“You think you’re unloveable, but I think I’ve never know how to love until you.”
Sarah Adams is slowly but surely becoming an auto-buy author for me. Beg, Borrow or Steal is my third book by her, and once again, she did not disappoint. The When in Rome series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! While Practice Makes Perfect remains my top pick, this one comes in as a close second. I truly enjoyed every second of this story, and now I’m eagerly anticipating Maddison’s book, I can’t wait! While the series is interconnected, this book can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new reader, you’re in for a delightful, swoon-worthy treat!
Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He’s the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.
Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.
With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?
Review of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and I still can’t believe I’ve actually read it now! Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the perfect lighthearted rom-com, and Sarah Adams delivered everything I hoped for, and more. I was genuinely surprised by how deeply I connected with this story.
As the third installment in the When in Rome series, it continues the charm and heart of the previous books while standing strong on its own.
Plot Analysis of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
In Beg, Borrow or Steal, Emily Walker and Jack Bennett have spent years locked in a battle of wits, snark, and stubbornness. As rival teachers in the same small-town school, they can barely tolerate each other, and to make matters worse, Jack has just moved in next door after unexpectedly calling off his engagement. Emily, who thrives on order and routine, wants nothing more than to avoid him and focus on her carefully structured life, including her secret side hustle as a romance writer.
But when Emily accidentally sends an email that could expose her hidden identity to their school principal, she finds herself in a panic. The only person who can help her retrieve it? Jack, of all people. Reluctantly, she agrees to team up with him to fix her mistake, setting off a series of schemes and misadventures that bring them closer than ever.
As they work together, their long-standing animosity starts to shift into something else, something neither of them is prepared for. With undeniable chemistry simmering beneath their bickering, Emily and Jack begin to realize that maybe their greatest rivalry could turn into the most unexpected love story of all.
Characters of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
Emily Walker : Being an only daughter myself, I found an immediate connection with Emily’s character. I have no doubt that if you’re the eldest sister in your family, you’ll see a reflection of yourself in her too. She projects an image of strength, responsibility, and unwavering confidence, but beneath that composed exterior lies a tender heart yearning for genuine love and affection. She doesn’t just want to be relied upon as a problem-solver or a support system; she craves to be cherished and adored for who she truly is, beyond her capable facade. The only aspect of her character that occasionally caused friction was her moments of envy towards her siblings’ happiness. While I understood the root of her feelings, it sometimes felt frustrating given the challenges they’d overcome. However, upon reflection, this flaw ultimately served to enhance her character, making her feel more realistic and multi-dimensional. It added a layer of complexity that made her journey all the more compelling.
Jack Bennett : Jack, oh Jack! He’s the kind of character you read about and instantly wish were real. Let’s break it down: dark hair, check. Glasses? Absolutely, and they suit him perfectly. He’s got that rugged edge, too, rides a MOTORCYCLE! Did you read THAT, YES a motorcycle (sorry for yelling 😂) and sports these cute tattoos that just add to his charm. And the little things? He wears this beaded necklace, a gift from his students, which just screams ‘good guy.’ But it’s not just the looks or the little quirks; he’s got this way with words, and he backs them up with action. He’s thoughtful, he’s present, he’s… well, he’s everything.
Emily & Jack : Let’s talk about their banter, because, honestly, it was the heart of the whole thing. It wasn’t that predictable, sitcom-y humor; it was the kind of quick-witted, natural back-and-forth that felt like eavesdropping on a real conversation. You could practically see the sparks flying, even when they were technically bickering. I was straight-up laughing out loud, which doesn’t happen often.
It had this nostalgic, early 2000s rom-com feel – the kind where you’re rooting for them from the first scene. I was legit squealing, which, let’s be real, is embarrassing but also totally worth it. There were moments that felt like they were ripped straight out of my favorite movie scenes, the kind that give you butterflies.
