I’m not just kissing the rival… I’m falling for him.
Spencer Pennington has always been a shameless flirt, but when it came to being the best in our MBA program, all bets were off, and the competition was on.
Fast-forward a few years, and all it takes is a bar at a failed wedding and my silly kiss-rating system to lock lips with the enemy. Cocky as ever, Spencer claims he’s a ten and kisses me to prove it. I kiss him back to scratch an old itch, not expecting to like it.
Which is a huge problem, because Mr. Tall, Dark, and Tattooed from grad school is my new boss. And I want to kiss him again and again. Even if I only gave him a four.
Spencer
Charlotte Krause could be the perfect girl, if she didn’t hate me so much. I’m unsure if it was just me or guys in general, but she had this stuck-up, all-work-no-play vibe about her in college.
Imagine my surprise when I find her at the resort bar rating kisses like it’s her job. This carefree woman is nothing like the focused girl who turned me down at freshman orientation. And every time after that.
When I promise her I’m a ten, I see that competitive spark light in her ocean-blue eyes. There she is. She might have kissed me to prove me wrong, but I know I’m right about one thing.
She feels the spark too. There’s just one problem. It turns out her actual job is working for me.
Kissing the Rival is an interconnected novel in the Kissing Games series. Each book in the series can be read as a complete standalone.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.
When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.
I was... disappointed by this book. It goes from 0 to 100 at the snap of a finger, taking a complete 180. The connection between the characters felt very superficial and insta-lovey, despite having known each other for ten years. Like most Kaylee Ryan books, this is a he falls first romance, and as the title implies, it is also enemies to lovers (though more like one-sided enemies). It is the second book in a multi-author series, The Kissing Games. Check out my review of the first book, Kissing My Brother's Bride by Molly McLain here.
Our two main characters are Charlotte "Charlie" and Spencer, who first meet at college orientation and become academic rivals, the two best students in their business program. Charlie had just lost both her parents, and she had to leave her 16-year-old little sister, Audrey, behind with their aloof aunt. Spencer, not knowing this, flirts with her and asks her out at orientation, and she swiftly rejects him and typecasts him as "kind of a dick... who's been handed everything in life." (I don't know where she gets this idea from, seeing as she has barely spoken all of two words to him.) If she let herself get distracted by someone like Spencer, she would risk losing her scholarship (this is understandable). Because of Charlie's cold attitude, Spencer believes she is stuck-up and arrogant. (And honestly, Charlie does come off in a "holier than thou" way.)
Now, ten years later, Audrey (our main character in book one) is about to marry Lincoln, Spencer's best friend. At the hotel bar, Charlie is a little quirky (🙄) and rates other couples' kisses on a scale of 1 to 10. Upon learning this, Spencer dares Charlie to rate their kiss. Even though it was the best kiss she's ever had, she rates it a 4. At first, Spencer is miffed by this but then takes it as a challenge to keep kissing her to "improve."
When they return home from the wedding venue, they learn Spencer will be Charlie's new boss (or boss' boss). This makes her warier of starting anything with him.
As I mentioned earlier, the animosity is mainly one-sided. This is not a true enemies/rivals to lovers romance. Charlie has no reason to hate Spencer. Spencer has always liked Charlie. Sure, he thinks she is conceited (and he would be right in that assessment, in my opinion), but he doesn't see her in the same way that she sees him. Speaking of which, it felt out of character for Charlie to suddenly see Spencer in a new light and declare her love for him in a matter of days or weeks. I would have liked to have some build-up. It felt like insta-love. Maybe it would have helped to have had some background of their relationship to each other over the last six years since college. We go from a college flashback scene in the beginning to now, years later, and it felt abrupt. Like, were they out of each other's lives for a few years until Audrey started dating Linc? I just didn't feel their connection beyond surface-level.
Coming from someone who has also read book one in the series, I want to point out how it seems like the authors didn't coordinate with each other. The timeline in both books is the same, meaning the stories take place at the same time (from the wedding venue to a few months after). However, in book one, Audrey tells Charlie about Liam pretty early on. In this book, Charlie is in the dark and doesn't know what's happening in Audrey's life, only that she thinks Audrey is seeing someone new (and when she's ready, maybe she'll tell Charlie).
