Enemies to Lovers

Flo finds herself on a family holiday with Jamie… the guy who left her high and dry at Christmas. Was it her breakdown that put him off? Did he just not want to be with her? Or is he too much of a player to commit? Throughout the book Flo convinces herself she hates Jamie, gives him the cold shoulder and makes it clear she’s not about to give him a second chance… until she does.

Jamie says it’s Flo’s fault that they didn’t work out, she’s the mean one and thinks that their relationship is just a fling. Little do they know, Flo’s brother is the cause of all their problems.

This was such an easy read, 48 hours and I was done. It’s a typical romance with a happy ending. Really loveable characters and highlights issues such as mental health, the effects this has on families and the difficult conversations that it brings.
The book brings all characters to light and how some of them have their own issues and worries, especially about Flo.

Lovely, easy summer read! Thank you for letting me review via NetGalley!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Flo Greenberg has had a difficult few years, and needs nothing more than a relaxing family holiday. Spending a few weeks in the Greek sun, not having to care about reality, is just what she needs. But when her nemesis, and her brother's best friend, Jamie, appears at the villa, all of Flo's plans are out of the window. She's always had feelings for Jamie, but after he ghosted her last Christmas, she is too embarrassed by what might have been, and wants nothing to do with him. But Jamie might just reciprocate those feelings, and there were other forces at hand keeping them apart. Can these enemies come to the heart of the issue, and open themselves up to love?

I adore the brother's best friend trope nearly as much as the enemies to lovers one, so as soon as I saw the synopsis for this book (and both the UK and US covers) I knew I needed to read it. Flo was a definite overachiever, which led her to have a breakdown due to burnout, and she was on an enforced leave of absence from work. The time with her family was sorely needed, but she also needed to be treated like an adult. I liked the family dynamic, but did also feel like they coddled her a little too much, though perhaps understandably so after her low period. She and Jamie weren't really want I would call enemies, but had always been friends until Christmas happened. Over the holidays they had a "will they, won't they" moment, but then Flo found a note under her bedroom door saying he couldn't break his promise to her brother. I did hate that, and the fact the pair didn't speak about the note until over half way into the story. I guessed what had actually happened, and hated it for them. They honestly were perfect for each other, and were so good together, but had lost out on those months due to other's machinations. The ending was sweet, however, and this was a great book to read over a rainy weekend.

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me review this book early.
Florence and her family went on holiday in Greece, but little did she know her brothers best friend Jamie has came too. However the Christmas previous he left her a note saying they won't work together.
I absolutely love how the character development of each character and how 2 broken people make one happy couple

This was such a cute read. Don't get me wrong, it was very predictable but I'm choosing to overlook this as it was just a fun story.

Definitely a perfect summer read.

Thanks to Random House/Cornerstone and Netgalley for a review copy of this book. An enjoyable, absorbing beach read that delivers on its promise and ticking the trope boxes in a satisfying manner.

Flo is a driven person who always likes to win any competition. She’s been needing a vacation for a long time, needing a time to escape the realities of her life and enjoy some fun time with her family. So when they all gather in Greece for an idyllic few weeks she can’t help but look forward to it. Except that the one person she dreads encountering the most—her brother’s best friend, the charming, handsome, lothario, Jamie. The past they share is something she can’t forget and won’t forgive, even though somehow her family love him, treat him like family. And now on this holiday, she can’t seem to avoid him at meals, during the traditional games or any spontaneous outings. So Flo decides that the best way to achieve her desired total indifference is ‘exposure therapy’. The results aren’t what she expected or wanted, even when a handsome islander comes into the picture for Flo.

This is a fun addition to take with you on your own holiday or just to escape to the Greek islands in your armchair. Fun, and full of many feels it provides a warm satisfying ending and has a rich character in Flo and a perfect leading man in Jamie.

Florence Greenberg is ready for her family holiday; she's had a few tough years and sun with her family is exactly what she needs...but what she doesn't need is her brother's best friend, who she has unpleasant histor with, to be there too. So Flo forms a battle plan and is determined to show Jamie Kramer that he means nothing, once and for all.

This is a great rom com read; I love the way that Laura Jane Williams writes, she's witty and funny but with just the right amount of description and detail. This wasn't a taxing read, even though there's quite a lot of talk about Florence's struggles with anxiety and mental health. I loved how this threaded through the story, it felt really natural and also relatable.
The setting of Greece is joyful and makes this a perfect summer read... Even more perfect if you're reading it next to a pool I think!
The writing is clever and there's great modern references in the story with references to Bluey and bridgerton amongst others. One of yhe biggest successes is how Williams includes brilliant little real life moments, turns of phrases and relationship habits that make the characters easy to relate to and enjoy. There's the right balance of relatable, believable life with dreamy rom-com bits to keep you going.

