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When in Rome #3
Beg, borrow, or steal
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2025)Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance.
Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.
Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.
With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?
Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.
Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.
With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?
361 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2025
4577 people are currently reading
212742 people want to read
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January 9, 2025
જ⁀➴ 5 ✰
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
Beg, borrow or steal follows two rival teachers, Emily and Jack, who can’t stand each other. Emily is organized and secretly writes romance novels, while Jack, her annoying neighbor, is back in town after breaking off his engagement.
When Emily accidentally sends an email that could reveal her secret writing career, she needs Jack’s help to fix it. Even though they don’t get along, they team up. But as they work together, their rivalry starts to turn into something more, leading to an unexpected romance.
➳ my thoughts:
Rome, Kentucky is my home🤍
I fear my review and whatever I say is not going to make this book justice.😩
Sarah has a way with her writing that it just amazing. She has this incredible ability to craft stories that effortlessly transport you to the heart of the setting, making every scene vivid and alive in your mind. Her words have a way of pulling you in, wrapping you up in the world she creates, and making you feel deeply connected to the characters and their journeys. I could never grow tired of reading her works; every page holds something new and enchanting, and she never ceases to amaze me. I hope she always has a pillow that's cool on both sides and an endless flow of inspiration to continue blessing us with her stories. She’s one of my favorite authors and I have been reading her work for 3 years and can actually see the improvement in her writing.
This book was so much more than just a romance. It delves deep into personal growth, the journey of finding your own path, and the importance of learning to accept yourself, flaws and all. What stood out the most was how it emphasized that it’s okay to ask for help, that seeking support doesn’t make you weak but rather shows strength and courage. It beautifully explores the complexity of our personalities, the struggles we face in embracing who we are, and how leaning on others can be a vital part of that journey. The way it balanced the emotional depth of self-acceptance and vulnerability with the warmth of romance made it such a profoundly rewarding read.
It’s the kind of book that not only tugs at your heart but also makes you reflect on your own life and growth.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it still feels surreal that I’ve actually read it now 😭
If you saw my updates, you probably already knew this was heading straight for a 5-star rating. Honestly, I didn’t think I could love any of her books as much as Practice Makes Perfect, and I had some serious doubts about Emily going in, especially since I wasn’t her biggest fan in the previous books. But wow, this completely blew me away and exceeded every single one of my expectations.
Every page was packed with witty banter, raw emotional struggles, and so much love. It was the perfect balance of heartache and joy, the kind of book that makes you feel everything so deeply. At this point, Sarah could publish her grocery list, and I’d read it like it’s a masterpiece.
I hate this book because it made me painfully aware that no one is ever going to love me like Jack loves Emily. I hate it because now all I want is to pack my bags, move to a small town, and live my dream romance but here I am, stuck in nyc. I hate it because it gave me all the feelings, and I’m still reeling from it.
I can't stop thinking about it, and I need everyone to read it. If this book isn’t already on your TBR, you need to add it immediately. Seriously, do it. You can thank me later.🤭
Now, this book can totally be read as a standalone but I’m going to be honest, half of my excitement was because of the scenes with the characters of the previous books, so I would suggest if you haven’t read the first 2 books please do before reading this one. I promise you it’s going to make the experience more enjoyable.
🌶️another thing is that Sarah is known for her closed door romance, she decided to leave the door a little open this time and imo it helped with the relationship but if you still want to read a closed door book then just need to skip the chapters 25 and 32.
➳ characters:
ೃ࿐ Emily walker🫧
If you are the oldest daughter you’ll probably relate a lot to Emily, even though I’m the youngest in my family I still felt her struggles as my own because of the way they are portrayed.
Being the oldest daughter is a often complex role, and for Emily, it’s no different. She has the weight of expectations settled on her shoulders. After her parents passed away her younger siblings looked up to her, a responsibility that came with a quiet, unspoken pressure to excel in everything she did, whether it was academics, behavior, or even managing her own emotions. As the eldest, Emily quickly became the symbol of responsibility in her family, someone everyone relied on without a second thought. But that reliance often felt isolating, as the expectations placed on her made it difficult to find room for her own needs and desires.
She’s terrified of giving love a chance and opening her heart. Deep down, she feels like no one truly loves her hat people only tolerate her because of her personality. She is a control freak, scared of change and clinging to the familiar out of fear. My heart ached for her because it was so clear that she was trapped in her own darkness, carrying that weight all by herself. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug🥺
: ̗̀➛ “I don’t like change. And I’m terrified of relationships. But I find myself contemplating both of those things for him.”
: ̗̀➛ ”I don’t know how to tell him that this pain is always hovering just below the surface these days. It’s not alcohol induced. It’s raw and it’s lurking and I’m not nearly as capable of handling my shit as I seem.”
ೃ࿐ Jack Bennett🫧
Jack Jack Jack, where do I even begin with him? He is perfect, I’m not joking, I need him right nowww. Let me paint you the picture, he’s brunette, WEARS GLASSES😚💓🤭😏😝😻, ride a motorcycle, has cute tattoos on his arm, always have a beaded necklace because his students gave it to him as a gift AND he is good with his words and actions.
When I started the book I was like “there’s no way someone is going to top the love of my life Will Griffin” well…. Jack is running pretty close for the spot. He’s such a sweetheart. He cares so much for everyone around him.
He had me down bad.
He grew up with a narcissistic father, which left him with people-pleasing tendencies and he just want to charms and win over everyone. But what really stood out to me was how those challenges didn’t stop him from becoming a genuinely good person. Watching him navigate those traits, striving to grow beyond his upbringing, was both inspiring and moving. The fact that he was so determined to break the cycle and be nothing like his father speaks volumes about his strength of character and resilience. It’s a reminder that our past and our upbringing doesn’t have to define us, we can choose who we want to be.
: ̗̀➛ “Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong.
SELF AWARE KING🗣️🗣️ LETS GOOO
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥˚✿ °. Emily & Jack:
⤷ two lonely people falling in loveᡣ𐭩
THEIR BANTER. Oh my god, I was absolutely obsessed with it. It was funny, but not in an immature or over-the-top way it felt natural, sharp, and full of personality. Even while they were bickering, the chemistry between them was undeniable, crackling on every page. They had me giggling like a fool at 4 a.m., and if I wasn’t crying over the emotional moments, I was laughing because of their dynamic. It was the perfect blend of humor and tension, and I couldn’t get enough of it!
⤷ ROMANCE IS BACK!!!!!!🥹💝
I really appreciated how the book’s timeline was set during the summer, even though they’re both professors at the same school. It allowed us to see them as individuals, outside the constraints of their professional roles. Without the pressure of academia and the expectations that come with being colleagues, their true personalities had room to shine. It felt more intimate and authentic, like we were getting to know the real versions of them instead of the personas they wear at work. That setting made their connection feel so much more genuine and relatable.
One way to explain their relationship would be this picture:
Oh to be loved like Jack loves Emily🥹
Guys, I seriously love them together. They’re such an incredible couple, so perfectly matched in every way. The fact that they’ve known each other for over a decade adds depth to their relationship. I loved their “nemesis” vibes, the playful tension, the snarky comments but underneath it all, there was always this undeniable attraction simmering between them, even if neither of them could fully understand or admit it at first. Watching that dynamic slowly unravel into something deeper was everything I could’ve hoped for. They just get each other in a way that feels so natural. my favorite thing about their relationship was how they understood and supported each other.🫶🏻
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:
➳ side characters:
𐙚 Will & Annie: I actually think I could give my life for them, I love them so much and they mean everything to me. I adored seeing more of them and all the progress in their relationship. My #1forever🥹🥹 their crumbs were the best.
𐙚 Madison & James: GIVE ME THEIR BOOK RIGHT NOWWWWW!!!💳💳💳 I seriously need it, have been curious about them since I read practice makes perfect and their small interaction in this book just made me more excited.
𐙚 Noah & Amelia: they are my least fav couple of the whole series but with every book that gets out I’m liking them more and kind of getting the hype about them.
♬⋆.˚ jack & emily mini playlistᰔ
⤷ let it happen ⟡ gracie abrams { emily’s song }
⤷ why don’t we go there ⟡ one direction
⤷ lonely hearts ⟡ 5sos
⤷ mutual ⟡ shawn mendes
⤷ this is me trying ⟡ taylor swift
⤷ tired ⟡ beabadoobee
💌 tropes:
ꨄ︎ rivals to lovers
ꨄ︎ neighbors
ꨄ︎ small town
ꨄ︎ both are teachers
ꨄ︎ he falls first
ꨄ︎ found family
-‘๑’- my favorite quotes & scenes
possible spoilers mentioned
・❥・ “You make me feel wild, Emily. I’ve never cared about anyone like I care for you.”
・❥・“Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
・❥・“I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me.”
・❥・“People I love die. Or they hide things from me and leave. Or they simply outgrow me and move on. The one constant in my life has been me, at the end of the day, alone in my bedroom. And if I let myself love Jack fully with arms outstretched wide and he leaves me, it will break me.”
・❥・“I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark.”
・❥・“Tell me you’re okay. I need to hear you say it.”
・❥・ Jack softly wraps his hands around my wrists, cradling them. “I’m listening, Emily. What do you need?”
“I need you to fix it.”
“Name it. I’ll do it for you.” He sounds like he means it.
・❥・“It’s okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it’s okay if I move and change too.”
・❥・ He sees all the truth swimming in my veins. Regret. Pain. Loneliness. Helplessness. “Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
・❥・“It’s going to be okay. I’m always the one promising that sentiment. I happily take on the responsibility of everyone’s burdens because I only ever feel good when I’m being useful to someone. But hearing those words whispered softly to me . . . it’s heaven.”
・❥・“It’s none of your business. My decisions are my own.”
“Dammit, Emily, they don’t have to be, though! Just talk to me. Tell me exactly what hurts. Let me be here for you,” I say, my voice pleading now.
thank you so much netgalley and dell publishing for the arc
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
ᝰ💐 pre-read: ᯓᡣ𐭩୭˚.
OMG I JUST GOT THE ARC😭💗🤭🏃🏻♀️➡️ LIFE IS WORTH LIVING!!!!!!
I’m so excited to read this, hope it doesn’t disappoint🤞🏻 absolutely adored practice makes perfect now I have high expectations for this one.
___________
The things I would do for an arc of this book😭😭😭
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”⋆𐙚₊˚⊹
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
Beg, borrow or steal follows two rival teachers, Emily and Jack, who can’t stand each other. Emily is organized and secretly writes romance novels, while Jack, her annoying neighbor, is back in town after breaking off his engagement.
When Emily accidentally sends an email that could reveal her secret writing career, she needs Jack’s help to fix it. Even though they don’t get along, they team up. But as they work together, their rivalry starts to turn into something more, leading to an unexpected romance.
➳ my thoughts:
Rome, Kentucky is my home🤍
I fear my review and whatever I say is not going to make this book justice.😩
Sarah has a way with her writing that it just amazing. She has this incredible ability to craft stories that effortlessly transport you to the heart of the setting, making every scene vivid and alive in your mind. Her words have a way of pulling you in, wrapping you up in the world she creates, and making you feel deeply connected to the characters and their journeys. I could never grow tired of reading her works; every page holds something new and enchanting, and she never ceases to amaze me. I hope she always has a pillow that's cool on both sides and an endless flow of inspiration to continue blessing us with her stories. She’s one of my favorite authors and I have been reading her work for 3 years and can actually see the improvement in her writing.
This book was so much more than just a romance. It delves deep into personal growth, the journey of finding your own path, and the importance of learning to accept yourself, flaws and all. What stood out the most was how it emphasized that it’s okay to ask for help, that seeking support doesn’t make you weak but rather shows strength and courage. It beautifully explores the complexity of our personalities, the struggles we face in embracing who we are, and how leaning on others can be a vital part of that journey. The way it balanced the emotional depth of self-acceptance and vulnerability with the warmth of romance made it such a profoundly rewarding read.
It’s the kind of book that not only tugs at your heart but also makes you reflect on your own life and growth.
⋆˚⊹ “Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.” ⋆˚⊹
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it still feels surreal that I’ve actually read it now 😭
If you saw my updates, you probably already knew this was heading straight for a 5-star rating. Honestly, I didn’t think I could love any of her books as much as Practice Makes Perfect, and I had some serious doubts about Emily going in, especially since I wasn’t her biggest fan in the previous books. But wow, this completely blew me away and exceeded every single one of my expectations.
Every page was packed with witty banter, raw emotional struggles, and so much love. It was the perfect balance of heartache and joy, the kind of book that makes you feel everything so deeply. At this point, Sarah could publish her grocery list, and I’d read it like it’s a masterpiece.
I hate this book because it made me painfully aware that no one is ever going to love me like Jack loves Emily. I hate it because now all I want is to pack my bags, move to a small town, and live my dream romance but here I am, stuck in nyc. I hate it because it gave me all the feelings, and I’m still reeling from it.
