How did I become a washed-up lawyer at the ripe age of twenty-six? I’ll tell you. Connor Freaking Quinn. AKA, the devil himself. When he shows up at my new job to apologize, I’d just as soon torture him than talk to him. It’s entertaining, but it doesn’t change the past. And that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last four months. I have to get back into law. The problem is, the longer I’m away from the courtroom, I can’t help but realize I prefer a much different court. The reason for our feud? It’s simple, really. I need a distraction, and fighting with Maddie is the perfect way to keep my mind off the stress from the last couple years. Messed up, I know. I’ll admit, I took it too far. I didn’t mean to start that rumor, but I ruined her life anyway. I have to fix things for her. If only she will talk to me. I miss her cute glares and snide remarks—maybe I should consider therapy. The guilt isn’t the only thing keeping me around, though. And the longer I try to get her to talk to me, the harder it is to stay away.
The best thing about the enemies to lovers trope is the potential for amazing tension, and this book delivered! It was fun when Connor realized before Maddie that he had fallen for her, but was tormenting her for attention since he didn't feel good enough to win her on his own merits. Their office competition came to an ugly end when Connor inadvertently gets her fired... but that's not the end of their rivalry. These two are crazy with each other! And for each other- but it takes much longer for Maddie to get to a place where she can trust him. When she's his personal trainer at the gym? Comedy gold. I loved the banter and chemistry these enemies-to-lovers shared and the growth they both go through on their journey. This was such a fun read!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Not On Your Life is the second book in the Never Say Never series. I personally had not yet read the first book in the series and found this read just fine as a standalone (though did perhaps have some spoilers). It certainly did have me curious to back and read the first book anyway though!
Connor and Maddie were absolutely, positively wonderful together. This is definitely the way an enemies to lovers should be done. The banter and the way they pushed each other's buttons nonstop was done so well that I really just couldn't help but to enjoy them... and when they finally get together? Oh, their chemistry is even better--- while still keeping that banter that made me root for them to start with. There were so many moments that had me laughing out loud... Maddie's mom in particular was just the absolute best. And that epilogue? Ooh, so perfect! This is actually the first book I've had the chance to read from this author, but it most certainly will NOT be the last!
Not On Your Life is a closed-door romance with fantastic chemistry, but nothing beyond kisses and no language. There were a few slight innuendos.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I seriously can’t get enough of Jenessa Fayeth’s books!
As with all the others the banter and chemistry are top notch, and when you’ve got the enemies to lovers trope thrown in there was well, it’s absolute perfection!
Maddie and Connor’s is quite the adventure— from law firm fights and rumors to dingy gymnasium closets.
I finally saw the connections to Jenessa’s Caught in Chaos series and was position giddy over it! The little Easter egg surprises are my favorite!
If you’re looking for the perfect enemies to lovers closed door book you don’t need to look any further!
The classic case of MMC crushing on FMC so he would be rude to her. And he went too far spreading a sexual rumor about her in the workplace. In a fit of anger she attacked him physically and got fired. That was the MMC wake-up call and he spent the novel groveling and getting in her good graces until she loved him back.
I love a fun enemies to lovers story that has the characters growing throughout the story and this was definitely one of those. Connor and Maddie have been pushing each other academically since college and now working at the same law firm gives rise to those pushes going too far. But the fallout from that leads both to reevaluate what and who is most important in life. I loved the snappy banter, the hilarious happenings and the determination to ignore attraction. 𝙼𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚎's mom and Connor’s sister each bring advice and encouragement to them - something that is much needed for these two go-getters. But it’s the slow burn romance and learning to forgive that makes this story so beautiful. The past has held them captive and they both need to choose freedom from it. The ending was just delightful and the perfect blend of swoony and snarky. Highly recommend you grab your copy of this book soon because you won’t want to miss reading it.
