Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the third installment in Sarah Adams’ popular When in Rome series, exploring themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. The story follows Emily, a strong-willed protagonist navigating her relationships in a small town filled with quirky characters. As Emily confronts her fears and insecurities, she learns the importance of connection and vulnerability. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary romance and those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling. With a blend of humor and emotion, Sarah Adams delivers a captivating narrative that resonates with readers looking for relatable characters and engaging plots.

Key Points

  • Explores the journey of Emily as she navigates love and self-discovery in a small town.
  • Features a cast of quirky characters that add depth and humor to the narrative.
  • Delves into themes of vulnerability, connection, and the complexities of relationships.
  • Continues the beloved When in Rome series, appealing to fans of contemporary romance.
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307 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
newtopiccyclegrowin
307 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
93
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I
Chapter One
Emily
don’t care who you are, when you live in a town the size of your thumb,
if you don’t like the way your hair turns out at the salon, you stuff it
deep down and never acknowledge it.
And that’s exactly why I prefer to take matters into my own hands and
not allow circumstances to ever reach that point. I tend to speak my mind,
and have it bite me in the ass too often, so I know if I tell Virginia that I
hate my hair after this appointment, she’ll never forget it. By noon, she’ll
have told everyone in our zero-stoplight town that I’m her pickiest, most
unappeasable client. The roasting and poking will start immediately, and by
five-thirty when I go to The Diner, someone will pop up out of nowhere and
say, Are you sure that booth is good enough for you or would you like the
one we reserve for the queen?
And it won’t stop there. From that day on, they’ll put a plaque on the
table that reads TABLE RESERVED FOR QUEEN EMILY, and nothing I do or say
will get them to remove it.
And if it seems like I’m overreacting, please know this is the very same
town that started a petition last year, complete with smear campaign, to
encourage my youngest sister (who was twenty-six years old at the time,
mind you) to stop dating Will Griffin because they thought she was too
good for him. He won them over in the end (Annie + Will forever), but the
petition with the final tallies is framed and hanging in The Diner alongside
the picture of Dolly Parton posing with the town. And I do mean the
majority of the town. They heard she had stopped in for lunch while passing
through, and one person called another who called their cousin who called
their best friend who called their aunt’s boyfriend, and they all showed up
for one huge group photo.
Moral of the story: Never underestimate what the town of Rome,
Kentucky, is capable of.
The smell of bleach singes the insides of my nostrils as Virginia—one of
only three stylists in the area—combines the powder lightener with the
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FAQs

What are Emily's thoughts on her hair after the salon appointment?
Emily is very particular about her hair and prefers to take matters into her own hands to avoid negative comments from the townspeople. She worries that if she expresses dissatisfaction with her hair to Virginia, the stylist, it will spread throughout their small town, leading to ridicule and unwanted attention. She recalls a past incident where a petition was started against her sister's relationship, illustrating the town's tendency to gossip and judge.
Who is Jack Bennett and what is his relationship with Emily?
Jack Bennett is Emily's archnemesis from college who recently moved away. He was supposed to get married, but news breaks that the wedding has been canceled, which shocks Emily. Despite their antagonistic relationship, she realizes she has missed him, indicating a complex mix of feelings that include both hatred and nostalgia.
How does Emily feel about her family situation?
Emily has a dark sense of humor about her family history, often mentioning the deaths of her parents and grandmother, who raised her and her siblings. This loss has left her feeling isolated, as she reflects on her family history and the absence of anyone to ask about it. She uses this shocking fact in conversation, suggesting she prefers to elicit a strong reaction rather than discuss her feelings openly.
What tasks does Emily plan to focus on during her summer break?
With the school year behind her, Emily has a list of tasks she wants to tackle, including helping her sister Mabel repaint the porch railing, finishing her romance novel, contacting the city about a pothole, and negotiating a lower internet price for her sister Annie. These tasks reflect her proactive and somewhat perfectionistic nature.
What is the significance of the town of Rome, Kentucky, in the story?
The town of Rome, Kentucky, plays a crucial role in shaping the characters and their interactions. It is depicted as a small, close-knit community where gossip spreads quickly, and residents are highly aware of each other's lives. Emily's experiences and concerns about her hair and family are amplified by the town's scrutiny, showcasing the impact of small-town dynamics on individual lives.
How does Emily describe her personality and approach to life?
Emily describes herself as someone who speaks her mind and often takes charge of situations to ensure they are done correctly. She compares herself to a military special ops agent in terms of precision and efficiency. This self-awareness highlights her perfectionism and desire to control her environment, especially in a town where she feels judged.