Sarah Adams concludes her charming When in Rome series with Beg, Borrow, or Steal, a delightfully witty enemies-to-lovers romance that proves sometimes the most challenging relationships yield the sweetest rewards. Following When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect, this third installment brings us back to the quirky small town of Rome, Kentucky, where second-grade teachers Emily Walker and Jack Bennett reignite their decade-long rivalry when they unexpectedly become neighbors.
The Story
Emily Walker thrives on order and control, protecting her carefully constructed world from disruption – especially from her longtime nemesis Jack Bennett. When Jack returns to Rome after calling off his wedding, Emily’s peaceful existence is thrown into chaos as he moves in next door. Their legendary feud reaches new heights as Emily schemes to drive him away, while Jack seems to delight in thwarting her every move.
But beneath their sharp-tongued banter lies a deeper connection neither wants to acknowledge. When Emily accidentally emails a steamy romance manuscript to their school principal, she reluctantly turns to Jack for help in retrieving it. What starts as an unlikely alliance slowly transforms into something more as they discover that perhaps they understand each other better than anyone else.
Character Analysis
Emily Walker
Emily is a wonderfully complex protagonist whose prickly exterior masks deep emotional wounds. Her need for control stems from losing her parents at a young age, leaving her to help raise her siblings. Adams skillfully peels back Emily’s layers, revealing how past trauma shapes her present fears about vulnerability and loss. Her journey toward opening her heart makes for compelling character development.
Jack Bennett
Jack proves to be far more than the easygoing charmer Emily assumed him to be. His own complicated family dynamics and hidden creative pursuits add welcomed depth to his character. His patient persistence in breaking through Emily’s defenses while respecting her boundaries makes him an endearing romantic lead.
Writing Style & Narrative Strengths
Adams excels at witty dialogue and building romantic tension through loaded interactions. The antagonistic chemistry between Emily and Jack crackles from their first encounter. Their transition from enemies to lovers feels earned through meaningful moments of vulnerability and understanding.
The small-town setting shines through vivid secondary characters and community dynamics. Adams has created a warm, authentic world in Rome that readers will want to revisit.
Series Context
While Beg, Borrow, or Steal works as a standalone, it benefits from the rich world-building established in the previous books:
When in Rome introduced readers to this charming Kentucky town through Annie and Will’s story
Practice Makes Perfect expanded the Walker family dynamics
This final installment brings everything full circle while maintaining its own distinct identity
Areas for Improvement
A few elements could have been developed further:
The resolution of Jack’s family conflict feels slightly rushed
Some secondary plot threads aren’t fully explored
The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections
Romance Genre Analysis
Adams demonstrates a deep understanding of romance genre expectations while putting her own fresh spin on familiar tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers dynamic
Forced proximity as neighbors
Hidden identity/secret career
Small town setting
Family dynamics
The romantic and emotional payoff delivers satisfying closure both for the central couple and the series as a whole.
Final Verdict
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a charming conclusion to the When in Rome series that showcases Adams’ growth as a writer. While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds on the strength of its:
Compelling character development
Sharp dialogue
Emotional depth
Strong sense of place
Satisfying romance arc
Recommended for Readers Who Enjoy:
Enemies-to-lovers romance
Small town settings
Complex family dynamics
Strong dialogue
Character-driven stories
Contemporary romance with emotional depth
Similar Books & Authors
Fans of Beg, Borrow, or Steal might also enjoy:
Emily Henry’s Beach Read
Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners
Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game
Tessa Bailey’s small town romances
Lucy Score’s Things We Never Got Over
Series Reading Order
When in Rome – Annie and Will’s story
Practice Makes Perfect – A standalone in the same world
Beg, Borrow, or Steal – Emily and Jack’s enemies-to-lovers tale
While each book works independently, reading in order provides the richest experience of the Walker family dynamics and the town of Rome, Kentucky.
Author Background
Sarah Adams has established herself as a rising voice in contemporary romance with her authentic characters and small-town settings. Her previous works include The Cheat Sheet, The Rule Book, and The Match. Her writing consistently demonstrates strength in dialogue and emotional storytelling.
The Verdict
Beg, Borrow, or Steal delivers a satisfying blend of humor, heart, and heat while exploring themes of vulnerability, trust, and the courage to love despite past hurts. Though not perfect, it’s a worthy conclusion to the When in Rome series that will leave readers hoping for future visits to this enchanting Kentucky town.
While maintaining the charm and wit readers expect from Adams, this installment shows greater emotional depth and character complexity. It’s a reminder that sometimes the people who challenge us most are exactly who we need.
For fans of contemporary romance seeking stories with both humor and heart, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a delightful addition to the genre that will leave you smiling long after the final page.