The Enemy by Sarah Adams is a romantic comedy involving a donut shop owner and her high school crush and nemesis. It’s the second book in the author’s It Happened In Charleston series, but can certainly be read as a standalone. This book is available now.
From The Publisher:
It’s been twelve years since I’ve seen him, twelve years since he won our war of wits by outsmarting me with a tactic I didn’t even know was allowed. But tonight…I’m going to resurrect the battle.
Ryan Henderson is back in town for our best friends’ wedding, and I plan on showing him exactly how much I don’t care about him—or the almost kiss he ruthlessly dangled over me after graduation.
But things have changed since then. I’m a successful bakery owner now, and I plan to rub every delicious detail of my life in his ugly face.
There’s just one problem: his face is gorgeous.
He wasn’t supposed to look like this or pursue me like a sexy guided missile. I have to stay strong until the wedding is over and Ryan scurries back into whatever alternate universe he escaped from. His interest in me is nothing but a continuation of the games we played in high school…right?
But the longer he stays, the more I wonder if I’m wrong and his tender smile and heated attentions are genuine. Maybe it’s not a game.
Ha! Who am I kidding? This is Ryan we’re talking about. Of course it’s a game—a game called war—and this time I will win..
Book Review:
The Enemy was an enjoyable read but had some challenges. While the story has the witty banter I love in romance novels, the characters felt more like friends than romantic partners. I wanted to feel as though the couple were genuinely falling into adult love and never felt this happen.
June and Ryan had always felt attracted to one other from a distance in high school but never acted upon this. The two are reunited when Ryan returns to Charleston for a wedding twelve years after they graduate from high school. June is still holding a grudge from a moment in high school when Ryan goes in to kiss her but then walks away.
The book lacked the maturity and chemistry between the two protagonists that I was expecting. Indeed, the relationship between June and Ryan felt more like they were back in high school than it did as a couple in their thirties which I found to be disappointing.
On a more positive note, there were also some humorous moments in the book including a funny scene with June in the ladies’ washroom. Moreover, there is plenty of witty banter and pranking between June and Ryan. June’s family and their antics were also a joy to read about.
Audiobook Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of The Enemy which was narrated by Connie Shabshab and Lee Samuels. Their performance was full of expression and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to choose the audiobook version for those who appreciate this format.
What I Liked:
- The witty banter between June and Ryan
- The wedding festivities during the week
- June’s family and their adventures
I Recommend This Book To:
Readers that enjoy YA Romance.
My Rating:
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
On a Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 days by K.M. Jackson
The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella
Her Digital Coffee
Great review Jodie! Although the story lacked maturity and chemistry, I’m happy to hear that you found other aspects to enjoy. It’s also great that this book can be read as a standalone! Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Rocking Specter
Great review. We have never rad this book, but your review highlights its strengths and weaknesses. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Raji
Great review Jodie! This does sound like a fun read despite the interactions between characters being a little immature.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading and commenting Raji!
Wendy Williams
Nice review, Jodie! I read a few books by Sarah Adams in the past, and enjoyed them, but didn’t love them, so I haven’t read any since. She must write for a different audience than us.
thathappyreader
I think you’re right Wendy! Thanks for reading and commenting. ☺️
Under Flowery Sky
Sounds pretty interesting relationship, specially considering the donuts..
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading!