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angelsbookstaloves's review
3.0
Thank you so much Entangled Pub for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
vilma19's review
3.0
*3.5 stars
I went into this book with no expectations and ended up finishing it with a smile on my face and a craving for chocolate. (Honestly, be aware, because if you read this book I suggest you eat something beforehand or you will find yourself starving for some sweets.)
I loved the concept of the contest at a chocolate factory (I mean who wouldn't be intrigued by that idea?) and it was soo refreshing that there were no mean girls antics involved and that Charlotte, Megan and Sofia instead formed a genuine friendship. It was big plus the side characters were so great, because I had some difficulties with the hot-and-cold drama going on between Charlotte and Luke. Don't get me wrong, I love a good rivals-to-lovers romance but they just seemed to get off the wrong foot and make assumptions too many times to really establish something. The chemistry was there, but I wanted more out of their banter and relationship than the few golden glimpses we got there and there.
All in all, it's a promising debut novel with likable and different characters, an interesting setting/plot and a story that is bound to make you feel good (and crave lots and lots of chocolate).
Thank you to the publisher for providing me this arc via NetGalley! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I went into this book with no expectations and ended up finishing it with a smile on my face and a craving for chocolate. (Honestly, be aware, because if you read this book I suggest you eat something beforehand or you will find yourself starving for some sweets.)
I loved the concept of the contest at a chocolate factory (I mean who wouldn't be intrigued by that idea?) and it was soo refreshing that there were no mean girls antics involved and that Charlotte, Megan and Sofia instead formed a genuine friendship. It was big plus the side characters were so great, because I had some difficulties with the hot-and-cold drama going on between Charlotte and Luke. Don't get me wrong, I love a good rivals-to-lovers romance but they just seemed to get off the wrong foot and make assumptions too many times to really establish something. The chemistry was there, but I wanted more out of their banter and relationship than the few golden glimpses we got there and there.
All in all, it's a promising debut novel with likable and different characters, an interesting setting/plot and a story that is bound to make you feel good (and crave lots and lots of chocolate).
Thank you to the publisher for providing me this arc via NetGalley! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
pageswithpayten's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Jenny Hartwell for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK WITHOUT CHOCOLATE. (and lots of it!)
I’m such a sucjer for an enemies-to-lovers trope. Throw in a cooking competition and I was sold! There were more than a few laughable moments that kept me flipping pages just to see what would happen next. I would’ve liked the completion portion to be flushed out a little more just to get a better idea of the whole thing, but I still enjoyed it. In December I read Jingle Wars and I got the same fun and flirty competitive vibe from Charlotte and Luke. TThe plot follows a predictable timeline, but seriously who doesn’t love knowing what you’re getting sometimes?
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK WITHOUT CHOCOLATE. (and lots of it!)
I’m such a sucjer for an enemies-to-lovers trope. Throw in a cooking competition and I was sold! There were more than a few laughable moments that kept me flipping pages just to see what would happen next. I would’ve liked the completion portion to be flushed out a little more just to get a better idea of the whole thing, but I still enjoyed it. In December I read Jingle Wars and I got the same fun and flirty competitive vibe from Charlotte and Luke. TThe plot follows a predictable timeline, but seriously who doesn’t love knowing what you’re getting sometimes?
jamielibrary's review
4.0
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of “My Sweet Enemy” by Jenny Hartwell. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought this book was cute! It was exactly what I was in the mood to read. The story follows a competition to work for a chocolate company. Two contestants named Charlotte and Luke compete for a coveted job while fighting their attraction to one another.
This whole book was like the chocolate indulgences depicted in the pages. There were such tasty food descriptions and interesting information about making chocolate. The reality competition aspect was fun as Charlotte and Luke move from competitors to lovers. The two had great chemistry and some steamy scenes. I also liked how Luke wanted to approach his career from an ethical standpoint. That was really admirable and something more businesses should aspire to.
I liked the friendship Charlotte developed with the other contestants. No mean girls here which was refreshing. The author made me root for the other contestants too. Except for Chad which was one of my main issues with the book. There were hints that made me think the author was going to make him more complex but that didn’t end up being the case which I felt was unfortunate.
