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Billionaires in Charge #3
Empire State Enemies
Karma’s coming for me. I never meant to screw over New York’s most notorious billionaire playboy.
I’m just your average good girl, really. I play by the rules. But when push comes to shove, and my back is against the wall, I make questionable choices.
I thought I’d never lay eyes on him again after that night.
Boy, was I wrong. Fate has a sick sense of humor.
Now here he is—Connor Quinn, the brooding billionaire I betrayed—glaring at me as our newest PR client.
There’s no way this is going to end well for me.
Connor’s eyes burn with intense vengeance, promising he won’t stop until he gets his payback. And damn, he looks like he’s going to enjoy every minute of it.
I’m so screwed. And not in the fun way.
But here’s the thing: Connor Quinn may be sinfully hot when he’s angry but I’m not going down without a fight.
Empire State Enemies is a dual-point-of-view, standalone, enemies-to-lovers romance with spice, banter, and a happily ever after.
I’m just your average good girl, really. I play by the rules. But when push comes to shove, and my back is against the wall, I make questionable choices.
I thought I’d never lay eyes on him again after that night.
Boy, was I wrong. Fate has a sick sense of humor.
Now here he is—Connor Quinn, the brooding billionaire I betrayed—glaring at me as our newest PR client.
There’s no way this is going to end well for me.
Connor’s eyes burn with intense vengeance, promising he won’t stop until he gets his payback. And damn, he looks like he’s going to enjoy every minute of it.
I’m so screwed. And not in the fun way.
But here’s the thing: Connor Quinn may be sinfully hot when he’s angry but I’m not going down without a fight.
Empire State Enemies is a dual-point-of-view, standalone, enemies-to-lovers romance with spice, banter, and a happily ever after.
687 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2024
3178 people are currently reading
2352 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
June 13, 2024
I cannot honestly give any stars to this shitfest. From here on in I think I am going to avoid anything with the words “Player”, “Womanizer”, etc. I am just fed up with the whole trope!
If you are expecting any romance here, skip along because all this will give you is a headache. MC is a manho (What else is new?).
For over 60% or more of the story, he is fake-dating an OW that he f****d AFTER a day or two prior of him fooling around with FMC in his hotel lobby bathroom. (MCs at that point didn't have penetration - just touching & going down on her, etc). Yep, he went from FMC to OW in a nano second without any regret/remorse and he agreed to fake-dating OW because he cared about her and was concerned about salvaging her reputation and wanted to protect her from all the bad press because someone leaked an audio tape of the two of them during their “tryst” and the whole dirty conversation of what they were doing went viral. FMC of course had to listen to it for herself because she had to help the douche & his OW combat the negative scandal.
The OW was in the beginning referred by MMC as a sweet, innocent (aka virgin) and a very beautiful/sexy woman. So one assumes he took her virginity though we are never privy to this because we never get his POV or any form of explanation what they actually did. All we get is a sentence or two that MMC is dirty talking & possibly f*****g OW and that she may no longer be innocent. You would think as this is advertised as a “romance” that the FMC would be jealous, hurt or at least question his feelings for the OW at any point in this bloody awful story – but no. Even though FMC works to plant them in front of media as a loving couple, she is also aware that the OW has feelings for him and knows that MMC is fond & protective of the OW (not to mention he had sex with her so is very attracted to her), yet she never questions this when she is having sex with him over & over again. So as an FMC, we can definitely say she has no moral compass and is a ho because she doesn’t care. And let me also add that she is constantly horny and always wants to get off. 🙄
Because MMC is always an asshole to her who uses her and then kicks her to the curb, she still always comes back for more shite from him and in one of their back & forths, she goes out on a date with OM who takes her to a BDSM club where he gets naked and she is spanking him. See quote below. Author may have attempted to make this scene funny but it came of as very cringy and gross.
Then at the last quarter of the story after breaking up yet again, FMC is dating a new OM but it’s mostly platonic, while MMC is being seen with a beautiful OW who is supposedly just a friend but his POV & actions speaks otherwise.
Now I should also mention that we also get his thoughts about OW’s mom (aka OW # 1) who was a former Victoria Secret supermodel and MMC had the hots for her when he was in his teens and 20’s. See quotes below.
And last but not least, let me just leave you with the lovely references that was inserted of FMC’s sister constantly needing to poop, or pooping on herself. A grown ass woman who apparently had pooping issues and we needed to know this WHY?......
MMC’s POV of OW # 1:
Okay, maybe I get a kick out of seeing how hard I can make daddy’s little girl blush with a few well-placed innuendos and a sprinkle of that infamous Quinn charm. Just a bit of harmless fun to break the monotony.
Good thing daddy’s little girl takes after her mama. A former Victoria’s Secret angel. I remember drooling over those Sports Illustrated Swimsuit posters as a hormone-crazed teen, thinking I’d marry her someday.
When I finally met her at twenty, I reverted to a slobbering adolescent. She was—is—the epitome of genetic perfection. But here’s her daughter, Willow, looking every bit the angel her mother was.
Willow proudly flaunts her purity ring, “saving” herself for some very lucky bastard down the line.
----
“Connor and Willow hooked up!” Abigail squeals. “Lucky freaking Willow. Someone caught it on audio. It’s bleeped out on TV but you can hear everything online, it’s so dirty.” She fans herself.