I received a complimentary ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
maddie and connor have a love-hate relationship from the beginning, which makes their relationship explosive. since they met, during their college years, they compete on everything, to establish who between the two is better than the other.
when maddie gets fired, connor feels guilty, because he is partly responsible and, after finding out that they both teach at the same school, he does everything to make amends.
all the time, her mother (since she met connor) tries to make sure that the spark between the two explodes - inviting him to dinner at every possible occasion -, to which also joins lindy (maddie's best friend and main character of "not how i saw it going"). in short, everyone is rooting for connor!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: romcom Content: makeouts, mentions of an eating disorder (in the past), loss of parents (past), grief (present)
I loved this one so much! When I realized that this had connections to Date With Danger (which I read earlier this summer and had a legit book hangover from), I knew I had to read it! This book focuses on Connor (brother of Amelia from DWD) and Maddie.
I loved the back and forth between Connor and Maddie so much! Maddie is fierce, quick-witted and competent. Connor is observant-- he SEES Maddie and although it sometimes comes across as misdirected, he truly does try to help her. He's carrying such a heavy weight at home, despite Amelia being the oldest sibling, and verbally sparring with Maddie helps to lessen some of his stress. Until something that he said without really thinking comes back to bite him in the butt...and ruins Maddie's future at the same time.
Having already read Date With Danger, it was so fun to get to know Maddie & Connor's backstory, and it was interesting to get a look into Amelia's relationship with Justin. I definitely plan to read Not How I Saw That Going soon so that I can get the whole story about Ward and Lyndi!
Favorite Quotes:
‼️ "Stop worrying about what you can't control. Things are going to work out the way they were always meant to. Live your life, darling."
🤣"Hey, Maddie?" "Hmm?" "If I die first, please don't eat me." I tease. "That would just be barbaric." "I think even cannibals would find you distasteful."
💄 "Beauty has little to do with what you can see in a mirror, and everything to do with how you feel inside."
💋 Fighting with Maddie: enjoyable, fun, entertaining. Kissing Maddie: life-altering, addict-ing, pure euphoria.
😏 I pull her closer. "Kiss me, Maddie, I'm not letting you out of here until you do." Her hands rest on my chest and she gazes up at me. "Is that a threat or a promise?"
This was such a good and fun book!! I’m a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope and I just loved how Fayeth wrote it in this book! Maddie and Connor absolutely HATED each other and then absolutely FALL for each other. So stinking cute! I definitely liked this one more than Not How I Saw That Going. They are both such cute stories but the enemies to lovers really reeled me in. It usually does! I loved how the first book in the series is tied in to this book and you still got more of Lyndi and Ward from Not How I Saw That Going. I have enjoyed reading Fayeths books and can’t wait to read more!
I've picked up the habit of reading romcom to give me space between crime fiction and suspense romance. Jenessa Fayeth to the rescue! Perhaps my favorite new author whose comedy gets a rise out of me, and as a writer, a fun turn of phrase well-timed in a plot fit the bill.
The enemies to lovers vibe is ✌🏻 and I loved that their banter continued throughout the book🤍plus-it’s a ‘he falls first’ and that’s one of my favorite tropes right now! Connor is so smitten and trying so hard to make up for what he did to Maddie. I loved her spunk!
Absolute true enemies to lovers book. It hits on true topics and is very well written. The thoughts that go through one’s mind when going through trials and traumas was touched on and Jenessa wrote about these with class and finesse. Thank you so much!
Micro tropes: -locked in together -enemies to lovers - he falls first -all the witty banter
The banter in between Conner and Maddie’s banter is fun! I enjoyed all their interactions and all the trouble they got in. Also loved seeing characters from the first book in the series again!
