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Love in Paradise Valley #4
Enemies in Paradise
Paradise is supposed to be my escape from burnout and bad guys, but I’ve already burned bridges with the hottest guy in town.
Bear Thomsen and I both want the same thing—his grandpa’s old auto shop. My dream is to rehab it into a bookstore. Bear’s is to tear it down to build a hockey rink.
I came to Paradise looking for a fresh start after leaving the police force in LA, needing to escape the big city with its big problems, and avoid a big, unwinnable fight with my commanding officer. Turning in the detective badge I worked so hard to earn is the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m not about to let another man get in the way of my new dream–to own a small-town bookstore. Especially if that man is Bear Thomsen.
But when Bear rescues me not once, not twice, but three times, I realize my attraction to him is more than physical. He’s a gentle giant with a fierce protective streak, especially when it comes to his hockey team.
I never thought I needed saving, but the more time I spend with Bear, the more I discover that bridges can be rebuilt, walls can come down, and dreams are better shared.
But how can we share a dream when one of us has to lose for the other to win?
Enemies in Paradise is a closed door, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy with enough chemistry, banter, and kisses to keep you reading all night.
Bear Thomsen and I both want the same thing—his grandpa’s old auto shop. My dream is to rehab it into a bookstore. Bear’s is to tear it down to build a hockey rink.
I came to Paradise looking for a fresh start after leaving the police force in LA, needing to escape the big city with its big problems, and avoid a big, unwinnable fight with my commanding officer. Turning in the detective badge I worked so hard to earn is the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m not about to let another man get in the way of my new dream–to own a small-town bookstore. Especially if that man is Bear Thomsen.
But when Bear rescues me not once, not twice, but three times, I realize my attraction to him is more than physical. He’s a gentle giant with a fierce protective streak, especially when it comes to his hockey team.
I never thought I needed saving, but the more time I spend with Bear, the more I discover that bridges can be rebuilt, walls can come down, and dreams are better shared.
But how can we share a dream when one of us has to lose for the other to win?
Enemies in Paradise is a closed door, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy with enough chemistry, banter, and kisses to keep you reading all night.
Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2024
85 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Larsen
31 books255 followersBrittany Larsen is the author of fourteen full-length and three novella-length sweet romantic comedies, plus a couple more historical romance novellas set in the Old West. Brittany’s stories range across time and place, but they’re always about one thing: connection. They’re guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe even tear up a little.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
May 2, 2024
Enemies in Paradise is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley series. While I think you might have a bit of a better understanding about some of the family and town dynamics if you've read the previous books (and I do highly recommend those too), I do think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.
I have loved every single book in this series, and while I didn't think any of them could top book one... this one might have actually done it! Right from the start, I absolutely adored these Bear and Cassie! To say they don't hit it off right away would be a bit of an understatement. From their first awkward meetings to their fight for the same building, there is a whole lot of fire between these two. I loved the banter between them, but even when they were at odds, the chemistry between them was absolutely undeniable and I could not get enough of it! When they finally turn that tension between them to romance? I loved it! Bear was such a sweetheart; it was hard not to fall for him. They both had their reasons for fighting for the building, and I found myself unsure how it would or should go. While this is overall a fun read that had me laughing out loud many times, it was also a very tender story that had me reaching for the tissues as Bear's mom's health was declining. Those moments took the story to the next level for me, but I loved how well it was balanced with those big laugh out loud moments too. If you thought the squirrel antics in the previous books were over... well, just be prepared for even more animal mayhem! I enjoyed every single second of their story and didn't want it to end!
Enemies in Paradise is a closed-door romance with chemistry-filled kisses, but nothing beyond that. There was just a handful of minor language as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I have loved every single book in this series, and while I didn't think any of them could top book one... this one might have actually done it! Right from the start, I absolutely adored these Bear and Cassie! To say they don't hit it off right away would be a bit of an understatement. From their first awkward meetings to their fight for the same building, there is a whole lot of fire between these two. I loved the banter between them, but even when they were at odds, the chemistry between them was absolutely undeniable and I could not get enough of it! When they finally turn that tension between them to romance? I loved it! Bear was such a sweetheart; it was hard not to fall for him. They both had their reasons for fighting for the building, and I found myself unsure how it would or should go. While this is overall a fun read that had me laughing out loud many times, it was also a very tender story that had me reaching for the tissues as Bear's mom's health was declining. Those moments took the story to the next level for me, but I loved how well it was balanced with those big laugh out loud moments too. If you thought the squirrel antics in the previous books were over... well, just be prepared for even more animal mayhem! I enjoyed every single second of their story and didn't want it to end!
Enemies in Paradise is a closed-door romance with chemistry-filled kisses, but nothing beyond that. There was just a handful of minor language as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
What a delight to return to Paradise, Idaho! I love Brittany’s writing and the characters and small town vibe she’s created in this fun romcom.
Cassie is looking for a fresh start in Paradise after taking leave from the police force in LA, and has dreams of opening a bookstore there. She has the ideal property picked out, but Bear Thomsen also wants the building. He has his own dreams for the building and surrounding property.
Cassie and Bear met earlier, and came away from that meet-disaster as enemies. There’s a lot of fun and shenanigans as these two come together again, with so much chemistry, banter, and butterflies, and such stubborn determination not to let the other one win.
What I loved-
📚 Enemies to lovers
🏑 Small town
📚 Dual POV
🏑 Hockey coach for girls MMC
📚 Strong FMC
🏑 Cat, squirrel, mice mishaps
📚 She wears his jersey
🏑 The first kiss
📚 The rescues
🏑 Push & pull tension
📚 The grand gesture
I really loved what a sweetheart Bear was, and how completely smitten he was with Cassie. The things he said to her and the way he treated her were so swoony!
And the way he loved and cared for his mom, who has Alzheimer’s, absolutely melted my heart. Be prepared with tissues for this part.
This is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley Series but can be read as a standalone.
TW: parent with aggressive Alzheimer’s, sexual harassment at work
Many thanks to the author for an ARC!
Cassie is looking for a fresh start in Paradise after taking leave from the police force in LA, and has dreams of opening a bookstore there. She has the ideal property picked out, but Bear Thomsen also wants the building. He has his own dreams for the building and surrounding property.
Cassie and Bear met earlier, and came away from that meet-disaster as enemies. There’s a lot of fun and shenanigans as these two come together again, with so much chemistry, banter, and butterflies, and such stubborn determination not to let the other one win.
What I loved-
📚 Enemies to lovers
🏑 Small town
📚 Dual POV
🏑 Hockey coach for girls MMC
📚 Strong FMC
🏑 Cat, squirrel, mice mishaps
📚 She wears his jersey
🏑 The first kiss
📚 The rescues
🏑 Push & pull tension
📚 The grand gesture
I really loved what a sweetheart Bear was, and how completely smitten he was with Cassie. The things he said to her and the way he treated her were so swoony!
And the way he loved and cared for his mom, who has Alzheimer’s, absolutely melted my heart. Be prepared with tissues for this part.
This is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley Series but can be read as a standalone.
TW: parent with aggressive Alzheimer’s, sexual harassment at work
Many thanks to the author for an ARC!
July 9, 2024
If you love a good enemies to lovers story as much as I do, you're going to love this latest one by Brittany Larsen. Cassie is looking for a fresh start in Paradise after a rocky time on the police force in L.A. She wants to leave the stress of big city life and open a cozy bookstore in the small town of Paradise and she's found the perfect location--an old auto shop! There's just one bear of a problem; Bear Thomsen wants to transform his grandpa's old auto shop into a hockey rink for the girls hockey team he coaches. Who will win or will these two be able to find a compromise?
Oh my word! Grab your popcorn because the battle of wills is on, as both are determined not to back down! The chemistry between these two leaps off the pages, and the tension between them is so, so good. Cassie finds Bear stubborn and he thinks she's maddening.
What I loved:
🐿️ The mice/cats/squirrels!
🐿️ All the banter
🐿️ Dual POV
🐿️ Bear coaching the girls
🐿️ Swoony kisses
🐿️ Laugh out loud moments
I liked that we got to see Bear's family again but I loved getting to know Bear in a setting outside of his family. I loved how much he cares for his family and the reasons he wanted his grandpa's auto shop. How could anyone not fall for this teddy bear of a man? This book is perfect for a cozy weekend read. It's the fourth book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary digital copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Oh my word! Grab your popcorn because the battle of wills is on, as both are determined not to back down! The chemistry between these two leaps off the pages, and the tension between them is so, so good. Cassie finds Bear stubborn and he thinks she's maddening.
