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Dear Enemy
As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.
Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.
Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.
Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.
It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart, emotional contemporary romance about finding love with the most unlikely of people.
Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.
Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.
Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.
It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart, emotional contemporary romance about finding love with the most unlikely of people.
393 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
About the author
Kristen Callihan
28 books13.5k followersKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,288 reviews
June 3, 2020
i think ive found a new favourite romance author because i really, really enjoyed this. this has two things i love when setting up a romance story - characters who have known each other since childhood and a good ol’ enemies to lovers plot. i mean, theres not much more i could ask for. all the hilarious banter and steamy chemistry is just icing on the cake.
what confused me, however, was the super common use of british slang and phrases. the characters are american and the story is set in the states (i believe the author is american too?), so i have no idea why things most americans have never even heard of before were used. just a very bizarre writing choice that kind of took me out of the story during some moments.
regardless, the story is very cute. like i said, it uses two of my favourite romance tropes, so there really wasnt any surprise that i would enjoy this so much.
↠ 4 stars
what confused me, however, was the super common use of british slang and phrases. the characters are american and the story is set in the states (i believe the author is american too?), so i have no idea why things most americans have never even heard of before were used. just a very bizarre writing choice that kind of took me out of the story during some moments.
regardless, the story is very cute. like i said, it uses two of my favourite romance tropes, so there really wasnt any surprise that i would enjoy this so much.
↠ 4 stars
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May 17, 2021
“I suspected that was the true mark of the devil: turning people into starry-eyed fools when they ought to know better.”
Childhood enemies to lovers? I'm in. Unfortunately, everything went downhill when I hit the 88% mark.
Dear Enemy follows a childhood enemies to lovers story between Delilah Baker and Macon Saint. As kids, they were rivals. Delilah and Macon couldn't go one day without bickering and calling each other out, and the fact that Macon dated Delilah's sister, Sam, as children didn't make it better. On prom night, Macon and Sam break up, and for once, Delilah feels like she can finally breathe. She doesn't have to worry about seeing Macon every day anymore. But 10 years later, that changes when Sam has stolen Macon's watch (which he values), runs away, and disappears, not leaving a single trace of contact and turning her phone off. With a mother who's been hospitalized due to blood pressure and panic attacks, Delilah doesn't want to worry her mother more about her sister's behavior, so to convince Macon not to call the cops, she decides to replace her sister's role, which was Macon's assistant, to pay off the debt. And as time passes, both realize that love is found in the people you least expect to.
Admittedly, I liked both characters, Delilah and Macon. I loved how they were both passionate about what they did and what they wanted to do. Delilah, specifically, reminded me a little about myself. Not in her passion for food, but in how she handles other people's problems. At first, I was annoyed by it, but then I could sympathize more with her reasoning. I found her to be strong-willed, and I loved how determined she was about chasing her dreams. I also understood how she dropped out of college because she knew that it wasn't for her. She loved cooking and wanted to pursue a career with it, and her passion for it was clear and vivid in her descriptions of the food and how she visualizes food. I found these imageries a strong point in the story, which I highly appreciated because it showed how passionate Delilah was and how far she was willing to achieve her dreams. I love reading and hearing about people accomplishing what they want and finding nothing but love and joy in it.
I also really enjoyed reading about Macon's part in his passion. His tendency to be fake around others because it was the attitude he got used to was also something I understood at first. It got to the point where he decided he wanted to pursue a career in acting because of how good he was at faking the situations, and while this can definitely tick some off, I found it to be easily sympathizing. I felt bad for him, if I'm honest, especially after finding out more about his relationship with his parents.
My mother once told me that if you have something truly important to say, write it in a letter. Not an email or text or typed out. But to put pen to paper. A person’s handwriting, the places they press harder on the page, the blots and errors in the ink, show their soul. Put your thoughts in a letter, and the receiver has a record of it forever, not just a memory but something they can pull out and touch when they need a reminder.
The romance was okay. It was incredibly slow-burn, which I did not expect. Seriously, it wasn't until around 60% when the two finally kissed, and I couldn't complain about it. I found the romance to be more fluff than smut as well, and this is something else that, in a way, bothered me. However, I still found it cute. I liked all the small development gestures Macon made with Delilah and how approachable he became with her. He was flirty and cocky, and he knew it. Sometimes I laughed at the jokes that I understood, but I realized I found myself smiling widely with every moment they were together. The sex scenes weren't the best for sure. There was much more telling than showing, but I was fine with it.
“I was okay with all of that. And then you came back . . . Delilah, you are the only person alive who truly knows me for me. That used to piss me off. But now? It feels like a lifeline.”
And happiness aside, I understood some of Delilah's reasoning for wanting to take care of her sister's problem because of her mother. I constantly find myself trying to fix other people's issues while putting mine aside, only to forget about them. While she made me mad a few times here and there, I found her reasonings to be realistic, especially how she wanted to protect her mom and take care of her. Considering her mother was hospitalized, had lost her husband, and could easily get another panic attack that can cause her death, I thought Delilah was strong for what she did. Still, it also showed how weak and vulnerable she was on those occasions. It made me pity her more than sympathize with her, especially because of how grown she was taking care of such issues that didn't concern her.
But, regardless of the things I enjoyed, there were two particular things that made me enjoy this much less than I anticipated.
First, the childhood enemies to lover's business. I was really excited to read a love story about two people who unexpectedly found love even though they hated each other as kids. The problem? It wasn't that. After thinking, I don’t even know how to describe their relationship after reuniting. They know each other but never contacted each other. They also knew each other slightly well, although not too well. They were also never friends. And after the reunion, the hate never even felt like it was there. Delilah called Macon her nemesis, but that hate was still missing.
While Delilah and Macon were enemies when they were children, their reunion and debt agreement felt like they were reuniting after 10 years. Which, yes, they were, but it's as if the enemies were never even there. For starters, the two were already commenting and how attractive the other was from the start. And also, Macon was never mean to Delilah. He implied he could make her a life a living hell, and while I was actually hoping for that NOT to happen, I honestly expected him to be mean. Most of it is because Macon never wanted to be mean to Delilah in the first place, so I guess it changed the story for me.
Personally, I've noticed I don’t like bully romances. I can't stand them. I can't stand anyone who is an asshole to someone else just for the sake of it or just because they want to. However, I don't think it's the same as being an asshole or a jerk. An example of this that comes to mind is River Wild by Samantha Towle. River was an asshole, a complete jerk, but he never bullied Carrie, and it was one reason I loved the character development of River. In this case, that's what I expected from Dear Enemy. I expected Macon to hate Delilah. No, I didn't want him to bully her and make her life a living hell, but I wanted more . . . meanness? He was nice right from the start because he wanted to make things better between them, which I thoroughly loved and appreciated, but that is why I didn’t see the enemies in this. It was as if the two were only enemies as children, and after seeing each other again as adults, the two became friends very quickly.
I didn't entirely mind the whole sibling double-dipping, but I can see why many don't like it. Considering that Macon only dated one girl in his life before Delilah, said girl being her sister, doesn't really make it better. How they had an on-and-off relationship didn't surprise me. It's high school, what do you expect? But also, dating Sam while actually always having a thing for Delilah didn't help. Take that as you will.
“Mama used to say the brain can lie to you, but the heart always knows the truth.” I shrug. “Problem is, most of us would rather believe the lie than face the truth.”
And second, this didn't entirely work for me because of the stubbornness of Delilah. For starters, Sam has got to be not only one of the worst characters I've met but one of the worst siblings I've met. I have an older brother, and I don't think I'd ever put a stupid act like the one Sam did. When she got back, I found her "claiming" statement of Macon ridiculous, especially because everyone was much older now. I also rolled my eyes every time she spoke. Every page she was in got on my nerves, especially when she would say "Well, I brought it back now." when Delilah would call her out on leaving and taking the watch. She was overall annoying and immature. I'm surprised Delilah acted the way she did with her since they were children. As far as I can tell, Sam was also rude, and her immaturity seemed never to disappear. But it wasn't Sam that made the story drag for me. It was how stubborn Delilah was after everything.
Being her sister, I understand how she was taking her side, but also, how and why could you after everything? Delilah kept saying how difficult it could be to take her side after finding out the truth, but she continued doing it when she got the chance. She gave her a month to come back, and if she didn't, she would tell him that she called. I couldn't understand why Delilah was so worked upon not telling Macon that she called. Wasn't it about her since the start?
Not much of how she felt towards her sister changed until the very end, and it was upsetting to see this because a change before would have shown her strong character development. But there Delilah was, tracing her steps and covering up for them since she was little, even when she called herself out for it.
Not only that, but her stubbornness grew page after page, if I'm honest. It wasn't until the story ended that I had enough of her character and grew very annoyed, especially when Sam came back and saw Delilah and Macon together. Specifically, this:
I let out a long breath. “This is getting us nowhere. I need to clear my head. I can’t do that with you around.”
“All right. I’ll just get my things. I can stay with my mother.”
Get her things? “You’re leaving?”
A little wrinkle forms between her brows. “You said you need space. I’m giving it to you. What did you expect me to do?”
