Beg, Borrow or Steal

I love Susie Tate's Broken Heart novels and couldn't believe my luck when I saw this one available on NetGalley - a rabid dog couldn't have lunged harder than I did for that request button! Susie writes humorous romances set against the backdrop of British hospitals, as a General Practitioner she knows her stuff and her novels are full of medical terms and puns - but please don't let that put you off because she can also be knicker-wettingly funny.

Jamie Grantham is a young successful anaesthetist and Medical Education Director at a London Hospital. He is pretty proud of himself for being a fun, engaged kind of guy so he is beyond irritated to see that one of the students in the back row of the lecture hall is asleep during his lecture. When he wakes her (in a rather sarcastic and unkind way) he is shocked that this young girl, dressed like a bag-lady, is the most arrestingly beautiful woman he has ever seen.

Libby Penny is struggling to keep her head above water. A single mother with an enchanting but ferociously precocious four year old daughter she is trying to balance training to be a doctor with caring for her daughter and earning a living the only way she can. At first Dr Grantham is openly dismissive of her, particularly scathing about her repeatedly falling asleep whilst he is teaching but when he comes face to face (well small foot to shin) with Libby's daughter Rosie all the pieces start to fall into place. Gradually Jamie tries to insert himself into Libby's life but having been brought up in a wealthy family he really doesn't understand the issues Libby faces or the choices she has to make.

Love, love, loved it. Jamie is well-meaning but his own childhood has made him aspire to be Peter Perfect in every way and Libby's choices don't always gel with that conditioning. Libby is such a contradiction, a stunningly beautiful woman who is also a sci-fi nerd and has no interest in clothes or make-up, a devoted mother, former athlete and brilliant student. Even the ancillary cast are great. I am so thrilled at the very quick sneak peak at Millie and Pav's story as they were both strong ancillary characters that I wanted to know more about.

If you've read the Broken Heart quartet I would say this is slightly less 'quirky', although there are still some brilliantly funny lines, but if you loved those books then I'm sure you will love this too. Heck, I stayed up until 3:30 am to finish reading this when I have a really busy day at work today!

Beg, Borrow or Steal, Susie Tate

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: New Adult, Romance

A new to me author so came into this read expecting from the cover a light and fun romance, and it is, but with a sharp dose of the harsh realities of life as a single mother too. 

Advice for would be authors is always write what you know, and Susie's medical background certainly shows here, not to the point I was boggled by terminology but just that the reality for the settings and the characters was very good, felt totally genuine. I hate when I'm reading and I think "but in real life..." 
Having said that, as a mother of three and grandmother of five kids, and having known lots more, I've never met a four year old quite like Rosie! She's four going on forty at times and TBH a very unrealistic character and yet she was so good, so funny that I can ignore that and just enjoy her. 

Jamie, he's a great guy, comes from wealthy family and has worked his way up the ladder. He's proud of where he's got, but had some unpleasant pre-conceived ideas about the realities of life, from students all out partying and that's why they're tired, to Libby's job, to which he has a typical male attitude.
I was so angry at him and yet sad too, because the way he saw it, the way his brother saw it, and even some of the other students was all too common. So much for a feminist world :-(
Libby was doing what she had to do to provide for her daughter. She could have given up school, and taken a shelf stacking job or similar, but that would mean working at min wage and very long hours, and there's no future of ever getting a better life for her and Rosie that way.
Yet so much of their outlook comes from not understanding what its like to struggle for money, from never having had to choose between being behind with the rent or the electric, from seeking pennies down the side of the sofa to pay the kids school milk money, so they aren't embarrassed by being the only ones not to have it, from eating toast yourself because its cheap and filling ,so you can give the kids a nutritious meal.
It's hard to understand what you've never experienced, and of course that lack of experience mean snap judgments tend to be made, of the "you can get a better job/car/flat surely?"
We all know people like that, they're judgmental, but really it's a lack of understanding of these issues that drives the judgement. Doesn't mean it hurts less though and I so felt for poor Libby when it happened to her. 