Okay, time to get nit-picky. This is branded as a small town romance, but in my opinion, it isn't. Charlie and Spencer live and work in Charleston. Book one in the series is definitely small town, since Liam lives in a small town around half an hour outside of Charleston, and much of the story takes place there. Also, Kaylee Ryan repeatedly mentions that Charlie and Spencer were in the same MBA program, but she only talks about them when they were seeking their bachelor's degrees. She never talks about them competing in masters-level classes. Was this a mix-up/misunderstanding on her part? This mistake doesn't necessarily detract from the story, but it does cause confusion.
If you know me, you know I'm typically a huge fan of Kaylee Ryan, and it pains me to rate this book just two stars. I think Kaylee writes better friends to lovers/meet cute romances. I wasn't crazy about either of the characters in this. Charlie annoyed me, and Spencer was just average. Nothing memorable. I did like, though, that he doesn't get mad at her for a "secret" she had been hiding from him (keeping it really vague here to avoid spoilers!). And I just generally like a he falls first/harder romance, which this is.
Thank you so much to Give Me Books Promotions and Grey's Promotions for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Check out my blog, Aromantic Reads Romance, for more book reviews and other bookish content!
Charlotte, when she started her first day of college, she was closed off, due to losing her parents a few months prior. She just wanted to keep her head done, focus on classes. That also meant turning down Spencer the first time they met, which in turn led to a decade-long rival.
Spencer, when Charlotte turned him down, it was a hit to his ego. After years off taking joy in annoying the hell out of her, he finally sees the real person, and after one kiss, he wants her more than ever.
The chemistry between Spencer and Charlie was off the damn charts and the development of their relationship was amazing.
This was so amazing! Entertaining and sweet with these seriously wonderful characters. Kissing the Rival was an excellent story that was extremely entertaining and sweet with amazing characters. Hoping we get Audrey and Liam's story even if it's a short one.
Charlotte and Spencer have known each other for 10 years and Charlotte thinks they are enemies. Spencer, however, does not. Spencer was serious when he asked her out in college and was serious every other time he tried to be around her or flirt.
This was a hero falls first and it works so well in this one as you really know how Spencer feels about her and watching him get what he wants and finally get a chance with her is so perfect. I think I ended up falling a little in love with him so it was really easy for me to understand why Charlotte (Charlie if you ask Spencer) falls in love with him.
I really liked both of these characters, both together and separately which always makes it more engaging.
This book was so beautiful. I love Kaylee’s writing. It is a quick read, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters’ banter and back and forth with each other. It had me laughing and has all the feel good vibes. Great palette cleanser if you read a lot of dark romance, and the perfect book if sweeter romances are more your style. Let’s dive in shall we?
Spencer and Charlotte met on their first day of college freshman year. Charlotte was determined to to keep her head down and stay focused on school in order to keep her scholarship and build a life for herself after the loss of her parents. Spencer was blinded by the beauty that was Charlotte. When she turns him down, he never relents and everything starts turning into a challenge to him just to get closer to her. They started competing with each other for grades and ultimately became rivals.
Ten years later, Charlotte’s sister is marrying Spencer’s best friend and they’re the best man and maid of honor, and the rivalry hasn’t let up. Charlotte lets it slip that she has a game with herself where she ranks people’s kisses, so of course Spencer has to make sure he’s the best. After Charlotte ranks their kiss a 4 out of 10, Spencer is determined to change her mind.
After the wedding, they go home to find out that the medical practice that Charlotte is an administrator for is being bought out by the hospital in which Spencer is the CEO. Now that Spencer is considered her boss, Charlotte is conflicted with their newly forming relationship. Does Spencer ever change Charlotte’s kiss ranking? Does their new work dynamic change their personal relationship? Does their past rivalry ultimately hinder what could be before it even starts?
I adore enemies to friends to lovers romances and so I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of Kaylee Ryan's Kissing the Rival. An enticing, fun, sweet and low angst romance.
Featuring Charlotte and Spencer. Who meet on their first day of college, and Spencer is immediately smitten. But Charlotte isn't interested. Yes, he's gorgeous. But having lost her parents and having left her younger sister Audrey behind. Charlotte just wants to focus on getting through College. And besides Spencers comments and quips don't help.
So they spend all of college sparring. The best two in class, battling to come out on top and becoming bigger and bigger rivals.
Then ten years later Spencer's best friend Lincoln becomes engaged to Charlottes sister Audrey and the pair are stuck together. As best man and maid of honour.
