Perfect for when you want a fantasy holiday romance…
Finneas Foxworth is in no mood for holiday cheer—especially after being unexpectedly chosen to host his kingdom’s biggest event of the the Christmas Eve Festival. Organizing a town-wide celebration sounds like a nightmare, especially when his co-host is Prince Adaemos of Panagos, the infuriating fae royal who tormented him as a teen…and who also happened to be Finn's first hopeless crush.
Now, Finn’s stuck planning the perfect holiday festival with the one person he swore he’d never deal with again. But the arrogant prince he remembers is gone—replaced by someone unexpectedly brilliant, dangerously charming, and annoyingly irresistible. As the festive season draws near, Finn finds himself falling—for real this time.
My Faevorite Enemy is a short story romance for those who love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, fae princes, and cozy Christmas stories with a sprinkle of heat.
Okay so two more things I’ve realized about this author’s books….
1. The guys pining for each other have been pining for years!! There’s so many years with them apart!! The first one was 4 years, the second 7 years, the third 1 year and this one…10 FREAKING YEARS!!
Why so many years between when they figure out their feelings to when they actually get together. It definitely makes the books less enjoyable.
2. One of the MCs has a dirty mouth. (Love it)
But this one left a lot to be desired. They got together right at the very end and only one of the MCs (again) confessed feelings while the other one just kisses him and takes him to bed. It’s like this with every story. Always ending with them in the bedroom but never talking about anything further. This one could have been such a great full length book especially with the other characters and the magic.
Also Finn has some nosy ass friends. Like how dare you listen to be while I’m up in my room?! I didn’t like that invasion of privacy.
This was a lot of fun! I didn’t expect so much world building from an 85-page short. I would’ve liked for MCs to take it all the way but even without that, the chemistry between them was palpable and I liked seeing a soft side to Adaemos.
Expect - Enemies to lovers - Forced proximity - Royal MCs - Found family - Arranged marriage (minor element)
This is the first book I have ever been conflicted about rating. I liked it and could see myself re-reading it but I also didn’t like it as much as I thought I would. Let me break it down below and though I doubt I’ll change my rating, it’ll hopefully helps you decide.
This short story follows Finneas Foxworth, a prince with a supportive family living amongst supernatural creatures such as vampires and werewolves. One day, Finn is suddenly thrust against the Fae Prince Adaemos to host the kingdom’s biggest celebration. Finn has conflicted feelings since Adaemos was always arrogant and unkindly when they were kids. But now, Adaemos is different and quite possibly tugging at Finn’s heartstrings a little too frequently.
One thing I loved the most in this series is the sexual tension between Finn and Adaemos. It was evident from their first interaction as adults and each moment was well placed. I also enjoyed how the world was built using commonality while also adding some refreshing aspects such as, a non-political and caring family; or a prince who genuinely cares about the less fortunate.
However, I wish some of these aspects were expanded because they would have provided a bit more depth and perspective to the story. There are also a lot of passing remarks or events that are brushed off, without any clear discussion or acknowledgement. Additionally, the pacing of the story starts off well but it glosses over the event preparations as well as speed runs near the end. Honestly, I would have loved a bit of a slower approach with more interactions and discussions between Finn and Adaemos.
Personally, this didn’t feel like an enemies to lovers story. Although the reasoning was repeated a few times, the “enemies” part felt underwhelming. I felt like Finn’s past recollection didn’t justify the hatred, and maybe needed to be fleshed out more. However, I think it’s fine without this categorization because the sexual tension between the two makes it worth a read.
Every character in this story is actually quite lovable. I couldn’t find myself to hate them even though most of the supporting characters weren’t expanded on. I feel like a lot of them would have interesting stories of their own.
Overall, I’m conflicted with how I feel about this story. I loved the sexual tension, the concept, the side characters, Finn and Adaemos. But I also wished there was more because certain parts fell flat for me. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read as a short story and one I would read again for the romance.
De momento mi historia corta menos favorita de Gaia. Entretenida, pero hasta ahí nomás. Siento que hubiera funcionado mejor como novela, ya que necesitaba situaciones en las que la autora tenía que explayarse. Tiene un final muy abrupto...
Yes, I am working my way through this author's entire body of work, it seems! The characterization, romantic tension, and voice are consistently engaging and deliver story after story of feel-good romance.
This one's a romantasy, and while it's too short to go deep into world-building, the characters are instantly intriguing and I was caught up immediately in the story. The author never waits to hook you with some kind of emotionally fraught situation. Here, we have a former-crush-turned-bully fae prince Adaemos (yes, he's got some magic abilities!) coming to town to help human lord Finneas plan the Christmas Eve town festival. Yeah, it doesn't quite make sense, just roll with it.
Finneas knows Adaemos can't stand him, because when at 17 he went to stay with Adaemos's father the fae king (Finneas's dad's bestie) and train with Adaemos in swordfighting (not that kind stop snickering!) and other princely-lordly Things, Adaemos constantly teased and tortured him, picking on him nonstop. It was clear he just did not like Finneas, for no discernable reason.
Having Adaemos thrust upon him by his father out of the blue as his sudden co-chair to plan and execute the festival is...less than welcome for now-homey-innkeeper (but still lord!) Finneas. And everyone seems to have a wink-nudge about something going on that Finneas isn't in on. It's maddening!
