Beg, Borrow, Or Steal Review (When in Rome, #3)

Hello, all!

You all know how much I love Sarah Adams, so I was thrilled to get a copy of her latest release, Beg, Borrow, Or Steal. (Massive thank you to the publisher!) 

Pub Date: 1-7-25
Adult - Contemporary

As the eldest daughter, Emily Walker takes her job very seriously. Ever since her parents died when she was young, Emily has taken it upon herself to be the rock her older brother and younger sisters needed. Emily has always put their feelings and well-being first, bottling up her feelings in the process. Emily can't be strong for others if she's crying on their shoulders. But the one person Emily has never had to tiptoe around is her college nemesis-turned co-worker-turned neighbor, Jackson Bennett. Emily was thrilled when Jack moved out of their small Kentucky town with his fiancé--even though it rubbed at her that he never said goodbye--but now he's back, single, and ready to make Emily's life a living hell.

Jack has always loved Rome, Kentucky, and he's eager to immerse himself in the community, but unfortunately, the only house for sale was next to Emily. The pair got off on the wrong foot on their first day of college and have been trading snide remarks back and forth ever since. Growing up with a narcissistic author father, Jack has never been one for conflict, except when it comes to Emily. Jack has never felt more alive than when he and Emily bicker, and their proximity has only fanned the fire. When Emily needs help retrieving a drunken email that would expose her literary side hustle, Jack agrees to help. But he has secrets that could potentially ruin the tenuous bond they've been forming.

At this point, I would read Sarah's grocery list. She's my go-to whenever I need something light and fluffy. I dare anyone to pick up her books and not feel joy. I had the silliest grin the entire time I was reading this. I loved the bickering banter between Emily and Jack. It was so petty and a little childish but oh so fun. It was so entertaining watching them go from being at each other's throats to wanting to tear each other's clothes off. Watching them open up and be vulnerable was also such a delight. They were two sides of the same coin, which made it so much easier for them to be what the other needed. I wasn't as invested in the plot of this one, but I was all-in for the romance. I can't wait for the next installment, but I'm so sad that this series is ending.

Rating: 4/5