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Gentlemen of Magnolia Bay #2
The Royal's Enemy
Sometimes hate isn't the only thing standing in the way of love.
English blueblood, Lord Henry Spencer, is determined to build a hotel on quaint Sweetgrass Island just outside of Charleston. The only thing standing in his way is Addison McCrae. She's the environmentalist who's not only determined to protect the beach he wants to build on, but also the person who will give the final approval for his plans.
He's determined to win her over with his English charm and royal manners. Too bad those are in short supply the first time Henry meets Addison. He doesn't know who she is, but she recognizes him right away. His rudeness makes her even more determined to keep him and his hotel off her island.
With the help of best friends, sea turtles, and soul food, the two can only stay enemies for so long, and "just friends" for an even shorter time. If only there weren't bigger obstacles at work to keep them apart.
The Royal's Enemy is a closed door, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy originally published under the pen name Brenna Jacobs. It's the second in the Magnolia Bay series that includes books written by Melanie Jacobson and Becca Wilhite but can be read as a stand-alone.
English blueblood, Lord Henry Spencer, is determined to build a hotel on quaint Sweetgrass Island just outside of Charleston. The only thing standing in his way is Addison McCrae. She's the environmentalist who's not only determined to protect the beach he wants to build on, but also the person who will give the final approval for his plans.
He's determined to win her over with his English charm and royal manners. Too bad those are in short supply the first time Henry meets Addison. He doesn't know who she is, but she recognizes him right away. His rudeness makes her even more determined to keep him and his hotel off her island.
With the help of best friends, sea turtles, and soul food, the two can only stay enemies for so long, and "just friends" for an even shorter time. If only there weren't bigger obstacles at work to keep them apart.
The Royal's Enemy is a closed door, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy originally published under the pen name Brenna Jacobs. It's the second in the Magnolia Bay series that includes books written by Melanie Jacobson and Becca Wilhite but can be read as a stand-alone.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
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324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
This is definitely an enemies to lovers story. Henry Spencer is still adjusting to the sudden death of his father, and now has to try to get his brother Marcus to get behind The Coral Monarch project he and the other gents business venture. On top of that it seems he's insulted, more than once, the woman who needs to okay any project in Magnolia Bay. Oh, and to make it even better, it's Peyton's best friend, Addison.
It took me awhile to adjust to Addison's personality. She had preconceived ideas about the kind of person Henry was, just because his father was an Earl, before she really knew him, and found out she was completely wrong. That really bothered me, because Henry is a sweetheart and not at all what she said he was. It took her awhile to admit he wasn't at all like the person she had pegged him to be.
Henry, Henry, Henry. Anyone who described the English as pasty white with crooked teeth had not spent a summer's day at the beach with Henry Spencer. Henry had issues with his brother Marcus, who he never seemed to measure up to. "Maybe it's not so much that I don't fit the mold as that my brother doesn't think I'm good enough for the mold."
It was fun to see Henry and Addison be attracted to one another and not want to admit it because they were on opposite sides when it came to The Coral Monarch, but when they finally admitted it, boy they didn't hold back. Cue the swoony kisses. I'm glad that Henry was able to work everything out back in England so he could go back to South Carolina to be with Addison and they got their happily ever after.
This is such a fun series and I can't wait to read Theo's story. I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is definitely an enemies to lovers story. Henry Spencer is still adjusting to the sudden death of his father, and now has to try to get his brother Marcus to get behind The Coral Monarch project he and the other gents business venture. On top of that it seems he's insulted, more than once, the woman who needs to okay any project in Magnolia Bay. Oh, and to make it even better, it's Peyton's best friend, Addison.
It took me awhile to adjust to Addison's personality. She had preconceived ideas about the kind of person Henry was, just because his father was an Earl, before she really knew him, and found out she was completely wrong. That really bothered me, because Henry is a sweetheart and not at all what she said he was. It took her awhile to admit he wasn't at all like the person she had pegged him to be.
