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hebberelle's review
4.0
I almost noped out of this one because he's so childish and shitty in the beginning, and then nearly noped out again because I thought it would be some bullshit about how this one asshole can cure her panic attacks.
But that's not what it turned out to be at all. It was quite a sweet book where he realizes she's his intellectual pair and then decides that he can support her through her attacks (not cure, and they don't magically stop when he's around either).
I loved this depiction of panic attacks and how he doesn't think less of her for them, and I loved even more than they didn't just poof stop happening just because of some man.
But that's not what it turned out to be at all. It was quite a sweet book where he realizes she's his intellectual pair and then decides that he can support her through her attacks (not cure, and they don't magically stop when he's around either).
I loved this depiction of panic attacks and how he doesn't think less of her for them, and I loved even more than they didn't just poof stop happening just because of some man.
a_neverending_tbr's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I would call this a rivals to lovers more than enemies to lovers story but it still had some great tension. I loved both Jessica and James as characters. Watching them find the feelings that were clearly there was a great read and I loved James’ care for Jessica as she battled her anxieties. There isn’t a ton of drama and I liked that about the story. I wanted a little more from the epilogue but otherwise, this was another great book by Sally.
Content Notes: Kisses
Content Notes: Kisses
allymango's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
annabethjoy23's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
hollys_book_musings's review against another edition
5.0
First of all, I have added Sally to my list of favorite romance authors. "An Engagement with the Enemy" is only my second I have read by her, but she is so talented.
I loved “An Engagement with the Enemy”. At first it was a tiny bit slow for me, but once I got into it, I couldn’t stop reading. It is an “Enemies-to-Lovers” storyline, with fun and clever banter. The mischievous pranks they play on each other, especially the one Jessica reveals to James at the end, were so fun to read about. I definitely chuckled to myself a few times when I was reading about their antics as children.
I really liked how they felt like real characters. Jessica has struggles many of us can relate to. James is so gentle and caring toward Jessica. I love the loyalty, care and compassion he displays once he decides to help Jessica with her struggles.
Be sure to add this book to your TBR!
I will definitely be reading the rest of Sally’s books, but also the rest of the Castles and Courtship series (written by different authors).
I loved “An Engagement with the Enemy”. At first it was a tiny bit slow for me, but once I got into it, I couldn’t stop reading. It is an “Enemies-to-Lovers” storyline, with fun and clever banter. The mischievous pranks they play on each other, especially the one Jessica reveals to James at the end, were so fun to read about. I definitely chuckled to myself a few times when I was reading about their antics as children.
I really liked how they felt like real characters. Jessica has struggles many of us can relate to. James is so gentle and caring toward Jessica. I love the loyalty, care and compassion he displays once he decides to help Jessica with her struggles.
Be sure to add this book to your TBR!
I will definitely be reading the rest of Sally’s books, but also the rest of the Castles and Courtship series (written by different authors).
andrea_author's review against another edition
4.0
Pressured to restore his family's reputation, James must marry well, leading his father to hosts a house-party to showcase potential brides. Childhood adversary Jessica, an earl's daughter resistant to an arranged marriage, unexpectedly attends. As the summer progresses, these former rivals change from foes to friends. Can she let go of the past and plan a future with him?
I love Jessica! She's smart and relatable and strong. The banter between her and James is fun. This is an entertaining choice for anyone who enjoys sweet historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love Jessica! She's smart and relatable and strong. The banter between her and James is fun. This is an entertaining choice for anyone who enjoys sweet historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
rmb27's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
It’s interesting to see anxiety/ASD portrayed in a regency setting. I found the book much more interesting once I realized that was a significant part of the plot as opposed to merely an enemies-to-lovers.
riellareads's review against another edition
5.0
Another adorable historical romance from Ms. Britton! I had so much fun with James and Jessica. James Aldwick isn’t ready to settle down, but his father, Baron Retford, is determined. The stigma of illegitimacy has haunted him, and his son must reestablish their good name through a perfect marriage. He plans to ensure it through a series of summer parties, the perfect opportunity to parade eligible ladies before James. Jessica Westcote is the only daughter of a gentleman and the dearest friend of James’s sister. The invitation to Amoret Castle’s summer events is the perfect time to spend with her friend, not the infuriating James, even if she does enjoy their spats. Her father’s announcement that she must be betrothed by the end of the summer leaves her with more than she would like in common with James. Will they be able to sustain a truce long enough to avoid matrimony? And what happens when the battle lines begin to blur?
This had so many things I love about enemies-to-lovers! They were both intelligent and their banter was never malicious. They found enjoyment in each other’s company and their back-and-forth. James was sweet! I appreciated his commitment to his family and how he and his sister were friends. I loved the gradual falling and realization. Jessica was so strong! The juxtaposition of her strong will and her struggles just made me empathize with her more. In many ways, she felt trapped by them, but she found ways to cope and adjust. I loved their partnership! I think it is one of the most swoony elements of a romance, how a couple supports and makes the other better. Their initial partnership to avoid marriage leads them to seeing how they complement one another! They are adorable!
