- Enemies to lovers
- Donut shop owner x Michelin star chef
- Childhood best friends are getting married
- It's always been you
- No breakup
- Slow burn
- Closed door
- Dual POV
- Dual narration

Premise: you've hated Ryan ever since he rejected you in high school. But when you're brought back together in your childhood best friends's wedding, old feelings resurface for both of you.

If there's one thing Sarah does well, it's writing relatable FMCs. June's ex-fiancee didn't treat her well, and to avoid getting hurt again, she has a one-date rule.

But Ryan wants so much more, and he has enough charm to convince her to give him a second chance. He's incredibly patient and honest, not taking more than June wants to give and showing her she can trust him.

I really love how open they are with each other once their relationship progresses (and they move past the animosity and pranks of their past). There's no breakup, just a little wobble!

The epilogues are the perfect ending(s), and I love seeing how their story ends in the future.

Thank you to Dreamscape for the early audio copy!

Unfortunately I think this is my least favorite Sarah Adams book. I found it hard to connect with and struggled with the narration. Out FMC often sounded like a child. Especially when done by the male narrator and it made her childish behaviours even hard to put up with.
This one just didn't work for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of The Enemy by Sarah Adams.

It was fun to read the second installment of the It Happened in Charleston series. I love it when books spin off to other characters you meet for a hot second in the first book of the series. In this book you go in depth with Jacob's sister June's life. She is a cupcake baking queen with a not-so-great love life. Her best friend is getting married and of course the best man is mortal enemy from high school. In walks Ryan Henderson with is fancy suit and spunky attitude. Little does June know that Ryan is not a greaseball guy and has actually accomplished something with his life.

I love the family dynamic that is brought up again in the second book. Oh to have a family that is so nosy but loving. Sometimes I just wish that the characters would just get out of their head and tell each other what is really going on. But that is probably how it really goes. We make lots of assumptions and realize that we are mostly wrong. I feel like this relationship is a bit of a fairytale....it's good to dream though.

My favorite line was from June's mom. They are talking about how June's ex-finance cheated on her right before the wedding five years ago. She never told anyone and just called off the wedding. She had been holding in that secret for years. June calls her mom to tell her why she really called off the wedding and her mom said they knew this whole me. June apologizes it took her so long to admit what happened. This is what her mom said in return "Oh, phooey. It took you just the right amount of time. Some of us need to live through the healing rather than talk through it." That is a fantastic line!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC!

3.5 Stars!

Enemies to lovers and second chance?? Yes please! Something I love about Sarah Adam's writing style; is the humor she brings. I was once again laughing out loud with this one. There were so many heartwarming moments between June and Ryan that had me swooning. I will note that this book started off slow for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to end up getting into it but I did! I love that June expressed her insecurities and we got to see Ryan be a safe place for her. At times I found June to be a bit annoying and it made it hard for me to relate to her character.

I LOVED that this was dual narrated. Connie and Will fit the characters perfectly for me. I loved that we could feel the emotions be heightened through their narration. It made this audible that much more enjoyable. I will be looking for more audiobooks narrated by them!

I didn't love this one, but I still enjoyed it!

I think I loved this one even more than the first! And that is saying something because I LOVED the first one. It was witty, heartwarming and swoony. So great. She is quickly becoming a favorite author! This is a reread via audiobook and it was just as magical as the first time! If not more so because the narrators just brought this to life!

Sarah Adams is an auto-buy author for me. I always enjoy her writing style.
I found this romance to be a sweet, easy-read that left me craving a donut!🤪
Ryan and June were adorable, but it drives me crazy when a character holds a grudge for years over something petty. Like come on people, let’s just communicate! I felt at times that June was stuck in High School and it was a bit annoying, but….
Did I find myself smiling/ giggling at times? Yes. Was it a cute, easy-read that I don’t regret listening to? Yes. Will it be listed as my favorite SA book? Nope. Do I recommend it? Sure! If you enjoy clean, second chance romances and love donuts, go for it! Sarah Adams can’t write a bad book and overall, I enjoyed this one.

I read the audio version of The Enemy and thought the narrators did a great job!

My rating: 3.75 ⭐️

Well dang it. Ok, this was cute, but honestly a bit disappointing after how good The Match was. I had high expectations and it just fell a bit short of those for me. I found myself kind of annoyed with June for a lot of the book though initially I was excited when she shares she is 30. It’s a nice change from the early 20s we usually get in romances. The character development for her was lacking though and the immaturity was frustrating after being excited about her age. The lack of communication in all areas of her life was irritating, but I did appreciate her representing trauma and not being a perfect FMC.

Another unfulfilling aspect was expecting Enemies to Lovers. Enemies is a big stretch when it really was just miscommunication from both sides for years when they secretly like each other, which for me doesn’t constitute enemies. They treat each other like crap because “that’s just what we do” and then suddenly they both admit they wanted to be together. Eh… it just didn’t feel right.