I can't stop thinking about it, and I need everyone to read it. If this book isn’t already on your TBR, you need to add it immediately. Seriously, do it. You can thank me later.🤭
⋆˚⊹”I’ve always struggled with connection. So it was nice to get it in books if not anywhere else.”⋆˚⊹
Now, this book can totally be read as a standalone but I’m going to be honest, half of my excitement was because of the scenes with the characters of the previous books, so I would suggest if you haven’t read the first 2 books please do before reading this one. I promise you it’s going to make the experience more enjoyable.
🌶️another thing is that Sarah is known for her closed door romance, she decided to leave the door a little open this time and imo it helped with the relationship but if you still want to read a closed door book then just need to skip the chapters 25 and 32.
➳ characters:
ೃ࿐ Emily walker🫧
⭑.ᐟ“I did that all on my own because I don’t like to get too close to people. I always have this feeling like something will go wrong if I do—so it’s been easier to keep to myself.”
If you are the oldest daughter you’ll probably relate a lot to Emily, even though I’m the youngest in my family I still felt her struggles as my own because of the way they are portrayed.
Being the oldest daughter is a often complex role, and for Emily, it’s no different. She has the weight of expectations settled on her shoulders. After her parents passed away her younger siblings looked up to her, a responsibility that came with a quiet, unspoken pressure to excel in everything she did, whether it was academics, behavior, or even managing her own emotions. As the eldest, Emily quickly became the symbol of responsibility in her family, someone everyone relied on without a second thought. But that reliance often felt isolating, as the expectations placed on her made it difficult to find room for her own needs and desires.
She’s terrified of giving love a chance and opening her heart. Deep down, she feels like no one truly loves her hat people only tolerate her because of her personality. She is a control freak, scared of change and clinging to the familiar out of fear. My heart ached for her because it was so clear that she was trapped in her own darkness, carrying that weight all by herself. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug🥺
: ̗̀➛ “I don’t like change. And I’m terrified of relationships. But I find myself contemplating both of those things for him.”
: ̗̀➛ ”I don’t know how to tell him that this pain is always hovering just below the surface these days. It’s not alcohol induced. It’s raw and it’s lurking and I’m not nearly as capable of handling my shit as I seem.”
ೃ࿐ Jack Bennett🫧
⭑.ᐟ“I’ve kept myself hidden too much. It’s a harrowing feeling to look around and realize you don’t have a single friend to turn to in a hard time”
Jack Jack Jack, where do I even begin with him? He is perfect, I’m not joking, I need him right nowww. Let me paint you the picture, he’s brunette, WEARS GLASSES😚💓🤭😏😝😻, ride a motorcycle, has cute tattoos on his arm, always have a beaded necklace because his students gave it to him as a gift AND he is good with his words and actions.
When I started the book I was like “there’s no way someone is going to top the love of my life Will Griffin” well…. Jack is running pretty close for the spot. He’s such a sweetheart. He cares so much for everyone around him.
He had me down bad.
He grew up with a narcissistic father, which left him with people-pleasing tendencies and he just want to charms and win over everyone. But what really stood out to me was how those challenges didn’t stop him from becoming a genuinely good person. Watching him navigate those traits, striving to grow beyond his upbringing, was both inspiring and moving. The fact that he was so determined to break the cycle and be nothing like his father speaks volumes about his strength of character and resilience. It’s a reminder that our past and our upbringing doesn’t have to define us, we can choose who we want to be.
: ̗̀➛ “Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong.
SELF AWARE KING🗣️🗣️ LETS GOOO
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥˚✿ °. Emily & Jack:
⤷ two lonely people falling in loveᡣ𐭩
THEIR BANTER. Oh my god, I was absolutely obsessed with it. It was funny, but not in an immature or over-the-top way it felt natural, sharp, and full of personality. Even while they were bickering, the chemistry between them was undeniable, crackling on every page. They had me giggling like a fool at 4 a.m., and if I wasn’t crying over the emotional moments, I was laughing because of their dynamic. It was the perfect blend of humor and tension, and I couldn’t get enough of it!
⋆˚⊹“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”⋆˚⊹
⤷ ROMANCE IS BACK!!!!!!🥹💝
I really appreciated how the book’s timeline was set during the summer, even though they’re both professors at the same school. It allowed us to see them as individuals, outside the constraints of their professional roles. Without the pressure of academia and the expectations that come with being colleagues, their true personalities had room to shine. It felt more intimate and authentic, like we were getting to know the real versions of them instead of the personas they wear at work. That setting made their connection feel so much more genuine and relatable.
⋆˚⊹“I don’t think I’ve ever really felt loved until her”⋆˚⊹
One way to explain their relationship would be this picture:
Oh to be loved like Jack loves Emily🥹
Guys, I seriously love them together. They’re such an incredible couple, so perfectly matched in every way. The fact that they’ve known each other for over a decade adds depth to their relationship. I loved their “nemesis” vibes, the playful tension, the snarky comments but underneath it all, there was always this undeniable attraction simmering between them, even if neither of them could fully understand or admit it at first. Watching that dynamic slowly unravel into something deeper was everything I could’ve hoped for. They just get each other in a way that feels so natural. my favorite thing about their relationship was how they understood and supported each other.🫶🏻
⋆˚⊹“But with Jack, I’m starting to realize, everything just feels right.”⋆˚⊹
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:
➳ side characters:
𐙚 Will & Annie: I actually think I could give my life for them, I love them so much and they mean everything to me. I adored seeing more of them and all the progress in their relationship. My #1forever🥹🥹 their crumbs were the best.
𐙚 Madison & James: GIVE ME THEIR BOOK RIGHT NOWWWWW!!!💳💳💳 I seriously need it, have been curious about them since I read practice makes perfect and their small interaction in this book just made me more excited.
𐙚 Noah & Amelia: they are my least fav couple of the whole series but with every book that gets out I’m liking them more and kind of getting the hype about them.
♬⋆.˚ jack & emily mini playlistᰔ
⤷ let it happen ⟡ gracie abrams { emily’s song }
⤷ why don’t we go there ⟡ one direction
⤷ lonely hearts ⟡ 5sos
⤷ mutual ⟡ shawn mendes
⤷ this is me trying ⟡ taylor swift
⤷ tired ⟡ beabadoobee
💌 tropes:
ꨄ︎ rivals to lovers
ꨄ︎ neighbors
ꨄ︎ small town
ꨄ︎ both are teachers
ꨄ︎ he falls first
ꨄ︎ found family
-‘๑’- my favorite quotes & scenes
possible spoilers mentioned
・❥・ “You make me feel wild, Emily. I’ve never cared about anyone like I care for you.”
・❥・“Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
・❥・“I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me.”
・❥・“People I love die. Or they hide things from me and leave. Or they simply outgrow me and move on. The one constant in my life has been me, at the end of the day, alone in my bedroom. And if I let myself love Jack fully with arms outstretched wide and he leaves me, it will break me.”
・❥・“I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark.”
・❥・“Tell me you’re okay. I need to hear you say it.”
・❥・ Jack softly wraps his hands around my wrists, cradling them. “I’m listening, Emily. What do you need?”
“I need you to fix it.”
“Name it. I’ll do it for you.” He sounds like he means it.
・❥・“It’s okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it’s okay if I move and change too.”
・❥・ He sees all the truth swimming in my veins. Regret. Pain. Loneliness. Helplessness. “Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
・❥・“It’s going to be okay. I’m always the one promising that sentiment. I happily take on the responsibility of everyone’s burdens because I only ever feel good when I’m being useful to someone. But hearing those words whispered softly to me . . . it’s heaven.”
・❥・“It’s none of your business. My decisions are my own.”
“Dammit, Emily, they don’t have to be, though! Just talk to me. Tell me exactly what hurts. Let me be here for you,” I say, my voice pleading now.
thank you so much netgalley and dell publishing for the arc
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
ᝰ💐 pre-read: ᯓᡣ𐭩୭˚.
OMG I JUST GOT THE ARC😭💗🤭🏃🏻♀️➡️ LIFE IS WORTH LIVING!!!!!!
I’m so excited to read this, hope it doesn’t disappoint🤞🏻 absolutely adored practice makes perfect now I have high expectations for this one.
___________
The things I would do for an arc of this book😭😭😭
May 17, 2025
➳
5/5 stars
This book completely took me by surprise—in the best way. I went in expecting a typical enemies-to-lovers story, but what I got was so much deeper and more heartfelt.
Emily, with all her quiet insecurities and fierce love for her sisters, felt incredibly real to me. And Jack? He’s the kind of male lead that ruins all others—protective, gentle, and so emotionally aware. Their connection wasn’t rushed; every moment they shared felt intentional and tender. I especially loved how the story explored self-worth and healing, without ever feeling heavy.
Sarah’s writing is beautiful and emotionally layered. I found myself slowing down just to soak it all in. The banter was witty, the emotions were raw, and the pacing was nearly perfect—though I do wish their “enemies” phase had lasted a little longer. Still, the way their love unfolded was stunning.
This wasn’t just a romance—it was a deeply human story about learning to believe you’re worthy of love. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
°˖➴ "Overall, if you’re in the mood for a book that’ll light up your face and make you giggle like a teenager crushing on their favorite fictional couple, this one is the perfect catch for you!" 💌
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - january 14, 2025
got my hands on this beauty and im so freaking excited to read it with my beautiful girl tanu 💌
"₊⊹⁀➴You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
This book completely took me by surprise—in the best way. I went in expecting a typical enemies-to-lovers story, but what I got was so much deeper and more heartfelt.
Emily, with all her quiet insecurities and fierce love for her sisters, felt incredibly real to me. And Jack? He’s the kind of male lead that ruins all others—protective, gentle, and so emotionally aware. Their connection wasn’t rushed; every moment they shared felt intentional and tender. I especially loved how the story explored self-worth and healing, without ever feeling heavy.
Sarah’s writing is beautiful and emotionally layered. I found myself slowing down just to soak it all in. The banter was witty, the emotions were raw, and the pacing was nearly perfect—though I do wish their “enemies” phase had lasted a little longer. Still, the way their love unfolded was stunning.
This wasn’t just a romance—it was a deeply human story about learning to believe you’re worthy of love. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
°˖➴ "Overall, if you’re in the mood for a book that’ll light up your face and make you giggle like a teenager crushing on their favorite fictional couple, this one is the perfect catch for you!" 💌
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
୨ৎ pre-read:
⤿ started - january 14, 2025
got my hands on this beauty and im so freaking excited to read it with my beautiful girl tanu 💌
January 26, 2025
My fav in the series!!!! Again, ur honor I love them.
It had lots of banter + a great mix of silly, emotional, vulnerable & flirty scenes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(The motorcycle scenes were my favorite 🏍️)
It had lots of banter + a great mix of silly, emotional, vulnerable & flirty scenes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(The motorcycle scenes were my favorite 🏍️)
January 18, 2025
YUUUUUUUUUP
Read
March 11, 2025Deleted my review, cleared my rating. Going to give this one another try. Doing it on kindle this time instead of audio.
Battle of the Bookstores inspired me to try one more time...
╰⪼ ❤️Nemesis to Lovers
╰⪼ ❤️Teachers & Authors
╰⪼ ❤️Perfectionist ✘ Charmer
╰⪼ 💌Flirty Emails!
╰⪼ ❤️Small Town
╰⪼ ❤️Found Family
╰⪼ ❤️Healthy Communication
╰⪼ ❤️MMC in Glasses
╰⪼ ❤️Couples Who Champion Each Other’s Success
╰⪼ ❤️Sibling Love
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Battle of the Bookstores inspired me to try one more time...
╰⪼ ❤️Nemesis to Lovers
╰⪼ ❤️Teachers & Authors
╰⪼ ❤️Perfectionist ✘ Charmer
╰⪼ 💌Flirty Emails!
╰⪼ ❤️Small Town
╰⪼ ❤️Found Family
╰⪼ ❤️Healthy Communication
╰⪼ ❤️MMC in Glasses
╰⪼ ❤️Couples Who Champion Each Other’s Success
╰⪼ ❤️Sibling Love
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
March 29, 2025
Petition for Buket to start her own booktube channel cuz her recs are fire 🔥
__.
Starting Buket month and I am soo excited 🤸♂️ I loved practice makes perfect so high hopes for this!
__.
Starting Buket month and I am soo excited 🤸♂️ I loved practice makes perfect so high hopes for this!
April 7, 2025
4.5 Stars ★
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
This was so cute and gave me the perfect amount of comfort that I was looking for!
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third installment in the When in Rome series. This easily became my favorite so far with the rivalry at every turn to the friendship and onward to lovers. This is not just a book filled with witty banter, tension, and romance. It delves into heavier topics of grief, depression, and narcissistic parent into a journey of healing. This had me giggling, kicking my feet and feeling downright sad during some moments but loving it all the same.
