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Entitled Love #1
Engaging the Enemy
Hugo Blackton is fairly sure Amelia Banberry-Thompson is never going to forgive him for what he did at her sister’s engagement party. Which is unfortunate for several reasons.
One: His father has just banished him from his jet-set playboy lifestyle to manage the family country estate—an estate which borders Amelia’s own.
Two: Amelia is one of his oldest friends and life’s just not the same if he can’t go next door to annoy her. But she’s refusing to even see him.
Three: Hugo has just discovered an ancestor once sought to unite the families. Now there’s an unclaimed marriage settlement worth millions, and it’s his for the taking…if only he can get Amelia to stop hating him long enough to say “I do.”
Amelia may have spent her life secretly loving Hugo Blackton, but she knows better than anyone how spoilt and selfish he is. And she definitely knows better than to ever trust him again.
Luckily, Amelia has the perfect distraction from regrets and heartbreak: a stately home on the brink of ruin. Unluckily, the only person willing to help is the last person she wants to see. But for once in his life, Hugo seems oddly determined to say sorry…
The Entitled Love novels are set in the same modern British aristocratic world as the Entitled Love novella series. Each story is an interconnected standalone with a new couple and its own HEA.
One: His father has just banished him from his jet-set playboy lifestyle to manage the family country estate—an estate which borders Amelia’s own.
Two: Amelia is one of his oldest friends and life’s just not the same if he can’t go next door to annoy her. But she’s refusing to even see him.
Three: Hugo has just discovered an ancestor once sought to unite the families. Now there’s an unclaimed marriage settlement worth millions, and it’s his for the taking…if only he can get Amelia to stop hating him long enough to say “I do.”
Amelia may have spent her life secretly loving Hugo Blackton, but she knows better than anyone how spoilt and selfish he is. And she definitely knows better than to ever trust him again.
Luckily, Amelia has the perfect distraction from regrets and heartbreak: a stately home on the brink of ruin. Unluckily, the only person willing to help is the last person she wants to see. But for once in his life, Hugo seems oddly determined to say sorry…
The Entitled Love novels are set in the same modern British aristocratic world as the Entitled Love novella series. Each story is an interconnected standalone with a new couple and its own HEA.
337 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2023
431 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rowan
14 books71 followersRachel Rowan lives in England, with her husband, children, rescue cat, and an embarrassing amount of undone housework. She writes smart, steamy romcoms with lots of heat, humour, heart, and all the things she loves, such as:
-Witty banter
-Slow burn
-Mutual pining
-Stolen glances
-Hand-flexing tension
-Steam!
-Ardent declarations
-And always, always, a happy ending!
Rachel Rowan’s Entitled Love novellas weave the stately homes and witty banter of regency romance into contemporary steamy romcoms.
Join her mailing list for news and free bonus content: www.rachelrowan.com
-Witty banter
-Slow burn
-Mutual pining
-Stolen glances
-Hand-flexing tension
-Steam!
-Ardent declarations
-And always, always, a happy ending!
Rachel Rowan’s Entitled Love novellas weave the stately homes and witty banter of regency romance into contemporary steamy romcoms.
Join her mailing list for news and free bonus content: www.rachelrowan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 11, 2025
Premise: MC and FC are upper-class members of English society, childhood friends who live in mansions next door to each other.
I have so much negativity to express, but first let me say that this is purely in regards to the poorly written characters, undeveloped plot and the lack of the MC’s character development. The writing style was lovely and well-written.
Okay so this was recommended as a good "grovel" book, I should’ve known. Because at this point, I have come to believe that not one person has ever in the history of our beloved planet Earth, ever actually written a real grovelling book.
The things the MC did to warrant grovelling throughout the book:
1. Occurs at the beginning: Kiss the girl who’s been in love with him since she was 4, as a bet.
2. Also kiss her sister that same night (also, as a bet).
3. Record him kissing her for the bet (he actually forgot to press record, but the thought still counts).
4. Occurs somewhere around 25%: Apologise for the bet, with the sole intention of getting her to forgive him so that he can convince her to marry him which will allow him access to a trust fund (we’re then later supposed to believe that his unconscious made him think that this was the reason he apologised, when really, he liked the FC but was too scared to face the truth??? So he pretended to himself that he only wanted her for the trust fund? I mean?😭😭).
5. Occurs throughout the whole book: Not tell her about the trust fund even though she’d be entitled to half of it.
6. Occurs at around 85%: Lie when she finds out about the trust fund once they’re in a relationship and tell her that he only found out about it 2 days before she did (he found out a month before).
Things he did to grovel:
1. Pay for people to fix up her house and help open a stuck door.
2. He said sorry.
And what gets me, is the MC literally says at the end, and I quote verbatim: "though he had felt he was being let off rather too easily, he hadn’t argued"💀 even the MC thinks the FC is a clown for taking him back😭😭😭.
But I digress, there are worse things to complain about in this book.
First. We were at 48% when they had their first real kiss (and etc...😏) and I still wasn’t partial to Hugo (the MC). The whole scene felt degrading and disgusting because he still hadn’t earned forgiveness and yet she was still giving him the privilege of putting his hands on her? She literally is thinking to herself the whole entire time "I know I shouldn’t because I know I can’t trust him, I know this is a game to him". So if you KNOW, what are you still doing sitting on his face babe? LIKE?😭😭😭
What we get straight after the scene, is him asking his friend questions about what love is, as if the writer is trying to show us that Hugo’s catching feelings for her?? I mean there’s so much to speak about in regards to Hugo’s personality and character. For example, he absolutely does nothing with his life except drink, laugh and sleep with his female friends. (Read: no job. He is a unemployed. He is broke and dusty, but with a trust fund). But one key thing about Mr Hugo, is that there is a CONSISTENT acknowledgment by himself and literally every single other character including the FC, that Hugo needs to improve his very poor personality, but there’s no actual active development of that? It’s just characters speaking about it?
Also his intentions for their relationship half way through the book is this: for them to be best fwends forever, and also sleep together for as long as possible. ??? Get it together babe, how pathetic can you be? He still doesn’t even know what he wants from her at 50%. At around 60% he decides he loves her. Why? Not quite sure.
Also, the author didn’t really explain why Amy (the FC) wanted to save Redbridge (her family’s mansion of whom they can no longer afford the upkeep of anymore) so much. I wasn’t quite understanding why it wasn’t just sold to like some national history company or something? I mean the idea of selling was never even once considered. Sure, Amy loved her childhood home but to slave over it as much as she did and then use her trust fund money on restoring it? I mean why?
After the 3rd act breakup, the FC and her best friend (the MC’s sister of course) go to Spain on holiday. Her best friend has the nerve to compare the FC lying (saying that everything was okay when it wasn’t) to the MC lying (saying the lawyers came 2 days ago when they came the very first day he apologised, ergo, he consciously tried to gain her forgiveness with the hope that she’d marry him so he could get access to the trust fund). That would be grounds for a friendship breakup. I am anti-Evie (the best friend). I was so excited for her book but I refuse to read it now.
Then straight after that convo, the book moves to the FC returning to Redbridge to confess her love (yet again) to the MC💀 I mean, someone call the Lancashire circus because I think they left their head-clown in Redbridge. But hey, I guess because now the MC knows that his private chef’s son is called Alfie and has asthma, he’s suddenly a changed man?
