The Enemy

Clear View Country Club

by C. Lymari

I lost everyone when my mother passed away.

My father became a shadow of his former self, and my grandfather didn't believe I was capable of taking the reins of our company.

So when my father remarried, there was an ocean between us.
Neither of us dared to cross it.
And he was no longer the person I ran to when I had a problem.

With his new wife came Neo Caldwell, my new stepbrother and the bane of my existence.
Also, the only man that simultaneously heated my blood and gave me goosebumps.

My family took him in like he was one of their own.
He filled the void I left in my father, and my grandfather saw a more suitable heir in him.

Now, the race for my family's legacy was on.
Neo might not be blood, but he was now family.
But I had something to prove, something to fight for.

Who needed weapons when we could kill each other with our sharp tongues?

I needed to ignore the way he made me feel.
And he needed to know that I'd rather see my legacy in ruins than let him have it.

Keep your enemies close, but your stepbrother closer.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she's not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she's fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel.

Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.


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Reviews

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’re a lot of good sentiments here but no content to actually back it up. It just made the characters feel super inconsistent and made them look like liars; since they can’t be trusted the romance fell majorly flat. There were some fun scenes and good drama but none of it was actually impactful because of the way the story was executed. Its never a good thing when you have to force yourself to finish at 93%, once the drama was resolved I was so over it.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Step-enemy!!!" stars***



"Neo and I didn't need a blade to do any real damage -our words were more than enough."

This book made the word 'Enemy' so literal and at the same time, so hot!!!
Neo and Lourdes were so fun to watch when they were slaying each other, not with swords, but with their sharp tongues!!!
There was so much tension in the air whenever these two were in the same room and my only complain is that I wanted more shared intimate moments than what we got!!!!
Otherwise, this story was so intense and complicated on so many aspects!!!
You see Neo and Lou were stepsiblings, and they were fighting for the same position in the family's company!!!!

"What was it about Neo that got my blood boiling? Why did I keep provoking him, knowing he had the power to destroy me?"

Lou lost her mom and then her dad got married again with a spiteful woman... But along her stepmother, Neo had come into her home to take everything from her...
Her father's attention, her grandfather's approval and her family's legacy...
How could she let him take everything away from her???
She was a woman into a man's world, but she was determined to prove them all wrong!!!
She had nails and claws and she was about to show them to all the men in her life!!!
The fact that Neo was making her blood boil, not only for the known reasons, it was something that she had to ignore...

"How was it possible that the person who was responsible for taking everything away from me could also make it better?"

I won't speak about Neo much...
I will only say that he wasn't having the greatest attitude and he had something to prove too in order to become someone... But from time to time, we were seeing his mask slipping out and his weakness for Lourdes was so obvious to us....
But he had his owns demons to fight and even though he had to go against to the only girl that was making him wild, he wouldn't stop at anything!!!
Yes, Neo sounds awful, but trust me... He had his good moments too!!! LOL and I love him because of that!!!

"Only I was allowed to break Lourdes."

These two were making a mess all the time, but their handful of encounters were so intense and hot...
I loved how protective and obsessive was Neo over Lou, even though he was showing it in wrong ways...
As for Lourdes??? I loved this girl fiercely!!! I loved how determined she was to prove to everyone around her that she was worthy and I liked that she could put the world on fire, if someone would stand in her way, even though that someone could be a man that she had feelings over him!!!
These two were so delicious to watch breaking each other!!!

"Look how wet you get for me, Lou, for the stepbrother you hate."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game on, asshole!

💜Stepbrother romance
💜Billionaire romance
💜Workplace romance
💜Revenge
💜Enemies to lovers
💜Plus size heroine


The push and pull between Neo and Lourdes was off the scale. When I say this was enemies to lovers… it was enemies for a lot of the book and I absolutely loved that! The hate these two felt for each other was tangible because they’ve always been pitted against once another. They live in a cut throat world and Lourdes held her head high and caused chaos and it was absolutely brilliant to watch.

I love all of C.Lymari’s books but there is just something about her dark writing that is special and hits every single time.