That sums up me, scrolling the blow-by-blow of Quinn’s steamy tryst with Miss America. Their R-rated convo leaked everywhere. Ninety percent too explicit without bleeps.
I minimize the video to pretend I’m working. But Quinn keeps whispering explicit promises in my ear, along with Willow’s breathy giggles.
I know I should click away, but like rubbernecking a highway wreck, I can’t seem to stop torturing myself. Imagining his hands on her body, giving her all the top-shelf orgasms.
Two excruciating minutes of audio torture drag by. By the end, I’m numb, mouse clutched in a death grip.
----
FMC with OM #1
Brad grins, thrilled that I’m on board. “We’ll start nice and easy—maybe some light spanking to warm up. Establish safe words too so we know each other’s limits. We go at your pace, Lexi. As the daddy, you’re in charge. You get to punish me when I’m naughty. And reward me when I’m obedient.” His eyes smolder as he says, “Think you can handle that role for me . . . Daddy?”
“So which one are you right now? Naughty or nice?”
“I’m definitely being very naughty right now, Daddy.”
Then I guess you need to be punished? For misbehaving?” I manage to get out.
Brad grins in satisfaction and begins to remove his pants. Down come his briefs. He’s hard already. A second dick for me to see in the space of a few days. Lucky me. It may not be as impressive as Connor’s, but it’ll do the job just fine.
Brad gets on all fours, shaking with anticipation as if he’s about to present me with the holy grail of asses.
And here I go, diving into this kinky rabbit hole.
I stand and awkwardly grab on to Brad’s ass cheeks, trying to channel my inner spa masseuse before giving him a satisfying slap that echoes throughout the room.
“God, yes!” His moans confirm that my spanking skills are on point.
I feel like I’ve gotten to know a decent amount about Brad despite it being only our second date.
But I definitely didn’t expect to find out the color of his asshole so soon.
OW # 2
I stand in front of the full-length mirror trying to get my bow tie straight, but my eyes keep getting drawn back to her silhouette framed by the city lights.
She’s a vision in that tight black leather dress that clings to every curve, her dark waves falling over her bare shoulders in a way that sends a sharp pang right through me.
She catches me staring in the reflection. She turns and gives me this hesitant, knowing smile. “Everything okay?” she asks softly.
I jerk my gaze away, fumbling with the tie again, trying to get my head on straight. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just gonna be a long night of small talk.”
I watch her move from the window, those deep blue eyes looking concerned. She stops right by me. “I don’t mind coming with you to the staff party, for support,” she offers.
I turn to her, letting out a rough chuckle. “Thanks, but between all the meet-and-greets, I won’t get two seconds with you. It’ll be me doing the rounds for hours with the staff. You’d be bored out of your mind.”
She steps closer and reaches up to straighten my bow tie. “You sure you’re all right? You seem distracted,” she murmurs, searching my face.
I clear my throat. “Just beat.”
“Oh Connor.” She smiles sadly at me as she finishes my bowtie. “I can see your loneliness, even when you try so hard to bury it behind that charming grin. I know you well. It’s okay to need people sometimes.”
Before I can object, her lips are on mine, soft but insistent. Her hands slide around my neck, pulling me closer.
I tense up, totally thrown. I clench my jaw, holding her wrists gently to stop her. “Clarissa, wait.” I let out a harsh breath. “Damn. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but I don’t feel that way about you.”
Her eyebrows shoot up, all surprise and confusion. “Oh god, did I misread everything?” She laughs, but it’s strained, and she’s blushing from embarrassment. “This is mortifying.”
I tilt her chin up firmly, forcing eye contact. “Hey. Don’t go there. You’re fucking incredible, Clarissa. Brilliant, gorgeous, the whole package. You gotta know how much I value our friendship. But I’m not in the market for romance. Not at all right now.”
She studies my face, searching. “Not interested in general? Or just not with me?”
I give her an apologetic smile, feeling like a jerk. “General disinterest in romance these days.”
“Connor, I’ve felt your eyes on me all night.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to. It’s that dress.” I swallow hard. “You remind me of someone.” I step back, releasing a heavy sigh.
So he hangs out with OW #2 for months because they are supposed to be colleagues or something as she is helping him with his health issue, has affection for her and from his POV above, some attraction. But if she is “just” a friend/colleague, why/how does she know him so well that she can read his mind and why is she there helping him dress? One assumes in the scene she is in his apartment - not office and he told FMC that he never brings women home with him. Only family.
I would also like to point out to writer if she is reading this, having your MMC in a relationship with OW for majority of the story and having him be more caring, respectful, protective and everything else with the other two OW and making him treat your leading FMC as garbage, does not a "Romance" make. A better option would have been (as is the standard) to have the main MCs be the ones in the fake relationship - not the other way around! Adding sex scenes with OP, giving voice how attracted & caring he was for the two OW while he treats FMC like trash, again does not a fictional romance make. Lol.
LOL. People have to come up with better shite then this…..
If you are expecting any romance here, skip along because all this will give you is a headache. MC is a manho (What else is new?).
For over 60% or more of the story, he is fake-dating an OW that he f****d AFTER a day or two prior of him fooling around with FMC in his hotel lobby bathroom. (MCs at that point didn't have penetration - just touching & going down on her, etc). Yep, he went from FMC to OW in a nano second without any regret/remorse and he agreed to fake-dating OW because he cared about her and was concerned about salvaging her reputation and wanted to protect her from all the bad press because someone leaked an audio tape of the two of them during their “tryst” and the whole dirty conversation of what they were doing went viral. FMC of course had to listen to it for herself because she had to help the douche & his OW combat the negative scandal.