The story follows Emily and Jack, who have been each other's nemesis since college. A decade later, teaching at the same school they compete with each other over everything until Jack moves away. Suddenly, he is back in town after breaking off his engagement and is now Emily's new neighbor. She tries everything to get him out of town until she needs his help after sending an email mistakingly.
Emily Walker was one of those characters that I loved many qualities about her and some that I didn't like. I didn't love her but also I didn't hate her, actually I like her a lot. Let's start with what I adore about her. She is strong-willed and often speaks her mind, I can relate to speaking her mind because I often do as well. She is protective of those she loves, especially her siblings being the oldest daughter and having lost her parents at a young age, it is understandable. Another quality is that she is a perfectionist, which I can also relate to, though not on the same level. There are some things that I am and some that I'm not. The things that I just couldn't get with is her constant need to give everyone else advice but not take it for herself until towards the end. Don't get me wrong, I loved that it took her time to grow. I just felt like it was two steps forward and then three back. But when she finally took advice from her sister and set her fears aside to show and feel her emotions, I was rooting her her.
"As all good and unbearable perfectionists know, if you want something done right, you mostly have to do it yourself."
Jack Bennet is just a green flag all around. You guys he wears glasses, has tattoos, and rides a motorcycle talk about making me melt for him. Growing up with a narcissistic father, he strived to never be that way, going out of his way to read people, turning on his charm to win them over. I didn't find it a fault it was a way for him to cope with his upbringing and not to be like or treat people the way he saw his father do his whole life. It made him more caring and attentive to what others needed. In this, he was able to see exactly what Emily needed, being abel to care for her the way she needed. And if this didn't make me love him, then the way that he is posessive in the best of ways did. He was just perfect to me in every way.
“Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong. I grew up around someone who was a real dick and never said he was sorry… so, I don’t know, I just don’t want to repeat his pattern. And I was firmly in the wrong today. So again, I’m very sorry.”
Emily and Jack went from rivals at every turn to a slow budding friendship, building layers and into a relationship of understating one another and taking things at a slow pace. I absolutely loved the tension, banter, and chemistry between them on their paths of each phase. I absolutely loved their email and text exchanges. They had me cracking up, even laughing out loud with their bickering. Though it took her a whole to fully trust him as she had been hurt in the past and had feared loving someone again. He had some things to work through as well. Being able to overcome his upbringing and treat her with the care that she needed to feel loved. I loved the way that they didn't tip toe around the others' traumas but communicated through them to grow not only as individuals but together. They were honestly so cute together.
“Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.”
The way that I was also eating up the scenes with the characters from the previous books. I loved being back in this small town with them. I didn't know how much I missed Noah, Amelia, Annie, Will, Madison, James, and even Mabel until I was back in Rome.
This book fulfilled everything that I was looking for and needing. Though I had some issues with Emily, that may ne a me problem. I still loved it. I can't wait to be in this town with Madison and James. I will be seeing you soon, Rome, Kentucky.
Favorite quotes and moments
"And when she found me watching, she told me to find someone someday who will hug me when I’m sad and then help me look on the bright side of things when all I can see is the dark."
"No one needs me. And when they don’t need me, they don’t come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I’m no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink."
“You’ve seen a woman’s body. Mine is no different.” He pauses, a thick crease forming between his brows. “Emily, you are the difference."
"Coming back home alone is so much more preferable to always stressing and wondering if I’m going to be enough for someone or if I’m going to say too much, show too much of myself, and scare them away when I’m just getting comfortable."
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer. Grow from your experiences, don’t let them smother the light out of you.”
“Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
In need of something on the lighter side. Also, I'm ready to be back in Rome, Kentucky with this rivals to lovers romance 💐💕
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
This was so cute and gave me the perfect amount of comfort that I was looking for!
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third installment in the When in Rome series. This easily became my favorite so far with the rivalry at every turn to the friendship and onward to lovers. This is not just a book filled with witty banter, tension, and romance. It delves into heavier topics of grief, depression, and narcissistic parent into a journey of healing. This had me giggling, kicking my feet and feeling downright sad during some moments but loving it all the same.
The story follows Emily and Jack, who have been each other's nemesis since college. A decade later, teaching at the same school they compete with each other over everything until Jack moves away. Suddenly, he is back in town after breaking off his engagement and is now Emily's new neighbor. She tries everything to get him out of town until she needs his help after sending an email mistakingly.
Emily Walker was one of those characters that I loved many qualities about her and some that I didn't like. I didn't love her but also I didn't hate her, actually I like her a lot. Let's start with what I adore about her. She is strong-willed and often speaks her mind, I can relate to speaking her mind because I often do as well. She is protective of those she loves, especially her siblings being the oldest daughter and having lost her parents at a young age, it is understandable. Another quality is that she is a perfectionist, which I can also relate to, though not on the same level. There are some things that I am and some that I'm not. The things that I just couldn't get with is her constant need to give everyone else advice but not take it for herself until towards the end. Don't get me wrong, I loved that it took her time to grow. I just felt like it was two steps forward and then three back. But when she finally took advice from her sister and set her fears aside to show and feel her emotions, I was rooting her her.
"As all good and unbearable perfectionists know, if you want something done right, you mostly have to do it yourself."
Jack Bennet is just a green flag all around. You guys he wears glasses, has tattoos, and rides a motorcycle talk about making me melt for him. Growing up with a narcissistic father, he strived to never be that way, going out of his way to read people, turning on his charm to win them over. I didn't find it a fault it was a way for him to cope with his upbringing and not to be like or treat people the way he saw his father do his whole life. It made him more caring and attentive to what others needed. In this, he was able to see exactly what Emily needed, being abel to care for her the way she needed. And if this didn't make me love him, then the way that he is posessive in the best of ways did. He was just perfect to me in every way.
“Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong. I grew up around someone who was a real dick and never said he was sorry… so, I don’t know, I just don’t want to repeat his pattern. And I was firmly in the wrong today. So again, I’m very sorry.”
Emily and Jack went from rivals at every turn to a slow budding friendship, building layers and into a relationship of understating one another and taking things at a slow pace. I absolutely loved the tension, banter, and chemistry between them on their paths of each phase. I absolutely loved their email and text exchanges. They had me cracking up, even laughing out loud with their bickering. Though it took her a whole to fully trust him as she had been hurt in the past and had feared loving someone again. He had some things to work through as well. Being able to overcome his upbringing and treat her with the care that she needed to feel loved. I loved the way that they didn't tip toe around the others' traumas but communicated through them to grow not only as individuals but together. They were honestly so cute together.
“Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.”
The way that I was also eating up the scenes with the characters from the previous books. I loved being back in this small town with them. I didn't know how much I missed Noah, Amelia, Annie, Will, Madison, James, and even Mabel until I was back in Rome.
This book fulfilled everything that I was looking for and needing. Though I had some issues with Emily, that may ne a me problem. I still loved it. I can't wait to be in this town with Madison and James. I will be seeing you soon, Rome, Kentucky.
Favorite quotes and moments
"And when she found me watching, she told me to find someone someday who will hug me when I’m sad and then help me look on the bright side of things when all I can see is the dark."
"No one needs me. And when they don’t need me, they don’t come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I’m no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink."
“You’ve seen a woman’s body. Mine is no different.” He pauses, a thick crease forming between his brows. “Emily, you are the difference."
"Coming back home alone is so much more preferable to always stressing and wondering if I’m going to be enough for someone or if I’m going to say too much, show too much of myself, and scare them away when I’m just getting comfortable."
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer. Grow from your experiences, don’t let them smother the light out of you.”
“Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
In need of something on the lighter side. Also, I'm ready to be back in Rome, Kentucky with this rivals to lovers romance 💐💕
January 12, 2025
This is the perfect lighthearted rom-com! Sarah delivered everything I wanted and more. I was truly taken aback by how much I connected to this story. This is the third instalment in the When in Rome series. It is an interconnected series but this CAN be read as a standalone.
╰┈➤ Tropes:
🍓 Academic/workplace rivals to lovers
🍓 Neighbours
🍓 Forced proximity
🍓 Small town
Jack and Emma have been rivals since their first unfortunate encounter back in college. They are both competitive in nature and their passion pushes them to challenge themselves both academically and in their careers. As fate would have it, they end up teaching at the same school for years until Jack moves away. Following a failed relationship, Jack returns back to town due to an invisible string drawing him towards Emily. As tensions increase, secret truths are revealed and it turns out, they are rivals in more ways than one — they are both writers.
The chemistry and tension between Jack and Emily was undeniable. I was squealing out loud reading this because this is the stuff you only see in early 2000's romance movies. I had to physically stop myself from reading several times because I couldn't contain myself. Some of their moments felt like those movie scenes where the guy finally kisses the girl in the rain.I loved their dynamic. Never underestimate the power of good banter and rivalry!!
Jack was the sweetest human being and he was so easy to fall in love with. You can tell he was written by a woman with the utter compassion, tenderness and thoughtfulness he carried himself with. If you're an older sister, you'll understand Emily and struggles putting herself first before her family. I loved the moments she shared with her sisters and brother. Both Jack and Emily were very relatable characters and I felt represented by their struggles.
I loved that they were both writers in their respective genres — this aspect was reminiscent of one of my favourite romances, Beach Read.
I don't often rate rom-coms 5 stars because I always crave a deeper layer to storytelling. This touched on some emotional topics but still kept things lighthearted and fun. These topics were well balanced with the swoonworthy romance.
This is some of Sarah's best writing, she had me hooked from start to finish. To top it off, there was no silly conflicts. It is refreshing to read GROWN characters that know how to COMMUNICATE, even when they have disagreements.
For those worried about this being second chance, I wouldn't call this a second chance romance. I personally love the trope but this is more rivals to lovers. They have known each other for a long time and had previous partners during the time they knew each other but nothing romantic happened between them previously.
If you prefer closed book romances, there's two chapters of spice which the author has marked at the beginning of the book. It was done perfectly and was very tasteful for this adorable story.
No notes, give me more of this please!!
Thank you Headline & NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Quotes
“I will continue to support your writing. To pull for you. To root for you and do everything I can to help make your dreams come true.”
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love. Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done.”
“I don't need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me.”
“But these days, I’m happily single by choice. (There’s also a chance that I’m single because I’m an unlovable porcupine and got tired of the constant rejection . . . but that thought is terrifying, so I slip it inside my Metal Treasure Chest of Doom and leave it there right next to the memory of my first and only love shattering my heart.)”
╰┈➤ Tropes:
🍓 Academic/workplace rivals to lovers
🍓 Neighbours
🍓 Forced proximity
🍓 Small town
Jack and Emma have been rivals since their first unfortunate encounter back in college. They are both competitive in nature and their passion pushes them to challenge themselves both academically and in their careers. As fate would have it, they end up teaching at the same school for years until Jack moves away. Following a failed relationship, Jack returns back to town due to an invisible string drawing him towards Emily. As tensions increase, secret truths are revealed and it turns out, they are rivals in more ways than one — they are both writers.
The chemistry and tension between Jack and Emily was undeniable. I was squealing out loud reading this because this is the stuff you only see in early 2000's romance movies. I had to physically stop myself from reading several times because I couldn't contain myself. Some of their moments felt like those movie scenes where the guy finally kisses the girl in the rain.I loved their dynamic. Never underestimate the power of good banter and rivalry!!
Jack was the sweetest human being and he was so easy to fall in love with. You can tell he was written by a woman with the utter compassion, tenderness and thoughtfulness he carried himself with. If you're an older sister, you'll understand Emily and struggles putting herself first before her family. I loved the moments she shared with her sisters and brother. Both Jack and Emily were very relatable characters and I felt represented by their struggles.
I loved that they were both writers in their respective genres — this aspect was reminiscent of one of my favourite romances, Beach Read.
I don't often rate rom-coms 5 stars because I always crave a deeper layer to storytelling. This touched on some emotional topics but still kept things lighthearted and fun. These topics were well balanced with the swoonworthy romance.
This is some of Sarah's best writing, she had me hooked from start to finish. To top it off, there was no silly conflicts. It is refreshing to read GROWN characters that know how to COMMUNICATE, even when they have disagreements.
For those worried about this being second chance, I wouldn't call this a second chance romance. I personally love the trope but this is more rivals to lovers. They have known each other for a long time and had previous partners during the time they knew each other but nothing romantic happened between them previously.
If you prefer closed book romances, there's two chapters of spice which the author has marked at the beginning of the book. It was done perfectly and was very tasteful for this adorable story.
No notes, give me more of this please!!
Thank you Headline & NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Quotes
“I will continue to support your writing. To pull for you. To root for you and do everything I can to help make your dreams come true.”
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love. Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done.”
“I don't need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me.”
