Thank you to Net Galley and Laura Jane Williams!

This book had the perfect touch of a summer in Greece with a brother's best friend romance in its midst. Flo has the sweetest family, in a way that truly made my heart hurt a little for Jamie's loneliness - and I think the author has done a great job of painting us that picture of Jamie without needing to give us his POV.

That being said, I think this book did lack the meat of a great room-com. For one thing, this couple was never truly Enemies to Lovers, like the title suggests. Yes, there's a misunderstanding, but there is no real heat or dislike at the start, and there's never a true reason to have real distaste for each other. Flo's breakdown is where we start our story and plays a relatively prominent role in the story to explain her character and growth...and also feels empty somehow at the same time. We don't delve into it, and it's missing some of that true empathy that makes me believe in this character having this story. But, for a quick summer romance, I think it certainly did the job and at the very least, brought me to read the book and enjoy Flo from the very start.

I love our little family, with Alex and Laurie despite all their flaws. I envy them! Do families like this exist?? I'm not entirely sure why all those texts were included with Hope - they didn't serve to advance storyline at all, and at some points felt almost creepy. I kept expecting a random twist, like Hope was never real, or that actually it was Jamie on the other side all along? It just felt pointless, even if the author were to write a sequel with Hope, since it's not like I learned anything about her that would make me curious about her story?

Overall, giving this a solid 3 stars. This is a one-sitting beach read that you may never think about again, but does the job with passing the time and reminding me that Greece and the ocean, and having a vacation while being a doctor exists in real life. 1 chili pepper for spice!

Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This was a fun and enjoyable read, perfect for a beach day or a relaxing getaway. While Flo and Jamie's characters were a bit frustrating at times, and some plot points were predictable, the dynamics within the family and the setting in Greece added a lot to the story. The characters felt real and relatable, and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Flo and her family members. Although I struggled to fully connect with Flo and found her mental health challenges to be a bit repetitive, I appreciated the realistic portrayal of these issues. I also loved the character of Hope, and found her friendship with Flo to be a highlight of the story. Overall, while this may not have been a perfect read for me, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a light and entertaining read.

I want to start by prefacing that the title drew me in! Which led to my disappointment that the tension and banter that comes with enemies to lovers, were not present. There was more banter between the family than between the FMC and MMC. Most of the time, the two just ignored each other lol. Also, the characters did not act their age and it made me cringe. I could not get past the writing style either! Sometimes there was so much word dump that I could not stay interested in the story plot. Felt like, at times, the addition of British and tiktok slang was just forced and unnatural. Lets alone, some scenes just made me think "what? why?". I think the concept was great, just not executed in a way that drew me in and kept me reading for a good time.

Although, one of my favorite parts, was the location of Greece. Can't get more summer than in Greece. And the family dynamics were hilarious! In all honesty, the family relationships saved the book.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Laura Jane Williams for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Never has a book that made me laugh so much (including a snort that drew stares from those around me) also made me cry so much. Enemies to lovers is a rom-com with an incredible amount of heart and I highly recommend it.

After being rejected by her brother's best friend at Christmas, Flo arrives at her family's annual vacation to find that Jamie has been invited as well. She's determined to ignore him, but a leak forces them to share a room. Believing the key to her problem is exposure therapy, Flo decides to be friendly to Jamie only to discover all the feelings she tried to ignore are still very much there. And Jamie shares them too.

I devoured this story.
-Brother's Best Friend? Check!
-Second Chance Romance? Check!
-Vacation Setting? Check!
-Laugh Out Loud Comedic Moments? Check!
-A Vibrant Supporting Cast? Check!
-Mental Health Rep? Check!
-He Makes Her Feel Safe? You guessed it... CHECK!

Flo was everything. I've walked a mile in her shoes and lived to tell the tale. I loved her journey throughout this book and where she found herself in the epilogue. All her quiet, understated, heart to heart moments with Jamie left my heart so full. I was crying for Flo-for both of them-at multiple parts throughout the book. It was so satisfying to see not only Jamie support her, but for her family to rally around her as well.

Five stars is not enough.

Flo and Jamie are anything BUT enemies to lovers, which is disappointing because that’s what I really wanted with the title. The tension wasn’t there, the hate wasn’t there, the moment that turns them from enemies to lovers wasn’t there.

This book was nothing but the miscommunication trope for the first 95% of the book and the last 5% is all a rushed scene of everything amazingly getting resolved and it’s all dandy.

While this was a quick and easy read, I do wish we had more, perhaps a dual POV may have been a better fit.

Thank you Laura Jane Williams for a copy of this eARC for review.