What I loved:
🐿️ The mice/cats/squirrels!
🐿️ All the banter
🐿️ Dual POV
🐿️ Bear coaching the girls
🐿️ Swoony kisses
🐿️ Laugh out loud moments
I liked that we got to see Bear's family again but I loved getting to know Bear in a setting outside of his family. I loved how much he cares for his family and the reasons he wanted his grandpa's auto shop. How could anyone not fall for this teddy bear of a man? This book is perfect for a cozy weekend read. It's the fourth book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary digital copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
May 4, 2024
Take me back to Paradise any day! Add in an enemies to more trope and I’m as happy as can be!!
I love this cute little town and the people in it! The Thomsen family steals my heart every time I read one of their stories and Bear is now at the TOP of my list!
Bear and Cassie both want the same building/land, but for totally different reasons! He wants ti preserve the town pond where he learned to skate and now coaches little girls ice hockey. She wants to open a quaint little book store for the town to enjoy. Who will get what they want?
These two are the freaking cutest! I actually loved their constant push and pull as they argued over the building they both wanted. Because, despite their constant disagreeing, their pranks (intentional or not) you couldn’t help but see the sparks fly between them! Their chemistry was undeniable!!
Bear is big and tough and hard headed, but also sweet and kind and has a heart of gold. Cassie is independent and headstrong, but just so easy to love!!
You’re going to love this cute book!!
I love this cute little town and the people in it! The Thomsen family steals my heart every time I read one of their stories and Bear is now at the TOP of my list!
Bear and Cassie both want the same building/land, but for totally different reasons! He wants ti preserve the town pond where he learned to skate and now coaches little girls ice hockey. She wants to open a quaint little book store for the town to enjoy. Who will get what they want?
These two are the freaking cutest! I actually loved their constant push and pull as they argued over the building they both wanted. Because, despite their constant disagreeing, their pranks (intentional or not) you couldn’t help but see the sparks fly between them! Their chemistry was undeniable!!
Bear is big and tough and hard headed, but also sweet and kind and has a heart of gold. Cassie is independent and headstrong, but just so easy to love!!
You’re going to love this cute book!!
May 9, 2024
“…we may be headed for even more trouble than when we hated each other. Falling in love with him could mean not only giving up another fight, but also another dream. Unless…we find a way to both get what we want…including each other.”
I’ve been so excited for this book since I got a glimpse of Cassie and Bear in Christmas in Paradise. And it didn’t disappoint! This book is so good! I love how you never know whether Bear and Cassie are going to kill or kiss each other at any moment. And I honestly didn’t know who I wanted to win their battle over the pond. This book has all the kissing and laughter that makes for a fantastic romantic comedy! I’m sad this is the end of the Love in Paradise Valley series, but I’m happy to know that Britta’s story is coming in Brittany’s next series.
I’ve been so excited for this book since I got a glimpse of Cassie and Bear in Christmas in Paradise. And it didn’t disappoint! This book is so good! I love how you never know whether Bear and Cassie are going to kill or kiss each other at any moment. And I honestly didn’t know who I wanted to win their battle over the pond. This book has all the kissing and laughter that makes for a fantastic romantic comedy! I’m sad this is the end of the Love in Paradise Valley series, but I’m happy to know that Britta’s story is coming in Brittany’s next series.
May 31, 2024
This is book 4 in the Love in Paradise series, but completely stands so it's own. I haven't read all the books in the series, but I definitely want to!
This is a fun and very funny enemies to lovers with fantastic MCs along with amazing supporting characters. It's a sweet romance but the dialogue and relationships are age appropriate.
I loved the funny antics between the characters, from mice to cats to squirrels OH MY 😂
The small town feel was so cozy and I loved the male MCs family, so many great characters, some of whom are featured in prior books.
This is a fun and very funny enemies to lovers with fantastic MCs along with amazing supporting characters. It's a sweet romance but the dialogue and relationships are age appropriate.
I loved the funny antics between the characters, from mice to cats to squirrels OH MY 😂
The small town feel was so cozy and I loved the male MCs family, so many great characters, some of whom are featured in prior books.
June 6, 2024
Enemies in Paradise
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Brittany Larsen
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Brittany Larsen and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Bear Thomsen and I both want the same thing—his grandpa’s old auto shop. My dream is to rehab it into a bookstore. Bear’s is to tear it down to build a hockey rink.
I came to Paradise looking for a fresh start after leaving the police force in LA, needing to escape the big city with its big problems, and avoid a big, unwinnable fight with my commanding officer. Turning in the detective badge I worked so hard to earn is the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m not about to let another man get in the way of my new dream–to own a small-town bookstore. Especially if that man is Bear Thomsen. But when Bear rescues me not once, not twice, but three times, I realize my attraction to him is more than physical. He’s a gentle giant with a fierce protective streak, especially when it comes to his hockey team.
I never thought I needed saving, but the more time I spend with Bear, the more I discover that bridges can be rebuilt, walls can come down, and dreams are better shared. But how can we share a dream when one of us has to lose for the other to win?
My Thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley series. While you might better understand the family dynamics by reading the other books first, this one can still be read as a standalone. Both Bear and Cassie want the same old auto shop. Bear wants to turn the pond in the back into a skating rink with a changing room, parking spaces, and benches, maybe even food trucks. Cassie wants to build her dream bookstore. Cassie has the money, where Bear has to lean on the city. Cassie has her walls up high, mostly due to her jerk commanding officer who does not know how to respect women in the police force. Bear loves his town and loves his girls hockey team just as much. They battle heads for this space. Some unfortunate events have Bear saving Cassie more than once, causing her to spend more time with him. The more time she spends, the more she questions her dream and wonders why one has to lose for the other to win. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers, small town, and closed door.
Cassie and Bear both had their reasons for wanting the old auto shop and each person’s reason was plausible. I was torn between who I wanted to get the property until one point in the book and I leaned all in. While I laughed out loud, I also had tears at the tender moments. Especially, the moments between Bear and his mother, with her declining health, it really touched my heart in ways I cannot even begin to describe. The balancing of these moments really elevated the storyline to a completely different level. I also loved the animal, aka squirrel, antics, it brought a dose of laughter that still warms my heart when I think of it.
The story is narrated in Bear and Cassie’s POV, in a dual narration. Cassie is independent, strong, carefree, and has been harassed by her police captain, which has put her in the mode of walls up all of the time. Bear is caring, loyal, and once you get through that tough exterior, the kindest man you will ever meet. The push and pull tension and angst between Cassie and Bear was immediately apparent and was deeply passionate, even if at first it was full of frustration and the inability to get along. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, passion, realistic dialogue, authentic, and were intriguing. The supporting characters were absolutely fantastic, especially Britta. I loved the character updates from prior books in the series, one of the best things about reading series books. The author’s writing style was complex, multilayered, closed door, funny, thought-provoking, and brilliant. The author’s descriptive detailing of Paradise provided smells, scenery, and culture, with the ability to immerse you into the town. If there was a Paradise, I would be the first to vacation there. The small town vibe was incredible and really created a found family for those not related.
TW: Alzheimers (aggressive) in parent and sexual harassment (in the past but has trauma from the events). I discovered Larsen during an author take over in a Facebook group and ever since then, I have been hooked on her writing. It is always and truly a pleasure to be on an arc team of an independent author. This was a sweet heartfelt story that I really enjoyed. I am sad that this wraps up the series, but cannot wait for Britta’s story in the next series. I highly recommend picking this up! Available on KU.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Brittany Larsen
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Brittany Larsen and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Bear Thomsen and I both want the same thing—his grandpa’s old auto shop. My dream is to rehab it into a bookstore. Bear’s is to tear it down to build a hockey rink.
I came to Paradise looking for a fresh start after leaving the police force in LA, needing to escape the big city with its big problems, and avoid a big, unwinnable fight with my commanding officer. Turning in the detective badge I worked so hard to earn is the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m not about to let another man get in the way of my new dream–to own a small-town bookstore. Especially if that man is Bear Thomsen. But when Bear rescues me not once, not twice, but three times, I realize my attraction to him is more than physical. He’s a gentle giant with a fierce protective streak, especially when it comes to his hockey team.
I never thought I needed saving, but the more time I spend with Bear, the more I discover that bridges can be rebuilt, walls can come down, and dreams are better shared. But how can we share a dream when one of us has to lose for the other to win?
My Thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley series. While you might better understand the family dynamics by reading the other books first, this one can still be read as a standalone. Both Bear and Cassie want the same old auto shop. Bear wants to turn the pond in the back into a skating rink with a changing room, parking spaces, and benches, maybe even food trucks. Cassie wants to build her dream bookstore. Cassie has the money, where Bear has to lean on the city. Cassie has her walls up high, mostly due to her jerk commanding officer who does not know how to respect women in the police force. Bear loves his town and loves his girls hockey team just as much. They battle heads for this space. Some unfortunate events have Bear saving Cassie more than once, causing her to spend more time with him. The more time she spends, the more she questions her dream and wonders why one has to lose for the other to win. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers, small town, and closed door.
Cassie and Bear both had their reasons for wanting the old auto shop and each person’s reason was plausible. I was torn between who I wanted to get the property until one point in the book and I leaned all in. While I laughed out loud, I also had tears at the tender moments. Especially, the moments between Bear and his mother, with her declining health, it really touched my heart in ways I cannot even begin to describe. The balancing of these moments really elevated the storyline to a completely different level. I also loved the animal, aka squirrel, antics, it brought a dose of laughter that still warms my heart when I think of it.
The story is narrated in Bear and Cassie’s POV, in a dual narration. Cassie is independent, strong, carefree, and has been harassed by her police captain, which has put her in the mode of walls up all of the time. Bear is caring, loyal, and once you get through that tough exterior, the kindest man you will ever meet. The push and pull tension and angst between Cassie and Bear was immediately apparent and was deeply passionate, even if at first it was full of frustration and the inability to get along. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, passion, realistic dialogue, authentic, and were intriguing. The supporting characters were absolutely fantastic, especially Britta. I loved the character updates from prior books in the series, one of the best things about reading series books. The author’s writing style was complex, multilayered, closed door, funny, thought-provoking, and brilliant. The author’s descriptive detailing of Paradise provided smells, scenery, and culture, with the ability to immerse you into the town. If there was a Paradise, I would be the first to vacation there. The small town vibe was incredible and really created a found family for those not related.
TW: Alzheimers (aggressive) in parent and sexual harassment (in the past but has trauma from the events). I discovered Larsen during an author take over in a Facebook group and ever since then, I have been hooked on her writing. It is always and truly a pleasure to be on an arc team of an independent author. This was a sweet heartfelt story that I really enjoyed. I am sad that this wraps up the series, but cannot wait for Britta’s story in the next series. I highly recommend picking this up! Available on KU.
March 3, 2025
I’m so sad. I tried so hard to like it. I love the Thomsen brothers. I love paradise. But I just didn’t love Bear and Cassie. Their enemies relationship was too much. Bear was too immature and Cassie was working through too much hurt. They didn’t know how to communicate and it just got out of hand. The end redeemed itself… a little? But I just never fell in love with them. Their banter wasn’t cute, it was mean
May 6, 2024
Book 4 in the Paradise series is an enemies to lovers story, featuring Cassie and Bear. Looking for a break from her LA life that seems to be imploding Cassie heads to paradise for a break. When Cassie dreams of opening a bookshop in the former auto shop. Just as she begins to believe she might have life figured out, Bear starts fighting for the shop so he can claim the land for his girls hockey team. Cassie and Bear fight their growing attraction and for the right to claim the shop in this funny, heart-felt romance.
November 9, 2024
I would like to preface this by saying that I don’t normally write reviews. Ugh. Honestly, I was super disappointed with this book. The ONLY character I enjoyed was Bear. He deserved so much better. For being older (which came up way too much), Cassie was extremely immature. I couldn’t relate to her and she had no redeeming qualities. It seemed like everyone was against Bear. No one could find the empathy that he deserved, especially Cassie. Despite dealing with her own stuff, she had no right to treat Bear so poorly at all. Her attitude was a major turn off and I don’t know why on earth Bear would still pursue her. Not to mention, these love interests kissed once in the middle of the book. They didn’t kiss again until the last few chapters. It didn’t feel like a romance. Just two people fighting with a few kisses thrown in. Again, I’m disappointed. The only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because Bear didn’t deserve that. Otherwise, I probably would have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Bear Thomsen & Cassie Lee
- enemies/rivals to more
- Dual POV
- police officer FMC
- Hockey coach, plumber, youngest sibling MMC
- Age gap (she’s older)
- Small town Idaho
- Winter setting
- Found Family
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- Their first meeting 😅😅
- the pranks / trying to trip each other up & MCs intense rivalry
- The towel incidents 😂
- The cats 😂😂
- Protective Bear 🤭
- He takes care of her
- The found family 🥹 I love how the Thomsen family takes care of people
- Bear’s character development
- The ending 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Book 4 of Love in Paradise Valley Series -
I have absolutely fallen in love with paradise Idaho and all the quirky people in it. With each book I appreciate the characters and town more. This was my favorite book not only because of the town but because the MCs chemistry and personalities jumped off the page. The book had so many crazy things happen from wild things that happen to them, their fights, their makeouts, all the animals, and water mishaps. This book kept me on my toes and fully invested in when the rivals would kiss and make up 🤭
The mice. The cats. The squirrels. The burst pipe. The towel mishap. Falling in the lake. This couple has no shortage of surprises 😂
The townspeople and family made this story even better and added so much to the story. The community around Bear & Cassie played a major part in their character development. I really enjoyed reading this small town and family with all the odd balls and how they show up for one another 💕
This is a clean, closed door romcom with innuendo and nondescript kissing.
Songs:
“Watch” by Billie Eilish
“The way I wanna” by Max McNown
“Behind” by Miles Smith
Bear Thomsen & Cassie Lee
- enemies/rivals to more
- Dual POV
- police officer FMC
- Hockey coach, plumber, youngest sibling MMC
- Age gap (she’s older)
- Small town Idaho
- Winter setting
- Found Family
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- Their first meeting 😅😅
- the pranks / trying to trip each other up & MCs intense rivalry
- The towel incidents 😂
- The cats 😂😂
- Protective Bear 🤭
- He takes care of her
- The found family 🥹 I love how the Thomsen family takes care of people
- Bear’s character development
- The ending 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Book 4 of Love in Paradise Valley Series -
I have absolutely fallen in love with paradise Idaho and all the quirky people in it. With each book I appreciate the characters and town more. This was my favorite book not only because of the town but because the MCs chemistry and personalities jumped off the page. The book had so many crazy things happen from wild things that happen to them, their fights, their makeouts, all the animals, and water mishaps. This book kept me on my toes and fully invested in when the rivals would kiss and make up 🤭
The mice. The cats. The squirrels. The burst pipe. The towel mishap. Falling in the lake. This couple has no shortage of surprises 😂
The townspeople and family made this story even better and added so much to the story. The community around Bear & Cassie played a major part in their character development. I really enjoyed reading this small town and family with all the odd balls and how they show up for one another 💕
This is a clean, closed door romcom with innuendo and nondescript kissing.
Songs:
“Watch” by Billie Eilish
“The way I wanna” by Max McNown
“Behind” by Miles Smith
February 20, 2025
“I’ve got to hand it to Bear…he doesn’t give up easily.”
Don’t let ENEMIES IN PARADISE fool you. I took this photo in a tropical paradise but this setting is in a cold, frozen, wintry, small Idaho town called Paradise, but even those places can be a haven and paradise. I’m just over winter. 😆 That said, I LOVE this series and I adore this charming location.
Cassie is one of those prickly characters who is out to prove herself, even when she doesn’t need proving, because of her past, and while my initial instinct was to loathe her, I just couldn’t. I pitied her and could relate to her on several levels. Every prank and interaction between her and Bear only served to put a chink in her armor and allow me to know and like her more and more.
Bear? He lives up to his name in every single way possible. Hugely massive, protective, stuck on tradition, cuddly, and with a mischievous streak, he’s not one to tangle with and impossible to resist.
The seemingly impossible conflict was doused with so much humor and sparks of rejected attraction that brought in a whole new level of banter. The animal encounters had me dying–squirrels, feral cats, a dog.
This quirky and sweet story was a blast to read! I can’t get enough of this series and family.
Content: mild romance; mild moment of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Don’t let ENEMIES IN PARADISE fool you. I took this photo in a tropical paradise but this setting is in a cold, frozen, wintry, small Idaho town called Paradise, but even those places can be a haven and paradise. I’m just over winter. 😆 That said, I LOVE this series and I adore this charming location.