I expected her to leave me alone for a while until I calmed down, not move out. I expected her to fight, not walk away. To pick me—us.
“Besides,” she says, walking toward the bedroom door. “There are things that I need to discuss with my sister.”
I see red. Admittedly, Sam has become a trigger for me. “You’re going with her?”
Delilah pauses long enough to catch sight of my expression. “[...] I lied for her and caused you pain. You want space. Yes, Macon, I’m going to talk to my sister.”
Of course, Macon, being mad as he is about what happened that led to this conversation, tells her to go. Does he want her to go? Of course not.
But of course, that's how Delilah takes it.
Tears blur my vision. He kicked me out. That hurt most of all. I’d gotten out of his room as fast as I could so he wouldn’t see me fall apart.
Girl, no, he fucking didn't. He needed space! SPAAAAACE!!!!!! You're the one who told him you're leaving. What bothers me more about this is how when Delilah needed space, Macon would gladly give it to her. Such as after Sam told Delilah the truth, he wanted to go up to her because she knew she would be crying and upset, but he knew she needed space too, so he gave it to her as he spoke with Sam. But Delilah assumed that Macon, being in love as he is with Delilah, thought he needed to leave the house because he needed space. Space. SPACE. S P A C E. HE NEEDED A MOMENT TO THINK. Goodness gracious, girly got on my nerves after this.
Not only that, but after Delilah realized she basically fucked up, she, of course, had a talk with her sister and finally called her immature and told her to grow up. She went back to Macon's house, and of course, the two made up. This was literally 97% in the book, so it was rushing at this point.
And that epilogue? After all of that fucking drama? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? It didn't make it better. It made it worse for me, to be honest. I would have expected a cute and happy moment between the two characters, like a "months later" sort of epilogue. But nah, it was an epilogue with the letters Delilah wrote in her diary when she was young. Sure, it allowed us a glimpse of what happened in the past in Delilah's pov, but it still didn't make the story better because of how rushed it felt. There could have been more incorporated.
Overall, Dear Enemy had potential, but I clearly missed it. I still want to read this author's other work, and I hope they make up for this one.
“You ever come to a crossroads in your life? When you think you have everything figured out, and then you realize you know nothing? And you have no clue which way to go from there?”
April 8, 2020
3.5 stars ✧
did i read this instead of writing my 20-page paper? yes. yes i did. pls don't judge.
i couldn't help it ok?? there were just so many cute moments here that i couldn't stop reading ugh. and the fact that the MCs have known each other since childhood and were always enemies, and 10 years later the H is now a famous actor and the h has to work for him as an assistant/chef to repay her sister's debts to the H?
... hell YES
and you know what, after reading a few books from the hangmen series, i really needed this lighthearted book.
↠ characters
i loved both Delilah (h) and Macon (H) but i loved Macon waaay more. i never really connected with Delilah and i have no idea why that is. i don't know how to explain it but Macon just had that oomph that Delilah didn't have. and, im always gonna praise this but MACON AIN'T A MAN HO. thank you jesus.
the MCs were both cute and i loved the bickering, HOWEVER, and this is really weird, i just wish Macon was a tiny bit more mean? his present self was charming and cute but not gonna lie here, his past self was way more interesting than his present self and i guess i was in the mood for more angst cuz everything was a little too easy here. i just needed to see more of the enemies to lovers but the "enemies" part here seemed too light and it was just foreplay.
↠ OW drama (spoilers)
i was a bit weirded out from the beginning when i found out Sam (h's sister) and Macon were childhood "bf/gf" where they dated for years.
im so tired of sibling double-dipping OK? it gives me after forever or something in the way vibes and i fucking hated those books with a passion. but apparently these two were only faking their relationship and he only used her because he was bored. to be honest, i don't even know if these two were even intimate when they were dating in high school because there were barely any details but it was inferred they were more friends or partners in crime.
i feel like ms. Callihan deliberately made Sam and Macon's "relationship" vague cuz she KNOWS there would be a riot if there were details about their sexual relationship in the past (if they were even sexual in the first place).
there's also a scene where H goes on a date with OW but it was for PR. he thought about sleeping with her because he thought the h would never like him and he had to get over her but he couldn't stop thinking about Delilah. i didn't really care about this cuz, again, he aint a ho and it literally lasted just a few pages just to create a drama. nothing major.
* * *
i loved the beginning of this BEFORE the MCs got together cuz the slow burn, sexual tension, and banter was just *chef's kiss* but all in all this was just meh but in a good way. the drama at the end was kind of weird and unnecessary tho but i guess it was just there to solve the whole Sam situaion and to add a little angst.
but if i had a sibling like Sam? well let's just say im ready to hand out my bitch slaps.
did i read this instead of writing my 20-page paper? yes. yes i did. pls don't judge.
i couldn't help it ok?? there were just so many cute moments here that i couldn't stop reading ugh. and the fact that the MCs have known each other since childhood and were always enemies, and 10 years later the H is now a famous actor and the h has to work for him as an assistant/chef to repay her sister's debts to the H?
... hell YES
and you know what, after reading a few books from the hangmen series, i really needed this lighthearted book.
↠ characters
i loved both Delilah (h) and Macon (H) but i loved Macon waaay more. i never really connected with Delilah and i have no idea why that is. i don't know how to explain it but Macon just had that oomph that Delilah didn't have. and, im always gonna praise this but MACON AIN'T A MAN HO. thank you jesus.
the MCs were both cute and i loved the bickering, HOWEVER, and this is really weird, i just wish Macon was a tiny bit more mean? his present self was charming and cute but not gonna lie here, his past self was way more interesting than his present self and i guess i was in the mood for more angst cuz everything was a little too easy here. i just needed to see more of the enemies to lovers but the "enemies" part here seemed too light and it was just foreplay.
↠ OW drama (spoilers)
i was a bit weirded out from the beginning when i found out Sam (h's sister) and Macon were childhood "bf/gf" where they dated for years.
"...Sam was safe, Delilah. She didn't ask questions, and she didn't really want to get to know me. I was a loner stuck in the role of town charmer. Sam suited my purposes because she played the part of devoted girlfriend and kept people from getting too close. That's all."
im so tired of sibling double-dipping OK? it gives me after forever or something in the way vibes and i fucking hated those books with a passion. but apparently these two were only faking their relationship and he only used her because he was bored. to be honest, i don't even know if these two were even intimate when they were dating in high school because there were barely any details but it was inferred they were more friends or partners in crime.
i feel like ms. Callihan deliberately made Sam and Macon's "relationship" vague cuz she KNOWS there would be a riot if there were details about their sexual relationship in the past (if they were even sexual in the first place).
there's also a scene where H goes on a date with OW but it was for PR. he thought about sleeping with her because he thought the h would never like him and he had to get over her but he couldn't stop thinking about Delilah. i didn't really care about this cuz, again, he aint a ho and it literally lasted just a few pages just to create a drama. nothing major.
* * *
i loved the beginning of this BEFORE the MCs got together cuz the slow burn, sexual tension, and banter was just *chef's kiss* but all in all this was just meh but in a good way. the drama at the end was kind of weird and unnecessary tho but i guess it was just there to solve the whole Sam situaion and to add a little angst.
but if i had a sibling like Sam? well let's just say im ready to hand out my bitch slaps.
June 9, 2020
Before:
He dated her sister.* UGH.
If (I'm hopeless like that) it's another sibling double dipping, this gets 1 star. I'm really tired of them.
It's not freaking romance when your "forever" has been with your sister. Okay? Okay.
After:
It's far worse than I thought. They were childhood sweethearts. “An on-again, off-again couple throughout middle school and high school.”
“He was Samantha’s beau.”
Her sister was also his only girlfriend. That makes the heroine his second girlfriend. He dated twice in his life and he went from one sister to another. I'm dying of romance here. Too many feels, send help. #sarcasm
I guess, the fact that Sam was an a-hole should have helped? With a sister like that everything is legit?
Well, the heroine still loves her sister, so this means only fun family dinners ahead.
I'm disgusted.
In my defence, that's not the only problem I had with this book, but it's enough.
*Adding the blurb in case it changes:
As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.
Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.
Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.
Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.
It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.
He dated her sister.* UGH.
If (I'm hopeless like that) it's another sibling double dipping, this gets 1 star. I'm really tired of them.
It's not freaking romance when your "forever" has been with your sister. Okay? Okay.
After:
It's far worse than I thought. They were childhood sweethearts. “An on-again, off-again couple throughout middle school and high school.”
“He was Samantha’s beau.”
I hate the term beau. It sounds so old fashioned, but there’s also something so much more to it than boyfriend—a solidity, a sense of time and history. It makes me cringe.
Her sister was also his only girlfriend. That makes the heroine his second girlfriend. He dated twice in his life and he went from one sister to another. I'm dying of romance here. Too many feels, send help. #sarcasm
I guess, the fact that Sam was an a-hole should have helped? With a sister like that everything is legit?
Well, the heroine still loves her sister, so this means only fun family dinners ahead.