Jamie's actually a great guy though, and when he begins to see why Libby is late for lessons, why she's not suitably dressed, he wants to swoop in on his charger and take her away from all that. Its not what Libby wants though, she's aiming at independence and good for her. 
Libby, who couldn't admire her. Pregnant and 17 and abandoned by the father she's struggled and yet is so determined to make a good life for her and Rosie. I really liked her, loved her strength of character in standing up for herself and Rosie, her determination to not be pulled down by those with petty small minds. 

I loved the story, loved all the characters and the insights that things aren't always as they appear. Millie/Dr nuclear winter for example. Rosie had the knack of bringing out the best in everyone, Kiki (think that was her name) was a terrific friend to Libby and great source of support. I loved her nicknames for people, loved the snark between her and Jamie's friend Pav, loved the guys at the club Libby worked.

It made for a real read, one packed with honest humour, even if Rosie was a little OTT she still made me smile, filled with assumptions people make, snap judgments without knowing the facts, Jamie's dad for instance, and not just second chances but third ones.
A great read I really enjoyed. 

Stars: Five, a fun story, with some real life situations included. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Libby Penny is no stranger to sacrifice. Pregnant at seventeen, the now 22-year-old single mom is hip-deep into medical school. Unfortunately with school, rotations, and a demanding job as an exotic dancer (emphasis on dance) she's burning the candle at both ends. Her lovely light calls out to consultant anesthetist and the Medical Education Director, Jamie Grantham. Jamie holds himself and others to high standards, and falling asleep in class doesn't meet those standards. And he's sick of excuses... refusing to even hear them. It takes a strong-willed child to make him realize what an 'arse' he's been and open his eyes to what he really wants.

*** I received an ARC through NetGalley

I admit, I wasn't sure how I'd like this story. I have a fondness for single moms in fiction. But student/teacher relationships squick me -- all of my family are educators and I was one too for a time. However, the book hung a lampshade on the inappropriateness and actions definitely had consequences.... which is super important especially in strong power differentials like this. But the thing that made me love this story were the characters.

I loved Libby. She was strong. Stubborn. Single-minded. Loving. Compassionate. And filled with all sorts of faults. She reminded me in some ways of Jane from Big Little Lies. And it's a good comparison. I also adored Libby's daughter, Rosie. Yes, she's a cute kid. But she's also a kid. And as an only child surrounded by adults, she's learned to manipulate said adults. It's realistic and I applaud the author for that. I also loved Jamie. I like it when a character who has a stick up his anal regions realizes it and tries to remove it on his own. I also liked that he didn't magically become better overnight. Change, real change, takes time. And that is what happened over the course of this story. The side characters were great... although I do admit to getting lost a bit with some of them. I'd love to see what the author does with Millie and Kira especially. Because we need more Kira... it is known.

The author clearly knows what they're writing about when it comes to the medical side. It's an eye-opening look at the British medical system which is so completely different from the U.S. version. And the bits of color and knowledge added depth to the story.

This is the kind of book you want to share with your friends.

So I'm happy to give it Five Stars.

Susie Tate has written yet another winner. I have thoroughly enjoyed her last books Goodnight being my favourite but I absolutely love and devoured this, in fact I keep picking it up and re reading passages since finishing it.
Libby is a single mother and second year medical student struggling to make ends meet, she is as beautiful as she is stubborn and determined to do the best for her 4 year old daughter Rosie. Rosie is a delight, intelligent and precocious she jumps off the page giving many laugh out loud moments.
Jamie an anaesthetic consultant and responsible for training the medical students has impossibly high standards both for himself and others. When they meet,after Libby falls asleep at one of his lectures sparks fly, and so begins a wonderful romance.
This is a book not to be missed, I loved it and can't wait for her next.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve really enjoyed all of Susie Tate’s books and this is no exception. She has the ability to draw you in to the life of doctors in training and the trials they’re facing.