Henry, Henry, Henry. Anyone who described the English as pasty white with crooked teeth had not spent a summer's day at the beach with Henry Spencer. Henry had issues with his brother Marcus, who he never seemed to measure up to. "Maybe it's not so much that I don't fit the mold as that my brother doesn't think I'm good enough for the mold."
It was fun to see Henry and Addison be attracted to one another and not want to admit it because they were on opposite sides when it came to The Coral Monarch, but when they finally admitted it, boy they didn't hold back. Cue the swoony kisses. I'm glad that Henry was able to work everything out back in England so he could go back to South Carolina to be with Addison and they got their happily ever after.
This is such a fun series and I can't wait to read Theo's story. I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
This is definitely an enemies to lovers story. Henry Spencer is still adjusting to the sudden death of his father, and now has to try to get his brother Marcus to get behind The Coral Monarch project he and the other gents business venture. On top of that it seems he's insulted, more than once, the woman who needs to okay any project in Magnolia Bay. Oh, and to make it even better, it's Peyton's best friend, Addison.
It took me awhile to adjust to Addison's personality. She had preconceived ideas about the kind of person Henry was, just because his father was an Earl, before she really knew him, and found out she was completely wrong. That really bothered me, because Henry is a sweetheart and not at all what she said he was. It took her awhile to admit he wasn't at all like the person she had pegged him to be.
Henry, Henry, Henry. Anyone who described the English as pasty white with crooked teeth had not spent a summer's day at the beach with Henry Spencer. Henry had issues with his brother Marcus, who he never seemed to measure up to. "Maybe it's not so much that I don't fit the mold as that my brother doesn't think I'm good enough for the mold."
It was fun to see Henry and Addison be attracted to one another and not want to admit it because they were on opposite sides when it came to The Coral Monarch, but when they finally admitted it, boy they didn't hold back. Cue the swoony kisses. I'm glad that Henry was able to work everything out back in England so he could go back to South Carolina to be with Addison and they got their happily ever after.
This is definitely an enemies to lovers story. Henry Spencer is still adjusting to the sudden death of his father, and now has to try to get his brother Marcus to get behind The Coral Monarch project he and the other gents business venture. On top of that it seems he's insulted, more than once, the woman who needs to okay any project in Magnolia Bay. Oh, and to make it even better, it's Peyton's best friend, Addison.
It took me awhile to adjust to Addison's personality. She had preconceived ideas about the kind of person Henry was, just because his father was an Earl, before she really knew him, and found out she was completely wrong. That really bothered me, because Henry is a sweetheart and not at all what she said he was. It took her awhile to admit he wasn't at all like the person she had pegged him to be.
Henry, Henry, Henry. Anyone who described the English as pasty white with crooked teeth had not spent a summer's day at the beach with Henry Spencer. Henry had issues with his brother Marcus, who he never seemed to measure up to. "Maybe it's not so much that I don't fit the mold as that my brother doesn't think I'm good enough for the mold."
It was fun to see Henry and Addison be attracted to one another and not want to admit it because they were on opposite sides when it came to The Coral Monarch, but when they finally admitted it, boy they didn't hold back. Cue the swoony kisses. I'm glad that Henry was able to work everything out back in England so he could go back to South Carolina to be with Addison and they got their happily ever after.
August 12, 2020
Save The Turtles!
Henry and Addison sure have a rocky start. Henry was basically a dolt but somehow he rebounds and redeems himself. I enjoyed the growing attraction and friendship throughout the book which led to more. The beach setting is my favorite plus baby turtles!! That was a fun addition. I loved that Addison was "known" around town for her environmental passions but fondly because she was a kind person. I liked her. This is a fun series and I'm looking forward to the next book! You will enjoy this series best of you read them in order.
Henry and Addison sure have a rocky start. Henry was basically a dolt but somehow he rebounds and redeems himself. I enjoyed the growing attraction and friendship throughout the book which led to more. The beach setting is my favorite plus baby turtles!! That was a fun addition. I loved that Addison was "known" around town for her environmental passions but fondly because she was a kind person. I liked her. This is a fun series and I'm looking forward to the next book! You will enjoy this series best of you read them in order.
