This book was okay. It was basically one big miscommunication which I usually like, but it was over done. And the chapters were longgg. It felt like they never ended and when they did, they just ended and jumped to the next thing.
I wanted to love this book because the cover was so cute!

REVIEW: Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams

Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams is a charming, if somewhat predictable, rom-com that offers a classic take on the popular trope. While the book has moments of humor and heart, it doesn’t quite stand out in a crowded genre.

The story follows two characters who start on the wrong foot and are forced to navigate their growing attraction despite their initial dislike for each other. Williams does an excellent job of capturing the tension and chemistry between the leads, and plenty of witty exchanges keep the dialogue lively. The banter is one of the novel’s strengths, making the characters’ interactions fun to read.

However, the plot unfolds rather formulaically, with few surprises. The progression from enemies to lovers feels rushed, and the characters' emotional development sometimes lacks depth, making their eventual relationship feel less earned. While the main characters are likable, they don’t always break out of the familiar molds of the genre, leaving the story feeling a bit too predictable.

The book’s pacing is generally good, and some sweet and humorous moments will appeal to fans of light romance. However, it doesn’t quite achieve depth or originality, which could make it a standout read.

Overall, Enemies to Lovers is an enjoyable, easy read that delivers on its premise. It’s a solid pick for a relaxing afternoon, especially if you like the enemies-to-lovers trope.

Thank you, Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

sigh, unfortunately i was quite disappointed with this book right from the get go. theres enemies to lovers and miscommunication and then there's like straight up i hope she hates me because i have issues and i cant express my feelings???? do not recommend

Super easy light summer read (taking place in Greece). Truly an enemies to lovers that checks all the boxes.

Flo is a very dynamic character, and honestly, relatable.

One of my favorite tropes, and set in one of the most beautiful places.

Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for my DRC.

Ugh a book that had so much potential. Honestly I really didn’t care for any of the characters. This wasn’t my kind of book (at this moment) but I can see how this could work for someone whos looking for a light inspiring read.

Enemies to lovers is a great trope but this book was a bit hard for me to get into. I was hoping for some more depth from the characters.

This was such a cute read. One of my favorite book tropes with so much joy. I will definitely refer people to read this book.

I contemplated giving this one four stars, but decided to keep it on three. While this is a fun summer romance it also deals with some tougher topics.
Flo is two years past a breakdown and ready for her family to stop treating her so delicately! Jamie, is her older brother's best friend, who is unexpectedly on the family summer vacation! The problem is, last Christmas, their "maybe will they" got turned upside down when Flo received a note saying it was all a mistake and that he never wanted to speak of it again. So just how is she supposed to deal with him in close quarters once again on vacation? Will these enemies become lovers?
It lost some stars for me for a huge part of the story being them not talking about the big issue! There were so many things that could have been avoided if either of them had just said, "Hey, about Christmas..." I understand the request to "never speak of this again", but still... I would be speaking! 🤷🏻‍♀️ There were also a few action inconsistencies, but with it being an ARC I assume those were fixed for the final edit.
I am thankful to @netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book!
#NetGalley #EnemiesToLovers

An hilarious rom com that kept me laughing. That was one of my favorite troupes that even made that troupe the title. Though that was kind of tongue in cheek. But it was still funny.

Enemies to Lovers has me ready to go on summer vacation. The first half screams beach read while the second half gets a little more heavy but still worthy of a vacation read.

My big hang up is how meddlesome a certain family member is. I understand being protective but that level of sabotage doesn’t quite fit with how the family dynamics are described throughout. Maybe that’s purely me misreading relationships but that’s how I felt.

The story of Flo and Jamie. He is her brothers best friend so has joined her family on holiday. Will they find out what really happened last christmas. I would have liked more of an epilogue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC.

Summer vibes: check.
Tropes Galore: check:
Enjoyable: Debatable

I found some of this book kind of cringey.. Not my favorite romance to date.

Flo has come back from a nervous breakdown, but her family still sees her as fragile. She has been teaching, but still not living a normal life for a young woman. Every year, her family takes a vacation together. Much to her chagrin, her brother’s best friend Jake had been invited to come along. When she questioned this unwelcome surprise, she was told that it was on the text chain that she never received. It was another reason for her to feel left out. She and Jake had been getting along and she thought they might be starting a relationship last Christmas. He never showed up and she found a note under her door that he didn’t think it was a good idea for them to be together. She’s definitely holding a grudge and goes out of her way to show how much she now dislikes him. How will they manage to stay in the same house for a week?