The thing that irritated me the most was a Redbridge Restoration Fund? I mean sure, let’s give rich people money to restore their 72-bedroom mansions. Give me a fucking break. They weren’t poor, they were just falling to the bottom of their tax bracket. They absolutely did not need the money. All they had to do was sell it and get a penthouse in London or something, I meaaaan???
The positives: lovelyyy writing style and set in the UK!! A win for us Brits among the disease of globalisation (read: Americanisation) (also please do not mistake me as being pro-Britain. For I am wholeheartedly NOT. But I’ll take any win against America). I honestly wanted to adore this so much, but alas, I couldn’t get past the plot and irredeemable male character.
"A sudden heavy shower of rain hit the enormous windows as he crossed the drawing room, making him feel as though he was underwater. A fish in a tank in a forgotten shadowy corner, going about its pointless back-and-forth existence in its artificial world. Real life a blur outside the glass" - my favourite paragraph from the book, not particularly profound, but lovely nonetheless.
I have so much negativity to express, but first let me say that this is purely in regards to the poorly written characters, undeveloped plot and the lack of the MC’s character development. The writing style was lovely and well-written.
Okay so this was recommended as a good "grovel" book, I should’ve known. Because at this point, I have come to believe that not one person has ever in the history of our beloved planet Earth, ever actually written a real grovelling book.
The things the MC did to warrant grovelling throughout the book:
1. Occurs at the beginning: Kiss the girl who’s been in love with him since she was 4, as a bet.
2. Also kiss her sister that same night (also, as a bet).
3. Record him kissing her for the bet (he actually forgot to press record, but the thought still counts).
4. Occurs somewhere around 25%: Apologise for the bet, with the sole intention of getting her to forgive him so that he can convince her to marry him which will allow him access to a trust fund (we’re then later supposed to believe that his unconscious made him think that this was the reason he apologised, when really, he liked the FC but was too scared to face the truth??? So he pretended to himself that he only wanted her for the trust fund? I mean?😭😭).
5. Occurs throughout the whole book: Not tell her about the trust fund even though she’d be entitled to half of it.
6. Occurs at around 85%: Lie when she finds out about the trust fund once they’re in a relationship and tell her that he only found out about it 2 days before she did (he found out a month before).
Things he did to grovel:
1. Pay for people to fix up her house and help open a stuck door.
2. He said sorry.
And what gets me, is the MC literally says at the end, and I quote verbatim: "though he had felt he was being let off rather too easily, he hadn’t argued"💀 even the MC thinks the FC is a clown for taking him back😭😭😭.
But I digress, there are worse things to complain about in this book.
First. We were at 48% when they had their first real kiss (and etc...😏) and I still wasn’t partial to Hugo (the MC). The whole scene felt degrading and disgusting because he still hadn’t earned forgiveness and yet she was still giving him the privilege of putting his hands on her? She literally is thinking to herself the whole entire time "I know I shouldn’t because I know I can’t trust him, I know this is a game to him". So if you KNOW, what are you still doing sitting on his face babe? LIKE?😭😭😭
What we get straight after the scene, is him asking his friend questions about what love is, as if the writer is trying to show us that Hugo’s catching feelings for her?? I mean there’s so much to speak about in regards to Hugo’s personality and character. For example, he absolutely does nothing with his life except drink, laugh and sleep with his female friends. (Read: no job. He is a unemployed. He is broke and dusty, but with a trust fund). But one key thing about Mr Hugo, is that there is a CONSISTENT acknowledgment by himself and literally every single other character including the FC, that Hugo needs to improve his very poor personality, but there’s no actual active development of that? It’s just characters speaking about it?
Also his intentions for their relationship half way through the book is this: for them to be best fwends forever, and also sleep together for as long as possible. ??? Get it together babe, how pathetic can you be? He still doesn’t even know what he wants from her at 50%. At around 60% he decides he loves her. Why? Not quite sure.
Also, the author didn’t really explain why Amy (the FC) wanted to save Redbridge (her family’s mansion of whom they can no longer afford the upkeep of anymore) so much. I wasn’t quite understanding why it wasn’t just sold to like some national history company or something? I mean the idea of selling was never even once considered. Sure, Amy loved her childhood home but to slave over it as much as she did and then use her trust fund money on restoring it? I mean why?
After the 3rd act breakup, the FC and her best friend (the MC’s sister of course) go to Spain on holiday. Her best friend has the nerve to compare the FC lying (saying that everything was okay when it wasn’t) to the MC lying (saying the lawyers came 2 days ago when they came the very first day he apologised, ergo, he consciously tried to gain her forgiveness with the hope that she’d marry him so he could get access to the trust fund). That would be grounds for a friendship breakup. I am anti-Evie (the best friend). I was so excited for her book but I refuse to read it now.
Then straight after that convo, the book moves to the FC returning to Redbridge to confess her love (yet again) to the MC💀 I mean, someone call the Lancashire circus because I think they left their head-clown in Redbridge. But hey, I guess because now the MC knows that his private chef’s son is called Alfie and has asthma, he’s suddenly a changed man?
The thing that irritated me the most was a Redbridge Restoration Fund? I mean sure, let’s give rich people money to restore their 72-bedroom mansions. Give me a fucking break. They weren’t poor, they were just falling to the bottom of their tax bracket. They absolutely did not need the money. All they had to do was sell it and get a penthouse in London or something, I meaaaan???
The positives: lovelyyy writing style and set in the UK!! A win for us Brits among the disease of globalisation (read: Americanisation) (also please do not mistake me as being pro-Britain. For I am wholeheartedly NOT. But I’ll take any win against America). I honestly wanted to adore this so much, but alas, I couldn’t get past the plot and irredeemable male character.
"A sudden heavy shower of rain hit the enormous windows as he crossed the drawing room, making him feel as though he was underwater. A fish in a tank in a forgotten shadowy corner, going about its pointless back-and-forth existence in its artificial world. Real life a blur outside the glass" - my favourite paragraph from the book, not particularly profound, but lovely nonetheless.
August 29, 2023
The characters are unbelievably funny and the romance was sweet! Rating: 5/5 Stars
I received an ARC from Rachel Rowan after begging repeatedly in her Facebook comments on a post offering the ARC. I suppose that sets the stage for how high my expectations were for this book. I love historical romances with that aristocratic vibe, and I was so interested to see it in a modern day setting. I have never read any of Rowan's other books or novellas, but this might have changed that. While I did receive an E-copy of this book for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own.
This book was a rather light romance, and although there were some sexy smutty scenes, the actually plot drama isn't too complex or dark - somewhat reminiscent of historical romances. There's dual point of view and lots of groveling for past mistakes. There's this subplot of a huge inheritance, but this becomes a minor plotline even though it is somewhat advertised as a main plot point. I didn't mind that though.
The characters were both sweethearts in their own ways, and I loved how authentic their interactions seemed with one another. This book is super cute and it was definitely one of my top reads for this year!
I received an ARC from Rachel Rowan after begging repeatedly in her Facebook comments on a post offering the ARC. I suppose that sets the stage for how high my expectations were for this book. I love historical romances with that aristocratic vibe, and I was so interested to see it in a modern day setting. I have never read any of Rowan's other books or novellas, but this might have changed that. While I did receive an E-copy of this book for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own.
This book was a rather light romance, and although there were some sexy smutty scenes, the actually plot drama isn't too complex or dark - somewhat reminiscent of historical romances. There's dual point of view and lots of groveling for past mistakes. There's this subplot of a huge inheritance, but this becomes a minor plotline even though it is somewhat advertised as a main plot point. I didn't mind that though.