August 4, 2020
Brenna Jacobs is one of my very favorite authors. Her books are well-written with great characters. The plots suck you in from the very first page.
I was really excited to get to read this one, it’s the sequel to The Royals Best Friend. Getting to see what happened to Will, Peyton, Henry and Theo was one of my favorite things about it. And I loved the addition of Addison.
Addison and Henry are so different. She wants to change the world, make it a better place for sea turtles. He wants to build a hotel and have it be profitable. And he doesn’t think that sea turtles and the hotel can work together. I loved the way Addison does see how it can happen. She knows she can make things work. And she’s able to show Henry how.
There are some really great scenes in this one. I love how these two are together. They either hate each other or they’re really, really in love. There’s no middle ground. And that makes this story.
I can’t wait to see what happens for Theo! You can bet I’ll be reading that one as soon as possible.
I was really excited to get to read this one, it’s the sequel to The Royals Best Friend. Getting to see what happened to Will, Peyton, Henry and Theo was one of my favorite things about it. And I loved the addition of Addison.
Addison and Henry are so different. She wants to change the world, make it a better place for sea turtles. He wants to build a hotel and have it be profitable. And he doesn’t think that sea turtles and the hotel can work together. I loved the way Addison does see how it can happen. She knows she can make things work. And she’s able to show Henry how.
There are some really great scenes in this one. I love how these two are together. They either hate each other or they’re really, really in love. There’s no middle ground. And that makes this story.
I can’t wait to see what happens for Theo! You can bet I’ll be reading that one as soon as possible.
July 29, 2020
This is a sweet, clean and fun romance read. A really nice flow to the story. I missed reading Book 1 but I could still read this book just fine. It would be a good vacation read or nice light read since while there's good romantic tension and hurdles for the couple it's resolved quickly. Brenna Jacobs has a talent for writing and keeps me engaged. My only caveat that brought down the reading enjoyment for me a full star was sometimes I felt a bit like perhaps the the author had a soapox/agenda/point of view they really wanted to make sure to get the reader. For example, development and profit are bad and environmentalism is automatically & always good, wholesome and of more value without nuiance. A couple times I thought "yes, yes the environment is important. Stop with the lecture, please." Almost like painting development vs the environment with a broad brush of good vs. bad without nuiance. The wealthy aren't painted in the best light either. This was mostly in the first part of the book. In the 2nd half were the story was more focused on the h & H and their budding relationship. I think the 3 gents were fun characters. I generally liked the h. I felt like the H was more flexible and open. While the h had a chip on her shoulder & prejudice to overcome in regards to the H, Henry. By the end I was still wanting to read book 3.
July 29, 2020
A Royal rom-com win for me, I loved Henry and Addison’s story! I felt like both Henry and Addison had a lot more depth to them that as a reader we got to see as the story progressed. I particularly liked the vulnerable side of Henry that came out as we learn about things going on with his family. Addison and Henry start off on the wrong foot, but I love the way their relationship develops and the great chemistry between the two. A few times I struggled with Addison’s character, but overall, I came to like her and I felt like Henry was exactly what she needed as much as she was good for him too. I also liked the flirtatious banter the two main characters shared. The sea turtle aspect was really cool and brought South Carolina and its beaches to life for me as a reader. I also appreciated that while there were aspects of environmentalism etc. this book didn't feel like it was trying to shove an opinion at me or become too preachy, I would could it a light read with purpose.
Content is clean with some swoony kisses. I can’t wait to read the next in this series!
Content is clean with some swoony kisses. I can’t wait to read the next in this series!
August 4, 2020
An enemies-to-(turtle)-lovers romance
The premise is amusing - as the architect for the Gents' new business venture, Henry has to get his design approved by the same woman he manages to offend while he's upset (and who's also best friends with Peyton). He finds her rather off-putting, too. But of course, what's most annoying is how attracted they are to each other anyway.