Would read again!

Well this was one really enjoyable story.

Admittedly Flo and Jamie drove me a bit nuts, and I kind of worked out what had happened the year before really early on (I was right), but other than that I enjoyed reading this.

After all its a big family holiday, set in Greece, with a fit Greek hunk who is called Adonis appearing at certain points, and I loved the various dynamics within the family.

But I just couldn't really connect with Flo, I appreciate she has mental health challenges, but it did feel like they dominated every thought, and I get that, that would be realistic, but in fiction it just felt overly repetitive, and I was just a bit fed up with her.

Although I suspect had I read this while I was on holiday with all the time in the world, and not when I was stressed with only snatched moments to read it, I'd have probably been raving about how great it is, I just think I wasn't completely in the mood for these specific characters.

That being said I'd have loved to have Flo's parents they seemed great, and the younger of her two brothers, Alex seemed really cool. i also loved Kate, but perhaps my favourite character was Hope.

Hope was someone Flo met at therapy and they became friends and text each other the whole time, and I just was highly amused by Hope's comments about men, while also wishing I was her. Actually I'd love it if Hope had a book of her own!

It's an entertaining beach read, and it's always fun to read a new Laura Jane Williams novel.

Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This was a really enjoyable read that made me laugh out loud in parts.
Flo goes on a family holiday to discover that her brother's friend, Jamie, is also there. Hurt after getting closer, Flo does her best to avoid him.
Really likeable characters in this story of a family holiday.

Having previously read Lovestruck by Laura Jane Williams I was delighted to be given access to ARC of Enemies to Lovers, but unfortunately was left feeling disappointed.

The characters behaviour would have been annoying but understandable if this was a YA novel and they were teenagers, however for people in their mid-twenty / early thirties it would be unbelievable. Even the reason behind why they couldn't be together, yes I could grasp why 8 years ago when it was agreed, yes I get this, but once the FMC was a fully grown woman it seems rather spurious.

Finally I had a hard time understanding the complete 180 character change from being a sounding board who listens, provides great insight and fraternal comfort to his subsequent actions.

Adored this book, another fantastic tale from Laura Jane Williams!

I wholeheartedly want to be a part of the Greenberg family, and I would love to have stayed with them longer (or read about them again!). The way Williams writes about family, with the sibling banter and warm parents, you truly feel as though you’re there with them! I loved the holiday aspect, the descriptions of Greece and the villa were wonderful, and the perfect backstory for this enemies to lovers tale. I enjoyed the depth of the characters, both in Flo and Jamie, but also the other family members.

My only grumble would be that I found myself frustrated with Flo at times, as it was so obvious what was going on but she didn’t speak out or realise for herself what she was feeling or how she was acting to others… however, this aspect of her character was part of her backstory so completely made sense overall.

Can’t wait to read Williams’ next book as I enjoy her writing style so much.

3.5 stars!
This book is a really nice summer read based in Greece, where Flo is on a family holiday but she realises her brothers bestfriend (who she hates) is also there. The representation of mental health was portrayed so well thoughout , i really felt a connection with Flo as she speaks about her struggles. I loved the family dynamic in the book too the whole family are so close & there is lovely friendships too which is always nice to read about.
The tropes are:
•Enemies to lovers (obvs)
•Forced proximity
•brothers bestfriend

Thank you to netgalley for this arc

An enjoyable summer read. The plot was interesting. The family dynamic was well established and each character built a good personality. The romantic chemistry within the book was also intriguing but I do wish that their communication had been clearer. I felt a little frustrated whilst reading it, as each stage seemed to move really quickly. I also found that some parts were a little cliche and I was able to guess the plot twist about the brother. However, it was a nice and easy read.

I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this novel. The vibrant setting of Greece, one of my favorite places on Earth, was brought to life wonderfully by Williams. The vacation vibes were palpable throughout, adding to the charm of the story.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the dynamic between the family members, each bringing a unique relationship facet to the table, from idolizing certain members to navigating the complexities of singlehood. The conflicts that arose felt appropriately heightened for the enemies-to-lovers trope, keeping the drama alive until the final moments. Additionally, the intricate relationships between the family members and Jamie added depth to the narrative, contributing to the overall tension and intrigue.

