The Bookish Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

If you love enemies-to-lovers romances with crackling banter, small-town charm, and just the right amount of chaos, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is your next must-read. Sarah Adams delivers a fun, flirty rom-com that proves there’s a fine line between love and hate—especially when forced proximity is involved.

Emily Walker is perfectly content with her orderly life in Rome, Kentucky. That is, until Jack Bennett—the childhood nemesis she thought she was rid of—moves back to town. Now, not only is he her new neighbor, but he’s also her colleague. Worse? He’s determined to get under her skin every chance he gets.

Jack, a bestselling mystery writer under a secret pen name, is back to renovate his house and stir up trouble for Emily. When an accidental email threatens to expose her own secret identity as a romance author, she needs his help to steal back her manuscript before her cover is blown. Cue the scheming, forced collaboration, and undeniable chemistry that neither of them wants to acknowledge.

Adams delivers a delightful mix of sizzling tension and heartfelt moments. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is packed with witty barbs and simmering attraction, making their eventual romance all the more satisfying. Jack is the perfect blend of charming and infuriating, while Emily’s stubbornness and sharp humor make her a heroine worth rooting for.

The only reason this isn’t a full 5-star read? The rivalry drags on just a bit too long before they finally admit what’s obvious to everyone else. But once they do? Absolute fireworks.

If you’re a fan of small-town romance, workplace shenanigans, and tension so thick you could cut it with a kitchen knife (which Emily probably considers at some point), Beg, Borrow, or Steal is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Have you read this one yet? Let’s discuss in the comments—bonus points if you’ve ever had a real-life nemesis-turned-crush!