I'm disgusted.
In my defence, that's not the only problem I had with this book, but it's enough.
*Adding the blurb in case it changes:
As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.
Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.
Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.
Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.
It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.
Shelved as 'blurb-not-appealing'
April 2, 2020The heroine sounds TSTL even in the blurb. Why would you offer to pay off the debt of your evil sister? Why? Let her deal with it and its consequences. I hate heroines that put themselves into the position of a victim so willingly for people who do not deserve their sacrifice.
November 8, 2022
3.5 stars
In the beginning I was super excited and thought “wow this is going to be one of my new favorites”.
I felt like this till I reached the 80-90% mark. Up into that point, the quotes, the emotions, the relationship and the overall chemistry that was built up was A+.
I fell in love with Macon and Delilah and was rooting for them. They shared so many things about their past, apologized and in my opinion got together and the exactly correct moment.
There was just enough resisting that it wasn’t considered “miscommunication” and the first kiss scene made me scream out loud.
After that it all went a little downhill in my opinion. I really disliked how the book ended, not just bc the plot went bad but also because it was unnecessary and because it felt like some things were just thrown in there because they had to be solved somehow.
I thought it was a bit too quick and a very abrupt ending to a really really good book and I was disappointed.
I still overall thought that this book is good and has a great amount of serious issues mentioned but I just wish that the ending could have been better.
In the beginning I was super excited and thought “wow this is going to be one of my new favorites”.
I felt like this till I reached the 80-90% mark. Up into that point, the quotes, the emotions, the relationship and the overall chemistry that was built up was A+.
I fell in love with Macon and Delilah and was rooting for them. They shared so many things about their past, apologized and in my opinion got together and the exactly correct moment.
There was just enough resisting that it wasn’t considered “miscommunication” and the first kiss scene made me scream out loud.
After that it all went a little downhill in my opinion. I really disliked how the book ended, not just bc the plot went bad but also because it was unnecessary and because it felt like some things were just thrown in there because they had to be solved somehow.
I thought it was a bit too quick and a very abrupt ending to a really really good book and I was disappointed.
I still overall thought that this book is good and has a great amount of serious issues mentioned but I just wish that the ending could have been better.
December 28, 2020
4 stars
This was such a great enemies to lovers story. The banter was fantastic and I adored this couple.
Delilah and Macon grew up together and they were each others nemesis. Now they're adults and it's been over ten years since they've seen each other. Now they're back in each others lives, much to Delilah's contempt. Delilah is working for Macon. And the more time they spend with one another, the more Delilah realizes they may not hate each other at all.
There was so much I loved about this book. I could have done without the sister drama at the end, but overall it was a fun, fast-paced romance! On a side note, the female narrator for this one was incredible.
This was such a great enemies to lovers story. The banter was fantastic and I adored this couple.
Delilah and Macon grew up together and they were each others nemesis. Now they're adults and it's been over ten years since they've seen each other. Now they're back in each others lives, much to Delilah's contempt. Delilah is working for Macon. And the more time they spend with one another, the more Delilah realizes they may not hate each other at all.
There was so much I loved about this book. I could have done without the sister drama at the end, but overall it was a fun, fast-paced romance! On a side note, the female narrator for this one was incredible.
Audio book source: Audible (purchased)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Sebastian York and Maxine Mitchell
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11 hours and 52 minutes
September 29, 2021
4 Penance for My Misdeeds Stars ⭐
I’m the reader that avoids bully romances. Because who in their right mind would fall in love with an asshole that has tormented them enough to leave scars? Therefore, it was always going to be hit or miss with Dear Enemy. However, it’s safe to say that this was light enough not to send me over, and realistic enough for me to understand forgiveness.
The second she walked back into my life, I became aware of two uncomfortable but undeniable facts: I am lonely as hell, and Delilah Baker feels like home.
Delilah is a girl that was relieved to put adolescence behind her. Now a successful chef, and finally comfortable in her own skin; the past is now the past. Yet it takes one call for all her insecurities to rise to the surface. A deadbeat sister that’s put her into a compromising position, right into her tormentors’ path.
Among a bouquet of perfect roses, Delilah is much like her namesake flower—unexpectedly vivid and complex—making you realize that roses are boring in comparison.
Macon Saint has many regrets. The biggest being Delilah. Although she was never aware of his childhood situation, he used her as a target for all his animosity and frustration. Fast forward 10 years and she is now in his home. What starts as a power move, has him well and truly back in his place. Groveling for forgiveness.
Her blatant disdain and attitude is such a relief. It is fresh air. I need to breathe it in deep or suffocate. Or maybe it’s just the devil you know.
I felt that this book was so much more than a bully romance. There were enough confrontations for their issues not to be glossed over but also tender moments when they laid themselves bare. The slow build made it realistic as these two had serious trust issues that needed to be resolved. Yet their fantastic banter gave you hope through it all. I’m glad I put my reservations aside and read this.
I’m the reader that avoids bully romances. Because who in their right mind would fall in love with an asshole that has tormented them enough to leave scars? Therefore, it was always going to be hit or miss with Dear Enemy. However, it’s safe to say that this was light enough not to send me over, and realistic enough for me to understand forgiveness.
The second she walked back into my life, I became aware of two uncomfortable but undeniable facts: I am lonely as hell, and Delilah Baker feels like home.
Delilah is a girl that was relieved to put adolescence behind her. Now a successful chef, and finally comfortable in her own skin; the past is now the past. Yet it takes one call for all her insecurities to rise to the surface. A deadbeat sister that’s put her into a compromising position, right into her tormentors’ path.
Among a bouquet of perfect roses, Delilah is much like her namesake flower—unexpectedly vivid and complex—making you realize that roses are boring in comparison.
Macon Saint has many regrets. The biggest being Delilah. Although she was never aware of his childhood situation, he used her as a target for all his animosity and frustration. Fast forward 10 years and she is now in his home. What starts as a power move, has him well and truly back in his place. Groveling for forgiveness.
Her blatant disdain and attitude is such a relief. It is fresh air. I need to breathe it in deep or suffocate. Or maybe it’s just the devil you know.
I felt that this book was so much more than a bully romance. There were enough confrontations for their issues not to be glossed over but also tender moments when they laid themselves bare. The slow build made it realistic as these two had serious trust issues that needed to be resolved. Yet their fantastic banter gave you hope through it all. I’m glad I put my reservations aside and read this.
February 27, 2020
This is pure enemies-to-lover magic. A sexy and compelling romance that explores the fine line between love and hate. Utterly addictive. I couldn’t put it down!
March 21, 2022
This was a fun, fluffy read but add a lil spice. Nothing too special but cute!
April 23, 2020
⭐3.5 - 4 stars ⭐
If you're looking for a cute, entertaining quarantine read, look no further!
I think I waited too long to write a proper review for this book, so this will probably be a messy one..
Dear Enemy is a sweet, fast paced contemporary romance novel, with an enemy to lovers trope (one of my favourites). The characters are in their twenties (which is always a plus for me), and the book alternates between present time and flashbacks, as well as point of views.
I definitely liked the slow burn romance, and that none of the characters just "rolled over" for the other. The whole "my sisters ex-boyfriend" trope is one I definitely though I wouldn't like, but Kristen Callihan found a good way to implement it in the story without it being too "disturbing".
I did have some problems with the book, the first being that the final half of the book felt unfinished, and the story felt quite inconsistent. All in all it's a well written book, but since this is one of my favourite romance authors, I really expected more.
If you're looking for a cute, entertaining quarantine read, look no further!
I think I waited too long to write a proper review for this book, so this will probably be a messy one..
Dear Enemy is a sweet, fast paced contemporary romance novel, with an enemy to lovers trope (one of my favourites). The characters are in their twenties (which is always a plus for me), and the book alternates between present time and flashbacks, as well as point of views.
“A lady friend once told me that when a woman wears red lipstick to meet a man, it’s for two possible reasons. Either she wants him to fuck her, or she wants to tell him to fuck off.”
I definitely liked the slow burn romance, and that none of the characters just "rolled over" for the other. The whole "my sisters ex-boyfriend" trope is one I definitely though I wouldn't like, but Kristen Callihan found a good way to implement it in the story without it being too "disturbing".
“Too bad emotions don’t listen to orders.”
I did have some problems with the book, the first being that the final half of the book felt unfinished, and the story felt quite inconsistent. All in all it's a well written book, but since this is one of my favourite romance authors, I really expected more.
March 30, 2020
4 - 4,5 STARS
Such a lovely story, I enjoyed it so much!It was addictive and I couldn't put it down, one of the things that I liked the most was the banter between the characters!
Dear Enemy was a fantastic read, it has the best enemies to lovers set up!I was captivating , the writing was so good that you will fall in love immediately with the characters and you will not put it down until you finish it!
Delilah and Macon has a great chemistry there is angst, intensity, desire and love hate.I love their moments together they make me ach and swoon so many times.I also has a smile in my face mostly, these two were like kids sometimes and I loved it!