Cassie is one of those prickly characters who is out to prove herself, even when she doesn’t need proving, because of her past, and while my initial instinct was to loathe her, I just couldn’t. I pitied her and could relate to her on several levels. Every prank and interaction between her and Bear only served to put a chink in her armor and allow me to know and like her more and more.
Bear? He lives up to his name in every single way possible. Hugely massive, protective, stuck on tradition, cuddly, and with a mischievous streak, he’s not one to tangle with and impossible to resist.
The seemingly impossible conflict was doused with so much humor and sparks of rejected attraction that brought in a whole new level of banter. The animal encounters had me dying–squirrels, feral cats, a dog.
This quirky and sweet story was a blast to read! I can’t get enough of this series and family.
Content: mild romance; mild moment of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
November 26, 2024
This is part of the kisses only romcom series Love in Paradise Valley by Brittany Larsen.
I found this series once the audiobooks were released. I'd listened to the first 2 on Everand then paused my subscription. After it was activated again, I saw a post by the author that this book was now available. I immediately downloaded and listened. I didn't realize that I had missed reading book 3 before this one.
Each of the stories are standalone, but I was afraid that maybe I'd missed out by reading them out of order. I just finished book 3, and I no longer have that fear. It is helpful to know a little about Paradise as a town prior to reading this one. Most of that information comes from book 1 and maybe book 2. I will admit to not having read the prequel book. I did read a related book that takes place after this series with some of these characters. That is Britta and the Beach Boy and kicks off a new series by the author.
Overall this book was nice way to sort of wrap up the big stories in Paradise and sets up the next set of adventures as well. I did think that the story went a little longer than it may have needed to at times. But it gave me something to listen to for a couple of days.
I found this series once the audiobooks were released. I'd listened to the first 2 on Everand then paused my subscription. After it was activated again, I saw a post by the author that this book was now available. I immediately downloaded and listened. I didn't realize that I had missed reading book 3 before this one.
Each of the stories are standalone, but I was afraid that maybe I'd missed out by reading them out of order. I just finished book 3, and I no longer have that fear. It is helpful to know a little about Paradise as a town prior to reading this one. Most of that information comes from book 1 and maybe book 2. I will admit to not having read the prequel book. I did read a related book that takes place after this series with some of these characters. That is Britta and the Beach Boy and kicks off a new series by the author.
Overall this book was nice way to sort of wrap up the big stories in Paradise and sets up the next set of adventures as well. I did think that the story went a little longer than it may have needed to at times. But it gave me something to listen to for a couple of days.
August 23, 2024
This is a true enemies to lovers story. And I didn’t like Cassie. At first. I seem to always support the big strong guy who clearly needs my help. 😂 Cassie definitely gave all kinds of mixed signals and I wasn’t sure what to think. So the author did her job. Her character growth was legit and I love me a second chance.
I was also super invested in the dilemma, which isn’t always the case in a romcom. But how do you choose between a book store and a place for girls to bust out their hockey moves?
Only read if you like:
❤️small town life
❤️lots of swoony tension
❤️crazy squirrels
❤️are allergic to cats (me)
❤️wish you could wear someone’s hockey jersey
❤️name your cars (Darth Haul baby)
I love this small town romcom series and all its crazy. It stands on its own, but you’ll want to get to know this family. See what happens when Bear has to face his fears and take a stand. Will Cassie get chance to find a safe place to land?
May 4, 2024
A story of discovering what you really want
An engaging story of fighting for the wrong thing only to discover what you really want. Cassie, having had some horrible experiences in her current job, wants to pursue her dream of owning a bookstore in a small town and her friend Georgia has found the perfect place. The only problem is Bjorn, otherwise known as Bear. Bear wants the same building, not to use as a business but to tear down and use as parking and green space for a pond/ice rink. As they go to battle against each other, they each begin to wonder if perhaps they are battling for the wrong thing and the wrong person. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
An engaging story of fighting for the wrong thing only to discover what you really want. Cassie, having had some horrible experiences in her current job, wants to pursue her dream of owning a bookstore in a small town and her friend Georgia has found the perfect place. The only problem is Bjorn, otherwise known as Bear. Bear wants the same building, not to use as a business but to tear down and use as parking and green space for a pond/ice rink. As they go to battle against each other, they each begin to wonder if perhaps they are battling for the wrong thing and the wrong person. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
July 20, 2024
Worst book. The way the family didn’t have Bear’s back/didn’t try to help him was so annoying. Georgia is officially the worst. And on what planet could some random woman walk into a small town and just start making demands and treating people (Bear) the way she did? This book was so annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
A fantastic enemies to lovers romcom! I loved the tension between Cassie and Bear!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
July 6, 2024
Frenemies in love
May 23, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Cassie & Bear’s points of view
– it is mentioned that Cassie has had to deal with a superior who discriminated & harassed her at work (past events – still a current issue but we don’t ‘meet’ the harasser during the events of the story); she has trauma from it
– it is mentioned that Bear’s mother has Alzheimer’s & doesn’t have much longer to live
– a character accidentally sees/almost sees another naked
Review:
I loved this book so much! Cassie & Bear’s story was so much fun with the various ‘attacks’ they threw at each other and the misunderstandings they had about each other. I loved getting to know them both from their own points of view instead of Bear’s siblings & their significant others to be (I still need to get to Christmas in Paradise so I didn’t read anything from their cousin’s point of view yet). I liked getting an inside look at both characters’ struggles and how they were dealing with them over time. I loved getting to see some of Paradise’s well known members again and how these two handled their shenanigans. It really lent to the hilarity of their situations. I can’t wait to find out what will happen with Britta finding a happily ever after!
Summary:
Cassie is looking for a place to escape and move forward with her life after work throws her a curveball causing her to question her choice in profession. So when her friend Georgia invites her out to Paradise, Cassie grabs hold of the offer with both hands. Unfortunately, Georgia’s hope of getting Cassie to purchase an old shop for a bookstore pits her further against Bear Thompson who also has an interest in purchasing it. After their disastrous first meeting at Georgia’s wedding, Cassie wants to be as far away from Bear as she can. But with their need to temporarily share the shop space, they’ll need to push aside their differences. If only things were easier done than said for once…
Bear wants his grandfather’s old shop for his hockey team and has been biding his time to finally get everything together to make it happen. But when Bear sees Georgia showing the place off to Cassie as an option to purchase, the rug is pulled out from under him. Time is short if he wants to get the shop or it will go to the woman that caused him trouble with the Paradise townspeople. When he hears that Cassie will be staying in the adjoining apartment while details of a sale are configured, Bear takes advantage of his knowledge of the place to try and get her to back down from purchasing the shop. Unfortunately, his attempt only lit a fire under Cassie to retaliate back at him and further hate him…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Cassie & Bear’s points of view
– it is mentioned that Cassie has had to deal with a superior who discriminated & harassed her at work (past events – still a current issue but we don’t ‘meet’ the harasser during the events of the story); she has trauma from it
– it is mentioned that Bear’s mother has Alzheimer’s & doesn’t have much longer to live
– a character accidentally sees/almost sees another naked
Review:
I loved this book so much! Cassie & Bear’s story was so much fun with the various ‘attacks’ they threw at each other and the misunderstandings they had about each other. I loved getting to know them both from their own points of view instead of Bear’s siblings & their significant others to be (I still need to get to Christmas in Paradise so I didn’t read anything from their cousin’s point of view yet). I liked getting an inside look at both characters’ struggles and how they were dealing with them over time. I loved getting to see some of Paradise’s well known members again and how these two handled their shenanigans. It really lent to the hilarity of their situations. I can’t wait to find out what will happen with Britta finding a happily ever after!