On the plus side, Ryan is adorable and his character honestly saved the book for me. He was so sweet and took such good care of June, even when she was being annoying. Sarah does an incredible job of writing men, and he was swoon worthy. I appreciated the sweet and sexy kissing moments, without the spice included.
I did really enjoy the epilogue and bonus epilogue and thought it was a great way to end the book. So overall, I don’t regret it, but it definitely isn’t my favorite from Sarah Adams.

That being said, the narrators were great! Will Damron has quickly become a favorite of mine for MMCs. He has a very soothing voice and does an awesome job bringing sweet men to life! This was my first that I know of with Connie Shabshab and she was great and helped soften some of June’s annoyingness.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC.

This is book 2 to the series. I listened to book 1 & fell in love with Sarah Adams writing style. It doesn't feel as though I'm reading a story - cause, that's work (well, it can feel like it sometimes). Instead, it felt as though I returned home from a long trip & I met up with a friend to catch up. Adams writing style felt comforting and relaxed, which I adore. This book was full of laughing out loud moments, several which startled those around me, even my pets. I can't wait for the series to continue. Meanwhile, I have found a "new" author to read as I wait for book 3.

3.5 stars rounded to 4

I usually like Sarah Adams but this story was just missing a little something for me, and I think my issue was with the FMC. She seemed a bit whiny and annoying at times, and her incessant hatred for the MMC came off as irritating rather than a swoony rivalry. I think the premise was good but the characters weren't amazing in this one. The audiobook narration was good, at least.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)

Twelve years ago, Ryan Henderson outsmarted June in their battle of wits. Now he's back in town for their best friends’ wedding, and June is determined to show him how little she cares. As a successful bakery owner, she plans to flaunt her life—except his gorgeous face and relentless pursuit are derailing her plans. Is this a game, or something more?

🍩 Sugar and sprinkles is what you’re guaranteed to get in any Sarah Adams romance. The girl does not mess up the recipe. Humor. Attraction. And the male main character always saying what every woman wants to hear. Despite being the enemy, Ryan’s pure, wholesome pinning was so perfect it almost makes me feel like there’s no hope. Who could compare? (And that’s not even taking into consideration that the man can COOK🫠)

🙃 Though June’s immaturity took some time to grow on me, her snarky quips were softened by her Nick Lahey bedding. There’s no way these characters are 30, but could they be 23? Sure, add some post college stress and they nail the part.

🤌 If you’re looking for a true enemies to lovers book, this isn’t really it. But it’s full of pretend hate and secret obsessions so if that’s your jam, get ready to say ‘yes chef.’

Thank you @dreamscape_media @netgalley for the ALC 🩷 #netgalley

Perfect for you if you like:
Childhood hate to love
Pinning + snarky banter with pranks
Not insta love but not a slow burn
Donuts & chefs

Similar to:
Rebel Summer by Cindy Steel
Flirtation or Faceoff by Leah Brunner
How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson

⛔️closed door romance (kisses only; could be considered fade to black)
⚠️mild language, ex cheating in the past, previous death of a loved one

This book is my first of the author and I was excited going in. However, it didn’t deliver as much as I expected. It’s not bad but not really great either. Personally think that it’s not worth the hype.

The start was solid but it got rather mundane halfway through. Even though its title is “The Enemy”, the plot doesn’t deliver a solid enemies to lovers trope. Rather it’s more pining for years from both sides. The chemistry at some parts are great but became repetitive for me at one point. I truly wanted to see more depth into their character development. Even though it’s implied that the FMC have trust issues, she quickly starts lusting over the MMC which didn’t sit well with me. Throughout the story something felt missing. A sweet story, but unforgettable. I wouldn’t go off my way to recommend this to anyone. Would have been better if there was more edge to the plot.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for my ALC. All thoughts are my own.

I read this book a couple of years ago and had the chance to listen to the audio of the new and updated version and I loved it every bit as much.

Will Damron is one of my favorite audiobook narrators and it was a treat to listen to him banter with Connie Shabshab as the voices of Ryan and June.

There’s not much more delicious than a secret crush…who is also an enemy and the competition…and I was delighted at the wit, sparks and banter Adams writes into this book. It’s obvious that the chemistry ignites the pages and the fade-to-black moments are fire. This book made me hungry as I swooned the pages away.

this is was so perfect and fluffy Sarah’s Adam’s is my go to clean romance!! I love how hilarious the banter was between the two Ryan was so sexy lol and smooth he had eyes on our girl June from the beginning 😭😭this was such a cute and funny read. I'm happy I got the chance to listen to the republished audio extended version. The female narrator did a great job and bringing June's bubbly personality to life. I loved their careers and their love story. If you're looking for something like Sarah Adams Practice makes perfect but wanted something more bubbly and cheesy this is it. Only thing is that at times I found June and Ryan's thoughts abt each other were exaggerated and too cheesy OVERALL LOVED

JUNE BUG & MR DARCY FOREVER! This was so freaking cute y'all! June and Ryan are former rivals who have managed to avoid each other (in spite of the fact that they share mutual best friends) since their high school graduation when these rivals almost *kissed*. Now they are reuniting at their best friends wedding for the first time in 12 years & unfortunately for June, Ryan isn't the ugly duckling she had spent these years hoping he would turn into, no - he is a super hot 3 Michelin star chef (sometimes you just have to take romance novels for what they are bc besofingforeal there's no way she wouldn't have social media stalked him and known this).