The title doesn’t really fit the storyline. Libby is a single mother who had her baby when she was 17 and decided to still go to medical school rather than just giving up and living off welfare. We meet her in her third year of medical school where, at the age of 22, she’s trying to do her best for her incredibly adorable daughter while doing her medical training. To support her little family she works weekends as a high-class stripper. She won’t beg, borrow, or steal from anyone since she is proud and will not give in.

Jamie is an anaesthetist and teacher at the hospital where Libby is now studying. He first notices her because she falls asleep in class and then is late for an operation. He is judgmental and dismissive but he can’t help reacting to her since, despite her shoddy clothes, is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. When he finds out that she’s a stripper, he’s appalled and continues to be judgmental. He comes from a money background and doesn’t really understand the desperate life that she is facing.

Almost despite himself, he falls for her and for her daughter. He helps them and finds himself falling even deeper for her. He keeps messing up and hurting her inadvertently or just through being a blockhead.

I loved the story and the secondary characters. I can’t wait to read Millie and Pax’s story.

I was give a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

This is the first book I've read by Susie Tate but it won't be the last. She did a wonderful job of developing the characters and storyline.
Libby was a strong character faced with the challenges of being a single mother and going to medical school. Her daughter Rosie was absolutely precious. When Libby and Jamie aka Dr Grantham there is instant attraction. I loved how their relationship developed inspite of the odds and obstacles in their way.
The secondary characters were also very likable and I was happy to read an excerpt at the end of the book pairing Millie and Pav for the next book.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Woooo, I loved this book!

I discovered it by chance, it was in a thread focused on books with awesome children, and I will never thank enough who added this book to the list!

First of all, I loved the writing style! It really caught my attention, is was fluid and captivating, and I couldn't put the book down.

The book focuses on Jamie and Libby, a doctor/Med teacher and a medical student. They are two persons at two very different places of their career, with different backgrounds and lives, and it was really really interesting to see how they managed to make their relationship work.

I have to admit that my fascination with this book was probably due also to the fact that I'm a med student too, so it was great to read about something familiar to me (even if I study in Italy).

One thing that I appreciated really much was the reality of this book, not only the medical facts, but also the struggles of both Libby and Jamie in accepting their different background and life style (well, in Libby's case, a forced one). I felt for Libby, the difficulties she had to overcome, and I really admired her strength. I also understood Jamie and his struggles to understand and accept Libby's need of independence, her stubbornness, her second job...

And I can't forget to mention the awesome Rosie!!! She was a force of nature! A little moody, like all 4 years old, but I loved her personality 😂❤

Now I can't really wait for the book of Millie and Pav. I'm already fascinated with their characters, and I'm so excited to read their story!

From the synopsis, I expected this was going to be a steamy new adult contemporary with a naughty tone, which was a wrong assumption because it was more on the cute and heart-warming side. (Not one proper sex scene, though, which was slightly disappointing, haha.)

We follow Libby, a 22-year-old medical student with a 4-year-old daughter, and her daily struggles to juggle her studies (now taking place in a hospital), raising her kid and working weekends to make ends meet. Her path crosses with Jamie, her teacher/boss, whose mission soon becomes to protect Libby and "save" her from the current way of life full of frustration and exhaustion.

The writing style was straightforward with an emphasis on dialogues; not much long descriptions of anything, including the characters' inner worlds. In fact, the characters were a bit too much black and white for my taste. I mean, Libby was practically an angel. Her daughter was surprisingly not annoying. Jamie was acting like a dick for like ten minutes. Ok, maybe fifteen. There were also a few instances of a character's development, but the change in their actions was rather abrupt. I enjoyed Millie's character and her role in the story. There was a preview of Millie and Pav's story at the end, which I'm interested in.

The plot felt like a modern fairy tale: the evil was punished and we got the promised happily ever after ending for the good guys. The pace was quite slow for the most part, which I didn't mind.