The characters were both sweethearts in their own ways, and I loved how authentic their interactions seemed with one another. This book is super cute and it was definitely one of my top reads for this year!
August 3, 2023
I’m a sucker for second chance romance and boyyyy does Hugo want that with Amelia! They go through obstacles but although they have their differences they make a nice pair(:
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
August 7, 2023
She's overworked and underappreciated, trying to save her family's estate as it crumbles around her.
He's a rich playboy who's never worked a day in his life, banished to the country to learn the family business.
When a centuries old inheritance surfaces, could it be the answer to their problems? Or will lies, betrayal and the past get in the way of their future happiness?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Childhood frenemies to lovers. Modern aristocracy. Steamy bedroom scenes. A fun weekend read! I hope to see the siblings love lives in future books!
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my honest opinion.
He's a rich playboy who's never worked a day in his life, banished to the country to learn the family business.
When a centuries old inheritance surfaces, could it be the answer to their problems? Or will lies, betrayal and the past get in the way of their future happiness?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Childhood frenemies to lovers. Modern aristocracy. Steamy bedroom scenes. A fun weekend read! I hope to see the siblings love lives in future books!
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my honest opinion.
January 2, 2025
Honestly a great start to my yearly book adventure. Spoilers.
This book had two of the most uniquely flawed characters I've read in a while. Not the dark addiction and obsessive tendencies I've read in my books lately but real flaws of normal individuals that can't seem to get out of their way.
Hugh is a complicated character for me. I am not sure he gets redeemed in the end but I think that may be the point. Flaws happen mistakes happen and we all learn from the consequences which is why I liked this romance and Hugh. He actively is immature and makes poor decisions over and over again throughout this book, and for a better part of it I wasn't sure Amy should be with him.
However Amy herself is incredibly flawed and tries to hold everyone to her own unrealistic standards. She strives for a level of unattainable perfection and when other people fall short she shuts down over and over.
I also want to note that I usually do not enjoy books written in the third person but this was beautifully written and made you feel every step of the journey even without the inner angst. I felt my heart aching the whole time because we know what will happen when we find out Hugh was lying. You feel it when they are in love, you ache in the happy because of the lie hanging over their heads. Really liked the tool. Overall I really liked this one, and as someone who doesn't like contemporary romance that is saying something.
This book had two of the most uniquely flawed characters I've read in a while. Not the dark addiction and obsessive tendencies I've read in my books lately but real flaws of normal individuals that can't seem to get out of their way.
Hugh is a complicated character for me. I am not sure he gets redeemed in the end but I think that may be the point. Flaws happen mistakes happen and we all learn from the consequences which is why I liked this romance and Hugh. He actively is immature and makes poor decisions over and over again throughout this book, and for a better part of it I wasn't sure Amy should be with him.
However Amy herself is incredibly flawed and tries to hold everyone to her own unrealistic standards. She strives for a level of unattainable perfection and when other people fall short she shuts down over and over.
I also want to note that I usually do not enjoy books written in the third person but this was beautifully written and made you feel every step of the journey even without the inner angst. I felt my heart aching the whole time because we know what will happen when we find out Hugh was lying. You feel it when they are in love, you ache in the happy because of the lie hanging over their heads. Really liked the tool. Overall I really liked this one, and as someone who doesn't like contemporary romance that is saying something.
August 25, 2023
I received this as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed it! I really liked the character development from Hugo. The romance was 🤌🏻 will I be binging the rest of her books? Absolutely!
Enemies to lovers and second chance romances!
Enemies to lovers and second chance romances!
June 20, 2024
4.5 stars
June 10, 2025
It was a fun and cute story!
April 18, 2024
If you haven't read an Entitled Love novel... THIS IS YOUR SIGN. I literally picked up this book just meaning to read the first sentence, and I couldn't put it down!! THIS. This, a true enemies to lovers. I am in love with these characters. I'm in love with this world of extremely attractive British millionaires.
Amelia's decade-long crush of Hugo Blackton is shattered after a drunken night at a party. A year later, she's still not sure if she can forgive him, but then he moves back in next door and won't leave her alone until she does. Hugo has ulterior motives. He discovers that he could receive $32 million pounds if he marries Amelia or her sister to settle a centuries long rift between the families. If only he can get her to like him again... he just doesn't expect to fall in love in the process.
Throughout the entire novel, Hugo just keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole that I wasn't sure how he'd get out of. And it made SENSE for his character because his entire life he's been a selfish playboy. He slowly begins to fall in love with Amelia who, in contrast, is very sweet and considerate.
But Amelia can't trust him. With good reason, too. To be frank, Hugo starts out as an a**hole. But as you begin to peel back the layers, he is truly a good guy... just with some growing. I love how Amelia is the one who helps him do that.
It's a novel with so much growth and so much depth of characters. One thing I've noticed from the other Rachel Rowan novel I read is the positive representation of mental health and characters who help each other through that.
And the spice. There's such great spice. I was kicking and giddy throughout this entire thing. Of course, you get a glimpse of other characters that are mentioned in the world in other books. That was so exciting to see.
Rachel Rowan is an underrated QUEEN of romantic comedies. Especially if you like period romances or Jane Austen books because a lot of the themes in hers draw from this. I will be glued to my email until her next book comes out, and you'll probably catch me reading all her novellas!
Amelia's decade-long crush of Hugo Blackton is shattered after a drunken night at a party. A year later, she's still not sure if she can forgive him, but then he moves back in next door and won't leave her alone until she does. Hugo has ulterior motives. He discovers that he could receive $32 million pounds if he marries Amelia or her sister to settle a centuries long rift between the families. If only he can get her to like him again... he just doesn't expect to fall in love in the process.
Throughout the entire novel, Hugo just keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole that I wasn't sure how he'd get out of. And it made SENSE for his character because his entire life he's been a selfish playboy. He slowly begins to fall in love with Amelia who, in contrast, is very sweet and considerate.
But Amelia can't trust him. With good reason, too. To be frank, Hugo starts out as an a**hole. But as you begin to peel back the layers, he is truly a good guy... just with some growing. I love how Amelia is the one who helps him do that.
It's a novel with so much growth and so much depth of characters. One thing I've noticed from the other Rachel Rowan novel I read is the positive representation of mental health and characters who help each other through that.
And the spice. There's such great spice. I was kicking and giddy throughout this entire thing. Of course, you get a glimpse of other characters that are mentioned in the world in other books. That was so exciting to see.
Rachel Rowan is an underrated QUEEN of romantic comedies. Especially if you like period romances or Jane Austen books because a lot of the themes in hers draw from this. I will be glued to my email until her next book comes out, and you'll probably catch me reading all her novellas!
September 4, 2023
My favourite thing about this book is that I could envision every single scene into a little movie in my head. Not every author has the ability to be able to bring a describe something so well that you can see it visually, but Rachel Rowan does. The story surround Hugo who is an entitled narcissist and only worries about himself, whereas the other MC Amy is a chronic people pleaser who does what she’s told and puts herself at the bottom of the list. After Hugo destroys their childhood friendship, he puts together a plan to get back on Amy’s good side. With money and his heart on the line, Hugo realizes that maybe money isn’t everything - love is. The story follows these two as Hugo works at rekindling the fire he brutally put out between him and Amy, and this is seen through both of their POVs. I loooved how the writing style was more narrative rather than first person, and the Amy and Hugo’s POVs blended seamlessly. If you are someone who loves a good grovelling, this is your book. Hugo will stop at nothing to make sure Amy is pleased hehe. The one thing that threw me for a loop was Hugo’s character. There wasn’t much integrity for him at the start of the book, and I didn’t see as much character development as I thought I would by the end. It still left me wondering what his true intentions *really* were, and I didn’t feel like he did enough to prove himself. Regardless, great full length novel by Rachel Rowan and I will definitely read more from her.