This was a fun and fast read that had me craving all the chocolate. Like chocolate, the romance could be bittersweet at times, but Charlotte and Luke were characters I rooted for both as a couple and in their careers.
4/5 stars
I thought this book was cute! It was exactly what I was in the mood to read. The story follows a competition to work for a chocolate company. Two contestants named Charlotte and Luke compete for a coveted job while fighting their attraction to one another.
This whole book was like the chocolate indulgences depicted in the pages. There were such tasty food descriptions and interesting information about making chocolate. The reality competition aspect was fun as Charlotte and Luke move from competitors to lovers. The two had great chemistry and some steamy scenes. I also liked how Luke wanted to approach his career from an ethical standpoint. That was really admirable and something more businesses should aspire to.
I liked the friendship Charlotte developed with the other contestants. No mean girls here which was refreshing. The author made me root for the other contestants too. Except for Chad which was one of my main issues with the book. There were hints that made me think the author was going to make him more complex but that didn’t end up being the case which I felt was unfortunate.
This was a fun and fast read that had me craving all the chocolate. Like chocolate, the romance could be bittersweet at times, but Charlotte and Luke were characters I rooted for both as a couple and in their careers.
4/5 stars
justmevictoria's review
4.0
I was kindly sent a copy of this book from IndieSage PR in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A chocolate-dipped enemies-to-lovers romance that’ll have you craving chocolate and walking eye-candy.
Unemployed and dreading her next student loan repayment, Charlotte Beecher is ecstatic to learn she has won a place as one of five interns vying for a chief position working with her idol at Simone’s Chocolates. Chief of Chocolates is her absolute dream job, but she knows she’s competing against some great candidates. One who happens to be in the form of the drop-dead gorgeous Luke Wells. Except, Luke is an absolute arse who freezes her out when she’s just trying to be nice and friendly. And after a few little accidents and misunderstandings, the two are more than just competitors, they’re enemies. But there’s more beneath both of their exteriors that’s preventing them from being true to themselves and each other. But when there can only be one intern chosen at the end, it’s a big risk to jump into bed and trust your competition, especially when you’ve already assumed the worst about them.
This was a super fun and sweet romance, with a side of slow burn, and all dipped in chocolate for good measure. I love a good enemies-to-lovers, and while that aspect frustrated me at times because it was just all based off assumptions (and by seeing both sides of the story you can’t help but be frustrated at both characters for their miscommunication and conclusion-jumping), the progression from enemies to lovers just worked for Charlotte and Luke as they delved into their backstories.
Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed following the characters through their internship and the challenges they were put through. The story was a fun concept and it had me craving chocolate and wanting to work at a chocolate factory (well, maybe just being a taste-tester at a chocolate factory...).
The cast of characters as a whole were super fun too, and in particular I really enjoyed seeing Charlotte’s friendships with fellow interns Sofia and Megan. Both were really interesting characters and I can’t wait for Jenny to explore their stories in future books. Hell, I’d love to also follow Simone’s story in a book! I love a good companion novel series, and if it means we get to hang out with this chocolate gang some more, sign me the hell up!
Heavily inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this book is definitely one for chocolate lovers and romance fans to keep on their radar. Now excuse me while I go buy a box of truffles...
A chocolate-dipped enemies-to-lovers romance that’ll have you craving chocolate and walking eye-candy.
Unemployed and dreading her next student loan repayment, Charlotte Beecher is ecstatic to learn she has won a place as one of five interns vying for a chief position working with her idol at Simone’s Chocolates. Chief of Chocolates is her absolute dream job, but she knows she’s competing against some great candidates. One who happens to be in the form of the drop-dead gorgeous Luke Wells. Except, Luke is an absolute arse who freezes her out when she’s just trying to be nice and friendly. And after a few little accidents and misunderstandings, the two are more than just competitors, they’re enemies. But there’s more beneath both of their exteriors that’s preventing them from being true to themselves and each other. But when there can only be one intern chosen at the end, it’s a big risk to jump into bed and trust your competition, especially when you’ve already assumed the worst about them.
