This was such a delightful romance! I loved the loosely-Shakespeare-inspired concept and how it still felt fresh and modern. Priya and Gavin’s history made their enemies to lovers arc all the more fun. Bibra writes the best banter and kept me wanting more of these characters and their love story to the end. Looking forward to whatever she writes next!

Priya Gupta had to fight fiercely for all she got. Her father runs the family business, an NYC auction house. It was always her twin who was considered the next heir. Only he has more interest in painting. Her father gives her a little piece of the business and she makes it successful, but getting her father's approval is still far off.

And then there is Gavin. Her childhood rival and heir to heir auction-house completion. They are always in completion, and not above playing dirty. It would be easier for her if she wasn't extremely attracted to him. :)

The latest client, they both really want, invited them for a week at this estate, to convince him to pick each one of them. Being in such close proximity, with sizzling chemistry and undeniable attraction, makes them cross the line. :)

It's the most romantic enemies to loves book ever. The banter, the dialogs, are THE best. :) I was giggling all through the book... :) It's very romantic and very, very steamy. :)

Two Houses, the charming debut novel by Suleena Bibra, is your classic enemies-to-lovers trope. Priya Gupta and Gavin Carlyle work at competing auction houses, each owned by their respective families. Having known each other for years, attending the same schools, and running in the same social circles, Priya has always hated Gavin, her long-time nemesis. But as the famous saying goes, there’s a very thin line between love and hate. And when Priya and Gavin constantly keep popping up in each other’s orbits, it’s easy enough for that thin line to get blurred and maybe even disappear.

Priya Gupta is desperate to take over her family’s auction house. She has a passion for the arts and for business and is clearly the obvious choice to take over for her father. That is obvious to everyone but her father. One of the hardest things about this book was the absolutely misogynistic attitudes expressed by her father. When Priya and her twin brother are kids, her father takes her brother to the office, leaving behind Priya to stay with her mother and learn how to cook. As they get older, he gives Priya a courtesy job title while grooming her brother to take over the business. The problem is that Priya, who is clearly the one meant to run things, turns her made-up position into a real one, putting on successful shows and making a name for herself in the industry. Meanwhile, her brother has zero interest in running the actual business and mainly wants to focus on creating his own art, and is too afraid to come clean to their father.

Enter Gavin, handsome, rich, also being groomed to take over the family business, and also having issues standing up to his dad. In any enemies-to-loves, there’s usually one MC who secretly has been pining for the other MC the whole time and I really don’t think it will surprise anyone to learn that in this scenario, the piner is Gavin. But, as is the case so often in this trope, instead of being open and honest about his feelings, he spends his time antagonizing Priya and she gives as good as she gets. There is a slew of examples of how these two constantly undermine each other and steal clients from each other – some of it pretty funny, some of it downright gross and immature, and all of it leading me to wonder how these two manage to maintain their professional reputation in public.

The plot in this book picks up when Priya and Gavin, competing to land the same highly coveted collection, are summoned to spend a week at the country home of the billionaire they’re both trying to impress. At this point, the book takes a slight left turn and devolves into the kind of English house party more commonly found in regency era histroms, but make it modern and place it in upstate New York. The two, along with a few other guests and the host family, spend the better part of a week indulging in fancy 9-course meals and all manner of rich people’s games, including shooting, horse riding, tennis, and yachting. Alas, there is even a hunting trip planned for the week but sadly, has to be canceled. It is kind of hysterical really, how many of the classic regency era histrom tropes pop up in this book that is set very much in the 21st century. There is even an evening when the party of 8 are taught old-timey dances including the quadrille and the waltz.

Juxtaposed against all of this opulent elegance, are two very modern characters who engage in all manner of chicanery all the while trying to fight their growing attraction to each other. It all comes to a head (er, no pun intended) in the very dubiously named sex room (a room filled with erotic artwork), when Priya and Gavin partially give in to their growing attraction by engaging in mutual masturbation in a scene that is delightfully steamy and filthy. In fact, strangely enough, though the scene does not involve either character touching each other, it is by far the sexiest scene in the book, far hotter than any of the scenes where the two actually have sex with each other.

While the two may have given in to their physical desires, Priya remains unconvinced that this could actually go anywhere. As a woman, and especially one in a very patriarchal society, she knows she has to work much harder to impress her father, and consorting with the enemy is not the best way to get in his good graces. Gavin, however, is fully on board, determined to see if their relationship has the possibility to go the distance. Never mind the fact that they work for competing auction houses, their fathers despise each other, oh, and the reason they’re both at this house party is to try and land the same client.