I loved this story. There were a lot of layers to it, from some serious challenges like anxiety, financial stresses, death, grief, eating disorders, and others, to funny banter, to intense attraction and affection. Connor and Maddie had a contentious and competitive relationship for years, during law school and then working at the same law firm. When it boiled over, it led to Maddie losing her position, having to find a different path, and learning that, “Not all mistakes are actually mistakes.” And as Maddie and Connor interacted more in other settings, she learned that there was more to him, his behaviour, and his feelings than she expected. There were so many great moments in this story and it provided excellent banter and tension. Maddie and Conor were great main characters and the secondary characters also added so much to the story. Maddie’s mom was hilarious. The romance was so good. One of my favourite lines from a romance book, because it really hits for my marriage: “‘You annoy me and complete me all at the same time.’” It’s a good description of Maddie and Connor’s relationship. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author. Plus, any book that mentions Psych, even in passing, gets bonus points from me. There is carryover from the first book in this series but it is not necessary to read it first to enjoy this story. This is closed door story with no harsh language.
I’m giving this two stars. The writing was decent. The characters had some depth. But I just don’t see how the beginning happened so fast and she was just immediately fired. It’s like they didn’t even want to hear her side of the story and she’s a female. Not to be sexist or anything but I would think a company—especially a group of lawyers would hear her out because if she was wrongfully terminated and wrongfully accused of something she could sue the pants off of them. Once I really thought of all of this the story kind of lost spark for me. And honestly if some guy who’s supposedly a lawyer didn’t fight for my job back after I was wrongfully terminated over him there would be no chance of me hooking up with him ever. He’s a sh**** person and not confident in his defense skills as a lawyer.
I also didn’t like that she would give up being a lawyer to be a coach. Coaching at the HS level is a side gig. It’s not a job. That wouldn’t make sense to do that.
The part where he forgets about the dinner made no sense either. Supposedly he’s been obsessed with her and wants to be with her. There’s no way he’d forget to go. It would have been better if he got stuck somewhere and had no way to contact her. Making it LOOK like he forgot. Because again if some dude who claimed he loved me legit forgot about our first date I’d be livid. There’s no way I’d continue to be with him.
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it just didn’t hit right for me.
Maddie: How did I become a washed-up lawyer at the ripe age of twenty-six? I’ll tell you. Conner Freaking Quinn. AKA, the devil himself. When he shows up at my new job to apologize, I’d just as soon torture him than talk to him. It’s entertaining, but it doesn't change the past. And that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last four months. I have to get back into law. The problem is, the longer I’m away from the courtroom, I can’t help but realize I prefer a much different court. Connor: The reason for our feud? It’s simple, really. I need a distraction, and fighting with Maddie is the perfect way to keep my mind off the stress from the last couple years. Messed up, I know. I’ll admit, I took it too far. I didn’t mean to start that rumor, but I ruined her life anyway. I have to fix things for her. If only she would talk to me. I miss her cute glares and snide remarks—maybe I should consider therapy. The guilt isn’t the only thing keeping me around, though. And the lingerie I try to get her to talk to me, the harder it is to stay away. Oh look, the devil is here. I thought it felt warmer.
Feminism apparently carries no weight over a charming grin.
If I could go back and ease the last ten minutes, I would. I’d grab her and pull her into my chest sooner. Lock us in a closet so she could throttle me like she deserves.
She stops and spins on her heel, turning on me with a look I’d imagine coming from Lord Voldemort. I’m not brave like Harry. I’m a trembling Ron.
I don’t have time to hesitate even for a moment, because she’s gone. It takes me almost ten seconds to find her again. Which shouldn’t be so hard to do, given the fact that since I first met her nearly five years ago, I’ve barely been able to take my eyes off her. Her long black hair swishes in a high ponytail over her sculpted shoulders that her lavender tank top leaves on display. Her legs are miles of lean, toned muscle. The only imperfect part of Maddie is that she never understood. She never figured out the reason I tested her, tried her at every turn, wasn’t because I wanted to be the best—okay that part of it—but what I wanted, all that I ever really wanted, ws for her to notice me.
I haven’t stopped watching her, waiting for her to look up and give me a chance to apologize. I wanted to let her get her frustration out first before I begged for her forgiveness, but the conversation took a different turn. One where I pretty much admitted I had feelings for her. And she told me to give up. As if it’s simple. She’s been my focus for years. Four months without fighting with her nearly killed me.