[Caitlin Audet · Rating 4 out of 5]

C. Lymari took the enemies to lovers genre to a whole other level with the first book of the Clear View Country Club series, The Enemy. Appropriately titled for the sole reason that the main characters truly are quite vicious to each other with their words. Honestly I give major props to Lourdes aka Lou for always standing her ground and never bowing to the men in her world. Neo had the entire alphahole vibe down perfectly, especially when it came to getting what he wanted.

The only thing that kept me from truly loving this story was how long it took to actually get going. Lourdes and Neo go way back, starting in high school, but rarely encountered each other. A few shared moments over the years until finally reaching present time, which felt rushed to me. I'm hoping since Clear View is a shared world that these characters will pop up again because that ending just wasn't enough so fingers crossed for more Neo and Lou in the future.

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to hate Neo! There were so many times I just wanted to shake him (punch him) but by the of the book he manages the unimaginable. Redemption. As for Lou, gosh I love her and her revenge! She stood up to the powers that be and set it all on fire. These two have everything going against them but can’t help but be drawn to each other. Amazing enemies to lovers story!

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read but I felt like it dragged and emphasis was on the wrong parts

I wish we saw more of Neo and Lous life after the fall out and it wasn't just a happily ever after ending

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way C. Lymari had me devouring The Enemy was unreal, making it 5⭐️ all the way and my first Top Fav Read of 2025!
Then again, not surprising when there is a delivery of a terrific developing storyline that had you chopping at the bits with every page turn. And even more so due to the depth of character development with Lourdes and Neo.
This Enemies to Lovers couple took the trope on quite the ride, alongside being a Forbidden Romance that was undeniable courtesy of explosive love/hate chemistry that resulted in Spicy AF steam.

Shared world Clear View Country Club kicks off its series with The Enemy by author C. Lymari.
Through the storytelling of dual POVs that came from our FMC Lourdes and MMC Neo, this fast-paced, Enemies to Lovers, Step Siblings, Forbidden Romance made for a real page turner the way author Claudia had me devouring it and that too within a day. Never wanting to let go or stop.

The opening to the prologue was quite an explosive beginning, considering the foreshadowing that set the tone for the whirlwind rollercoaster ride author Claudia had us in for with Lourdes and Neo’s adventurous journey.
The Enemy truly brought it all within the plot that was delivered. From being entertaining in the hateful banter between Lourdes and Neo, which was hilarious and fun to see.
Simultaneously being intense and suspenseful, courtesy of the building mystery as well as the drama not only between Lourdes and Neo, but also coming from secondary characters in form of friends and family, given their involvement and the parts they played.
And of course being filled with highs and lows of many emotions, more so within the exploration of Lourdes and Neo’s evolving relationship.
It was no wonder this story had me chomping at the bit with every page turn.

There was just something to be said about the characters Lourdes and Neo.
Lourdes may have been a strong, sassy, fierce Latina with a fiery passion and sharp tongue that had her putting people in their place when need it be. Yet on the inside there was more to her considering the pain, hurt and grief she carried and continued to deal with.
As for Neo, although he was strong, tough, loyal and hardworking on the outside, underneath author Claudia showed us there was more to him than meets the eye. His past that made him soft from the hurt and pain he experienced in his life.
Even though Lourdes and Neo put on an entertaining show with the way they were at each other’s throats. Simultaneously the intensity of their showdowns given their headstrong personalities coupled with the highs of strong emotions, it made for some harsh moments from their vigorous verbal attacks towards one another. Something we learned was a result of their pain they were dealing with, stemming from their personal lives.

Lourdes and Neo’s relationship was truly everything and more.
The journey author Claudia showcased that took them from Enemies to Lovers was well worth the read. Although it was full of ups and downs, going back and forth with all their pushing and pull, considering the hate they had for one another, particularly on Lourdes side. On top of having been pitted against one another.
Yet despite that all, it never stopped their growing chemistry, setting off major sparks in every moment they shared.
The burning up, intense tension that continued to grow between Lourdes and Neo from their constant fanning the flame with their jabs in their back and forth, it was no wonder or a surprise when it eventually led to pure FIRE in the explosive bonfire that was the Sizzling Hot, Lustful Fiery, Raunchy steam.
Lourdes and Neo truly put the passion in passionate, letting their inhibitions go when it came to having sexy time.