“But these days, I’m happily single by choice. (There’s also a chance that I’m single because I’m an unlovable porcupine and got tired of the constant rejection . . . but that thought is terrifying, so I slip it inside my Metal Treasure Chest of Doom and leave it there right next to the memory of my first and only love shattering my heart.)”
January 1, 2026
✶ beg, borrow, or steal ౨ৎ 3.25 stars
⤿ going into this book, i had pretty low expectations due to the first and second book being huge disappointments — and although this wasn’t the most groundbreaking or original book (at all), i have to admit that it was a fun time. both of the main characters, jack and Emily, were likeable, they felt more fleshed out and nuanced than any of the 4 mmc’s from the previous books, their relationship felt real (and honestly, made me swoon a bit at times), and the book was addicting to read.
the main reason i dnf’ed this book the first time around was because it was bland, cliche, and overall just not capturing my attention. after reading the first two books, the beginning felt a lot like how the entirety of when in Rome and practice makes perfect went, and that honestly scared me. i didn’t want to have another disappointing read. but thankfully, this time around, it was much, much better. Sarah Adams managed to create two characters that felt like they had their own personalities and for the first time, weren’t bland or giving me the ick. and honestly, i have to applaud her for that.
the characters ꩜｡⋆.
⤿ Emily Walker. all the fmc’s in this series so far have been ANNOYING me and i’m so thankful that she didn’t turn out that way as well. she was so mature and reminded me so much of myself throughout all her actions. the eldest daughter is a common archetype, and Sarah honestly did an amazing job with it, in my opinion. emily’s feelings felt real, they felt like the built up mixed emotions of taking care of your entire family and putting their feelings above your own. her “tantrums” and breakdowns were so raw and vulnerable — they genuinely felt like needed moments to let out her pent up emotions.
⤹ jack Bennett. again, i actually really enjoyed his character (at least compared to Noah, Amelia, and Annie). his past traumas actually added to his character and his relationship rather than just feel like something to make him different. however, not to sound surface-level, but i liked his romantic + playful energy the best. him making Emily always feel like the most special person in the room while also always lightly bantering with her made me swoon. he is by far my favorite mmc in this entire series.
𖦹 the relationship. surprisingly, this was relatively weak compared to the characters’ themselves. sometimes it did feel a bit quick, especially when they both realized they loved each other — i was just sitting there like… what.. 😭. i was so confused at how we got there, and how it moved so quickly. the pacing felt a bit off throughout the entire book, honestly. but I have to give credit where credit is due, and there were definitely moments that made me giggle and kick my feet (specifically the things romantic jack would say to Emily 😩).
⟡ 🍥 overall, i am so impressed with Sarah Adams for writing this. this is the first book in the series where the characters have felt real, as well as the relationship. i had such a fun time reading this, especially because i read it with my best friend, bruna. here’s to our 2026 together 🤭💞, i love you. i definitely get the hype though, and i finally understand why people love this book so much — and now i’m excited for the fourth book. james and Madison, here i come!!
࿔₊ ࣪˖ so happy to end off 2025 with a good read! here's to a new year with hopefully, many new 5 star reads.
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
post-read 12/31 ౨ৎ 3.25 stars
forgot to update but i finished right in time for new years! 🪐✨ i enjoyed this much more than the second book + the first time i tried to read this, FRTC.
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
ᝰ ⋆ ── preread ✶
picking this back up after a few months with my gorgeous bsf bruna 🩷. hopefully this is much better than the first 2 books 😣🤞🏻
𓂃🍧˖ cheers to my last read of 2025 🪷
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
3/22/25: putting this on hold because i genuinely can't get myself to be interested ☹️ (ch. 10)
⤿ going into this book, i had pretty low expectations due to the first and second book being huge disappointments — and although this wasn’t the most groundbreaking or original book (at all), i have to admit that it was a fun time. both of the main characters, jack and Emily, were likeable, they felt more fleshed out and nuanced than any of the 4 mmc’s from the previous books, their relationship felt real (and honestly, made me swoon a bit at times), and the book was addicting to read.
the main reason i dnf’ed this book the first time around was because it was bland, cliche, and overall just not capturing my attention. after reading the first two books, the beginning felt a lot like how the entirety of when in Rome and practice makes perfect went, and that honestly scared me. i didn’t want to have another disappointing read. but thankfully, this time around, it was much, much better. Sarah Adams managed to create two characters that felt like they had their own personalities and for the first time, weren’t bland or giving me the ick. and honestly, i have to applaud her for that.
the characters ꩜｡⋆.
⤿ Emily Walker. all the fmc’s in this series so far have been ANNOYING me and i’m so thankful that she didn’t turn out that way as well. she was so mature and reminded me so much of myself throughout all her actions. the eldest daughter is a common archetype, and Sarah honestly did an amazing job with it, in my opinion. emily’s feelings felt real, they felt like the built up mixed emotions of taking care of your entire family and putting their feelings above your own. her “tantrums” and breakdowns were so raw and vulnerable — they genuinely felt like needed moments to let out her pent up emotions.
⤹ jack Bennett. again, i actually really enjoyed his character (at least compared to Noah, Amelia, and Annie). his past traumas actually added to his character and his relationship rather than just feel like something to make him different. however, not to sound surface-level, but i liked his romantic + playful energy the best. him making Emily always feel like the most special person in the room while also always lightly bantering with her made me swoon. he is by far my favorite mmc in this entire series.
𖦹 the relationship. surprisingly, this was relatively weak compared to the characters’ themselves. sometimes it did feel a bit quick, especially when they both realized they loved each other — i was just sitting there like… what.. 😭. i was so confused at how we got there, and how it moved so quickly. the pacing felt a bit off throughout the entire book, honestly. but I have to give credit where credit is due, and there were definitely moments that made me giggle and kick my feet (specifically the things romantic jack would say to Emily 😩).
⟡ 🍥 overall, i am so impressed with Sarah Adams for writing this. this is the first book in the series where the characters have felt real, as well as the relationship. i had such a fun time reading this, especially because i read it with my best friend, bruna. here’s to our 2026 together 🤭💞, i love you. i definitely get the hype though, and i finally understand why people love this book so much — and now i’m excited for the fourth book. james and Madison, here i come!!
࿔₊ ࣪˖ so happy to end off 2025 with a good read! here's to a new year with hopefully, many new 5 star reads.
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
post-read 12/31 ౨ৎ 3.25 stars
forgot to update but i finished right in time for new years! 🪐✨ i enjoyed this much more than the second book + the first time i tried to read this, FRTC.
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
ᝰ ⋆ ── preread ✶
picking this back up after a few months with my gorgeous bsf bruna 🩷. hopefully this is much better than the first 2 books 😣🤞🏻
𓂃🍧˖ cheers to my last read of 2025 🪷
⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ⁺ ﹒ ⊹
3/22/25: putting this on hold because i genuinely can't get myself to be interested ☹️ (ch. 10)
Want to read
April 3, 2025finally got my copy hehehe 😈
—
what do you mean second chance please no 😭😭😭
—
what do you mean second chance please no 😭😭😭
Read
January 1, 2026finished just in time (it’s almost midnight for me 🤭) – review and rating to come!
. ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖
๋ · ˚ 🖇️ ⊹ ⌇ pre-read. ⋆
⤿ started on december 27, 2025.
i read a book by this author two years ago and didn’t like it at all, but i’m willing to give her another go! i saw lots of mutuals saying this book right here is a good one, so let’s see how it goes. 🩷
buddy read with my sweet girl ivy. 🎀💐
. ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖ 𓂃 ⟡ 𓂃 . ݁ ˖
๋ · ˚ 🖇️ ⊹ ⌇ pre-read. ⋆
⤿ started on december 27, 2025.
i read a book by this author two years ago and didn’t like it at all, but i’m willing to give her another go! i saw lots of mutuals saying this book right here is a good one, so let’s see how it goes. 🩷
buddy read with my sweet girl ivy. 🎀💐
September 3, 2025
when i die, please bury me with this book.
January 3, 2025
OH MY HOPELESS ROMANTIC CHEESY HEART!!!!!!! Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third book in the When In Rome series written by Sarah Adams and by far my FAVORITE book in this series. I couldn't have chosen a better book to start 2025 off with and let me tell you, I just kicked off this year with a banger. This book was deeply personal and relatable for me, as an older sister but also as a middle child, this book spoke to me on so many levels. Sarah Adams has a way with words that just leave you in a choke hold, but also leaves you feeling giddy. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the type of book that tugs on your heart strings, but it also makes you go back into your personal story and reflect on your own life experiences. I'm honestly scared to post this review because my words and review will NEVER give this book the justice it deserves. This book was one of my many anticipated books of 2025 and if I could go back and give this book an infinity star rating, I totally would because it was that flawless and beautifully written. I know this book was supposed to be a cutesy romance, but honestly it was so much more than that for me. As I was reading this book, it felt like Sarah was right by my side holding my hand, telling me to be vulnerable, telling me it's okay to be myself, and telling me and her readers that it's okay to ask for help when it's needed. Being vulnerable is not a weak trait, it shows you have a big heart. I can't recommend this book enough, please please do yourself a favor and grab a copy immediately, because this book was absolutely a favorite for me.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP-BALLANTINE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
Rome, Kentucky is my home, it's my safe place, and it's my favorite community.
"No one needs me. And when they don't need me, they don't come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I'm no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink".
"I want to hug each other when we are sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark".
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other". -Audrey Hepburn
"Jack Daniel's just isn't the same without a splash of sweet tea".
"Maybe not everything will end in hurt, but we will never know if we don't try".
Emily Walker is Rome, Kentucky's Queen Bee. Emily tends to speak her mind and have it bite her in the ass too often. Emily has been teaching second grade at Rome Elementary School of over twenty-five years and absolutely loves her job. Emily is happily single because she thinks she's an unlovable porcupine that got tired of the constant rejection. After her grandma passed away, Emily became a romance author as a side hustle because she couldn't deal with the depression and the darkest days of her life when she feared her siblings didn't need her anymore because they were all dealing with their own grief. Did I mention that Emily has a cat named Ducky? Oh my goodness, I just want to hold Ducky so close to my heart and get in some kitty snuggles, because that was just so adorable. Emily is the type of woman who seems to single handedly carry the world on her shoulders way better than Superman ever could dream of doing. Emily is also tenacious, strong willed, and protective of those around her. It was so precious to reconnect with Annie and Amelia for their annual girl's night, Noah and Will were also reunited, I was just the happiest woman ever to be reunited with these characters.
Jackson Bennett is Emily's archnemesis since college when they first met and Jack spilled coffee all over Emily and then proceeded to flirt with her. Just before winter break, Jack moved to Nebraska with his fiancee, they were supposed to get married but not anymore, so Jack decides to come back to Rome, Kentucky because he felt like it was his calling and he definitely owed it to Emily. Jack is also a second grade teacher at Rome Elementary. Jackson Bennett, this man is so freaking hot, he has several tattoos, but they are all cute sticker style designed tattoos such as an adorable worm with glasses popping out of an apple. As a side hustle, Jack goes by the pen-name, AJ Ranger, a New York Times and Sunday Times best selling mystery author. The e-mails between Jack and Emily were absolutely hilarious, their banter was just the best, I couldn't stop kicking my feet in the air and giggling. Jack had a nickname for Emily and it was Goldie, ugh, it was just so stinkin cute and I couldn't stop swooning over this man. Let me be honest, at first I thought I would hate Jack by the way he was acting, but oh my gosh, this man was so hot and made me swoon like crazy.
In Beg, Borrow, or Steal we meet Madison who is another one of Emily's sisters. Madison and Emily are thirteen months apart in age, so they were the closest and the very best of friends, but Madison is getting her culinary degree in New York City, but anyway I just need the next book to be Madison and James who you will also meet in this book, so be prepared to swoon all over again. One night, Emily drunkenly sent her very explicit romance novel to the principal of Rome Elementary instead of to a publisher, Jack and Emily decide to put their differences aside and work together so the principal can't read Emily's story because of Lord that would just be embarrassing. I absolutely loved and adored watching Emily and Jack work together, they were just the cutest ever. By the end of this book, I was insanely proud of Emily for coming out of her shell and asking for help when she was too scared to do something on her own. It also felt like after this book was over, Emily was right there in my corner holding my hand and telling me to be myself and accept myself for who I am. Beg, Borrow, or Steal will forever hold a personal place in my heart for years and years to come, possibly forever. I can't express all of my love I have for this beautiful, yet heart tugging book. Jackson Bennett and Emily Walker will be my very best of friends for a long time to come.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP-BALLANTINE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
Rome, Kentucky is my home, it's my safe place, and it's my favorite community.
"No one needs me. And when they don't need me, they don't come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I'm no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink".
"I want to hug each other when we are sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark".
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other". -Audrey Hepburn
"Jack Daniel's just isn't the same without a splash of sweet tea".
"Maybe not everything will end in hurt, but we will never know if we don't try".