“I don’t know how many more ways to say it,” he murmurs against my lips. “I’ve only ever wanted you.”
Fighting with Maddie: enjoyable, fun, entertaining. Kissing Maddie: life-altering, addicting, pure euphoria. I’m so out of sorts driving home I accidentally stop for tacos. Alright, so it wasn’t an accident. I was really hungry.
The humor, the banter, the snide comments, the chemistry, enemy-to-lovers (even though the enemy is one sided), he falls first. I loved this book. No surprise since Jenessa Fayeth wrote it. She has a way of writing and I’ll read anything and everything that she writes. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read but it certainly won't be the last! It's book 2 in the Never Say Never series but can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb gives you a good idea of what to expect, though be aware there is a slight mention of an eating disorder. It's a great enemies to lovers first person dual pov romance.
Throughout college and after they got hired at the same law firm, Maddie and Connor have been rivals and the rivalry grew stronger after an incident caused Maddie to lose her job. Even though there are aspects of the job that she didn't enjoy, being a lawyer was something she wanted to do to make her mother proud. She is determined to find her way back to the courtroom but reuniting with Connor makes her reevaluate things. Sure, her annoyance with him hasn't faded and she still feels as if she needs to prove herself but she is able to accept that maybe she would be happier doing something else rather than being a lawyer. Even if it got her into trouble and she was a bit stubborn at times, I liked Maddie's strong personality. She went after what she wanted and I liked seeing her find her true calling outside of law.
While Connor has enjoyed being Maddie's rival, it's not for the reason that she thinks and he really doesn't hate her. When he plays a role in her losing her job, he feels bad and wants to make up for it. Although he knows that it will be difficult to try and make her listen to him, he doesn't stop trying to make amends. As they spend more time together, he's able to prove to Maddie that his words and actions have meanings she would've never guessed. Amidst trying to be on friendlier terms with Maddie, Connor is worried about his sister and struggling to keep their family home yet he hides his worries well. While he may not have always gone about things the right way, I liked that he was able to own up to his mistakes and he did mean well.
Even if the feelings are one sided, the enemies to lovers dynamics was fun to read. I enjoyed reading Maddie vent her frustrations, especially once her feelings for Connor began to change, and I loved reading Connor's true feelings and motivations behind his actions and words. So, while their romance is a slow burn, the tension between them will not have readers disappointed. The romance is a clean one, in terms of it sticking to only kisses but suggestive remarks are made and maybe some of the language could be mild for some readers. I liked the development of their relationship but I liked seeing both of them come up with solutions to their individual problems just as much. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am sure others will too. It was a great introduction for me to the author's writing and I look forward to reading more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Connor Quinn & Maddie Cardozo - enemies to lovers - Law school rivals - Dual POV - Snarky banter, quick retorts - Nicknames 😂🤭 - Mentor highschool youths - He falls first - Strong willed, snarky, sassy, ex-lawyer, personal trainer FMC - Caring, stressed, witty, lawyer MMC - He takes care of her when injured - Meddling, overbearing Portuguese mom - Maddie takes care of the volleyball girls 🥹💕 - Locked in a closet together 🤭 - Prank wars - Wardrobe malfunctions 🫣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Book 2 in Never Say Never Series - One of the best enemies to lovers I’ve ever read. The banter and teasing between Connor and Maddie is NEXT LEVEL. Poor Connor is head over heels for Maddie but doesn’t know how to show her. Maddie is CONVINCED that he is her mortal enemy who must go down at all costs. He’s so observant, and really sees her 🥹. When she finally realizes everything he’s done for her 🥹, it’s the literal sweetest. He’s been secretly taking care of her for years 🤭
The battles these two wage are so entertaining to read. Also the constant need to one up each other gets them into so much trouble 😂 but I love that when they finally do come together this does change. The playfulness in the relationship stays even though it’s different now. They still push each others buttons and it’s fun. They have a light heartedness to their relationship and it’s so important not to not forget to be playful with your person 💕💕
This is a clean, closed door romcom. There is descriptive kissing/making out, no cussing, innuendo.
