I received this book via Netgalley for review
Jamie is a Medical Education Director who notices a student falling asleep during him teaching and becomes annoyed while also intrigued by her beauty. Libby is a prideful young single mother who’s motto is Beg Borrow or Steal in order to provide the life her daughter deserves. That includes working a job she may not love or wish to do forever but it pays the bills.
Of course a romance ensues. Testing their relationship every step of the way. Libby being so prideful and stubborn beyond belief she struggles to accept help. Jamie being an idiot and having lived a completely different life, he struggles to accept her job and not put his foot in his mouth regularly.
I am a sucker for single parent characters especially because authors tend to make these children impossible to love. Libby’s kid is just precious and grabs the hearts of everyone she comes across with her honesty, demanding personality and of course her child pureness.
Many people, ok lets just say it men, in this book have “thoughts” or “opinions” on what Libby does for a living and their actions are based of that. There’s a lot of ridiculous men with ridiculous statements that make you want to role your eyes. But each of the MC have some great friends in their corner. Telling them when they are being stupid, enforcing help when they know its needed and not taking no for an answer etc.
Overall this was a sweet story, almost rom com vibes even with the subject matter and conversations it tackles. I had a good time with this book.

I absolutely loved this romance, fell in love with all the characters especially little Rosie such an adorable funny child she always had me laughing ........if you like rom coms this book is a must read

There were some things about this book that I really liked, and others that I didn't. There were a lot of times where I was confused about the terminology and that made this book a little harder to read for me.

I have never read a Susie Tate novel before so I didn't know what to expect. I did like the story. It was unlike something I really read before. I liked the idea of a woman having to work hard to get what she wants, whatever profession it may be. However, I feel like there was a lot of putting the main character down. Libby was someone who I enjoyed and it was hard to read a romance novel that doesn't include a likable significant other. I feel like he was constantly putting Libby down and berating her when she was just trying to do what she had to for her child.

I feel like this book was definitely meant for British readers or those who understand British slang. I am someone who has never traveled to England, but I do read quite a bit of travel romances. There was a lot of language in this book that forced me to search what it was which was quite a hassle over a book.

This was a cute romance and I do think I would recommend it. As a precaution, take some time to do some research into some British language because this was more than I knew!

I loved this rom com! It was fun and full of excitement. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great escape and a good time. I will definitely be reading more from this author! 5 stars, hands down!

I'm really not much into romance books especially if it don't involve any kind of fantasy. But this treasure of a book right here is an exception.
Very well written and flowed so well!
I loved the characters and their flaws and insecurities. It was very raw and realistic. I recommend!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Susie Tate is a contemporary romance. Jamie is proud of everything he’s achieved. A consultant anesthetist and the Medical Education Director – he’s a pretty big deal. So when one of his medical students falls asleep, right in the middle of a tutorial, he is furious. For Libby, pride is a luxury and beauty is currency. Pregnant at seventeen and an aspiring doctor, she couldn’t afford to be proud, so she cashed in on her looks instead. She will beg, borrow or steal to achieve her dreams and give her daughter the life she deserves, even if she has to forgo sleep – even if she has to leave her dignity behind. The last thing she needs is to have riled the gorgeous, judgmental Head of Medical Education. But there’s only so far you can push yourself, only so much pressure you can be under until you break. Libby’s been on that cliff edge for a while; her health may just tip her over. A kick in the shin from a four-year-old girl and a confrontation with her tearful, exhausted mother soon forces Jamie to see what a bastard he’s been. Libby may not accept his help, but he’s relentless when he wants something, and it’s not long before he realizes that this mother and daughter belong with him. So when a stag night he’s on ends up in the best strip club in England and he sees who the main attraction is, his reaction is explosive. Despite everything, Libby finds she still has some pride left. This man has made her feel small twice now. He won’t be getting a third shot. No matter how gorgeous he is, no matter how persistent.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a romance with many good points, and only one negative. I love that they take place in England and I learned a little more British slang. I love that the characters (for the most part) face real world troubles and struggles. I did not love that Jamie so so completely alpha, judgmental male. Libby has faced huge hurdles and is working hard to give her daughter everything, and to make her parents proud after the mistakes she has made. She is working it out, and while clearly overdoing it, but determined to be self sufficient. I loved her determination and sweet personality. I thought her character, and her daughter were fantastic. Her friends and the connections she made with her coworkers. I was not thrilled with Jamie steamrolling his way over Libby's objections and manipulating her, her daughter, and her friends to get his way. He was continuously controlling and judgmental- even when he was aware of how horrible he was being, he continued on. I did love the story, and I fell completely in love with the community that surrounded Libby and Jamie, and when Jamie was behaving I loved the book, and when he was misbehaving I wanted to smack or kick him. However, I think that visceral reaction party shows how real Tate made the characters for me. I just loved the story.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal started off a little weak for me, but it quickly surprised me and left me wanting more. I admit that as soon as I finished this book I quickly downloaded the rest of the authors book from Amazon and have been happily binge reading. Good thing I schedule this reviews a month or so ahead so I have some wiggle room as I lose myself in these romances.

