Beg Borrow or Steal Summary: A Heartfelt Tale by Sarah Adams Books to Thrive: Best Summaries

✨ Never Miss a Life-Changing Books Summaries ✨

Join 3,031 other subscribers

Book Summary Contents

1 Beg Borrow or Steal: Sarah Adams’ Charming Small-Town Romance Summary & Analysis
- 1.1 Introduction To Beg Borrow or Steal Summary: A Riveting Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
  - 1.1.1 Key Details:
2 Discussion Questions for Book Clubs
3 Beg Borrow or Steal Summary Table of Contents
- 3.1 Chapters
  - 3.1.1 Part 1: Emily’s Journey
  - 3.1.2 Part 2: Jack’s Perspective
4 Beg Borrow or Steal Summary & Review & Explaination
5 Beg Borrow or Steal Main Characters
6 Beg Borrow or Steal Themes & Analysis
7 About Sarah Adams
8 Final Verdict: Beg Borrow or Steal Summary
9 Get Your Copy
10 Sources & References
- 10.1 Share:

Beg Borrow or Steal: Sarah Adams’ Charming Small-Town Romance Summary & Analysis

Introduction To Beg Borrow or Steal Summary: A Riveting Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

Have you ever wondered if the person you despise could eventually become the one you can’t live without?

Sarah Adams’ Beg Borrow or Steal (2025) delivers a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance set in the fictional small town of Rome, Kentucky.

This comprehensive Beg Borrow or Steal Summary explores the novel’s rich character dynamics, heartfelt themes, and the slow-burn romance between second-grade teachers Emily Walker and Jack Bennett.

Key Details:

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, small-town charm, forced proximity
Content Notes: Closed-door intimacy (skippable), themes of grief & family dynamics
Perfect For: Fans of Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Sophie Kinsella

Discussion Questions for Book Clubs

How does Emily’s “fixer” personality hinder her relationships?
Should Jack have revealed his writing career sooner?
What role does the town play in their reconciliation?
How does the novel portray healthy vs. toxic masculinity?

Beg Borrow or Steal Summary Table of Contents

Dedication
Epigraph
Author’s Note and Content Warning

Chapters

Part 1: Emily’s Journey

Chapter One: Emily
Chapter Two: Emily
Chapter Four: Emily
Chapter Six: Emily
Chapter Eight: Emily
Chapter Ten: Emily
Chapter Twelve: Emily
Chapter Thirteen: Emily
Chapter Fourteen: Emily
Chapter Fifteen: Emily
Chapter Sixteen: Emily
Chapter Eighteen: Emily
Chapter Nineteen: Emily
Chapter Twenty-One: Emily
Chapter Twenty-Three: Emily
Chapter Twenty-Five: Emily
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Emily
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Emily
Chapter Thirty: Emily
Chapter Thirty-Two: Emily
Chapter Thirty-Three: Emily
Chapter Thirty-Four: Emily
Chapter Thirty-Six: Emily

Part 2: Jack’s Perspective

Chapter Three: Jack
Chapter Five: Jack
Chapter Seven: Jack
Chapter Nine: Jack
Chapter Eleven: Jack
Chapter Seventeen: Jack
Chapter Twenty: Jack
Chapter Twenty-Two: Jack
Chapter Twenty-Four: Jack
Chapter Twenty-Six: Jack
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Jack
Chapter Thirty-One: Jack
Chapter Thirty-Five: Jack
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Jack

Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author

Beg Borrow or Steal Summary & Review & Explaination

Emily Walker: The Perfectionist with a Secret

Emily is a meticulous second-grade teacher in the charming but gossipy town of Rome, Kentucky. Haunted by the loss of her parents and grandmother, she hides her loneliness behind a polished exterior, acting as the rock for her siblings. Her only escape? Secretly writing steamy romance novels—her heart’s hidden outlet for grief and longing.

The Return of the Rival

Enter Jack Bennett, Emily’s college nemesis—charming, effortlessly beloved, and now her new next-door neighbor. Fresh off a broken engagement (thanks to his cheating ex), Jack claims he’s back for Rome’s tight-knit community… but really? He can’t stop thinking about Emily. Their decade-long rivalry reignites—until a shirtless, late-night confrontation sparks something far more dangerous than competition.