Imagine going on a family vacation and seeing your worst enemy walk in to join. We all know the line between love and hate is very thin.
This is going to be a great summer read for anyone who is looking for something sweet, quick, and with a little dash of spice. It isn't closed doored but more like cracked open.
What to expect:
-(obviously) enemies to lovers with a different take from others I've read.
-close proximity
-mental health representation (please check any triggers but know it is very surface level)
-humor & relatability (Bluey, naughty coloring book, etc)
<>
I would have loved to see this as a Duel POV! It has some good flashbacks but I wanted a little more something something to truly connect to the story. It did take me a little bit to get into the book, but that could be my own personal issue. (I was coming off of reading dark mafia romances lol.)

so so so so cute! it was a little dry in the beginning but picked up quickly. i love a good misunderstanding trope (although i don’t think her brother got enough flack for being a total dick at the end)

This was a fun and quick read. I liked the setting and the set up of the family vacation. I enjoyed the dynamics of the Flo's family and her relationships with her brothers. While it wasn't as much of an enemies-to-lovers as I would have liked (not as much banter as that requires), I still liked the dynamic between Jamie and Flo and the rivalry between Jamie and Adonis. I would recommend to others as a quick beach read, since I was able to read it in two days.
Thanks Netgally for the ARC.

Flo and Jamie were adorable. I loved the enemies to lovers trope. I enjoyed reading about their past and the present. The family was also adorable!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This was a cute romance for fans of Tessa Bailey or Emily Henry. This book would definitely be a fun beach read. It is light and fluffy. The main character's chemistry was superb. I would consider reading more books by Laura Jane Williams in the future for sure.

If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:

https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)

If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

"Enemies to Lovers" by Laura Jane Williams** In the realm of romantic literature, the enemies-to-lovers trope has long captivated readers with its tantalizing blend of tension, passion, and undeniable chemistry between two individuals who start off at odds with each other. In Laura Jane Williams' novel "Enemies to Lovers," this timeless theme is beautifully brought to life through the intricate and emotionally charged relationship between Flo and Jamie. The story unfolds with Flo, a woman who has faced her fair share of struggles and setbacks, including a past marked by loss and emotional turmoil. As she navigates the complexities of her life, Flo finds solace in therapy and the unwavering support of her newfound friend. However, her world is turned upside down when she is unexpectedly thrown into a family vacation with Jamie Kramer, her brother's best friend and her long-lost first love. Jamie, on the other hand, is a man torn between loyalty to his best friend and his growing feelings for Flo. Despite his efforts to abide by the unspoken boundaries set by his friend, Jamie cannot ignore the undeniable attraction and connection he shares with Flo. As they spend more time together, their walls begin to crumble, revealing raw emotions, buried desires, and a love that refuses to be ignored; however, all Flo can think of his is words last Christmas "I am sorry I led you on...". Through her masterful storytelling, Laura Jane Williams weaves a narrative that is as poignant as it is captivating. The depth of emotion and internal conflict experienced by Flo and Jamie is palpable, drawing readers into their tumultuous journey of self-discovery and forbidden love. Williams' evocative prose and vivid characterizations bring Flo and Jamie to life, allowing readers to laugh, cry, and cheer for them as they navigate the murky waters of their complicated relationship. As the plot unfolds and the stakes heighten, the tension between Flo and Jamie reaches a boiling point, leading to a series of heart-wrenching revelations and soul-baring confessions. Williams skillfully crafts each moment with precision and care, building towards a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion that leaves readers yearning for more. In conclusion, "Enemies to Lovers" by Laura Jane Williams is a spellbinding tale of love, redemption, and second chances. Through the lens of Flo and Jamie's tumultuous relationship, Williams explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the transformative power of love. If you are a fan of emotionally charged romances that tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless, this novel is a must-read. So, grab a copy, immerse yourself in the world of Flo and Jamie, and prepare to be swept away by a love story that defies all odds.

THE PERFECT ENEMIES TO LOVERS ROMANCE FOR THE UPCOMING SUMMER
I'M SO IN LOVE WITH THIS
THIS IS WAYYYY TOO GOOD

Flo is gearing up for a relaxing Greek holiday with her family, but there's a catch - her brother's best friend, Jamie, will be joining them.

Last Christmas, there was a spark between them, but Jamie left abruptly without an explanation. Now, Flo is determined not to let him ruin her vacation. Jamie, her brother's best friend, had always been a thorn in Flo's side. They clashed on almost everything, from their taste in music to their opinions on politics. Last Christmas, during a family gathering, Now, as they prepared to embark on this two-week adventure together, Flo couldn't help but wonder if their forced togetherness would be a recipe for disaster. Would they be able to move past their differences and find common ground? Or would their conflicting personalities create a constant tension that would ruin the holiday for everyone involved?

As they arrived in Greece, the sun-drenched landscapes and vibrant blue waters seemed to offer a glimmer of hope. Flo tried to approach the situation with an open mind, reminding herself that people can surprise you when given the chance. Perhaps this trip would be an opportunity for them to see each other in a different light.

See this book has such a good premise but in some wat the execution I felt like was lacking. Most time I could barely feel the chemistry between them and since enemies to lovers only work for me if there is good banter. And my complain was that in this book i felt like there was no banter between Flo and Jamie and the "enemies" to lovers dynamic was poorly executed.
I couldnt feel any tension or connection between them and they never even had any conversation and didn't see why they liked each other or what even happened at Christmas?! There wasn't ever a time where I was like oh damn they are good together.