The story touches on slavery, feminism & environmentalism to varying degrees - which with everything that's been going on, immediately put me on edge as that's flirting with political territory that's part of the stress I read to escape from. Thankfully, it's not heavy-handed or political, so hopefully I can save someone else that concern. It's main emphasis is the low controversy save-the-turtles campaign.
Admittedly, Addison is a little difficult to like. She's not just defensive; she has a chip on her shoulder. It's ironic that Henry fairly consciously pegs her stereotype & she fits it, yet she doesn't even recognize that she's stereotyping Henry - or that he doesn't fit hers.
The story isn't quite as lighthearted as the first, & the plot doesn't stray outside the lines, but it still has warm, funny moments and succeeds at being sweet & entertaining
*Clean romance level: vague intimations of sexual intimacy in the heroine's previous relationship, passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
The premise is amusing - as the architect for the Gents' new business venture, Henry has to get his design approved by the same woman he manages to offend while he's upset (and who's also best friends with Peyton). He finds her rather off-putting, too. But of course, what's most annoying is how attracted they are to each other anyway.
The story touches on slavery, feminism & environmentalism to varying degrees - which with everything that's been going on, immediately put me on edge as that's flirting with political territory that's part of the stress I read to escape from. Thankfully, it's not heavy-handed or political, so hopefully I can save someone else that concern. It's main emphasis is the low controversy save-the-turtles campaign.
Admittedly, Addison is a little difficult to like. She's not just defensive; she has a chip on her shoulder. It's ironic that Henry fairly consciously pegs her stereotype & she fits it, yet she doesn't even recognize that she's stereotyping Henry - or that he doesn't fit hers.
The story isn't quite as lighthearted as the first, & the plot doesn't stray outside the lines, but it still has warm, funny moments and succeeds at being sweet & entertaining
*Clean romance level: vague intimations of sexual intimacy in the heroine's previous relationship, passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
July 29, 2020
If you’ve read the first book in this series (and you really should—it’s great and sets up the series) then you’ve met the leading man in this book, Henry—one of “the gents” who like his chums was second in line to become an earl. He met Addison one evening when he was feeling emotional (totally unlike him) and sad about the recent loss of his father as well as the feeling of disconnect between him and his older brother. When Addison saw him sitting alone outside with his head hanging down, she tried to comfort him and was rudely brushed aside for her efforts. Unfortunately Addison, an environmentalist, was the one person who stood between Henry and his friends being able to move forward with renovating the hotel their newly formed company had just purchased on a small island near Charleston, SC. It seemed that no matter what Henry did, it was the wrong thing where Addison was concerned. This book made me laugh out loud at times, shed a tear at one point, and sigh at the romantic glances and kisses. The characters were authentic—both the good guys and the bad. And it was so beautiful to read as dislike turned into attraction turned into love. Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 28, 2020
This trilogy has been so much fun to read! I might even like this book better than the first! Addison is determined not to like Henry, who certainly did not make a good first impression on her, plus it would be a conflict of interest as she is an environmentalist with the Sweetgrass Island Coastal Commission who needs to approve building plans for Henry’s business venture. There were times I wasn’t sure how this would work out, especially with a twist that I didn’t expect at all. I love how Brenna can write romances with heat, but they are still clean. And just like the The Royal’s Best Friend, The Royal’s Enemy makes me long for a beach vacation. I’m really looking forward to reading Theo’s story when it comes out!
July 30, 2020
The second book in The Gentlemen of Magnolia Bay was as good as the original. With characters that are introduced in the first but really shine in this one, this story can stand alone on its own feet. Henry and Addison have several terrible first impressions but find as they work on opposites of the hotel that they have more in common than they think.
I love the unique elements of environmentalism and architecture woven in. Brenna Jacobs tells the story and adds the snippets of green living as well as fun British asides. This light-hearted story makes me look forward to the next installment in the world of Magnolia Bay.