Emily Walker is Rome, Kentucky's Queen Bee. Emily tends to speak her mind and have it bite her in the ass too often. Emily has been teaching second grade at Rome Elementary School of over twenty-five years and absolutely loves her job. Emily is happily single because she thinks she's an unlovable porcupine that got tired of the constant rejection. After her grandma passed away, Emily became a romance author as a side hustle because she couldn't deal with the depression and the darkest days of her life when she feared her siblings didn't need her anymore because they were all dealing with their own grief. Did I mention that Emily has a cat named Ducky? Oh my goodness, I just want to hold Ducky so close to my heart and get in some kitty snuggles, because that was just so adorable. Emily is the type of woman who seems to single handedly carry the world on her shoulders way better than Superman ever could dream of doing. Emily is also tenacious, strong willed, and protective of those around her. It was so precious to reconnect with Annie and Amelia for their annual girl's night, Noah and Will were also reunited, I was just the happiest woman ever to be reunited with these characters.
Jackson Bennett is Emily's archnemesis since college when they first met and Jack spilled coffee all over Emily and then proceeded to flirt with her. Just before winter break, Jack moved to Nebraska with his fiancee, they were supposed to get married but not anymore, so Jack decides to come back to Rome, Kentucky because he felt like it was his calling and he definitely owed it to Emily. Jack is also a second grade teacher at Rome Elementary. Jackson Bennett, this man is so freaking hot, he has several tattoos, but they are all cute sticker style designed tattoos such as an adorable worm with glasses popping out of an apple. As a side hustle, Jack goes by the pen-name, AJ Ranger, a New York Times and Sunday Times best selling mystery author. The e-mails between Jack and Emily were absolutely hilarious, their banter was just the best, I couldn't stop kicking my feet in the air and giggling. Jack had a nickname for Emily and it was Goldie, ugh, it was just so stinkin cute and I couldn't stop swooning over this man. Let me be honest, at first I thought I would hate Jack by the way he was acting, but oh my gosh, this man was so hot and made me swoon like crazy.
In Beg, Borrow, or Steal we meet Madison who is another one of Emily's sisters. Madison and Emily are thirteen months apart in age, so they were the closest and the very best of friends, but Madison is getting her culinary degree in New York City, but anyway I just need the next book to be Madison and James who you will also meet in this book, so be prepared to swoon all over again. One night, Emily drunkenly sent her very explicit romance novel to the principal of Rome Elementary instead of to a publisher, Jack and Emily decide to put their differences aside and work together so the principal can't read Emily's story because of Lord that would just be embarrassing. I absolutely loved and adored watching Emily and Jack work together, they were just the cutest ever. By the end of this book, I was insanely proud of Emily for coming out of her shell and asking for help when she was too scared to do something on her own. It also felt like after this book was over, Emily was right there in my corner holding my hand and telling me to be myself and accept myself for who I am. Beg, Borrow, or Steal will forever hold a personal place in my heart for years and years to come, possibly forever. I can't express all of my love I have for this beautiful, yet heart tugging book. Jackson Bennett and Emily Walker will be my very best of friends for a long time to come.
November 14, 2024
2.75 stars
I approached this book with high expectations, especially after the exhilarating experience of the second installment in the series. the dynamic between the academic rivals, who transitioned from their college years to teaching at the same small-town school, was a delightful aspect of ’Beg, Borrow or Steal’. their verbal jousts were absolutely delicious.
however, I couldn't help but feel that the characters' depth and their day-to-day struggles and mental health were underexplored, which could have further enriched the narrative. some plot elements, such as both protagonists being teachers and authors, felt too coincidental.
additionally, I found the male lead's decision to traverse the globe to be with his ex-fiancée—someone he never truly loved but was going to marry—to be quite unsettling. given that he and the female protagonist had shared a deep connection over the years, this choice felt inconsistent.
all in all, it was a fast pasted read and i especially loved reconnecting with some dear characters and to be thrown once again in the hilarious neighbourhood of Rome!
many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
——
WHAT DO YOU MEAN I JUST GOT THE ARC ?????
I approached this book with high expectations, especially after the exhilarating experience of the second installment in the series. the dynamic between the academic rivals, who transitioned from their college years to teaching at the same small-town school, was a delightful aspect of ’Beg, Borrow or Steal’. their verbal jousts were absolutely delicious.
however, I couldn't help but feel that the characters' depth and their day-to-day struggles and mental health were underexplored, which could have further enriched the narrative. some plot elements, such as both protagonists being teachers and authors, felt too coincidental.
additionally, I found the male lead's decision to traverse the globe to be with his ex-fiancée—someone he never truly loved but was going to marry—to be quite unsettling. given that he and the female protagonist had shared a deep connection over the years, this choice felt inconsistent.
all in all, it was a fast pasted read and i especially loved reconnecting with some dear characters and to be thrown once again in the hilarious neighbourhood of Rome!
many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
——
WHAT DO YOU MEAN I JUST GOT THE ARC ?????
January 15, 2025
5 stars ⭐️
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
my first 5-star read in nearly half a year 😭😭😭 i was worried i wasn’t going to love this book as much as when in rome or practice makes perfect since i’ve read so many romance books and my tastes have changed a bit over the past year, but boy, was i wrong! i waited over 8 months for this book, and it was SO worth it. it’s been ages since a romance book made me feel this way—i was smiling, giggling, and kicking my feet like a fool, laughing, tearing up—you name it.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ characters
♡.ᐟ emily
“No one needs me. And when they don’t need me, they don’t come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I’m no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink.”
emily had so much depth, and i found her incredibly relatable. as the oldest daughter, she carried a heavy responsibility, always taking care of her sisters and making sure they were okay, all while grappling with her own struggles and grieving the loss of her parents. she feels overwhelming lonely, constantly believing that nobody loves or needs her, and that she’ll be alone forever. she keeps everything bottled up inside, and the way she pretended to be happy for her loved ones as they moved forward with their lives, even though she was falling apart inside, completely wrecked me 😭
♡.ᐟ jack
“I don’t like to get too close to people. I always have this feeling like something will go wrong if I do—so it’s been easier to keep to myself.”
I LOVE HOT NERDS!!!!! 🫦 i’m convinced that every fictional man named bennett is a walking green flag, and i think jack might just be my favourite MMC in this series now 🤭
everyone can’t help but love jack because of his charm, but deep down, he craves validation and approval from others—a coping mechanism he developed because of his narcissistic dad.
“My dad is a narcissist. I don’t mean it in a hyperbolic way either. I’m pretty certain that he is an actual narcissist. My life growing up . . . it was painful a lot. And I quickly learned that saying what I truly thought or felt could get turned on me in an instant. Honestly, vulnerability . . . those things were what I got rid of first. And then I learned the art of reading him. Reading his moods and his energy and becoming what I needed to be to get through the day and to protect my mom from his shit. That mechanism bled into the rest of my life too . . . mostly by accident. I read people and adapt before I even realize I’m doing it. It’s usually not until later when I’m sitting alone, and I feel hollow and used and upset that I realise I betrayed myself in some way. And so often . . . I’m scared that all this reading and maneuvering people—even if it’s with the right intent—is somehow going to turn me into him.”
i won’t lie, i didn’t feel the same emotional depth from him as i did with emily, but i still loved him. not only is he considerate, but also mindful, apologizes when he’s in the wrong, and asks for consent?! WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE HIM IN THE REAL WORLD!!! 😫😭
“Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong.”
♡.ᐟ emily and jack
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 😭😭😭 their relationship developed so naturally, and the banter, the yearning, and the chemistry between them was EVERYTHING 😫 what i loved most was how healthy their relationship was, and how raw and real they were with each other. both of them tend to bury their feelings because they don’t want to cause pain to the people they love, but they trusted each other completely and were able to confide in one another. i truly appreciated how well they communicated and how understanding they were with each other 🥹 i also thought it was pretty cute how emily used to see jack as competition, while he never saw her that way, and they both secretly enjoyed bickering with each other as it was the one constant in their lives 🥲
“So this is not an emergency?”
“It is. Why don’t you understand me?”
“I’m listening, Emily. What do you need?”
“I need you to fix it.”
“Name it. I’ll do it for you.”
“Roll back time.”
“Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Say it out loud, Emily. Let me inside that brain of yours.”
“Do you know part of the reason I didn’t want you to be my neighbor? Because everyone loves you as soon as they meet you, but most people only tolerate me. This town, though… they love me and my spikes. It’s my sanctuary. My safe space. Maybe it’s because they loved my parents, and they love my siblings—I don’t know, and I don’t always feel like I deserve it. But they do—and I was afraid that if you moved into my town that I love so, so much, I’d have to watch them fall in love with you over me. Because there’s never been room enough for both of us. We are two sides of the same coin—but everyone always chooses you. And I wouldn’t even blame them because you’re so damn likeable. Even when I’ve hated you, I’ve always liked you.”
“People may like me, but they don’t know me. I don’t think anyone had ever known me quite like you have. And that’s part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you’ve made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular. And I swear to you, I would never try to steal their love away from you. Couldn’t even if I wanted to. They love you more than you know. Believe me, I’ve seen firsthand how much this town worships you and your spikes.”
“I’ll be so careful with you, Emily.”
“PS. You could never be a side character.”
“Now . . . I need to be okay with being alone. Because everyone moves on eventually. But not me . . . I’ll always be right here where they left me.”
“… You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“Emily . . . when I told you I care for you, I mean it. It’s not that I care for some aspects of you, not that I care for you when you’re in a good mood . . . I care for you always. I want you, always. The good, the bad, and the in-between. I. Want. You. Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey heart . . . all of it. All of you.”
“… I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel so seen and known as you do, Jack. And to be honest, your friendship lately has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. And I was scared that you’d think you wanted me, and then you would get close to me and realize that I’m too tough to love. Hell, I’m difficult to even be around some days, and now I can add sad to the list too. I guess I’m saying I don’t actually want to go slow with you. I love you, Jack. I don’t want to be friends with benefits. I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark. And I realize I don’t have a lot to offer you at this moment in my life besides a very messy person who is somehow also a perfectionist and enjoys bickering more than she should. I can be a porcupine sometimes, but I also make really great buttered noodles and have the best movie nights with an incredible selection of snacks, and oh! I can also help you grade papers when you’re behind. I’m very good at grading. I have a super cute sticker stash too that you’re welcome to use anytime you—“
“I love you too, Emily . . . I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me. You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love. Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
♡.ᐟ other characters
oh, how i’ve missed this small town and its found family. i love them all so so much—amelia and noah, annie and will, madison and james (I NEED THEIR BOOK RIGHT NOW 😭💳), and my favourite fictional grandmother, mabel 🥹💖 i remember finding the other town residents too nosy for my liking when i read practice makes perfect, but i couldn’t help but smile when they appeared in this book.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ overall
i absolutely adored this book, and this series is hands down my favorite romance series by far 🥹 i highly highly recommend reading it if you haven’t already!!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ other quotes
“…she told me to find someone someday who will hug me when I’m sad and then help me look on the bright side of things when all I can see is the dark.”
"I'm no therapist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have quite a bit of experience with tears—and in my thirty years on this earth, l've found that crying starts to feel like exercise. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become with it. And then it isn't so overwhelming anymore."
"Good. Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer. Grow from your experiences, don't let them smother the light out of you."
"It's okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it's okay if I move and change too."
"Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we'll never know if we don't try."
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my ratings and reviews
♡.ᐟ when in rome 🥧 (5 ⭐)
♡.ᐟ practice makes perfect 💐 (5 ⭐)
♡.ᐟ beg, borrow, or steal 📚 (5 ⭐)
pre-read 💋
happy release day!! i loved the first 2 books in this series and have been eager to read this one ~ i'm keeping my expectations in check to avoid disappointment though 😬
br with my bb maryam <3
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
my first 5-star read in nearly half a year 😭😭😭 i was worried i wasn’t going to love this book as much as when in rome or practice makes perfect since i’ve read so many romance books and my tastes have changed a bit over the past year, but boy, was i wrong! i waited over 8 months for this book, and it was SO worth it. it’s been ages since a romance book made me feel this way—i was smiling, giggling, and kicking my feet like a fool, laughing, tearing up—you name it.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ characters
♡.ᐟ emily
“No one needs me. And when they don’t need me, they don’t come around anymore either because I am a utility sponge. I am useful. And if I’m no use to someone anymore, they throw me under the sink.”
emily had so much depth, and i found her incredibly relatable. as the oldest daughter, she carried a heavy responsibility, always taking care of her sisters and making sure they were okay, all while grappling with her own struggles and grieving the loss of her parents. she feels overwhelming lonely, constantly believing that nobody loves or needs her, and that she’ll be alone forever. she keeps everything bottled up inside, and the way she pretended to be happy for her loved ones as they moved forward with their lives, even though she was falling apart inside, completely wrecked me 😭
♡.ᐟ jack
“I don’t like to get too close to people. I always have this feeling like something will go wrong if I do—so it’s been easier to keep to myself.”
