Definitely NOT Lovers

Not-So-Sweet Neighbors Duet #1

by Elodie Nowodazkij, Elodie Now

Definitely NOT Lovers (prequel to # Dear Santa, With Love): Sometimes, the only thing steamier than the town's crab feast is the couple arguing at table five...

Maddie Smith— Ice Princess—Melts for Grumpy Hero. Sources Say She's in Denial.
Swans the small-town where I'm rebuilding my award-winning career, not falling for the tall, tattooed, grumpy ex-bodyguard next door. Damian Mack doesn't trust me, I don't like him, and he's definitely not infuriatingly hot. (Okay, maybe a little.)

My rom-com life took a horror movie turn when my "perfect" proposal went viral—for all the wrong reasons. And here I writing feel-good stories, "trying" to charm the locals (well, some of them), and feeling like I'm stuck in pit lane while everyone else is racing by.

But between nosy neighbors and an unwanted attraction that's throwing off my game, my foolproof plan is getting more complicated by the minute.

"Definitely Not Lovers" is my story—a rollercoaster of humor, heart, and heat that I never saw coming. Will I stick to my plan and prove everyone wrong, or will Swans Cove—and Damian—make me reconsider everything?

One thing's for sure, this wasn't part of the plan. Now, what would a winner do?

This is a prequel novel that ends on a cliffhanger... maybe like me, you'll just keep wanting more.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Elodie Nowodazkij writes sizzling rom-coms with grumpy book boyfriends and the bold, funny women who win their hearts. (Think funny Hallmark movie with the door open ;-)) Sometimes, she even writes stories that scare the crap out of her (a mix of Lifetime movies and Criminal Minds). Raised in a small French village, she almost always had a book in her hands. At nineteen, she moved to the U.S., where she found out her French accent is here to stay. Now in Maryland with her husband, dog, and cat, she whips up heartwarming, hilarious, and hot romances or heart-pounding and haunting romantic suspense novels. All of them hard to put down. Ready to take the plunge? The water’s delightfully warm.

Reviews

[Daisy Schnorr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my! Where do I even start with this? I had the greatest opportunity in reading this book before it hit kindle unlimited and bookshelves and I am so thankful for it. Without any spoilers I can say that these two main characters to me had SO MUCH CHEMISTRY I was quite literally giggling and kicking my feet the entire time! I did feel like it was a little rushed and yes it does leave on a cliff hanger so a little disappointed in that but overall this series has a lot of potential and I’m excited to see what else is to come.

I received a free copy on booksprout in exchange for my honest review

[sweet_psycho · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable but nothing more

[Brianna Walneck · Rating 3 out of 5]

super cute little prequel!!

[Brandi McTier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel to Damian and Maddie’s story! Enemies to lovers for sure. The build up was extraordinary and so worth it! It was a sweet story of forgiveness and giving people second chances. I can’t wait to finish the rest of the Swan Cove books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was OK. This was the one romance book that I couldn't get into or find interesting. It was kinda boring start to finish.

It's about a journalist/influencer who gets dumped on live while she is proposing to her NFL bf, as expected she moves to a small town for some space and a fresh start. The male MC is a veteran who is a hometown hero and they hookup.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie tries pleasing everyone, she always feels as if unless she is her best self its not good enough. When she proposes to her boyfriend only to be rejected while being live streamed her world slowly disintegrates and then goes viral. Now moving to a small town called Swans Cove trying to rebuild her life, career and if possible herself, will this be where she'll finally feel seen. Damian ex navy seal now working hard to build up a mobility and self defence group in the town he now feels at home in, suddenly realises the new reporter everyone is talking about is responsible for a damning article about himself and his friend. Now she's here trying to fool everyone but it won't work on him. This is a brilliantly written story about two not so different characters who really can't see how similar they are. If you love Bridgerton, formular 1, horror films and even a little bit of Mario bros (totally odd mix), then I'm sure you'll love this. Although a bit spicy it's a slow burn that may extinguish before it ignites. There's so many interesting characters especially Aunt Locelli that you'll just not be able to pit it down. Although I will say I can't wait for the next book to see how the story continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julianne Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small town romance with a grumpy MMC and a hardworking FMC.

I’m conflicted on whether I enjoyed this or not. The characters weren’t as lovable as I was hoping. I found them to more irritating than anything. The MMC was such a stubborn grump that it caused a lack of love from the readers POV. Perhaps it was because the background of the MMC was all over the place. He clearly had a troubled childhood but thrown in his military side and a hatred towards journalists due to his career? It was all too much but yet not enough of a focus on any of those points.

The writing was ok. It had parts that almost hooked me but others that felt lackluster and repetitive/extremely cliche. The plot was extremely fast, which makes sense for a short prequel. But, it was rather confusing moving from one chapter to the next where they had a truce but began hating each other again?

I’m not sure. This is my first read of the author and it’s only a prequel. Therefore, I don’t want to go lower than a 3 as I don’t think that’s a fair judgement. Perhaps I’ll give the other books in this series a go.

