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Engaging The Enemy
One building, two would–be owners and a family feud that spans several generations: all relationships have their problems. Andrea de Villiers can't lie to save herself. But when developer, Matt Mahoney, buys the building she and a friend have established as a safe house in the Melbourne CBD, she decides that protecting The Shelter is more important than her aching heart. She will confront Mr Mahoney, and she will emerge victorious. There are no other options. But Matt has other plans for Andie, and she soon finds herself ensnared in a web of well–meaning lies and benevolent deceit. To protect the building and the families that depend on her, Andie agrees to play the part of Matt's fiancée, and play it convincingly. But lies soon bleed into truth, and what was once a deception starts to feel all too real. Can Andie accomplish her goals and protect The Shelter, without losing her heart to the charming Irish developer?
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
About the author
Susanne Bellamy
70 books77 followersBorn and raised in Toowoomba, Susanne is an Australian author of contemporary and suspense romances set in exciting and often exotic locations, and rural romance and set in Australia. She has also written several historical stories. She adores travel with her husband, both at home and overseas, and weaves stories around the settings and people she encounters. One Night in Tuscany almost wrote itself after her travels in Italy, and her rural romances were inspired by a stint teaching in far north-west Queensland.
Her heroes have to be pretty special to live up to her real life hero. He saved her life then married her. They live on the edge of bush land on a mountain in beautiful sunny Queensland, Australia, with their dog.
Susanne is a member of the RWA (Romance Writers of Australia) and is a finalist in their 2021 RuBY award for her seasoned romance, 'Home from the Hill'. She has also been a finalist in the Emerald Award and Pan Macmillan competitions.
Her heroes have to be pretty special to live up to her real life hero. He saved her life then married her. They live on the edge of bush land on a mountain in beautiful sunny Queensland, Australia, with their dog.
Susanne is a member of the RWA (Romance Writers of Australia) and is a finalist in their 2021 RuBY award for her seasoned romance, 'Home from the Hill'. She has also been a finalist in the Emerald Award and Pan Macmillan competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Andie and Matt are a wonderful match. They end up in a mutually beneficial relationship that turns into something much more than either could have imagined. The story is full of heart.Definitely recommend.
August 4, 2014
‘Engaging the Enemy’ ticks all the boxes for me – strong, likeable characters, great conflict, both internal and external, and great sexual tension. This is a story with layer upon layer of emotion and drama, and misunderstandings that lead to more conflicts that kept me turning the page as I wondered how our hero and heroine Matt and Andie were going to overcome the many issues between them. The characters are richly described, the story is true to life, as are the characters who spring forth from the page – the Irish developer with the heart of gold, and the feisty red-head who’s on a soul searching mission to prove herself, while trying to resist the charming ways of the sexy Irishman because he's her enemy.
While there are mistruths and lies on both sides, the motivations/ reasons for this are very understandable and believable, based on the circumstances and what they believe of each other.
This story engaged me from the beginning and kept me hooked right until the end! Susanne sure knows how to tell a great love story and brings richness and vividness to her stories, and depth to her characters who are believable and easy to love, and the settings are authentic and well described.
I loved the premise of "One building, two would-be owners and a family feud that spans several generations: all relationships have their problems". I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a wonderful love story where the characters really have to work hard to overcome their obstacles with each other and what's happening in their lives, in order to get their happily ever after.
While there are mistruths and lies on both sides, the motivations/ reasons for this are very understandable and believable, based on the circumstances and what they believe of each other.
This story engaged me from the beginning and kept me hooked right until the end! Susanne sure knows how to tell a great love story and brings richness and vividness to her stories, and depth to her characters who are believable and easy to love, and the settings are authentic and well described.
I loved the premise of "One building, two would-be owners and a family feud that spans several generations: all relationships have their problems". I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a wonderful love story where the characters really have to work hard to overcome their obstacles with each other and what's happening in their lives, in order to get their happily ever after.
September 16, 2014
Susanne Bellamy has written a charming contemporary story with very likeable and engaging characters.
Andie "Trouble” de Villiers is very passionate about keeping the women’s safe house that she and her friend Lexie run open, even though the building has just been bought by developer Matt Mahoney. She will do anything to stop it from closing, including getting engaged.