This was a super fun and sweet romance, with a side of slow burn, and all dipped in chocolate for good measure. I love a good enemies-to-lovers, and while that aspect frustrated me at times because it was just all based off assumptions (and by seeing both sides of the story you can’t help but be frustrated at both characters for their miscommunication and conclusion-jumping), the progression from enemies to lovers just worked for Charlotte and Luke as they delved into their backstories.
Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed following the characters through their internship and the challenges they were put through. The story was a fun concept and it had me craving chocolate and wanting to work at a chocolate factory (well, maybe just being a taste-tester at a chocolate factory...).
The cast of characters as a whole were super fun too, and in particular I really enjoyed seeing Charlotte’s friendships with fellow interns Sofia and Megan. Both were really interesting characters and I can’t wait for Jenny to explore their stories in future books. Hell, I’d love to also follow Simone’s story in a book! I love a good companion novel series, and if it means we get to hang out with this chocolate gang some more, sign me the hell up!
Heavily inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this book is definitely one for chocolate lovers and romance fans to keep on their radar. Now excuse me while I go buy a box of truffles...
lauriereadsrom1's review
4.0
"My Sweet Enemy" by Jenny Hartwell was a cute, funny enemies-to-lovers romance between sunshiny chocolatier Charlotte Beecher and grumpy supply chain specialist Luke Wells. The fiery chemistry between Luke and Charlotte was immediately apparent and gave rise to a competition that was at times very amusing. For example, I loved the scene when they were trying to outpace each other on neighboring treadmills at the gym; I could practically see the sparks between them flying off the page. Their competition turned more serious as the story progressed, which IMO was a shame because their relationship lost a lot of the playful energy it had at the beginning. The more Charlotte and Luke tried to make each other look bad, the more they made themselves look bad too. It took them a lot longer than it should have to realize that neither was out to get the other.
I really liked the book's secondary characters, particularly Charlotte and Luke's fellow interns, who added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I couldn't help laughing at the dude-bro from Wall Street who consistently referred to himself as "the Chad," even though he turned out to be a real jerk by the end of the competition. Charlotte's friendship with the other two female interns, Megan and Sofia, ended up being a highlight of the book for me. There was so much more to social media influencer Megan than I thought there would be, and I'd love to see her get her own story.
Overall, while Luke and Charlotte's relationship frustrated me at times, I enjoyed "My Sweet Enemy" and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to whatever Ms. Hartwell writes next.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really liked the book's secondary characters, particularly Charlotte and Luke's fellow interns, who added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I couldn't help laughing at the dude-bro from Wall Street who consistently referred to himself as "the Chad," even though he turned out to be a real jerk by the end of the competition. Charlotte's friendship with the other two female interns, Megan and Sofia, ended up being a highlight of the book for me. There was so much more to social media influencer Megan than I thought there would be, and I'd love to see her get her own story.
Overall, while Luke and Charlotte's relationship frustrated me at times, I enjoyed "My Sweet Enemy" and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to whatever Ms. Hartwell writes next.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
nikkisbooknook's review
4.0
Loved this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-esque story! Mix romantic comedy with chocolate and you have a sure-fire winner in my opinion!
I'm not a lover of reality TV, except when it comes to cooking shows so as this was chocolate I felt that fell in the food category, lol. Charlotte has left her last job due to her odious boss and gets entered for a reality type show where a job at a prestigious Chocolate Company is up for grabs. Charlotte sets off for Seattle for what could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
One slight wrinkle in the plan - she actually LIKES her fellow intern hopefuls. Especially one tall, handsome, very rigid and a stickler for ethical business practices, Luke. Can she mix a possible romance and the cut-throat competition for the internship? Or will both pass her by?
Plenty of laughs, hot passion, sweet, sweet chocolate, and a truly inspiring collection of interns "amirite?" LOL. All the interns brought something different to the story and I loved the fact that whilst all competing for the job, a true friendship developed between them. Well, most of them!
I'd happily read more from these characters.