3.5 stars. I somehow managed to read Susie Tate's second book, Limits, before reading this one, so I already knew of this couple, Jamie and Libby, and adorable little Rosie, who is precious and precocious beyond words. Still, their story was quite enjoyable. I didn't find our hero to be an over the top jerk, but he sure had his moments!! And there wasn't a lot of sexy in this book - although that's not always a necessity. It was a sweet, simple, heart-warming romance.

Okay, it is no longer 2AM and I have put my thoughts into coherent words that I hope express how much I enjoyed this book!

On the surface, this is a stand-alone romance. Delving deeper, it actually explores the incredibly intricate workings of the human mind and how we think we are seen by others, how we see ourselves and how that those two things impact how we handle our lives, relationships and how we present ourselves. More often than not, if a book explores these themes, it's a long fiction novel which gives a back-back seat to the romance (like, it might as well be in the boot because it's that non-existent). But Tate has done this clever little writing thing where the romance and the serious stuff balance each other out.

I think, in the end, that was the reason I couldn't put it down.

Okay, so characters!

Rosie is my favourite little four-year-old. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out with a protective little Highness-soon-to-be-Pirate who hordes woodlice?
Jamie, my favourite anethstesist. I want one. Even though he can be an idiot sometimes, his heart is in the right place.
Libby is the problem-solver, survivalist kind of woman. I loved how stubborn she was, and absolutely understood how proud she was about all her hardwork – she gets it from her father! (Gosh, did I love meeting the families! The dynamics were hilarious!)

I also loved loved LOVED Millie. She was that layer of real-ness that wasn't part of a trope or anything and as someone who overthinks things similarly to her, and who know people who are even more like her, I am really really glad that she exists. I hope the next book does her justice!

I know there were heaps of other characters, each bringing their own part to the story (good or bad – yeah, I'm looking at you, Toby) and I am so looking forward to the next story because I really hope we see more about where the characters from Beg, Borrow or Steal are after.

There were no issues with pace or flow for me (obviously) and I felt everything happened for a reason, and rolled into the next action or scene without feeling out of place. I think that mostly occurred because this was standalone and there's no pressure to bring in a continuous story arc for the main characters that roll into others story arcs and character development.

I loved this quick and cute read.

•

4.5/5

If someone would have told me that this would become my next top favorite story, I wouldn’t probably take his word for granted. You see, when the author is a “first time” for me, I always hold myself back. But this time is different; this time, I would have hugged and kissed all over that someone since he couldn’t have been more right. Beg, Borrow or Steal (my a.k.a BBoS) earned every inch of those 6 stars up in the rate an then some more.