Btw., a funny Libby's line: "He's ... I don't know ... thirty or something." The horror. :- D (This was a reaction to her friend referring to Jamie as a boy, but still.)

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, recommendable to people who like light and heart-warming contemporaries.

I did not expect this.

I honestly thought this would be a mediocre romance blah blah blah. Thank God I was wrong, this was anything but mediocre!

This is a romance novel. It follows Libby as she struggles to get her medical degree while raising a kid by herself. The thing I immensely liked is that even though this is a romance novel as I said, it is not all about love and rainbows. It deals with some pretty heavy topics such as being a single mother and trying to overcome poverty by any means necessary with no shame in order to be able to provide for yourself and your child, all the while trying to get a degree.

Libby is a stripper. And she is a damn good one. I LOVED how strippers were portrayed in this book. They were not treated as low life insects nor were they shamed (as we've seen numerous times in media) but on the contrary they were treated with the respect they deserve. And if sometime dared shaming them, the author with her own way without spoon feeding us (you know what I'm talking about, those huge educational monologues that I hate)- showed to the reader that this attitude is wrong. Same goes with the single mother representation. Libby is strong, independent and a damn good mother. 

This wraps up the social issues challenged in this book. Now let's move on to the fun stuff! ( characters + romance he he he)

I LOVED LIBBY! In case you didn't catch that from the two paragraphs above I absolutely love Libby. She is a goddess. And her daughter???? My God she was the cutest demon child you gave ever read about! Rosie is one of those children that you love having around for an hour or two but are hell if you are actually one of the parents and have to deal with them every single hour of every single day? Yep you know what type of child I'm talking about!

Anyway, Beg, Borrow or Steal features two tropes: 

age gap (the guy is 34 - I think and Libby is 21)
BOSS-EMPLOYEE / TEACHER-STUDENT ROMANCE (Y E S)
Overprotective alpha male (I was a little iffy about this one cause I don't really like this trope, but I have to admit it was done well. Personally it is not my cup of tea but if you like that I think Jamie will appeal to you!)
That last one brings me to Jamie, the love interest (I swear I'm almost done). I don't know what to feel about Jamie. In the beginning he is a judgmental a-hole and continuous to be one for the majority of the book. He has his moments though, and undergoes character development but he still has that alpha male vibe to him that I dislike, so he was only alright for me I'll conclude. Final verdict: he is alright duuun.

I left the best for the best. 

JAMIE'S BEST FRIEND IS A GREEK GUY AND HE IS EVERYTHING! 

I've never in my entire life read about a greek character with a greek name and greek heritage and greek characteristics (you get what I'm trying to say) in a book before! His name is Pavlos and guess what?????? HE IS GETTING HIS OWN BOOK! A ROMANCE NOVEL WHERE THE PROTAGONIST IS GREEK SORRY FOR THE CAPS  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This alone made me forgive the fact there is no diversity whatsoever in here. Not a single POC. This is completely for personal reasons and I'm sure people who are not Greek will find this problematic (and it is) but I'm letting this one slide for once because GREEK! GUY!  

Final thoughts: Beg, Borrow or Steal is a romance novel that makes you swoon but also passes along great messages. Definitely recommend!

Libby Penny is a single mom trying to get through med school while also paying the bills. Jamie Grantham is an accomplished anesthetist and the Medical Education Director, who is aghast when one of his students falls asleep during a lecture. Jamie meets Libby, and sparks fly.

Despite the obvious chemistry, Jamie's elitism—as he comes from a well-to-do family—shines as he remains oblivious to the fact that people in med school could possibly have hardships in their outside life. Eventually circumstance creeps in, and his and Libby's worlds are thrust together. He wants the best for her, she wants the best for her daughter, and when her side job becomes a point of contention, concessions must be made on both sides.