“Delilah. We react to each other like the vinegar-and-baking-soda experiments we used to do in science class as kids. Even now she brings out the immature ass in me. But the second she walked back into my life, I became aware of two uncomfortable but undeniable facts: I am lonely as hell, and Delilah Baker feels like home.”
I highly recommend it, I love this author and I missed her writing, I cannot wait for more books by her, I would love to see another book in this world with a specific character .<3
Such a lovely story, I enjoyed it so much!It was addictive and I couldn't put it down, one of the things that I liked the most was the banter between the characters!
Dear Enemy was a fantastic read, it has the best enemies to lovers set up!I was captivating , the writing was so good that you will fall in love immediately with the characters and you will not put it down until you finish it!
Delilah and Macon has a great chemistry there is angst, intensity, desire and love hate.I love their moments together they make me ach and swoon so many times.I also has a smile in my face mostly, these two were like kids sometimes and I loved it!
“Delilah. We react to each other like the vinegar-and-baking-soda experiments we used to do in science class as kids. Even now she brings out the immature ass in me. But the second she walked back into my life, I became aware of two uncomfortable but undeniable facts: I am lonely as hell, and Delilah Baker feels like home.”
I highly recommend it, I love this author and I missed her writing, I cannot wait for more books by her, I would love to see another book in this world with a specific character .<3
April 19, 2020
*****FIVE STARS*****
I'm a Kristen Callihan fan to the end!
Loved this enemies-to-lovers romance.
Macon and Delilah had explosive chemistry, it made this story such a winner!
I'm a Kristen Callihan fan to the end!
Loved this enemies-to-lovers romance.
Macon and Delilah had explosive chemistry, it made this story such a winner!
March 30, 2020
TITLE: DEAR ENEMY
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2020
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Hollywood
RATING: 4.5 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
THIS! This is why I love reading and this is what has been missing for me lately. The feeling of excitement, being unable to put the book down just to go pee. Yeah, I'm going there people. DEAR ENEMY is a flawlessly executed enemies-to-lovers romance that follows a sassy heroine and a brooding hero with lots of humor, emotions and a pinch of angst to keep it interesting.
Macon was the perfect hero - growing up he was a real jerk to Delilah but there are just enough hints to give the reader an inkling that this isn't just pure malice, that there is something cooking we aren't privy to yet. Over the course of the story I fell in love with Macon's kindness, his thoughts about Delilah and how he opened up to her about his childhood and youth.
Delilah is pretty. Quietly pretty. She will never be the first person everyone looks at when entering a room. Especially not in LA, where beautiful women bloom like flowers in a well-tended garden. But among a bouquet of perfect roses, Delilah is much like her namesake flower—unexpectedly vivid and complex—making you realize that roses are boring in comparison.
He seemed so self-confident, so larger-than-life on the outside that no one bothered to look what's behind the facade.
With Delilah I got one of my favorite heroines - sassy, snarky, smart, deeply loyal and adaptive. A person who keeps the hero on his toes, who listens and learns, who makes mistakes and knows how to say sorry and how to forgive. And there was a lot to forgive when it came to Macon - he really was the worst and total punk as a teenager. For Delilah it wasn't the grudge that was hard to get over though but her insecurities that Macon caused and they would flare up frequently. Macon's openness and his true remorse helped her to get over it though and earned him her absolute trust. He didn't let up when he realized that it was his childhood enemy he wanted and went after her with every tool in his repertoire.
"Did I take advantage? Yeah, I did. But it was never about control or payback. It was the only way I knew I could be close to you. We parted with so much hate and hurt between us. I wanted a chance to get to know who you are now. For me to show you who I am.”
I also loved Delilah for her steadfastness, her loyalty, her unshakable love for her sister although she wasn't blind to Sam's many flaws (boy, did I hate her). Both of the main characters experienced immense growth that left me completely satisfied in the end.
"You're killing me, Tot. I don't know whether I'm coming or going with you."
The stalker aspect of the story was a prominent part of the story and I expected a showdown which I was deprived of. It wasn't a big deal and didn't take away from my enjoyment but I thought this could have been handled a liiittle bit better. I loved the food references, the way Delilah expressed herself with food, how she told stories and experiences through it. This was so well done.
I'm a huge fan of Kristen Callihan's writing - I loved every single book I read by her in the past. She writes with heart and humor, her heroines and heroes are always strong, people who seem real with all their flaws but still so darn likable. DEAR ENEMY falls right into this category. I'm now looking forward to what she has next in store for us. Maybe we get a book about North, Macon's awesome bodyguard? I think he deserves a HEA.
"I'm going to love you, Macon Saint. So long and so hard you're not going to remember what it feels like to be without love."
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
April 1, 2020I'm not rating this one, because generally my DNF rule of thumb is, unless the read is heinous, I will only rate if I made it more than halfway into the book. And I tapped out of this one just shy of 40%. But it's worth noting this is a favourite author and I wanted out after 20%, and had concerns after the first few flashback/past event chapters, so. Be aware of that.
My issue with DEAR ENEMY is more than just in the continuity or inconsistencies (which, fair, could be corrected between now, March third, and the release, March thirty-first). The origin of this pairing begins when they are young, pre-teen or so, and how they meet again ten years after highschool. It's one of those hate-to-love romances where the premise is setting things up one way at the get-go and we seem to be finding things are maybe not as they may seem later on. Someone has secrets, I imagine we'll find there were reasons why certain people behaved in certain ways and they will be forgiven for it, and oh hey, there was always this big connection between them, despite the fact that he dated her sister for other reasons, and blah blah.
I honestly didn't have time for this.
Delilah enters into some BatB-esque servitude to work off her shady sister's debt with Macon and the homage to the fairytale was pretty loose in some sense and also it felt like one entire scene was lifted from the movie. I'm not against retellings, in fact JT Geissinger's BURN FOR YOU followed along those lines and worked really well for me, amongst other retellings, but between everything else..? I just can't get on with the characters. Things seem to be moving along fairly predictably, too, with certain interactions between the main protags and I'm just bored.
I'm used to a lot of complexity from his author, or at least a lot of fun, and this feels very surface level and, if I'm being honest, a little tired. Maybe it would've improved along the way, I've seen some positive early reviews, but at this point I don't have the energy to invest in hoping it would turn around.
Based on the first 40%? This would've been a 1.5 for me.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
My issue with DEAR ENEMY is more than just in the continuity or inconsistencies (which, fair, could be corrected between now, March third, and the release, March thirty-first). The origin of this pairing begins when they are young, pre-teen or so, and how they meet again ten years after highschool. It's one of those hate-to-love romances where the premise is setting things up one way at the get-go and we seem to be finding things are maybe not as they may seem later on. Someone has secrets, I imagine we'll find there were reasons why certain people behaved in certain ways and they will be forgiven for it, and oh hey, there was always this big connection between them, despite the fact that he dated her sister for other reasons, and blah blah.
I honestly didn't have time for this.
Delilah enters into some BatB-esque servitude to work off her shady sister's debt with Macon and the homage to the fairytale was pretty loose in some sense and also it felt like one entire scene was lifted from the movie. I'm not against retellings, in fact JT Geissinger's BURN FOR YOU followed along those lines and worked really well for me, amongst other retellings, but between everything else..? I just can't get on with the characters. Things seem to be moving along fairly predictably, too, with certain interactions between the main protags and I'm just bored.
I'm used to a lot of complexity from his author, or at least a lot of fun, and this feels very surface level and, if I'm being honest, a little tired. Maybe it would've improved along the way, I've seen some positive early reviews, but at this point I don't have the energy to invest in hoping it would turn around.
Based on the first 40%? This would've been a 1.5 for me.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
April 29, 2020
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was cute! The last book I read was rather heavy, so this was a fun one to jump into. I liked their banter, I liked their chemistry, and I liked the overall premise. I did, however, want a glimpse into their future and an actual HEA! I know I am picky when it comes to what I consider a HEA and what is not, but I definitely was left frustrated at the end of this one!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Delilah and Macon’s story. They grew up together and Delilah was always a third wheel along with Macon and her sister. They butted heads all through their childhood and fought all the time. When after ten years of not seeing each other, Delilah is shocked when she receives a text message from Macon about something her sister did to him. Delilah rushes to fix whatever mess her sister has made and ends up agreeing to be Macon’s new assistant and chef. The more time they spend together, the more the sparks fly and truths are revealed...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Delilah and Macon’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, definitely a hate-to-love type situation.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Macon. I liked him. I thought he made up for his past behavior with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Delilah. I liked her. I appreciated her loyalty and sass.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No, once they get together they pretty much stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn’t have nearly enough closure for me! While it did have a cute epilogue, I wanted much, much more! I would call this a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was cute! The last book I read was rather heavy, so this was a fun one to jump into. I liked their banter, I liked their chemistry, and I liked the overall premise. I did, however, want a glimpse into their future and an actual HEA! I know I am picky when it comes to what I consider a HEA and what is not, but I definitely was left frustrated at the end of this one!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Delilah and Macon’s story. They grew up together and Delilah was always a third wheel along with Macon and her sister. They butted heads all through their childhood and fought all the time. When after ten years of not seeing each other, Delilah is shocked when she receives a text message from Macon about something her sister did to him. Delilah rushes to fix whatever mess her sister has made and ends up agreeing to be Macon’s new assistant and chef. The more time they spend together, the more the sparks fly and truths are revealed...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Delilah and Macon’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, definitely a hate-to-love type situation.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Macon. I liked him. I thought he made up for his past behavior with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Delilah. I liked her. I appreciated her loyalty and sass.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No, once they get together they pretty much stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn’t have nearly enough closure for me! While it did have a cute epilogue, I wanted much, much more! I would call this a HFN ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
March 24, 2021
I'm crying tears of joy rn
That this book is finally fucking over
Amen. Hallelujah. God Bless. Praise be. Have I ever been so bored in my life?