And, really, under what rock I was sleeping that I hadn’t indulged into, not only this amazing general-practitioner-turned-author, but also the AMAZEBALLS that is the Medical Romance genre. Honestly, it went straight to my tops. And who would have written it better than a doctor herself who have lived and is living most of her life inside a hospital, huh? I can’t put into words how awesome was the feeling to read the literal adaption of the “Grey’s Anatomy” love story style. I was simply surrendered to that amazeness.

Jamie & Libby. A doctor/teacher & his student. But in reality, two perfect halves who were completing an even more perfect whole. The connection they had was more than obvious from the start and powerful AF! Although, what really gave this couple the ticket to my Top list was the simple fact that, they may be a perfection when they were together, but they turned their love into a masterpiece when you put them separately and look at them as individuals. And if you add Rosie, Libby’s 4-year-old daughter, then the ticket turns into a golden one.

Rosie was a given gem. Seriously, that little girl was the real spark an devil an angel of this love story. Her golden heart and full of life and joy and attitude and …. dirt self made her the most adorable little girl I have encountered in a book. She was simply a phenomenon and a force to be reckoned with.

The same, though, goes for her mother as well. Multiplied by 10. Honestly, that woman was the definition of stubbornness, a fighter, hard work, a great mother, strength, talent and so many other words that I can’t put into words. She was a true inspiration for every female, small or adult, out there. She is the kind of woman whose name exists next to the definition of International Women’s Day. And it may sound absurd since she is only a character in a book, but trust me when I say, Libby’s character couldn’t be more real. There are countless females around the world who have been through some of the things she is going through and struggle every day to provide a better life to their precious kids, no matter their own cost. I give her a bow of respect and a standing ovation every time she comes to mind.

As for Jamie, I have officially lost count of the times he have made me swoon since I started reading BBoS. And he couldn’t be more perfect for Libby (and Rosie) since his level of stubbornness can easily rival and go head-to-head with that of Libby’s. Sometimes he might be a bit judgmental and unfair but he would always find a way to make it up to Lib with a mind-blowing way. His love for her and what he was willing to do and sacrifice so he can be with her, was just the bottom of Everest. His patience, also, was one for a prize, really. As for his relationship, interaction, instant connection and love he shared with the little Squirt (a.k.a Rosie) could be described as only “ovaries exploding“. And just imagining him doing it with his English accent, is more than a female can take, believe me, ladies.

I enjoyed this book to a degree when I read it, but it is not one that lingers in my mind. It was not terribly realistic - wither in the way the characters were portrayed, or the plot itself.

Jamie is proud of everything he’s achieved. A consultant anaesthetist and the Medical Education Director – he’s a pretty big deal. So when one of his medical students falls asleep, right in the

OMG 10 stars- I fell in love with Libby and Jamie Reading this book page by page made it obvious from the start they had such chemistry, such attraction, and such misunderstanding. This book made me laugh, tear up a little in a few parts, and even cheer out loud. A successful and handsome man meets a feisty beautiful female and from the start they both judge each other before they really know anything. What follows is an amazing story. Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it.

It took me a little while to get into this book. But once I did I fell in love.

Jamie is a teacher at the medical school that Libby is attending. He is really frustrated with her at the beginning because she falls a sleep in his class and then not only is late but she also falls asleep when they have patient to work on. She tries to explain it to him, but he doesn't want to hear it.

Libby is a single mom who does not want help. She's working as a stripper and trying to get through medical school. She also does not like asking for help.

Jamie like others labels Libby as a party girl because she can't seem to stay awake in his class and she shows up late. Then once he finds out that she has a daughter and is a stripper at the local strip club he feels bad for pre-judging her. But he just can't get past the fact that she is a stripper. When he looks at her he just sees her job. Can he get past that? Will she ever ask for or accept help with her daughter and going to school?

Once I got into the book I found myself not wanting it to end. I will for sure be recommending this book to my friends to read.

