I always enjoy Portia MacIntosh books - this one was a very playful workplace rivals, second chance, enemies to lovers, fake relationship, vacation romance... so many tropes in a single book!

It was a quick read and a lot of fun! There was a lot happening here and a few times I wasn't quite sure that I liked either of the characters (they both had a whole lot of flaws and many things that made them unlikeable at many points in the book), but in the end, they both really redeemed themselves. Both to the reader and to each other.

We learn a whole lot about Lara and Sonny's rivalry and exactly how far back and why they are so alienated with each other as the book goes on, and have to play a fake dating couple in crisis as they end up at an exclusive relationship retreat for the rich and famous, as they go undercover for stories for the two different magazines they work for (they are each gossip columnists for two magazines under the same parent company, focused on different readers). They went to college together and have been work rivals since they were interns together and Sonny pulled a stunt against Lara and she's had hurt feelings ever since. Playing the part of a fighting couple is truly no difficulty.

While going undercover for the dirt on the famous couples, they have to work together but get a whole lot more than either one bargained for.

A playful bantering, rivals, second chance, and so much more, (closed door) romance, and a quick read - if you're looking for something that is relatively light-hearted but still tackles a bit of drama, this is a great choice!

This book was not what I was expecting but I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I enjoyed the ethical and mystery elements of the book almost more than the romance. The fake dating trope was a really fun addition. I thought it could have had a little more dimension to keep me fully engaged since a few main points were revealed to be slightly lacklustre. It is a really fun summer, beach read if that is what you are looking for.

Thank you Boldwood Books and Portia MacIntosh for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies to lovers is my absolute favourite trope, and I am a fan of Portia MacIntosh, so for me this was a dream pairing. Unfortunately it didn't quite hit the mark - The characters were difficult to like and the book seemed a bit... genre-confused?

I loved the setting behind the celeb retreat, and the journalism jobs. The rivalry between the two MCs was entertaining, however it didn't have the level of banter I enjoy with Portia's books.

Definitely will not deter me from future Portia MacIntosh books, unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC :)

I loved this different take on the enemies to lovers, forced proximity story. The MC was believable and it had good humour. A really easy read.

It is hard for me to grasp the first half of the book. Enemies to Lovers by Portia Macintosh is a General fiction and I think the reason why i strugle in the start of the book is because it is not that deep for me.

This was the delightful romp I adore Portia's books for. The setting was fantastic and the story was cute and engaging

An enchanting journey through vividly imagined worlds and compelling characters. This fiction gem weaves a tapestry of emotions, adventure, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's masterful storytelling evokes a powerful connection, making this book an absolute delight to read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating escape into a richly crafted story!

Ihad requested this prior to reading my last book by Macintosh, had I read that one first I never would have requested a second by her.

I cannot stand the characters she writes. They are far too “I’m not like every other girl” to the extreme. And enemies to lovers? More like not dating to dating.

It really fell short of the trope and from being enjoyable. I will not read anything by this author again.

I'm having a hard time rating this one because as a general fiction story I'd give it 4 stars, as a romance I would give it 2. I'll split the difference and mark it with 3 (book math).

I watched the Nine Perfect Strangers adaptation (did not read the book by Liane Moriarty) and this storyline felt like a lighter romcom version of that premise. I was interested in the story and how it would all play out. The cast of characters and their storylines were entertaining. Hope was a TRIP and I pictured her as Nicole Kidman the whole time. Overall, as a genfic story, I was entertained.

Now for the romance...or lack thereof. This book had all the makings of a romance I would enjoy; fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, enemies with a romantic history. Unfortunately, you can throw as many good tropes as you want into a book but without chemistry between the MCs it will not a romance make. These two felt like they were building a relationship throughout the story, it just wasn't a romantic one.

TL;DR: This book was an enjoyable genfic that was miscategorized as a romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I usually like the enemies-to-lovers trope, but this one didn’t click with me. And I really like Portia Macintosh’s books. But this one was disappointing.

