I really enjoyed this book, whilst it follows the formula we all know and love, and quite literally as it says on the tin, it still keeps you pulled along and invested in the outcome. The main characters are both interesting and feel real, and the wider family just make the book for me, there's more to this than just hot romantic love. But also boy is there some hot romantic love too, but it's the tension build which I think is quite masterful, you've got to work for your spice with this. The setting made me feel like I was sat in the sun despite it being a gloomy day in September and I absolutely zoomed through this, a fun well written read with just the right amount of spice

Another great book by Laura.
A lovely read and a good romantic family story with some real issues focusing on death, mental health and the family dynamics.
The characters are well thought out and I was interested in them and how they played out. Although the main love story felt inevitable I was delighted that they came together for a happy ending.

So, when we talk enemies to lovers, we expect a simmering chemistry underneath all that ‘fighting’ bravado right?! Well, we certainly felt it in Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams. Flo and Jamie have that delicious push-pull connection we love so much. Added to the fact that no matter how hard Flo tries to keep a distance it’s just never going to happen, what with Jamie being a constant in her family setting.

Flo comes across as strong and in control, despite her mental health issues in the past and in the same breath Jamie comes across as a bit of a free-spirited player. ‘Looks’ can be deceiving though, and people tend to put up a front to hide the bits of themselves they don’t want anyone to see. Whilst this story is described as a romcom it is so much more than that with some triggering subjects under the mental health umbrella. Laura Jane Williams wrote a beautiful book that has emotional family drama, fun banter, and swoon with the generous helping of a picturesque setting in the sun! We rooted for Flo and Jamie from start to finish and really enjoyed their journey!

Book Review: Enemies to Lovers

I recently finished Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams, and it was everything I hoped for and more! From the very first page, I was drawn into the dynamic between Flo Greenberg and Jamie Kramer. Flo, the quintessential over-achiever, is looking for a peaceful getaway in Greece, but her plans are hilariously derailed by the presence of her brother’s best friend, Jamie.

The tension between them was palpable and relatable. Their history is filled with unresolved conflict and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction crackle with energy. I found myself laughing out loud at their banter, while also rooting for them to work through their issues. The setting of sunny Greece only added to the charm, with vivid descriptions that transported me right there with them.

As Flo and Jamie navigate unexpected moments of closeness, I appreciated how Williams captured the complexity of their feelings. It’s not just about the romantic tension; it’s about personal growth and overcoming past grievances. The emotional depth really surprised me, adding layers to what could have been a straightforward enemies-to-lovers story.

The plot twists kept me engaged, and the humor was perfectly timed. Williams has a knack for blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt scenes, making this a truly enjoyable read. I found myself completely immersed in the story, forgetting everything else around me.

If you’re looking for a fun, romantic escape with relatable characters and plenty of witty dialogue, I highly recommend Enemies to Lovers. It’s a delightful journey that reminded me why I love romance novels. This book is bound to bring a smile to your face!

This is the perfect beach read and one you can probably get through in one sitting!

The characters are well portrayed and I felt like I was nearly on this family trip with Flo, her siblings, parents and friends. The banter between the family made you smile and reminded me a lot of my own. But it's not all fun and laughs, I like that Williams addressed some big topics in this book, like mental health, being overwhelmed, feeling lost and more. These are things that so many of us experience every day and seeing that representation on what initially comes across as a happy-go-lucky, everything is perfect book is refreshing.

I liked the chemistry between Flo and Jamie and even though the overall plot is fairly predictable, I thought Williams built it up well and kept the reader interested.

So all in all, a great book to the add to the list if you're looking for something that gives you a laugh and something to think about.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for a review.

I am so mad at myself for not picking this book up the second I got it through to my Kindle! This is one of the best romance books I have read all year. I literally read this entire 400 page book in one day, I was so obsessed with it!

Jamie is Flo's brother's best friend, and last Christmas they almost had a thing, but out of nowhere Jamie bails on her, leaving Flo with a lot of hurt feelings and confusion. They have managed to avoid each other ever since, until Jamie turns up on Flo's family holiday, and they are forced to spend two weeks together.

I really loved this book's exploration of mental health, and how it explored this from both the more obvious angle of Flo after she had her breakdown, but also from all of the side characters, especially Jamie, and the idea that everyone has things that they don't outwardly share and you never know what is going on behind closed doors. It was really beautiful reading about these characters learning to trust each other and opening up about their experiences.

I really loved the beautiful sibling relationship that existed between Flo and Alex. Their love and support for each other was very quiet but meaningful. Even the little nose scrunches they did to each other to symbolise that they loved one another had my heart melting. I loved that the author showed different types of love, and that not every love has to be loud, but can just be someone being there for you without even having to say something.