Their dynamic? It was addictive. It proved that you don’t need some overblown, dramatic plot to create amazing chemistry. Sometimes, the best romances are built on sharp banter, a little bit of playful rivalry, and that undeniable spark that just jumps off the page.
Pacing & writing style
Sarah Adams’ writing is consistently top-tier; she’s a master of the perfect rom-com formula. Her prose is effortlessly engaging and easy to follow. She possesses a remarkable ability to forge deep connections between readers and her characters, making their struggles feel real and relatable. She seamlessly weaves together moments of laugh-out-loud humor with scenes that tug at your heartstrings, creating a truly immersive and emotionally resonant reading experience. I absolutely adore her writing style and find it incredibly easy to connect with her stories.
The pacing in Beg, Borrow or Steal is exactly what I love in a rom-com, fast enough to keep me hooked but never rushed. The story flows so effortlessly, blending romantic tension, humor, and heartfelt moments in a way that feels natural and engaging. I found myself completely invested, laughing at the banter one moment and swooning the next. Emily and Jack’s relationship builds in such an organic way, with just the right mix of playful teasing and emotional depth. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their dynamic shift from rivals to something more was incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep turning the pages, completely lost in their story.
Tropes and Trigger warnings of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
Tropes of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
Tropes :
rivals to lovers
Small town
Forced proximity
Found family
Trigger warnings of Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
Grief
Addiction (not MC)
Toxic parents
Some quotes I enjoyed
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
“ Jackson is my equal match in every way. He’s the one person in this entire world who doesn’t shrink from the sharpest words I could throw. He catches them between his fingers and lobs them right back.”
“Even when I’ve hated you. I’ve always liked you.”
“Find someone who helps you look on the bright side.”
“Jack smells like green body wash, is morning-cup-of-coffee-warm, and touches like a mythological god that can heal.”
“You are not alone, Emily. I would walk through my worst memories to get to you every single time.”
“Grow from your experiences, don’t let them smother the light out of you.”
“Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
“You don’t want to fight for us, that’s fine. I’ll fight enough for the both of us.”
Final Thought
Beg, Borrow or Steal was EVERYTHING I needed and more! 🤭💕 It was fun, adorable, and had me feeling things I wasn’t expecting. From the romance to the found family aspect, every part of this story made my heart so full. I could read about Emily and Jack forever and never get tired of them. Seriously, I needed more scenes of them as an official couple because their chemistry was just that good! But even so, they were absolute perfection.
Sarah Adams has me in a chokehold with her writing. She just gets how to craft stories that make you laugh, swoon, and unexpectedly tear up all in one sitting. This book wasn’t just about romance, it had so much depth, exploring self-growth and learning to truly accept yourself. I related to those themes way more than I thought I would, and it made the story hit even harder.
And can we talk about this series?? Noah and Amelia, Will and Annie (OH, MY BABIES), hopefully James and Madison next, and now Emily and Jack—each couple is just chef’s kiss 😙✨. But Emily and Jack’s relationship? SO special! Practice makes perfect still my favorite, but I loved them. The way they communicated, the way they just got each other, and the way Jack would do anything for Emily… I was OBSESSED.
About the author
Sarah Adams is the author of The Cheat Sheet. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, she loves her family, warm days, and making people smile. Sarah has dreamed of being a writer since she was a girl, but finally wrote her first novel when her daughters were napping and she no longer had any excuses to put it off. Sarah is a coffee addict, a British history nerd, a mom of two daughters, married to her best friend, and an indecisive introvert. Her hope is to write stories that make readers laugh, maybe even cry—but always leave them happier than when they started reading.
Practical Information for Readers
Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams Book Formats
Beg, Borrow or Steal is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:
Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
PDF Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams: While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.
Where to find Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams PDF
Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.
Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams Age Rating
Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams is a contemporary romance novel that delves into themes such as grief, mild depression, and the portrayal of a narcissistic parent. While the book addresses these heavier topics, it maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout. The romance is open-door. Given these elements, the novel is generally suitable for readers aged 16 and above.
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