What do you think?
More Like Enemigas
One wedding, two rivals and a whole lot of secrets…
As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Isabella Valdes knows three things for her late father’s restaurant is thriving she owns lots of designer things both of those statements are absolute lies to make her mother happy
Isabella would do anything to keep her father’s legacy alive, including attending her estranged cousin’s weeklong wedding extravaganza. Because once Sofia’s wealthy fiancé tastes the recipes Isa prepares from her father’s cherished journal, he’s sure to invest.
To Isa’s annoyance, she’ll be sharing a cabin with Valentina, the former friend turned rival who ruined her quinceañera. But Val is offering an unexpected deal—she’ll help Isa unravel an old family secret found in her father’s journal in return for help sabotaging the wedding and winning the heart of the bride.
Saying yes is a bad idea. Isa’s perfectionism meets its match in Val’s carefree demeanor, but as they work together, the usually responsible Isa can’t seem to say no to Val’s shenanigans. There’s no hiding from Val, no ignoring this complicated but undeniable connection that’s changing Isa’s beliefs about love, loyalty and just how much she owes to her family—and to herself…
As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Isabella Valdes knows three things for her late father’s restaurant is thriving she owns lots of designer things both of those statements are absolute lies to make her mother happy
Isabella would do anything to keep her father’s legacy alive, including attending her estranged cousin’s weeklong wedding extravaganza. Because once Sofia’s wealthy fiancé tastes the recipes Isa prepares from her father’s cherished journal, he’s sure to invest.
To Isa’s annoyance, she’ll be sharing a cabin with Valentina, the former friend turned rival who ruined her quinceañera. But Val is offering an unexpected deal—she’ll help Isa unravel an old family secret found in her father’s journal in return for help sabotaging the wedding and winning the heart of the bride.
Saying yes is a bad idea. Isa’s perfectionism meets its match in Val’s carefree demeanor, but as they work together, the usually responsible Isa can’t seem to say no to Val’s shenanigans. There’s no hiding from Val, no ignoring this complicated but undeniable connection that’s changing Isa’s beliefs about love, loyalty and just how much she owes to her family—and to herself…
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 ⭐️
Well, this didn't work for me. Where do I start? This was less a romance and more a family drama in a telenovela style—which sounded interesting, but I just couldn't care less. Although I did enjoy parts of it, I don't think it was very interesting or original, and there are several other things that didn't work for me. But, first of:
More Like Enemigas by Stephanie Hope follows Isabella Valdes, who is struggling to keep her dead father’s Cuban restaurant afloat while pretending everything is fine for her family’s sake. Hoping to secure an investment, she attends her cousin’s very over-the-top weeklong wedding, only to end up sharing a cabin with Valentina—her childhood friend turned longtime rival.
Here is my first problem already: I don't know why they hate each other. There was an incident at the quinceañera where Val ruined Isa's dress, but it's not really ever brought up again.
I thought the characters were acting very childish while being in their twenties, which is part of my second problem: Val offers to help Isa uncover a hidden family secret. In exchange, Isa needs to help sabotaging the wedding. Why? Val is in love with the Sofia, the bride. WHY? This is so goddamn stupid. Please, don't ruin a marriage because you can't handle your feelings.
Third, I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters. At all. Valentina loves someone else but pretty much flirts with Isabella from the beginning. And then they're suddelny in love. How did Val's feelings switch so fast. You wanted to RUIN A WEDDING FOR A WOMAN JUST TO KISS ANOTHER TWO PAGES LATER. It all just happened way too quickly.
Okay, the actually family secrets surrounding Isa's father weren't that bad. I just didn't care. But that's a me-problem. It was nothing I've never read or seen before. The big plottwist was cool I guess, but I hoped for more.
Overall, this was a quick sapphic read with lots of family drama and some enjoyable parts, but it didn’t land for me. I think this book will work for a lot of other people, but I'm not one of them.
This book comes out on April 7th, 2026.
Thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this didn't work for me. Where do I start? This was less a romance and more a family drama in a telenovela style—which sounded interesting, but I just couldn't care less. Although I did enjoy parts of it, I don't think it was very interesting or original, and there are several other things that didn't work for me. But, first of:
More Like Enemigas by Stephanie Hope follows Isabella Valdes, who is struggling to keep her dead father’s Cuban restaurant afloat while pretending everything is fine for her family’s sake. Hoping to secure an investment, she attends her cousin’s very over-the-top weeklong wedding, only to end up sharing a cabin with Valentina—her childhood friend turned longtime rival.
Here is my first problem already: I don't know why they hate each other. There was an incident at the quinceañera where Val ruined Isa's dress, but it's not really ever brought up again.
I thought the characters were acting very childish while being in their twenties, which is part of my second problem: Val offers to help Isa uncover a hidden family secret. In exchange, Isa needs to help sabotaging the wedding. Why? Val is in love with the Sofia, the bride. WHY? This is so goddamn stupid. Please, don't ruin a marriage because you can't handle your feelings.
Third, I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters. At all. Valentina loves someone else but pretty much flirts with Isabella from the beginning. And then they're suddelny in love. How did Val's feelings switch so fast. You wanted to RUIN A WEDDING FOR A WOMAN JUST TO KISS ANOTHER TWO PAGES LATER. It all just happened way too quickly.
Okay, the actually family secrets surrounding Isa's father weren't that bad. I just didn't care. But that's a me-problem. It was nothing I've never read or seen before. The big plottwist was cool I guess, but I hoped for more.
Overall, this was a quick sapphic read with lots of family drama and some enjoyable parts, but it didn’t land for me. I think this book will work for a lot of other people, but I'm not one of them.
This book comes out on April 7th, 2026.
Thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Stephanie Hope, Harlequin, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4 / 5 ⭐
This was SO cute! Such a cozy, comforting, lighthearted read.
Isabella was such a relatable character. Girl is just trying to get by, trying to fit in.. And ever since losing her dad, things have been tough. I really felt for her.
She was truly willing to do anything to keep her dad's restaurant, his legacy, afloat. So, naturally, she goes against her mom's orders, attends a wedding and sees family she hasn't seen in years.. and ends up uncovering a huge family secret along the way. (AND BOY THAT SECRET WAS A BIG ONE OMG.)
The rom-com / telenovela aspect was addictive. I was so excited to see Valentina and Isabella progress from dislike to like to lovers. I do feel that their relationship progression was a bit rushed especially towards the very end? But aside from that, I loved them so much!
If you like sweet, lighthearted sapphic reads, More Like Enemigas is definitely one you should check out!
♡ pre-read ♡
I'm literally drowning in ARCs rn, but I am SO excited to start this one! A sapphic, telenovela-esque romcom? Yes pleaseeee!!
4 / 5 ⭐
This was SO cute! Such a cozy, comforting, lighthearted read.
Isabella was such a relatable character. Girl is just trying to get by, trying to fit in.. And ever since losing her dad, things have been tough. I really felt for her.
She was truly willing to do anything to keep her dad's restaurant, his legacy, afloat. So, naturally, she goes against her mom's orders, attends a wedding and sees family she hasn't seen in years.. and ends up uncovering a huge family secret along the way. (AND BOY THAT SECRET WAS A BIG ONE OMG.)
The rom-com / telenovela aspect was addictive. I was so excited to see Valentina and Isabella progress from dislike to like to lovers. I do feel that their relationship progression was a bit rushed especially towards the very end? But aside from that, I loved them so much!
If you like sweet, lighthearted sapphic reads, More Like Enemigas is definitely one you should check out!
♡ pre-read ♡
I'm literally drowning in ARCs rn, but I am SO excited to start this one! A sapphic, telenovela-esque romcom? Yes pleaseeee!!
October 29, 2025
Holy telenovelas!
Okay, let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this. It truly was such a good read. I was entertained the entire time.
The bochinche: family drama and family secrets.
It was wholesome in a latine family kind of way.
I really enjoyed Isa’s character. Loved Valentina, wish I could have gotten in her head ONCE. The shenanigans were so much fun.
This was my first book by this author and you know what? Yo quiero más. Honestamente, el mundo necesita más libros escritos por latine, con personajes latine.
The cover is gorgeous.
My only complaints: two characters should have 100% been dragged, it was deserved. And I felt like Val and Isa needed more fleshing out as a couple, I felt the tension and chemistry, but I wasn’t entirely convinced they were into each other for real.
This aside, I had a good time and I recommend it.
Okay, let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this. It truly was such a good read. I was entertained the entire time.
The bochinche: family drama and family secrets.
It was wholesome in a latine family kind of way.
I really enjoyed Isa’s character. Loved Valentina, wish I could have gotten in her head ONCE. The shenanigans were so much fun.
This was my first book by this author and you know what? Yo quiero más. Honestamente, el mundo necesita más libros escritos por latine, con personajes latine.
The cover is gorgeous.
My only complaints: two characters should have 100% been dragged, it was deserved. And I felt like Val and Isa needed more fleshing out as a couple, I felt the tension and chemistry, but I wasn’t entirely convinced they were into each other for real.
This aside, I had a good time and I recommend it.
Want to Read
March 24, 2026💐💛 More Like Enemigas 💛💐
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
💕 What to Expect
• Sapphic romance
• Childhood rivals
• Wedding week
• Family drama
• Forced proximity
• Cuban family restaurant
_ _ _ _
🎧 Audio Score: 5 ⭐
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo (Aida Reluzco)
📅 Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
💕 What to Expect
• Sapphic romance
• Childhood rivals
• Wedding week
• Family drama
• Forced proximity
• Cuban family restaurant
_ _ _ _
🎧 Audio Score: 5 ⭐
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo (Aida Reluzco)
📅 Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 14, 2026
Okay so the author was probably trying to go for the messy telenovela vibe in this and to an extent they succeeded, except that telenovelas usually span 26-50 episodes, and since this is a totally different medium the actual romance was set aside in favour of the drama. To me, Isa and Val's chemistry and relationship wasn't fleshed out properly and going into this expecting a romance made for a quite disappointing read. I won't lie though, the drama was tewwww good
Did Not Finish
April 16, 2026I decided for my sanity not to finish this. If my reading this month had been going better I could have had more patience and given it more grace, but alas i cannot. The reason the two women haven’t spoken in 10 years was so juvenile and ridiculous, which is understandable considering they were 15 but to hold that grudge FOR TEN YEARS is just silly to me. The writing being overly dramatic and repetitive didn’t help. Cherry on top was the scheme that brought them together. As soon as they agreed on it I threw the towel. It read for enjoyment, not annoyance. And I was annoyed.
December 29, 2025
4/5
First of all, thanks to netgalley and Harlequin for this eARC!
This was a very cosy read. Romance is always such a nice read during the holidays, and this one fit right in.
Isa is a young cuban girl trying to keep her restaurant afloat without any ability of communication due to losing her father and an abstent-present mom. She goes to a wedding trying to save her restaurant, and everything unfolds from there. There’s mystery, there’s romance, there’s miscommunication and there’s wholesome interactions.
I also loved how there’s a non-binary character *and* there’s no homophobia on the plot. Sometimes you need a romance book that is simply romance and grief.
If you like romance, this one is for you!
First of all, thanks to netgalley and Harlequin for this eARC!
This was a very cosy read. Romance is always such a nice read during the holidays, and this one fit right in.
Isa is a young cuban girl trying to keep her restaurant afloat without any ability of communication due to losing her father and an abstent-present mom. She goes to a wedding trying to save her restaurant, and everything unfolds from there. There’s mystery, there’s romance, there’s miscommunication and there’s wholesome interactions.
I also loved how there’s a non-binary character *and* there’s no homophobia on the plot. Sometimes you need a romance book that is simply romance and grief.
If you like romance, this one is for you!
June 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ (solid!!) What a ride!! 🏕️🫂✨ I can see this being turned into a superb 2020’s 💘 Latina Romance 💘 by Jenny Lorenzo 🎥🎞️.