However, at the last minute Lincoln decides not to go through with the wedding and leaves Spencer to break the news. Just as Charlotte is starting to thaw.
But Spencer isn't ready to throw in the towel, especially when Charlotte rates their first kiss as a four.
And he soon gets another chance when their professional lives collide and now Spencer is playing for keeps. (And a kiss rating of ten!😉)
And with really likable characters, banter, and sweetness. This was an extremely enjoyable read, and I'm excited to read more from this multi-author series in the future.
I would happily recommend Kissing the Rival to all. 😊
My thanks to Kaylee Ryan and Greys Promos for the opportunity to read an early copy of Kissing the Rival. 😊
This was such an enjoyable light read with an interesting mix of potential couples. Spencer and Charlotte meet in college. Spence is interested in the quiet beauty and asks her out, but she rejects him as she's distracted by her grief. This sets off 10 years of rivalry between the two that reaches its peak at a wedding. In the bar at the resort, Charlotte starts grading kisses, leading Spencer to want to know his score. After her gets his rating, he's determined to make Carlotte his once and for all though their oaths will cross again as his hospital buys the practice she works at. The kisses don't stop, and long-held judgments change everything for this duo.
This book was refreshing and low angst. Spencer has clearly always loved Charlotte, though she's been too lost in her own world to notice. She has likewise judged him and is resistant to a relationship with her new boss. Charlotte is a rock for her sister, and that love has been a driving force for her. She can be stubborn, though it's Spencer's resistance that wears her down. Spencer is a likable hero who only has eyes for Charlotte. He's determined to overcome everything to win the girl this time and willing to ma make the big moves for it to happen. There's no 3rd act breakup here, and the angst is relatively low, so if you're looking fir a light fun read, this may be a great match!
I love this multi-author series, book two gives us a little more of the story behind the failed destination wedding. We met this group of friends in the first book, and with Charlotte and Spencer’s story more is revealed about that weekend. But Charlotte and Spencer met in freshmen year of College, but due to lack of communication, assumptions are made, at the two become rivals for the top spot in their class. Fast forward 10 years, and they are part of the wedding party.
A kissing game that weekend gets the ball rolling for the two. Is this their time? Will the real story of all those years ago make a difference this time around? Join the competition of Charlotte and Spencer, as they banter their way from frenemies.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
If there was ever a character that was going to steal your heart, make you swoon and set your world on fire it is going to be Spencer. A misunderstanding 10 years ago have had Charlotte and Spencer fighting and competing against each other. With one chance Spencer decides he is going to make Charlotte his finally. The chemistry is off the charts between these two and the push and pull between them is entertaining and engaging. The banter has you laughing as Charlotte tries to fight what has been brewing below the surface for years. An overall beautiful love story that started with a kiss.
I fell in love with Kaylee Ryan writing, the first time was when I read the Riggins Brothers series, and with that book I fell in love even more. This book had me, it consumed me, I was hooked from the beginning to the end and it was so amazing. I couldn’t put that book down until I finished. This story was so sweet and perfect.
Charlotte and Spencer met the first day of college. Spencer flirted and tried several times to ask her out over their college years but she always turned him down. Their competed with their grades all along their studies.
Now, at a bar after few drinks Charlotte tells him about how she rate couples kissing when she sees them. That's when Spencer ask her to rate him by kissing him.
The start of troubles.
This book got all I was looking, such a good, great, beautiful and amazing romance. I love small town romance, ennemies-to-lovers. I also love all the banter between these two. They’re so adorable, it made me smile pratically all the times.
I love when I read books like this which give me this happy feeling.
This book was so ridiculously cute. Spencer and Charlotte were adorable. Their banter between each other was just on point. I love when couples have really good banter together, and then the banter grows into a steam and oh my gosh, so good Charlotte and spencer have known each other for a long time since college so seeing them together at her sister’s wedding was just so funny, I love how the story developed and how they really helped one another out and how they’re relationship developed into. Somethings so special,
Okay this book starts off awesome & that continues right up until the last page! I kind of wish we got more of these two, I loved them! The banter between them at the beginning is a sexy kind of foreplay. I loved that Spencer fell so hard & fast, & the way he went after Charolette?! Yesss soo good! Basically I just loved their story & after getting hints of Audrey’s story, I really really want hers too!