The OW was in the beginning referred by MMC as a sweet, innocent (aka virgin) and a very beautiful/sexy woman. So one assumes he took her virginity though we are never privy to this because we never get his POV or any form of explanation what they actually did. All we get is a sentence or two that MMC is dirty talking & possibly f*****g OW and that she may no longer be innocent. You would think as this is advertised as a “romance” that the FMC would be jealous, hurt or at least question his feelings for the OW at any point in this bloody awful story – but no. Even though FMC works to plant them in front of media as a loving couple, she is also aware that the OW has feelings for him and knows that MMC is fond & protective of the OW (not to mention he had sex with her so is very attracted to her), yet she never questions this when she is having sex with him over & over again. So as an FMC, we can definitely say she has no moral compass and is a ho because she doesn’t care. And let me also add that she is constantly horny and always wants to get off. 🙄
Because MMC is always an asshole to her who uses her and then kicks her to the curb, she still always comes back for more shite from him and in one of their back & forths, she goes out on a date with OM who takes her to a BDSM club where he gets naked and she is spanking him. See quote below. Author may have attempted to make this scene funny but it came of as very cringy and gross.
Then at the last quarter of the story after breaking up yet again, FMC is dating a new OM but it’s mostly platonic, while MMC is being seen with a beautiful OW who is supposedly just a friend but his POV & actions speaks otherwise.
Now I should also mention that we also get his thoughts about OW’s mom (aka OW # 1) who was a former Victoria Secret supermodel and MMC had the hots for her when he was in his teens and 20’s. See quotes below.
And last but not least, let me just leave you with the lovely references that was inserted of FMC’s sister constantly needing to poop, or pooping on herself. A grown ass woman who apparently had pooping issues and we needed to know this WHY?......
MMC’s POV of OW # 1:
Okay, maybe I get a kick out of seeing how hard I can make daddy’s little girl blush with a few well-placed innuendos and a sprinkle of that infamous Quinn charm. Just a bit of harmless fun to break the monotony.
Good thing daddy’s little girl takes after her mama. A former Victoria’s Secret angel. I remember drooling over those Sports Illustrated Swimsuit posters as a hormone-crazed teen, thinking I’d marry her someday.
When I finally met her at twenty, I reverted to a slobbering adolescent. She was—is—the epitome of genetic perfection. But here’s her daughter, Willow, looking every bit the angel her mother was.
Willow proudly flaunts her purity ring, “saving” herself for some very lucky bastard down the line.
----
“Connor and Willow hooked up!” Abigail squeals. “Lucky freaking Willow. Someone caught it on audio. It’s bleeped out on TV but you can hear everything online, it’s so dirty.” She fans herself.
That sums up me, scrolling the blow-by-blow of Quinn’s steamy tryst with Miss America. Their R-rated convo leaked everywhere. Ninety percent too explicit without bleeps.
I minimize the video to pretend I’m working. But Quinn keeps whispering explicit promises in my ear, along with Willow’s breathy giggles.
I know I should click away, but like rubbernecking a highway wreck, I can’t seem to stop torturing myself. Imagining his hands on her body, giving her all the top-shelf orgasms.
Two excruciating minutes of audio torture drag by. By the end, I’m numb, mouse clutched in a death grip.
----
FMC with OM #1
Brad grins, thrilled that I’m on board. “We’ll start nice and easy—maybe some light spanking to warm up. Establish safe words too so we know each other’s limits. We go at your pace, Lexi. As the daddy, you’re in charge. You get to punish me when I’m naughty. And reward me when I’m obedient.” His eyes smolder as he says, “Think you can handle that role for me . . . Daddy?”
“So which one are you right now? Naughty or nice?”
“I’m definitely being very naughty right now, Daddy.”
Then I guess you need to be punished? For misbehaving?” I manage to get out.
Brad grins in satisfaction and begins to remove his pants. Down come his briefs. He’s hard already. A second dick for me to see in the space of a few days. Lucky me. It may not be as impressive as Connor’s, but it’ll do the job just fine.
Brad gets on all fours, shaking with anticipation as if he’s about to present me with the holy grail of asses.
And here I go, diving into this kinky rabbit hole.
I stand and awkwardly grab on to Brad’s ass cheeks, trying to channel my inner spa masseuse before giving him a satisfying slap that echoes throughout the room.
“God, yes!” His moans confirm that my spanking skills are on point.
I feel like I’ve gotten to know a decent amount about Brad despite it being only our second date.
But I definitely didn’t expect to find out the color of his asshole so soon.
OW # 2
I stand in front of the full-length mirror trying to get my bow tie straight, but my eyes keep getting drawn back to her silhouette framed by the city lights.
She’s a vision in that tight black leather dress that clings to every curve, her dark waves falling over her bare shoulders in a way that sends a sharp pang right through me.
She catches me staring in the reflection. She turns and gives me this hesitant, knowing smile. “Everything okay?” she asks softly.
I jerk my gaze away, fumbling with the tie again, trying to get my head on straight. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just gonna be a long night of small talk.”
I watch her move from the window, those deep blue eyes looking concerned. She stops right by me. “I don’t mind coming with you to the staff party, for support,” she offers.