The story flowed quite well, and the side characters were an enjoyable benefit to the book. There were parts of Jamie that would have had me walking away, but he overcame his jerk-side and ultimately the two make a powerful couple.

This was my first Susie Tate book and I absolutely loved reading it. From the title i was not really expecting such a good read. Loved the strong willed, independent, loving Libby and the judgmental and in the wrong Jamie. But more than that I loved Rosie. She is surely a spitfire and the life of the story. A wonderful read.

I briefly read the book blurb. I love this trope. Professor/student relationship. Sort of. The H, Jamie is a Doctor in a teaching medical center near London, He's in charge of the medical students on rotation in various specialties.
Libby, as the detail blurb explains is in her 3 year of medical school. She's exhausted from working at night in addition to her studies and clinical work at the hospital.
Insta-attraction but both fight it. LIbby is described as gorgeous and Jamie is tall, handsome, brilliant.
This is 3rd person POV, so I went with it. Others notice too.
The chemistry between these two builds up and up. For a while, Jamie doesn't know why Libby is so tired. In spite of her obvious fatigue, Libby is a brilliant student with a terrific bedside manner-especially with the children.
I loved the British words/slang. I did have to look up one word: "woodlice" What the heck is that? My kindle dictionary gave some vague definition. I googled it. It's a rolly polly! A sow bug. Those little black bugs that live under rocks! Libby's uber precious/precocious 4 y/o daughter Rosie had woodlice as pets! Sometimes they would roll up and die & then she would get new ones. Rosie is a strong willed little kid. Libby is very good with her but Rosie keeps her on her toes. Eventually Jamie and Rosie meet. Rosie immediately breaks down his hard outer shell. He's a big softy where Rosie is concerned. Jamie's esteem for Libby grows.
The romance is gradual. Libby is hesitant. Jamie is the programme director. He's hesitant to get involved with his student. It doesn't take too long for them to realize they want to be together.
Jamie wants to help Libby. Libby is fiercely independent, Even though the title indicates she'll beg, borrow or steal, Libby declines financial support from Jamie. Jamie grows in his appreciation for Libby and for women- working women especially. Libby sacrifices for her daughter. She wears worn out shoes and clothes. Libby never cuts her long flowing hair. It's almost a character of its own. She put's it up and boing, if comes down & flows down her back.
I really loved the meeting between Libby and Jamie's sister in law, Amy. Libby lends her some support and helps comfort Amy's fussy infant. Amy also has kind words and support for Libby's struggle as a single working mother and her choice of night job. I won't spoil that part since I like how that unfolds in the story.

Great supporting characters:
Dr Morrison (Millie), a radiologist on staff at the medical center. She's a tough nut to crack. Again, I loved how her character is revealed;
Pav, Jamie's best friend. He's no nonsense and is often the voice of reason. He doesn't come from a super affluent family like Jamie. *I'm looking forward to his book-please!
Kira, Libby's bff - also a medical student with Libby. She's OTT most of the time. Very supportive of Libby and Rosie.
Toby- in Libby & Kira's medical school class. He's often paired up with Libby. He's envious of her intelligence, but resents her when she rejects his advances.He seeks revenge. I was more than satisfied at the outcome. Fortunately more attention to Jamie & Libby's story. Jamie defends Libby.
Libby's parents- they help with Rosie when Libby works at night. They're supportive, but Libby's dad has struggled the last few years. Libby's mum is candid about what she thinks. All of the time.
Jamie's parents- Very wealthy. Jamie's mum is funny. Surprising. A little hard to believe their POV and their personalities.
Dan- Jamie's older brother (married to Amy) has a teen son, a son Seb (about Rosie's age) and a fussy baby named Rufus. Dan is a lug head in the first half of the book. He grows- as does Jamie by the end of the book.