I love the unique elements of environmentalism and architecture woven in. Brenna Jacobs tells the story and adds the snippets of green living as well as fun British asides. This light-hearted story makes me look forward to the next installment in the world of Magnolia Bay.
July 28, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoy this author and all her books/series. Magnolia Bay sounds like a beautiful place to live and I love the community feel. I love the Gents! I really liked Henry. But, I had a hard time connecting to Addison. For most of the book, it felt like she had a chip on her shoulder. Maybe this was how the character was meant to be written, in which case, job well done. :) I still cheered for the HEA for Henry and Addison. ;) I am looking forward to Theo’s story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed the first book of this series, but wasn't sure what to expect with this second one because Henry didn't come across as the most sympathetic character in the first. I was wrong about Henry. His personality and background added a great deal to the story as it was revealed. Addison surprised me by being an environmentalist without the anti-human slant that we often see in fiction.
The romance was believable and fun. I enjoyed seeing Peyton and Will again too.
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and freely given.
I enjoyed the first book of this series, but wasn't sure what to expect with this second one because Henry didn't come across as the most sympathetic character in the first. I was wrong about Henry. His personality and background added a great deal to the story as it was revealed. Addison surprised me by being an environmentalist without the anti-human slant that we often see in fiction.
The romance was believable and fun. I enjoyed seeing Peyton and Will again too.
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and freely given.
July 29, 2020
I loved Henry and Addison's story. This was so good. I love how they met and the subsequent impressions. I love how the story unfolds and how Addison tells Henry at the first that they would see a lot of each other, even though it turns out to be more than even she was expecting. I love all of Brenna Jacobs' work, and this is no different. Worth the read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 30, 2020
Ticking off the person who has control over whether your architecture plans pass or fail before you are even introduced to them is not a great start. Lots of fun interactions - and was glad when Addison was finally able to get past her previous on again off again boyfriend! I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 28, 2020
A very fun, sweet summer poolside read!!
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series! This one might be my favorite so far. Addison is determined not to like Henry after their first and second meetings are a wreck. But as they're forced to work together to get the gents' hotel plans approved, her icy attitude starts to thaw...
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series! This one might be my favorite so far. Addison is determined not to like Henry after their first and second meetings are a wreck. But as they're forced to work together to get the gents' hotel plans approved, her icy attitude starts to thaw...
December 1, 2020
This is a new author to me and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this story. I checked the book out through the Kindle Owners Lender's Library.
Henry was part of a three-some, the "gents" from England who had come to America and purchased a hurricane damaged hotel and they wanted to remodel and renovate and make some money. Will, one of the gents, was engaged to Addison's best friend, Peyton. Peyton really wanted her best friend to be as happy as she was and felt that Henry was the perfect man for the job.
Addison and Henry were opposites but they found a common cause and began to work together. This book has an eco friendly slant to the story and I enjoyed how Addison was so fierce in her protection of the sea turtles and Henry was able to see the benefits while listening to the beautiful, intelligent woman who was so passionate about her cause.
I really, really disliked Addison's ex, Landon. I would like to see him get his comeuppance in a future story. I look forward to reading about Theo's story.
Henry was part of a three-some, the "gents" from England who had come to America and purchased a hurricane damaged hotel and they wanted to remodel and renovate and make some money. Will, one of the gents, was engaged to Addison's best friend, Peyton. Peyton really wanted her best friend to be as happy as she was and felt that Henry was the perfect man for the job.
Addison and Henry were opposites but they found a common cause and began to work together. This book has an eco friendly slant to the story and I enjoyed how Addison was so fierce in her protection of the sea turtles and Henry was able to see the benefits while listening to the beautiful, intelligent woman who was so passionate about her cause.
I really, really disliked Addison's ex, Landon. I would like to see him get his comeuppance in a future story. I look forward to reading about Theo's story.
August 6, 2020
So enjoyable that I wish *I* had written it.