August 30, 2023
Engaging The Enemy is the newest release in Rowan's Entitled Love series. She previously released four novellas: Uncommon, Unspoken, Untouched and Unwanted. This is the first full length novel! While there is some minor character overlap, each one is a standalone story with a unique couple and a HEA.
Engaging The Enemy is a friends/enemies to lovers romance featuring Amelia (Amy) Banberry-Thompson and Hugo (Hugh) Blackton, Earl of Carnford. The Blackton family lives at Conyers, right next door to Redbridge Grange, the Banberry-Thompson estate. The two families had been neighbours and friends for centuries, until recently...
Hugh had been living large, traveling and enjoying life. Then his father, the current Earl and founder, owner and CEO of BlacktonGold, one of the country's largest asset management firms, requested he return home for a meeting. Hugh was informed that his allowance was being cut off and he had to remain at Conyers for a year, managing the estate as well as the Belgravia Fund, to prove that he deserved to be the heir, and to work at BlacktonGold.
Hugh was frustrated and upset. He had no interest in learning the family business, and he certainly didn't want to remain stuck at Conyers for a year. He was hoping to avoid seeing Amy after what he had done. Not only had he kissed Cassie (Amy's sister) at her own engagement party, thus breaking off said engagement, but he also kissed Amy - both Banberry-Thompson girls, on the same night! But things started to look up for Hugh when he was visited by a couple of lawyers informing him of a legal document they came across dating back to 1812. Baron Blackton had wanted to unite his family with the Banberry family and thus created a trust which had been well invested. The money, now a very substantial sum, was to be released when there was a marriage between the two families.
Motivated by this possible windfall, Hugh endeavored to apologize to Amy and get her to forgive him. He hoped that he could succeed in both restoring the friendship between their families, and convince her to trust him again. If he could get her to agree to a wedding, even a brief one, they could both gain substantial wealth, and funds were much needed for the restoration of Redbridge. However Hugh didn't envision how hard that particular task might be.
Having previously read all four Entitled Love novellas, I was very excited to learn that Rowan had written a full length novel. Her books are always a delightful and indulgent escape to a world of modern aristocracy where life is often beyond anything I could ever imagine, while still having relatable characters who experience similar challenges to the rest of us.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Amy and Hugh, and getting a glimpse into their lives and their challenges. Roman painted a picture of a highly spoiled and entitled individual who is out of touch with the day-to-day challenges most folks endure. Hugh behaves as a classic narcissist, not thinking about how his behaviour or choices affect others, but his character, thankfully, evolves. Amy is the exact opposite. She is an echoist who always puts others' needs before her own. She fears letting people down, and takes on much more than she should. Her character also matures, although not quite as much. She has to learn to open up and to share her feelings. The two characters compliment each other, and together they are far better than they are apart.
I definitely recommend checking out her work. I'm forever a fan!
Engaging The Enemy is a friends/enemies to lovers romance featuring Amelia (Amy) Banberry-Thompson and Hugo (Hugh) Blackton, Earl of Carnford. The Blackton family lives at Conyers, right next door to Redbridge Grange, the Banberry-Thompson estate. The two families had been neighbours and friends for centuries, until recently...
Hugh had been living large, traveling and enjoying life. Then his father, the current Earl and founder, owner and CEO of BlacktonGold, one of the country's largest asset management firms, requested he return home for a meeting. Hugh was informed that his allowance was being cut off and he had to remain at Conyers for a year, managing the estate as well as the Belgravia Fund, to prove that he deserved to be the heir, and to work at BlacktonGold.
Hugh was frustrated and upset. He had no interest in learning the family business, and he certainly didn't want to remain stuck at Conyers for a year. He was hoping to avoid seeing Amy after what he had done. Not only had he kissed Cassie (Amy's sister) at her own engagement party, thus breaking off said engagement, but he also kissed Amy - both Banberry-Thompson girls, on the same night! But things started to look up for Hugh when he was visited by a couple of lawyers informing him of a legal document they came across dating back to 1812. Baron Blackton had wanted to unite his family with the Banberry family and thus created a trust which had been well invested. The money, now a very substantial sum, was to be released when there was a marriage between the two families.
Motivated by this possible windfall, Hugh endeavored to apologize to Amy and get her to forgive him. He hoped that he could succeed in both restoring the friendship between their families, and convince her to trust him again. If he could get her to agree to a wedding, even a brief one, they could both gain substantial wealth, and funds were much needed for the restoration of Redbridge. However Hugh didn't envision how hard that particular task might be.
Having previously read all four Entitled Love novellas, I was very excited to learn that Rowan had written a full length novel. Her books are always a delightful and indulgent escape to a world of modern aristocracy where life is often beyond anything I could ever imagine, while still having relatable characters who experience similar challenges to the rest of us.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Amy and Hugh, and getting a glimpse into their lives and their challenges. Roman painted a picture of a highly spoiled and entitled individual who is out of touch with the day-to-day challenges most folks endure. Hugh behaves as a classic narcissist, not thinking about how his behaviour or choices affect others, but his character, thankfully, evolves. Amy is the exact opposite. She is an echoist who always puts others' needs before her own. She fears letting people down, and takes on much more than she should. Her character also matures, although not quite as much. She has to learn to open up and to share her feelings. The two characters compliment each other, and together they are far better than they are apart.
I definitely recommend checking out her work. I'm forever a fan!
August 26, 2023
If you are addicted to friends to lovers, enemies to lovers (it works, trust me), and crave Bridgerton vibes, this will make your bibliophile heart so happy. The lives that Rachel thinks up and twists together are fun in engaging and naughty ways.
Earlier this year, the first book of the Entitled Love novellas, Uncommon, came across my social media feed. Finishing the first two back to back, Rachel’s writing had me pulled in. They were short, a little dirty 😉, and the HEA’s were swoon worthy. Around the time the fourth novella in the series was released, Rachel let us know she was writing a full length novel and that news made me jump for joy like a kid being told he could have a piece of candy.
Amelia and Hugo were such relatable characters. Not their money situations, though some aspects of it were relatable. More on the lines of who do you let in and trust with your heart. Them being friends first made their banter and exchanges normal and awkward at the same time. Due to them being friends their entire lives, the raw emotions and truth being yelled at each other was sometimes hard to read. There was no crying (wait, what?!?!), but it hurt to read these two put everything out there in hopes the other would protect their heart they way they wished them to.
Another fun thing is how Rachel intertwined characters from the Entitled Love novella series into this world. Reading of this characters doing whatever now, or how this character wants to be like so and so put a smile on my face. Just like in that series, this book doesn’t have a lot of excess characters. It mostly is the two MC’s, same names mentioned as friends, and depending on who’s story it is, the staff. If you haven’t noticed, these people have stupid money and have staff to prove it. So when you hear a name mentioned in their friends circle, you remember it. Maybe that is why the stories are so wonderful to me. It is just them. Two people falling for each other with no distractions or excuses. It is great.
