Beg, Borrow, or Steal Summary, Characters and Themes

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams is a heartwarming romantic comedy set in small-town Kentucky, built on the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope. 

The story follows Emily Walker, a guarded and fiercely independent second-grade teacher, and Jack Bennett, her college nemesis turned unexpected next-door neighbor. As fate throws them together—both professionally and personally—they must untangle years of rivalry, miscommunication, and emotional baggage. Witty banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotional depth define this story as much as its humor and warmth. Adams crafts a narrative about second chances, vulnerability, and learning to love someone—even when it terrifies you.

Summary

Emily Walker is a rule-following, perfectionist schoolteacher living in the quiet town of Rome, Kentucky. Her world is neat and structured—just how she likes it—until Jack Bennett, her college rival, returns unexpectedly. 

Jack, once engaged and a former co-worker, is now her neighbor and co-chair for the second-grade summer program. 

Their long-standing animosity, rooted in chaotic college memories and competitive tension, reignites instantly. Yet, beneath the surface of sarcastic barbs and stubborn eye rolls, there’s unresolved chemistry neither can ignore.

At first, their interactions are predictably combative. Emily is irritated to find Jack in her favorite coffee shop seat, and their banter is swift and biting. But as they begin working together for the school program, Jack surprises her by being thoughtful, cooperative, and even—annoyingly—charming. 

He volunteers for school events, helps out around the community, and shows genuine care for their students. Emily, who prides herself on emotional self-control, finds herself slowly unraveling in his presence.

The tension builds as they are forced into increasingly intimate scenarios: paired together at a community couple’s game, late-night planning sessions, and even helping each other with house repairs. 

Their animosity begins to give way to unexpected affection. Jack reveals more about himself, including his decision to return to Rome after realizing his engagement was a mistake. Emily, in turn, starts confronting the grief of losing her parents and the armor she’s built to keep herself from getting hurt again.

Their first kiss is electric—unexpected and long-awaited. But it’s not until they spend the night together that their emotional walls truly begin to crack.

Jack sees through Emily’s defenses, but she panics and distances herself, terrified of letting someone in. Jack, meanwhile, struggles with his own secret: he’s the reclusive bestselling author AJ Ranger, a detail he’s kept hidden to preserve both his creative freedom and protect himself from his father’s toxic legacy in the publishing world.

The middle of the book deepens these emotional stakes. 

Emily grapples with feelings she’s never allowed herself to feel—about love, loss, and self-worth. Jack tries to prove he’s not the arrogant rival she remembers, but someone who’s grown, who chooses her every time. 

A series of heartfelt moments, fights, and reconciliations push their relationship forward but also threaten to break them apart. 

At one point, Jack leaves an anonymous love letter in Emily’s mailbox, expressing the depth of his feelings—an echo of the vulnerability he feels but cannot yet speak aloud.

When Emily finally discovers Jack’s secret identity as AJ Ranger, it leads to a rupture. 

She feels betrayed, not because of the fame, but because he didn’t trust her with the truth. But slowly, with the encouragement of Jack and her family, Emily begins to embrace her own creative dreams. 

She finishes and submits her first romance manuscript, taking a leap of faith in both her writing and her heart.

The novel ends on a hopeful, satisfying note. 

At a town festival, Jack publicly supports Emily, and they’re no longer seen as rivals but as a team.

In the epilogue, Emily’s book has been accepted for publication, and she and Jack have settled into a rhythm as loving neighbors and partners. Their love story is no longer about proving who’s right—but choosing each other, flaws and all.

Characters

Emily Walker

Emily Walker is the protagonist who serves as both the heart and mind of the story. A second-grade teacher in Rome, Kentucky, she is defined by her sense of duty and perfectionism. These traits stem from her role as the eldest sibling, which she assumes with a strong sense of responsibility following the death of her parents.

This deep-rooted responsibility leads her to become emotionally guarded, often hiding her vulnerability behind sarcasm and humor. Her rivalry with Jack, which began during college, is a key element of her emotional defense.

However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that beneath the tough exterior, Emily is someone grappling with grief and fear of abandonment. Her journey throughout the novel is one of emotional growth, as she learns to confront her feelings and let down her walls.

Her internal conflict—resisting her feelings for Jack—is palpable, but ultimately, she comes to terms with her emotions, leading to her personal and relational healing.

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett is initially portrayed as Emily’s antagonist, yet as the story unfolds, his complexities become more apparent. A former colleague and a returned resident of Rome, Jack carries the weight of past mistakes, including a broken engagement and a hidden identity as a bestselling author.

His return to his hometown is not just a physical relocation but an emotional reset. Jack’s charm and ease can initially mask the depths of his vulnerability, but over time, his genuine kindness and subtle gestures begin to peel back his layers.

His past with Emily, especially their college rivalry, adds an interesting dynamic to their interactions. While Jack might initially seem confident, he struggles with self-doubt, particularly regarding his relationships and the fear of not being truly known.

His emotional arc centers around learning to trust others, particularly Emily, and reconciling his secretive identity as AJ Ranger with his desire for authenticity. Jack’s development highlights the importance of vulnerability in love, and his growth into a more emotionally available person mirrors the evolving nature of his relationship with Emily.