Author Claudia touching on real life issues such as gender inequity, particularly in the workplace when it came to Lourdes and Neo was a nice touch.
It not only made the story feel more realistic given the realism it helped bring, knowing that this matter still occurs in real life. The way she linked it into the plot added more to the narrative. Particularly with the part it played into the Enemies part of the trope of Enemies to Lovers for Lourdes and Neo.

My only wish was for the book to be longer, because for me it just wasn’t long enough, considering how much I truly loved and enjoyed the story. Plus IMO it would’ve allowed more exploration within Lourdes and Neo’s relationship, since the frequent time jumps did take away from it somewhat.

Hats off to C. Lymari, she truly did a terrific job with The Enemy! Lourdes and Neo’s story was everything and more that I didn’t know I needed.
Ultimately making it not only 5⭐️, but also my first Top Fav Read of 2025!



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This is a taboo romance.

Additional tropes:
✅ Enemies to lovers

Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below.

The FMC is Lourdes (Lou). After her mother‘s passing, her father remarried an absolutely horrendous woman. She is the mother of the MMC, Neo. Lou knew Neo already, as they had gone to school together for a very short amount of time. They only spoke a couple of times then, but now that their parents are engaged, time together is inevitable.

The FMC‘s mother was of an ethnic background not supported by her husband‘s family, so she had always been treated as the outcast, and as such, the FMC has had to endure some of that. When there is discussion about the new leadership that will take over the family’s business, it is decided that the MMC will be the one to do that. Anticipating this, Lou had been working to acquire information on some people that would not paint them in a favorable light.

When this information comes out, everything changes. The future of the company is at stake, as well as the relationships between not only Lou and Neo, but also Lou and her father which had been strained due to his marriage to her evil stepmother. What she didn’t know, is that her actions would prove to be one of the best things that she could’ve done. Not only did she stand up for herself, but she showed the people around her of what is really important and it has nothing to do with money or success.

There had been some things that had happened that were very hurtful for Lou, a particular incident where Neo had to come to her rescue. He vowed revenge on the person responsible, but his actions were suggesting that he didn’t intend to fulfill that promise. This left Lou feeling hurt, but as the book progresses, we learned the true intentions of the MMC and toward the end, he’s able to explain everything that he did so the FMC understands that he always stayed true to his word. For this reason, he earned her forgiveness and they were able to move forward.

⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️

*SA of the FMC
🌶️: 2/5

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and I am glad that I read it because I was almost tempted not to. I love a good taboo romance where it’s a stepbrother and stepsister, but I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for it now. So it proved to be a very good decision on my part to continue reading it. I loved the FMC. I loved that for the most part, she was a fake it til you make it kind of girl. To people’s face she gave as good as she got. She allowed herself the time to sort of fall apart, when she was behind closed doors.

The banter between her and the MMC was really good. I loved that she blew everything up at the end and it was a pivotal point in not only her relationship with the MMC but also with her father. He was able to start to mend some of the brokenness their relationship had endured due to, not only the distance that he put between them after her mother passed, but in marrying her stepmother who treated her horribly the entire time she knew her. I wish there had been just a little bit more comeuppance for the stepmom because she just wasn’t a nice person.

But I just genuinely enjoyed the main characters, and I loved that the story was perfectly paced for me. It’s not a long book, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. I felt like there was a good progression that kept me interested. I definitely recommend this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How was it possible that the person who was responsible for taking everything away from me could also make it better?”

The Enemy was a fast-paced, enemies to lovers story that had me firmly entrenched in the story after the first page. Lourdes and Neo were pure FIRE and the opening prologue foreshadowed the rollercoaster ride the reader was in for. I absolutely devoured this title and finished it in one sitting.

“Neo took my father away from me—or whatever pieces were left of him after my mother passed away.”