I turn to her, letting out a rough chuckle. “Thanks, but between all the meet-and-greets, I won’t get two seconds with you. It’ll be me doing the rounds for hours with the staff. You’d be bored out of your mind.”
She steps closer and reaches up to straighten my bow tie. “You sure you’re all right? You seem distracted,” she murmurs, searching my face.
I clear my throat. “Just beat.”
“Oh Connor.” She smiles sadly at me as she finishes my bowtie. “I can see your loneliness, even when you try so hard to bury it behind that charming grin. I know you well. It’s okay to need people sometimes.”
Before I can object, her lips are on mine, soft but insistent. Her hands slide around my neck, pulling me closer.
I tense up, totally thrown. I clench my jaw, holding her wrists gently to stop her. “Clarissa, wait.” I let out a harsh breath. “Damn. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but I don’t feel that way about you.”
Her eyebrows shoot up, all surprise and confusion. “Oh god, did I misread everything?” She laughs, but it’s strained, and she’s blushing from embarrassment. “This is mortifying.”
I tilt her chin up firmly, forcing eye contact. “Hey. Don’t go there. You’re fucking incredible, Clarissa. Brilliant, gorgeous, the whole package. You gotta know how much I value our friendship. But I’m not in the market for romance. Not at all right now.”
She studies my face, searching. “Not interested in general? Or just not with me?”
I give her an apologetic smile, feeling like a jerk. “General disinterest in romance these days.”
“Connor, I’ve felt your eyes on me all night.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to. It’s that dress.” I swallow hard. “You remind me of someone.” I step back, releasing a heavy sigh.
So he hangs out with OW #2 for months because they are supposed to be colleagues or something as she is helping him with his health issue, has affection for her and from his POV above, some attraction. But if she is “just” a friend/colleague, why/how does she know him so well that she can read his mind and why is she there helping him dress? One assumes in the scene she is in his apartment - not office and he told FMC that he never brings women home with him. Only family.
I would also like to point out to writer if she is reading this, having your MMC in a relationship with OW for majority of the story and having him be more caring, respectful, protective and everything else with the other two OW and making him treat your leading FMC as garbage, does not a "Romance" make. A better option would have been (as is the standard) to have the main MCs be the ones in the fake relationship - not the other way around! Adding sex scenes with OP, giving voice how attracted & caring he was for the two OW while he treats FMC like trash, again does not a fictional romance make. Lol.
LOL. People have to come up with better shite then this…..
May 29, 2024
2.5 Stars, Rounded Down
This was okay, but I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the first two.
I thought the fake dating thing went on too long and Connor was a little too...into it without offsetting that in any way that made it palatable. I also just didn't like how he hooked up with the other chick overall. And I'm not a safety ganger.
Just didn't love this one.
This was okay, but I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the first two.
I thought the fake dating thing went on too long and Connor was a little too...into it without offsetting that in any way that made it palatable. I also just didn't like how he hooked up with the other chick overall. And I'm not a safety ganger.
Just didn't love this one.
November 2, 2025
Bem dramático mas com desenvolvimento adorei😂
Want to read
November 7, 2024November 7, 2024
Note to self: not just a no, but a HELL NO.
MMC is in a fake relationship with OW who he slept with. And the FMC is their PR person.
There’s also a leaked audio tape of the MMC and the OW having sex. And the FMC has to listen to it.
MMC had sex with OW a few days before becoming intimate with FMC.
Note to self: not just a no, but a HELL NO.
MMC is in a fake relationship with OW who he slept with. And the FMC is their PR person.
There’s also a leaked audio tape of the MMC and the OW having sex. And the FMC has to listen to it.
MMC had sex with OW a few days before becoming intimate with FMC.
October 26, 2025
A despedida da saga Billionaires in Charge foi diferente do esperado, mas absolutamente arrebatadora e fabulosa.
Tinha algumas expectativas para o Connor e o que a sua história de amor poderia ser, mas nada me preparou para isto...foi maravilhosa e por vezes desoladora.
Entre imensos segredos e quezílias, o Connor e a Lexi descobrem que não faz mal confiar em alguém, que é seguro apaixonarem-se e cederem o seu coração a outra pessoa...o seu amor é complexo e envolto em imenso drama, mas é capaz de prevalecer e de ultrapassar tudo e todos.
Foi lindo vê-los a aprender a confiar e a amar. Apaixonei-me com eles e por eles ❤️
Sem dúvida que foi uma forma inesquecível de dizer adeus a uma saga fabulosa...vou ter saudades.
Tinha algumas expectativas para o Connor e o que a sua história de amor poderia ser, mas nada me preparou para isto...foi maravilhosa e por vezes desoladora.
Entre imensos segredos e quezílias, o Connor e a Lexi descobrem que não faz mal confiar em alguém, que é seguro apaixonarem-se e cederem o seu coração a outra pessoa...o seu amor é complexo e envolto em imenso drama, mas é capaz de prevalecer e de ultrapassar tudo e todos.
Foi lindo vê-los a aprender a confiar e a amar. Apaixonei-me com eles e por eles ❤️
Sem dúvida que foi uma forma inesquecível de dizer adeus a uma saga fabulosa...vou ter saudades.
April 5, 2024
Connor es un pedazo de basura, idiota arrogante, se la pasa todo el libro tratando horrible a Lexi.
Lexi es una tonta cegada por la apariencia del idiota. Dejó pasar todos sus malos tratos ¿por sexo?, la verdad no tengo ni idea.