Summary:
Cassie is looking for a place to escape and move forward with her life after work throws her a curveball causing her to question her choice in profession. So when her friend Georgia invites her out to Paradise, Cassie grabs hold of the offer with both hands. Unfortunately, Georgia’s hope of getting Cassie to purchase an old shop for a bookstore pits her further against Bear Thompson who also has an interest in purchasing it. After their disastrous first meeting at Georgia’s wedding, Cassie wants to be as far away from Bear as she can. But with their need to temporarily share the shop space, they’ll need to push aside their differences. If only things were easier done than said for once…
Bear wants his grandfather’s old shop for his hockey team and has been biding his time to finally get everything together to make it happen. But when Bear sees Georgia showing the place off to Cassie as an option to purchase, the rug is pulled out from under him. Time is short if he wants to get the shop or it will go to the woman that caused him trouble with the Paradise townspeople. When he hears that Cassie will be staying in the adjoining apartment while details of a sale are configured, Bear takes advantage of his knowledge of the place to try and get her to back down from purchasing the shop. Unfortunately, his attempt only lit a fire under Cassie to retaliate back at him and further hate him…
May 6, 2024
Enemies In Paradise by Brittany Larsen is the fourth book in the Love in Paradise Valley Series but can be read as a standalone. I have loved every book in this series, and this one did not disappoint. This book follows the POV of Cassie, LAPD detective and Bear, grill hockey coach/plumber/drummer. Their first-time meeting does not go so great. Cassie comes to Paradise looking for a fresh start after a bad interaction with her commanding officer. Bear and Cassie both want the same thing, his grandpa's old auto shop. Cassie wants to renovate it and turn it into a bookshop. Bear wants to tear it down to preserve the town pond where his team practices. Expect crazy animal interactions. We're talking mice, cats, and squirrels. The chemistry and banter between Cassie and Bear is perfection. The kisses are 🔥.
🐿 Closed Door Rom-Com
🐈⬛️ Crazy Animals
🏒 Gentle Giant
📚 Reverse Age Gap
🐿 Found Family
🐈⬛️ She Wears His Jersey
🏒 Enemies To Lovers
📚 He Rescues Her
🐿 He Does Her Laundry
I open my mouth to apologize but close it when he raises an eyebrow and points to my Dodge Charger parked on the side of the road. “You need help? Or are you better at carrying a target than hitting it?” He thrusts the stand at me, and I swallow my apology.
Drops of perspiration fall to his drums, down his nose, between his pecs. And I am here for all of it. All. Of. It. But then his eyes snag on mine, and he misses a beat. Then another, and he glares at me until he picks up the beat again, like I caused his mistake. Like it’s my fault he messed up.
“There’s only one woman I’m interested in falling in love with,” I say slowly, unable to hold back my emotions. “There’s only one woman I’ve even thought of since the second I spilled coffee all over her. Only one woman I can’t stop thinking about kissing again. There’s only been one woman since the first moment I laid eyes on her… and that’s you, Cassie. You have to know that.” When Cassie’s fingertips stroke my cheek, all my regrets about shaving my beard disappear. “I mean, I knew you liked looking at me. I’m not blind. But I really thought you hated me.” Now it’s my turn to laugh. “I never hated you. I hated the idea of losing the pond. But the only thing I hate now is the thought of you leaving.”
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
🐿 Closed Door Rom-Com
🐈⬛️ Crazy Animals
🏒 Gentle Giant
📚 Reverse Age Gap
🐿 Found Family
🐈⬛️ She Wears His Jersey
🏒 Enemies To Lovers
📚 He Rescues Her
🐿 He Does Her Laundry
I open my mouth to apologize but close it when he raises an eyebrow and points to my Dodge Charger parked on the side of the road. “You need help? Or are you better at carrying a target than hitting it?” He thrusts the stand at me, and I swallow my apology.
Drops of perspiration fall to his drums, down his nose, between his pecs. And I am here for all of it. All. Of. It. But then his eyes snag on mine, and he misses a beat. Then another, and he glares at me until he picks up the beat again, like I caused his mistake. Like it’s my fault he messed up.
“There’s only one woman I’m interested in falling in love with,” I say slowly, unable to hold back my emotions. “There’s only one woman I’ve even thought of since the second I spilled coffee all over her. Only one woman I can’t stop thinking about kissing again. There’s only been one woman since the first moment I laid eyes on her… and that’s you, Cassie. You have to know that.” When Cassie’s fingertips stroke my cheek, all my regrets about shaving my beard disappear. “I mean, I knew you liked looking at me. I’m not blind. But I really thought you hated me.” Now it’s my turn to laugh. “I never hated you. I hated the idea of losing the pond. But the only thing I hate now is the thought of you leaving.”
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
May 9, 2024
I've enjoyed the Love in Paradise Valley series, especially once I realized that it was based on the beautiful Bear Lake on the Utah/Idaho border. I was excited for this last book in the series, "Enemies in Paradise."
Cassie is a police detective from LA who's on leave after reporting her boss's sexual harassment. She comes to Paradise where her best friend, Georgia, is convinced that Cassie should quit the force, buy an old garage in Paradise ,and turn it into a bookstore.
As Cassie is considering the possibility she finds out that not everyone thinks that garage is for sale. The grandson of the owner, a big good looking guy nicknamed Bear, is trying to get the city to buy the garage and tear it down as part of creating a park around a nearby pond where his youth hockey team skates.
Cassie and Bear have met before, at Georgia's wedding, and that meeting ended with Bear accidentally spilling an entire cup of coffee on her expensive blouse and Cassie getting very triggered by his trying to help her. So they're already starting from a bad place even before they both want the same property.
Cassie rents the small apartment connected to the garage to stay in during her time in Paradise, and Bear is so upset that he deliberately leaves food out that he knows will attract mice.
Cassie deals with the mice more calmly than expected, and also asks on the town Facebook page if anyone has a cat to loan her to try to get rid of the mice. She's unprepared for the enthusiastic response from the town, though, and in less than 24 hours there are more than 12 cats in the apartment and garage catching the mice.
Then when Bear comes by the garage she learns that he's deathly allergic to cats and he has a terrible allergic reaction. They can never get on any kind of level footing, even though they're increasingly attracted to each other too.
As the story progresses Cassie and Bear start to learn more of what's motivating the other and also more of each other's struggles, and they start thinking a little more creatively. Then something unexpected happens that changes the way people are looking at things... Which eventually leads to our happily ever after! Definitely a satisfying read, and I'm super happy to know that the author is planning that Bear's sister will get her own story in her next book!
Cassie is a police detective from LA who's on leave after reporting her boss's sexual harassment. She comes to Paradise where her best friend, Georgia, is convinced that Cassie should quit the force, buy an old garage in Paradise ,and turn it into a bookstore.
As Cassie is considering the possibility she finds out that not everyone thinks that garage is for sale. The grandson of the owner, a big good looking guy nicknamed Bear, is trying to get the city to buy the garage and tear it down as part of creating a park around a nearby pond where his youth hockey team skates.
Cassie and Bear have met before, at Georgia's wedding, and that meeting ended with Bear accidentally spilling an entire cup of coffee on her expensive blouse and Cassie getting very triggered by his trying to help her. So they're already starting from a bad place even before they both want the same property.
Cassie rents the small apartment connected to the garage to stay in during her time in Paradise, and Bear is so upset that he deliberately leaves food out that he knows will attract mice.
Cassie deals with the mice more calmly than expected, and also asks on the town Facebook page if anyone has a cat to loan her to try to get rid of the mice. She's unprepared for the enthusiastic response from the town, though, and in less than 24 hours there are more than 12 cats in the apartment and garage catching the mice.
Then when Bear comes by the garage she learns that he's deathly allergic to cats and he has a terrible allergic reaction. They can never get on any kind of level footing, even though they're increasingly attracted to each other too.
As the story progresses Cassie and Bear start to learn more of what's motivating the other and also more of each other's struggles, and they start thinking a little more creatively. Then something unexpected happens that changes the way people are looking at things... Which eventually leads to our happily ever after! Definitely a satisfying read, and I'm super happy to know that the author is planning that Bear's sister will get her own story in her next book!
May 21, 2024
I am a sucker for a well-written romantic comedy, and this one made my day.
Bear and Cassie's first meeting was a complete disaster of epic proportions. Neither one of them cares if they ever have any contact with the other again, or at least they keep telling themselves they do not care. Cassie has come to Paradise after being put on leave from her job as a police officer with the LAPD due to circumstances with her commanding officer putting her in a totally inappropriate position. Her dream job is in shambles. She has always wanted to open a bookstore. When her friend, Georgia, tells her she has the perfect place for her to open her bookstore in Paradise, she comes to visit. The location is perfect, although it will need a lot of cleanup and paint. Everything seems to be falling into place until she realizes that Bear Thomsen is on the premises. The fireworks begin immediately for these two. This is Bear's grandfather's property, and he has other plans for this property. He will stop at nothing to keep Cassie from buying it. Their fiery darts are thrown with lethal force, but you can sense an undercurrent of attraction.