Lourdes was fiery and strong-willed and pure passion. Her tongue was fierce and she had no problem putting anyone in their place. She felt betrayed by her family when they accepted her step-brother into her rightful place and her hate for Neo was born.

“Wanting Lourdes Riviere wasn’t just wrong. It was destruction for both of us.”

Neo equally hated Lou and was fascinated by her. She made him feel things that no other had before her, but he was determined to take what he wanted. His possessiveness knew no bounds and while he was cruel with his words, often his actions showed his soft side.

“She was mine. She had always been mine. The first time I noticed Lou at school, I had been mesmerized by her. She was different from everyone else.”

The hate banter between Lou and Neo was snarky and so much fun. These two hated each other so much that it was a surprise to them how explosive their chemistry was. I loved watching their relationship unfold and ignite and how they made each other stronger in the end. The Enemy was a compelling read full of snappy banter, fiery passion and complicated family ties that are absolutely volatile.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was seriously so dang good!! I flew through it in one day because I couldn't put it down, I needed to know what was gonna happen next. It has everything I love in my books; step-siblings, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, curvy girl representation, and a very jealous, possessive man. The slow burn and angst had me feeling like Captain Barbosa from Pirates of the Caribbean yelling, "Just kiss!"

Lourdes has never fit in at school, work, or even with her family after her mom died. She was always too curvy, too dark-skinned, or just the fact she was a girl in a man's world. Neo was unwanted by his father and siblings when he was born and used by his mom as a way to get further in life. Both of these characters have so much hurt in their hearts, and the way they come together is perfect. From the first moment at school to the very last chapter, they fought for everything they ever wanted. I literally lived for their banter! It was so witty and hilarious. Lourdes gave just as good as she got.

The side characters are great! There are some you'll love like Wes, gawd I hope he gets his own book because I loved him. There are characters you'll loathe entirely like Pricilla, she's my new Umbridge (IYKYK). This book also does a fantastic job showing how much hurt racism, sexism, and judging people based on looks can do to a person.

The revenge schemes from Lourdes and Neo were so much fun. Lourdes is definitely one of my all-time favorite FMCs. She's just one of those girls who will get hurt but won't show it and cries in her room later about it, but then in public, she will absolutely wreck you with her witty retorts. I loved everything about this book and can't recommend it enough!

[April Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Enemy in exchange for an honest review, and let me just say, this is an incredible start to the Clear View Country Club Series! Right from the beginning, the book kicks off with an amazing quote that had me hooked.
Honestly, I hadn’t read anything by C. Lymari before, but after this book, I’m ready to devour her entire catalog. The writing? Pure gold!
Stepbrother romance? YES, please! It's one of my all-time favorite tropes, but combining it with workplace romance? Now that’s my jam! And can we talk about the plus-size FMC? Representation matters, and I’m so here for it.
Lourdes is the epitome of a fierce heroine. I love an enemies-to-lovers story with that delicious push and pull, and she delivers on every level. She carries herself with such confidence and self-esteem. As a fellow Latina, I found so much of myself in her words; it felt like she was speaking directly from my heart. She’s sassy, strong, and yet so emotionally vulnerable—truly a character you can't help but root for.
Now, let’s talk about Neo, the MMC. Our relationship was a rollercoaster—I hated him one minute and loved him the next, which made it so relatable to Lourdes’ journey. He’s got his own demons to battle, and that complexity made me feel for him, even when he drove me crazy!
I couldn’t put this book down! The spice? OMG, it was AMAZING. The way it was written made me sweat, and I’m not even sorry about it.
I just wish the book was longer. That’s not a criticism; I devoured it in just two days! I would have loved more details and a smoother flow rather than some time jumps. But hey, I’m already counting down the days until the second book in the series!
Rating: 4.0 🌟/5
Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Writing: ✨✨✨✨/5

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lourdes and Neo are the first couple in the Clear View Country Club series with The Enemy. Claudia is an expert with world building around these multi book series, of which The Enemy is the first book up. The Enemy is a smack in the face, an explosive story of stepsiblings, who are involved in an enemy-to-lovers/forbidden romance.