While much of this book is charming despite the retread of histrom themes in a contemporary setting, it’s a series of missteps leading towards the ending that actually doesn’t work all that well for me. Priya’s father’s misogyny pops up in a very terrible way, leading Priya to decide to walk away from the family business. While she’s going through this extremely emotional upheaval, Gavin decides to profess his love in a moment that is so ill-timed that the second the words left his mouth, I was like “oh, Gavin, NO.” And really, the only thing that saves it is that Priya lets him have it, a brutal verbal takedown that he more than deserves for making her pain all about him.

Obviously, this is a romance and so, there is a HEA, and surprisingly, it comes about with the help of Priya’s mom and a very surprising reveal. I feel like that particular reveal if it had happened earlier, could have basically resolved one of the major plot points in the book. I’m actually not sure how to feel about it but I will say, I’m glad that particular point is not how Priya’s relationship with her father is resolved.

I also have to add, I really liked the side characters, specifically Priya’s cousin, Sonia, who is also her assistant/best friend. Their relationship is delightful and their exchanges are really amusing and I would be ok were Sonia to get her own book.

All in all, I think it’s a strong, solid debut, uneven in parts but the two MCs make up for it. Priya is smart and competent and despite spending much of the book trying to antagonize her, Gavin’s respect for her abilities is never in doubt. Watching these two fight their feelings for each other and then fall for each other is a pretty fun ride.

Content notes: As stated, there is some misogyny in this book alongside some toxic parental relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

I was sold at the idea of a Romeo & Juliet, enemies to lovers, cross-culture, art battle romance book. I mean who wouldn't be with that kind of description? This book did not disappoint. The romance felt believable, growing out of a history the two shared, which I appreciated since I don't see that much in books, and I appreciated them acknowledging their flaws. I also appreciated all of the acknowledgement of where some art comes from (art theft from colonization sound familiar?), and some steps that are being taken to combat this - hopefully they are true. I have liked reading a lot of books recently with HEA/HFN endings and this one did not disappoint. This was a super cute book that I was able to read really quickly, and I highly suggest picking it up if you get a chance!

3 stars

This book started strong. I really liked the enemies to lovers vibe between our main characters but then it became a bit predictable and cliché and it lost me for a while.
Still by the end I was back on track and having fun. I think with a second pov this book would've been perfect.
Overall a fun entertaining enemies to lovers/ childhood friends book.

A fun enemies/rivals to lovers story. It wasn't the best, but honestly it wasn't that bad either. Gavin was kinda annoying sometimes, which ruined the experience of the book. The plot was honestly what hooked me in, and although there were some failings (I didn't really like how the relationship developed so quickly and how it lacked a certain depth I guess), I overall enjoyed this book and wouldn't mind reading a few more from the author.

This was a solid enemies to lovers, with the enemies being Priya and Gavin, who have been enemies since childhood as a result of their families' competing art auction houses in New York City. Their constant bickering took on an undercurrent of attraction somewhere around puberty, and now they're all grown up and competing for a huge sale. For Priiya, getting the sale means proving herself to her father, who doesn't have enough respect for her work and even actively undermines her at times. They're the top two houses in contention for the big sale, so the owner invites them to his house outside of the city for a week so that he can make the decision. While on their trip, they experience every truly outrageous, super rich white people activity known to humankind, and their bickering and bantering turns into more even as they continue to compete for the sale. I enjoyed their whole schtick and, while the lavish lifestyles on display in this are not relatable to me, Priya and Gavin and their family relationships definitely were. It wrapped up just a tough too quickly for me at the end, but that's a very common criticism from me when it comes to contemporary romance.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a lot of fun to read. The dialogue between Gavin and Priya was entertaining and their chemistry really jumped off the page. Even though Priya doesn't like too much spice in her food, that certainly doesn't mean she doesn't like spice in the rest of her life (ahem)!

I lied the independence that Priya displayed and thought it really did illustrate well what some Indian daughters have to deal with, especially when there are sons in the family. But I thought at times that her competitiveness with Gavin was a trifle overblown.

Having said that, this was a super sweet romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it - devouring it in one sitting.

