This was my first book by this author and will have to go back and read the rest of this series! Loved all the joy, friendship, family, and yoga! It was a fun high school crush to lover. I really enjoyed the FMC but not so much the MMC. This one is spicy with nice female friendship woven in!

Thanks to Harlequin for a copy of the book. All reviews are my own.

I started practicing yoga consistently last November and have been amazed by the wonderful way its improved my life. My mental, emotional, and physical health have all benefited from taking the time to be on the mat, focusing on breathing, and moving through a series of poses that help me find balance and build strength.

Given this, I was excited to read this new book from Yahrah St. John, the fourth in the Six Gems series. I really appreciated the inclusion of yoga and how the FMC, Shay, is so proud of her studio and the way that she is able to help improve peoples’ lives. She is a fierce, badass business owner who has been through a lot in her life and deserves all the flowers. I love the relationship she has with her besties, the six of whom form the “Six Gems” in the series name.

And then there’s Colin, the MMC. I do not like Colin and honestly, Shay could have done better. This guy comes across as a snob, makes himself the centre of attention, and, what made me really cringe, uses sex to distract from conversations and conflict and basically get his way. He also started a relationship with Shay, fully intending to break it off so he could be with another woman who was ‘classier.’ Many red flags for me with this guy.

He also kept referring to Shay’s fitness approaches as “New Age” which came across as super condescending especially when you consider that yoga’s origins can be traced back 5000 years.

So unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. Shay deserved better!

This was everything that a frenemy could be when fighting to stand on not falling in love. The way these two didn’t get that fate had them in a chokehold to fall for each other was so comical. I can’t wait to see what happens next because this was definitely a happy for now type vibe and not a typical happily ever after. Love this!

I am always ecstatic when given the opportunity by Harlequin to read a book in advance. This particular book had potential to be a captivating read, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. Nevertheless, there were some aspects that I appreciated in the story. One of them being the emphasis on work-life balance, a topic that many people struggle with in their lives. Another highlight was the portrayal of strong friendships, which I always enjoy reading about in books. However, I did have a tough time with the relationship between Colin and Shay. To be honest, I didn't like Colin, and I felt that their relationship was one-sided. It seemed like he benefited more from the relationship than Shay did, and I couldn't see why she would even want to be with him. I believe the story could have been improved with more fleshed-out scenes that would have given a better understanding of their dynamic. Overall, this addition to the series wasn't my favorite, but I am still looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Afterglow books for the eARC! Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional and I wasn't invested in their love story. I also didn't love the tropes in this book - I do think it was written well though, a very fast, quick read that many others will enjoy! I recognize that not every book is for every person.

- 4 stars / 3 spice

- Resolution happened a bit too quickly and a bit off script. Lots of build up but resolution Colin came to could have been more thoroughly witnessed. seemed off page his sudden switch.
- Lots of chemistry
- And support from the Gems - intrigued to read Thier stories!
- Mental health depicted well
- Colin had some growing up to do as a lot of reviews suggest. But that was the point of this character development in my opinion. That he had lot of rough edges to smooth out in his journey of growth from unhealthy lifestyle (including his mental health / thoughts) to healthy facilitated by Shay
- Shay was making choices that were right for her. Love to see women stand up for what they deserve!!

This was a good read and I enjoyed the characters. It wasn’t too top heavy with drama but I did enjoy what was written. The spice was chef’s kiss even though I felt there should have been more communication because the lines are easy to get blurred which gave this book realistic feels that I enjoyed. This book has definitely got me pining away for the next book in the series and I can’t wait.


Thank you the Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC!!