I'm not a lover of reality TV, except when it comes to cooking shows so as this was chocolate I felt that fell in the food category, lol. Charlotte has left her last job due to her odious boss and gets entered for a reality type show where a job at a prestigious Chocolate Company is up for grabs. Charlotte sets off for Seattle for what could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
One slight wrinkle in the plan - she actually LIKES her fellow intern hopefuls. Especially one tall, handsome, very rigid and a stickler for ethical business practices, Luke. Can she mix a possible romance and the cut-throat competition for the internship? Or will both pass her by?
Plenty of laughs, hot passion, sweet, sweet chocolate, and a truly inspiring collection of interns "amirite?" LOL. All the interns brought something different to the story and I loved the fact that whilst all competing for the job, a true friendship developed between them. Well, most of them!
I'd happily read more from these characters.
joreadsromance's review
4.0
Sweeter than a box of truffles
4 stars
This is the debut novel by [a:Jenny Hartwell|21083514|Jenny Hartwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1611043895p2/21083514.jpg] and by and large it’s a cute, sweet and fun enemies to lovers story. I would also class it as new adult as our characters are 21 and 24, and quite often they very much act like it. Goodreads also says this only has 150 pages but it’s actually got nearly 300 - so my expectations of an insta-hate to insta-love story were never going to happen.
This was an enemies to lovers story but wow - this pair really took enemies to the extreme. At times they were downright vicious to each other. I had hoped that Charlotte could have at least taken the high road or stayed true to her kind personality - but that’s what I mean by the pair acting young.
Like others, the competition aspect was a bit confusing to me. Surely a successful company already has good food techs, marketers and business professionals? And how can you have a competition with such different specialities? But I went with it and it was fun just to watch the show.
Charlotte was a sweet and kind girl and I liked her a lot. Luke was a little bit more of a mystery to me. Harsh and cold at the start, he seemed to have a massive personality shift once he and Charlotte got together. I still liked him in those times but he seemed like a completely different person BC and AC (before Charlotte and after Charlotte). Oh but he wore glasses (something I’d have liked the cute cover to show) which makes him damn near perfect in my eyes. Love me a sexy nerd. The pair had an interesting chemistry and I did like their interactions. The sexy times were nicely naughty and I felt the feelings so I was happy. And if the ending didn't give me a quick tear in my eye then the acknowledgements definitely did!
There were a few soapbox moments which were quite heavy handed but apart from that, the writing flowed and I kept turning those pages. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end. I also laughed out loud on numerous occasions - Ms Hartwell’s humour definitely shone through.
A nice cast of supporting characters also added some meat to the bones, although why authors use characters with the same first initial bothers me greatly. Surely I’m not the only one that gets muddled when trying to remember which one was Simone and which one was Sofia.
I enjoyed this book and it really was a sweet treat with a dash of humour and heat. I will definitely look out for further books by [a:Jenny Hartwell|21083514|Jenny Hartwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1611043895p2/21083514.jpg], especially if she plans to give Megan and Damien their own story. 4 stars from me.
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
ashleyaos20's review
3.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First thing first-the note from the publisher in the beginning truly sets the tone. “We love romance, and we hope this book leaves you with a smile on your face and JOY in your heart.”
Joy is my word of the year so I was happy their hope is to help bring joy to people.
My Sweet Enemy is a short and sweet book to read this valentines day tbh! In a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory competition, Charlotte and Luke are rivals but their attraction is too much for them to ignore.
“When all was said and done. It really just came down to size.
Charlotte bit back a grin.
The size of the chocolate, ofcourse”
I really enjoyed this for a light fun read! Highly recommend for fans of baking shows because imagine this happening to two contestants! Exactly, it would be perfection. So read about it in this book!
First thing first-the note from the publisher in the beginning truly sets the tone. “We love romance, and we hope this book leaves you with a smile on your face and JOY in your heart.”
Joy is my word of the year so I was happy their hope is to help bring joy to people.
My Sweet Enemy is a short and sweet book to read this valentines day tbh! In a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory competition, Charlotte and Luke are rivals but their attraction is too much for them to ignore.
“When all was said and done. It really just came down to size.
Charlotte bit back a grin.
The size of the chocolate, ofcourse”
I really enjoyed this for a light fun read! Highly recommend for fans of baking shows because imagine this happening to two contestants! Exactly, it would be perfection. So read about it in this book!
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