#Bibliophile #BookmarksAreForQuitters #OneMoreChapter #BibliophileSiren #BookWorm #AmazonKindle @AmazonKindle #KindlePaperwhite #ARCRead #CarriesARCReads
Earlier this year, the first book of the Entitled Love novellas, Uncommon, came across my social media feed. Finishing the first two back to back, Rachel’s writing had me pulled in. They were short, a little dirty 😉, and the HEA’s were swoon worthy. Around the time the fourth novella in the series was released, Rachel let us know she was writing a full length novel and that news made me jump for joy like a kid being told he could have a piece of candy.
Amelia and Hugo were such relatable characters. Not their money situations, though some aspects of it were relatable. More on the lines of who do you let in and trust with your heart. Them being friends first made their banter and exchanges normal and awkward at the same time. Due to them being friends their entire lives, the raw emotions and truth being yelled at each other was sometimes hard to read. There was no crying (wait, what?!?!), but it hurt to read these two put everything out there in hopes the other would protect their heart they way they wished them to.
Another fun thing is how Rachel intertwined characters from the Entitled Love novella series into this world. Reading of this characters doing whatever now, or how this character wants to be like so and so put a smile on my face. Just like in that series, this book doesn’t have a lot of excess characters. It mostly is the two MC’s, same names mentioned as friends, and depending on who’s story it is, the staff. If you haven’t noticed, these people have stupid money and have staff to prove it. So when you hear a name mentioned in their friends circle, you remember it. Maybe that is why the stories are so wonderful to me. It is just them. Two people falling for each other with no distractions or excuses. It is great.
#Bibliophile #BookmarksAreForQuitters #OneMoreChapter #BibliophileSiren #BookWorm #AmazonKindle @AmazonKindle #KindlePaperwhite #ARCRead #CarriesARCReads
September 26, 2023
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
I adored Rachel Rowan’s Entitled Love series of novellas, so I was eager to read her novel, set in the same world.
Ms Rowan doesn’t disappoint!
The aristocratic Blackton and Banberry-Thompson families have had a centuries-long friendship, living on adjoining estates.
The current generation spent summers together, ranging over the woods and fields.
Last year, that friendship ended.
Hugo Blackton, Viscount, playboy and disappointment to his father, the Earl, attended the engagement party of Cassandra Banberry-Thompson.
His behaviour resulted in the breaking of Cassandra’s engagement (much to her relief) and the breaking of Amy Banberry-Thompson’s heart.
Amy had been in love with Hugo for years. However, she was under no illusions that he would pay any attention to her. Until he did.
At the party, he whispered words of admiration in her ear and kissed her soundly. Amy was elated, until she heard Hugo’s cronies sniggering. He had done it for a bet!
A year later.
The Earl is fed up with Hugo’s dissolute lifestyle. So he withdraws Hugo’s allowance and requires him to run the family estate.
Hugo needs money and discovers an inheritance, that can be his, but only if he marries a Banberry-Thompson daughter.
The story continues as Hugo works to make amends to Amy, by helping her save her crumbling but beautiful manor house.
The slow development of the romance is delightful, but you are always aware of the looming cloud approaching.
For Hugo never summoned up the courage to admit the inheritance scheme and you know that one day, Amy will find out!
Very enjoyable and pleasingly steamy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
I adored Rachel Rowan’s Entitled Love series of novellas, so I was eager to read her novel, set in the same world.
Ms Rowan doesn’t disappoint!
The aristocratic Blackton and Banberry-Thompson families have had a centuries-long friendship, living on adjoining estates.
The current generation spent summers together, ranging over the woods and fields.
Last year, that friendship ended.
Hugo Blackton, Viscount, playboy and disappointment to his father, the Earl, attended the engagement party of Cassandra Banberry-Thompson.
His behaviour resulted in the breaking of Cassandra’s engagement (much to her relief) and the breaking of Amy Banberry-Thompson’s heart.
Amy had been in love with Hugo for years. However, she was under no illusions that he would pay any attention to her. Until he did.
At the party, he whispered words of admiration in her ear and kissed her soundly. Amy was elated, until she heard Hugo’s cronies sniggering. He had done it for a bet!
A year later.
The Earl is fed up with Hugo’s dissolute lifestyle. So he withdraws Hugo’s allowance and requires him to run the family estate.
Hugo needs money and discovers an inheritance, that can be his, but only if he marries a Banberry-Thompson daughter.
The story continues as Hugo works to make amends to Amy, by helping her save her crumbling but beautiful manor house.
The slow development of the romance is delightful, but you are always aware of the looming cloud approaching.
For Hugo never summoned up the courage to admit the inheritance scheme and you know that one day, Amy will find out!
Very enjoyable and pleasingly steamy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2023
'Little Miss Good' Amelia has had a crush on Hugo for as long as she can remember. Due to a wager placed by Hugo and his mates on the night of her sisters engagement party, Amelia is left heartbroken and hating Hugo.
Hugo being Hugo, living the playboy lifestyle is punished by his dad and has to stay for a year at the family estate.. which neighbours Amelia's. Procrastinating on the investment portfolio set by his father, he also learns that if one of the Blackton x B-T heirs marry, £32M can be claimed between them. Therefore, for money he decides to beg for Amelia's forgiveness in hope he will be able to get her to marry him.
I'm so glad Amelia made Hugo grovel for it! I really didn't like his arrogance and glad she managed to knock him down a few pegs and insisted on treating him like a "slave" as requested by yours truly 😂 little did he know how much responsibility Amelia carries on her shoulders, looking after her crumbling stately home Redbridge. Hugo decides to help out fixing the home but starts falling in love before he knows it.
Amelia still has issues trusting Hugo but also can't resist him. She tries her hardest to keep him at arm's length but knows its futile. However, Hugo's lies are eventually uncovered about not knowing about the marriage deal between the two families until a few days ago. Amelia is disappointed in Hugo yet again and takes off to Spain.
Will Amelia be able to forgive Hugo from lying to her time and time again and will they be able to get their HEA after all??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hugo being Hugo, living the playboy lifestyle is punished by his dad and has to stay for a year at the family estate.. which neighbours Amelia's. Procrastinating on the investment portfolio set by his father, he also learns that if one of the Blackton x B-T heirs marry, £32M can be claimed between them. Therefore, for money he decides to beg for Amelia's forgiveness in hope he will be able to get her to marry him.
I'm so glad Amelia made Hugo grovel for it! I really didn't like his arrogance and glad she managed to knock him down a few pegs and insisted on treating him like a "slave" as requested by yours truly 😂 little did he know how much responsibility Amelia carries on her shoulders, looking after her crumbling stately home Redbridge. Hugo decides to help out fixing the home but starts falling in love before he knows it.
Amelia still has issues trusting Hugo but also can't resist him. She tries her hardest to keep him at arm's length but knows its futile. However, Hugo's lies are eventually uncovered about not knowing about the marriage deal between the two families until a few days ago. Amelia is disappointed in Hugo yet again and takes off to Spain.
Will Amelia be able to forgive Hugo from lying to her time and time again and will they be able to get their HEA after all??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
So. I received an ARC from Rachel Rowan after devouring all her novellas and let me tell you, this book doesn't disappoint. It has everything I love from a romcom—exquisite prose, a flawed hero, a geniune character arc, and the most adorable HEA ever. I'm pretty sure I read it in a single sitting.
Let's start with bad-boy Hugo. Love of my life (after Jay, and if you haven't read Untouched, go do it right this second). He is flawed, he is selfish and yeah, he's kind of manipulative. At the beginning. But watching this spoilt boy turn into a man as he falls in love with Amelia is one of the most delightful things I've read in a long time. It's the perfect friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope ever. And Amelia RESISTS him. She doesn't just fall into his arms because he's hot (though BOY is he hot) and she's been in love with him since forever (sometimes the heart just wants what it wants).