Got a copy of this book from Net Galley. I've been following this series and was excited for this installment.
Shay and Colin kinda knew each other in high school. She had a crush on him and he didn't really acknowledge her existence. They aren't exactly enemies but they butt heads on their first meeting after years.
Then he needs her help. He makes her an offer she can't refuse and she agrees to help him get healthy. The chemistry between them is right there from the start.
Once they cross that line, things between them are explosive. They end up being friends with benefits. But of course feelings begin to grow.
I really enjoyed this love story. For once, I wished the ending was dragged out a little longer. I wanted them to get to happily ever after but I felt like she let him off the hook too quickly.
This was an awesome addition to the Six Gems series and I can't wait for the next book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a half

This novel covers a bit of topics that I found to be important and could have made a compelling love story but Colin was quite literally awful to read on page. He was self-absorbed and I think a bit of a user. Shay on the other hand was trying to make a way that somehow got lost in the quasi-relationship. Were they ever really enemies or was there just miscommunication? I also think that they didn't talk about their relationship he just kept showing up at places to have sex. It felt lopsided and ended abruptly.

This was a fun and steamy opposites attract, let's bang it out, dual POV love story between yoga instructor Shay and accountant Collin who comes to Shay for help when he has an angina attack and gets put on a three month medical leave from work.

Force proximity, sizzling chemistry and unexpected feelings made this a quick and enjoyable read. I especially loved how important Shay's girlfriend 'Gem' group was to her. The six women are besties for life and support one another through love, loss, weddings and pregnancies.

This was my first book by Yahrah St. John and I'm excited to read more in the Six Gems series, starting with ex ballerina Lyric's book slated to release this August. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: parental abandonment, mental illness (depression) in a parent

Shay Davis is a yoga instructor who owns her own studio called Balance and Elevate. She is part of the “Six Gems” crew that have been friends for years. Shay she's Colin Anderson, her old high school crush. Unfortunately, Colin didn’t know she existed back then. Their exchange is borderline hostile and flirty. They are clearly attracted to each other. Colin is climbing the corporate ladder and has been burning the candle at both ends in preparation for a major milestone with his company. In addition to work, he envisions the type of woman he should marry, and Shay doesn’t fit that mold.

A health scare forces Colin to pause and change his focus. Shay is in the right place at the right time to help Colin develop healthy habits with his mind, body and soul, and the story goes from there. Colin was stuck between what he thought he should want in a woman and the beautiful, caring person in Shay that was right in front of him. Shay has insecurities from past failed relationships and feels she isn't good enough.

As in previous stories, there were important scenes with the “six gems” as they prepared for an important milestone in one of their lives. There were a couple of predictable moments related to Colin’s expertise and Shay’s business as well as the flow of the story. Overall, this is a cute story. There are some steamy scenes as Shay helps Colin in the bedroom and out. This was an enjoyable read with 3.5 stars.

FRENEMY FIX-UP – Yahrah St. John
Six Gems, Book 5
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1-335-04158-6
February 20, 2024
Contemporary Romance

San Antonio, Texas – Present Day

Shay Davis and Colin Anderson had gone to the same high school, but they rarely interacted with each other as they ran in different circles. One day they happen to run into each other at a coffee shop, and they learn that their careers went down different paths. He is a corporate raider and she runs a yoga studio. After a health scare has Colin forced to go on sick leave for ninety days—and he must show improvement in his health after that time—he decides to contact Shay for help. He gives her $25,000 to show him how to have a healthy lifestyle. She thinks it is an outrageous sum of money but since she needs the money to expand the studio, agrees to help him. Colin and Shay then spend lots of time together as she helps him change his eating habits and exercise. It soon leads to a realization that they are sexually attracted to each other. But will having an affair just lead to trouble between them?

Shay and Colin lead such different lives that neither can see how they could be matched romantically in FRENEMY FIX-UP, the latest Six Gems tale by Yahrah St. John. Shay is dealing with not only trying to run her business but having a mother who is easily depressed. Both keep her busy. The money from Colin will help her on the business front. But she remembers him well from high school and they shouldn’t be attracted to each other. He has views on what a perfect wife for him should be and Shay doesn’t meet his requirements. However, it doesn’t take long for them to be sexually involved—and he is a fantastic lover, taking her to heights she’s never experienced before. But sex is all that will ever be between them. An important business acquisition is only weeks away and Colin’s collapsing at work with heart angina forced him into sick leave. He hates it because he feels a promised job promotion is slipping away. But spending time with Shay soon has him forgetting his worries.