The prank wars begin immediately with out of control mice, an invasion of cats and squirrels on attack. I laughed so much that my stomach hurt. There were so many laugh out loud moments, but there were also tender moments that had me a little teary-eyed and tender moments that made me swoon.
At first I believed that Bear was a grump with no manners, but I soon realized that there is a lot of heart under that big gruff exterior. This poor guy is hurting from the inside out, and he is not very good at expressing his feelings without blowing a fuse. Cassie has been on edge due to her circumstances with her job, and this has made her fuse short as well. After a little while I fell completely in love with Bear. This big old hunk of a man was hurting so badly and trying to hold onto something from his past so tightly that he could not see what was right in front of him. He had a heart of gold.
If you enjoy a swoony romance with lots of witty banter and plenty of laughs, you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bear and Cassie's first meeting was a complete disaster of epic proportions. Neither one of them cares if they ever have any contact with the other again, or at least they keep telling themselves they do not care. Cassie has come to Paradise after being put on leave from her job as a police officer with the LAPD due to circumstances with her commanding officer putting her in a totally inappropriate position. Her dream job is in shambles. She has always wanted to open a bookstore. When her friend, Georgia, tells her she has the perfect place for her to open her bookstore in Paradise, she comes to visit. The location is perfect, although it will need a lot of cleanup and paint. Everything seems to be falling into place until she realizes that Bear Thomsen is on the premises. The fireworks begin immediately for these two. This is Bear's grandfather's property, and he has other plans for this property. He will stop at nothing to keep Cassie from buying it. Their fiery darts are thrown with lethal force, but you can sense an undercurrent of attraction.
The prank wars begin immediately with out of control mice, an invasion of cats and squirrels on attack. I laughed so much that my stomach hurt. There were so many laugh out loud moments, but there were also tender moments that had me a little teary-eyed and tender moments that made me swoon.
At first I believed that Bear was a grump with no manners, but I soon realized that there is a lot of heart under that big gruff exterior. This poor guy is hurting from the inside out, and he is not very good at expressing his feelings without blowing a fuse. Cassie has been on edge due to her circumstances with her job, and this has made her fuse short as well. After a little while I fell completely in love with Bear. This big old hunk of a man was hurting so badly and trying to hold onto something from his past so tightly that he could not see what was right in front of him. He had a heart of gold.
If you enjoy a swoony romance with lots of witty banter and plenty of laughs, you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2024
Perfectly adorable enemies to lovers romance. I love this township with its various characters and the vivid descriptions that immerse you into the fabric of the place for a fair few hours . Bliss! Cassie , Georgia’s friend from the city is in paradise and seeking to buy into Georgia’s vision for Zach’s grandpa’s old Auto shop. Cassie wants to open a bookshop ,get out of the force,and when unexpected opportunity arises when on forced leave there’s no time like the present to explore the possibilities. Bjiorn/ Bear , Zach’s younger brother is determined to utilise the same space and beyond for his IceHockey team who play on the pond.He feels his grandpa should consider him to have full use of the place and wait for the council to come round to planning stages for the ideas he has in mind. The two of them have locked horns since Zach and Georgia’s wedding day where poor Bear inadvertently flopped with his charm offensive and was just offensive in its stead and a few other instances since haven’t earned him no favours. The chemistry between the two of them is arcing and a fire hazard it’s that hot! With catastrophic consequences there’s comedic scenes that have you howling and precious vulnerable scenes you want to embrace and hold them in your arms ,then bang their heads together to sort themselves out and put a ring on it already! Bear is so misunderstood and try as he might he keeps getting things wrong but one thing he’s certain of he’s fallen in love. Cassie is vulnerable too and at times doesn’t know what to do, she finds Bear more sexy and alluring and the longer she stays mad at him and his ways , the stubborn as an ox and gentle as a lamb man who dotes on his mam has stolen her heart and she’s also mad but in love . But they’re enemies …aren’t they? Bravo Brittany Larsen ! Thank you once again for opening up Paradise for all of us to visit awhile through your great penmanship and imagination and genius writing style the characters come alive showing us their troubles and life. With realistic dialogue , good narratives, excellent descriptors and superb storytelling . I was forwarded the book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own thoughts.
May 29, 2024
My favorite of this series so far!
It's baby bear time! An I loved it.
Enemies to lovers it's my favorite trope ever and in this romcom *chef kiss* it's beautifully done.
Cassie is a strong girl from the city, a tough police/detective in L.A. But when her jobs dissapoints her in more than one way and she's put in administrative leave, she decides to go visit her friend in the charming Paradise to analyze her future path.
Bear is a giant teddy bear but awfully shy and awkward with strangers (and could give an impression of rudeness to people who doesn't know him, but he just have a strong voice). The first time he saw Cassie he was enthralled by her, it took him some time to gain the courage to overcome his shyness and make a move, but his nervousness blowed their first encounter and started their enemies relationship. It didn't help that when Cassie comes back to Paradise thinking of maybe stay forever, she want to buy the same building/land of his grandpa that he was trying to make a public space (to preserve the memory of his mom) and a place for his girls hockey team to play.
Both of them needs the place to fullfil their dreams and is ready to fiercely fight for it... and so the war beggins! May the better person wins...
This is full of banter and sizzling chemistry, it's funny but it also touch serious situations like a parent with the last phase of Alzheimer's and sexual harassment at work (innuendos and bully from the boss for being at a "men's work").
- Enemies to lovers.
- Shenanigans involving mice, cats... and of course some squirrels (we're in Paradise!).
- Part of a series, but is a standalone book (but believe me, you'll want to read them all).
- MMC former hockey player now coach of a girls team (and yes, she wears his jersey).
- Strong FMC.
- He goes to the rescue.
- Closed door romcom (just sizzling chemistry with some hot kisses).
- Dual POV.
- HEA.
Like I said before, I just loved it, the author did an awesome work. If you love enemies to lovers, believe me, you want to read this book.
P.S. Don't forget to look for the bonus epilogue!
It's baby bear time! An I loved it.
Enemies to lovers it's my favorite trope ever and in this romcom *chef kiss* it's beautifully done.
Cassie is a strong girl from the city, a tough police/detective in L.A. But when her jobs dissapoints her in more than one way and she's put in administrative leave, she decides to go visit her friend in the charming Paradise to analyze her future path.
Bear is a giant teddy bear but awfully shy and awkward with strangers (and could give an impression of rudeness to people who doesn't know him, but he just have a strong voice). The first time he saw Cassie he was enthralled by her, it took him some time to gain the courage to overcome his shyness and make a move, but his nervousness blowed their first encounter and started their enemies relationship. It didn't help that when Cassie comes back to Paradise thinking of maybe stay forever, she want to buy the same building/land of his grandpa that he was trying to make a public space (to preserve the memory of his mom) and a place for his girls hockey team to play.
Both of them needs the place to fullfil their dreams and is ready to fiercely fight for it... and so the war beggins! May the better person wins...
This is full of banter and sizzling chemistry, it's funny but it also touch serious situations like a parent with the last phase of Alzheimer's and sexual harassment at work (innuendos and bully from the boss for being at a "men's work").
- Enemies to lovers.
- Shenanigans involving mice, cats... and of course some squirrels (we're in Paradise!).
- Part of a series, but is a standalone book (but believe me, you'll want to read them all).
- MMC former hockey player now coach of a girls team (and yes, she wears his jersey).
- Strong FMC.
- He goes to the rescue.
- Closed door romcom (just sizzling chemistry with some hot kisses).
- Dual POV.
- HEA.
Like I said before, I just loved it, the author did an awesome work. If you love enemies to lovers, believe me, you want to read this book.
P.S. Don't forget to look for the bonus epilogue!
May 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up!)
Genre: romcom
Content: 🔥 makeouts, very mild language, parent with Alzheimer’s, on-page asthma attack
Confession: I haven’t read any of the other books in this series…YET. But you can bet I will because I loved Cassie and Bear’s story!
Both MCs in this book are going through tough things— one dealing with sexual harassment/gaslighting at work, one with anticipatory grief as a parent’s health declines. They both have heightened emotions that happen to come out directed towards the other.
I liked that their backstories made the conflict natural. It made for plenty of tension as they fought their chemistry!
This one releases on Friday, May 3rd!
Quotes That Stuck Out:
🐻 "Two little words, Cassie, and the bear is yours." I smile. Her face softens, she lifts her chin, and she whispers in a low voice, "Which Bear?" My chest explodes, and I don't care if she's teasing me. The feelings I've reined in since she came to Paradise last summer break free. "This Bear was yours the first time I ever saw you."