Priya and Gavin come from rival auction house families. They've known each other since childhood, and now, as adults, they're continually in competition for clients. Priya is so busy trying to prove herself to her patriarchal father, she devotes all her time to work. Yet she can't deny her attraction to Gavin. When he begins pursuing her romantically, will she choose business or pleasure?

The plot of this rom com is focused on the pranks and competition between Priya and Gavin. It might appeal to readers who enjoyed TO HAVE AND TO HOAX by Martha Waters.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Admittedly, I started out the first few chapters of this book somewhat tentatively. With the competitiveness of both main characters, I worried I wouldn't like them.

Turns out I needn't have worried.

The more I read, the more endearing Priya became to me. She was smart, driven, and outrageously funny. The were moments (several in fact) when I found myself laughing aloud. Even better, I enjoyed her relationship with Gavin.

These two may have had quite a bit of sexual chemistry, but that wasn't the only thing keeping them together. They legitimately enjoyed each other's company, loathe though they may be to admit it. It was cute to read and their banter made sure that my cheeks hurt too much from smiling by the time I finished.

If you are fond of witty female leads and enemies-to-lovers stories, this may be a fun one to check out.

My thanks to NetGalley.

When you’re a romance lover, like me, sometimes it’s hard not to feel like you’re basically reading the same 4 stories over and over again. The names change, but the story doesn’t. This auction house romance feels like a breath of fresh air. Yes, it’s an enemies-to-lovers trope, but the cultural aspects breathe such life into the story. I especially like multi-cultural romances because the characters seem to have stronger voices. I can’t explain it, but I really enjoy it. I’d recommend this read to romance lovers everywhere, especially those who understand familial pressures and don’t mind a few steamy scenes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Harlequin - Carina Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my god. This is how you do enemies/rivals to lovers. Suleena Bibra is a powerhouse and I truly cannot wait for everyone to read this book. I can’t believe this is her debut novel. Her writing style and dialogue is so natural and is filled with such witty banter. I absolutely loved following Priya and Gavin. Their relationship was set up perfectly from the first chapter and had such great development over the course of the novel. I also loved how even when Priya and Gavin became “lovers,” they didn’t lose their chemistry and banter. I feel like a lot of enemies-to-lovers pairs become completely different people once they get together but I loved how Priya and Gavin still keep each other on their toes with their pranks, teasing, and competitive nature.

I also loved the desi rep in this book! I’ve read several books featuring desi women paired with white men where the woman has to bend over backwards to explain her culture and background. But, because Gavin is so familiar with the Guptas, he simply loves Priya for who she is without any random insensitive behavior and remarks about her family values and background. I also really appreciated the discussion Priya initiates about how she has to work 10 times as hard as a woman of color than Gavin does in their business. They’re honestly so great together!

I can’t wait to read more of Suleena’s works in the future! I’m so sad that this book is only being published as an ebook with no print copies, but on her website this book is listed as part of the “Love Auction” series, which makes me so excited for her upcoming projects.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Harlequin - Carina Press for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
I love a good enemies to lovers, but this wasn't it. The portrayed relationship, and the story in general, lacked depth, development and was overly focused on how hot the main characters were.

Look, anything that has a Romeo and Juliet reference right there in the title is going to pique my interest. Add to that, Suleena is a fellow Pitch Wars alum, and this book is pure rivals to lovers, and you’ve pretty much won me over before I even started.

Priya is one kickass art house auctioneer. She knows how good she is at her job, which makes it especially frustrating when her father/boss gives more opportunities and assignments to Priya’s twin brother, who has no interest in a career in the art house. But Priya is determined to prove herself, especially when she gets the chance to compete with her nemesis Gavin, who is the heir to a rival art house. Priya and Gavin have known each other since childhood, and been rivals just as long. When the two are set to go head to head to compete for a major collection, all bets are off (actually side bets are on because the two can’t help competing with each other). The collector invites them both to his vacation home to prove who is going to put on the best show and all that forced proximity and competitive spirit really works up the libido. Things between Priya and Gavin turn steamy, but can their chemistry overcome a career that will forever have them at odds with each other? I mean, it’s a romance, so yes, but they sure do make it difficult!

