What I Liked:
Beg, Borrow, or Steal has a lot of heart for a rivals to lovers story. Even when Emily and Jack are making the other miserable, it’s never truly malicious which keeps the tone pretty upbeat. I appreciate that both the main characters go through some dramatic development individually and end up be there to support one another along their journey.
Fair Warning:
Jack’s family drama isn’t pretty and deals with alcoholism and narcissism. While it’s not completely smooth sailing, the portrayal of Emily’s journey to becoming a published author is idealized.
Overall:
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a cute rivals to lovers story that takes advantage of the small town setting established in the When in Rome series. If you liked The Hating Game but got annoyed with the miscommunication, this might be your sweet spot. While it is a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to prevent spoilers.