I LOVE HOT NERDS!!!!! 🫦 i’m convinced that every fictional man named bennett is a walking green flag, and i think jack might just be my favourite MMC in this series now 🤭
everyone can’t help but love jack because of his charm, but deep down, he craves validation and approval from others—a coping mechanism he developed because of his narcissistic dad.
“My dad is a narcissist. I don’t mean it in a hyperbolic way either. I’m pretty certain that he is an actual narcissist. My life growing up . . . it was painful a lot. And I quickly learned that saying what I truly thought or felt could get turned on me in an instant. Honestly, vulnerability . . . those things were what I got rid of first. And then I learned the art of reading him. Reading his moods and his energy and becoming what I needed to be to get through the day and to protect my mom from his shit. That mechanism bled into the rest of my life too . . . mostly by accident. I read people and adapt before I even realize I’m doing it. It’s usually not until later when I’m sitting alone, and I feel hollow and used and upset that I realise I betrayed myself in some way. And so often . . . I’m scared that all this reading and maneuvering people—even if it’s with the right intent—is somehow going to turn me into him.”
i won’t lie, i didn’t feel the same emotional depth from him as i did with emily, but i still loved him. not only is he considerate, but also mindful, apologizes when he’s in the wrong, and asks for consent?! WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE HIM IN THE REAL WORLD!!! 😫😭
“Because I may be a lot of things, but I never want to be the kind of person who can’t apologize when I’m in the wrong.”
♡.ᐟ emily and jack
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 😭😭😭 their relationship developed so naturally, and the banter, the yearning, and the chemistry between them was EVERYTHING 😫 what i loved most was how healthy their relationship was, and how raw and real they were with each other. both of them tend to bury their feelings because they don’t want to cause pain to the people they love, but they trusted each other completely and were able to confide in one another. i truly appreciated how well they communicated and how understanding they were with each other 🥹 i also thought it was pretty cute how emily used to see jack as competition, while he never saw her that way, and they both secretly enjoyed bickering with each other as it was the one constant in their lives 🥲
“So this is not an emergency?”
“It is. Why don’t you understand me?”
“I’m listening, Emily. What do you need?”
“I need you to fix it.”
“Name it. I’ll do it for you.”
“Roll back time.”
“Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Say it out loud, Emily. Let me inside that brain of yours.”
“Do you know part of the reason I didn’t want you to be my neighbor? Because everyone loves you as soon as they meet you, but most people only tolerate me. This town, though… they love me and my spikes. It’s my sanctuary. My safe space. Maybe it’s because they loved my parents, and they love my siblings—I don’t know, and I don’t always feel like I deserve it. But they do—and I was afraid that if you moved into my town that I love so, so much, I’d have to watch them fall in love with you over me. Because there’s never been room enough for both of us. We are two sides of the same coin—but everyone always chooses you. And I wouldn’t even blame them because you’re so damn likeable. Even when I’ve hated you, I’ve always liked you.”
“People may like me, but they don’t know me. I don’t think anyone had ever known me quite like you have. And that’s part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you’ve made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular. And I swear to you, I would never try to steal their love away from you. Couldn’t even if I wanted to. They love you more than you know. Believe me, I’ve seen firsthand how much this town worships you and your spikes.”
“I’ll be so careful with you, Emily.”
“PS. You could never be a side character.”
“Now . . . I need to be okay with being alone. Because everyone moves on eventually. But not me . . . I’ll always be right here where they left me.”
“… You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“Emily . . . when I told you I care for you, I mean it. It’s not that I care for some aspects of you, not that I care for you when you’re in a good mood . . . I care for you always. I want you, always. The good, the bad, and the in-between. I. Want. You. Sharp edges, hot tempered, fiercely protective, gooey heart . . . all of it. All of you.”
“… I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel so seen and known as you do, Jack. And to be honest, your friendship lately has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. And I was scared that you’d think you wanted me, and then you would get close to me and realize that I’m too tough to love. Hell, I’m difficult to even be around some days, and now I can add sad to the list too. I guess I’m saying I don’t actually want to go slow with you. I love you, Jack. I don’t want to be friends with benefits. I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark. And I realize I don’t have a lot to offer you at this moment in my life besides a very messy person who is somehow also a perfectionist and enjoys bickering more than she should. I can be a porcupine sometimes, but I also make really great buttered noodles and have the best movie nights with an incredible selection of snacks, and oh! I can also help you grade papers when you’re behind. I’m very good at grading. I have a super cute sticker stash too that you’re welcome to use anytime you—“
“I love you too, Emily . . . I don’t need anything from you other than for you to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of. And if you need to fight, you can fight with me. And if you want to make love, make it with me. You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love. Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
♡.ᐟ other characters
oh, how i’ve missed this small town and its found family. i love them all so so much—amelia and noah, annie and will, madison and james (I NEED THEIR BOOK RIGHT NOW 😭💳), and my favourite fictional grandmother, mabel 🥹💖 i remember finding the other town residents too nosy for my liking when i read practice makes perfect, but i couldn’t help but smile when they appeared in this book.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ overall
i absolutely adored this book, and this series is hands down my favorite romance series by far 🥹 i highly highly recommend reading it if you haven’t already!!!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ other quotes
“…she told me to find someone someday who will hug me when I’m sad and then help me look on the bright side of things when all I can see is the dark.”
"I'm no therapist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have quite a bit of experience with tears—and in my thirty years on this earth, l've found that crying starts to feel like exercise. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become with it. And then it isn't so overwhelming anymore."
"Good. Life can be a little shit sometimes. But shit also makes great fertilizer. Grow from your experiences, don't let them smother the light out of you."
"It's okay that time is moving and changing. Maybe it's okay if I move and change too."
"Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we'll never know if we don't try."
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my ratings and reviews
♡.ᐟ when in rome 🥧 (5 ⭐)
♡.ᐟ practice makes perfect 💐 (5 ⭐)
♡.ᐟ beg, borrow, or steal 📚 (5 ⭐)
pre-read 💋
happy release day!! i loved the first 2 books in this series and have been eager to read this one ~ i'm keeping my expectations in check to avoid disappointment though 😬
br with my bb maryam <3
December 28, 2025
no one wanted to like this book more than i did. ALL I ASKED—BEGGED—WAS FOR IT NOT TO BE LIKE THE CHEAT SHEET.
alas, dreams die hard.
prior to reading this, i’ve read a plethora of glowing 5-star reviews and looked at the quotes—I GOT GIDDY.
BUT I WAS BEGUILED!! utterly fooled. maybe it’s okay to have fomo. i would’ve been okay without reading this.
infuriatingly so, the first bit felt like the cheat sheet 2.0. we were fighting for our lives. as cheska so aptly said: jack was nathan but with no balls (let it be known that most of the time i bear no ill will towards spineless characters, unless they’re in a dark romance and letting themselves be violated. yes, i am looking at beautiful fiend) but i was FUMINGG. why are you agreeing to marry someone else while being mentally and emotionally tethered to another woman?? “all i thought about was emily-” WRAP IT UP. as for emily, she was a sexually frustrated millennial with a cringy, exasperating inner monologue, who “isn’t like her sisters and jack’s previous fiance” and gave me the same energy as bree when she’s had one too many shots of tequila, or whatever it was that she drank. not relatable, endearing, nor funny. just exhausting. and why are they calling each other their nemesis in their thirties??
and once again—just like the cheat sheet—people dared to call this a slow burn, when in reality it was two deeply obtuse adults being insufferable and emotionally constipated (in an annoying, unrelatable, and emotionally flat way) for 300+ pages. jack repeatedly made it excruciatingly blatant that he had feelings for her—and yet emily had the audacity to wonder things like, “does he even think about me? he probably imagines me as roadkill.” or say things like how “heartless” he is. be serious?? this man is out here delivering monologues like:
"And I wouldn't even blame them because you're so damn likable. Even when I've hated you, I've always liked you… People may like me, but they don't know me. I don't think anyone has ever known me quite like you have. And that's part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you've made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular. And I swear to you, I would never try to steal their love away from you. Couldn't even if I wanted to.” this is the same guy who proposed to help her hide her smutty book so the principal wouldn’t see it after she accidentally emailed it to him, wiped away her tears, held her while she cried, complimented her sincerely multiple times, cooked for her while she was drunk, and tended to her wounds AT THE TIME SHE SAID THOSE THINGS. heartless man who hates you, my ass.
all of this was exacerbated by the writing. to say we loathe it is an understatement. we were repulsed.
this was us with the humour, the banter, and the ode to biketok where jack was “magic mike on a bike” which somehow lives in my head rent-free (derogatory):
[image error]
that said—the second half wasn’t so bad. our empathy kicked in for emily, and jack said some cute stuff. admittedly, HE IS KIND OF CUTE. i don't absolutely hate him—not like i do with nathan, but again, what did it for me was him thinking about her right before getting married.
so maybe this is on me. perhaps i was expecting too much.
but one thing is certain: after cheska and i buddy read the fourth book in the series (we have to finish what we started) when it comes out (stay tuned for that), we will be officially breaking up with sarah adams. someone hit me up when someone writes about petulant adults that are like naomi and nicholas instead of emily and jack.
-
chesashley diaries is back!! please please please don't be like the cheat sheet. i am scared for me and cheska after what happened last time (we were both put into slumps)
alas, dreams die hard.
prior to reading this, i’ve read a plethora of glowing 5-star reviews and looked at the quotes—I GOT GIDDY.
BUT I WAS BEGUILED!! utterly fooled. maybe it’s okay to have fomo. i would’ve been okay without reading this.
infuriatingly so, the first bit felt like the cheat sheet 2.0. we were fighting for our lives. as cheska so aptly said: jack was nathan but with no balls (let it be known that most of the time i bear no ill will towards spineless characters, unless they’re in a dark romance and letting themselves be violated. yes, i am looking at beautiful fiend) but i was FUMINGG. why are you agreeing to marry someone else while being mentally and emotionally tethered to another woman?? “all i thought about was emily-” WRAP IT UP. as for emily, she was a sexually frustrated millennial with a cringy, exasperating inner monologue, who “isn’t like her sisters and jack’s previous fiance” and gave me the same energy as bree when she’s had one too many shots of tequila, or whatever it was that she drank. not relatable, endearing, nor funny. just exhausting. and why are they calling each other their nemesis in their thirties??
and once again—just like the cheat sheet—people dared to call this a slow burn, when in reality it was two deeply obtuse adults being insufferable and emotionally constipated (in an annoying, unrelatable, and emotionally flat way) for 300+ pages. jack repeatedly made it excruciatingly blatant that he had feelings for her—and yet emily had the audacity to wonder things like, “does he even think about me? he probably imagines me as roadkill.” or say things like how “heartless” he is. be serious?? this man is out here delivering monologues like:
"And I wouldn't even blame them because you're so damn likable. Even when I've hated you, I've always liked you… People may like me, but they don't know me. I don't think anyone has ever known me quite like you have. And that's part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you've made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular. And I swear to you, I would never try to steal their love away from you. Couldn't even if I wanted to.” this is the same guy who proposed to help her hide her smutty book so the principal wouldn’t see it after she accidentally emailed it to him, wiped away her tears, held her while she cried, complimented her sincerely multiple times, cooked for her while she was drunk, and tended to her wounds AT THE TIME SHE SAID THOSE THINGS. heartless man who hates you, my ass.
all of this was exacerbated by the writing. to say we loathe it is an understatement. we were repulsed.
this was us with the humour, the banter, and the ode to biketok where jack was “magic mike on a bike” which somehow lives in my head rent-free (derogatory):
[image error]
that said—the second half wasn’t so bad. our empathy kicked in for emily, and jack said some cute stuff. admittedly, HE IS KIND OF CUTE. i don't absolutely hate him—not like i do with nathan, but again, what did it for me was him thinking about her right before getting married.
so maybe this is on me. perhaps i was expecting too much.
but one thing is certain: after cheska and i buddy read the fourth book in the series (we have to finish what we started) when it comes out (stay tuned for that), we will be officially breaking up with sarah adams. someone hit me up when someone writes about petulant adults that are like naomi and nicholas instead of emily and jack.
-
chesashley diaries is back!! please please please don't be like the cheat sheet. i am scared for me and cheska after what happened last time (we were both put into slumps)
January 8, 2026
⋆˙⟡ — 5 stars
⤷⊹ started: january 8th, finished: january 8th
i will forever love emily and jack 🥹 rtc!!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
time for my fav couple’s book 🤭 i love these two SO MUCH!! they honestly top all of my other fav couples 😌 and we’re continuing this series with my fav girl har!! ilysm babes, and u better love emily and jack 🥹💗
⤷⊹ started: january 8th, finished: january 8th
i will forever love emily and jack 🥹 rtc!!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
time for my fav couple’s book 🤭 i love these two SO MUCH!! they honestly top all of my other fav couples 😌 and we’re continuing this series with my fav girl har!! ilysm babes, and u better love emily and jack 🥹💗
January 12, 2025
RIVALS. BANTER. HE WEARS GLASSES. ELDEST SISTER. EMOTIONAL. CUTE. HE WEARS GLASSES. ADORABLE CAT. HE RIDES A BIKE. SHE’S SO DAMN RELATABLE. HE WEARS GLASSES. HEALTHY COMMUNICATION.
sooooooo yeah. did i mention he wears glasses?
rtc
i swear rtc. i’m just sleep deprived and high from this book rn
~~~~~~
i know i should be studying instead of reading but i was waiting for this so long🥹 gonna read tiniest bit 🤏🏼🩷
i also know that sarah won’t disappoint me😽
sooooooo yeah. did i mention he wears glasses?
rtc
i swear rtc. i’m just sleep deprived and high from this book rn
~~~~~~
i know i should be studying instead of reading but i was waiting for this so long🥹 gonna read tiniest bit 🤏🏼🩷
i also know that sarah won’t disappoint me😽
February 17, 2025
✩ 4.25 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Rivals-to-Lovers
➼ Coworkers
➼ Hidden Identity
➼ Neighbors
➼ Both Teachers
➼ Second Chance
➼ Banter
�� Small Town
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Duet Narration
➼ Dual POV
Just look at that stacked trope list, was there ever any doubt that this would be a winner?! I’m kind of amazed by how many people sleep on this author. I guess because her books are lower on the pepper meter and all people seem want these days is smut?? 🤔 I have loved every single book in this series and this was no exception. I think the second book might still be my favorite, but this is tied with When in Rome!
Reading this after attending the author signing made it feel extra special. 💗 I loved hearing more on her process and struggles while writing and was excited to read Emily’s story since we are both oldest daughters! I thought SA did a great job at depicting how hard we can be on ourselves and how difficult it can be for us to ask for or accept help. Emily and Jack were so well matched and the fact that it took them so long to see that made it even sweeter when they finally figured it out. It didn’t hurt that the banter along the way was perfection. 🤌🏻 The was a portion of the book near the end that felt a little drug out to me, but other than that little lull, this was an excellent read!
If you haven’t read this series yet, I definitely recommend picking it up! If you need more convincing, the author modeled the town after Gilmore Girls and the small town vibes are immaculate. They’d make the perfect February reads! 🥰
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: !!!! So excited to finally start this! 🤗 Feels fitting to be starting this on the 1st of February. 💗💗
Dec 20th: Going to an author signing for this in 2 weeks! 😊👏🏻
What to Expect:
➼ Rivals-to-Lovers
➼ Coworkers
➼ Hidden Identity
➼ Neighbors
➼ Both Teachers
➼ Second Chance
➼ Banter
�� Small Town
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Duet Narration
➼ Dual POV
Just look at that stacked trope list, was there ever any doubt that this would be a winner?! I’m kind of amazed by how many people sleep on this author. I guess because her books are lower on the pepper meter and all people seem want these days is smut?? 🤔 I have loved every single book in this series and this was no exception. I think the second book might still be my favorite, but this is tied with When in Rome!
Reading this after attending the author signing made it feel extra special. 💗 I loved hearing more on her process and struggles while writing and was excited to read Emily’s story since we are both oldest daughters! I thought SA did a great job at depicting how hard we can be on ourselves and how difficult it can be for us to ask for or accept help. Emily and Jack were so well matched and the fact that it took them so long to see that made it even sweeter when they finally figured it out. It didn’t hurt that the banter along the way was perfection. 🤌🏻 The was a portion of the book near the end that felt a little drug out to me, but other than that little lull, this was an excellent read!
If you haven’t read this series yet, I definitely recommend picking it up! If you need more convincing, the author modeled the town after Gilmore Girls and the small town vibes are immaculate. They’d make the perfect February reads! 🥰
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: !!!! So excited to finally start this! 🤗 Feels fitting to be starting this on the 1st of February. 💗💗
Dec 20th: Going to an author signing for this in 2 weeks! 😊👏🏻
January 16, 2025
╰┈➤ 4 stars!
this story was about emily and jack who claimed to be each other's archnemesis since college. during mid-school year, jack left rome, kentucky with his fiancée and moved to nebraska. emily never saw him returning, but he did, and he was there to stay for good—as her neighbor.
i have read the first two books of this series and absolutely loved it. it was so unexpected that i received the ARC of this, but i am ecstatic to have the privilege of providing an early review. i knew from the start that i would enjoy this book. beg, borrow or steal by sarah adams was not just about finding love when you least expect it, it was also about the emotional and heartwarming journey about grief and learning to accept change.
౨ৎ emily. she's at a point in her life where everything changing, and it feels as if she's frozen in time while the world moves on without her. her loneliness and self-doubt made her incredibly relatable, and i loved seeing her push through her doubts and fear. what stood out to me the most was her personality—her tenacity, strength and determination.
౨ৎ jack. he became quickly one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure! he's kind, thoughful, and quite charming. although beneath all that, he's someone who has carried so much pain. his relationship with his father was so heartbreaking to read. some people aren't meant to be parents, and his dad is the perfect example of that. that's why i felt so proud of him when he finally decided to do something for his own well-being.
it explored how grief takes many forms—grieving those who are no longer with us and those who are still alive but have hurt us enough. another theme of this book was the importance of taking risks, even when the fear is taking over. both the main characters had their moments where they had to step out of their comfort zones. it showed that while it can be painful, it's still a chance to learn, and grow. it acts as a reminder that no matter how scary something may look like, the only way to move forward is to try.
overall, this book was more than just about emily and jack's love story—it's about growth, the courage to face change, and to see the beauty in taking risks. they left me thinking about how every step forward that i take—no matter how hard—is worth it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
can’t believe i got the arc of this book! i absolutely loved the first two books and i can’t wait to read this one 😩💘
this story was about emily and jack who claimed to be each other's archnemesis since college. during mid-school year, jack left rome, kentucky with his fiancée and moved to nebraska. emily never saw him returning, but he did, and he was there to stay for good—as her neighbor.
i have read the first two books of this series and absolutely loved it. it was so unexpected that i received the ARC of this, but i am ecstatic to have the privilege of providing an early review. i knew from the start that i would enjoy this book. beg, borrow or steal by sarah adams was not just about finding love when you least expect it, it was also about the emotional and heartwarming journey about grief and learning to accept change.
"And I never realized until this moment how much I needed someone to do that for me. How good it feels to be on the receiving end of a person believing in you."
౨ৎ emily. she's at a point in her life where everything changing, and it feels as if she's frozen in time while the world moves on without her. her loneliness and self-doubt made her incredibly relatable, and i loved seeing her push through her doubts and fear. what stood out to me the most was her personality—her tenacity, strength and determination.
"Grow from your experience, don't let them smother the light out of you."
౨ৎ jack. he became quickly one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure! he's kind, thoughful, and quite charming. although beneath all that, he's someone who has carried so much pain. his relationship with his father was so heartbreaking to read. some people aren't meant to be parents, and his dad is the perfect example of that. that's why i felt so proud of him when he finally decided to do something for his own well-being.
"It's a weird thing to let yourself grieve your parent who is still living, but I've done it—do it regularly, actually."
it explored how grief takes many forms—grieving those who are no longer with us and those who are still alive but have hurt us enough. another theme of this book was the importance of taking risks, even when the fear is taking over. both the main characters had their moments where they had to step out of their comfort zones. it showed that while it can be painful, it's still a chance to learn, and grow. it acts as a reminder that no matter how scary something may look like, the only way to move forward is to try.
overall, this book was more than just about emily and jack's love story—it's about growth, the courage to face change, and to see the beauty in taking risks. they left me thinking about how every step forward that i take—no matter how hard—is worth it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
can’t believe i got the arc of this book! i absolutely loved the first two books and i can’t wait to read this one 😩💘
January 10, 2025
the sunshine character who is nice to everyone except one person..ooh yeah i love this
Read my full review
the scene of him bursting into her living room holding her manuscript full of his notes was giving married couple
also there is something so profoundly HOT about someone not only believing in your competence and approach but expecting that excellence….hmmm
“But if you don’t want to hate her, fine. I’ll hate her enough for the both of us.” (to me this is romance)
thank you to netgalley for providing the review copy in exchange for an honest review
Bookstagram | Blog
Read my full review
the scene of him bursting into her living room holding her manuscript full of his notes was giving married couple
also there is something so profoundly HOT about someone not only believing in your competence and approach but expecting that excellence….hmmm
“But if you don’t want to hate her, fine. I’ll hate her enough for the both of us.” (to me this is romance)
thank you to netgalley for providing the review copy in exchange for an honest review
Bookstagram | Blog
Want to read
October 30, 2024WHY DO I ALWAYS MISS ARC FORMS 😭
YASSS!!! GIVE ME ALL THE WALKERS' BOOKS + WILL ANNIE CRUMBS 🤭✋🏻🥹
YASSS!!! GIVE ME ALL THE WALKERS' BOOKS + WILL ANNIE CRUMBS 🤭✋🏻🥹
June 30, 2025
Yes, another blazing five-star review from me—no surprise there! I can’t resist the charm of revisiting my favorite small town, Rome, Kentucky, to explore more of the Walker siblings’ romantic escapades. While Will and Annie’s book has been my favorite in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Jack’s love story just as much, thanks to its delightful blend of enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes, along with the incredibly likable characters.
What happens when college frenemies and former colleagues reunite as neighbors? Emily Walker, who has loathed every fiber of the pretentious, devilishly charming Jack Bennett since he spilled coffee on her and brazenly flirted with her during their first meeting on campus, is about to find out. What started as a meet-cute quickly turned into a full-blown rivalry, with the two battling over everything from lecture seats to teaching assignments during their years as middle school teachers.
When Jack tied the knot and moved to Nebraska with his fiancée, Zoe, Emily found herself dealing with some confusing emotions—could she actually miss her nemesis, or was she just frustrated he didn’t even bother to say goodbye? But there’s no need to dwell on it, because Jack is back, newly single and starting fresh in Rome. His first mistake? Moving into the run-down building right next door to Emily’s house.
Emily can barely tolerate seeing Jack occupy her favorite spot at the local coffee shop, but living next door? That’s where she draws the line. Determined to drive him away, she sabotages his renovation efforts and even tries to turn the town against him. However, when her secret side hustle as a romance writer is accidentally exposed—courtesy of an email to her ultra-conservative school principal—Emily realizes she has no one else to turn to for help but Jack.
Surprisingly, Jack agrees to save the day, and Emily begins to wonder if she’s been wrong about him all along. Beneath his mischievous, pretentious façade lies a caring, golden heart. Could he be more than just an enemy-turned-ally? Their growing chemistry certainly suggests so, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens next!
Overall: This is a cute, heartfelt romance with the perfect execution of enemies-to-lovers and excellent chemistry between the characters. My only gripe is the slightly abrupt ending, but I’m still rounding up my 4.5 stars to a glowing 5-star rating. I’m already eagerly anticipating Madison and James’s story in the next book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for providing this amazing romance’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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What happens when college frenemies and former colleagues reunite as neighbors? Emily Walker, who has loathed every fiber of the pretentious, devilishly charming Jack Bennett since he spilled coffee on her and brazenly flirted with her during their first meeting on campus, is about to find out. What started as a meet-cute quickly turned into a full-blown rivalry, with the two battling over everything from lecture seats to teaching assignments during their years as middle school teachers.
When Jack tied the knot and moved to Nebraska with his fiancée, Zoe, Emily found herself dealing with some confusing emotions—could she actually miss her nemesis, or was she just frustrated he didn’t even bother to say goodbye? But there’s no need to dwell on it, because Jack is back, newly single and starting fresh in Rome. His first mistake? Moving into the run-down building right next door to Emily’s house.
Emily can barely tolerate seeing Jack occupy her favorite spot at the local coffee shop, but living next door? That’s where she draws the line. Determined to drive him away, she sabotages his renovation efforts and even tries to turn the town against him. However, when her secret side hustle as a romance writer is accidentally exposed—courtesy of an email to her ultra-conservative school principal—Emily realizes she has no one else to turn to for help but Jack.
Surprisingly, Jack agrees to save the day, and Emily begins to wonder if she’s been wrong about him all along. Beneath his mischievous, pretentious façade lies a caring, golden heart. Could he be more than just an enemy-turned-ally? Their growing chemistry certainly suggests so, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens next!
