Beg, Borrow, or Steal: A Novel (Rome, Kentucky)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this new rivals-to-lovers romance set in Rome, Kentucky—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.
“Sarah Adams writes books with heart and soul. They speak to the people finding their way and being unapologetically themselves in the process. I love her style.”—Hannah Grace, author of Icebreaker
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.
Jack 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 about—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, he agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?
Look for all of Sarah Adams’s When in Rome books:
WHEN IN ROME • PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT • BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL • IN YOUR DREAMS (Coming Soon!)
“Sarah Adams writes books with heart and soul. They speak to the people finding their way and being unapologetically themselves in the process. I love her style.”—Hannah Grace, author of Icebreaker
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.
Jack 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 about—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, he agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?
Look for all of Sarah Adams’s When in Rome books:
WHEN IN ROME • PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT • BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL • IN YOUR DREAMS (Coming Soon!)
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Community Reviews
Sarah Adams delivers another charming, feel-good romance filled with sharp banter and slow-burn tension. This rivals-to-lovers story nails the “I can’t stand you” to “oh no, I’m in love” progression, with Emily and Jack being both flawed and deeply likable. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional buildup feels natural and earned rather than rushed.
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, cozy rom-com vibes, and stories that make you smile long after you finish the last page.
Cute book, pretty corny and cheesy but I did like that it had both perspectives of the Chara involved.
I absolutely love all of Sarah Adam’s Rome, Kentucky novels. Mild spice, engaging and heartfelt. I love having both perspectives, and the journeys the characters navigate together and how the banter she writes in is unique to each character and book. I could relate to Emily and was rooting for her through the whole book. I laughed and swooned. Great story and I love hearing the continuation of the couples from prior books. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
A fun enemies to lovers romance, with mild spice. The title is misleading, this is a story about two elementary school teachers who have competed against each other since college. The characters are likable, even neurotic Emily. Book #87 in 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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