(She does fall into his arms, though, trust me. Rachel delivers on the spice front).
If you're after a cinnamon roll hero, maybe this isn't for you. Hugo takes time to dive into his deep, gooey feelings. But for me, that makes it all the more satisfying when he does. This book has nuance and slow-burn and it's ridiculously British, which makes my little heart happy. If you love bad boys, go read it and if you don't fall in love with his blue eyes and his helpless descent into adoration, you're a monster.
There, I said it.
(Seriously, though, I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this book. Easily one of my favourites this year).
Let's start with bad-boy Hugo. Love of my life (after Jay, and if you haven't read Untouched, go do it right this second). He is flawed, he is selfish and yeah, he's kind of manipulative. At the beginning. But watching this spoilt boy turn into a man as he falls in love with Amelia is one of the most delightful things I've read in a long time. It's the perfect friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope ever. And Amelia RESISTS him. She doesn't just fall into his arms because he's hot (though BOY is he hot) and she's been in love with him since forever (sometimes the heart just wants what it wants).
(She does fall into his arms, though, trust me. Rachel delivers on the spice front).
If you're after a cinnamon roll hero, maybe this isn't for you. Hugo takes time to dive into his deep, gooey feelings. But for me, that makes it all the more satisfying when he does. This book has nuance and slow-burn and it's ridiculously British, which makes my little heart happy. If you love bad boys, go read it and if you don't fall in love with his blue eyes and his helpless descent into adoration, you're a monster.
There, I said it.
(Seriously, though, I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this book. Easily one of my favourites this year).
September 12, 2023
This is a story of longing, lies and heartache. Amelia had been obsessed with Hugo since they were children. Hugo came from a wealthy family, was a Viscount, heir to an Earldom, and said and did exactly ehat he wanted. And even though she knew he was pleasure-oriented and self-centered, Amelia loved him anyway. So when he kissed her at her sister’s engagement party, she thought that her dreams were coming true, until she found out it was due to a dare, and she was both humiliated and heartbroken. Fast forward and Hugo has been called home by father and given an ultimatum. About that same time, legal documents were revealed to him by which he could acquire a lot of money….if he could get Amelia to marry him. And so we have a story wherein Hugo does whatever he can to get Amelia’s forgiveness, and along the way he realizes that she’s actually the one for him. You will find humor, frustration, anger, jealousy, and heartache as the two of them try to restore their relationship. Mistakes are made. Lies are told, and things are complicated. Hugo is an adorable screw-up, who really wants to be accepted, flaws and all. Amelia is super responsible and just wants to be loved and respected. Both are complex and sympathetic characters who will tug at your heartstrings as you watch them stumble along. This story will garner your interest, engage your emotions and leave you with a smile. Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2023
Engaging The Enemy
A Novel Written By Rachel Rowan
Fiction - Romance
Published August 30, 2023
347 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is set on two neighboring estates in Lancashire, England. One belongs to the affluent Blackton Family. The other is much smaller and falling apart. It belongs to the Banberry-Thompson Family. The upkeep and maintenance of Redbridge, the Banberry-Thompson estate, has become the responsibility of their daughter, Amelia. Hugo Blackton has been summoned home by his father to manage the family estate for the next year. It is Hugo’s chance to prove that he is capable and responsible. This now puts Hugo in close proximity with his childhood friend, Amelia. These two childhood friends have become enemies after a poor decision made by Hugo a year ago. Hugo would like to use this time at home to make amends to Amy. Amy wants nothing to do with Hugo or his apology.
Everything about Hugo would make you hate him. He is a playboy who is immature, selfish, thoughtless, and irresponsible. I tried to hate him but just couldn’t. Despite his negative qualities he is also witty and funny. Can a leopard change his spots? Can Amy forgive him? Can she ever trust him?
“I’ve only ever fallen in love with you. And I only want to be in love with you. Always you.”
A Novel Written By Rachel Rowan
Fiction - Romance
Published August 30, 2023
347 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is set on two neighboring estates in Lancashire, England. One belongs to the affluent Blackton Family. The other is much smaller and falling apart. It belongs to the Banberry-Thompson Family. The upkeep and maintenance of Redbridge, the Banberry-Thompson estate, has become the responsibility of their daughter, Amelia. Hugo Blackton has been summoned home by his father to manage the family estate for the next year. It is Hugo’s chance to prove that he is capable and responsible. This now puts Hugo in close proximity with his childhood friend, Amelia. These two childhood friends have become enemies after a poor decision made by Hugo a year ago. Hugo would like to use this time at home to make amends to Amy. Amy wants nothing to do with Hugo or his apology.
Everything about Hugo would make you hate him. He is a playboy who is immature, selfish, thoughtless, and irresponsible. I tried to hate him but just couldn’t. Despite his negative qualities he is also witty and funny. Can a leopard change his spots? Can Amy forgive him? Can she ever trust him?
“I’ve only ever fallen in love with you. And I only want to be in love with you. Always you.”
October 19, 2025
this was nice, just a couple things I had issues with
> we definitely saw hugo's development in him growing to enjoy the life at conyer's, although we never really got to see his character develop from a rogue party boy into a mature (ish) twenty seven year old. it's believable it would have been better to see it on page.
> too many storylines crossing over one another to give the story depth but instead it kind of just fell flat when it was revealed to amelia?
> it would have been nice to see amelia and hugo in their time apart - her travelling and him at conyer's. also him attempting to contact her throughout the time
> following from the last point, it doesn't make sense that she came home after a couple of months and went straight back into his arms especially considering their supposed lack of contact
- i dont really know how I feel about evie in this book. her trying to compare amelia keeping a secret to hugo lying to amelia time and time again didn't sit right with me. yes, i understand why he felt compelled to lie but he should have told her the truth and worked for her forgiveness.
Other than that it wasn't a bad book. I'm a huge fan of this author's writing style. It feels like a breath of fresh air in comparison to what's out there right now.
> we definitely saw hugo's development in him growing to enjoy the life at conyer's, although we never really got to see his character develop from a rogue party boy into a mature (ish) twenty seven year old. it's believable it would have been better to see it on page.
> too many storylines crossing over one another to give the story depth but instead it kind of just fell flat when it was revealed to amelia?
> it would have been nice to see amelia and hugo in their time apart - her travelling and him at conyer's. also him attempting to contact her throughout the time
> following from the last point, it doesn't make sense that she came home after a couple of months and went straight back into his arms especially considering their supposed lack of contact
- i dont really know how I feel about evie in this book. her trying to compare amelia keeping a secret to hugo lying to amelia time and time again didn't sit right with me. yes, i understand why he felt compelled to lie but he should have told her the truth and worked for her forgiveness.
Other than that it wasn't a bad book. I'm a huge fan of this author's writing style. It feels like a breath of fresh air in comparison to what's out there right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
- Second chance
- Frenemies to lovers
- Banter
Amy's and Hugo's families have been neighbors for centuries. Amy has been secretly in love with Hugo for many years, but after he played a prank on her - kissing both her and her sister at her sister's engagement party for a wager with his friends - Amy has decided there is no possible future with him.