I love all the tropes that were in this. The brother's best friend, the second chance romance, the jealousy trope, the only one room, all of it was just incredible. It had me smiling so much, or had my jaw dropping at certain scenes from lines that were so funny or so filled with angst.

I will definitely be keeping my eye out for anything else that Laura Jane Williams writes, because this was the perfect romance book in my eyes. It was super fun but with a beautiful romance at its core, and with some heavier topics explored too.

TW: death of parents, attempted sexual assault, mental health breakdown

⭐ Rating: 3/5

📖 Synopsis:
Flo Greenberg is an overachiever in need of a break. She escapes to a picturesque Greek island for a relaxing family holiday, only to find Jamie Kramer—her brother’s best friend and her personal irritant—joining them. With two weeks of shared activities and simmering tension, Flo must confront her feelings toward Jamie. Is he really the enemy she believes him to be?

🌊 What I Loved:

• Stunning Setting: The vivid descriptions transported me to an idyllic Greek town. I could almost feel the sand and smell the saltwater. 🏖️
• Family Dynamics: The Greenberg family’s close-knit relationships added warmth and humor. Their sibling banter and games brought smiles throughout the book.
• Mental Health Representation: Flo’s journey through her mental health struggles was handled with sensitivity and authenticity, resonating deeply.

🤔 What Didn’t Work for Me:

• Title Mismatch: The “enemies” aspect was underdeveloped. The tension between Flo and Jamie didn’t reach the fiery animosity typical of the trope.
• Side Characters: The inclusion of Hope felt unnecessary and didn’t add depth to the story. More focus on Flo and Jamie’s relationship would have been welcome.
• Character Likeability: While Jamie was charming, Flo came across as somewhat self-absorbed at times.

💭 Final Thoughts:
“Enemies to Lovers” is an easy, lighthearted read—perfect for a summer getaway. While it didn’t fully deliver on the expected trope, the beautiful setting and heartfelt family moments make it an enjoyable beach read. If you love a brother’s best friend romance with a happy ending, give this one a try!

A story about Flo finding out the truth about others, past what they show her.

It's great if you love summer romances with heavy family themes, and has a good depiction of mental health struggles. Mostly of the aftermath which so rarely gets highlighted.

Recommended for people interested in these tropes: family bonding, miscommunication, spicy but not explicit scenes, text messaging, and a heavy dose of gossip.

Thanks to the publisher for the early access to the eBook!

Perfect for the summer! I really enjoyed the banter between the two main characters! I wish it was double POV but it was still very cute!

Lighthearted quick read, good for reading on the beach.

The issue of parental loss and mental illness are mentioned in his story, and are addressed sympathetically.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I wish I could’ve loved this, but it just didn’t live up to expectation. When the title is literally enemies to lovers, I expected enemies to lovers, and unfortunately Flo and Jamie aren’t really enemies. There was both sexual and romantic tension, and we eventually find out why there is so much tension, but that doesn’t make them enemies.

It is a really easy, fun read, which is a great achievement, and I honestly love fun quick& easy reads. I felt a connection with Flo, particularly her trying to move past her breakdown and make her family understand that she was recovering, not a broken doll.

I hate to rate it so low,, especially as I did genuinely enjoy it. If the aim of this book is to be a lighthearted, cute and easy read, it succeeded. I just had far higher standards for this book that unfortunately it didn’t meet.

I loved Laura Jane Williams new masterpiece - Enemies to Lovers.

Yes it’s a romance book but also so much more. We explore family dynamics (we’ve all been on that one family holiday) as well as her confused feelings towards her brother’s best friend. Laura also deals with mental health throughout this book very thoughtfully.

This was funny, heartwarming and emotional all in one. I loved it and can’t wait for more!

Enemies to lovers is the perfect summer read for romantic comedy lovers and even more so on a beach. I loved the mental health representation because it is easily relatable. Although Flo and James weren't exactly enemies in my opinion, I loved the tension between them which builds up throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the emphasis on the importance of family as well as the humour throughout the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend Enemies to Lovers to fans of lighthearted summer romances.

Thank you net gallery, Laura Jane Williams and Random House UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was an easy read, perfect for relaxing on a beach somewhere.
I felt the tension and enjoyed it, I look forward to her next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers book written by an author that is clued up on creating intriguing characters that complement the story perfectly. A glorious sunshine read and even one that could be read in the dark depths of winter to warm the cockles and get the heart racing a little.

What a trope!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC! 🫶

I notice a lot of similarities between this book and Emily Henry’s Happy Place. Although all characters in Happy Place are Americans and this book’s characters are English (and a few Greek god-like-mortals), the main characters had something going on in the past, separated in a painful sort of way, and they’re spending a vacation with their loved ones.