We don’t get too many details about the early experience that led to the heroine, Lara, to detest Sonny. Sure, they are competing against each other and Sonny seems to usually get the best of those moments. Otherwise, he seems like a nice guy. They have a lot in common and he’s Chris Hemsworth-level hunky and dreamy.

So her constantly brooding over him and being snippy toward him got a bit irritating. And I don’t like that they’re both celebrity journalists. It’s just not a career I can relate to. Then there is the setting - a super mysterious couples retreat where Lara and Sonny are tasked with reporting on a couple of TV stars whom all the paparazzi have been following trying to gin up some sort of scandal. Humorous complications ensue and it all gets wrapped up very quickly. They turned enemies to lovers in basically a few minutes. There could have been more build up to their suddenly being in love and ready to make a future together. And the obnoxious couples retreat suddenly turned into a big success. It was all supremely unbelievable. And why would an expensive couples retreat for the super wealthy not require a NDA? Who can believe that?

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I have enjoyed other novels by Portia MacIntosh but this was not my favourite. Not a lot of depth in the story, but a good quick read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

I tend to love the enemies to lovers trope (and, as an anxious reader, love a predictable HEA), but this one just didn't do it for me. Technically a DNF since it took me so long to get through and I feel like I put it down so many times/skimmed through some parts because, while the concept is very cute, I just wasn't sold on the main characters' relationship or how clueless they were to some of the events happening around them (sorry!)

While this one wasn't a win for me, I'd recommend looking into the author's other books for a cute and easy romance read (i.e., Faking It or Life's a Beach).

Portia MacIntosh has hit it out of the park with another totally hilarious story, that I loved every second of it.

Every single bit of dialogue between Lara and Sonny is totally brilliant.

Some of it is friendly banter, some of it may lead to them both potentially being sacked, and then when they are forced to be a fake couple at a couples retreat therapy resort things get really ramped up.

And just like Eden in the Couples Retreat film, the Eden in this book is lets say unconventional. In fact this book reminded me a lot of the film, but with its own spin on it.

There are so many funny moments it would be hard to pick a favourite, I just loved the Lara and Sonny dynamics, as well as the other people on this retreat too.

Another complete fun book from one of my auto read favourite rom com authors I loved it!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The first half of this book took me awhile to get through as it seemed like the typical rom-com: he did this, I hate him, oops I slept with him, I hate him, I love him style of book. Once I reached about 50% I flew through the rest of the book in a couple hours. The banter between the two leads made me smile and the unexpectedness of the retreat made for an interesting turn. If you need a quick light escape this book will provide just that.

✨ENEMIES TO LOVERS✨

Thank you @netgalley for giving me a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review❤️

Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes so I was instantly sold when I saw a book with that exact name!

A quick synopsis📖
Lara and Sonny are rival journalists but their bosses ask them to team up and go undercover at an exclusive couples retreat to try and get an exclusive scoop on a celebrity couple...

My thoughts💭
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this read! It's definitely a perfect poolside read and reading it in the depths of winter in Scotland was perfect escapism for me! I really liked Lara and Sonny and was invested in their relationship... There was a definite element of mystery surrounding the couples retreat and I was very intrigued to find out what was going on. I loved Lara and Sonny's character development throughout the story. Initially they were ruthless journalists above all else and it was great to see them grow into people with a bit more empathy for others. Some of the situations at the retreat were wild and a bit far fetched but then it is fiction so if you can overlook this and just take it for what it is, you'll enjoy this!