Songs: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter “That’s not how this works” by Charlie Puth & Sabrina Carpenter “Call it what you want” by Taylor Swift “I don’t want to be friends” by Jake Scott* “Nothin’ like you” by Dan + Shay “Trouble” by Camylio “Kiss me” by Ed Sheeran “Maybe” by Jake Scott “Man who stays” by Jake Scott ? “Chasin you” by Morgan Wallen “Good as you” by Kane Brown “The one” by Taylor swift “Don’t tell my mom” by Reneé Rapp
⬥︎ I have no words to describe how much I LOVED this book! Connor definitely made my top ten book boyfriends ♡ ⬥︎ Here we follow the story of Maddie and Connor who apparently hate each other, but their feelings for one another go beyond hate. ⬥︎ When a rumor at the office and an "assault" on Connor gets Maddie fired, she sees her life go backwards. With her life turned upside down, Maddie eventually finds comfort in something she's always loved to do, sports, and begins to wonder if she wants to be a lawyer after all. ⬥︎ Connor tries his best to make amends, but when nothing works he tries to reach Maddie the only way he knows how, even if it's not his best strategy and even if it means working out. ⬥︎ This book was such a light and fun read that I read it in one day, I couldn't put it down. And every time Connor tried (with the best intentions) to get Maddie to forgive him, he always ended up doing worse, which made me laugh because he was such a dork, but at the same time so sweet! ⬥︎ I loved reading about Maddie in this book (she appeared in Not How I Saw That Going), here we get to see an insecure side of her, a side of her that inspires young girls who suffer what she suffered when she was their age. We see a side of Maddie where she allows herself one too many calories without thinking about the consequences. ⬥︎ I also want to mention Maddie's mom, because the way she embarrasses her daughter is another level, yet she has a special place in my heart. ⬥︎ If you like books that leave you with a smile on your face, this book is for you ♡
This is book two of the Never Say Never series. It’s such a cute rom com between two mortal enemies but secretly pinning for each other. Having gone through college together and working in a law firm together, Connor does everything to get under Maddie’s skin and she gives it right back to him.
I absolutely love both of these characters. Maddie is the feisty best friend from book one. She is a strong, independent women that needs no one to tell her what to do. Connor is an alpha jerk on the outside, but really it’s just a cover for his cinnamon roll tendencies.
I love Maddie’s growth during this book. Career changes and failing to live up to parent’s expectations can be so scary but I love how Maddie handles it all and grows!
The secondary characters were great. Maddie’s mom was 100% most meddling moms out there that want to be grandmas. I also love the cameos that we get from book one. Gotta love Crew and his mischief!
Also, don’t miss the bonus chapter that can be found on Janessa’s social media accounts. HE IS THE DEVIL!!! IYKYK!!!
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My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice Level: 🔥 Genre: Contemporary Romance Publication Date: August 11, 2023 Goodreads Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Amazon Rating: 4.8 ⭐️ Available Format: 📖📱 KU Option: YES
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You annoy me and complete me all at the same time.”
Who doesn’t love a great enemies to lovers? I sure do!! Connor and Maddie have been going at it since law school. And when they end up being hired at the same place after graduation, well thats just too much for anyone to handle. Maddie ended up getting fired all because Connor. And now Connor keeps showing up every where, trying to apologize. She just wants to be done with him but he just won’t go away.
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate and this just might be the case between these two. Also remember the boys in the playground that pick on the girls they like? Could it be that’s also what’s happening here?
Maddie and Connor were hilarious, their back and forth was entertaining. Lots of funny moments with Maddie’s family, especially with her Mom that was also relatable.