Madison and the Supporting Cast

Madison, Emily’s younger sister, plays a key role in pushing Emily to confront her feelings for Jack. While she is a secondary character, her teasing and perceptive nature offer valuable moments of insight into Emily’s internal struggle.

Madison’s character helps bring levity to some of the heavier emotional scenes, and her lighthearted approach provides a necessary contrast to Emily’s seriousness. Other secondary characters, such as Emily’s best friend and Jack’s family, also serve to illuminate the main characters’ complexities.

For instance, Emily’s best friend encourages her to embrace vulnerability, while Jack’s estranged relationship with his father underscores his fears of not living up to others’ expectations. These supporting characters enrich the narrative, making the central romance more impactful and relatable.

Themes

The Dichotomy of Control and Vulnerability in Relationships

Throughout Beg, Borrow, or Steal, Emily’s struggle with control and vulnerability is one of the most defining themes. As the eldest sibling and a perfectionist teacher, she has always worn emotional armor, keeping herself distant from people to avoid the pain of loss and disappointment.

The death of her parents and the responsibility that came with it shaped her worldview, driving her need for control over her environment and emotions. Jack, on the other hand, represents the antithesis of her controlled world—unpredictable, spontaneous, and emotionally open.

Their interactions, filled with sarcasm and banter, are a defense mechanism for both, as they instinctively guard themselves from deeper feelings. However, as their interactions evolve, the protective walls they’ve built begin to crumble, and their emotional vulnerability starts to surface.

Emily, who once equated vulnerability with weakness, begins to recognize it as a strength. Jack’s patience allows her to understand that letting go of control doesn’t equate to losing herself. This ongoing battle between control and vulnerability forms the emotional core of the narrative, culminating in their mutual acceptance of their imperfect but sincere feelings for one another.

The Impact of Past Trauma on Present Relationships

The characters’ pasts—particularly Emily’s unresolved grief over her parents’ death and Jack’s guilt over his failed engagement—serve as significant barriers to their growth and connection. Both characters carry emotional baggage that affects how they view themselves and others, especially in their romantic endeavors.

Emily’s reluctance to open up to Jack stems from her unresolved grief and the pressure she feels to be perfect, a legacy of her parents’ expectations. Jack, on the other hand, struggles with self-worth, particularly when he hides his successful writing career from Emily due to his fear of being judged by his famous father.

As the story unfolds, both Emily and Jack must confront these emotional scars in order to heal and move forward. Their journey is a testament to how unresolved trauma can affect relationships, but it also highlights the potential for healing and growth when two people are willing to confront and support each other through their pain.

The Unfolding of True Self-Acceptance

A significant theme in Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the journey of self-acceptance. Both Emily and Jack must come to terms with who they are, beyond the roles they’ve adopted in their respective lives.

Emily’s identity is initially tied to her role as a responsible teacher and caretaker in her family, leaving little room for personal desires or vulnerabilities. Jack, meanwhile, has spent years hiding behind the facade of a carefree, charming neighbor, concealing his identity as a successful author.

As they slowly peel back the layers of their personalities, they begin to accept parts of themselves that were once repressed or concealed. They find comfort in each other’s authenticity, and this theme is intricately tied to their developing relationship.

They begin to trust not only each other but also their own worthiness of love and happiness. The process of discovering and accepting one’s true self, free from the constraints of past roles or expectations, is central to their emotional growth.

By the end of the novel, Emily and Jack have not only overcome their differences but have embraced their most vulnerable, authentic selves.

The Power of Forgiveness in Moving Forward

Forgiveness is another pivotal theme in the book, particularly as Emily and Jack grapple with their past mistakes and misunderstandings. Their journey is marked by moments of resentment, confusion, and hurt, particularly surrounding their failed attempts at communication and emotional closeness.

One of the turning points in their relationship occurs when Emily discovers Jack’s secret identity as AJ Ranger, a bestselling author. Initially feeling betrayed, Emily must learn to forgive Jack, recognizing that his actions stemmed from a desire to protect himself rather than deceive her.

Similarly, Jack must forgive himself for his previous failed relationships and the insecurities that kept him from being open with Emily. As both characters work through their internal conflicts and misunderstandings, they come to realize that forgiveness—of others and themselves—is necessary for true emotional connection.

By embracing forgiveness, they allow themselves to move past their grudges and begin building a future together, free from the shadows of their past mistakes.

The Transformative Power of Community and Connection

Finally, the book explores the theme of community and how the bonds between people can help heal even the deepest wounds. Emily and Jack’s relationship is not just transformed by their interactions but also by the small-town community of Rome, Kentucky, in which they live.

The support and care they receive from their friends and families—particularly Emily’s sisters—help them navigate their emotional challenges. The town itself becomes a safe haven for them, a place where they can rediscover who they are, separate from the expectations and pressures of their previous lives.

The theme of community is further exemplified in the way that Emily and Jack’s relationship evolves within the context of their shared life in Rome. They are no longer just individuals on separate paths but partners who are seen and supported by their community.

The power of human connection, both romantic and platonic, emerges as a force that brings healing, growth, and love to their lives.