BEG, BORROW OR STEAL

𝗕𝗲𝗴, 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟑𝟔𝟒
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔









Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third instalment in Sarah Adams's When in Rome series. Having read and loved the first two books, I stepped into this one with high expectations—and it delivered in many ways.
This story centres on Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, former college rivals turned professional competitors, now teaching at the same school in Rome. Their long-standing animosity has simmered for a decade—until Jack abruptly leaves town. When he unexpectedly returns after calling off his engagement and becomes Emily’s neighbour, old tensions resurface. What follows is a compelling push-and-pull dynamic, intensified when Emily mistakenly sends an email that forces her to seek his help.
Emily is a layered protagonist. I admired her determination, her fierce protectiveness, and her unapologetic honesty. Her perfectionist streak makes her admirable, though at times her immaturity tested my patience. I neither wholly loved nor disliked her—she exists somewhere in that nuanced middle ground, which, in many ways, makes her feel real.
Jack, on the other hand, is an undeniable green flag—glasses, tattoos, a motorcycle—and yet emotionally steady and grounded. The progression from rivalry to reluctant allies, then to a slow-burning emotional connection, is handled with care. Their relationship unfolds gradually, built on understanding rather than impulse, and that pacing complements the closed-door romance style beautifully. Beyond romance, this novel explores personal growth, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to embrace change. It reflects on risk, reinvention, and the quiet bravery required to open one’s heart again.

While it can technically be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series to achieve full immersion. The charm of Rome is introduced in the earlier books and deepens beautifully with each instalment. The small-town warmth remains one of the series’ greatest strengths—its traditions, rapid-fire gossip, and unforgettable side characters. Mabel remains iconic, dispensing wisdom precisely when the heroes need it most. Watching side characters settle further into small-town life added layers of comfort and humour. Rome itself feels like a character—charming, close-knit, and deeply comforting.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely—particularly to readers who appreciate closed-door, slow-burn romance with emotional depth.
As for the four-star rating instead of a perfect five: the pacing occasionally felt sluggish, with certain sections moving more slowly than necessary. That said, the narrative remained engaging enough that I never felt compelled to skim through it. The emotional payoff ultimately made the journey worthwhile.
If you enjoy character-driven romance rooted in growth, banter, and heartfelt transformation, this one is well worth picking up.

My Rating: 4/5

NOTE: In this blog, the CONTENT and PICTURES are owned by Samayra Singh and may not be used or distributed without permission. Strict legal action will be taken against any infringement.