Heh heh. This one could have used more thought put into it; the reason for the past angst is too simple and cliche, and should have been more realistic and it would have been more credible and effective, and the present could really use more time for these two to bond and really get to know each other. I admit I lost track of the timeline--not sure how old they are now/how long it was since that time they spent together as teens. Five years? Ten? Eh. No worries.
But the tension is consistently strong and appealing, and I ate this up anyway. It's fun!
HFN that intimates HEA (seriously, AUTHOR HOW ABOUT SOME EPILOGUES...!), former bully, fae prince-human lord duo, meddling fathers in the backdrop. Romantasy. No others, there's not a single detail of info on either hero's sexual experience, and that made me...not think about it! Entirely safe for me! Recommended.
4.5 - This is the 4th holiday short that I have read by this author this season and like the others, I loved this one. Each of them is different, but equally wonderful. One thing they all have in common is that they each have a solid plot and character development, some spice, and lot of heart. I am eagerly anticipating more shorts from this author :)
Unlike the previous 3, which are contemporary, this one has a pseudo-medieval fantasy setting in a world populated with werewolves, vampires, humans, and the fae. This is the story of the human Finn and the fae Adaemos, both princes of their realms and both are around 27yo. This is enemies to lovers...though there's something neither one knows about the other. There's a winter holiday festival to plan and the two of the MCs have been brought together by their fathers to plan and organize the festival together. The sparks definitely fly! The last 20% made me tear up, partly in sympathy for the sad boy and partly just because I loved seeing them get their HEA. As always when I love a novella, I wish it were longer because I want more time with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fun story. Finn, human, thought his step Dad was fair minded and discerning. Then Calix surprises him assigning him the task of organizing the Christmas Eve Festival, in one week. Then he surprised him more assigning him a co-host in Prince Adaemos the fae royal and his secret youthful crush. Meeting again after 10 years, he finds adult Adaemos, attractive. Delightful story getting to know an old previous acquaintance as grownups. The intense communication needed answers a few questions. Fun group of friends and family, great story flow. Well done! This story could be longer it's so good. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read "My Accidental Valentine" by Gaia Tate last month and really liked it. Since then, I've wanted to read more of this author's short stories.
My Faevorite Enemy is about Finn, who is forced to work with Fae Prince Adaemos, who taunted him when the two were teenagers. The two are tasked by their fathers to plan the yearly Christmas Eve party together.
This is a quick read (less than 100 pages) with interesting characters (including supporting characters) and a spicy romance. While it is set in the week leading up to Christmas, it isn't excessively Christmas-y. It can easily be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Finn is a human, and ten years ago Adaemon - the fae prince - tormented him for months. And now he's back, and the two have to work together to get a Christmas eve party done in time. But with shared bed, working together, and travelling together makes Finn see glimpses of Adaemon he never has before. Maybe all that animosity wasn't actual hate.
I loved the fantasy twist in this story. Made it a bit more magical Christmas short story.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun romance. Good world building and I liked the setting of the story. I loved both Finn and Adaemos. The chemistry between them was sizzling. Though Finn was determined to hate him (his crush on him was at last ten years dead after all), Adaemos is all teasing and honeyed charm and I liked seeing him get flustered. The banter and bickering between them was fun and I was hooked. I also liked the supporting characters. 4 stars.
This was a surprisingly short and sweet story, that felt completely immersive. This could be a full fledge novel with the amazing world building and captivating narration. It was an enemies to lovers that didn't feel rushed granted how short the story was. I would have loved to have a continuation of their story. Fin and Dae are so perfect together and I recommend this story to anyone looking for a fluffy story to cleanse the palate with their sweetness.
When I give this book four stars and another masterpiece three, it doesn't mean it is better than that; it means it has done its job—to be a quick Read that lifts your spirit and gives you a sense of accomplishment. I love to read Gaia Tate books every once in a while to feel good. I hate sexual scenes in books, but weirdly enough, I never feel that for this writer. So I get to comfortably read romance as well. Dear writer, Thank you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It might be an arranged marriage but I liked how Adaemos arranged things so he would get the man he loves in Finn. Finn still has feelings for Adaemos buried deep and I'm glad Adaemos confesses his feelings to they can be together.
"I want you to stop hating me...And I desperately want you to love me."
My Faevorite Enemy has so much emotion and pining. It's delicious. Also...Finn's dirty talk is top tier. I was not expecting him to be so spicy. I'm a little irritated that Finn didn't apologize for the nasty things he said during their fight. He broke that poor fae's heart.
Yes, I read a Christmas book in March. This author writes my comfort stories, and I needed one of those badly. This is like a better version of The Night Before Kissmas, a very cozy and fun wintery story. The perfect length.
I want more in this world! I really love this author. My third by Gaia Tate, definitely not the last.
I enjoyed this short story. It's a very well-balanced, there is an actual plot - which I liked, and spice. My only complaint would be, that it is too short, and I want to read more about Finn and Dae. I liked them!
A delightful short story! This holiday novella is packed with some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, and then add in a fae prince? Excellent. The plot is fun, the amount of spice is perfect, and overall I really enjoyed this one. I adored Finn and Dae—they're simply so sweet together and if this were expanded into a full length novel, I would read it. If you're in the mood for a charming holiday read, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Ooo Gaia does fantasy! I so loved this!! Another fantastic sweet and spicy romance novella that gives us fully fleshed out characters and witty banter - good shit!!