4.5 Stars!

Oh my goodness, this book was adorable. I enjoyed the whole thing and could barely set it down. Great writing, amazing character development (main and secondary,) fun dialogue, and an H/h I couldn't help but root for. This was my first book by this author, but I now want to devour the rest of her back list. When I discovered the next book would be about the socially awkward Millie and Pav, I was elated. Bring it on. I can only imagine how this author will handle their romance. Beg, Borrow or Steal is a must read for those who enjoy humor, great banter, complex romantic plots (but lighter angst,) and wonderful characters all around. (This is my voluntary and unbiased review of a complimentary copy of Beg, Borrow or Steal via Netgalley.)

I really enjoyed this story! I love how the characters were multi faceted!

This is the first time I read a book by Susie Tate, it was enjoyable and intriguing read. I can't put this book down and read it cover to cover. Although the plot is predictable with the too good to be true characters, I found it entertaining.

Beg, Borrow and Steal also loaded of cuss words and medical reference. However the author provide suffice explanation for medical term.

All in all, it is a good book to read on the weekend while daydreaming about your own version of overprotective man.

This is my first Susie Tate book. What drew me in about it was definitely its medical setting, but I did not expect to like it as much as I did. This year I have been going into books not expecting much and I believe that has actually worked in my favour because I find myself finishing every book surprised.

For my debut novel of this author, I couldn't be more happy with the result. Her writing style is beautiful, simple, lighthearted and exactly what I have been in the mood for since the year started. I love that even though this is a romance/contemporary novel, it doesn't focus solely on the love and happy ending of the story. It deals with some heavy and sharp realities of the life of a struggling single mother. 

Firstly, I'd like to point out that Susie's obvious medical background clearly shines through. As someone who is a part of a family of doctors and knows a little about how the British system works, I can say that the environment created in the book is very much realistic and accurate. The author completely drew me into the life of a medical student and all the challenges and trials they have to face. Her characters were genuine and palpable, very true to real life and, therefore, a lot more enjoyable than most romances I have read. 

The trope of student/teacher relationships is something I'm not very fond of in every book, I'm very particular about how it needs to be for me to actually enjoy reading about said relationship. That being said, this book pleasantly lived up to my expectations. Jamie and Libby are two very different people with contrasting backgrounds and on distinct places in their careers, which I believe makes the saying 'opposites attract' very true to this storyline. It was incredibly interesting and stimulating to see how they made their relationship work and how they had to mould some aspects of their personalities and ideals to fit the other. 

I truly regard the characters as what made this book work for me. 

Libby was such an incredible, strong yet stubborn women that would do anything she could to give her daughter the best possible life and opportunities she could. She was absolutely compassionate, selfless and someone who didn't see her beauty has a means to an end. I admire and respect what her character represents.

Jamie was just as great. He is very hard working, setting all his judgmental behaviour at the beginning of the book aside, he also went through some tough issues with his family. Nonetheless, he had an easier and more privileged life than Libby. Overall, I liked his character, I found him to be a strong partner, that believed and supported Libby and was exactly what she and Rosie needed. What I hated about him was the arrogant side that had pre-conceived ideas of what a girl should be like and do to make a living, completely disregarding how hard it is to struggle for money as a single mother.
 
Rosie was the life of this book. The most amazing 4-year-old you could have portrayed in a situation like this one. She was strong, always taking care of her mother, defending her and supporting her as feverishly as Libby endeavours to afford the best for her. I found her very quirky and smart, always bringing everyone together. 

The secondary characters, such as Kira and Pav, Libby's and Jamie's best friends, were just as enjoyable and definitely added to the plot as a whole. They were exactly what you should look for in friends: reliable, supportive and trustworthy people, who also tell you off when you are in the wrong and pull you back to reality. 

Honestly, I would recommend this book. It is a joyous read that will make you laugh, cry and it will warm your heart. I read this book in only one day. I can affirm that I was indeed captivated.