[Jamie Lindemulder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not the worst book I've ever read, but pretty close. It starts off pretty good; the main character, Maddie, is getting ready to propose to her NFL player boyfriend and it ends in a disaster that ends up going viral. And then it all goes downhill from there. She moves into a quiet town in Maryland, and is living in an apartment building above one of the rudest people in the world (Damian). Yeah, she was pretty rude as well. She keeps moving his laundry out of the shared laundry area and ends up leaving a red thong in his whites, which stains all of his shirts pink. But then he keeps the underwear, and I don't think he ever gives them back. He's the typical hard-a$$ in romance books like this that jump to conclusion, rash judgement, etc. She refers to him as "grumpy" but I would say he's an arrogant a$$wipe. I guess that's what women like because they're jumping each other's bones and the book is less than 200 pages long.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely NOT Lovers is the prequel to # Dear Santa with Love. It's a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, small-town, opposites-attract, rom com. Maddie is a journalist/influencer who is always looking for a story and wants things to be perfect. When she is dumped live by her NFL boyfriend when she proposes, she runs to the small town of Swan Cove to lick her wounds and take a new job. Damian is a hunky, grumpy, ex-military man and bodyguard. He is Maddie's next story as they are trying to boost their business. They are also next-door neighbors. Without giving spoilers, the banter is hysterical, and the chemistry is hot. This is a fast-paced read that ends in a cliffhanger. I can't wait for Maddie and Damian to get their HEA in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie heads to Swans Cove, Maryland on an assignment and turns out her newest assignment is her new neighbor named Damian. Toss in a fluffy cat, going viral, and everyone in your business, as well as lady grey. Maddie is in for some unexpected treats!

First off we Stan fluffy, Aunt Locelli, and Lady Grey! The first chapter took off with a bang! Then we kind just coasted and It picked back up the last 20ish pages, and if Maddie thought she was already in for a treat she’s seen nothing yet, as we are left on a cliffhanger! Buckle up Maddie you might just be in for a wild ride!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, prequel novel to # Dear Santa, With Love and ends in a cliffhanger. This is also part of the Love in Swans cove series. With that said, this is a well written and captivating romance with our main characters being Damian and Maddie who are enemies to lovers. This is a fast paced, steamy romance that will definitely have you wanting more! So excited to read more in the Love in Swans Cove series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. This is the first book in a duet about Damian and Maddie so be prepared for a cliff hanger. This is a funny romcom romance that will have you laughing. Maddie and Damian start off as enemies both dislike each other and live next store to each other. I really loved Maddie and Damian their back and forth made me laugh. I enjoy the grumpy hot alpha males they make the book way hotter. Cannot wait for book 2 - #Dear Santa, with Love.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Definitely NOT Lovers. Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information about the book. I recommend reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie & Damian (part 1): Love in Swans Cove Collection: Prequel to # Dear Santa, With Love (part 2). Neighbors/ fighting attraction/ enemies to lovers/ steamy small town RomCom: Hooked on this story right away. The storyline and characters are all great, and Elodie Nowodazkij made me fall in love with Swans Cove as well. Can’t wait for the rest of Maddie & Damian’s story.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ughhhhhh this is a part of a series and now I NEED to buy all the books! This was such a fun enemies to lovers romance that ends on a cliffhanger and I’m so mad! I want more of Maddie and Damian. I loved their hate, I know how weird that sounds but it was good and spiteful and then the tender moments were so eye opening to their characters and now I need them to have their HEA so on to book 2 I go…

[Kathleen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. And definitely can't wait for book 2
In this one Damien and Maddie are neighbors and hate each other. Even though there is a mutual attraction. I laughed out loud at quite a few parts and can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna (OnceUponADee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie and Damien are that pairing that you root for and hope figure out what you already have as your read chapter after chapter. The banter between these two is both spicy and hilarious. Definitely that small town charm and I loved the mix of pop culture thrown in. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a laugh out loud romantic comedy that starts with a proposal gone wrong. What follows is a series of unfortunate events where enemies start to fall for each other. It does end in a cliffhanger and left me ready for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great enemies-to-lovers/small town romantic comedy.. I enjoyed it.. It is steamy, fun, and very engaging..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this prequel and can't wait to read "Dear Santa, With Love". It's a humorous romantic comedy that has wonderful characters and Damian and Maddie have great chemistry together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Elodie Nowodazkij; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Love in Swans Cove Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Maddie & Damian.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I took a little while to get into this, but I think it was a me issue. Once I did I loved reading it. I liked Maddie, and felt so much sympathy for her from the beginning of the book. I loved Damien.

I don't love cliffhangers - I usually try to wait until a full series has been released - so I'm definitely looking forward to the next part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Buttercup1201 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about 2 people that are attracted to each other but their opinions of each get in the way. Damian is definitely my new book boyfriend. He is just lovable and sexy. Maddie just needs to get her confidence back. Enjoyed all the misunderstanding between these two. Can’t wait for the follow up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rom com read between these enemies turned lovers and neighbours, Maddie and Damian. Set in a small town with lots of friends in the supporting cast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute little rom com with enemies and grumpy sunshine. The banter was great and I was laughing the whole time! This was a quick little prequel and I’m curious to see where the story picks up in the next book!

[Tracy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely NOT Lovers
Love in Swans Cove
Elodie Nowodazkij

Well written. Great characters, brilliant journey and easy to read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the build-up, but the ending felt rushed and incomplete. Found out afterwards that the story continues in a sequel.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts well, ends slow.

[Brielle Sancen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring.. I tried giving this person a 2nd chance but unfortunately still disappointed. Thankfully this was a free audiobook that I just listened to while cleaning around the house..

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute. Loved the build up and obvious signs lol. That ending, I got #2 straight after it ended. Had to know what happens next.