Beg, Borrow, or Steal

A Novel

De: Sarah Adams

Narrado por: Nelson Hobbs, Brittany Pressley

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 (Coming Soon!)

©2025 Sarah Adams (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Feuding second-grade teachers learn they make a great team in this cute rivals-to-lovers romance, the third in Adams’s When in Rome series. This charms.”—Publishers Weekly

Loved it!

Loved the storyline, character development, narrators, all of it!
This has to be my favorite romance series and I’m so thankful to have another one to listen to!

Sweet story - not my favorite narration

I have been loving this series - have eaten up the other two (along with this one) and cannot wait for the next one (I havent looked into this but there has to be a Maddie story). But, I feel like the male narrator wasn't the best voice for Jack. He has a great voice for a mystery or historical fiction (that isn't a romance) but his voice for this story wasn't right. I would almost rather have the female voice the male part than have a voice that doesn't fit the character. I really loved this story though!

Did not disappoint!

Loved the Rome characters, A series is my weakness and this one did not disappoint!

Great Story

I love this story. I love that in the prequel tha author tells you which chapters contain the steamy scenes. This is about two wonderfully described characters who build a relationship. It is NOT “I met you a week ago, fell in love for life and am now banging the heck out of you”. I appreciate the storyline so much. I laughed at some of the scenes and did not want to put it down. Thanks, Sarah Adams!

Sarah Adams never disappoints

I absolutely loved this book just like all of Sarah Adams stories! She does a fantastic job and leaves you wanting more. Jack and Emily are the perfect amount of sweet and spice. Rome Kentucky has my heart for sure!

I like strong women characters

I love romance stories that address more than the romance. The mental health themes were not the primary focus but enhanced the character development and story line. I also love books about teachers and teaching, even though there wasn’t much about that.

Wonderful story!

Sarah Adams never disappoints. I loved Jack and Emily’s story. Excellent narration and performance. Looking forward to James and Maddie’s story…wink wink

Great third book in the series!

I'm a fan of this author but this one has to be in my top 2 of her books for me. The characters relationship was so much fun and the burn was just right. Narrators were solid. Worth the credit!

Perfectly Adorable

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

In Short: Such a cute, adorable, swoonworthy read.

General Thoughts: Sarah Adams knocked it out of the park with this one. While some of her books can be a bit hit or miss for me, I have LOVED all in this When in Rome series. Three five-star reads from me. I still think my favorite is Practice Makes Perfect, but this is a very close second. This series is adorable. I love the tie-ins to Audrey Hepburn films. This one was Breakfast at Tiffany's. It wasn't overdone at all. I loved the nods. I could relate to the FMC. I thought Sarah did a great job demonstrating her need to be needed and perfect. I loved the relationship between the two characters. Emily and Jackson are great. Jackson is book boyfriend goals. Another hit for me. I can't wait for the Sabrina one. Such a great series.

Spice Meter:.5❤️‍🔥

Reading Order: You can start wherever you want, but prior characters make cameos.

Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-hate to love you
-neighbors to lovers
-dislike to love
-close proximity
-small town

Good series will there be a book 4

This book was unexpected in a few ways. It was really good. I’m hoping for a book 4 to end the series.