Although apart from that I liked all of the family stuff!! This is a fun family on vacation having a good time. Overall, an okay read for me unfortunately but I would still recommend since it was a pretty enjoyable and quick read anyway.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.

3.5 stars

I liked the story, it was a fun and quick read. Predictable story line but still slightly different than the other enemies to lovers trope books I’ve read. Never read any other books from this author but I’d be open to reading more by her.

I will start by saying I don't really feel this is a Enemies to Lovers type trope. I feel it is more brothers best friend, stay away from my sister type thing. Flo and Jamie are our main characters but we only get the story from Flo's POV. Flo and her family are taking a holiday all together. I did like how they were such a close family. Jamie is one of her brother's best friends. He kind of became part of the family. The enemies to lovers type is where we think Flo and Jamie truly don't like each other but what I feel it is, is just them trying to not be near each other. As their holiday is under way Jamie and Flo are then forced to spend more time together. Flo's family will make you laugh, there are moments you will be sad but they quickly fade. You truly do start to root for Flo and Jamie along the way. With family, friends, a holiday, beach, sun, and a little spice to makes for a quick fun summer read!

For starters, they don't exactly feel like enemies. We only see Flo's perspective, but it seemed to me like Flo just hated Jamie and he didn't like her either- there's no tension of an enemies-to-lovers because they don't have any interactions that suggest they're enemies... just two people who dislike each other.

The whole "he blew me off by leaving me a note under my door so I'm going to hate him forever without talking to him about it" thing was also weird. Especially because this man is basically a part of the family and you know he's going to come to the family events, why wouldn't she just... talk to him? There were quite a few moments where it could have come up because he would seem confused about why she disliked him and that was the perfect time to talk about it.

I also disliked almost everything after the 70% mark. It's awkward and they put too much stock into what her brother said eight years ago, and her brother needs to butt out, and there was so much going on that didn't quite get resolved.

I was hoping for more of the familial relationship, too, because there was a heavy emphasis on Flo feeling her family was treating her with kid gloves. Yes, that was addressed, but in a way that didn't quite feel enough.

thank you Netgalley for the arc

3.7⭐️
This book was a lot of fun! A cute quick read that was easy to fall into. I wished for some scenes to be a little more detailed and drawn out. If this book was 50-100 pages longer I could have easily given it 4.5⭐️. I loved all of the characters so much I wish I could have gotten to know them a bit better with a few longer scenes. This family dynamic was so sweet and obviously the setting was magical. Perfect summer read. Despite the length of the book I thoroughly enjoy it!

I enjoyed this book......I liked how it brought some light to and didn't say away from the topic of struggling with mental health. I enjoyed the development between the characters but I would have liked to hear a little more about their past. I did think the ending was a little predictable.

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, because the premise sounded interesting and funny, but this is not enemies-to-lovers at all! Where's the banter as one reviewer pointed out that it's missing? It's mostly Flo and Jamie ignoring each other, which after awhile gets really boring. A lot of times I also didn't really like Flo. She is so neurotic she's almost insufferable with her constant insecurity pity-party and Jamie is boring and annoying as well. The only tension between them is these two trying so hard not to interact. Not much romance here, and I sensed zero chemistry between Jamie and Flo.
I feel like this book focuses much much more on the family dynamic between Flo and her family, which would have been fine had her family not been so boring with very little to distinguish differences in personality. I mean, yeah, between her brothers, Laurie is about to become a father and is madly in love with his wife Kate, and Alex is gay and wanting to find love of his own. The book also meandered a little too long with the attempts of banter between her and her family, which is odd because it doesn't lend to the development of these characters so they end up kind of flat and dull. There could have been more to work with to make it funny and heart-warming, but...nah.
What I did like is the mental health aspect of the story (psych nurse here!). Fresh off a breakdown from about two years ago, Flo is trying to find her feet and herself. Her confidence has been shattered, she's too tightly wound up. Inside, she longs for adventure and spontaneity, but in the reality she finds herself chained to her desk, behind her books and work because she's hiding behind them instead of chasing after her dreams. I can totally relate to that and appreciate it, but at the same time, I feel like this more or less dominated the whole story instead of a cute, funny enemies-to-lovers.
The last 25% started to get more interesting, and secrets as well as revelations are spilled, which I thought was quite clever. It also explained why Jamie acted the way he did. Nevertheless, it couldn't save the story as a whole because it was a little too little too late. Jamie and Flo barely had chemistry during their scenes together, and Jamie himself was boring. I think what could have saved the story really is to get dual POV, maybe hearing Jamie's side of the story, and also having flashbacks of how they were like in Christmas so that I could see the buildup between them.
Still, it was cute with a good message, and I liked how it all came together in the end.

When I read the synopsis for this book I immediately requested it knowing it was all of the things I love.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, forced proximity

HOWEVER - this book left me disappointed. There was no banter between the characters and I found Jamie to be short and bleh.

I did like the fact it was a destination book and they were vacationing in Greece (that's my dream vacation), and I liked that there was some mental health representation.

Though I didn't enjoy the chemistry (or lack thereof) between the main characters, this was a quick easy read.