We quickly learn that Ryan has not been harboring the same kind of resentment that June has all these years! No! He actually has been quietly pining after her all this time! (and social media stalking her like a normal person)

Ryan was the sunshine I needed in my life, sure he can engage in their silly feud, but he also knows what he wants & no matter how much June fights him on it, no matter how high her walls are up, he doesn't waiver. the most golden retriever *patient* man.

Fade to black (honestly thank god we even get that after The Cheat Sheet) / no third act breakup no matter what anyone else thinks, I'm not counting it <3

I will start by saying that the narrator was great and made this book bearable for me.

I did not like this book at all. I liked The Match, so I was looking forward to this, but I was met with childish banter and insufferable characters. Ryan and June bicker while pining for each other in their inner monologues and spend nearly the entire book being annoyed about how much they claim to "hate each other" when they clearly want more. I wouldn't have minded as much if the characters were likable, but that was not the case.

I think I'll still finish the series since I liked the first one, but man, this was not for me.

1/5

I wouldn't call this one an enemies to lovers book. It's more like a fakers to lovers, is that a thing? Lol as in they like eachother, they know they like eachother but they're super stubborn.
 Tbh this book gave me whiplash with the back and forth. One second they "hate" eachother the next they're confessing their long time crush for eachother. But then again the FMC is pushing him away. I liked the epilogue, the banter and the friendships I just wish the back and forth was done less.

The Enemy by Sarah Adams is the cute and sweet enemies-to-lovers romance to follow up The Match. I knew I already loved June as a side character, so I was super intrigued where Adams would take her and Ryan's story!

This one is a shared history of hi jinx, mayhem and constant one-upmanship! June's a cupcake cutie and Ryan's the voice of reason white night with a pulling-your-pigtails-elementary-boy heart! Throw in some hilarious bathroom blunders with real-world advice filtered through Adams's characters and you've got a swoony read with humour and heart!

Being a dual perspective romance means two audiobook narrators and the voices of Connie Shabshab and Will Damron really fit June and Ryan's personalities! There was a sense of mischief between the two, their voices further enhancing that dynamic!

I am obsessed with the way Adams writes epilogues - hinting at what the future holds for this couple, while never being outlandish!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

Thank you Dreamscape for the gifted audiobook. It’s my new favorite Sarah Adams book! And it’s so pretty!!

While it’s marketed as enemies-to-lovers, The Enemy reads more like a second chance romance. Ryan has always been into June, even when they were pranking and messing with each other back in high school. When they reconnect at their best friends’ wedding and he realizes she was (and maybe still is) into him too, he decides to pursue her. Many of that tactics he employs to win her over are ones you see in second chance stories. As a sucker for second chance/he falls first/he’s down bad, I ate this up.

I loved Ryan and June’s story and watching them fall in love — or more accurately, realize they’re in love. I adored how he takes care of her and pays attention to what she needs, and how he did this even in high school without her realizing it.

Read of you enjoy:
Enemies-to-lovers
Pranks
Dual POV
Culinary romance (she’s a baker, he’s a chef)
Pining
He’s down bad/he falls first

You don’t need to read The Match first, but it’s also pretty good so I’d recommend reading it eventually. My only complaint about this book, which is the same as her other three “It Happened In…” books is that the books don’t make use of the city/setting/scenery at all, which is super odd for a series named for it’s location!

Audio: June’s POV is performed by Connie Shabshab, a new-to-me narrator. Ryan’s POV is performed by Will Damron (The Rule Book, Listen for the Lie). Both narrators do a solid job bringing their characters to life. Nothing blew me away, but it’s a solid audiobook that would be great for both new and seasoned listeners.

Overall ratings
Exact star rating: 4.5
10-pt star rating: 4.5
5-pt star rating: 5

Attribute ratings
Characters: 5
Atmosphere/Setting: 2.5
Writing Style: 4.5
Plot: 5
Intrigue: 5
Logic: 4
Enjoyment: 5

The mutual pining was *chefs kiss*! The premise was great, I loved the author’s writing style. The funny bits in between were hilarious and relatable! The two main characters were so cute, you just want to root for, through it all. Men written by Sarah Adams are literally a standard. Was a cozy, quick read. I had a great time listening to this absolutely adorable story. A great performance by these 2 amazing. Would highly recommend.

This was such a wonderful audiobook and story. It was a quick, humorous, and feel good read.

I loved the rivalry and banter between Ryan and June. You could tell from the beginning that they had off the charts chemistry. I loved watching their relationship develop and them getting their second chance.

Connie Shabshab and Will Damron brought the chemistry between Ryan and June to life. They did a wonderful job and really encaptured the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.