It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite aspect of this book because the whole thing is so damn delightful. I adored both Priya and Gavin. The cast of side characters is witty and fun. The banter between Priya and Gavin is TO DIE FOR. Seriously, if banter is your thing, you’re going to fall in love with this book. There were steamy sex scenes, tropes galore, and a totally new to me career path that I had so much fun learning about. Romance fans are going to gobble this one up (I read the whole thing basically in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop). Seriously, add this one to your TBR and preorder because it is a must read. It has everything I want in a romance and I can’t wait to see what Suleena does next!

Wow... Two Houses is one of the best debuts I've read in ages. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't stop reading until I finished it. It's flirty (and a little steamy 😉), funny, and a smart updated take on Romeo + Juliet without being too heavy handed about it...

Priya Gupta loves art and working as an auctioneer for her family's auction house, but hates that her twin brother is seen as the heir apparent and that her father refuses to expand beyond Indian art. She knows that they need to push the boundaries in order to grow the business, so when she hears the rumor that a prominent collector is about start offloading some of his pieces, she jumps at the chance to show her father what she can do. Only one small problem... her childhood rival turned auction-house competitor Gavin Carlyle. Ok, maybe two problems... she's attracted to him almost as much as she hates him - his charm, his ease, his good looks, and the fact that he jet-sets around the world with supermodels. When the collector invites Priya and Gavin to his country house for a week-long house party to vie for his business, the competition heats up... almost as much as their mutual attraction... but can their family and professional rivalries be overcome? Only one way to find out...

There's so much to love about this book - the banter is top notch, the Gupta family antics are hilarious, and the NYC art scene (particularly in an auction house) is fresh. And there are so many sweet moments between Priya and Gavin that are really well written. I enjoyed the tension between these two quite a lot, especially without the gruesome ending, unlike Romeo + Juliet. Really, its just a perfect enemies-to-lovers with so much great banter, some pranks, and romance. If you like The Hating Game, The Spanish Love Deception, or Shipped, you'll love Two Houses!

Thanks to Suleena Bibra, HarperCollins/Carina Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for the ARC.

Priya Gupta works for her family's NYC action house, gaining her fathers approval in the process.
Smug & irritatingly handsome Gavin Carlyle, her childhood rival turned auction-house competitor, is out there to steal all her hardwork right under her nose, which she can't let it happen. So the game of pranks, auctions, snarky banter begins until a weekend away at a posh countryside brings them in closed proximity.

This was such a fun and entertaining story. Laughed my way throughout.
Priya was hilarious, beautiful & goofy af. Her relationship with Gavin felt just so perfect. Whether they were enemies or lovers, the spark & chemistry between them was off charts.
Gavin was a understanding, infuriating & hot all at the same time.
I loved the crazy Indian meddling family relationship depicted.

If you liked The Hating Game or The Spanish Love Deceptiom, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

This was a cute rom com - typical for this genre. I enjoyed it - I have some friends who I think would LOVE this book.

When one loves a good love/hate friends to enemies trope and notices a title hinting after the world's most famous literary couple, what is there to do but request it?
There is an instant reaction to Gavin and Priya as a reader, you can sense that tension between them and not only because of their roles as competitors in their respective antique businesses. It is interesting watching their relationship unfold throughout the insane house party they are roped into and all the competition it brings with it. I must admit that for huge swathes of the book I really did not like Priya's behaviour, but upon finishing the book I can relate that to more of a defence mechanism. I have enjoyed reading several romances over the last twelve months or so written by authors with Asian backgrounds and they have shed light and opened my eyes to several things, What I loved about Priya's story is the fact that her mother stood by her at the end, but also stood up to her father. Also that her father admitted to his mistakes regarding the role of a daughter.
I found a lot of the antics off-putting in the end and did actually skip parts of it as it was beginning to feel repetitive and adding nothing to Gavin and Priya's story when it was clear where it was headed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

getting his game back
I want to fist say thank you to the author and for giving me the eARC. El libro fue muy repetitivo y eso molestoso si me preguntas. El libro fue interesante ellos son rivales pero están en el mismo círculo social. Otra cosa que no me gusto fue el papá de priya. El libro no fue mi favorito y no creo que pueda volver a leerlo otra vez, me doy puntos por haberlo terminado

This book was cute and it had parts of it that I liked but overall it was just very meh to me. I feel as though the actual relationship could have been developed a bit more in the first half of the book. Priya talked so much about how she hated him but was attracted to him that it got a bit annoying. Overall I did enjoy the book and I liked the cute little epilouge.

I received an arc through netgalley.