Let me just tell you our FMC, Lourdes, is one headstrong and impassioned spitfire. Despite having a father, her biggest support systems had always been her friends or her mami, until she passed away. When this happened, she became the outcast of the family.

When Lourdes’ father remarries, she officially feels like the lowest of the low in her family tree. She lives in the same house as her father, yet they are two ships passing in the night. Then her father remarries to a shrew who does her best to ‘one up’ her every chance she gets. Lastly, her father welcomes his new stepson with open arms into the ‘family’ company. She feels as if she is the visitor in the family.

"Now that I knew I could have Neo Caldwell, there was no reason not to love him."

💫𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦💫𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤💫𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠💫𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥💫𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐮𝐛💫

[Christy Davisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an angsty tension filled forbidden stepbrother romance that brought a lot of emotions.

I loved that the author not only gives you this forbidden romance with a little side of enemies-to-lovers vibes, but she also brings a lot of raw emotions for both Neo and Lou from their teens until the present. I love that you get both sides of what each of these characters has faced in their upbringing, and even if they thought they were enemies they both knew deep down it was so much more. With Lou grieving the loss of her mother and her father remarrying a woman who treated Lou like she was beneath her helped fuel her negative emotions towards her father. Neo has to endure the hatred from his half-siblings because of his mother's actions of having a child with their elderly father. Both Neo and Lou have faced not fitting into their own families and have felt that outsider vibe for so long that they don't see at first it was the moment they both felt seen by one another. Lou feeling like Neo has taken over her dreams of becoming more in her family's company causes emotions to run high and Lou chooses herself and her actions cause a spiraling effect in unimaginable ways for everyone involved.

What you can expect is an emotional forbidden stepbrother romance with the enemies-to-lovers vibes, slow build up to spicy moments, and found family vibes before a HEA. If you want something that brings the feels this is one to grab. Highly recommend it to any reader who loves forbidden romance with raw emotions.

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶

[Karen Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lourdes could have the power to bring me to my knees.”

I continue to bask in my step romance era as forbidden romance is its own high. I just read—no, devoured—The Enemy, my first C. Lymari book. Holy wow was I held captive the whole time reading! This sinfully delicious saga of soulmates rendered me breathless and begging for more. The writing wove a spell where I was pulled into this deep and decadent romance with all the scorching love-hate vibes that stole my heart and mesmerized my mind.

Kicking off the Clear View Country Club series, The Enemy is a hot, heady, and heart-pounding enemies-to-lovers meets stepbrother romance with all the love-hate vibes. Lymari chronicles the hero and heroines’ journey from adolescence to adulthood. And I reveled in every juicy moment.

I crushed on Neo, a complex god who had me wrapped around him the whole time reading. I admired Lourdes who is his perfect match: a strong and stunning heroine who defines resilience. This hero and heroine each feel nothing, but when together, they feel and are everything. I felt their smoldering connection through the pages.

The Enemy brings the red-hot tension, delicious drama, steamy heat, and the feels. I was addicted to this seductive soap opera-worthy saga that enthralls from beginning to end. There’s just more fire in the forbidden, and I was here for it all. OMG … the angst … the push and pull … the chemistry … the love-hate vibes … I was done for! My body and soul burst into flames, as I burned for this book. On to the next love story in the captivating Clear View Country Club series.

💋💋💋💋💋 sinful kisses

➡️ https://amzn.to/3FhRz0M

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great and explosive enemy to lovers forbidden romance that I completely adored!

Lourde's life took a drastic change when her father remarries. She gain a cold hearted stepmother and an obnoxious step brother that made her blood boiled every time she sees how he is welcome into her family and closer becoming the heir than her grandfather always wish for.

The time frame of the story show us glimpses of Lourdes and Neo's relationship through the years. Their hate for each other at times is very vicious and their banter was phenomenal. Little by little you discover that Lourdes and Neo have many scars underneath, they were both hurt by their families and while they portray a strong exterior underneath they just want to feel like they belong.