Sometimes it takes me a little longer to read a book. That can be a bad thing- struggling to get through.
In this case- the opposite is my experience. I really enjoyed being with these two. I didn't want it to end.
I really appreciate Libby's struggles as a single mom. I got how Jamie had trouble understanding Libby's POV and to truly not look down on her job. The ending was great. One of them brought full circle into the other's "world". Libby's talent outside of medicine is displayed and acknowledged.
There's an HEA- fantastic. Libby's growth is shown too. I loved this book!
Love this author's writing style. Thanks for the ARC from Netgalley.

Genre/ Total Pages: Romance, 266 pages

Price: $2.99 on Amazon (Releasing September 28, 2017)

Rating: 4/5

*I received this book from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

Really good romance book! The main character, Libby, is very Meredith Grey meets Izzy Stevens with her very own McDreamy, Jamie. Tate's writing reminded me of Nicholas Sparks in that there aren't any XXX, super "adult" scenes, but there are some scenes about sex and some adult topics (i.e. strippers/stripping).  Tate is a general practitioner and a mom, so the medical scenes are extremely well written and Libby's interaction with her daughter is superbly realistic. If you're looking for a feel good book about friendship, love, and family, I highly suggest this one!

The Broken Hearts series has been a longtime favorite of mine and reread those books often so I was insanely excited for another book by this author. Now I have another favorite to add into my rotation of rereads!

Jamie is a successful doctor and director of education for medical students. Libby is a medical student who falls asleep in Jamie's class and he's not interested in hearing whatever excuse she might have for it, even if they are valid excuses. When Jamie realizes that he's been a judgmental jerk, he decides that he's going to do everything he can to not only help Libby, but also stop denying the insane attraction he feels for her. If only he could stop being so judgmental. Libby makes no apologies for the things she needs to do to provide for her daughter and Jamie's judgement may be the thing that costs him his future with Libby.

Libby might be one of my favorite female characters of all time. She definitely doesn't have any cares to give when it comes to how she's surviving becoming a mom at 17. She's independent, strong, and super smart. She's also pretty stubborn. Jamie was a pretty good guy but his judgement of Libby and her choices got old fast. Even though I wanted to smack upside the head at times, I really loved Jamie and how protective he is of Libby and Rosie. I'm really hoping that this book is the start of another fantastic series by this author. I can't wait to see what comes next.

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

I actually skipped my list of books just to read this one and was super happy with that choice. I love how this author makes you feel like you are fighting for the HEA. It's not a easy done one, so it makes it that much sweeter. I adored Rosie! She's so adorable and quirky. I absolutely lived Jamie and Libby. She's strong, independent, stubborn, and protective. Jamie is a jackass at first but I started to care about him over time. The author even makes you love side characters; Pav and Millie most of all. Millie is just so awkward and Pav makes Jamie see some sense. I will definitely keep looking for more of this author!

This is my first book by Susie Tate and I was pleasantly surprised.
The writing style was fresh and inviting. The characters she created in Libby and Jaimie are relatable and realistic. They jump straight out of the page as witty, intelligent and hard working-heroine-hero types.
I love this trope. Professor/student relationship. I didn’t know how the medical aspect would factor in but I found myself just as stressed when she had to take midterms or learn so many medical terms, you can really see and appreciate Tate’s medical background here. It makes for a more realistic read.
If you're looking for a slow build romance, character development, some heated conflict and Hero saving Heroine, then Heroine telling him to F-off but then it get heated and steamy because their romance is undeniable. I def recommend this read.
You find Jamie and Libby clashing in the classroom, then slowly you find Jamie stumbling his way around this kick ass mother who's just trying to make it work and he realizes he's obviously been an idiot and of course he's falling for the girl who wants nothing to do with him (denying the chemistry) because they work together, because of their class difference, because of her nightly extracurricular activities and Jamie, he's just this frustrating, bossy alpha type who does not care about her excuse. He only cares about taking care and loving Libby and her daughter Rosie. Man. Are you swooning. Because I was swooning from page 2.
*sigh* Can I have a Pleassseee have Millie and Pav’s story!!! Like for Christmas!