But all is forgiven as we dive into the story with a cup of warm chocolate on a rainy day…

The author does well in “using” Greece as the setting. This book is so well-written, and though I played a little bit of detective in the middle, I was still feeling emotional when all things unfolded. I felt emotional not only for Flo, but also for Jamie and Laurie.

Flo is a character I deeply resonate with – I’m sure a lot of people do, too. She deals with mental health issues, which Jamie can relate to a lot. I can sense her desperation and grit to be stronger in life – to APPEAR stronger and fine. Which, we all know, that nothing is fine forever.

For a light reading, such heavy topics were incorporated well in the storyline. I love the family banter, Flo and Alex’s “secret code”, and just how the plot unravels, really. The book doesn’t miss the beauty and fun of vacation while keeping the romance (steaming) alive. There’s plenty of laugh throughout the book, which of course proceeded by good amount of tears 🥲

I like the “exposure therapy” idea, though.

I got a mixed feeling after reading this. I can’t say that this is my favorite, but I definitely like it. I don’t get that strong “enemy” vibe, but what Jamie and Flo did to each other was more hurtful than just being an enemy. What with their family meddling and being in close proximity during the summer, but no contact prior. The revelation in the end got me angry but relieved.

Overall, if you're into enemies to lovers (ha!) or brother’s best friend tropes, I’d recommend this book for a somewhat light reading. With a guaranteed happy ending and a few steam 🔥

Enemies to Lovers follows Florence and Jamie as they are on holiday with Flo’s family, and try to work their feelings out.

Yet another fab book from Laura Jane Williams! Honestly she never disappoints and I really enjoyed reading Enemies to Lovers! I liked the fact they really were ‘enemies’ at the start, and I really liked seeing their relationship grow, and all the things that happened inbetween that.

I did not expect the twist about what actually happened during Christmas and why they were ‘enemies’! I was really angry fir them because how dare something come inbetween their love! It did serve as a nice turning point though.

The epilogue was so cute and I really liked it! I loved how Flo was also finding what she enjoys doing, and taking a step in a different direction, especially after her breakdown.

I can’t wait for Laura Jane Williams next book, including her next middle grade!

I am giving Enemies to Lovers 4 stars.

I really wanted to fall in love with this story because I adored Lovestruck and I knew that her writing would be incredible.

And I DID love it but not with the fire and passion I wanted to.

This is the story of Flo and her family, brothers Alex and Laurie, sister in law Kate, her parents, as well as Jamie - Laurie’s best friend - and all-round handsome, heart-breaking hunk.

Flo and Jamie had a near miss last Christmas, where she thought he might be thawing towards her and that SOMETHING might happen. But then it all went sour, with Jamie leaving Flo a crappy note saying he couldn’t do ‘this’ and heading off into the night.

Flo’s mental health hadn’t been good, she’d had a breakdown and although she’s doing really well now, her family treat her gently, overly gently but she’s gone on a family holiday and now Jamie’s there too and it’s all a bit much.

Although there is some narrative around past events, the book focuses on Flo and Jamie and the family holiday.

Whilst the characters are lovely and they’re a family I would love to go on holiday with, the whole angsty situation between Flo and Jamie really frustrated me - why two adults wouldn’t just speak to each other and ask about the situation was really perplexing.

I loved the writing, the characters and the setting and Jamie and Flo are perfect for each other but I just couldn’t get past why there was such confusion and angst between them.

And I think calling this a rom-com undermines the sensitive way in which mental health is handled, and trivialises the relationship between Jamie and Flo, reducing it to ‘enemies to lovers’ (I hate this title) when really there’s a detailed examination of how Flo feels about Jamie’s behaviour towards her.

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Enemies to Lovers - from the title I thought I'd love this book as it's my favourite trope and I love a summer romance so thought this would be perfect. However, a few things in this book really didn't click for me, unfortunately.
For the most part, I struggled with our main character Florence. I felt like there was very little depth to her - pretty much every page mentioned Jamie, the 'enemy', and we didn't really get any other thoughts from her, it just felt like an obsession about him. But we somehow didn't get to know him and why she actually liked him?They also had no chemistry or tension, which should especially be expected in an enemies to lovers story!
Romance books are my favourite to read but I like the main characters to have a bit more to them than just their love interest but Flo had nothing apart from Jamie and a breakdown. Again, mental health could have been a great aspect to explore but I felt like it was done very shallowly as a throwaway comment - she'd had a breakdown a few years ago and that was all people knew her as and therefore became her personality.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I really did struggle to get through it, unfortunately.

I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this book. I really wanted too and I kept hoping it would pick up for me but sadly, it just didn't work for me.

I couldn't connect with the characters and I didn't feel any tension between the enemies to lovers trope.

I did however, appreciate the sensitivity around mental health and thought this was handled tactfully. I also enjoyed the setting in Greece, it sounded like a place I'd love to go and escape to.