¿Qué fue esa tontería de Clarissa sólo es mi amiga? Durante 4 meses Connor se estuvo paseando agarrado de la mano por toda la ciudad, saliendo en entrevistas muy acaramelado y eran tan cercanos que ella estaba en su casa a cualquier hora. Cuando salía con Lexi le tomó tiempo llevarla a su casa, le dijo que ninguna mujer con las que salía había estado ahí y que solo su familia podía entrar, pero a las 3-4 semanas de terminar con Lexi cambió y se hizo mejor amigo de alguien a quien no conocía y la metió a su casa. Tan amigos eran que al regresar con Lexi no se vuelve a mencionar a Clarissa
Lexi es una tonta cegada por la apariencia del idiota. Dejó pasar todos sus malos tratos ¿por sexo?, la verdad no tengo ni idea.
¿Qué fue esa tontería de Clarissa sólo es mi amiga? Durante 4 meses Connor se estuvo paseando agarrado de la mano por toda la ciudad, saliendo en entrevistas muy acaramelado y eran tan cercanos que ella estaba en su casa a cualquier hora. Cuando salía con Lexi le tomó tiempo llevarla a su casa, le dijo que ninguna mujer con las que salía había estado ahí y que solo su familia podía entrar, pero a las 3-4 semanas de terminar con Lexi cambió y se hizo mejor amigo de alguien a quien no conocía y la metió a su casa. Tan amigos eran que al regresar con Lexi no se vuelve a mencionar a Clarissa
Read
April 7, 2024Will not read this garbage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
It’s 4:29am and I hate this book.
The beginning of the book (roughly the first 40%) was good. Lexi was strong in both her PR role and her personal relationship with Connor. However after the 40% mark she starts to get desperate (in my opinion) and it was a big 180 from the beginning.
This man kicked you out after 🌶️🌶️ time on Friday and one Monday you’re making out with him in a storage closet. He then proceeds to kick you out of the storage closet and your 🌶️🌶️🌶️ him on Saturday???
The beginning of the book (roughly the first 40%) was good. Lexi was strong in both her PR role and her personal relationship with Connor. However after the 40% mark she starts to get desperate (in my opinion) and it was a big 180 from the beginning.
This man kicked you out after 🌶️🌶️ time on Friday and one Monday you’re making out with him in a storage closet. He then proceeds to kick you out of the storage closet and your 🌶️🌶️🌶️ him on Saturday???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2025
Gostei bastante, senti as dores da Lexi na pele, e fiquei com uma ideia muito diferente do Connor da que tinha dos livros anteriores. Mas que raio, a Lexi que nos foi apresentada ao longo do livro, que abandonou os seus sonhos para tomar conta da mãe da irmã perdoou muito depressa o canalha que lhe partiu o coração e a pôs a andar. Claro que uma arma apontada à cabeça ajudou... mas ele podia ter rastejado um bocadinho...
May 30, 2025
Nice and funny story - great banter and chemistry between these main characters. Easy to read and entertaining. I loved Lexy as a strong female character and how she could support and help anyone around her with very strong and independent personality. I think it got lost very much when the conflict between them got resolved in a very simplistic way - all the drama and the credible angst from Connor was good and real, I wanted more of a grovel and persistent chase to resolve the story more than couple of lines for her to fall down. Did not think that was at all believable from such a strong character.
April 8, 2024
I just felt really flat after finishing this book. I usually really enjoy this author’s work but this one left me feeling a bit cold. It started out quite slowly but I did get into it; I liked Lexi’s personality, she was sassy and fun whilst still being quite vulnerable, and I appreciated something different for Connor’s backstory. I thought his health issues were handled quite well.
The chemistry between the two of them was quite good, and I enjoyed the angsty parts (I think this author is very good at making your chest ache, personally!). But I personally found the sex scenes a bit underwhelming.
There’s always a comedic element to this author’s novels but I thought some of the funny scenes felt a bit forced in this one and didn’t completely work for me. The main issue though was the length and the pacing. This book was way, way, way too long; it needed a really good edit and in parts began feeling like multiple books combined. I didn’t think that some of the plots worked well together.
The pacing was just off all the way through; parts of it moved quite fast whilst others moved quite slowly. The last 40% of this book was really slow and plodding, the conflict was really drawn out and then resolved really bluntly. It was a shame because the way that the relationship had been written I did see why they couldn’t just get back together – his behaviour was messed up – but I didn’t really buy the way it resolved.
There were things I did like about the final part; I liked that Lexi actually moved away and stayed living outside of New York, that was a refreshing change. There were some really good moments in the book as a whole, actually, that really shone though, but a lot of it just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to like ita nd the concept was fun – I really liked the PR fake relationship angle early on in particular – but overall it was just way too long and at points wasn’t very fun to read. I stuck with it more out of curiosity than anything else but I did consider DNFing a few times.
I will happily read things by this author again, of course, but this one was just a miss for me I’m afraid.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, hidden/mistaken identity, forced proximity, workplace, millionaire/billionaire, age gap.
Warnings:
Other: .
The chemistry between the two of them was quite good, and I enjoyed the angsty parts (I think this author is very good at making your chest ache, personally!). But I personally found the sex scenes a bit underwhelming.
