Member Reviews
Enemies to Lovers was a sweet summer read. It took me a little while to get into it and get a feel for the characters but once I did, I really enjoyed it. The romance story was a slow burn with miscommunication and mental health issues. I also enjoyed the family dynamics and story line throughout. It was a little slow and hard to get into at times but overall a nice love story. Thanks for the advance read.
This was a cute and fun summer read, set in Greece (top of my bucket list)! I did feel the spark between them, and enjoyed the writing style. The Enemies to Lover trope was lacking, as was a fully developed plot. The mental health representation felt inclusive. The family dynamic was cute, and it made me want to take a vacation!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
A quick and easy romance read featuring the best friend’s brother trope, as well as a [sort of] second-chance romance. However, I wouldn’t say “enemies to lovers” is totally accurate. I was expecting some delicious tension but by 30% in, there had really only been one or two extremely brief interactions between the two main characters. It was mostly the FMC, Flo, being in her head about how mad she was with Jamie, the MMC. There was a miscommunication at the root of this which was not revealed until the very end, but I could predict from the get go, so I didn’t find it very believable. Still, I finished the book quickly and did not any point think about not finishing. I know others will love this, so pick it up if you’re looking for a breezy beach read set in Greece that also has some funny writing and great mental health representation!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.
I loved that this book tackled the subject of mental health. The setting was gorgeous and the cast of characters made me want to keep reading until I finished the book! I love that the family continues to stay so close and vacation together and I appreciated the sibling dynamics and uncertainty with feeling left out of the group. I thought the plot had enough surprises along the way to keep you interested; I knew there was something odd about the Christmas situation but I didn't expect that was it! I would love to see more stories with these characters!!
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for this ARC!
I appreciate this book because I, too, am unbelievably petty at any and all perceived slights.
Main character Flo is happy to be on a beautiful Greek vacation with her family... until her brother's best friend Jamie shows up. Carefree, charming, and ripped like a greek god, Jamie led Flo on and then bailed last Christmas. Determined not to let him get to her, she spends a lot of time pettily obsessing over him in mind while ignoring or being outright childish to him out loud (we've literally all been there babe!). But when she can't deny her complicated feelings for him, she decides exposure therapy is the best way forward-- spend so much time with him and she'll eventually get to know him enough to be turned off. Right?
I wasn't super into Jamie at the beginning (I have something against thirty-something year old men who wear jean shorts and tank tops that show their nipples), but he grew on me as a character. The way he is uncovered bit by bit as Flo gets to know him better is satisfying to read, even if he fell a bit flat for me as a love interest. Flo as a narrator was very relatable (if a little dense) and the family dynamics were fun and goofy.
The book was a bit slow to start but picked up considerably about 15% in. And it took me a few pages to realize that the characters are British, but once I did a lot of the writing style started to make better sense to me. Overall, this is a quick and easy read good for the poolside or beach.
I really enjoyed this book through about 80 percent... then the miscommunication trope became tired.
I loved the chemistry of Flo and Jamie, I loved the history, I loved the will they or won't they. I loved they both had past issues that were holding them down. I just didn't love the "you made mad so I'll never speak to you again... until..." If only they had talked to each other a lot of their anger could have been avoided.
The romance plot would take a backseat at times to Flo dealing with her family and their misconceptions about her post mental breakdown.
Still, I overall liked this book, but I could see how some readers may end up being meh about it.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Putnam Group for an e-copy of ENEMIES TO LOVERS to review.
I rate ENEMIES TO LOVERS three out of five stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Captivating Rollercoaster of Emotions!
"Enemies to Lovers" by Laura Jane Williams is a masterful exploration of the classic trope, delivering a story that is as heartwarming as it is exhilarating. From the first fiery confrontation to the final declaration of love, this book takes readers on a captivating rollercoaster of emotions.
Williams' writing is sharp, witty, and filled with vibrant characters who feel incredibly real. The protagonists, initially at odds, are crafted with such depth and nuance that their journey from antagonism to affection is utterly believable and thoroughly engaging. Their banter is clever and entertaining, adding a delightful spark to every interaction.
The transformation of their relationship is beautifully paced, with each chapter peeling back layers of hostility to reveal vulnerability, passion, and ultimately, a profound connection. The tension and chemistry between the characters are palpable, making every moment of their evolving relationship feel both inevitable and magical.
What sets this book apart is Williams' ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but the story also dives deep into themes of forgiveness, growth, and the redemptive power of love. The supporting cast is equally charming, adding richness and context to the main storyline.
"Enemies to Lovers" is more than just a romance; it’s a testament to the transformative power of love and understanding. Laura Jane Williams has created a story that is not only immensely enjoyable but also deeply touching. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted, emotionally resonant romance. Highly recommended!
Thank you NetGalley and Lauren Jane Williams for the ARC read
***all thoughts and opinions are mine, and mine alone***
This book is a perfect summer read! It was so fun to read, that I went and pre ordered a physical copy 😚 this gives all the summer vibes and i loved the happy ending 😋 I definitely recommend this if your looking for a fun summer read that gives brothers best friend, dislike to lovers, and travel vibes!