A Drunken Mistake & An Unlikely Savior

After a wine-fueled meltdown over her sister’s canceled visit, Emily accidentally emails her scandalous manuscript to her ultra-conservative principal. Panicked, she turns to the one person she shouldn’t trust: Jack. But instead of gloating, he cleans her scraped knees, listens to her fears of being unlovable, and whispers, “You’re not alone.” Cue the heart palpitations.

Secrets, Closet Confessions & A Kiss That Changes Everything

Emily is stunned to learn Jack is secretly bestselling mystery writer AJ Ranger—and she’s already a fan. In exchange for his help breaking into the principal’s house (to delete that incriminating email), she agrees to help him renovate his disaster of a home. Trapped in a closet during their heist, Jack admits he avoided saying goodbye to her years ago because indifference from her would’ve wrecked him. The tension? Unbearable. One kiss later, enemies become something electric.

Motorcycles, Manuscripts & Emotional Nakedness

Jack takes Emily on a white-knuckle motorcycle ride—her first taste of reckless freedom—and she’s addicted (to the thrill and him). When he critiques her book’s lackluster love scenes, she confesses she’s never let herself feel passion, thanks to old heartbreaks. His response? A swoon-worthy “acting lesson” that leaves her blushing and breathless.

Heartbreak & Hypocrisy

Just as Emily starts believing in her writing, a brutal rejection from a top agent shatters her confidence. She lashes out at Jack, calling him a hypocrite for demanding vulnerability while hiding his own double life. Meanwhile, her sister Madison’s return forces Emily to confront her smothering protectiveness—and finally let go.

The Final Betrayal—And The Ultimate Choice

Jack’s toxic father steals his spotlight, claiming credit for his son’s secret success. Emily, furious, becomes Jack’s fiercest defender, proving she’s his true safe haven. Inspired, Jack claims his identity, sells his beloved motorcycle (symbolizing his old, guarded self), and chooses Emily—fully.

Love, Books & A Happy Ever After

At her sister’s surprise engagement party, Emily admits she loves Jack—all of him. He vows to love her sharp edges and soft heart. Eleven months later, Emily’s debut book deal is announced, sealing their journey from rivals to partners in life and creativity. Together, they’ve rewritten their stories—no more hiding, just love.

Beg Borrow or Steal Main Characters

Character	Description
Emily Walker	A fiercely independent second-grade teacher from Rome, Kentucky. Hidden emotional turmoil and past trauma shape her interactions. She evolves from emotionally guarded to embracing vulnerability.
Jack Bennett	Emily’s long-time rival, a seemingly perfect teacher with deep emotional scars, especially from his narcissistic father. His secret identity as AJ Ranger, a successful author, adds depth to his character. Jack’s growth is marked by his increasing vulnerability, especially with Emily.
Annie Walker	Emily’s youngest sister. Her romantic journey adds sweetness to the narrative.
Madison Walker	Emily’s adventurous middle sister. Her pursuit of dreams in New York strains her relationship with Emily.
Noah Walker	Emily’s brother, who owns the family pie shop. He has his own emotional struggles.
Mabel	A wise, older Black woman who offers guidance to the Walker family.

Beg Borrow or Steal Themes & Analysis

Theme	Description
Enemies-to-Lovers	The evolving relationship between Emily and Jack showcases how shared rivalry can transform into love through understanding and vulnerability.
Grief & Loneliness	Both Emily and Jack grapple with emotional wounds, with grief and loneliness influencing their actions and their ability to connect with others.
Vulnerability & Growth	The novel emphasizes how personal growth and emotional openness lead to deeper connections and fulfillment.
Family Dynamics	The impact of family, both biological and chosen, plays a central role in the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and healing.
Chasing Dreams	The pursuit of personal dreams, particularly in writing, is a key element in both Emily’s and Jack’s character development.

About Sarah Adams

Sarah Adams is a talented romance author whose storytelling blends humor, heart, and relatable characters. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Adams has become known for her ability to craft emotionally engaging narratives that resonate with readers on a personal level.

With several bestsellers to her name, including “The Rule Book” and “Practice Makes Perfect,” Adams is particularly celebrated for her fresh takes on contemporary romance.