🤣 "Before we go anywhere, we need to talk about what happened."…"The pipes bursting?" Bear's face wrinkles with confusion. "No. The other thing." "The squirrels?" He presses his lips together, and I know he's trying not to smile…. "The kiss, Bear... kisses." His eyes drop to my lips, and he licks his own. "You don't need to worry. I promise to resist your advances."
❤️ "There's only one woman I'm interested in falling in love with," I say slowly, unable to hold back my emotions. "There's only one woman I've even thought of since the second I spilled coffee all over her. Only one woman I can't stop thinking about kissing again. There's only been one woman since the first moment I laid eyes on her... and that's you, Cassie. You have to know that."
🏒 "I love seeing my name on your back," he growls. "I love wearing your jersey." I erase the gap between us and kiss him hard. "I want everyone to know I'm yours."
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
Genre: romcom
Content: 🔥 makeouts, very mild language, parent with Alzheimer’s, on-page asthma attack
Confession: I haven’t read any of the other books in this series…YET. But you can bet I will because I loved Cassie and Bear’s story!
Both MCs in this book are going through tough things— one dealing with sexual harassment/gaslighting at work, one with anticipatory grief as a parent’s health declines. They both have heightened emotions that happen to come out directed towards the other.
I liked that their backstories made the conflict natural. It made for plenty of tension as they fought their chemistry!
This one releases on Friday, May 3rd!
Quotes That Stuck Out:
🐻 "Two little words, Cassie, and the bear is yours." I smile. Her face softens, she lifts her chin, and she whispers in a low voice, "Which Bear?" My chest explodes, and I don't care if she's teasing me. The feelings I've reined in since she came to Paradise last summer break free. "This Bear was yours the first time I ever saw you."
🤣 "Before we go anywhere, we need to talk about what happened."…"The pipes bursting?" Bear's face wrinkles with confusion. "No. The other thing." "The squirrels?" He presses his lips together, and I know he's trying not to smile…. "The kiss, Bear... kisses." His eyes drop to my lips, and he licks his own. "You don't need to worry. I promise to resist your advances."
❤️ "There's only one woman I'm interested in falling in love with," I say slowly, unable to hold back my emotions. "There's only one woman I've even thought of since the second I spilled coffee all over her. Only one woman I can't stop thinking about kissing again. There's only been one woman since the first moment I laid eyes on her... and that's you, Cassie. You have to know that."
🏒 "I love seeing my name on your back," he growls. "I love wearing your jersey." I erase the gap between us and kiss him hard. "I want everyone to know I'm yours."
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
May 4, 2024
AHHHHHH!!!! BE STILL MY HEART!!!
Cassie is ready for a new start and Paradise seems like the perfect place to follow her dream of opening a bookstore. She even has the perfect (and only!) property picked out. The problem? Bear Thomsen.
The frustratingly stubborn, handsome man has decided he wants the building too and seems bent on driving her crazy enough that she will give up. But what Bear doesn't know is he is messing with the wrong girl.
Bear wants - no, needs - to buy his grandfather's old shop. The pond behind it is the only place the team he coaches can play but Cassie thinks she can waltz into town and stomp on all his dreams.
If only the infuriating woman wasn't so gorgeous and his heart didn't beat faster ever time she walks into the room. But it doesn't matter. The lines have been drawn and there is no way he is falling for her.
What you'll love:
Enemies to lovers
Dual POV
Small town
Hockey player MMC
The mishaps and rescues
The Squirrels!! The cats!!
Hockey game
She wears his jersey
The first kiss! And second kiss!!
The meeting
Push and pull tension
Flirty banter
The grand gestures
Oh mylanta, I am completely and totally in love with this book! I think this may just be my new favorite from Brittany!! If you like laugh out loud romcoms, you are going to love this one! I busted up laughing more times than I can count - dang those squirrels are hilarious! And the cats? Tears down my face I was laughing so hard.
The tension and chemistry between Bear and Cassie was SO good - whether they were fighting or kissing, it was just undeniable. The hockey game? The jersey? The rescue?
All the melting emojis - this book has SO MUCH SWOON!! I need to make a collage of the swoony things Bear says under this breath...
This is the fourth book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone but honestly, why wouldn't you want to read the rest? I am in love with Paradise and everyone in it! You DO NOT want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Cassie is ready for a new start and Paradise seems like the perfect place to follow her dream of opening a bookstore. She even has the perfect (and only!) property picked out. The problem? Bear Thomsen.
The frustratingly stubborn, handsome man has decided he wants the building too and seems bent on driving her crazy enough that she will give up. But what Bear doesn't know is he is messing with the wrong girl.
Bear wants - no, needs - to buy his grandfather's old shop. The pond behind it is the only place the team he coaches can play but Cassie thinks she can waltz into town and stomp on all his dreams.
If only the infuriating woman wasn't so gorgeous and his heart didn't beat faster ever time she walks into the room. But it doesn't matter. The lines have been drawn and there is no way he is falling for her.
What you'll love:
Enemies to lovers
Dual POV
Small town
Hockey player MMC
The mishaps and rescues
The Squirrels!! The cats!!
Hockey game
She wears his jersey
The first kiss! And second kiss!!
The meeting
Push and pull tension
Flirty banter
The grand gestures
Oh mylanta, I am completely and totally in love with this book! I think this may just be my new favorite from Brittany!! If you like laugh out loud romcoms, you are going to love this one! I busted up laughing more times than I can count - dang those squirrels are hilarious! And the cats? Tears down my face I was laughing so hard.
The tension and chemistry between Bear and Cassie was SO good - whether they were fighting or kissing, it was just undeniable. The hockey game? The jersey? The rescue?
All the melting emojis - this book has SO MUCH SWOON!! I need to make a collage of the swoony things Bear says under this breath...
This is the fourth book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone but honestly, why wouldn't you want to read the rest? I am in love with Paradise and everyone in it! You DO NOT want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
May 15, 2024
A fantastic read! Highly recommended. I loved this book and the whole series. I’m so sad to see it end, but Cassie and Bear’s book is a great way to go out. They had amazing chemistry throughout all their conflict. There were so many funny and entertaining moments, along with some intense emotional threads running through the story. Cassie, an LAPD detective, was ready for a change and was considering purchasing an old, defunct auto repair shop in Paradise from Bear’s family to convert into her dream bookstore. “All the things I used to think were so important don’t feel that way anymore.” Bear wanted it too, mainly for the land and the pond his hockey team practiced on. “I’m running head on into this dream. Even if I have to brawl with a Bear to make it come true.” As the two continued to clash over the property, their intense attraction became impossible to ignore. How could there be a happy ending for them when they couldn’t both get what they wanted? “‘You may need to choose between fighting Cassie for the pond or fighting for her.’”
The romance was wonderful and the conflict was entertaining. The characters were all just as fantastic as they have been in the rest of the series. The family interactions were so great, even is some were also heartbreaking. Bear was just so epically sweet and lovely. The one thing that was unresolved for me with the story (Well, besides Britta, but she’s getting her own book.), was the cat. How did they make everything work with the cat? A little detail that I just couldn’t get out of my mind, lol. I would absolutely recommend reading the series in order as the family really enrich the story, however, this book can be enjoyed as a standalone if desired. There are elements included in the book that involve harassment, death, grief, dementia, and mental illness. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and very brief very mild harsh language.
The romance was wonderful and the conflict was entertaining. The characters were all just as fantastic as they have been in the rest of the series. The family interactions were so great, even is some were also heartbreaking. Bear was just so epically sweet and lovely. The one thing that was unresolved for me with the story (Well, besides Britta, but she’s getting her own book.), was the cat. How did they make everything work with the cat? A little detail that I just couldn’t get out of my mind, lol. I would absolutely recommend reading the series in order as the family really enrich the story, however, this book can be enjoyed as a standalone if desired. There are elements included in the book that involve harassment, death, grief, dementia, and mental illness. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and very brief very mild harsh language.
August 8, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
What a great wrap up to the Love in Paradise Valley series! I have adored each one of these books so much and I can’t wait to discover where Brittany takes us from here.
I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again. Brittany Larsen is truly masterful at weaving together funny moments with sincere and authentic characters and life obstacles. She knows how to touch upon emotional plots without feeling as though your entire heart is being ripped out. This series has been a beautiful combination of all the things I love and I’ll forever recommend you pick up book one and allow yourself to be transported to Paradise, ID!