This is a great summer beach read! The romance is slow burn and man could I feel the tension! I could see the chemistry between them! This was overall a great contemporary romance read! The family dynamics had me laughing and entertained!
The first half of this book took me a bit to get into but by 70% it picked up. This story is told from the FMC Flo's perspective. After coming off of a very hard few years where she had a mental breakdown, Flo feels stronger but being with her family and her brother's best friend, Jamie, who burned her back in December has her wavering. She feels like she's being treated with kid gloves. Add in Jamie's presence, and this family vacation feels anything but a vacation.
It's clear that Jamie and Flo have feelings for each other and there is more to their story than what Flo perceives. I do like the prologue about the note left for Flo and the truth behind that note that comes out later. Leading up to that though was more than just a slow burn for me. It dragged out a bit and I found myself hoping for more banter between the two MCs that never came.
This is a quick read that was entertaining at times but fell a little flat for me. I do think that if you like a good slow burn with some family drama and some nice spice, I think you'll enjoy this one.
Tropes & Elements:
⚡️ Enemies to Lovers
➶ Brother's Best Friend
🩷 He falls first
🔥 Slow Burn
🏡 Forced Proximity
🫶 Mental Health Rep
☝🏻 FMC POV
My rating: 3 out of 5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley, Laura Jane Williams and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
So this was a really long almost too drawn out slow burn. I appreciated the authors take on mental health. I really liked the characters. The family was fun, the destination holiday scenery was lovely. Everything just seemed to take too long.
I like enemies to lovers….except when it’s less banter and more grunts and dirty looks. I also don’t like enemies to lovers when it takes FOREVER for a) people to admit their true feelings or b) the “truth” about why they hate each other to come out. This book seemed to have a lot of the taking forever….
It was a pretty good read, I really read fast and maybe almost skimmed a lot of the repetitive unpacking of anxiety and the decisions and choices made because of it. I appreciate the thought behind it, but it wasn’t my favorite part. I was glad to see Jamie and Florence get their happy ending though. 🩷
A fun summer read about love, friendship, and family. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced read.
I will be honest and say that I wasn’t real sure how I felt about our lead male in this book for most of it. He comes across as a cold and immature. But I stayed for Flo’s family, I just really loved them. The slow burn and angst in the build up was fun, and by the end I was happy for all. I don’t want to say too much more and give anything away. that is half the fun of this book that is set in a wonderful vacation town.
This book releases on August 1st.
Bottom Line: Would make the perfect beach read.
**I received a copy of Enemies to Lovers from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Vacation reads are some of my all-time favorites, especially in the summer and this one is making its way to the top of my list. I loved the Greece setting and how well the setting was brought to life. The family dynamics in this book were unmatched, They were all so chaotic and entertaining there were times I was giggling to myself over the different conflicts they got themselves in. The chemistry between Flo and Jamie was palpable from the very beginning their tension was emanating from off of the page. The slow burn Enemies to Lovers isn't something I read too often (especially slow burn) but I think this one it worked so well and the pacing was done perfectly that I flew through this one in just a few sittings.
This was a great read for the sunbed this summer! I love a good enemies to lover story and this was fun from the beginning. the other characters added some fun to the story, recommended for a sunshine read!
If you haven't guessed from the title, this is an enemies to lovers romcom. Perfect for summer or anytime you want a romance that'll have you giggling and kicking your feet. Florence, Flo, is on vacation with her family. Keyword, family. So why is her brother's best friend, Jamie, walking along the beach with her family?
You see, a few Christmases ago something happened between Flo and Jamie. It was good until it wasn't and now she's on vacation with her family.. and Jamie?
From page to page this book is a fun summer beach read. It has hilarious family banter, and an amazing enemies to lovers trope.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Above is my honest review that will also be shared on Goodreads.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was such a joy to read during the beginnings of summer! It was nice to travel along with the main characters in their Greece trip which helped me reel back from my own vacation days in Greece several years ago. The tension and exchange between the two main characters was so exciting to read along, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice summer-themed book poolside or beachside.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Penguin for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!
I liked the premise of this one and the cover is great. I love a good summer romance set on a beach.
However, this one was not for me. I felt like the characters were hard to relate to and every just felt childish. I was also just a bit bored and couldn't get into it.
I hope others love this one!
thank you netgalley and penguin group team for the arc in exchange for an honest review !!
so… there are some reasons why i didn’t enjoy this read and i’m so disappointed bc i thought i would get a good story since i loved the cover and the blurb seemed interesting !! but it wasn’t the case.
the mmc would always annoy me like all the times he rejected her and the reason being for something he agreed to almost a decade ago? man grow up u are 31yo what are u doing? go to therapy bc u need it. like it was so weird to read this with adults acting this way.
the title is also funny bc it didn’t feel like enemies to lovers at all and the writing wasn’t it to me, a lot of tropes added but with a couple without chemistry
I got this Arc from NetGalley.
Listen there is nothing I can say that wasn’t said in this review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6420999033
I had to DNF. The slang usage both British and TikTok was just not it for me. The lack of tension. Just overall this book wasn’t it for me.