This is another great book by Ms. Ryan. Her books never fail to bring out emotions you didnt know you had. This is why she will always be one of my favorite authors. I have not read a book that I didnt like and this one isnt any different. These two characters were great for each other. Their connection was the right mix of things. Again this was another great book by Kaylee.
Spencer and Charlotte were interesting to me in Kissing My Brother’s Bride. I thought I picked up a vibe. Turns out it was a whole story! Again, such a good book to lose yourself in and take some time away from the real world! These characters are so fun and I can’t wait for more from this series!
Kissing The Rival was a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance! Loved Spencer and Charlotte together and once they worked out their feelings the chemistry and swoon-worthyness was off the charts! Fantastic ending!
Charlotte and Spencer story was absolutely breathtaking. This story had it all the slow burn, the laughs and of course all the kissing. I enjoyed this story so much. I had a smile on my face the whole time. 💛
Spencer 🥰 All I got to say is that I absolutely loved Spencer and Charlotte together! I was rooting for them since the beginning! I’m so glad that he never gave up her! 😘💛
Why, yes, I did start reading this book immediately after finishing the first installment in this multi-author series. Lately, rivals to lovers is my catnip so OF COURSE I had to find out how Jasper and Charlotte’s love story played out. And for the most part, it worked for me.
If you’ve read Kissing My Brother’s Bride, you know that Charlotte is Audrey’s older sister and Jasper is Linc’s BFF. And they do not like each other, it all stems from first impressions and the rivalry of their college days. Now they are stuck together at a beautiful resort in Florida amid a disaster of a wedding.
But a kiss opens their eyes to the chemistry between them.
This was a well-crafted rivals-to-lovers story, which in my world means they aren’t too mean to each other and their preconceived notions are easily overcome. After the wedding that didn’t happen and the kiss, they find out that Charlotte works at a pediatric practice that Jasper’s hospital is acquiring… forcing them to spend more time together. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that they both have been harboring feelings toward each other.
My only issue is that Jasper lays it on super strong once he and Charlotte become a thing. He’s all in, even going so far as to make up reasons to the board of his hospital to get more time to spend with her. All in, as in deciding they are a forever couple after just a short period of time. I kind of wish their relationship played out a little longer instead of the all in happening so fast. But really this is just a quibble.
This was a quick, enjoyable read. I liked both of the main protagonists and loved their interactions with other characters in the series. I liked the ending and HEA. The next book in the series, Kissing My Crush, features Tyler and Amara and I’m very much looking forward to diving in.
I have no words!! Okay, I have one word: AMAZING!! Spencer Pennington is my new book boyfriend. I was intrigued & rooting for him from the first page. Charlotte, I won’t lie, it took me a minute to start liking her because she just wasn’t being a nice person. Eventually though, she wore me down & the story was perfection.
Spence & Charlie are both overachievers, always trying to outdo each other. Rivalries made out of who is going to beat the other. Spence is laidback & care-free while Charlie is uptight & stand off-ish. Spence is also one who does not back down & when he realizes what it is he wants he makes sure he gets it. He is so sweet & caring and is the epitome of what I look for in a book boyfriend. The way he wears Charlie down literally had my heart racing, aching really.
Kaylee Ryan does a fantastic job of roping you into the story & leaves you wanting more.
I am loving this interconnected series so much. This book had me falling in love with a new couple and boy were they entertaining. Spencer has had a thing for Charlotte for years. Charlotte was so closed off with her parents passing that she focused on college and ignored guys, especially Spencer. They have kind of a love/hate relationship. She thinks he’s cocky and a jerk. He thinks she is stuck and thinks she too good for him. When they finally let go and see what is between them, it was an amazing ride. The chemistry and the swooniness is so well written; I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
Wow I loved this book and can’t wait to read the others in this series. Kaylee did it again!!! This time an enemies to lovers kind. She made the characters so lovable, I just want to be a part of their friend group.
Spencer was fun, kind and most of all loyal. I loved that he kept trying with Charlotte and never really gave up on her. Charlotte was grieving when they first met and super not ready for a relationship. I loved how it all came full circle and reading how their connection fired off was amazing. Spence and Charlie are meant to be together and I love how they came through to figure it out.
I also loved Charlotte’s sister and hope we get her story in another book of this series. Thanks Kaylee for writing another great story.