The push and pull this couple had was truly explosive with many ups and downs. In a way Neo was over protective of Lourdes but every time she thinks she sees a caring glimpse on Neo side he does something to burry all those feelings quickly but despite all, their growing attraction for each other never dies on the contrary when this couple come together is hot AF.

-Enemy to lovers
-Step siblings
-Plus size Latina heroine
-Age gap
-Forbidden

[Andi Isack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very good enemies to lovers build up. Their mutual hate is very intense and authentic, but is also really entertaining. It's a huge plus to the entire story.
Then, as for the steam stuff, here I have something to say about. Those scenes are panties melting.... Really hot. Without spoiling, but the first scene is.... let's say.... the "n.1", it's hot, and it's my favorite!
Now the characters, Neo and Lou, have a story to tell, both have theirs up and down during the story, but together are dynamic and enjoyable to read about.
The parts that I liked the less?. Well, in the beginning of the story, there are several repetitions, saying the same thing, using the some words... Then some description of certain details were not really necessarily. And the last thing I don't like so much, but it's just my opinion, maybe some girls really like it, and find it a turn on thing, is the super dirty nickname that he call her during the Sexy scenes. I mean if you are suppost to love your woman you won't call her a b****, or c****, ecc. But again, that a personal opinion.
What I would have liked to get?
More talks in Spanish. I mean especially their fights. It would have been really funny to have her speak in her native language more
That's it. Enjoy it as well.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was *so* good! I devoured it in one day because I couldn't put it down. It hit all the right notes: step-siblings, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, curvy girl representation, and a possessive, jealous hero. The slow burn and angst? I was practically screaming, *"Just kiss already!"*

Lourdes never felt like she belonged—too curvy, too dark-skinned, and stuck in a man's world. Neo's been rejected by his family, and they both carry so much pain. When they come together, it's electric. Their witty, sharp banter was a highlight, and I loved how they fought for what they wanted.

The side characters are amazing—Wes was a standout (give him his own book, please!), and Pricilla was the perfect villain. The book also tackles real issues like racism and sexism, adding so much depth.

Lourdes is now one of my favorite heroines—strong, sassy, and emotionally vulnerable. Neo? He made me hate him and love him at the same time. The spice? Off the charts. I devoured this in two days and wish it was longer, but I'm already counting down to the next one!

Overall, *The Enemy* is a perfect start to the *Clear View Country Club Series*. It's fun, emotional, and packed with chemistry. Definitely recommend!

[SherrecePQ Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this new series from C Lymari, and my first book I have read from this author. Neo and Lourdes (Lou) are step siblings and enemies, tied up in a company that has its root steeped in family tradition, a masculine doctrine that does not "see" females on a level playing field.

When Neo's Mother (Pricilla) marries Lou's Dad, it is seen as the perfect tactical move, and her son Neo as the right man to take over. This puts these two at odds, even though there connection dates back to high school, and the attraction that was there back then. Lou also has to contend with the fact, she doesn't fit her disapproving paternal grandfathers ideal.....she is her Mother in every way. Lou has struggled with this, and this is not helped by the spitefulness of Pricilla.

There is an incident involving one of Neo's friends, and Neo vows to exact revenge, and this opens the opportunity to act on this feelings. But, once again, thru a misinterpretation, feeling hurt and betrayed, Lou decides it's time she channelled her Mum and vows to bring them all to their knees.

This was good, easy to read, and the strength of Lou was felt.

[Natasha Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars I could not put this book down!

C. Lymari blew me away with this ingeniously written book. The plot was interesting and gripping so much so that I could not put it down. I totally devoured this book.
I loved the characters! Lourdes was a such a bada$$ who everyone underestimated . She was sassy and fierce and went after what she wanted. She didn't cower in light of the unfairness of her situation, nope she rose above it and fought at every turn. C. Lymari dealt with Lourdes being plus size and of mixed heritage wonderfully, she wrote a body positive FMC who loved herself in spite of the negativity she faced.
Neo was delicious and sooo sweet . His protectiveness over Lourdes was very swoony and he had my stomach erupting in butterflies throughout.
The underlying chemistry between these two which was layered in between their hate was sizzlingly hawtt! Their attraction was so palpable and yummy I couldn't get enough. The buildup to the moment they finally gave in to this attraction was exciting.
The plot twist of the book was such an epic mic drop. I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely say give it a read.

