Member Reviews
3.5⭐️
Flo ha tenidos unos años dificiles hasta que llegó navidad y pensó que estaba pasando algo entre ella y Jaime, pero una carta le hace ver que no fue así rompiéndole el corazón. Para no verlo pasó todo un año escondiéndose, lamentablemente es muy cercano a su hermano y es invitado al viaje familiar, entonces tendrá que pasar dos semanas fingiendo que todo está bien, sin embargo, los sentimientos que pensó había enterrado, vuelveran a florecer y algunas mentiras serán reveladas y su futuro y el de Jaime dará un giro de 180°
Ojalá Jaime tuviera algunos povs.
A pesar de que adivine que pasó en la navidad, disfrute la lectura y sólo quería llegar a la parte en la que se descubriera la verdad.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for and honest review.
Given the title, it shouldn't surprise any reader that this is a quintessential enemies to lovers read. Flo's family rents a house in Greece for two weeks and her brother's best friend, Jamie, is invited to join. There is history between Flo and Jamie and when they learn they will have to share a room, their shared history comes to the forefront of their vacation.
Overall, I found this story a little disappointing. Flo's mental health journey was interesting and watching her come out of her shell while struggling with her family's fears that she might regress felt realistic and complex. With that being said, Flo and Jamie's history was frustrating and the plot twist in the middle felt absurd. I wanted more from the characters and the plot when a majority of it just fell flat.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Not my favorite read. I read it and kept reading it waiting to get sucked in, but that didn't happen. Finally got 3/4 of the way through the book before I was actually excited to pick it back up - all because there was some action picking up between Flo and Jamie. Took way too long to get there and then it was short lived for the duration of the book.
Enemies to Lovers was a middle of the road story that had a slow beginning. I felt stressed and slightly unempathetic with our main character, Flo, for her seemingly petty grudge against her eventual love interest, Jamie. This novel definitely plays on the ‘enemies’ part in the enemies to lovers trope, but I wanted the grudge between our two main characters to be fleshed out more. The middle part of the novel had me hooked. I loved every second of it and really felt like we were peeling back the prickly layers of Flo to understand who she truly is. However, the ending fell flat for me. I felt like our characters were so close to really ending the story with a deep understanding of both themselves and their partner, but then it kinda petered off. Overall a fun read to pass the time.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the Arc.
Enemies to Lovers is a nice breath of fresh air. It’s not overly spicy and kept me entertained. I enjoyed the brother’s best friend, found family, second chance tropes. Jamie and Flo were adorable and their interactions and the slow burn kept me wanting more. The only issues I had was the miscommunication trope, the enemies to lovers trope, and the ending. I appreciated that there wasn’t a big third act break up, but I feel like the ending was somewhat rushed. I also didn’t think this was an enemies to lovers kind of story. They didn’t like each other, but it didn’t feel like enemies. At the end I felt like the brother should have been a big part of the ending due to what happened at the end.
Overall it was a cute book and I enjoyed it.
This book is not the typical enemies to lover and had everything to do with miscommunication between Flo and Jamie. The books was a little slow to start but quick picked up the pace.
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)
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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.
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"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.