There is a wedding coming up as another Gem gets married. This time it’s Wynter marrying Shay’s brother Riley (you can find their story in HER BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, out now). Of course, while Shay is navigating her affair with Colin, she is preparing to be a bridesmaid at the wedding. Her best friends, the Gems, suspect something is distracting Shay and corners her. While they encourage her, she keeps insisting that Colin is just a business associate. Why can’t she see that she’s falling for the man? Meanwhile, Colin is trying to keep peace with his mother and sister. Families are important to both, so how will they balance work and family? Shay can’t see a future with Colin, and he doesn’t think she is the kind of woman he envisions as his wife.

An intriguing and emotional tale, be sure to not miss what happens in FRENEMY FIX-UP.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

As a live long Harlequin fan I am always excited whenever I get an opportunity to read/review an ARC for a Harlequin release. This novel covers the relationship growth of Shay and Colin, two people with a history that need each other for a multiplicity of reasons. Shay is a yoga studio owner that needs the money to expand her business so that she can expand her class offerings, while Colin is an accountant that eats, sleeps and breathes his job. One day while at work his heart lets him know that he needs to make some changes before it permanently puts him on permanent leave. Due to his health issues Colin offers Shay a large sum of money to help him make some changes. The two have tension that leads to them ending up doing the nasty on a whole bunch of different surfaces. Unfortunately, neither one of them realizes their fun has turned into the gradual development of real feelings for each other.

All told I adored my time reading this novel and hope others take the time to read this book as well.

3.5/5

Frenemy Fix-Up is the fourth book in the Six Gems series by Yahrah St. John, but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed Shay as the female lead in the story. Her drive and passion as an entrepreneur is very inspiring. Her group of friends were also very funny and protective of her, as every great friend group should be.

I did find it more difficult to relate to Colin as a main lead, since he had a more superficial personality. I enjoyed that their relationship shift from rivals to more was realistically awkward.

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the way I wanted to start my Valentine's Day!! Can we get a round of applause for the supporting cast!! Them gems are the girlfriend's every girl wants!! I loved their relationship as a whole. They were so loving, honest and supportive! In the reverse I wish Colin had an insulated group of friends to combat his foolery. He was so smart and driven but sometimes his ideals really felt extreme! I love how Shay stay true to herself and stuck to her guns. At one point I was scared that the back and forth was going to turn me away but it was passionate til the very end! I will be recommending this book to my bookish community!!

I, really enjoyed the idea of a yogi centered romance, but I do feel as though the characters didn't have that much chemistry toward each other. Colin was slightly annoying and there was always something off with his character. I, did enjoy the second chance and tight timeframe love story.

A cute enemies-to-frenemies-to-lovers romance novel focused on an unlikely duo with undeniable chemistry. I read this on vacation...great beach read! I was pleasantly surprised by our MMC! For an uptight corporate guy--he sure knows how to get down. I LOVE IT! I also appreciate both characters working through their own stuff as it relates to grief and caretaking for a loved one. Book number 4 in The Six Gems series is a standalone in my opinion.

I had to DNF I just feel like I was uncomfortable with some of the MMC's internal dialogue towards the FMC in the beginning. So much so it was hard to step out of the mindset to continue reading.

