back their layers to reveal the hurt and insecurity beneath their antagonistic facade.
Emily’s journey from rigid control to accepting uncertainty is particularly well-executed. Her struggles with grief, abandonment issues, and perfectionism feel authentic rather than manufactured for plot convenience. Meanwhile, Jack’s evolution from using charm as armor to embracing genuine connection provides an excellent counterpoint to Emily’s arc.
Strengths
- Rich Character Development: Both protagonists have compelling backstories and clear emotional journeys
- Dynamic Dialogue: The banter is clever without feeling forced
- Strong Supporting Cast: The Walker siblings and townspeople add depth and humor
- Emotional Depth: Tackles serious themes while maintaining an overall hopeful tone
- Small Town Setting: Rome, Kentucky comes alive through vivid details and memorable residents
Areas for Improvement
- The resolution of Jack’s family conflict feels slightly rushed
- Some readers may find the initial pace slow as the groundwork is laid
- A few plot points rely heavily on romance genre conventions
- The climactic conflict could have been given more space to unfold
Series Context
While Beg, Borrow, or Steal works as a standalone, readers of the previous books will particularly enjoy returning to Rome. When in Rome introduced us to Annie Walker and Will Griffin, whose relationship reaches a satisfying milestone in this installment. Practice Makes Perfect expanded the world through Noah and Amelia’s story. This third book enriches the series’ exploration of family, community, and finding love in unexpected places.
Themes & Impact
Adams thoughtfully explores several compelling themes:
- The courage required to be vulnerable after past hurts
- How perfectionism can be both armor and prison
- The importance of chosen family and community support
- Learning to accept love without trying to earn it
- The healing power of creative expression
Romance Elements
The romantic development between Emily and Jack strikes an effective balance between tension and tenderness. Their transition from enemies to lovers feels earned through meaningful interactions and shared vulnerability rather than just physical attraction. The intimate scenes are tastefully written while maintaining emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts
Beg, Borrow, or Steal showcases Sarah Adams at her best – crafting a romance that entertains while exploring deeper emotional terrain. Despite minor pacing issues, the book succeeds as both a standalone romance and a satisfying addition to the When in Rome series. Emily and Jack’s journey from rivalry to romance will especially appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- Small town settings
- Complex family relationships
- Writers as main characters
- Emotional depth beneath witty banter
Similar Recommendations
If you enjoyed this book, you might also like:
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
For Readers Considering the Series
When in Rome series offers a delightful escape to a charming small town filled with memorable characters and heartfelt romances. While each book can be read independently, experiencing them in order provides the richest appreciation of the interconnected relationships and ongoing character development.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal maintains the series’ high standards while bringing its own unique charm through Emily and Jack’s compelling enemies-to-lovers journey. Sarah Adams continues to prove herself a reliable voice in contemporary romance, delivering stories that balance humor and heart with authentic emotional depth.
