Book Review : Beg Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams

Beg Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams is a heartwarming small-town romance that blends sibling bonds, healing, and unforgettable banter(2025)

Beg, Borrow or Steal is the latest heartfelt addition to Sarah Adams’ beloved When in Rome universe, set in the cozy and charming fictional town of Rome, Kentucky. Known for her witty banter, emotional depth, and wholesome romance, Adams delivers a story that blends humor, vulnerability, and small-town warmth in a way that lingers long after the last page.

Author NameSarah Adams
Published Date7 January 2025
GenreRomance
AmazonBeg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
GoodreadsBeg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
FormatKindle/Audiobook/Hardcover/Paperback
Pages384
LanguageEnglish

Set in the beloved fictional town of Rome, Kentucky, Beg, Borrow or Steal is a rich addition to Sarah Adams’ “When in Rome” universe. With her signature warmth, hilarious wit, and emotional depth, Adams crafts a story of love, vulnerability, and rediscovery through the lens of friends-turned-rivals-to-lovers, Jack and Emily. Perfect for fans of cozy, character-driven romances with emotional resonance and a vibrant community setting, this book is a must-read for romance lovers looking for a story that lingers long after the last page.

Emily and Jack have always had history, starting as college frenemies, then co-workers, and now unexpectedly reunited as next-door neighbors in Rome, Kentucky. Jack has just returned home after calling off his engagement, and their old dynamic quickly reignites. From playful bickering to something far deeper, their relationship is a whirlwind of tension, unresolved feelings, and undeniable chemistry. Their slow-burning love story builds beautifully as they navigate grief, self-doubt, and the difficulty of opening up again.

Beg, Borrow or Steal

But this is more than just a romance. Beg, Borrow or Steal explores complex sibling relationships, emotional healing, and self-worth. Emily, as the eldest sister, grapples with feeling unwanted, struggling to let go of guilt and embrace softness and vulnerability. Jack brings comfort, laughter, and the kind of steady presence that gives her space to grow. Together, they rediscover themselves while falling for each other in the most unexpected, tender way.

What Readers Are Saying

I don’t even know how to explain how much Beg, Borrow or Steal meant to me, this book is made up of everything beautiful and achingly tender. Jack and Emily’s relationship completely undid me. It’s the kind of romance that heals while it burns slow, soft and scorching all at once. Sarah Adams always delivers, but this one? This one felt personal. It’s a gentle hug to the soul, comforting, funny, emotionally sharp, and just so human. I laughed out loud, I cried in the middle of the night, and at one point I literally had to put my Kindle down because I was losing my mind (AHHHH UEGAISGUEUH, real emotions). The college frenemies-to-neighbors trope? Done to perfection. Their tension is so tangible, you feel it in your chest. Emily’s insecurities, the layered sibling dynamics, the themes of grief and impostor syndrome, it all hit hard. There’s something about the way Sarah Adams writes family and community that makes even the smallest town feel like home. And Rome, Kentucky? I never want to leave. This wasn’t just a romance, it was therapy in paperback. Emotional, funny, healing, unforgettable. Five stars isn’t enough.

About the Author: Sarah Adams

Sarah Adams is a USA Today bestselling author known for her emotionally uplifting, clean romantic comedies that leave readers swooning and smiling. Her storytelling is laced with relatable characters, healing journeys, and swoon-worthy banter. Her books often explore themes of family, self-acceptance, and second chances, making them the kind of comfort reads readers return to over and over.

If you enjoyed Beg, Borrow or Steal, don’t miss her other reader-favorite titles like:

  • The Cheat Sheet – A best-friends-to-lovers sports romance with laugh-out-loud moments and sincere heart.
  • Practice Makes Perfect – A grumpy/sunshine dynamic that shines with tension and heartfelt vulnerability.
  • When in Rome – A charming popstar-meets-baker romance that started the beloved Rome, Kentucky series.
  • The Match – A touching, hilarious romance about a speech therapist, a matchmaking daughter, and a protective father with walls to tear down.

Whether you’re a long-time Sarah Adams fan or a newcomer, Beg, Borrow or Steal is a tender, soul-stirring romance wrapped in warmth, wit, and authenticity. Add it to your TBR, you’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love along the way.

Read more reviews at The Review Universe

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