That this book is finally fucking over
Amen. Hallelujah. God Bless. Praise be. Have I ever been so bored in my life?
March 30, 2020
I am so sad I didn’t love this one more, since I adore Kristen Callihan and her books. The hero got on my nerves too much, and while he did grow on me by the end, I was still thinking of the awful things he did to the heroine growing up. (It doesn’t help that the epilogue literally reminds us of what he did... which did not endear him to me.) I thought his reasons for bullying her and being with her sister were so weak. A couple of the interesting plot points (like the heroine’s runaway sister, the stalkers, and the hero’s dad) became anticlimactic and didn’t wrap up in a satisfying way. I did love the foodie aspect of this romance though, which we surprisingly got a lot more of than the hero’s Hollywood background. I think Kristen Callihan is publishing another book with Montlake and I’m hoping I’ll enjoy that one more!
March 8, 2020
Ahhhh! Anyone who knows me knows that enemies to lovers is my form of kindle crack. I legit die for the animosity, the banter and the hate. YES. The Hate. There is something about the intense and edgy emotions in a love-hate relationship that I die for. And Dear Enemy has alllll of this and more!!! Kristen Callihan delivered something amazing y'all and she is taking allll the names! Lord, I loved Dear Enemy! Macon and Delilah were #BanterGoals!! I was so here for all of the fiery sexual tension, the spitfire back and forth and the witty comebacks.
Gah!! I loved these two together so much. They were passionate and addicting and I was here for it! I might love Delilah's sass more than Macon. She was cutting and sarcastic and laugh out loud funny at times. Macon likewise was the perfect combination of a bully and a vulnerable man who lost his way. But with Delilah back in his life, he found a sense of home that he always needed.
Overall, I loved this story! I loved their back and forth and how they needed to overcome their past in order to find a future with one another. It was amazing how they both realized how ingrained they were in one another since they were kids. I loved every minute of this fiery ride! 5 stars! ~Ratula
***
HO-LEE chemistry.
Holy sensual, sparky, scintillating chemistry.
The chemistry between Delilah and Macon was so strong, I could feel it even when they were firmly in enemy camps. Their relationship is so skillfully written that the inner longing was evident even as the "banter" was decidedly antagonistic. As Ms. Callihan began peeling the layers back on these two, my heart started skipping beats, my breath started coming in excited little bursts, and I was lost to them completely.
So. much. delicious. chemistry.
All that said, it took me a bit to warm up to the story. Enemies to lovers is hit-or-miss for me - but that wasn't really the issue here. I struggled with the whole set-up. It seemed a little...unrealistic to me. It unfolded very quickly and I had to tell my mind to settle down and go with the flow when it kept wanting to raise an eyebrow over how things were playing out. I'm so glad I stuck with it because the payoff was incredible. The second half of the book was stronger than the first half for me, but the whole package was some kind of incredible emotional experience.
There were little twists I didn't see coming. There were emotional punches that left me feeling raw and aching. There were steamy scenes that literally set my heart to racing. There was a sweetness that I did not expect, and romantic, emotional depth that filled my heart to bursting. I expect nothing less than this sort of smartly written, masterfully told story from this author, and by the time I turned the last page, I wasn't even close to letting Delilah and Macon go. Loved them. Loved this. And now I am left hoping that there may be more stories to be told in this world because I am all in! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
Gah!! I loved these two together so much. They were passionate and addicting and I was here for it! I might love Delilah's sass more than Macon. She was cutting and sarcastic and laugh out loud funny at times. Macon likewise was the perfect combination of a bully and a vulnerable man who lost his way. But with Delilah back in his life, he found a sense of home that he always needed.
Overall, I loved this story! I loved their back and forth and how they needed to overcome their past in order to find a future with one another. It was amazing how they both realized how ingrained they were in one another since they were kids. I loved every minute of this fiery ride! 5 stars! ~Ratula
***
HO-LEE chemistry.
Holy sensual, sparky, scintillating chemistry.
The chemistry between Delilah and Macon was so strong, I could feel it even when they were firmly in enemy camps. Their relationship is so skillfully written that the inner longing was evident even as the "banter" was decidedly antagonistic. As Ms. Callihan began peeling the layers back on these two, my heart started skipping beats, my breath started coming in excited little bursts, and I was lost to them completely.
So. much. delicious. chemistry.
All that said, it took me a bit to warm up to the story. Enemies to lovers is hit-or-miss for me - but that wasn't really the issue here. I struggled with the whole set-up. It seemed a little...unrealistic to me. It unfolded very quickly and I had to tell my mind to settle down and go with the flow when it kept wanting to raise an eyebrow over how things were playing out. I'm so glad I stuck with it because the payoff was incredible. The second half of the book was stronger than the first half for me, but the whole package was some kind of incredible emotional experience.
There were little twists I didn't see coming. There were emotional punches that left me feeling raw and aching. There were steamy scenes that literally set my heart to racing. There was a sweetness that I did not expect, and romantic, emotional depth that filled my heart to bursting. I expect nothing less than this sort of smartly written, masterfully told story from this author, and by the time I turned the last page, I wasn't even close to letting Delilah and Macon go. Loved them. Loved this. And now I am left hoping that there may be more stories to be told in this world because I am all in! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
September 13, 2023
4.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Los Angeles, California now, grew up in North Carolina
Publication date ~ March 31, 2020
Page Count ~ 393 (32 chapter s+ p&e)
Audio length ~11 hours 52 minutes
Narrators ~ Maxine Mitchell, Sebastian York
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ celebrity, chef, childhood enemies due to bullying, enemies to lovers, slow burn, some steamage
*older read mini review*
Delilah & Macon went to school together and didn't get along. Now it's 10 years later and they see each other again when Delilah's sister, Samantha, has stolen something from him. BTW ~ he and Samantha dated in HS.
I'm not always a fan of enemies to lovers, but I loved it with these two. Flashbacks paint the childhood bullying picture. Top notch banter. Slow build up to the steamage. So happy there was dual POV.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Los Angeles, California now, grew up in North Carolina
Publication date ~ March 31, 2020
Page Count ~ 393 (32 chapter s+ p&e)
Audio length ~11 hours 52 minutes
Narrators ~ Maxine Mitchell, Sebastian York
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ celebrity, chef, childhood enemies due to bullying, enemies to lovers, slow burn, some steamage
*older read mini review*
Delilah & Macon went to school together and didn't get along. Now it's 10 years later and they see each other again when Delilah's sister, Samantha, has stolen something from him. BTW ~ he and Samantha dated in HS.
I'm not always a fan of enemies to lovers, but I loved it with these two. Flashbacks paint the childhood bullying picture. Top notch banter. Slow build up to the steamage. So happy there was dual POV.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
April 9, 2020
This is a sad day. I was so excited for this book, cause I loved Managed and Outmatched by Samantha Young and Miss Callihan.
– SPOILER WARNING: This review contains spoilers for Dear Enemy as well as Vicious by L.J. Shen, so read with caution.
Objectively this book is not bad, but it was so bad for me. As some might know, Vicious is one of my favorite enemies to lovers stories. Unfortunately, Dear Enemy for some parts read like a watered-down Vicious 2.0 rip off. Both of them bullied their love interest, the girl leaves the town for one reason or another, 10 years later the pair reunited and the girl works for the guy.
Abusive father and dead mother??? Hello again... I am reading the wrong book or what?
Macon is mean, but not really mean. Maybe he is funny, I don't know, I didn't find anything he says particularly funny but who knows, maybe it's not my type of humour. 😅 There was absolutely NOTHING about him that really stood out.
Delilah was a bit more memorable, but in a bad way. How she always stood up for her sister who didn't deserve it. I was slightly annoyed with her. Macon and Delilah's banter was okay, but not very entertaining, which was a disappointment. Their bickering consisted of Delilah calling him different names with "ass". Their romance was very slow-burn and stale.
Speaking of Delilah's evil sisters. Oh my god! Sam was so annoying. Besides the "dated-my-sister"-trope this book had, Sam was such a constant throughout this whole book without even appearing much. I lost count on how many times it was mentioned that Sam and Macon were high school sweethearts and dated each other through their childhood. Samantha was mentioned every other page. Delilah and Macon reminded her so many times. Either because she's the reason why Delilah has to work for Macon. Both the hero and Heroine describe how awful Sam was. It was getting on my nerves how much screen time Sam got. JUST 👏 SHUT 👏 UP 👏. Even if I wanted to forget that Macon dated Sam for years and bullied Delilah, they wouldn't let me forget it.