[Morwenna Bethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

great!

I just read this off the back of reading a truly disturbing and dark book, so this was exactly what I needed. Written well, paced nicely, plenty of spice and steam, sweet moments and an interesting enough plot to keep me turning the pages. I particularly loved Lourdes, she was so powerful, charismatic, sassy and just a really great character…I loved the representation of a Mexican woman and the struggles she faced living in a white corporate world. She handled it like a boss with her revenge arc, god I enjoyed that part so much. The ending was sweet and welcomed. I really liked that the entire story took place over like 10 years, it just felt more realistic than 18yo’s falling in love and living happily ever after. It was more grey and complex than those new adult romances.
When I started reading it, because of the previous disturbing book I’d read, I very nearly put it down worrying that I wouldn’t enjoy it or that it would be dark, but I’m so glad I kept reading because it was a great little book! It’s cleansed me and I’m definitely going to read the next in the series!

[Nikki Miskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lourdes is used to being the overlooked black sheep of her family, but it only becomes worse when her father remarries Priscilla and her family welcomes her son Neo with open arms. This sparks a rivalry among the new step-siblings, that goes all the way into adulthood and their competition for leadership positions. Things only become more complicated when they both realize they have feelings for each other.

I felt for Lourdes throughout this book. She was so strong and had almost no support except from her friends. Her father was a disappointment, and should have stood up for her more. I had mixed feelings about Neo - he didn't grovel nearly enough and was incredibly selfish. I struggled to really believe that they were in love with so little kindness between them. Their banter was good, but very cruel and it was hard to see beyond their mutual attraction into a realistic relationship.

I recommend this book if you enjoy a strong, take no prisoners, Latina FMC who makes sure everyone gets what they deserve.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing her mother, Lourdes gets a stepmother, something she was absolutely not waiting on and with that gave a glorious stepbrother. A stepbrother who is everything her grandfather and father want in the (grand)son they never had. A man to take over the family business and lead their family in their dynasty, all whilst waltzing straight over Lourdes, a woman who could never fill a man’s seat.

The dynamic between them is tense in so many ways. They boycott each other as much as they can, making sure the other knows something is up.

What I loved most about Lourdes and Neo’s story was that the enemies part lasted, and it lasted long. So often you have an enemies to lovers where the enemy part lasts for only the first 20% of the book. This was so much better, and the story gave glimpses of their true feelings. But on the surface the hate was tangible, they loved to hurt each other and it was so good. I can't wait to read more in the Clear View Country Club series!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty excited to read this book being that it was one of my favorite tropes...stepbrother! First of all, I love that the fmc is a bigger girl with curves, latino, and seems to get noticed a lot for how beautiful she is because of it! The mmc moves into our fmc's home after the marriage of his mother and her father, and the tension begins. In this world women don't have equality and our fmc feels it as her grandfather treats the mmc as more of a grandchild than her. As the tension builds between mmc and fmc the thin line between love and hate become obvious. These two have some push and pull that will have you turning pages quickly needing to know what happens next. The one thing I really would have wanted more of in this book was a bit more build up between our mmc and fmc. More secretive touches, whispers, things that can build up the intensity over time instead of the couple innocent moments throughout the younger years. It was a good book and I do recommend it!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the very first page , literally glued to the edge of my seat anticipating what was to come next , screaming outta frustration, sobbing like a baby , smiling, laughing and cheering so freaking hard . Not to mention the fact that I literally sat up the whole night reading and fighting to keep my eyes open because yes it’s just that addictive. Claudia never fails to exceed all my expectations every time I pick up one of her books and the Enemy is no different. What a way ro start a new series . It has it all step siblings, forbidden, enemies to lovers , hate to love , steam galore , chemistry, passion , pain , secrets , revelations , love , characters and relationships that are so complex you cannot help but to become completely captivated . Just do yourself a favor run as fast as you can and download it ASAP . Because this is one romance you do not want to miss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
a few seconds ago

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Clear View Country Club series and I’m just loving it. I feel like I’m watching a drama series on Netflix and I’m waiting for the next episode to drop. It was just that good!!!