I loved all the characters (even the unlikable one was written well, imo), all the twist and turns, the camp feeling. The found family storyline was excellently delivered and the ending was tied in a beautiful bow in the end 🎀
#ValentinaGoals: “at first glance: smug, bordering on arrogant, and full of way too much confidence. At second glance: witty, silly, caring, and everything I’ve been looking for”
0.5 ⭐️ less because the food and atmosphere (aka vibes) were a tad overexplained, it sounded like how AI would write 🫢
I loved all the characters (even the unlikable one was written well, imo), all the twist and turns, the camp feeling. The found family storyline was excellently delivered and the ending was tied in a beautiful bow in the end 🎀
#ValentinaGoals: “at first glance: smug, bordering on arrogant, and full of way too much confidence. At second glance: witty, silly, caring, and everything I’ve been looking for”
0.5 ⭐️ less because the food and atmosphere (aka vibes) were a tad overexplained, it sounded like how AI would write 🫢
April 23, 2026
3.5 Rounded up.
First, stunning cover. Like I am obsessed.
Others have said it better, but if you don't like telenovas (or similar vibes), this wont be the book for you. Luckily for me, I was in a high drama mood so it just worked! It's fun and off the wall and just a really wild good time.
First, stunning cover. Like I am obsessed.
Others have said it better, but if you don't like telenovas (or similar vibes), this wont be the book for you. Luckily for me, I was in a high drama mood so it just worked! It's fun and off the wall and just a really wild good time.
June 11, 2026
okay so i shouldve know this book was going to be rough from the cornball title. but alas, i decided to give it a try cause it was about a queer cuban woman running her father’s cuban restaurant and how could i NOT read about that?
the one thing i liked: the talk about cuban dishes cause i got reminiscently hungry.
besides that, it was rough cause why was every single character unbearable and unrealistic? when the main chatacter and her love interest (who had no chemistry btw) started giving speeches at their friend’s wedding about their OWN issues and horrible things they did to the bride, i had to literally zone out the rest of the book cause it was so bad. the vibes were simply not there for me i fear.
the one thing i liked: the talk about cuban dishes cause i got reminiscently hungry.
besides that, it was rough cause why was every single character unbearable and unrealistic? when the main chatacter and her love interest (who had no chemistry btw) started giving speeches at their friend’s wedding about their OWN issues and horrible things they did to the bride, i had to literally zone out the rest of the book cause it was so bad. the vibes were simply not there for me i fear.
Read
May 6, 2026DNF @ 37%
Unfortunately, I was just not vibing with this one.
Unfortunately, I was just not vibing with this one.
April 1, 2026
3,5 ⭐️
December 5, 2025
First off thank you Netgalley and Harlequin books for the ARC!!
I really struggled with this. It’s an extremely good possibility that I am in a reading slump as of right now, but I figured out the whole point of this book very very quickly. I struggled to keep up with things as far as the backstory goes there was so much inner monologue and not enough dialogue between the characters that I failed to become connected.
WARNING!!!!! SPOILERS!!!!
OK, you’ve officially been warned because now I’m gonna really dive into what bothered me the most first off. It wasn’t the fact that she had crappy family and friends such as Muriah who was all about trying to push her in Valentina together and Sophia, who was one happy to push her in Valentina together, even though she clearly did not like Valentina. Second of all Valentina extremely immature write out the gate. I don’t care if they’re in the late 20s and she’s a professional chef extremely immature not a good time second of all CI rolls up to this wedding for her best friend by the way, and she is admitting out loud that she wants to ruin the wedding because she is in love with the bride and has been so she sets out to destroy the wedding intentionally losing the wedding rings. And then for a few days later to develop feelings and fall in love with Isabella. Yeah not at all. Be believable. They hardly ever had any real time to actually develop a relationship so I did not feel connected to that romance whatsoever even though they were pushed in every trope you could think of one bed force proximity and it means lovers that’s type of situation and they still didn’t have that relationship.
Now let’s go with what is actually really bothering me. Isabella’s father was made out to be this incredible guy who was such a great dad and had built the restaurant up for her mother and all of these things only to find out that her dad is actually quite the piece of crap. Who originally was in love with Rosita who is Sophia’s mom and well Rosita is pregnant with Sophia. He decides to go sleep with Mariposa. No I’m not by any means an expert in these types of things, but I’m pretty sure that is a cheater Rosita and Mari we’re best friends and Mari still slept with Roberto and got pregnant with Isabella. That is not a great guy in my opinion.