Also reviewed on B&N (1IrishEyes430) and Kobo (IrishEyes430)

No thoughts just the most perfect summer vibes!! Now this is how you do enemies to lovers!! Perfect for lounging by the pool or relaxing on the beach, this book is a sweet escape that will leave you with a smile and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

This summer read transforms the classic enemies-to-lovers trope into a sunlit, heartwarming adventure. Laura's charming prose and clever dialogue create a story that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day. With every page, you’ll find yourself swept up in the playful banter and budding romance.

Yikessss. This book was trying way too hard to be a stereotypical tropey book and it absolutely did not work out

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 3

⛵️ enemies to lovers
⛵️ brother’s best friend
⛵️ mental health rep
⛵️ forced proximity

Enemies to Lovers was unexpectedly one of my favorite beach reads of the summer. The scenery, the nostalgia and the love story were perfection. It also certainly didn’t hurt that the story revolved around one of my favorite romance tropes of all time - enemies to lovers.

Flo is a little bit lost but finding her way, and Jamie is the solid rock that’s not afraid to take risks and live his life to the fullest. Flo’s family are not just side characters in this book, they are all important in their own ways, and their strong bond was so fun to read. I found myself almost jealous of the Greenberg’s family vacation.

🌶️🌶️🌶️ = open door, multiple scenes, not descriptive

♥︎ Thank you NetGalley, Putnam Books and Laura Jane Williams for the eARC of Enemies to Lovers.

My reading nemesis is the miscommunication trope and that is the tentpole of Enemies to Lovers. The title of this should have been "Miscommunication" as the characters were enemies for no reason at all. The entire basis for Flo hating Jamie is that he rejected her once after "leading her on". We find out later that there was a colossal misunderstanding (of course there was) but I honestly don't think it was the sort of situation that lends itself to enemy status. The plot was fine. I just ultimately think this book will end up being rather forgettable for me. I think that there are readers who will find more connection with Flo and her family dynamics. I didn't end up liking how her brothers and parents treated her. I loved that there was mental health representation! The setting was amazing. While this one didn't particularly work for me, I would definitely read more from this author.

This book made me laugh so hard I snorted (awkward looks all around) and cry a lot too. It’s a top-notch enemies-to-lovers rom-com with loads of heart. Flo gets rejected by her brother’s best friend at Christmas, and then has to share a room with him on vacation. She tries to ignore him but ends up falling for him all over again. And he feels the same! 5 stars and I highly recommend

Okay….I did not like this.

One of my biggest pet peeves with the enemies to lovers trope (and it’s my favorite trope) is that it’s never written as an actual enemies to lovers. It’s always a perception issue. Usually the girl thinks the guy is the enemy and he is really just unable to communicate his feelings. Guess what….that is what happened here.

Flo’s perceptions of Jamie was based on prejudice and stereotypes that only she thinks is reality because she has hurt feelings. I get that she has a history of struggling through insecurity but damn did it not help her with empathy at all. The dude lost his parents and she was mad he didn’t want to sleep with her??? (Spoiler: it was the brother who broke them up because who didn’t see that coming the moment Jamie was mad at her for the same thing 🤦🏼‍♀️)

I could absolutely do without the potential love triangle and jealousy trope because there is no communication between anyone as to why people are acting crazy. It’s just accepted….what? And the almost sexual assault and rescue was not done well. A person doesn’t have to be a predator to justify not being attracted to them. And it especially doesn’t need to happen in order for the hero to acknowledge his feelings.

It truly doesn’t get better. Flo is immature at best and only when she actually utilizes her mental health coping mechanisms (like not being responsible for others feelings) does she seem human and likable.

There were too many unrealistic and privileged moments that really didn’t do anything but show she has supportive family and love. Her insecurities and past mental health have made her blind to that and honestly it wasn’t enduring. It was annoying to see how she expressed entitlement and not curiosity.

I also hate miscommunication tropes and Flo is a walking red flag and Jamie is just as culpable. Ask questions, be curious, don’t assume, and lo and behold…communication!!!

And can we get over the protective brother bullshit for grown adults who make their own choices??? Especially when the family isn’t oblivious to the growing tension and feelings, even going so far to joke with her about it before anything actually happens. But guess what…Flo in all her inherent selfishness can only think of herself and blames herself because obviously she is the only one who can cause problems….not the fact there are GROWN adults who have their own autonomy. AND THEN…..to be mad at him the next day for her self righteous based feelings of anger??? I can’t with this woman.

But don’t worry let’s get in a boat with our terrible communication skills and it’ll all work out.

A truly wild and wonderful enemies to lovers with a second chance novel. The story of Jamie and Flo is filled with confusion, family intrusion and meddling. Greece is a beautiful locale for this terrific story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.