I absolutely LOVED Kissing the Rival, the second book in The Kissing Games series! Kissing the Rival is part of a multi-author series following a group of friends. I loved every moment on every page of Kissing the Rival, and it was impossible to put it down. Kaylee Ryan did not disappoint her readers with Kissing the Rival and has delivered an incredible love story filled with everything that I love in sizzling romance stories. I love that Kaylee Ryan writes the stories that I love to read. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? I love how Kaylee Ryan managed to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. One of my favorite parts of her books is how she incorporates the picture on the cover of the book and the title of the book into the love story. Kaylee Ryan has given her readers another incredible book with incredible characters. She has proven that she in an amazing storyteller. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. My favorite moments in Kissing the Rival are the lighter moments where I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. I also love the parts that pull at my heartstrings and cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Kissing the Rival is filled with such moments, and with so much more. Kissing the Rival is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Kissing the Rival is a love story between Spencer “Spence” Pennington, CEO of Charleston Memorial Hospital and Charlotte “Charlie” Krause, practice administrator of a privately owned pediatric practice. Charlie and Spencer originally met at Freshmen Orientation at Clemson University; Spencer was immediately attracted to Charlie. Throughout the years at Clemson, Spencer asked Charlie out, but she always turned him down. They also competed for the best grades in their classes. The story takes place ten years after they first met. Spence’s best friend, Lincoln is marrying Charlotte’s sister, Audrey, at a resort in Florida. Charlotte is the maid of honor and Spencer the best man, things begin to change between Charlotte and Spencer spend time together with their wedding duties. Lincoln breaks off his engagement and decides not to marry Audrey. When they are spending time together in a bar, Charlotte is rating couples’ kisses. I love the rating that Charlotte gives Spencer on his kiss. When they return to Charleston, Charlotte learns that private pediatric practice where she is the practice administrator is being purchased by Charleston Memorial Hospital, and that Spencer will be her boss. Charlotte has always considered Spencer her rival, so when she learns this news, she starts looking for a new job. As Spencer and Charlie spend time together working out the details of the merger that Spencer has delayed getting closer to Charlotte, things heat up between them. I love how they take things solely. I love the chemistry between Charlie and Spencer and their love story. I love the secrets that each one shares with one another, especially the ones that Charlie shared about why she avoided Spencer at Clemson and was so focused on her classes. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex nearby. I love how the plot twist makes Charlotte uncertain about their future together, and I love how it gets resolved and everything that Spencer does to prove that he does not want to lose Charlotte again. I love that they finally admit their true feelings for one another. My favorite line from Charlotte is “I went from kissing my rival to giving myself to him my heart and soul.” My favorite part are the two epilogues, one that takes place six months later told from the perspective of Charlotte and the second one that take place one year later that is told from the perspective of Spencer, I love that the epilogues go beyond the happily ever after. Kleenex maybe needed again. I love the ending of their love story. Kaylee Ryan creates such wonderful and memorable characters with Kissing the Rival. I love Charlie and Spencer’s story and the descriptions of the Florida and Charleston settings. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Kissing the Rival, the characters feel like family and friends. Kissing the Rival was a wonderful love story. I highly recommend this sizzling romance. Cannot wait to read the next love stories in the series and to discover new authors to me who are writing the other books in the series.
Kaylee Ryan has done it again. Another swoon-worthy MMC and another independent FMC who are perfect for each other in every way.
This is a friends-to-lovers romance and it's sort of an enemies-to-lovers, but not really. It's a case of mistaken enemies. Both think the other doesn't like the other, but that's not the case at all. There is also a workplace/forced proximity trope to it. There is a little bit of comedy in there and overall, it's another great fun read.
Kissing The Rival is the second in The Kissing Games series. This series is written by different authors and while they are interconnected they can be read as stand-alone. While I agree with that in that you would enjoy this book on its own, after reading the first two in the series I think it's extra special to read them as a series.
Spencer is one of my favorite leading men and he's nothing like you would think after reading book one. Yes, he's cocky, and yes he's bossy, but there is so much more to Spencer and when he finds out he's made a mistake he owns that.
Charlotte has had a rough time since losing her parents and she's made it through the hardest part but honestly, every day is hard in its own way. She's made a life for herself and she's happy. She's there for her sister and the two have a really great bond.
When the two of them are together you can sense the sparks from their banter but when they move past banter that's when things get good. And oh so good. There is a big build-up with plenty of steamy moments and they only make you salivate.