Overall: This is a cute, heartfelt romance with the perfect execution of enemies-to-lovers and excellent chemistry between the characters. My only gripe is the slightly abrupt ending, but I’m still rounding up my 4.5 stars to a glowing 5-star rating. I’m already eagerly anticipating Madison and James’s story in the next book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for providing this amazing romance’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
January 20, 2025
This was super cutee I enjoyed it so much!! The people in the small town were so cute slightly annoying with how they insert themselves in everyone lives but aaa i loved how they care about each-other. Emily and jacks banter was entertaining so cute!! I need jacks and his bike and glasses in my life so bad. PLEASE the way he was begging Emily to be his backpack!! HELLO He wouldn’t have to ask me twice i’d be already on the bike before he finishes the sentence 🤸🏻♀️ he is the love of my life🫶🏻🫶🏻
This review is short but i have the worst headache so I can’t write much but anyway I totally recommend it was soo cute and u guys need to read it.
some quotes to convince u more to read it
”you’re not alone,Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time”
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you”
“ I don’t think i’ve ever really felt loved until her”
“ I’ve always struggled with connection. So it was nice to get it in books if no where else”
“You make me feel wild, Emily. I’ve never cared about anyone like i care about you”
“Loving you is the easiest thing i’be ever done”
“ I don’t need anything from you other than for u to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of it. And if you need to fight,fight with me”
This review is short but i have the worst headache so I can’t write much but anyway I totally recommend it was soo cute and u guys need to read it.
some quotes to convince u more to read it
”you’re not alone,Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time”
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you”
“ I don’t think i’ve ever really felt loved until her”
“ I’ve always struggled with connection. So it was nice to get it in books if no where else”
“You make me feel wild, Emily. I’ve never cared about anyone like i care about you”
“Loving you is the easiest thing i’be ever done”
“ I don’t need anything from you other than for u to unlock the door for me so I can come lie with you when the darkness is too heavy to crawl out of it. And if you need to fight,fight with me”
December 16, 2025
these books are like a warm hug, i loved this reread sm
~~~~
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
no because wdym jackson bennett doesn't really exist???? every time i go into a new sarah adams book i think “surely ____ is not going to outdo or be more perfect than ___ was.” and every damn time i am proving wrong (clearly skill issue and i should know by now to never doubt this happening).
i have been incredibly lucky to receive an arc for each book in this series so far and man oh man do i fall more in love with Rome, Kentucky and its townspeople every time i crack open a new one 🥹. i leave every book yearning for their small town life to be mine, for them to be real and for us to be besties because theres just something so comforting about these characters and their struggles.
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
everyone deserves to have a love like emily and jacks and should never settle until they have it. i will be coming back sooner or later to give a bit more depth to this review however right now i just wanna bask in the warm little cocoon that it their love ❤️
~~~~
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
no because wdym jackson bennett doesn't really exist???? every time i go into a new sarah adams book i think “surely ____ is not going to outdo or be more perfect than ___ was.” and every damn time i am proving wrong (clearly skill issue and i should know by now to never doubt this happening).
i have been incredibly lucky to receive an arc for each book in this series so far and man oh man do i fall more in love with Rome, Kentucky and its townspeople every time i crack open a new one 🥹. i leave every book yearning for their small town life to be mine, for them to be real and for us to be besties because theres just something so comforting about these characters and their struggles.
“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
everyone deserves to have a love like emily and jacks and should never settle until they have it. i will be coming back sooner or later to give a bit more depth to this review however right now i just wanna bask in the warm little cocoon that it their love ❤️
January 26, 2026
⤷This book literally made me believe in love 😌🩷 Emily is definitely my fav of the Walker siblings, who is much more grumpy but also a protective older sister <3 I love how intelligent Jack is, but also so protective and makes Emily feel safe 🥹 HE'S SO GENTLE I CANT 🥲 I adore Jack and Emily's "enemy" phase and their banter so much, but it didn't wear off after they start liking each other!!! The plot of breaking into the principal's office + their little interactions throughout were so comedic but natural somehow 😭 Their little emails were so charming!! I ate up the scenes with the motorcycle so hard, but what he did for Emily at the end made me so emotional :') The tension was soooo good but I'm glad we got the slowburn and cutest friendship before it all unfolded!! They're both flawed with trauma, but are willing to be vunerable and work through it. I'm glad their conflict wasn't a cheap shot or a cop out, and yes to communication!! This book is the perfect mixture of emotional, charming, and kinda hot I fear 😛 The way I woke up at 4:00 am just to read it...
[“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”]
[“And to think you consider yourself hard to love.” I kiss her temple. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”]
January 16, 2025
4★
main thoughts:
this was super adorable and fun and I absolutely loved reading it🤭 I have read rom-coms books that are similar to this one, but I don't care because this book made me feel things that I wasn't expecting to feel. The characters and found family is just everything to me😽 I could read more scenes from emily and jack and never get bored, like I really wanted more scenes from them when they became a official couple but their still the cutest. Not to mention the fact that this book will make you feel like the loneliest person in the world omg🥲
⤷ the realness and emotional impact this book gave me might just be a me thing, but I found myself relating to a lot of phrases or words in this book and even managed to get teary eyed when this book really isn't a sad one at all necessarily.
characters:
Emily: ✐ᝰ I am behind her completly this is my girl and yes she can be considered complex or complicated, but idc because I related to her on multiple levels and her sense of happiness that she found for herself is what I wish for personally. She has so many qualities I admire and she really cares for the people around her.
Jack: ⚯🛠️ that’s my cutie pie of a man, I loved him since the beginning I just couldn’t make myself hate him, I really couldn’t. I need a Jack in my life in fact I’m pissed that I don’t😭 the way he payed attention to all the little things will always get to me and I like that he had a sorta secret past and layers behind him.
romance: 𓍯𓂃
one of my top favorite things about this book is the romance, the way emily and jack are so Intertwined in each others life was everything, they are meant to be in every way possible. Could they have gotten together sooner? Possibly but I liked the little bit of buildup and tension. One thing I do want to say is that I never fully considered them as enemies to lovers imo they made it seem like they hated each other, but behind closed doors it was different. Either way idc I love both of them so much.
quotes I loved:🩷
“I’m not sorry you thought I was someone else because for once I got a taste of what it’s like to be a person you don’t hate, and I . . .”
“I can’t bring myself to regret that.”
“Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I don’t think anyone has ever known me quite like you have. And that’s part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you’ve made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular.
“Because you’re the only person I’m nothing but honest with.”
”I’ll be so careful with you, Emily,”
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
extra:
This book might seem basic to others and boring and sure it may have tiny flaws, but it was perfect to me so idc it was a enjoyable read and entertaining and I’m glad I took the leap and read it, I think everyone should give this book a chance.
pre review:
╰┈➤ finished on january thirteenth, 2025
well that was adorable and I'm going to spend the rest of the night thinking about how lonely I am rtc
📚pre read:✍️
╰┈➤ started on january twelfth, 2025
so I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I’ve seen this everywhere and have been so excited to read it plus multiple people told me too and I decided to listen😭 pls be good🤞🏻
main thoughts:
this was super adorable and fun and I absolutely loved reading it🤭 I have read rom-coms books that are similar to this one, but I don't care because this book made me feel things that I wasn't expecting to feel. The characters and found family is just everything to me😽 I could read more scenes from emily and jack and never get bored, like I really wanted more scenes from them when they became a official couple but their still the cutest. Not to mention the fact that this book will make you feel like the loneliest person in the world omg🥲
⤷ the realness and emotional impact this book gave me might just be a me thing, but I found myself relating to a lot of phrases or words in this book and even managed to get teary eyed when this book really isn't a sad one at all necessarily.
characters:
Emily: ✐ᝰ I am behind her completly this is my girl and yes she can be considered complex or complicated, but idc because I related to her on multiple levels and her sense of happiness that she found for herself is what I wish for personally. She has so many qualities I admire and she really cares for the people around her.
Jack: ⚯🛠️ that’s my cutie pie of a man, I loved him since the beginning I just couldn’t make myself hate him, I really couldn’t. I need a Jack in my life in fact I’m pissed that I don’t😭 the way he payed attention to all the little things will always get to me and I like that he had a sorta secret past and layers behind him.
romance: 𓍯𓂃
one of my top favorite things about this book is the romance, the way emily and jack are so Intertwined in each others life was everything, they are meant to be in every way possible. Could they have gotten together sooner? Possibly but I liked the little bit of buildup and tension. One thing I do want to say is that I never fully considered them as enemies to lovers imo they made it seem like they hated each other, but behind closed doors it was different. Either way idc I love both of them so much.
quotes I loved:🩷
“I’m not sorry you thought I was someone else because for once I got a taste of what it’s like to be a person you don’t hate, and I . . .”
“I can’t bring myself to regret that.”
“Whatever it is, you’re going to be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I don’t think anyone has ever known me quite like you have. And that’s part of why I wanted to move back to Rome. Because of you. Because through our strange, twisted relationship, you’ve made me feel less alone. I wanted to be part of this town because I know that for you to love it, it has to be pretty spectacular.
“Because you’re the only person I’m nothing but honest with.”
”I’ll be so careful with you, Emily,”
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
extra:
This book might seem basic to others and boring and sure it may have tiny flaws, but it was perfect to me so idc it was a enjoyable read and entertaining and I’m glad I took the leap and read it, I think everyone should give this book a chance.
pre review:
╰┈➤ finished on january thirteenth, 2025
well that was adorable and I'm going to spend the rest of the night thinking about how lonely I am rtc
📚pre read:✍️
╰┈➤ started on january twelfth, 2025
so I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I’ve seen this everywhere and have been so excited to read it plus multiple people told me too and I decided to listen😭 pls be good🤞🏻
May 28, 2025
this was hella cute and don't even get me started on the banter <3 i will definitely go back to rome.
RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my audiobook from libby became available yeyyyy!!! heard amazing things and they are rivals?! say less
RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my audiobook from libby became available yeyyyy!!! heard amazing things and they are rivals?! say less
January 12, 2026
So dang cute!!! Favorite in the series so far!
January 9, 2025
ೀ 5★ .ᐟ
𐙚⋆°. finished: 5.1.25
“I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark.”
I finally got a 5-star read after months and months trying to get one! I am physical unwell on how much I adore this book and the characters. I’m literally so happy that I started the year of with this book. Sarah Adams has a way with writing books that leave me on a chokehold. This book was literally everything I needed. It dived deep into personal growth and the importance of learning to accept yourself, which I found myself relating to it a bit too much. It was so beautifully written.
This was my most anticipated read of this year and it give me more than I thought it would. The book has so much banter, so much cuteness and raw emotional struggles.
⤿ Emily
I’m the oldest daughter so I really could relate to everything that Emily was going through. The way she cares about her siblings happiness more than her own honestly just broke my heart for her. The way she is terrified to open her heart up to love other people just made me feel so heartbroken.
⤿ Jack
The love of my life. He’s so perfect like I’ll happily take him off Emily. Every single time I got a scene about Jacks father my heart broke into a million pieces. Every single time he tried to be there for him mum, so that she has someone to help her to leave him and she still hasn’t accepted the help honestly broke me. Jack cares so deeply about his mother and just want her to be happy even if it means having to deal with his narcissistic father. I love the way he didn’t stop that from letting him become an amazing and caring person.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
ೀ preread ᡣ𐭩
𐙚⋆°. started: 1.1.25
First read of 2025! I’m finally starting this!!! I’m so so excited
I GOT APPROVED FOR THE ARC!!! literally just made my day. Need to find time to read it this week!
𐙚⋆°. finished: 5.1.25
“I want to hug each other when we’re sad and help each other find the bright side of things when all we can see is the dark.”
I finally got a 5-star read after months and months trying to get one! I am physical unwell on how much I adore this book and the characters. I’m literally so happy that I started the year of with this book. Sarah Adams has a way with writing books that leave me on a chokehold. This book was literally everything I needed. It dived deep into personal growth and the importance of learning to accept yourself, which I found myself relating to it a bit too much. It was so beautifully written.
This was my most anticipated read of this year and it give me more than I thought it would. The book has so much banter, so much cuteness and raw emotional struggles.
⤿ Emily
I’m the oldest daughter so I really could relate to everything that Emily was going through. The way she cares about her siblings happiness more than her own honestly just broke my heart for her. The way she is terrified to open her heart up to love other people just made me feel so heartbroken.
⤿ Jack
The love of my life. He’s so perfect like I’ll happily take him off Emily. Every single time I got a scene about Jacks father my heart broke into a million pieces. Every single time he tried to be there for him mum, so that she has someone to help her to leave him and she still hasn’t accepted the help honestly broke me. Jack cares so deeply about his mother and just want her to be happy even if it means having to deal with his narcissistic father. I love the way he didn’t stop that from letting him become an amazing and caring person.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
ೀ preread ᡣ𐭩
𐙚⋆°. started: 1.1.25
First read of 2025! I’m finally starting this!!! I’m so so excited
I GOT APPROVED FOR THE ARC!!! literally just made my day. Need to find time to read it this week!
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