Lourdes is awesome. Losing her mom at a young age than her father marrying a vile woman who has a son Neo. Neo and Lou’s chemistry is off the charts. Forbidden love. My heart goes out to Lou who has to prove herself in a man’s world. She is strong and fearless with some sass. Love her. Neo is bidding his time and trying to be the perfect son and finds himself a stepfather who treats him like his own. He craves that and also wants Lou. I felt for both of them throughout the book. I love how their story unfolds and how Lou shows everyone who she truly is which of course is a Queen.

Will definitely read more from C. Lymari and looking forward to more books in this series from other authors. Just absolutely loved it!!!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

If your looking for a male character that you love to hate, then you have come to the right place. Neo is going to have you wanting to jump into this book and shake the living fire out of him. Or hug him. Lou is a girl out for revenge. From the very beginning of this book you are sucked in and you do not feel like your out of that mode till you close this book. I don't really want to tell you more about the story because I am afraid I will give something away. You are going to love and love/hate these characters. But don't give up on Neo he is all about redemption and your going to love every second of him getting just that. This book is filled with twists and turns. Will have you reading way past your bed time. Your emotions really go for a ride in this one and I loved every single second of it.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Enemy! I thought the plot and main characters were done so well ensuring the story flowed well. The main characters had great chemistry whilst still being enemies. The enemies to lovers trope was done so well in this book and i really enjoyed it. I thought Lourdes was so strong and had such a sharp tongue that she often used as her defence mechanism when she was hurt. Neo was super cool too. He just wanted to be accepted and that hurt ran deep. He was very loyal and loving to those he cared about. Lourdes and Neo bonded over their shared pain and you could see that they were both just trying to deal with their own hurt but were hurting each other as a result. I loved how relationships evolved so much in this book. This author did very well and i can’t wait to read more of her work.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enemy is a slow burn, full of sizzle, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance. The story weaves in and out of the past and present to bring together two individuals, Neo and Lourdes, who are caught up in a competition with one another right up until the very end. The suspense of will they or won't they gave this a very solid 4.5 stars.

Lymari pitted Lou and Neo in a head to head battle of wits that delved into the forbidden and constantly walked the line between love and loathing. With Lou's family business on the line and Neo's only connection to a real family within his grasp, they both are fighting for a cause, but without realizing it could be the same one.

There were times I would have loved just a little bit deeper connection between Neo and Lou, but for a quick read that is deeply steeped in the enemy to lover trope, this is the book to read. 

[Barbara pillole_letterarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5⭐

Lourdes lost everything when her mother died.
Her father is never the same and things will only get worse when he chooses to remarry.
With the arrival of a stepmother and a stepbrother Lou will gradually feel more and more excluded from her own family.
Neo thought of everything but finding Lourdes as his half-sister.

A tension-filled enemies-to-lovers that will keep you hanging until the very end.

The prologue left me wanting more and the whole novel gives us a glimpse into the story of our half-brothers from the first meeting until the events of the prologue.

I really appreciated this choice because it gives us even more insight into the value of the choices they will make in the story.

I would have liked to have a little more time with Lou and Neo but other than that I loved the novel from beginning to end.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think that after her Dance of the Dead series I would like another book as much. but, alas, how wrong I was! it may also be because this book has two of my favorite tropes, namely step siblings romance and enemy to lovers. the only minus were the time jumps, I didn't understand their purpose and I would have liked to see more in those years how the relationship between them developed. It's a slow burn story, in which the things are coming together almost at the end, but it is a wonderful journey till then.

Being the second born in my family, I found myself in a lot of the situations in this story and in what Lou experiences with her family. I loved how things ended for her! the revenge was worth it!

As far as Neo is concerned, the jury is still out deciding!