Beg Borrow or Steal – Review

Synopsis

Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbours) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

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 realises he’s now neighbours 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?

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💭 My Thoughts 💭

Sarah Adams crafts a delightful rivals-to-lovers romance in Beg, Borrow, or Steal, set in the charming town of Rome, Kentucky. The story centres on Emily Walker and Jack Bennett, two second-grade teachers whose longstanding feud takes an unexpected turn when circumstances force them into an uneasy alliance.

Emily is a meticulous and passionate educator who secretly writes romance novels in her spare time. Her orderly life is disrupted by the return of Jack, her infuriatingly charming neighbour and colleague who left town abruptly months earlier. Jack, a successful mystery novelist writing under a pseudonym, is back to renovate his home and resume teaching, much to Emily’s chagrin.

The chemistry between Emily and Jack is palpable, fuelled by sharp, witty banter that showcases Adams’ talent for dialogue. Their interactions are laced with humour and underlying tension, making their evolving relationship engaging and entertaining.

At first, their relationship is defined by tension and miscommunication. Emily is frustrated with Jack’s carefree attitude and lack of responsibility, while Jack finds Emily’s uptight nature too much to handle. But when Emily accidentally sends a revealing email to their principal, she enlists Jack’s help to retrieve it, which forces them to spend more time together. This unexpected partnership gradually shifts their dynamic from antagonism to mutual understanding.

As they work together to solve problems and cover for each other’s blunders, Emily and Jack begin to peel back their walls. Emily, who is used to being in control, starts to see Jack in a new light—realising that beneath his charming exterior, there’s someone more vulnerable and earnest than she initially thought. Jack, in turn, begins to understand the reasons behind Emily’s guarded nature. He sees how her past has shaped her, which softens his approach to her, showing that he values more than just her outward appearance.

Their development isn’t just about romantic attraction—it’s about trust, vulnerability, and breaking down preconceived notions. Emily’s willingness to loosen her grip on control and let Jack in and Jack’s commitment to proving he’s more than just a carefree flirt make their relationship feel both authentic and heartwarming. Spurred by their growing bond, these personal transformations make the eventual love story feel earned and satisfying.

Supporting characters—quirky townsfolk and family—add depth and warmth to the narrative, enriching the small-town atmosphere that Adams portrays so well.

While the plot follows familiar romantic tropes, Adams infuses it with fresh energy through well-developed characters and genuine emotional arcs. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths leading to where we belong.

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𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: MA16+ ( Wonderful content warning at the start of the book, indicating which chapters get steamy and to avoid if you want to keep it closed door)

Book Details

• ISBN:  9781035409112 
• Author – Sarah Adams
• Published – Jan 14th 2025
• Series – When in Rome #3
• Publisher – Headline Eternal
• Format – Paperback
• Language – English
• Number of Pages – 384
• Audience – Adult, Young Adult
• For Ages – 16+

**I received an eArc of this book from Hachette Australia and New Zealand and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. **