There’s always a comedic element to this author’s novels but I thought some of the funny scenes felt a bit forced in this one and didn’t completely work for me. The main issue though was the length and the pacing. This book was way, way, way too long; it needed a really good edit and in parts began feeling like multiple books combined. I didn’t think that some of the plots worked well together.
The pacing was just off all the way through; parts of it moved quite fast whilst others moved quite slowly. The last 40% of this book was really slow and plodding, the conflict was really drawn out and then resolved really bluntly. It was a shame because the way that the relationship had been written I did see why they couldn’t just get back together – his behaviour was messed up – but I didn’t really buy the way it resolved.
There were things I did like about the final part; I liked that Lexi actually moved away and stayed living outside of New York, that was a refreshing change. There were some really good moments in the book as a whole, actually, that really shone though, but a lot of it just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to like ita nd the concept was fun – I really liked the PR fake relationship angle early on in particular – but overall it was just way too long and at points wasn’t very fun to read. I stuck with it more out of curiosity than anything else but I did consider DNFing a few times.
I will happily read things by this author again, of course, but this one was just a miss for me I’m afraid.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, hidden/mistaken identity, forced proximity, workplace, millionaire/billionaire, age gap.
Warnings:
Other: .
October 17, 2025
Foi Super fofo!!
O casmurro do Connor e cuidadora nata Lexi. Um par que parece não funcionar, mas lá funciona.
Já estou mais que familiarizada com a escrita da Rosa Lucas, e este livro não me desiludiu. Temos uma início, um meio e um fim. Um boa estrutura de texto com questões pertinentes e atuais.
Lexi trabalha em relações publicas, e Connor contrata a firma onde ela trabalha para ajudar a retificar a imagem dele e uma das suas conquistas, aos olhos do público. Claro que Connor reconhece Lexi de uma momento bastante quente na casa de banho uns dias antes, onde estranhamente as chaves do carro e o carro desaparecem....
A Rosa Lucas escreve sempre personagens imperfeitos, que lidam sempre com algo que lhes dá camadas, quer sejam eles os masculinos ou as personagens feminas. Lexi precisa de largar o peso de vuidar de uma mae doente e de se responsabilizar pela irmã. O Connor tem de aceitar que apesar estar no topo da sua condição física há coisas que nao pode controlar na sua saúde.
Gostei imenso do livro, e como fala dos tópicos em cima mencionados. Espero que venham mais livros delas.
O casmurro do Connor e cuidadora nata Lexi. Um par que parece não funcionar, mas lá funciona.
Já estou mais que familiarizada com a escrita da Rosa Lucas, e este livro não me desiludiu. Temos uma início, um meio e um fim. Um boa estrutura de texto com questões pertinentes e atuais.
Lexi trabalha em relações publicas, e Connor contrata a firma onde ela trabalha para ajudar a retificar a imagem dele e uma das suas conquistas, aos olhos do público. Claro que Connor reconhece Lexi de uma momento bastante quente na casa de banho uns dias antes, onde estranhamente as chaves do carro e o carro desaparecem....
A Rosa Lucas escreve sempre personagens imperfeitos, que lidam sempre com algo que lhes dá camadas, quer sejam eles os masculinos ou as personagens feminas. Lexi precisa de largar o peso de vuidar de uma mae doente e de se responsabilizar pela irmã. O Connor tem de aceitar que apesar estar no topo da sua condição física há coisas que nao pode controlar na sua saúde.
Gostei imenso do livro, e como fala dos tópicos em cima mencionados. Espero que venham mais livros delas.
March 25, 2024
*e-ARC review*
Rosa Lucas wins the award for meet-cute of the year because I absolutely loved how Connor and Lexi first meet in this workplace romance. And that Connor isn’t just your run of the mill, broody billionaire (though he is that too). There’s substance to this character that is different from anything I’ve read in a long time.
I also enjoyed how this book had me in genuine suspense about where their relationship would end up and I went through every single emotion with them.
The beach scene was hilarious - top shelf comedy that had me giggling in the dark next to my sleeping husband.
And while the storyline and the comedy makes this a solid read, the spice makes it a 5-star one. From their first touch to that photoshoot; the elevator confession and everything in between - their chemistry is just off the charts.
10 out of 10 would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys the billionaire playboy, workplace romance, enemies to lovers tropes.
Rosa Lucas wins the award for meet-cute of the year because I absolutely loved how Connor and Lexi first meet in this workplace romance. And that Connor isn’t just your run of the mill, broody billionaire (though he is that too). There’s substance to this character that is different from anything I’ve read in a long time.
I also enjoyed how this book had me in genuine suspense about where their relationship would end up and I went through every single emotion with them.
The beach scene was hilarious - top shelf comedy that had me giggling in the dark next to my sleeping husband.
And while the storyline and the comedy makes this a solid read, the spice makes it a 5-star one. From their first touch to that photoshoot; the elevator confession and everything in between - their chemistry is just off the charts.
10 out of 10 would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys the billionaire playboy, workplace romance, enemies to lovers tropes.
February 4, 2025
Empire State Enemies is a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. At first, the hero is difficult to like—his arrogance and flaws make it easy to root against him. However, as the story unfolds, his character growth becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I found myself gradually falling for him and wanting to see him succeed, which is a testament to the author’s skill in crafting a complex and layered character.
Lexi, on the other hand, is fiercely stubborn—sometimes to the point of frustration. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I could fully connect with her, but as her story unfolded, I found her struggles and motivations relatable. Over time, she became a character I genuinely cared for, even if it took a while to warm up to her.