Andie’s first meeting with Matt is hilarious and it does set the tone for the remainder of the story. Humor interspersed with family drama, Matt’s Irish charm and Andie’s inability to tell a lie, gives this story it’s well rounded essence.
This story is well written and it is easy to visualise the setting. I found this to be a book that is perfect to read by the pool on a warm summer’s day.
Susanne has the beginnings of a wonderful series – hint, I would like to read Lexie’s story, and I look forward to reading more books by Susanne.
Andie "Trouble” de Villiers is very passionate about keeping the women’s safe house that she and her friend Lexie run open, even though the building has just been bought by developer Matt Mahoney. She will do anything to stop it from closing, including getting engaged.
Andie’s first meeting with Matt is hilarious and it does set the tone for the remainder of the story. Humor interspersed with family drama, Matt’s Irish charm and Andie’s inability to tell a lie, gives this story it’s well rounded essence.
This story is well written and it is easy to visualise the setting. I found this to be a book that is perfect to read by the pool on a warm summer’s day.
Susanne has the beginnings of a wonderful series – hint, I would like to read Lexie’s story, and I look forward to reading more books by Susanne.
July 22, 2014
I truly loved this book! Having read some questionable reviews I was a little sceptical, however I would happily recommend the book. It ends up being such a sweet love story between Matt and Andie with fantastic characterisation. Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to future books by Susanne.
July 22, 2014
There is a reason why the Australian film industry, well, sucks, and that's because it doesn't make films from stories like this. Engaging the Enemy is a delightfully charming romantic comedy that had me eagerly planning my next trip back to Melbourne. Andie, the daughter of a successful businessman determined to forge her own identity through her well-meaning but ramshackle charity located in an old inner city building and Matt, a successful young property develop whose new acquisition means more than a notch on his real estate belt are delightful protagonists. Ms Bellamy doesn't resort to stereotypes, as soon as you think you have the supporting characters' measure, she surprises you. If you enjoyed the Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman film, While You Were Sleeping, you will love Engaging The Enemy. This is the type of property Australian filmmakers should be clamouring for. Give Ms Bellamy a contract stat!
August 25, 2014
Loved this story set around and old bulding in Melbourne Australia that has caused some problems between two families for a long time and now Andrea de Villiers is fighting to keep this building from the new owner Matt Mahoney. Andie can not lie and is such a caring person but she is also strong but when Matt gets her caught up in a plan that means she has to lie it does not sit well with Andie but there is such a spark between these two people and Matt really is a caring person who has guilt riding on his shoulders. You will love this story as both Andie and Matt come to terms with the truth and let the love flow between them love cannot be denided in the end. I really did enjoy this story it is heartwarming and sensual :).
August 28, 2014
A well done, sweet romance. The hero's Irish accent definitely adds to his appeal in this light-hearted, fun read.
June 27, 2014
This was a good read for a rainy day. The Melbourne setting is well realised, and I could picture the landmarks and little nooks and crannies easily, having recently been in the same areas. The story of Andie and Matt is full of banter and the age old love/hate saga, not just between the two leads but also between their families from days of old. If I had to choose my favourite of the leads, I would say Matt, as I feel that he is a warm, witty and fun character. He seemed to jump off the page to me. Andie was a good character, and certainly showed compassion towards the families she worked with at The Shelter. She did seem to chop and change her mind a lot, especially in the way she was at times quite ballsy but then the naïve ingénue.
I liked the supporting characters of Monique and Lexie, and thought that their additions to the story were most enjoyable. Matt's Ma was a good sort too, the typical Irish mother with her son wrapped around her finger - in the best possible way!
The dotting of Irish words and phrases throughout the story were subtle and clever, and so was the gentle nudge about protecting the heritage of lovely old buildings.
A recommended read.
I liked the supporting characters of Monique and Lexie, and thought that their additions to the story were most enjoyable. Matt's Ma was a good sort too, the typical Irish mother with her son wrapped around her finger - in the best possible way!
The dotting of Irish words and phrases throughout the story were subtle and clever, and so was the gentle nudge about protecting the heritage of lovely old buildings.
A recommended read.