However, the predictability of the plot was a downside for me. While there were supposed surprises, I found myself anticipating the twists, which diminished the element of surprise and made me somewhat impatient for the inevitable unraveling of events. Nevertheless, the story remained enjoyable, filled with familiar tropes that added to its appeal.

Overall, this book provided a fun summer read, perfect for a vacation escape. The tropes were well-executed, the characters engaging, and the pacing generally smooth, despite occasional slowdowns in the plot progression. It effortlessly elicited laughter and kept me entertained throughout.

Regarding the characters, I found Flo to be a relatable protagonist, struggling to carve out her own identity amidst familial pressures and expectations. Her journey of self-discovery, while compelling, felt slightly underdeveloped, particularly in terms of confronting her family's insensitivity. Additionally, while the romance between Flo and Jamie had its moments, it occasionally felt repetitive, lacking the depth I had hoped for. More intimate moments between them could have enhanced their connection and allowed for greater exploration of their relationship dynamics.

Ultimately, despite its flaws, this novel was an engaging and satisfying read that I devoured in one sitting. My thanks to Putnam/Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing the ARC.

This book made me want to hop on the next flight to Greece. The landscape was beautifully portrayed, but I’m not sure this is an enemies to lovers trope, but more of a second chance romance.

I would have liked some more back ground to Florence during her breakdown, and potentially the aftermath of it on her family in some more detail.

Laurie and Kate are a hoot, and so is Alex

LJW is one of the authors where I will always purchase her books when they come out, and for good reason! She has a gorgeous style of writing that connects you to the place and the characters and makes you want to jump in the pages.

This book wasn't as high stakes as some of her other novels and I felt like the resolution between the two lovers went a bit a quickly. One minute they didn't like each other then they all of a sudden started to sleep together. I would have liked to have seen more of the protagonist Flo's life outside of the holiday and Jamie.

Saying all this though I still really enjoyed the book and thought it was the perfect escapist sort of story that made me desperate to hop on a plane to sit in the sun. It wasn't my favourite of her novels but would be a great beach read.

Laura Jane Williams never lets me down and this is no exception. Another stellar novel from one of the greats!

I really enjoyed this book and once I got started I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the pace of the book and the family dynamic and I thought the characters were great especially Alex.
It was a fun summer read with plenty of romance and a beautiful ending.
Thanks to NetGalley, Laura Jane Williams and Random
House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Enemies to Lovers is a fun romantic comedy that explores love, friendship and family ties.

Flo Greenberg is on holiday with her family in Greece, but she doesn't expect to find her brother's best friend joining them too. Things between the two are strained since they formed a closer connection during their last Christmas spent together which ultimately didn't work out. But Flo is determined to kick back and relax, make the most of this island paradise, and do her best to ignore Jamie. But with their forced close proximity this may be easier said than done, and she finds herself becoming drawn to him again.

I loved the rivalry and banter between the three children of the family. The ups and downs of life are a refreshing touch to a romantic story, adding depth to the characters and making this a fantastic book for you to enjoy.

I have enjoyed reading anything Laura Jane Williams since I read Becoming and this latest book was just as perfect as I hoped.

At first I didn't like Flo and Jamie and the way they were but the more I started to understand them and the more the holiday went on, the tension rose and finally the stars aligned and boy was it perfect. I enjoyed the personalities of the secondary characters, except for Adonis obviously...and I cried with the family in chapter 19. Overall I was expecting a rom-com, I got that but also so much more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone for allowing me access to this ARC.

Flo and Jamie have known each other for years, because he is Flo's older brother Laurie's best friend. Jamie and Flo have a tumultuous recent history, which means that when Flo sees him standing on the shore of her Greek summer holiday, she's horrified! Their conflicts are amusing and witty.

Enemies to Lovers is perfect for fans of any and all romance, but especially for those with an affliction for turning hate into love.

I ADORED this book. It was exactly what I need in a romance: beautiful setting of a Greek island; enemies to lovers (my favourite trope); a woman with anxiety problems (my life), and a love interest who is tall, sensitive, and funny?!

The book also holds a lot of genuinely sincere moments, such as when Flo worries about her future, and talks about how her anxiety causes her to overthink the future. Her vulnerability with her reader is powerful, and makes her relationship with Jamie all the more tantalising, because we become so involved in their lives.

I cannot wait to see how much of a fuss this book makes when it comes out. I know that BookTok will love it.