A fun sweet, clean read. My first from Jenessa and definitely won’t be the last!
the first book I've read by Janessa Fayeth, but it certainly won't be the last. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review of the book. Maddie is a very head strong, stubborn woman. Who at the same time is shy and easily spooked when in crowded situations. Connor has been infatuated with her for ye but she only sees him as her enemy who she has to beat. Unfortunately things don't go as he wants and she loses her job because of him. Can there be any way to recover from this and can he change her mind. The characters are certainly colourful and entertaining. The story confronts alot on self awareness and self belief in a way that helps understand how having belief in yourself is very important. I loved this book so much and Maria is a force to be reckoned with. I hope we might find out more of Millie's story. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Oh my heavens! I loved Not on Your Life so much! I may or may not have been a lot less early to work than I was planning on because I just couldn't put it down.
Maddie is the perfect combination of strong and vulnerable. She has so much self-discovery to do, and Connor is the perfect person for her to do it with (or against?).
I loved all the banter between them! It started with the first chapter and only got better from there.
Also.. their kiss!! "I kiss her how a man should kiss a woman he’s fallen for. With respect, with hope, and with passion." My heart was both melting and swooning. 😍
Other Things to Love: 📚 Enemies to lovers 📚 Maddie's mom! 📚 Volunteering with teens 📚 The Gym door!
This was so well written. I loved it! Thanks so much to @authorjenessafayeth for the ARC copy! It was truly a treat.
I’ve read this book twice and I love it now as much as I loved it the first time I’ve always loved a good enemies to lovers story. Connor and Maddie have been pushing each other academically since college and then they were working at the same law firm until things go too far. The fallout from that leads both to rethink what and who matters more in life. I loved the snappy banter, the hilarious moments and the determination to ignore their attraction. But it’s the slow burn romance and learning to forgive that makes this story so beautiful. The past has held them captive and when they finally let it go it’s perfectly imperfect. The ending was just delightful and the perfect blend of snarky and swoon worthy. This book was truly amazing.
Connor and Maddie had such incredible chemistry. I loved all their banter. Maddie and Connor have been in competition all throughout law school and now finally in their first job post graduation. Maddie gets fired and has a lot to learn about herself. Connor has a lot on his plate and fighting with Maddie is an excellent distraction. Especially when he gets her to finally give him a chance at more.
Favorite parts -Maddie’s Mom -Lyndi sewing and her ability to see the good in others -the pool scene -getting stuck in the closet -Maddie’s revenge on Connor at the gym. -the high school volleyball girls
Favorite Quotes: “I don’t know how many more ways to say it,” he murmurs against my lips. “I’ve only ever wanted you.”
I only gave this book 4 stars because I think the main character has an eating disorder and so did the girl she coaches and although they talked about body image the real issue was psychological and it feels like the author missed an opportunity to be more real with the story line. Especially Maddie and her need for control! I did love the comedy though and have with all Jenessa’s books I’ve read so far (this is the 3rd in 4 days). All her characters have been hilarious with witty banter and funny inner dialogue. I can’t wait for more of these characters from this series!
So, I started the book not knowing much about it. Why? because it is a repeat author for me and I knew i would like it. Normally, that how it is for me. Sooooo, let me tell you that when you read chapter 1 you may not want to put this book down! That was me. It drew me in so quickly and i was on edge reading it. I quickly messaged the author about how i loved the tension! CUZ it was thicccccck. I truly loved this book!! It gives you enemies to lovers vibes through it. Dual pov too, so you know you will in love with the MMC, cuz i know i did. This is a clean read and you will not find anything explicit content. It gives the right amount of swoon and kisses.
ALSO, the mother is sooooooo funny!!!!! I am hispanic and so i laughed sooooo hard in how the mother would constantly ask the daughter about husband and kids. (ps, i already married and have kids, but it is relatable lol)
overall, I liked how she was able to grow into what she likes and learned to do what she loves when it comes to her career. I liked that she built friendships and that she got a man (finally and her mom rejoices)
I don't want to spoil it. so like read it. okay? lol
Seriously, ADD it to your TBR. You wont regret it.
Trigger: death of family members
I was given a complimentary copy of the book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.