August 3, 2014
Engaging the Enemy was a really enjoyable read. Andie de Villiers was a sweet heroine - with a bit of emotional baggage to sort through - but I really loved her heart-of-gold and the way she fought for what she believed in i.e. saving The Shelter a refuge for women and children in inner city Melbourne. The Irish hero/come property developer, Matt Mahoney - whom she sees as a major threat to her plans - was really all kinds of gorgeous; and his accent was just well...swoon-worthy! Even though Engaging the Enemy was essentially a sweet romance, there was a definite dash of spice during Andie's and Matt's interactions - the forced engagement trope really added to the push-pull between them. In fact, the great chemistry between the hero and heroine really made the story for me. I also really enjoyed the fact that the story was set in inner city Melbourne (not too far from home for me) and Susanne did a great job in recreating the vibe of this wonderful city when Andie and Matt were out and about during the story. I look forward to reading my stories by Ms. Bellamy!
September 14, 2014
This is a sweet love story with a hectic pace that kept me reading pretty much from start to finish - allowing only for the interruption of life.
Both Andie and Matt have their own deadline-dependent agendas and I was dying to know who'd have to give way or modify their desires to make things work between them. Of course, there was always the question of whether and when Wrong Matt would become Right Matt...
Set in modern-day Melbourne, it has a mix of Australian and Irish flavour, like a fresh-pulled Guinness next to hot, barbequed prawns.
Yes, it has a Romeo and Juliet type feel to it, with the historic family feud that still taints the present-day descendants, but Engaging the Enemy is a whole lot more than that. After all, it's not about innocent teenage love - it's between two adults who know a bit about the dark side of love and life, and have seen the consequences when both go bad.
A wonderful afternoon read.
Both Andie and Matt have their own deadline-dependent agendas and I was dying to know who'd have to give way or modify their desires to make things work between them. Of course, there was always the question of whether and when Wrong Matt would become Right Matt...
Set in modern-day Melbourne, it has a mix of Australian and Irish flavour, like a fresh-pulled Guinness next to hot, barbequed prawns.
Yes, it has a Romeo and Juliet type feel to it, with the historic family feud that still taints the present-day descendants, but Engaging the Enemy is a whole lot more than that. After all, it's not about innocent teenage love - it's between two adults who know a bit about the dark side of love and life, and have seen the consequences when both go bad.
A wonderful afternoon read.
August 1, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyable, with a high feel-good factor. Yes, Andie and Matt butt heads, but the antagonism is civilized, grown up, rather than tantrumy.
Take two decent, honest, strong-willed individuals, pose a threat to their convictions, and watch them fib themselves into a tricksy mess from which they can’t escape. The harder they wriggle, the tighter the knots fasten.
Fun, sweet, and entertaining, the clarity of the writing allows the reader to slip into the skin of Andie and Matt and feel for real, the push-pull of the emotional journey these two undertake.
Made me smile, so I'll be watching out for more by Ms Bellamy!
Take two decent, honest, strong-willed individuals, pose a threat to their convictions, and watch them fib themselves into a tricksy mess from which they can’t escape. The harder they wriggle, the tighter the knots fasten.
Fun, sweet, and entertaining, the clarity of the writing allows the reader to slip into the skin of Andie and Matt and feel for real, the push-pull of the emotional journey these two undertake.
Made me smile, so I'll be watching out for more by Ms Bellamy!
November 10, 2014
An enemies-to-lovers story that's set in contemporary Melbourne, written with old-style prose that made me keep flipping back to make sure the characters weren't in tall hats and corsets riding in horse carriages.
That particular disconnect was a little too strong for me to get fully engaged in the drama playing out over a house and an intense attraction between 2 fairly likeable leads. All things considered, this could have been a Downton Abbey episode minus the modernities vaguely mentioned in the book.
That particular disconnect was a little too strong for me to get fully engaged in the drama playing out over a house and an intense attraction between 2 fairly likeable leads. All things considered, this could have been a Downton Abbey episode minus the modernities vaguely mentioned in the book.
August 31, 2014
I really enjoyed Engaging the Enemy. There is something truly magical about an Irishman, to be sure! A sweet and entertaining romance from Ms Bellamy and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
August 1, 2014
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1.5 to 2 stars.
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
I was so thrilled to read this book after reading the blurb, but unfortunately it’s not at all what I was expecting. That’s probably the reason why I’m so disappointed.