While the book is engaging, there are sections that feel repetitive, making the pacing drag at times. The story occasionally circles the same conflicts without clear progression, but ultimately, it comes together in a satisfying way. Despite these slower moments, I never once considered abandoning the book, which speaks volumes about its overall appeal.
Although Empire State Enemies won’t make it into my list of all-time favorites, it’s a solid, well-written romance that I would recommend to others. Fans of slow-burn relationships and strong character development will enjoy the journey this book offers.
Lexi, on the other hand, is fiercely stubborn—sometimes to the point of frustration. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I could fully connect with her, but as her story unfolded, I found her struggles and motivations relatable. Over time, she became a character I genuinely cared for, even if it took a while to warm up to her.
While the book is engaging, there are sections that feel repetitive, making the pacing drag at times. The story occasionally circles the same conflicts without clear progression, but ultimately, it comes together in a satisfying way. Despite these slower moments, I never once considered abandoning the book, which speaks volumes about its overall appeal.
Although Empire State Enemies won’t make it into my list of all-time favorites, it’s a solid, well-written romance that I would recommend to others. Fans of slow-burn relationships and strong character development will enjoy the journey this book offers.
December 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️ (2.5)
Ok, I enjoyed it a bit but no where near as much as the first (and I couldn’t even get into the second)
I throughly enjoyed the London Mister Series and the first in this but man I was losing it though this. I couldn’t wait for it to end and I didn’t want to DNF another one so I ploughed through but my god did it need to be so long? I felt like we could have done without half of the book towards the end and the end actual ending just felt so rushed. I’m sorry she forgave him just like that after everything. No, he was a complete ass and you’re just gonna jump straight back into his arms after months.
Anyway, it’s done it’s finished. Don’t get me wrong there were some good parts and at the beginning I loved the banter and the spark between them but it just went downhill too quickly for me.
Ok, I enjoyed it a bit but no where near as much as the first (and I couldn’t even get into the second)
I throughly enjoyed the London Mister Series and the first in this but man I was losing it though this. I couldn’t wait for it to end and I didn’t want to DNF another one so I ploughed through but my god did it need to be so long? I felt like we could have done without half of the book towards the end and the end actual ending just felt so rushed. I’m sorry she forgave him just like that after everything. No, he was a complete ass and you’re just gonna jump straight back into his arms after months.
Anyway, it’s done it’s finished. Don’t get me wrong there were some good parts and at the beginning I loved the banter and the spark between them but it just went downhill too quickly for me.
April 8, 2024
This started out SO fun but the more I think about it the more disappointed I am. Connor just wasn't it - he's pretending to be with another woman for the majority of the book. And I also thought there would be more clarify on what happened between them (Connor & Winnie the OW); I assumed they didn't hook up and he was covering for her, but nothing ever was discussed on what really happened so I guess he did take her virginity? The “conflict,” that broke him and Lexi up was annoying. And there was absolutely no groveling, we didn’t even really get to see him feel all that bad about it. AND he gets close to another woman that he also raves about, but he likes her because he reminds him of Lexi, like?? They get right back together too quickly because of “her in danger.” I wouldn’t even reread this one I’m so disappointed in the way it played out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
**arc from the publisher**
i honestly love rosa lucas’s books cause they’re just fun reads.
this was honestly one of her more drama filled books imo - and one that was very whirlwind-y and up and down between the main characters. i thought it was a fun take on the billionaire romance trope and it was a pretty refreshing read! can’t wait for rosa lucas to publish more please🫶
love that FL didn’t take handouts bc that couldn’t be me lol
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i honestly love rosa lucas’s books cause they’re just fun reads.
this was honestly one of her more drama filled books imo - and one that was very whirlwind-y and up and down between the main characters. i thought it was a fun take on the billionaire romance trope and it was a pretty refreshing read! can’t wait for rosa lucas to publish more please🫶
love that FL didn’t take handouts bc that couldn’t be me lol
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I've read most of the author's books over the past 12 months and I love her writing style and really enjoy her FMCs. This was another hit for me. I love the drama but also the humour that the author manages to balance really well in her books. I think the only thing that stopped this being a 5* read for me was that it was probably slightly longer than it needed to be and I felt it dragged a little bit between 60-80% but apart from that I couldn't fault it.
October 22, 2025
4⭐️
De todos os livros que li da autora, este foi o que mais gostei. Embora o final tenha sido um pouco precipitado, a história em si está muito bem estruturada e desenvolvida. Finalmente, uma personagem feminina realista, com problemas sérios e bem construídos.
A química entre os protagonistas foi boa. O Connor, por vezes, foi demasiado rabugento e indeciso, mas pronto..
Na minha opinião, só faltou um desfecho mais detalhado. Os últimos capítulos na minha opinião foram muito apressados.
De todos os livros que li da autora, este foi o que mais gostei. Embora o final tenha sido um pouco precipitado, a história em si está muito bem estruturada e desenvolvida. Finalmente, uma personagem feminina realista, com problemas sérios e bem construídos.
A química entre os protagonistas foi boa. O Connor, por vezes, foi demasiado rabugento e indeciso, mas pronto..
Na minha opinião, só faltou um desfecho mais detalhado. Os últimos capítulos na minha opinião foram muito apressados.
Read
November 24, 2025Has stubborn, control freak Connor finally met the one person who can reign him in? This is the last book in this series and not only is it worth the read but in my opinion the series worth reading again
September 4, 2024
Was good just felt longer than it needed to be. The guy actually having a health problem added a more convincing reason for shitty attitudes/miscommunication between the two.
December 8, 2025
this was actually so cute, the Ireland scene had me CRYING
October 3, 2024
I’ll be honest, I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. I haven’t read a slowburn in a while so this was nice.
December 15, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
Eu achei este livro muito mais viciante do que o segundo e foi, sem dúvida, o meu preferido da série! Começou TÃO, MAS TÃO BEM que me prendeu logo desde as primeiras páginas. A tensão entre os protagonistas? 😮💨😮💨 P-E-R-F-E-I-T-A! Um enemies to lovers daqueles que nós amamos mesmo. Se houve atitudes questionáveis entre os dois? Sim. Mas eu amei tudo na mesma! 😅
Eu achei este livro muito mais viciante do que o segundo e foi, sem dúvida, o meu preferido da série! Começou TÃO, MAS TÃO BEM que me prendeu logo desde as primeiras páginas. A tensão entre os protagonistas? 😮💨😮💨 P-E-R-F-E-I-T-A! Um enemies to lovers daqueles que nós amamos mesmo. Se houve atitudes questionáveis entre os dois? Sim. Mas eu amei tudo na mesma! 😅
April 13, 2024
This was supposed to be enemies to lovers age gap romance, with slightly forced proximity.
But if you ask me, I can say this is a jerk-ass billionaire and sassy heroine romance that come out in 2012.
But here we are. In 2024.
I thought we were done with heroes like him. Like, u know, pushes heroine without listening to her, keeps his not-so-big-problem himself, and expects understanding from everyone.
The prologue was good, I was like wtf why did he kneel in front of her, all vulnerable and sad. Meanwhile not knowing she is so desperate she has to do what she's about to do despite of their first chemistry.
And Lexi is cock-whipped, of course she is. One minute ago she was very aware of he treats her like shit, like talking crass, using her as his emotional bag (her words not mine), and after with one sorry she is all over him.
Girl, at least let him crawl for a bit.
what a way to waste of tropes
;;;
deamorski
But if you ask me, I can say this is a jerk-ass billionaire and sassy heroine romance that come out in 2012.
But here we are. In 2024.
I thought we were done with heroes like him. Like, u know, pushes heroine without listening to her, keeps his not-so-big-problem himself, and expects understanding from everyone.
The prologue was good, I was like wtf why did he kneel in front of her, all vulnerable and sad. Meanwhile not knowing she is so desperate she has to do what she's about to do despite of their first chemistry.
And Lexi is cock-whipped, of course she is. One minute ago she was very aware of he treats her like shit, like talking crass, using her as his emotional bag (her words not mine), and after with one sorry she is all over him.
Girl, at least let him crawl for a bit.
what a way to waste of tropes
;;;
deamorski
April 25, 2024
Loved it, the perfect escape. Rosa Lucas can write romance ;) Where’s my Connor? Not joking here…
Everything in this book was very perfect, I have hardly any complaints.
But the ending could’ve been way better and I was disappointed by it. The altercation with Deano was cheesy and also not enough to win Lexi back. I get it was a heated moment that really puts into perspective the things that are the most important in life, but both Connor and Lexi jumped into each others arms as if they didn’t have heaps of baggage and pain between them. At the very least, I expected Lexi to want more than just words before forgiving or trusting Connor. It was very uncharacteristic, that ending. I would’ve loved drawing the story out a bit more to give a fleshed out end.
Everything in this book was very perfect, I have hardly any complaints.
But the ending could’ve been way better and I was disappointed by it. The altercation with Deano was cheesy and also not enough to win Lexi back. I get it was a heated moment that really puts into perspective the things that are the most important in life, but both Connor and Lexi jumped into each others arms as if they didn’t have heaps of baggage and pain between them. At the very least, I expected Lexi to want more than just words before forgiving or trusting Connor. It was very uncharacteristic, that ending. I would’ve loved drawing the story out a bit more to give a fleshed out end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
This book has 687 pages, 687 FREAKING PAGES! I am not saying that is always a bad thing, but for smut? Uh uh.
The plot wasn’t horrendous, it had potential. Lexi steals a billionaire’s car keys. He runs into her again and decides it is time for payback. The problem is that once they hook up, we run out of things to look forward to. Of course, here comes the breakup. And hey, I embrace those and salivate over the upcoming groveling. Lexi swears left and right she is done but ends up forgiving after two seconds and no actual begging. Come one, make him work for it! To make the ending even stupider, there is some plot about a potential threat to Lexi’s life. This ain’t Mission Impossible, let’s stick to romance.
The plot wasn’t horrendous, it had potential. Lexi steals a billionaire’s car keys. He runs into her again and decides it is time for payback. The problem is that once they hook up, we run out of things to look forward to. Of course, here comes the breakup. And hey, I embrace those and salivate over the upcoming groveling. Lexi swears left and right she is done but ends up forgiving after two seconds and no actual begging. Come one, make him work for it! To make the ending even stupider, there is some plot about a potential threat to Lexi’s life. This ain’t Mission Impossible, let’s stick to romance.
August 5, 2025
This isn’t romance. He never chose her, he didn’t respect her, he never fought for her. Why would anyone write this?!
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