August 15, 2021
This was a good example of fixing a bad first impression. I’m not sure they were ever enemies, exactly, but there was a tiny glimpse of adversarial behavior between them. However, what I liked a lot was that Henry invested rather quickly in the things that Addison found interesting. She might not believe him at first, but it’s a great way to build an actual relationship in a short amount of time. By the end, I believed that both characters would be willing to sacrifice everything to be together.
July 28, 2020
Addison and Henry start with such a rocky meeting and not just the first time. Addison meets every description Henry expects she will be, yet still continues to fall for her. I love seeing them try to work as a team even with their own interests at the forefront. This book kept me captivated from the beginning and I am excited for the last book in this series!
July 30, 2020
This was such a fun sequel to the first book “The Royal’s Best Friend!” From that book we were already introduced to Henry and Addison! I loved reading their story as their relationship started off rocky and through hotel plans and turtle rescues developed into something more! The added bonus was seeing Peyton and the other “gents” throughout the story.
August 2, 2020
This was a fun read and story premise. Three friends from England wanting to get into the hotel business in America. This is Henry and Addison's story. The book kept me engaged and wanting to find out how things were going to work out for the main characters. I haven't read the first book in the series yet, but that didn't detract from reading this second book.
August 3, 2020
I expected the second book to be about Peyton and Will again, but was surprised and happy to read about Harry. I like that this book took a different angle with the new characters. I don't like to give spoilers, so I'll stop here and await Theo's turn.
****I was given an ARC for my unbiased opinion. I was not compensated or rewarded for my review in anyway****
****I was given an ARC for my unbiased opinion. I was not compensated or rewarded for my review in anyway****
August 4, 2020
Henry is a swoon worthy noble from England. Addison is a beautiful environmentalist from North Carolina. When the two meet sparks fly, but not in a good way. Henry is the architect for a new project he and his friends have started. They need Addison's approval in order to make it work. Let the fun begin. This is a great enemies to lovers book.
August 6, 2020
Royally Charming and sweet! Brenna Jacobs is one my favorite authors! I love getting lost in her books and feeling that these characters are so real. The Royal’s Enemy is the perfect sequel to the Royals. Focusing on the gent Henry and his life. You feel his heartache and you rooting for him in every aspect. Can’t wait for the next sequel to learn more about Theo!
July 29, 2020
Henry and Addison. I liked how they met and didn't get along. I liked that they kept running into each other and finally started working together because of the attraction. I like how her relationship with the ex ended. Another great book in the series. Can't wait for Theo's story.
July 31, 2020
Another fun read! This book is even better than book 1 of the series. Addison and Henry make working together look easy, and their love story is one you'll enjoy. Looking forward to Book 3 and seeing what happens to Theo.
August 3, 2020
Enjoyable enemies to friend to more
I want to spend more time on the beach with the gents! This is a great group of characters, and I will pre-order each book in the series.
Clean, with some kissing
I want to spend more time on the beach with the gents! This is a great group of characters, and I will pre-order each book in the series.
Clean, with some kissing
August 10, 2020
Sweet romance
This was a sweet enemies to lovers romance that I enjoyed. I liked the eco-friendly angles and the turtles hatching was quite a unique touch. This was a sweet and clean romance, I'd rate it PG for kissing.
This was a sweet enemies to lovers romance that I enjoyed. I liked the eco-friendly angles and the turtles hatching was quite a unique touch. This was a sweet and clean romance, I'd rate it PG for kissing.
August 19, 2020
I struggled for the first few pages to get into this, but I think it was better than the first. And the first one was great! Now I can't wait to read the last one. Theo is the most mysterious one that we don't really know about. Henry and Addison were swoony and so sweet!
September 9, 2020
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book about Henry and Addison. Addison is a very strong willed person and Henry is a very accommodating and gentlemanly person. Read to see how they work through everything.
I enjoyed reading this book about Henry and Addison. Addison is a very strong willed person and Henry is a very accommodating and gentlemanly person. Read to see how they work through everything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews