The third fabulous romance in the Rome, Kentucky universe from Sarah Adams, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is joyful, and very funny, and just as good as the first two books in the series.

Emily and Jack have taught at the same school for years. Jack is also (secretly) a successful mystery novelist, while Emily has (secretly) written her first romance which she wants to send out into the world. As the book opens, Jack has moved to Nebraska to get married. Then he returns to Rome after his engagement ends, essentially because he misses Emily and the possibility of what they might be. He buys the house next door, Emily declares war and it’s game-on with sparring and pranking and trying to best each other.

Jack is aware of his feelings for Emily and is quite deliberate in breaking down her barriers. Slowly the mood changes from the sniping, pranks and bickering towards a more thoughtful exploration of their differences. Side characters push and pull the attraction between Emily and Jack. Coincidence and interruption play a big part. Sarah’s writing is little bit cheesy but, as always, it’s incredibly caring of both her characters and the reader. Sarah’s books have been closed door until recently, and this has two chapters of intimacy which are flagged in the content warnings. One highlight is after Jack reads Emily’s manuscript, he talks her through rewriting a sex scene. It’s so hot even though nothing actually happens. So clever!

While this is a standalone, you’ll have had glimpses of Emily if you’ve read When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect. Emily is the eldest girl in the family of four orphans and has been mothering her siblings since their parents’ death when she was eight. She’s that complicated mix of matriarchal and meddling that makes her bossy and inflexible. It’s as if her self-worth is tied to her centrality in her siblings’ lives. Trouble is they are moving on, and Emily’s getting left behind. This manifests in a kind of low-level depression and spikiness that pushes everyone away. As she thinks, “When I’m not moving, when I’m not busy, when I’m not needed, it’s so so lonely.” She’s also intensely competitive which creates a complication with Jack’s success.

Jack has his own issues. He’s a successful novelist, but hiding behind a pseudonym – so there’s secrets, which are never a good idea. His father is a narcissist who gaslights his mother and he’s trying to navigate this, along with a full-time teaching position and keeping his novelist-self private. Flamboyant and extroverted (his dress-choices are hilarious), he makes people like him, but there’s a cost: ‘I read people and adapt before I even realize I’m doing it’.

There’s both internal and external conflict, lots of character development, tenderness and caretaking. The mood is like an enhanced reality where everyone is lovely but the characters still have their darknesses and insecurities. It’s a safe place in the best way. An A from me!