I've yet to read a Kaylee Ryan book I haven't loved instantly and I can't wait for her next novel. . . . Spencer can't believe what Linc has left him and his friends to deal with, he thought it would be a great weekend getting to be around Charlotte Krause, sister of the bride, but now instead he gets to watch her hurt with her sister. He's wanted Charlotte since the very first day at college but could never get her to give him a chance, none of that has stopped him from wanting her though.
Charlotte can't believe what's happening to Audrey and she only wants to support her but since Audrey wants to process alone she ends up at the bar with the rest of the bridal party. She doesn't really want to spend time with the groomsmen, especially Spencer. He's been her rival since college always striving to outdo her and taunt her about it after. 'Damn, Spencer Pennington. Why does the asshole have to be a sexy asshole? He's hands down one of the best-looking men I've ever laid eyes on.'
When Spencer learns about Charlotte's kissing ratings he sees his opening and sets out to take his shot with her. Charlotte doesn't want to kiss Spencer because even though she should hate him, her body reacts in a completely different way. 'I can play this kissing game as long as she's willing. It's not a hardship to kiss the beauty sitting in my passenger seat.'
After returning from Florida Spencer can't stop thinking about Charlotte and he's trying to find a way to see her again. When it turns out the pediatric clinic his hospital is planning to buy is the same one Charlotte works at, Spencer knows just how to get his time with Charlotte. 'I have a plan. I'm playing the long game, and I want this woman to be mine, not just for a night, but for a lifetime.'
Charlotte can't believe that Spencer is going to be her boss's boss, not only that but she has to spend the next couple of weeks with him every day. What surprises her more is that he's not who she thought he was. There is more to Spencer and the rivalry isn't exactly what it seems. 'I'm not playing games with you. I just - want to give you everything.'
There's a lot in Charlotte's head that messes with her and a lot of hurdles Spencer is going to have to jump through, but once he's realized how truly special Charlotte is he won't be giving up. 'Every fuckin time, Charlotte. I crave you. There will never be a day that I don't want you next to me.'
this was light and sweet. no drama and just fluffy.
spencer and charlie have known each other for 10 years since their freshman year in college. spencer was attracted to her at first sight and made a move to know her during their freshman orientation. however, around that time charlie was grieving her parents and she has to leave her younger sister with their aunt because she has to go to college. she was not in a good place, and she only wanted to focus on her study and maintain her scholarship. hence, why she rejected spencer. which spencer took offense around that time assuming that charlie probably thinks she's way better than him.
since then he started competing with her every chance he gets or he aggravates her just so she'll talk to him and spare him some time. he was down bad for charlie since they were 18, but since she already hated him that time, he didn't stand a chance with her.
then years have passed, and spencer's bestfriend is the boyfriend of charlie's sister. they crossed path again which made spencer glad because she never forgot about charlie. then his friend and her sister were about to get married and spencer is the best man and charlie is the maid of honor. they have to work closely for this wedding which gives spencer so much time to be in close contact with charlie. he started flirting with her even though she kept snapping at him. then they kissed that weekend and spencer wanted to do it more, but charlie shuts him down. this reaction didn't deter spencer he was hell bent proving himself to charlie and to finally make her his.
after that non-wedding, charlie found out that the hospital she's working for will go into buyout. and the company's ceo is no other than spencer. they both didn't know this, and was shocked to see the day spencer visited the hospital. thinking this is another sign for him to pursue charlie, spencer put a lot of effort for them to spend time together.
as they spend their days off and weekends together, charlie slowly break down her walls for spencer. they fall into a routine and was falling hard and fast for one another each passing day. up to the point they realized how much they can't live without one another.
this was a freaking slowburn, they fooled around but the first time they slept together was around 91% of the book. i didn't actually expect that but the story flow was good so i guess it's fine too.
overall, this was nice. charlie had a one sided hate with spencer but spencer all ever wanted was to see and get charlie's attention. even though years have passed they never forgot each other. it was sweet seeing their relationship that's already 10 years in the making finally made a debut. they fit perfectly each other and it was very obvious how much they are so deep in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 2 in a series of 5 books by a different author for each book and its characters that are in a destination wedding in Florida that never takes place. In book 2 we get Charlotte and Spencer's story but we also get to see what happens the bridal party and its major characters.
The bridal book series stars - Audrey who is the would be bride and she is Charlotte's younger sister. She is engaged and about to marry Lincoln.