Book four is an amazing enemies-to-lovers story about Bear and Cassie. Cassie dreams of owning a small-town bookstore. Bear dreams of owning a hockey rink to support his dream of continuing to grow and encourage an all-girls hockey team in town. The problem being, that the property that Cassie has her heart set on for the bookstore, is also the property that Bear has his heart set on. And to complicate the scenario even more, the property belongs to Bear’s grandfather.
Bear is appropriately nicknamed – he has a tough exterior and is willing to battle Cassie to the end to get what he wants. Although teddy bear is more accurate in describing his actual heart. Both Bear and Cassie are keeping some secret feelings buried within…not just towards each other, but personal reasons for their goals. A whole new world for them starts to unfold as those secrets begin to unravel. Something must give, or else neither one of them will ever see their dreams come to fruition.
Fantastic story which amazing characters and once again moments with SQUIRRELS that’ll keep you laughing. LOL There’s a spin-off series coming soon and I am SO here for it.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
What a great wrap up to the Love in Paradise Valley series! I have adored each one of these books so much and I can’t wait to discover where Brittany takes us from here.
I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again. Brittany Larsen is truly masterful at weaving together funny moments with sincere and authentic characters and life obstacles. She knows how to touch upon emotional plots without feeling as though your entire heart is being ripped out. This series has been a beautiful combination of all the things I love and I’ll forever recommend you pick up book one and allow yourself to be transported to Paradise, ID!
Book four is an amazing enemies-to-lovers story about Bear and Cassie. Cassie dreams of owning a small-town bookstore. Bear dreams of owning a hockey rink to support his dream of continuing to grow and encourage an all-girls hockey team in town. The problem being, that the property that Cassie has her heart set on for the bookstore, is also the property that Bear has his heart set on. And to complicate the scenario even more, the property belongs to Bear’s grandfather.
Bear is appropriately nicknamed – he has a tough exterior and is willing to battle Cassie to the end to get what he wants. Although teddy bear is more accurate in describing his actual heart. Both Bear and Cassie are keeping some secret feelings buried within…not just towards each other, but personal reasons for their goals. A whole new world for them starts to unfold as those secrets begin to unravel. Something must give, or else neither one of them will ever see their dreams come to fruition.
Fantastic story which amazing characters and once again moments with SQUIRRELS that’ll keep you laughing. LOL There’s a spin-off series coming soon and I am SO here for it.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
August 10, 2024
"Life comes with pivot points that often masquerade as failure until you really step back and examine them."
"Cassie is wearing my jersey. And she called me Bear. More than once. My head is killing me. I can already feel a lump forming. My eyes itch so badly from being in her cat-contaminated space that I want to scratch them out of my head. And the entire building is going to need major repairs beyond re-piping. But it's worth it. Because Cassie is wearing my jersey, and she called me Bear."
Read if you like:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Small Town
* Dual POV
* Closed Door Romcom
* Part of a series/ Can be read as a stand alone
I love this series!!! Everything about the Thomsen family is big, from their size to the way they love and show up for each other. Everything except the town they call home. Paradise is a tiny town, full of quirky characters, that oozes charm.
Enemies in Paradise really embraces the enemies part of enemies to lovers. Cassie and Bear are proof positive that there really is a fine line between love and hate. The pranks and misunderstandings in this book are epic. There were a few times when I wanted to shout at them to stop and listen to each other, however, their actions/reactions were due to their own past heartaches and trauma and absolutely not a crutch for the storyline. The character growth for both Bear and Cassie had me simultaneously rooting for them and hurting with them.
There are some heavy moments in this book, but the author balances them nicely with humor. On top of that, the chemistry and banter between Cassie and Bear is off the charts!
Favorites:
* First meeting
* The Auto Sh (IYKYK)
* Bear playing drums
* Garden of Eatin
* Cassie catching the mouse
* Response to mouser ad
* The I'm sorry flowers and bear
* Willy Wonkat
* Pond hockey
* Plague frogs and circus monkeys
* Cat puns
* Squirrel-cat drama
* Burst pipes
* Chapter 22!
* "I promise not to tempt you into kissing me again."
"Cassie is wearing my jersey. And she called me Bear. More than once. My head is killing me. I can already feel a lump forming. My eyes itch so badly from being in her cat-contaminated space that I want to scratch them out of my head. And the entire building is going to need major repairs beyond re-piping. But it's worth it. Because Cassie is wearing my jersey, and she called me Bear."
Read if you like:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Small Town
* Dual POV
* Closed Door Romcom
* Part of a series/ Can be read as a stand alone
I love this series!!! Everything about the Thomsen family is big, from their size to the way they love and show up for each other. Everything except the town they call home. Paradise is a tiny town, full of quirky characters, that oozes charm.
Enemies in Paradise really embraces the enemies part of enemies to lovers. Cassie and Bear are proof positive that there really is a fine line between love and hate. The pranks and misunderstandings in this book are epic. There were a few times when I wanted to shout at them to stop and listen to each other, however, their actions/reactions were due to their own past heartaches and trauma and absolutely not a crutch for the storyline. The character growth for both Bear and Cassie had me simultaneously rooting for them and hurting with them.
There are some heavy moments in this book, but the author balances them nicely with humor. On top of that, the chemistry and banter between Cassie and Bear is off the charts!
Favorites:
* First meeting
* The Auto Sh (IYKYK)
* Bear playing drums
* Garden of Eatin
* Cassie catching the mouse
* Response to mouser ad
* The I'm sorry flowers and bear
* Willy Wonkat
* Pond hockey
* Plague frogs and circus monkeys
* Cat puns
* Squirrel-cat drama
* Burst pipes
* Chapter 22!
* "I promise not to tempt you into kissing me again."
May 17, 2024
What a fun and different take on a hockey romance! This is the first one I've read where the MMC is a coach instead of a player. AND he coaches a team of 10-year-old girls! I absolutely loved the female representation in a predominately male sport in this one.
This was my first Brittany Larsen book so I'm clearly reading them out of order, but that really wasn't much of a problem in my opinion. I really enjoyed the small-town vibes of Paradise and I adored the entire Thomsen clan! I'll definitely be returning to this sweet little town to catch up on the rest of the family's previous love stories and I can't wait for Britta's story coming later this year.
Cassie...This girl is TOUGH! She's had some big time challenges to deal with in her life, but she still dares to dream. I love that so much. I really appreciated her journey to realizing that she didn't have to always be the strong one. It's okay to rely on others and let them take care of you every once in a while...especially when they truly care for you. I also just really, really want to visit Cassie's bookstore. ❤️
Bear...Oh man...His name is absolutely perfect because I just want to give him a huge hug. He's so precious. The love he had for Cassie from the very beginning is just so pure and wonderful. I feel like there's also a ton of maturing that happens for his character throughout the story too. I always love witnessing growth like that.
Things I loved...all of the crazy animal antics (and there were a lot of them), the all-out war waged between Cassie and Bear, the entire Thomsen clan (they're all so loveable), Lynette (and all her eccentricities), the friendship between Cassie and Georgia, the sacrifices made by both MCs, and the bonus epilogue (it's perfect...chef's kiss).
Thank you to Brittany Larsen for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
This was my first Brittany Larsen book so I'm clearly reading them out of order, but that really wasn't much of a problem in my opinion. I really enjoyed the small-town vibes of Paradise and I adored the entire Thomsen clan! I'll definitely be returning to this sweet little town to catch up on the rest of the family's previous love stories and I can't wait for Britta's story coming later this year.
Cassie...This girl is TOUGH! She's had some big time challenges to deal with in her life, but she still dares to dream. I love that so much. I really appreciated her journey to realizing that she didn't have to always be the strong one. It's okay to rely on others and let them take care of you every once in a while...especially when they truly care for you. I also just really, really want to visit Cassie's bookstore. ❤️
Bear...Oh man...His name is absolutely perfect because I just want to give him a huge hug. He's so precious. The love he had for Cassie from the very beginning is just so pure and wonderful. I feel like there's also a ton of maturing that happens for his character throughout the story too. I always love witnessing growth like that.
Things I loved...all of the crazy animal antics (and there were a lot of them), the all-out war waged between Cassie and Bear, the entire Thomsen clan (they're all so loveable), Lynette (and all her eccentricities), the friendship between Cassie and Georgia, the sacrifices made by both MCs, and the bonus epilogue (it's perfect...chef's kiss).
Thank you to Brittany Larsen for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
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