Bad sibling relationship is one of the worst things in books. I absolutely can't stand it. Why was Sam mean to Delilah you're asking? Well, jealousy... she was jealous cuz she thought their parents loved Del more than her. Yup it's that dumb. I just wanted to punch Sam straight in the face and Delilah for being such a doormat when it comes to her sister. Hero-complex at its worst.
Did I mention that this book has like no plot? I don't even mind it if it's not plot driven, but the romance is not doing the work, the drama is not doing it for me. So the plot has to do it, but there was none. There was an interesting storyline with Macon's stalker, but that went nowhere. At the end of the book it was just mentioned that the Stalker died. Whew, cased closed. Goodbye. Tell me what was the point of the stalker plot line? I don't understand it.
What was good about the book? I enjoyed all the food references. It made me hungry and now I feel like baking some sweets. Delilah and Sam's mother was also a character I liked. Ohh and North, Macon bodyguard was likeable as well, their friendship was cute.
If you have read Vicious and thought the hero there was too cruel you might like this book, because of the watered down version, but it was not for me. Dear Enemy will go down as one of the most disappointing books for 2020.
– 1.75 stars
– SPOILER WARNING: This review contains spoilers for Dear Enemy as well as Vicious by L.J. Shen, so read with caution.
Objectively this book is not bad, but it was so bad for me. As some might know, Vicious is one of my favorite enemies to lovers stories. Unfortunately, Dear Enemy for some parts read like a watered-down Vicious 2.0 rip off. Both of them bullied their love interest, the girl leaves the town for one reason or another, 10 years later the pair reunited and the girl works for the guy.
“All those years, from the very first, you always seemed to know exactly what made me tick, and I swore you could see my every weakness. I assumed that somehow you knew I’d been beaten. It was so humiliating that I’d lashed out. I hated you because I thought you saw my shame. I thought you saw it every time you looked at me.”Macon bullied Delilah for that reason. For anyone who has read Vicious.. does that ring any bell?
“He knew better. You know the sad thing? She was divorcing him when she died. I found the papers. He hadn’t yet signed.” We’re both silent for a moment. My throat is thick and sore, the need to give him a big hug fairly strong. But I stay still. “I’m sorry, Macon. I’m sorry the wrong parent left you and the shitty one keeps finding ways to hurt you.”
Abusive father and dead mother??? Hello again... I am reading the wrong book or what?
This pretty, happy girl on her bike had everything I wanted: a sister, parents who loved her. She belonged in the world, and I didn’t. Rage choked me, thick as grits sliding off a hot spoon. Stupid boy. Lazy, disrespectful little shit.
I hated that you were the only one who could ever scratch the scabs that cover me. You made me bleed when I didn’t want to.I got so many flashbacks reading this book. Instead of concentrating on Macon and Deliah's story, I just wanted to reread Vicious because I missed Vicious and Emilia. I'm not saying that you can't write a book reusing different tropes again because of course you can tropes tend to get recycled. Maybe I should have liked this because bc of the similarities to one of my fav books, but sadly not at all. I couldn't give a fuck about these characters. I didn't hate Macon and Delilah, but if they'd get in an accident and die, it's not as if I would shed tears for them either. They were just super bland and boring characters.
Macon is mean, but not really mean. Maybe he is funny, I don't know, I didn't find anything he says particularly funny but who knows, maybe it's not my type of humour. 😅 There was absolutely NOTHING about him that really stood out.
Delilah was a bit more memorable, but in a bad way. How she always stood up for her sister who didn't deserve it. I was slightly annoyed with her. Macon and Delilah's banter was okay, but not very entertaining, which was a disappointment. Their bickering consisted of Delilah calling him different names with "ass". Their romance was very slow-burn and stale.
Speaking of Delilah's evil sisters. Oh my god! Sam was so annoying. Besides the "dated-my-sister"-trope this book had, Sam was such a constant throughout this whole book without even appearing much. I lost count on how many times it was mentioned that Sam and Macon were high school sweethearts and dated each other through their childhood. Samantha was mentioned every other page. Delilah and Macon reminded her so many times. Either because she's the reason why Delilah has to work for Macon. Both the hero and Heroine describe how awful Sam was. It was getting on my nerves how much screen time Sam got. JUST 👏 SHUT 👏 UP 👏. Even if I wanted to forget that Macon dated Sam for years and bullied Delilah, they wouldn't let me forget it.
Bad sibling relationship is one of the worst things in books. I absolutely can't stand it. Why was Sam mean to Delilah you're asking? Well, jealousy... she was jealous cuz she thought their parents loved Del more than her. Yup it's that dumb. I just wanted to punch Sam straight in the face and Delilah for being such a doormat when it comes to her sister. Hero-complex at its worst.
Did I mention that this book has like no plot? I don't even mind it if it's not plot driven, but the romance is not doing the work, the drama is not doing it for me. So the plot has to do it, but there was none. There was an interesting storyline with Macon's stalker, but that went nowhere. At the end of the book it was just mentioned that the Stalker died. Whew, cased closed. Goodbye. Tell me what was the point of the stalker plot line? I don't understand it.
What was good about the book? I enjoyed all the food references. It made me hungry and now I feel like baking some sweets. Delilah and Sam's mother was also a character I liked. Ohh and North, Macon bodyguard was likeable as well, their friendship was cute.
If you have read Vicious and thought the hero there was too cruel you might like this book, because of the watered down version, but it was not for me. Dear Enemy will go down as one of the most disappointing books for 2020.
– 1.75 stars
March 31, 2020
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Montlake Romance)
Delilah Baker’s family moves to the southern town of Shermont, North Carolina when she’s eleven years old. She quickly makes an enemy out of a boy named Macon Saint. He’s a popular jerk with the face of an angel, but an ugly personality. Through middle school and high school they hated each other and clashed at every turn. She often felt like she couldn’t escape him since he dated her sister Samantha. No one on earth has ever annoyed her so much, so when her sister and Macon finally break up she’s thrilled she won’t have to be tormented by him anymore.
Ten years later Delilah receives a text that has her trying to scramble to fix her sister’s problems. In the process she comes face to face with her childhood nemesis Macon Saint. It’s been ten years, and he’s all grown up and a famous actor living on the beach in Malibu. They make a deal that will help solve both their problems, but also put them in close proximity.
Delilah still holds a grudge and loathed Macon with a passion. She needed to try to keep the past in the past for their arrangement to work, but all the disappointment and hurt were still there. It was as if no time had passed the way they still bickered, and he knew just which buttons to push, but she’s no longer that shy, lonely, awkward girl. As they spend time together she wonders if the boy he once was and the man he is today are that different. He’s still arrogant, but she’s also seeing other sides of Macon. Soon she wonders if she ever really saw the real him all those years?
Macon has many regrets when it comes to Delilah, and after a decade isn’t surprised she still seems to be immune to his charms. She’s honest, direct, and genuine. What you see is what you get, and she’s always been able to see right through him. She slips past his defenses and makes him feel exposed. She’s the one person he’s never been able to ignore, who leaves him open and vulnerable in every way. She knows the real him, and they share an overwhelming connection that just keeps growing. They are complete opposites, but she feels like home and makes him feel alive again. He can no longer pretend that he doesn’t want her or care. Lines get blurred, and soon real feelings are involved as things turn complicated between them.
-I am aware of him on a level that I’m not with anyone else.
-Every time I set eyes on Macon Saint, the reaction was visceral, a punch to the solar plexus. He was gorgeous, sure, but it was his eyes that did it. They burned as if he could strip the skin from my bones and rip right into the heart of me.
-Locking gazes with Macon was like forging into an angry storm. You’d come out of it weak, breathless, and a little bruised.
-When Macon looks at me, it’s as if I’m the only thought in his mind. It’s always been that way, only now, instead of seeing resentment and irritation in his eyes, I see genuine pleasure.
Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan is a sexy enemies to lovers romance packed with angst, emotion, and magnetic chemistry. I really loved this story and these characters, and couldn’t get enough of their fantastic banter!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2wT7qiZ
(ARC provided by Montlake Romance)
Delilah Baker’s family moves to the southern town of Shermont, North Carolina when she’s eleven years old. She quickly makes an enemy out of a boy named Macon Saint. He’s a popular jerk with the face of an angel, but an ugly personality. Through middle school and high school they hated each other and clashed at every turn. She often felt like she couldn’t escape him since he dated her sister Samantha. No one on earth has ever annoyed her so much, so when her sister and Macon finally break up she’s thrilled she won’t have to be tormented by him anymore.
Ten years later Delilah receives a text that has her trying to scramble to fix her sister’s problems. In the process she comes face to face with her childhood nemesis Macon Saint. It’s been ten years, and he’s all grown up and a famous actor living on the beach in Malibu. They make a deal that will help solve both their problems, but also put them in close proximity.