I will for sure be picking up more books by this author. A romance that includes a medical setting? These are just up my alley and I can't wait for more!

I found this book on NetGalley and it sounded interesting. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the characters as much as I did and I found myself smiling multiple times throughout the book. It is not the best book ever written but I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I like how Libby was trying to solve her problems on her own and that she didn’t need a man to come rescue her. Jamie sometimes annoyed me with his comments but he started to grow on me more and more as he showed his affection for Libby and Rosie.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun, quick read.

I had some issues with this next book. And when I say “some issues”, I really mean, I just did not like the ‘hero’ of the book, at all, in any way, and the way the author set up the book, I’m not sure she actually wanted us to? At the end of it all, I wrote in my notes “I’m so mad because this COULD be a good book. The writer is very good. The feminism is not.” And, look: I acknowledge that not everyone is reading everything with a hypercritical feminist lens. Even I have some books where I’m like “This guy is too alpha hero for me to be super happy about it, but I like it otherwise, so I’ll deal.” But this ‘hero’? Makes me have to use air quotes while I’m typing, which completely negates the use of air quotes!
For real though. He’s a jerk.
An arrogant, pushy, dismissive jerk. I happened to see, as I was opening Goodreads to add this book to my finished shelf, that there are a lot of stars after it, but I didn’t want to check the other reviews until I wrote mine. So, I’m probably alone in thinking this guy was too big of an asshat to handle, but it’s still where I was for the majority of the book, and definitely where I was when I ended the book, so I can’t just give him a ‘aggressive alpha hero’ pass. For me? This guy was a jerk, plain and simple.
And I think the heroine – who was truly kickass and amazing – should have walked away and never looked back after the FIRST time he basically called her a whore for stripping, but no…..
In the end, she sticks around through that, and him manipulating and mansplaining her own life and circumstances to her, and him actual facts blackmailing her and causing her so much stress she has an asthma attack – in the hospital! while recovering from pneumonia! and they’re both doctors! so he definitely knew stressing her out was a bad idea! – and him basically gaslighting her into living with him by convincing her parents that he can ‘take care of her’.
No. GRUMPY CAT LEVELS OF NO.
Aside from that, the heroine was great, like I said – she swore in Alderaanian, guys; She was a single mother who put her kid in swimming lessons and went to med school and, ok, once fell asleep in a lecture bc her kid was sick but omg that’s real life, dude get over it. She deserved better than him. She probably should have just hooked up with her also kick-ass best friend, or even HIS best friend, who knew he was an ass and called him out on in multiple times (although it didn’t seem to make a difference in his actual behavior, in the end). This book could have been so good, but instead it just made me sad, because the ‘hero’ was awful, every step along the way.
And also? Just as a weird side note? The author starts off, on the very first page, talking about how ‘inappropriate’ and gross and wrong it would be of him (at 33) to even flirt with the med students, of which she is one. She basically made it sound COMPLETELY REASONABLY OFF LIMITS, and then set about dismantling, excusing, and sidestepping why it wasn’t, in this particular case, because, like, she was really, totally beautiful?? I don’t know. Again: I don’t think there’s, in theory, anything wrong with 33 yr olds and 22 yr olds dating? But don’t make it seem almost pedophilic on the first two pages and then spend the whole book trying to convince me otherwise? Like… just ew.
The next book in the series focuses on the ‘hero’s’ best friend, and a social awkward acquaintance/friend of them both, so I might give that one a try, in the hopes that it was just this one, horrid ‘hero’ who rubbed me the wrong way.
(I got my copy from NetGalley, but the Kindle version is free on Amazon, right now, if you’d like to argue with me about my opinions.)

Such an enjoyable read, I enjoyed reading this story and clashes between the main characters Libby & Jamie . I am glad Libby wasn’t weak; she gave it back to Jamie. Jamie though annoyed me for thinking wrong about Libby . Over all it was a good read .