A review by scorpireads
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

started: 012125 | finished: 012425

light romance, romcom

• tropes: small town romance, neighbors, rivals to lovers, forced proximity
• medium-paced, dual pov

“i can’t get her off my mind. i want to spend every second of the day with her. i want to make up for every day or every year i spent fighting with her instead of loving her.”

this book proves that enemies to lovers is the best romance trope. the story follows emily, who is organized and secretly writes romance novels, and jack, her annoying neighbor, who is back in town after breaking off his engagement. and with their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. from there, she frustratingly need jack’s help to make it right.

first of all, as a sucker of enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers trope, i am deeply obsessed with this book. the plot is phenomenal and sarah adams’ writing style really never disappoints. the main characters’ endless banters were hysterically funny, and it is satisfying whenever they are getting confused about what they truly feel for each other. emily is such a ball of sweetness and comfort. i love her whole personality, especially when she is with her siblings. and the fact that she might look strict on the outside, but she’s so considerate and selfless on the inside. it would be great to have a friend like her in real life. one thing i also like to highlight about her is when she’s being straight-to-the-point and she can say whenever she wants to say whenever she’s with jack. on the other hand, i am on my knees for jack and the way he shows his feelings for emily. the story also made me realize how lovely it feels to have someone who will make you feel less lonely, and someone whom you can be openly honest with. 

for me, this book is more emotional and heartwarming compared to the first two books in the series. honestly, i was emotionally attached to all the characters. overall, this book—and the whole when in rome series—is absolute perfection. it you’re into a romcom book with little to no spice, then this series is definitely for you.