Delilah still holds a grudge and loathed Macon with a passion. She needed to try to keep the past in the past for their arrangement to work, but all the disappointment and hurt were still there. It was as if no time had passed the way they still bickered, and he knew just which buttons to push, but she’s no longer that shy, lonely, awkward girl. As they spend time together she wonders if the boy he once was and the man he is today are that different. He’s still arrogant, but she’s also seeing other sides of Macon. Soon she wonders if she ever really saw the real him all those years?
Macon has many regrets when it comes to Delilah, and after a decade isn’t surprised she still seems to be immune to his charms. She’s honest, direct, and genuine. What you see is what you get, and she’s always been able to see right through him. She slips past his defenses and makes him feel exposed. She’s the one person he’s never been able to ignore, who leaves him open and vulnerable in every way. She knows the real him, and they share an overwhelming connection that just keeps growing. They are complete opposites, but she feels like home and makes him feel alive again. He can no longer pretend that he doesn’t want her or care. Lines get blurred, and soon real feelings are involved as things turn complicated between them.
-I am aware of him on a level that I’m not with anyone else.
-Every time I set eyes on Macon Saint, the reaction was visceral, a punch to the solar plexus. He was gorgeous, sure, but it was his eyes that did it. They burned as if he could strip the skin from my bones and rip right into the heart of me.
-Locking gazes with Macon was like forging into an angry storm. You’d come out of it weak, breathless, and a little bruised.
-When Macon looks at me, it’s as if I’m the only thought in his mind. It’s always been that way, only now, instead of seeing resentment and irritation in his eyes, I see genuine pleasure.
Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan is a sexy enemies to lovers romance packed with angst, emotion, and magnetic chemistry. I really loved this story and these characters, and couldn’t get enough of their fantastic banter!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2wT7qiZ
September 25, 2020
This is my second book by Miss Callihan. Dear Enemy is a enemy turned lover romance. It's just she done is right. Beautifully.
The hate between Macon and Delilah is intense and childish during their childhood. And yet it build the chemistry for the rest of the story. When their life coliding with each other, the spark ignites. Let the manipulative game begins.
The amount of angst is there but not OTT. Macon and Delilah only becomes intomate toward the end of the story and it does not bother me too much. Miss Callihan took her time to build that hate to love chemistry and I enjog every twist and plot.
A wonderful book to start my weekend.
5 stars
The hate between Macon and Delilah is intense and childish during their childhood. And yet it build the chemistry for the rest of the story. When their life coliding with each other, the spark ignites. Let the manipulative game begins.
The amount of angst is there but not OTT. Macon and Delilah only becomes intomate toward the end of the story and it does not bother me too much. Miss Callihan took her time to build that hate to love chemistry and I enjog every twist and plot.
A wonderful book to start my weekend.
5 stars
May 11, 2020
I am a big fan of Kristen Callihan's books and some of them are favorites that I read over and over again. So when I saw this baby and read the blurb I knew I had to give it a go.
Now as much as I enjoyed reading it...I wasn't blown away by it. For some reason, I just couldn't fully connect with the story or the characters and I even found myself skimming every now and then. It was all just a bit too slow for my liking...
Now, this might also be because of the weird times we are currently living in. I find it harder and harder to escape into a story and connect.
For those of you who love the "enemies to lovers" trope, you should definitely give this one a go.
I myself like my stories a bit more angsty, especially now, which makes me a bit weird I know. A lot of people are looking for comfort stories right now, while for me it is pretty much the opposite.
That is why I think I should give this one another go when things have calmed down a bit... Maybe I will feel completely different about it... It has been known to happen ;)
For now, I would have to go with 3 stars... not bad...but not awesome either.
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
March 6, 2020
Dear Enemy is hate to love story that starts when our protagonist were children and expanded into their adulthood. Delilah and Macon hated each other pretty much from the moment they meet.
When they were 17 Delilah's family moved away. They will not see each other for the next 10 years. Sam, Delilah's sister stole family watch from Macon. So they form a deal for her to pay him back so he will not call police on her sister. They are not kids anymore so the new arrangement can bring peace into their life finally, or not...maybe it will bring something else.
Macon is now Hollywood superstar and Delilah is a chef. She doesn't bow down for anyone and he isn't used to anyone opposing him. The banter is well and truly alive. I liked the writing and the story flow. It is always fun to read enemies to lovers romance. Compared to real life where we all know how exhausting that is. This is also slow burn romance.
Then there is that aspect of the story line that Sam is Macon ex girlfriend which is something that I really dislike. It is purely subjective thing and I wouldn't say that will impact any other reader and it didn't made this book any less. Is just something that I don't care about. Besides that characters didn't really stood out.
Overall, it is an okay read and I liked it! I wish I loved it!
Thank to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.
When they were 17 Delilah's family moved away. They will not see each other for the next 10 years. Sam, Delilah's sister stole family watch from Macon. So they form a deal for her to pay him back so he will not call police on her sister. They are not kids anymore so the new arrangement can bring peace into their life finally, or not...maybe it will bring something else.
Macon is now Hollywood superstar and Delilah is a chef. She doesn't bow down for anyone and he isn't used to anyone opposing him. The banter is well and truly alive. I liked the writing and the story flow. It is always fun to read enemies to lovers romance. Compared to real life where we all know how exhausting that is. This is also slow burn romance.
Then there is that aspect of the story line that Sam is Macon ex girlfriend which is something that I really dislike. It is purely subjective thing and I wouldn't say that will impact any other reader and it didn't made this book any less. Is just something that I don't care about. Besides that characters didn't really stood out.
Overall, it is an okay read and I liked it! I wish I loved it!
Thank to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 14, 2020
5 beautiful stars!!👠
This book was an absolute hit for me. I literally love anything enemies to lovers related, so when I saw that this trope was going to be included, I knew I had to read it. I read this within a day, and when I finished, I felt so sad because I just wanted more aGH.
In the beginning of the book we’re introduced to Macon Saint, Delilah Baker and Samantha Baker, whilst they’re still in high school. Delilah and Macon absolutely despise each other and have never quite got along. Delilah’s sister, Samantha, dates Macon all throughout their childhood years. Delilah often found herself acting as a third wheel in their relationship, especially since Macon was over at their house all the time.
Initially, I felt for Delilah so much. Upon the cruel jokes and hateful pranks thrown her way, you just can’t help but feel bad for her. Not only Macon, but it seemed that their entire school made fun of her. (That said, as the novel progresses you begin to see Macon’s side of the story, and feel for him too.) At prom, there was a whole show that went down, leaving Delilah upset and humiliated. This is also when Macon broke up with Samantha, saying he “wants nothing to do with the Baker sisters.”
Fast forward many years later (out of high school), Samantha has run away. It turns out that she has been in contact with Macon (since the prom), and she’s been his personal assistant - Delilah had no clue about this. Delilah gets calls and messages from Macon, and apparently Samantha had stole a family heirloom of Macon’s. She is so mad that she will now have to meet Macon again after all these years. But to pay the price, Delilah becomes Macon’s personal chef and assistant - this means living with him.
While Delilah lives in Macon’s home, they still fight with one another - for old times sake. But this time there seems to be some sort of tension in the air... What happens when all the misunderstandings from the past get cleared to the side, and the love/hate boundaries get blurred?
”I’m going to love you, Macon Saint. So long and so hard you’re not going to remember what it feels like to be without love.”
Ugh the banter was absolutely hysterical and I loved every second of this book. It’s definitely a page-turner, I did not want to put the book down even for a second! I loved how the author, Kristen Callihan, includes both Delilah and Macon’s perspective. Their characters were super charming and proud, sO entertaining!
“Not a single person. I’ve never heard those words directed at me. Until now.
Until her.
Delilah.
Delilah loves me.”
If you’re looking for an amazing enemies to lovers book, do check this out! There are steamy scenes along with the great sarcasm, and frequent affection. I look forward to
reading this again one day, because I know it will be on my mind for a while! x
**SIDE NOTE - For me this book was like “The Hating Game” but on steroids, so that’s also another reason why I may have loved it so much hehe**
This book was an absolute hit for me. I literally love anything enemies to lovers related, so when I saw that this trope was going to be included, I knew I had to read it. I read this within a day, and when I finished, I felt so sad because I just wanted more aGH.
In the beginning of the book we’re introduced to Macon Saint, Delilah Baker and Samantha Baker, whilst they’re still in high school. Delilah and Macon absolutely despise each other and have never quite got along. Delilah’s sister, Samantha, dates Macon all throughout their childhood years. Delilah often found herself acting as a third wheel in their relationship, especially since Macon was over at their house all the time.
Initially, I felt for Delilah so much. Upon the cruel jokes and hateful pranks thrown her way, you just can’t help but feel bad for her. Not only Macon, but it seemed that their entire school made fun of her. (That said, as the novel progresses you begin to see Macon’s side of the story, and feel for him too.) At prom, there was a whole show that went down, leaving Delilah upset and humiliated. This is also when Macon broke up with Samantha, saying he “wants nothing to do with the Baker sisters.”
Fast forward many years later (out of high school), Samantha has run away. It turns out that she has been in contact with Macon (since the prom), and she’s been his personal assistant - Delilah had no clue about this. Delilah gets calls and messages from Macon, and apparently Samantha had stole a family heirloom of Macon’s. She is so mad that she will now have to meet Macon again after all these years. But to pay the price, Delilah becomes Macon’s personal chef and assistant - this means living with him.
While Delilah lives in Macon’s home, they still fight with one another - for old times sake. But this time there seems to be some sort of tension in the air... What happens when all the misunderstandings from the past get cleared to the side, and the love/hate boundaries get blurred?
”I’m going to love you, Macon Saint. So long and so hard you’re not going to remember what it feels like to be without love.”
Ugh the banter was absolutely hysterical and I loved every second of this book. It’s definitely a page-turner, I did not want to put the book down even for a second! I loved how the author, Kristen Callihan, includes both Delilah and Macon’s perspective. Their characters were super charming and proud, sO entertaining!
“Not a single person. I’ve never heard those words directed at me. Until now.
Until her.
Delilah.
Delilah loves me.”
If you’re looking for an amazing enemies to lovers book, do check this out! There are steamy scenes along with the great sarcasm, and frequent affection. I look forward to
reading this again one day, because I know it will be on my mind for a while! x
**SIDE NOTE - For me this book was like “The Hating Game” but on steroids, so that’s also another reason why I may have loved it so much hehe**
June 3, 2021
Dieses Buch hält alles, was es verspricht und noch viel mehr! Delilah und Macon haben mich berührt, bewegt und zum Lachen gebracht.Enemies to lovers at it‘s best, vor allem weil die Wortgefechte klug, humorvoll und selten grenzwertig sind. Macon hat mich besonders positiv überrascht, weil er kein Bad Boy-Klischee sondern verletzlich, gefühlvoll, loyal und bedacht ist. Auch Delilah ist die perfekte Heldin: lebendig, schlagfertig und herzensgut. Beide haben sie ihre Vergangenheit und sind voller Zweifel, die sie gemeinsam überkommen. 10/10 - vor allem für die Tension - would recommend😂👏🏼!
October 24, 2021
3,5 Sterne
Ehrlich gesagt, hatte ich mir mehr hiervon erwartet. Allein, da ich bisher alle Bücher von Kristen Callihan geliebt habe und ich das Trope "Enemies to Lovers" auch super gerne lese. Allerdings fand ich den Einstieg in die Geschichte echt lahm und langatmig. Wäre da etwas gekürzt wurden, wäre das Buch ein echtes Highlight gewesen.
Denn ab der Hälfte war es für mich ein richtiges 5-Sterne-Buch. Die Emotionen, sowohl Hass als auch Leidenschaft und Liebe kamen so gut rüber und vor allem mit Delilah konnte ich so gut mitfühlen. Es tat stellenweise richtig weh. So muss so eine Geschichte erzählt werden!
Das Buch wird abwechselnd aus Delilah´s und Macon´s Sicht erzählt, was ich bei New Adult Romanen immer gerne mag, da man die Handlungen und Gedanken unserer Protagonisten so besser verstehen und nachvollziehen kann. Trotz des Tropes "Enemies to Lovers" mochte ich unsere beiden Protagonisten gleich gern, da Macon nicht unbedingt der typische Badboy bzw. das stereotypische Arschloch ist, was man bei einer solchen Geschichte vielleicht erwarten würde. Absolut gehasst habe ich allerdings Delilah´s Schwester Sam. Selten einen so unsympathischen Charakter gelesen.
Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen: dranbleiben wird bei diesem Buch definitiv belohnt!
Ehrlich gesagt, hatte ich mir mehr hiervon erwartet. Allein, da ich bisher alle Bücher von Kristen Callihan geliebt habe und ich das Trope "Enemies to Lovers" auch super gerne lese. Allerdings fand ich den Einstieg in die Geschichte echt lahm und langatmig. Wäre da etwas gekürzt wurden, wäre das Buch ein echtes Highlight gewesen.
Denn ab der Hälfte war es für mich ein richtiges 5-Sterne-Buch. Die Emotionen, sowohl Hass als auch Leidenschaft und Liebe kamen so gut rüber und vor allem mit Delilah konnte ich so gut mitfühlen. Es tat stellenweise richtig weh. So muss so eine Geschichte erzählt werden!
Das Buch wird abwechselnd aus Delilah´s und Macon´s Sicht erzählt, was ich bei New Adult Romanen immer gerne mag, da man die Handlungen und Gedanken unserer Protagonisten so besser verstehen und nachvollziehen kann. Trotz des Tropes "Enemies to Lovers" mochte ich unsere beiden Protagonisten gleich gern, da Macon nicht unbedingt der typische Badboy bzw. das stereotypische Arschloch ist, was man bei einer solchen Geschichte vielleicht erwarten würde. Absolut gehasst habe ich allerdings Delilah´s Schwester Sam. Selten einen so unsympathischen Charakter gelesen.
Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen: dranbleiben wird bei diesem Buch definitiv belohnt!
March 31, 2020
Dear Enemy was an ok read. I’ve loved this author’s work in the past and I will continue to pick it up. That being said, this one sadly didn’t hit me in the feels like some of the others have. While it was extremely well written and the story overall was good, the pacing just didn’t work for me. I can do slow burn, but this felt a bit draggy at times, which made it hard for me to connect to the characters and their story. There is also a stalker sub-plot that sort of fizzled out too simply. I think it truly added something to the story at first, and then it was essentially nothing.
It’s slow burn, childhood enemies to adult lovers, and there is a bit of taboo with the hero being the heroine’s sister’s ex. If those tropes sound good to you, then I’d give this one a try.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
It’s slow burn, childhood enemies to adult lovers, and there is a bit of taboo with the hero being the heroine’s sister’s ex. If those tropes sound good to you, then I’d give this one a try.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
November 21, 2020
Delilah and Macon.
They met when they were eleven years old.
Delilah wanted to be friends. Macon did the verbal 'pulling-the-little-girls-hair' thing and they've been enemies ever since. But they're still always in each other's presence, because Macon and Deliah's sister Sam have been a 'thing' since that very first day. On and off again all through school.
Now, ten years after highschool, Delilah is a busy catering chef in Los Angeles. Sister Sam is still a flighty good-for-not-much party & con girl. And Macon. He's a Hollywood Star.
Delilah and Macon haven't spoken (read: fought) since prom.
But now Delilah has to work for Macon as his personal chef and assistant, to pay for the expensive watch Sam stole from him.
Let the fun times begin ....
Because we all know that those years of hate were not really hate ...
What will happen with Delilah & Macon??
Will there be a Happy End??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
Aww - that was adorable!!
But first, I have to complain about the cover - and the title!
I'm not in love with either! When you look at the cover - quickly - you don't even see the people on it. You just see ENEMY and think, okay - Kristin wrote a thriller - or a romantic suspense thingy maybe if we're lucky. Which would totally be okay - I love reading thrillers and suspense romances .... But it's none of those things!!! It's a beautiful and fun and adorable and slightly heartbreaking enemies to lovers romance! The cover should be changed! And the title - I know it used to be different - Kristen said something about it on FB, but it got changed. Dear Enemy sounds as if a stalker or killer writes letters to the hero or heroine. As a potential reader in a bookstore? I would not buy this book. I'm afraid people will buy it as a thriller and then rate it only 1-Star on amazon because they're mad that it was just a sweet romance!
There are letters in here - not until the very end really, but still - we have letters. But still the Dear Enemy beginning doesn't happen. I like the paper background of the cover and the couple is perfect. But the colors and title make it so sinister and scary.
I wish I could say DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER ... but I'm really afraid that people will do so.
OK - rant over!
The story was beautiful!
Funny, sweet, a little sad and moving.
I LOVED it!
Macon and Delilah are just amazing!
They fought and argued and insulted each other ever since they met.
And nothing much has changed - even though he's her boss now. Soo adorable!
Both are a bit or a lot broken inside for various reasons from their past. They are soo perfect for each other really, but they think they have to hate each other. I loved seeing them slowly fall for each other. Fighting for their happily ever after. I even cried a little here and there.
I loved security guy North. I loved Macon's amazing house in Malibu - I want to move in asap! And I want to eat all the amazing things Delilah was cooking and baking!
It was a really beautiful enemies to lovers romance with some Hollywoody and some other interesting things thrown in. I loved it.
I could've maybe been a tiny little bit shorter. And I felt that the tiny 'fight'/ 'lie thing' towards the end wasn't really needed ... But I still loved every word of this story!
I wouldn't mind seeing this on Netflix one day soon!
DEAR ENEMY was such a beautiful and adorable and funny enemies to lovers Hollywood romance. Run to your nearest amazon for your own Macon - he'll be sold out in no time! ☺
P.S. for all you non-Southerners out there. I googled it before it was mentioned in the book. It's Macon like Bacon. Not like Mason - the way I was saying that name for years! ☺
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