IMaybe in another time I will pick it back up to see his character development, but I just was rubbed the wrong way.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
While I had mixed feelings about the marketing of the Afterglow line, especially when my first attempt trying one of their books ended in a DNF, I had a lot of faith in Yahrah St. John’s first book for the line, Frenemy Fix-Up, given she’s an author from the Desire line I have some experience with. And while I didn’t initially realize this was a continuation of one of her Desires series, it can stand alone, and I’m now eager to go back and read those books.
I generally liked both Shay and Colin. They had great chemistryFrene and banter from their first interaction, and I liked that while their relationship was a mix of their professional relationship and the friends-with-benefits dynamic, there are also some real complications with their emotions that helped me become invested, which is something that not every book with this trope.
I did have some mixed feelings when I realized what the actual conflict was going to be, but I respected immediately that Shay had the self-confidence to set boundaries and wasn’t kowtowing for this rich guy, even if she had feelings for him. I did feel like Colin took a little too long to figure out what was important, from his fixation of a job that could easily replace him to thinking about an ex-girlfriend who he had idealized who was clearly not the right fit for him emotionally. But I also feel is generally a good person, and he’s grown to the point where he does fully acknowledge Shay is the one for him, even if I did want a tad bit more from his grand gesture at the end.
I also loved the presence of the friend group, giving me a taste of the overarching theme of friendship between the women. I love how they support each other through all their various milestones, like weddings and babies and whatnot. They also provide great emotional support for Shay, who has been through a lot of emotional turmoil in her past, from her dad cheating on and leaving her mom to her first marriage to her own disastrous first marriage.
This was a nice fun read, and I’m excited that there’s still more of the series still to come. If you’re looking for a steamy contemporary romance with two Black leads.

In Yahrah St. John’s Frenemy Fix-Up, former high school classmates Colin Anderson and Shay Davis agree that he’ll help her expand her yoga studio if she will be his trainer, help him get in shape, and improve his health in 90 days.

Yahrah’s writing is vivid, using the senses and detailed descriptions. Her colorful and natural-sounding dialogue fits her characters and story. She develops her complex, fallible, and likable characters with sweet, steamy, funny, sexy, intimate, and emotionally charged interactions and love scenes that reveal their characters and further the plot.

An opinionated, free-spirited, intelligent, ambitious, and down-to-earth rebel, Shay is living her dream. She owns a thriving yoga studio that she’s ready to expand. She doesn’t let people close except for the Gems, her best friends. Recently divorced, Shay avoids men and relationships to keep from being hurt again. But when she sees Colin again, and he’s even more handsome and sexier than in high school, he tests her resolve until he opens his rude, judgmental, and egotistical mouth.

Arrogant, driven to be the best, self-assured, goal-oriented, and always in control of himself, accountant Colin Anderson has a plan for his life, and he’s been working overtime on an IPO to achieve his goals. When Colin receives a wake-up call that makes him realize he needs to change his lifestyle, or he might not live to enjoy the plans he’s made and worked so hard for, he turns to Shay, hoping her expertise can save him. Then Colin can focus on pursuing the right woman for him—his high school girlfriend.

Shay and Colin are polar opposites with a fiery chemistry and ridiculous attraction. Both fight it initially, firm in their belief that they’re entirely wrong for each other. Colin doesn’t want to want Shay because she’s not the right woman for him—she doesn’t fit his lifestyle. And Shay can’t get involved with Colin because she fears being hurt again. The more time they spend together in his yoga sessions, the more complicated things become because of the intensity of their attraction. Ultimately, Colin and Shay must rethink their ideas of who the right person for them should be and what they want, step outside their comfort zones, and let go of their fears because the clock is ticking.

I love how the love scenes between Shay and Colin change in tone and emotional intensity as their relationship progresses, as they become friends and lovers, and possibly more. There were times I was so frustrated with Colin because I felt like he intended to use Shay not just to help improve his health but also for sex and then move on with his society girl. But

Yahrah’s development of the relationships Shay and Colin have with the secondary characters further reveals and evolves their characters and helps with the plot progression. I love Shay’s relationship with the Gems and their scenes together. They made me look up the books with the other Gems to read them. Shay’s scenes with her mother were well-written and explored mental health issues with nuance and care.

A fast-paced, sexy, humorous, emotional, angsty, and steamy enemies-to-lovers romance, The Frenemy Fix-Up explores themes of friendship, health issues, mental health issues, following your dreams, self-discovery, and self-esteem.

Advanced review copy provided by Afterglow Books by Harlequin - Romance via Netgalley for review.