- Charlotte is Audrey's older sister and her maid of honor at the wedding. - Spencer is the best friend to Lincoln, the missing groom and his best man at the wedding. He has known Charlotte for 10 years and has crushed on her the entire time but she hates him.
In addition at the wedding are Tyler, Lorelei, Jasper, Amara, Liam, Adeline and Decker.
- Jasper and Lorelei are married to each other (book 5) - Decker is the bartender and he is into Adeline who is a bridesmaid and best friend to Audrey (book 4) - Tyler is Amara's secret crush and Tyler is a friend of the groom and a groomsman (Book 3) -Liam is the missing grooms brother and a groomsman (Book 1) - Linc is the missing groom who spends a lot of time at work and who is Spencer's best friend and Liam's brother (Book 1)
Charlotte has not liked Spencer for ten years and she still hates him at the wedding but with some drinks at the bar after the wedding is called off, she ends up playing a kissing rating game with Spencer. Only after the wedding do they find out that they are going to working together and that's where the book gets so much fun. I loved how they teased each other and how she downgrades him, so he kisses more and tries to get higher scores.
This is a fun, lighthearted romance between two people who were always meant for each other but who were rivals or frenemies and now find out they have to work together. In addition, they both realize that they had the wrong idea about other and start to open their hearts and minds to each other.
I loved this story so much. I loved how strong Charlie is and that she wants to be this total girl boss but on her own. I also loved Spencer because he always saw how special she was, but he also was her rival and made her work for every success.
Thanks to Grey's promo and Kaylee Ryan for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was surprised by this enemies to lovers because it takes an unexpected turn and there are many things that are not what it seems. Spencer is a man who knows what he wants, from the first moment he sees Charlie he knows they have a special connection and he goes for them even if things don't turn out the way he expects. Charlie is focused, determined and for nothing in the world is she willing to be distracted, much less with Spencer but things don't always turn out as planned. A bet, an explosive kiss and secrets that are gradually revealed make the chemistry begin to emerge and resistance is almost impossible. The relationship that the protagonists develop is something that makes you sigh, it turns out that they are more compatible than I expected. ------------------------------------------------------------ Gracias a Grey's promo y a Kaylee Ryan por este eARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Me sorprendió este enemies to lovers porque da un giro inesperado y hay muchas cosas que no son lo que parece. Spencer es un hombre que sabe lo que quiere, desde el primer momento que ve a Charlie sabe que tienen una conexión especial y va a por ellos aunque las cosas no salgan como él espera. Charlie es enfocada, decidida y por nada del mundo está dispuesta a distraerse, mucho menos con Spencer pero las cosas no siempre resultan como se planean. Una apuesta, un beso explosivo y secretos que se revelan poco a poco hacen que la quimica comience a surgir y resistirse es casi imposible. La relación que desarrollan los protagonistas es algo que te hace suspirar, resulta que son más compatibles de lo que esperaba.
Charlie and Spencer first met on their first day of college. Spencer instantly wanted to be around her but Charlie’s mind was strictly on doing well in school. Her parents passed away 3 months before she started college and it was so hard to leave her little sister but being on scholarship she knew she had to work hard and graduate. She brushed off Spencer and they fought as academic rivals all 4 years.
Fast forward 10 years, Charlie’s little sister is set to marry Spencer’s best friend. They’re in FL and Spencer tries so hard to get a date out of Charlie. She’s still bitter from college. Him always competing with her for the grade and was mean to her. (He always thought that she was stuck up and he didn’t know about the parents passing before college.) He begs for one kiss since he found out she rates people’s kisses. They kiss once and she says he kisses like a 4. This game is competed throughout the whole story. 😂😂
After wedding drama that I won’t talk about because it’s a spoiler both of them are back in work mode. Spencer is in the process of buying out a company and Charlie finds out someone is in the process of buying out the company she works for. Coming together at the first meeting, Charlie is offered to Spencer to show around the companies and any information he would need.
A Favorite Scene: *Beach Resort Kiss *Breakfast Scene *Finding out about Her notice *Serious Talk between sisters *him holding her against the wall 🥵
A Favorite Dialogue: “It’s been seven days since I’ve laid eyes on you,” he tells me. “Are you keeping a diary now?” “What makes you think I just started it?” he asks.
Tropes: Academic Rivals Cinnamon Role MMC He Falls First Reverse Grumpy Sunshine Found Family