So now at the end of the book, we’ve got Sophia and Isabella, who are half sisters and takes less than a few hours for Sophia to forgive Isabella for attempting to ruin the wedding. I will say that Isabella finally standing up to her mother, was probably one of the better points of this movie because Mariposa was a horrible person.
Now onto some more editorial errors that bothered me quite a bit. Faye is a friend of Isabella‘s and helps at the restaurant, and I do believe that they are non-binary since a majority of the book. The author refers to them with the they/them pronouns. However, there are a few different instances where they are miss gendered so I think it would be prudent of the editorial staff to make sure that is corrected. There were also several other grammatical and punctuation errors that would be easy to fix.
Overall, this had a really great concept and I would’ve really enjoyed it more if it wasn’t just all over the place and the relationships were able to develop appropriately.
I really struggled with this. It’s an extremely good possibility that I am in a reading slump as of right now, but I figured out the whole point of this book very very quickly. I struggled to keep up with things as far as the backstory goes there was so much inner monologue and not enough dialogue between the characters that I failed to become connected.
WARNING!!!!! SPOILERS!!!!
OK, you’ve officially been warned because now I’m gonna really dive into what bothered me the most first off. It wasn’t the fact that she had crappy family and friends such as Muriah who was all about trying to push her in Valentina together and Sophia, who was one happy to push her in Valentina together, even though she clearly did not like Valentina. Second of all Valentina extremely immature write out the gate. I don’t care if they’re in the late 20s and she’s a professional chef extremely immature not a good time second of all CI rolls up to this wedding for her best friend by the way, and she is admitting out loud that she wants to ruin the wedding because she is in love with the bride and has been so she sets out to destroy the wedding intentionally losing the wedding rings. And then for a few days later to develop feelings and fall in love with Isabella. Yeah not at all. Be believable. They hardly ever had any real time to actually develop a relationship so I did not feel connected to that romance whatsoever even though they were pushed in every trope you could think of one bed force proximity and it means lovers that’s type of situation and they still didn’t have that relationship.
Now let’s go with what is actually really bothering me. Isabella’s father was made out to be this incredible guy who was such a great dad and had built the restaurant up for her mother and all of these things only to find out that her dad is actually quite the piece of crap. Who originally was in love with Rosita who is Sophia’s mom and well Rosita is pregnant with Sophia. He decides to go sleep with Mariposa. No I’m not by any means an expert in these types of things, but I’m pretty sure that is a cheater Rosita and Mari we’re best friends and Mari still slept with Roberto and got pregnant with Isabella. That is not a great guy in my opinion.
So now at the end of the book, we’ve got Sophia and Isabella, who are half sisters and takes less than a few hours for Sophia to forgive Isabella for attempting to ruin the wedding. I will say that Isabella finally standing up to her mother, was probably one of the better points of this movie because Mariposa was a horrible person.
Now onto some more editorial errors that bothered me quite a bit. Faye is a friend of Isabella‘s and helps at the restaurant, and I do believe that they are non-binary since a majority of the book. The author refers to them with the they/them pronouns. However, there are a few different instances where they are miss gendered so I think it would be prudent of the editorial staff to make sure that is corrected. There were also several other grammatical and punctuation errors that would be easy to fix.
Overall, this had a really great concept and I would’ve really enjoyed it more if it wasn’t just all over the place and the relationships were able to develop appropriately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
this libro (book) set back cubans and “mysteries” in the worst way possible. and i mean it.
0.25 ⭐
0.25 ⭐
November 15, 2025
This was such a cute and easy to follow read. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I also loved the characters in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
I absolutely adored this!! I love the writing style - this is my first book from this author but I'm definitely a fan, I loved the characterizations, and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. This is a really sweet romance while still touching on really complicated and sensitive family dynamics. Also I'm just a sucker for enemies to lovers.