I don’t know you, but when I read the blurb of this book I was sure that it’d be a blend of fun, hot, light and angst. In the end, it’s not deep in places it should have been, not even funny when some scenes or situations were calling for it and the heat level is barely close to warm when I’m concerned.
Also, and that’s something I find more and more these days, the dialogue doesn’t flow well. Sometimes it felt forced, with a repetition of names, some dialogue tags not really setting the scene and some sentences turned in such a way that a couple of times I had to read them twice — but maybe that’s because I received an ARC which isn’t the finished product.
The plot itself moves along in a strange rhythm, sometimes to the point I was wondering what the real misunderstanding was. And there are so many things left unsaid! I mean, the resolution around Andie and Matt’s family is so simple… I don’t know, it makes me feel like it could have been made into a short novella to have a tighter plot and then I wouldn’t be complaining about the little characterization and so forth.
The characters aren’t that fascinating. I can’t say I don’t like them, but I don’t care much either. Even the secondary characters don’t interest me.
I truly thought I’d love this book. I mean, the first chapter was kind of intriguing and even though it’s pretty cliché, it also works. But I think the author didn’t dig enough both in the characters’ past and emotions and in the plot twists.
Though, if you’re in the mood for something that will not call out to your emotions, something pretty straight forward, then maybe this book is for you. After all, I can understand if other readers truly enjoy this book. I guess this one is just not for me at the time.
1.5 to 2 stars.
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
I was so thrilled to read this book after reading the blurb, but unfortunately it’s not at all what I was expecting. That’s probably the reason why I’m so disappointed.
I don’t know you, but when I read the blurb of this book I was sure that it’d be a blend of fun, hot, light and angst. In the end, it’s not deep in places it should have been, not even funny when some scenes or situations were calling for it and the heat level is barely close to warm when I’m concerned.
Also, and that’s something I find more and more these days, the dialogue doesn’t flow well. Sometimes it felt forced, with a repetition of names, some dialogue tags not really setting the scene and some sentences turned in such a way that a couple of times I had to read them twice — but maybe that’s because I received an ARC which isn’t the finished product.
The plot itself moves along in a strange rhythm, sometimes to the point I was wondering what the real misunderstanding was. And there are so many things left unsaid! I mean, the resolution around Andie and Matt’s family is so simple… I don’t know, it makes me feel like it could have been made into a short novella to have a tighter plot and then I wouldn’t be complaining about the little characterization and so forth.
The characters aren’t that fascinating. I can’t say I don’t like them, but I don’t care much either. Even the secondary characters don’t interest me.
I truly thought I’d love this book. I mean, the first chapter was kind of intriguing and even though it’s pretty cliché, it also works. But I think the author didn’t dig enough both in the characters’ past and emotions and in the plot twists.
Though, if you’re in the mood for something that will not call out to your emotions, something pretty straight forward, then maybe this book is for you. After all, I can understand if other readers truly enjoy this book. I guess this one is just not for me at the time.
July 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley for a honest review.
Did not finish. Stopped at 65%.
Book needs a lot of attention. The characters thoughts and actions are all over the place, back and forth. Drama is created where it is unnecessary. There is also an underlying secrecy that isn't presented well. The female lead is also too whiney!!
At the 62% Mark, there is a big inconsistency in the storyline. That's not why she agreed to the engagement!!!
And then finally the relationship moves forward, and you turn the page and it's over??? No details???
The writing style is also too wordy. At times you have go back and re-read just to figure out the point. I just couldn't read anymore.
Did not finish. Stopped at 65%.
Book needs a lot of attention. The characters thoughts and actions are all over the place, back and forth. Drama is created where it is unnecessary. There is also an underlying secrecy that isn't presented well. The female lead is also too whiney!!
At the 62% Mark, there is a big inconsistency in the storyline. That's not why she agreed to the engagement!!!
And then finally the relationship moves forward, and you turn the page and it's over??? No details???
The writing style is also too wordy. At times you have go back and re-read just to figure out the point. I just couldn't read anymore.
March 2, 2015
Engaging the Enemy is a great read. This book has it all....sexual tension, great chemistry, intriguing storyline, and feel good characters that you want to root for. I loved the setting and Matt's accent was a highlight for me. I think this author did a great job with this delightful story and I can't wait to read more from her.
December 28, 2014
Review coming soon
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews