We’re back with another podcast episode! This month, we’re talking Enemies to Lovers (aka, the most popular trope in Romancelandia that none of us really like), as well as all the books called Enemies with Benefits that we read this week.
Tag: Enemies to Lovers
Trope
Review: Enemies with Benefits by J.D. Hollyfield (2022)
Heat Factor: It’s pretty steamy. There’s a lot of hate whoopie before there’s any tender whoopie, if you’re into that kind of thing. (If you’re not sure…give it a go with this book.)
Character Chemistry: The layers of emotional complexity, backstory, and personal development make these characters and their fiery chemistry very, very satisfying.
Plot: Makayla moves home to clean up and sell her estranged, abusive father’s house–and immediately runs into Ben at a wedding. The two get stuck one upping each other in petty pranks and comebacks, all while they inexplicably find themselves supporting one another from an unknown danger.
Overall: This book is utterly bonkers. It’s got some incredibly witty snark, caustic pranks, emotional character development, and a murderous mystery.
Series Review: Enemies with Benefits by Annika Martin and Joanna Chambers (2017)
Heat Factor: Much of the first quarter of the book is kinky hate sex. Then it’s just lotsa sex.
Character Chemistry: Apparently threats to life and limb are an aphrodisiac
Plot: Will is trying to kill the man Kit is protecting (until he gets the file he wants and can kill his protectee himself)
Overall: If you can buy into the drama, it’s a pretty good spy vs. spy suspense
Review Revisited: Ingrid’s Take on Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir (2019)
Loveless Brothers, Book #1
Review of Loveless Brothers, Book #3
Heat Factor: If this book is on fire, why’s it so wet
Character Chemistry: Listen, there’s a razor thin line between knowing exactly how to torment someone and knowing how to…torment them…and this book walks it perfectly.
Plot: Violet is abandoned at a restaurant on a terrible date only to discover the head chef is her childhood arch nemesis, Eli. Eli has traveled the world and recently moved home to accept a new job…where Violet works. They’re both on the line for a competitive $20k bonus, so needless to say, things get interesting.
Overall: This is a review revisited confirming—and elaborating on—everything Holly said in her glowing review.
Review: The Black Diamond by Bella Barnes (2022)
The Lost Boys of Hell’s Kitchen, Book #3
Heat Factor: It’s got everything! I-think-you’re-a-hooker sex, hate sex, building-trust sex, AND love sex
Character Chemistry: Forced proximity and some sass turns mistrust to love
Plot: Natalia and Connor are forced to marry, plus a bunch of mafia shenanigans
Overall: I’m not gonna lie—I was apprehensive about reading this book, but I loved it
The Smut Report 