Hugo's father has tasked Hugo with a grown up situation - for a year, live solely on the earnings from a job running their estate. Hugo is mortified, but his father wants him to prove he has the maturity for the position. So when Hugo learns of an old agreement in his ancestor's will - a hefty sum given at the marriage between the neighboring families, he immediately tries to smooth things out with Amy. She is not going to make it easy for him since she doesn't trust him.
I enjoyed the character growth in this book - Hugo didn't endear himself to me at first. But he eventually won me over while he was winning Amy.
Cute banter, quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- Frenemies to lovers
- Banter
Amy's and Hugo's families have been neighbors for centuries. Amy has been secretly in love with Hugo for many years, but after he played a prank on her - kissing both her and her sister at her sister's engagement party for a wager with his friends - Amy has decided there is no possible future with him.
Hugo's father has tasked Hugo with a grown up situation - for a year, live solely on the earnings from a job running their estate. Hugo is mortified, but his father wants him to prove he has the maturity for the position. So when Hugo learns of an old agreement in his ancestor's will - a hefty sum given at the marriage between the neighboring families, he immediately tries to smooth things out with Amy. She is not going to make it easy for him since she doesn't trust him.
I enjoyed the character growth in this book - Hugo didn't endear himself to me at first. But he eventually won me over while he was winning Amy.
Cute banter, quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
Theres always something special about a book where the main character shares the same name as you. It makes you feel that you’re in the story, however, Rachel has a writing style that I’m fairly sure would encapsulate anyone and bring them into the story. Amelia is in charge of the upkeep of her families estate. What is normally a tiring job becomes even worse when the house begins to crumble and her family stay on holiday, even when she needs them the most.
In swoops Hugo, the devilishly handsome viscount of the neighbouring estate. Amelia and Hugo were childhood friends – were. Until Hugo breaks Amelia’s heart with a bet between his friends. Hugo will do anything for Amelia’s forgiveness, and while Amelia has no intention of forgiving him, she puts him to use around her estate doing the heavy manual labour. While Amelia is using him for the grunt work, Hugo is using this chance to get back in Amelia’s good books. The real question is can Amelia forgive Hugo, and can Amelia save her estate?
I could not put this book down and was devastated when I turned the last page to finish it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In swoops Hugo, the devilishly handsome viscount of the neighbouring estate. Amelia and Hugo were childhood friends – were. Until Hugo breaks Amelia’s heart with a bet between his friends. Hugo will do anything for Amelia’s forgiveness, and while Amelia has no intention of forgiving him, she puts him to use around her estate doing the heavy manual labour. While Amelia is using him for the grunt work, Hugo is using this chance to get back in Amelia’s good books. The real question is can Amelia forgive Hugo, and can Amelia save her estate?
I could not put this book down and was devastated when I turned the last page to finish it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2025
Such a disappointing read. I really had to force myself to finish this book. This was marketed as an ‘enemies to lovers’, ‘grovelling MC’ romance book but it ultimately was an ‘im secretly in love with you but hate you but will let you disregard me as a human bc i love you’ book.
The MC was AWFUL, im sorry but the supposed character development he gains from originally intending to manipulate the FC into marrying him for money, to then realising he ‘has always loved her’ is unfathomable. And the transition from ‘enemies’ to ‘lovers’ was bc he spent a few days working at her house and fell deeply in love??? And don’t even get me started on the intimacy parts that contributed NIL to the ‘romance’ element. I was almost tempted to DNF at page 201…
Although this was not my cup of tea, I really did enjoy it being set in the UK. I also did like the writing style, but I just could not get past the plot. I did not enjoy most of the characters in the book, esp the sisters of both MCs. I think there was only one main character I liked which was the MC’s brother. It’s a shame given the potential it had.
The MC was AWFUL, im sorry but the supposed character development he gains from originally intending to manipulate the FC into marrying him for money, to then realising he ‘has always loved her’ is unfathomable. And the transition from ‘enemies’ to ‘lovers’ was bc he spent a few days working at her house and fell deeply in love??? And don’t even get me started on the intimacy parts that contributed NIL to the ‘romance’ element. I was almost tempted to DNF at page 201…
Although this was not my cup of tea, I really did enjoy it being set in the UK. I also did like the writing style, but I just could not get past the plot. I did not enjoy most of the characters in the book, esp the sisters of both MCs. I think there was only one main character I liked which was the MC’s brother. It’s a shame given the potential it had.
August 7, 2025
A fun frenemies-to-lovers story with a British aristocracy twist!
Hugo is a bit of a narcissist, though that just means his character has a great opportunity for growth! He receives a kind of rude wake up call from his Dad when Hugo learns he's not just being given a roll at the family company (he'll have to show he can manage one account for a year) and he'll be stuck at the ancestral family home for a year (no trips to London or Madrid or Switzerland for partying with friends). He's approached by some lawyers (solicitors because they are British) and he learns of a trust worth thirty-two million and it involves the marriage between the two families. And after last year's party, Amelia isn't particularly keen on giving him the time of day.
Amelia is a bit overworked (particularly by her family, but not like in a mean way, just that way family can be sometimes) and her family home is not doing so well. It needs a new roof (which is expensive), and there are bills to pay that keep piling up. She does not have time for dealing with Hugo (particularly after he played a rather rude prank on her) and does not like him following her around trying to "help out" around the home.
I liked Hugo and Amelia together. Despite Hugo not being as down to earth as most normal people, they had a fun dynamic that was kind of adorable. Hugo trying to figure out how to woo Amelia was incredibly endearing. He often went about it in ways that don't immediately make sense, but the gestures are sweet regardless.
This is a pretty low angst story with lots of miscommunication trope told in a way that makes sense to the characters and not them just being silly gooses.
This story contains steamy elements, though if you removed them, the story would still be good. I think the author made a really great base for these characters for you to fall in love with them and their flaws!
Hugo is a bit of a narcissist, though that just means his character has a great opportunity for growth! He receives a kind of rude wake up call from his Dad when Hugo learns he's not just being given a roll at the family company (he'll have to show he can manage one account for a year) and he'll be stuck at the ancestral family home for a year (no trips to London or Madrid or Switzerland for partying with friends). He's approached by some lawyers (solicitors because they are British) and he learns of a trust worth thirty-two million and it involves the marriage between the two families. And after last year's party, Amelia isn't particularly keen on giving him the time of day.
Amelia is a bit overworked (particularly by her family, but not like in a mean way, just that way family can be sometimes) and her family home is not doing so well. It needs a new roof (which is expensive), and there are bills to pay that keep piling up. She does not have time for dealing with Hugo (particularly after he played a rather rude prank on her) and does not like him following her around trying to "help out" around the home.
I liked Hugo and Amelia together. Despite Hugo not being as down to earth as most normal people, they had a fun dynamic that was kind of adorable. Hugo trying to figure out how to woo Amelia was incredibly endearing. He often went about it in ways that don't immediately make sense, but the gestures are sweet regardless.
This is a pretty low angst story with lots of miscommunication trope told in a way that makes sense to the characters and not them just being silly gooses.
This story contains steamy elements, though if you removed them, the story would still be good. I think the author made a really great base for these characters for you to fall in love with them and their flaws!
September 10, 2023
A Temporary Truce ? . . .
Hugo Blackton, a known playboy, went too far over the line at the engagement party for Amelia Banberry-Thompson’s sister, taking liberties with both of them. Now Amelia won’t see or talk to him, nor will she forgive him, it seems. She knows he will never change, and she just cannot trust him.