Both of their families were also so sweet! Even though they were pushing marriage on them, they sincerely wanted good for them. It was fun to see all the characters coming in during the story and how James and Jessica schemed together. I had so much fun with the historical romance. It is a standalone story with only kissing!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
This had so many things I love about enemies-to-lovers! They were both intelligent and their banter was never malicious. They found enjoyment in each other’s company and their back-and-forth. James was sweet! I appreciated his commitment to his family and how he and his sister were friends. I loved the gradual falling and realization. Jessica was so strong! The juxtaposition of her strong will and her struggles just made me empathize with her more. In many ways, she felt trapped by them, but she found ways to cope and adjust. I loved their partnership! I think it is one of the most swoony elements of a romance, how a couple supports and makes the other better. Their initial partnership to avoid marriage leads them to seeing how they complement one another! They are adorable!
Both of their families were also so sweet! Even though they were pushing marriage on them, they sincerely wanted good for them. It was fun to see all the characters coming in during the story and how James and Jessica schemed together. I had so much fun with the historical romance. It is a standalone story with only kissing!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
“You will not fail, Jess. Not when you want something. I have years of experience of watching you achieve many things.”
All the love for this book! This is definitely a top favorite enemies to lovers romance! It has all the things I love: deliciously witty banter, sworn enemies turned allies, little sister’s best friend, harmless pranks, a heroine with an anxiety disorder expertly done, and the heartfelt romance Sally Britton is known for. I also loved the delightful Regency setting along with an old castle complete with knights’ armor, and the nearby village fair.
Future baron James Aldwick is content to read his books and enjoy his state of life. His father however thinks it’s time for him to marry. As his mother and father devise a series of summer parties and balls to try to find him a wife, James tries to devise a way to thwart their plans.
Jessica Westcote is also being pressured to marry. Wanting to see her cared for, her father encourages her to find a worthy suitor before the end of the summer. When she receives an invitation to spend time with her best friend Catherine at her family’s castle, she readily accepts especially when she’s currently enduring a rather lonely existence. Though not looking forward to spending time with Catherine’s brother and her sworn enemy, she quickly realizes they’re in the same predicament. As she and James team up to thwart their parents’ plans, their relationship changes from one of pranks and witty barbs to allies to something more.
I loved Jessica and James! The witty banter and good natured teasing were so good. I absolutely adored watching James transform from a bookish, somewhat spoiled baron to a kind, strong, supportive man. He strengthens Jessica and helps her manage her fears. He recognizes the intelligent, capable woman she is despite her burdensome challenges. I also loved the way he approached their relationship and wasn’t afraid to go after what he wanted.
Jessica is such a relatable, sympathetic heroine. She’s very quick witted and creative. I love the way she goes from not wanting to marry to experiencing first love with her sworn enemy turned friend. The anxiety she suffers was represented so well! I loved seeing the contrast in the way James sees her versus Catherine. He sees the woman and not the anxiety.
I loved the kissing gate scenes, secret meetings at night, the delightful relationship progression, and the village fair. So many heartfelt moments that made me want to cheer! Highly recommend this romantic, well written, witty Regency that sets the bar high for all future enemies to lovers stories. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily given.
All the love for this book! This is definitely a top favorite enemies to lovers romance! It has all the things I love: deliciously witty banter, sworn enemies turned allies, little sister’s best friend, harmless pranks, a heroine with an anxiety disorder expertly done, and the heartfelt romance Sally Britton is known for. I also loved the delightful Regency setting along with an old castle complete with knights’ armor, and the nearby village fair.
Future baron James Aldwick is content to read his books and enjoy his state of life. His father however thinks it’s time for him to marry. As his mother and father devise a series of summer parties and balls to try to find him a wife, James tries to devise a way to thwart their plans.
Jessica Westcote is also being pressured to marry. Wanting to see her cared for, her father encourages her to find a worthy suitor before the end of the summer. When she receives an invitation to spend time with her best friend Catherine at her family’s castle, she readily accepts especially when she’s currently enduring a rather lonely existence. Though not looking forward to spending time with Catherine’s brother and her sworn enemy, she quickly realizes they’re in the same predicament. As she and James team up to thwart their parents’ plans, their relationship changes from one of pranks and witty barbs to allies to something more.
I loved Jessica and James! The witty banter and good natured teasing were so good. I absolutely adored watching James transform from a bookish, somewhat spoiled baron to a kind, strong, supportive man. He strengthens Jessica and helps her manage her fears. He recognizes the intelligent, capable woman she is despite her burdensome challenges. I also loved the way he approached their relationship and wasn’t afraid to go after what he wanted.
Jessica is such a relatable, sympathetic heroine. She’s very quick witted and creative. I love the way she goes from not wanting to marry to experiencing first love with her sworn enemy turned friend. The anxiety she suffers was represented so well! I loved seeing the contrast in the way James sees her versus Catherine. He sees the woman and not the anxiety.
I loved the kissing gate scenes, secret meetings at night, the delightful relationship progression, and the village fair. So many heartfelt moments that made me want to cheer! Highly recommend this romantic, well written, witty Regency that sets the bar high for all future enemies to lovers stories. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily given.