#jackson bennett

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

✩🍎✍️Review:

Each new book in the “When in Rome" series just gets better and better!

"Beg, Borrow, or Steal" follows Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two feuding teachers (and neighbors), as they find themselves teaming up to steal back her manuscript. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming? 

As an eldest daughter, I saw so much of myself in Emily in the way she fears change, strives for perfection, and protects her siblings. The depth of her loneliness stemming from feeling no longer needed is something I know all too well and tugged on my heartstrings. 

I heavily related to Jack's people pleasing tendencies and his natural inclination to bury his feelings. Both stem from his childhood growing up in a house with a narcissistic parent. Adams writes about his familial situation with great care and even though it brought tears to my eyes, watching him work through it brought great comfort. 

I couldn't be happier with the universe (aka Sarah Adams) for pushing these two together! I seriously could not get enough of their bickering and verbal sparring matches as they played out via email over the years. While entertaining, I also appreciate how their rivalry allowed them to be their messiest, worst, and most authentic selves with each other. The slow pacing of their relationship development is phenomenal as their unconventional friendship evolves into a romantic relationship. I loved watching them heal by learning to be emotionally vulnerable and wholly honest around one another, as it only made the steamier scenes that much sweeter! 

Blue and Silver reads through Hiccup's Pov but the rest of characters are going through their own thing even when he's not present. Also, the lake is one of two things: A mystery or a prankster. Chapter 5 makes Hiccup experience Time zone change and makes him question his sanity but the wind makes him company, and he...appreciates that.