Unrelated to that situation, Hugo’s father cut off his funds and told him he had to live at and manage the family’s country estate to prepare him for his future. But that estate is next to Amelia’s and can make things uncomfortable. However, when the lawyers inform Hugo about an attempt by an ancestor to unite their families through a marriage settlement now worth millions, he realizes that if he can convince Amelia to marry him, at least for a short time, they would both find it a lucrative proposition. Amelia could fix up an estate that is almost in ruin that she would love to restore. And he could prove himself. Will she go along with his plan? And will a marriage convince them that they could actually make it work to give them a HEA?
Hugo Blackton, a known playboy, went too far over the line at the engagement party for Amelia Banberry-Thompson’s sister, taking liberties with both of them. Now Amelia won’t see or talk to him, nor will she forgive him, it seems. She knows he will never change, and she just cannot trust him.
Unrelated to that situation, Hugo’s father cut off his funds and told him he had to live at and manage the family’s country estate to prepare him for his future. But that estate is next to Amelia’s and can make things uncomfortable. However, when the lawyers inform Hugo about an attempt by an ancestor to unite their families through a marriage settlement now worth millions, he realizes that if he can convince Amelia to marry him, at least for a short time, they would both find it a lucrative proposition. Amelia could fix up an estate that is almost in ruin that she would love to restore. And he could prove himself. Will she go along with his plan? And will a marriage convince them that they could actually make it work to give them a HEA?
August 8, 2023
What a wonderful book. This is the first full length book in the 'entitled ' series I believe. It gives the author much more time to engage us and build up the complex characters that are in this book, especially Hugo.
I'm not sure I had much sympathy for him initially but as I grew to understand him and why he acted as he did I learnt to love him. Amy was the same, having no backbone to stand up for herself with her family taking advantage of this constantly.
I loved the twists and turns in this rather spicy and well written romance.
If you are easily offended by scenes of a sexual nature this may not be the book for you as it is decidedly hot and steamy in places. Very well written and not the main emphasis in the book but nicely there throughout.
I enjoyed it very much.
If you do too look up the novellas by Rachel too. Just shorter stories, still spicy but in the same world as this one. Give them a go, indie authors need the readership and these are so well worth it.
I'm not sure I had much sympathy for him initially but as I grew to understand him and why he acted as he did I learnt to love him. Amy was the same, having no backbone to stand up for herself with her family taking advantage of this constantly.
I loved the twists and turns in this rather spicy and well written romance.
If you are easily offended by scenes of a sexual nature this may not be the book for you as it is decidedly hot and steamy in places. Very well written and not the main emphasis in the book but nicely there throughout.
I enjoyed it very much.
If you do too look up the novellas by Rachel too. Just shorter stories, still spicy but in the same world as this one. Give them a go, indie authors need the readership and these are so well worth it.
September 9, 2023
Viscount Hugo Leighton was immature when he kissed Amelia and her sister for a dare. Now he is stuck at his family’s estate for a year and has to win Amelia over and get her to agree to marry him for an inheritance. Amelia is stuck taking care of her family’s crumbling mansion while her father is off on adventures, her mother isn’t much help, and her sister chasing her dreams. Hugo doesn’t help things with his fly over I’m sorry message that scatters the sheep but Amelia gets her revenge giving him the dirtiest jobs around the estate. He’s still immature, makes foolish decisions, and doesn’t understand why as heir his younger brother gets the company advancements when Hugo doesn’t even try. He does work hard helping Amelia, even getting his hands dirty, but keeps secrets from her that when revealed could tear them apart. There were several laugh out loud, head shaking, but also sweet moments.
April 14, 2024
This is such an amazing enemies to lovers, childhood Crush, it's always been you - romance!!
Amelia & Hugo have been friends since they were children. Amelia was obsessed with Hugo as a child, and that turned into more as she grew up. Hugo always felt like Amelia was home.
There is a 'potential marriage of convenience ' subplot that didn't go as planned. But I'm happy about it.
I loved the self-discovery that Hugo went through. He matures & finds himself in a way that even he didn't think possible. I love how he showed his apologies & admiration through acts of love, not just pretty words.
I very much enjoyed watching "Little Miss Good" crawl out of her shell. Amelia finally learned how to stand up for herself & put herself first.
Some fun scenes that I need to point out
1. Behind the tractor! With the EX Boyfriend mere feet away.
2. The ice cream lick!?
3. The massage & post massage mess
4. The peacock!!!! 😪
Excellent Story
Amelia & Hugo have been friends since they were children. Amelia was obsessed with Hugo as a child, and that turned into more as she grew up. Hugo always felt like Amelia was home.
There is a 'potential marriage of convenience ' subplot that didn't go as planned. But I'm happy about it.
I loved the self-discovery that Hugo went through. He matures & finds himself in a way that even he didn't think possible. I love how he showed his apologies & admiration through acts of love, not just pretty words.
I very much enjoyed watching "Little Miss Good" crawl out of her shell. Amelia finally learned how to stand up for herself & put herself first.
Some fun scenes that I need to point out
1. Behind the tractor! With the EX Boyfriend mere feet away.
2. The ice cream lick!?
3. The massage & post massage mess
4. The peacock!!!! 😪
Excellent Story
August 4, 2023
Wow! What a ride of a read! Beautifully done! Two long time friends and neighbors, distanced by betrayal come together again under extenuating circumstances and learn to come to terms with each other. How difficult could that be? Well, let me tell you, I thought Hugo was an unmitigated jack @$$ through the first third of the book. I genuinely disliked him and had just declared him irredeemable when he started to become human. By the end of the book, I was wishing them well and was excited for their future together. A bit of an emotional roller coaster and you yell at Amy throughout the entire thing for constantly allowing this toxic dick in he rlife, but as he matures and grows, you end up rooting for him to continue becoming the man he should have been all along. Beautifully written and it was hard to not get sucked up in the whole mess <3
August 30, 2023
Haven't tried a bit of light hearted romance in a while so thought I'd give Rachel Rowan's Engaging the Enemy a read, and I wasn't disappointed! This brilliant story is light and fun and filled with chemistry, satisfyingly sweet and sexy, sometimes raw but oh so real!
Amelia and Hugo, what can I say? Fantastic characters, perfectly portrayed, flaws and all. And their families? Loved their aristocratic dysfunction! The stately homes of Conyers and Redbridge? Two sides of the toff life coin. Absolutely fantastic! And even though the HAE was predictable I still shed a tear!
In short this is a gorgeous, gloriously romantic read with buckets of charm. It will eat at your heart and nibble its way into your soul!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amelia and Hugo, what can I say? Fantastic characters, perfectly portrayed, flaws and all. And their families? Loved their aristocratic dysfunction! The stately homes of Conyers and Redbridge? Two sides of the toff life coin. Absolutely fantastic! And even though the HAE was predictable I still shed a tear!
In short this is a gorgeous, gloriously romantic read with buckets of charm. It will eat at your heart and nibble its way into your soul!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
Engaging the enemy is a friends/enemies to lovers romantic comedy. Amelia (Amy) is a smart, sassy, and hardworking girl trying to save her family business. Hugo is a hunky, rich playboy from a wealthy family that has really never had to work. He now returns home and needs to learn the family business or be cut off. Amy and Hugo's families are neighbors, and they and were friends at one point until Hugo managed to cause trouble. The story reads fast and is hysterical. Hugo is trying to convince Amy that he wants to be with her as there is money involved if the families reunite. Will she trust him again? Can they go back to friends and possibly lovers? There is a lot of witty banter and some decent steam. After some angst and drama, we do get an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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