I would recommend this book, and it's one I suggest reading on holiday or over summer in better weather. It's light hearted, funny and super enjoyable! ☀️

Lara and Sonny work for two different magazines but for the same parent company and when the higher-ups get the idea they should do an undercover at a club med type secret get away I was very excited they were going to go undercover as a couple to get the scoop on the most popular showbiz couple of the moment. Unfortunately from the gold room to him pointing out how materialistic she is to the fact at the very beginning he stole her interview question and so much more this book really was a letdown for me. I am a humongous Porsche McIntyre fan and this is coming from someone who isn’t big on romance books but not love her books it look so forward to seeing them on the list of books coming up it really is a humongous letdown because one of my favorite books ever is one of her books she really is A talented author but everyone has their off days and I guess in terms of riders their off books and that’s what this one was. They weren’t even really enemies more like coworkers who irritated each other. I want to thank Boldwood books and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Enemies to Lovers-a standalone
by Portia MacIntosh-I read The Faking Game and gave it 4✨
Publication date: 1-4-24 , read 12-29-23
Page Count: 287
Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Setting: London

What to expect:

✔️Contemporary Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers/Work Rivals
✔️Rom-Com
✔️Showbiz Journalists/Office romance
✔️Couples Retreat/Celebrity Retreat
✔️2nd chance romance
✔️opposites attract

Summary: Lara and Sonny are journalists and work rivals who have sabotaged each other to threat of being fired. Their editors make arrangements for them to work on a joint undercover project. They will pose as "nepo" babies from wealthy parents at the swanky couple's retreat-Eden. Only the wealthy and celebrities go to be left alone. Duane Fox and Brittany Coleman are the hottest, most private celeb couple that no one has gotten an exclusive until now. Lara and Sonny plan to infiltrate and report if they don't kill each other first.

Main Characters:

- FMC Lara Bailey, works at Stylish women's magazine. Conservative, needs everything planned

-MMC Sonny Hale, works at Mach men's magazine. Charming, self confident, "go with the flow" type guy.

What I liked 😊
- Their banter. They try to one-up each other at work. They have known each other (10 years) since college, attended same Uni end of their 1st year.
- h makes friends with the women at the retreat mainly Brittany
-Lara has a conscious and doesn't want to break trust w/ the women she met.

What I didn't😞
-Sonny didn't have his POV told.
-Why do they make fun of sexual harassment training?
-Lack of connection between H/h.

🙏🏿Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC💛! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

1,5/5

This book was NOT for me. My first thought, reading this book was "Ok, another MMC who looks like a Greek god. Wow, shocking". But maybe everything else is not as predictable? Maybe the story is cute and original, maybe the FMC is relatable, since the MMC is not. Well, my hopes were not met. The FMC was not at all relatable, I found her insufferable. She sounded so judgemental about everything - yoga, really? What can you possibly have against people doing yoga? - and she hated the MMC for the majority of the book and then suddenly she was in love with him. I felt no chemistry at all between the two characters. I was not invested in the story.
And the MMC! I think he was supposed to be a (greek god) fun guy, always ready to banter. I don't know, he felt kind of flat to me - and apparently his only expression is a cheeky grin.

I also think the whole "live to work" idea is awful - it's presented as if that's what life is and we can't do anything about it. It's terrible, and not healthy at all. And what's wrong with healthy food now? The FMC says it's sad and says it's not satisfying. I feel like this book is promoting all the wrong messages.

The only thing I liked was the couple retreat idea (although the fact that they didn't realise things were done on purpose was just weird... something else I kept rolling my eyes at). Some of the secondary characters were also not too bad though, although very one-dimensional.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is an enemies-to-lovers romance and perfect for a lazy day. It follows Lara and Sonny who cannot stand each other as rival journalists. They cannot stop sabotaging each other and so when their bosses send them undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat they pretend to be a couple. Funny, entertaining and light-hearted. A definite comfort read.

Rating:3.5

I throughly enjoyed this book and once I started it I couldn’t put it down. So word of warning if you start this book be prepared not to move for a while as you won’t be able to stop reading.

I would highly recommend reading this book!

I would like to say thank you very much to NetGalley and Boldwood books for letting me review this book early.