I absolutely adored this!! I love the writing style - this is my first book from this author but I'm definitely a fan, I loved the characterizations, and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. This is a really sweet romance while still touching on really complicated and sensitive family dynamics. Also I'm just a sucker for enemies to lovers.
April 13, 2026
I really thought this would resonate with me more.
However, I felt like so much of it felt a bit unrealistic and dramatic for the sake of drama.
The way so many of these characters have problematic ways of dealing with their feelings and do not communicate in a way that’s healthy is also frustrating after a while. It’s like we’re meant to support people standing up for themselves, when really, they’re just name-calling and being just as much of a bully as the first person. I don’t want to root for people who think they’re morally above other people—and act surprised when they offend other people—while they’re doing the same exact thing!
The conflicts end up feeling a bit convoluted, and then get resolved so easily at the end. I wish there had been maybe a few less problems so that they could be fleshed out more.
Especially the whole dress breaking debacle! The quince incident that incites this years-long estrangement doesn’t feel deep enough, and makes it more difficult for me to really buy into why the family would keep such a big secret from the girls for so long. They are close for so long, how did it not come out before this? Why is that night this big of a deal? I would’ve loved to hear more about that and get some more emotional depth out of it.
I think, overall, I felt like it had a lot of really fun elements, but they ended up feeling a bit too messy for me to really enjoy.
Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC!
However, I felt like so much of it felt a bit unrealistic and dramatic for the sake of drama.
The way so many of these characters have problematic ways of dealing with their feelings and do not communicate in a way that’s healthy is also frustrating after a while. It’s like we’re meant to support people standing up for themselves, when really, they’re just name-calling and being just as much of a bully as the first person. I don’t want to root for people who think they’re morally above other people—and act surprised when they offend other people—while they’re doing the same exact thing!
The conflicts end up feeling a bit convoluted, and then get resolved so easily at the end. I wish there had been maybe a few less problems so that they could be fleshed out more.
Especially the whole dress breaking debacle! The quince incident that incites this years-long estrangement doesn’t feel deep enough, and makes it more difficult for me to really buy into why the family would keep such a big secret from the girls for so long. They are close for so long, how did it not come out before this? Why is that night this big of a deal? I would’ve loved to hear more about that and get some more emotional depth out of it.
I think, overall, I felt like it had a lot of really fun elements, but they ended up feeling a bit too messy for me to really enjoy.
Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC!
April 10, 2026
ARC review
Sapphic romance
Former friends to rivals to lovers
Family dramas
Wedding weekend
Forced proximity
Just one bed (+ cot on the floor)
This was more a story of family drama than it was a romance. Which is fine, because the family drama is really the more engaging aspect of the story. Parts of it meandered - there would be reveals that happened too quickly and were never addressed in the moment, surrounded by pages of pettiness and immaturity. And that was my biggest issue. Most of the characters are just so completely unlikable. The two FMCs are shockingly immature for women in their 20’s. Isa was petulant, arrogant, abrasive, full of anger and completely incapable of standing up for herself. She was too concerned with presenting a facade to do any real work to accomplish her goals. And Val - stealing someone’s wedding rings to stop their wedding? Seriously? Isa’s mother is completely despicable, more of a caricature of a real character than a flawed human being.
The writing as fine, and the pacing pretty quick. There’s a huge cast of side characters but Sofia and Rosita are the only ones who offered Ang brightness and humanity to the narrative.
Thanks so much to Harlequin for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Sapphic romance
Former friends to rivals to lovers
Family dramas
Wedding weekend
Forced proximity
Just one bed (+ cot on the floor)
This was more a story of family drama than it was a romance. Which is fine, because the family drama is really the more engaging aspect of the story. Parts of it meandered - there would be reveals that happened too quickly and were never addressed in the moment, surrounded by pages of pettiness and immaturity. And that was my biggest issue. Most of the characters are just so completely unlikable. The two FMCs are shockingly immature for women in their 20’s. Isa was petulant, arrogant, abrasive, full of anger and completely incapable of standing up for herself. She was too concerned with presenting a facade to do any real work to accomplish her goals. And Val - stealing someone’s wedding rings to stop their wedding? Seriously? Isa’s mother is completely despicable, more of a caricature of a real character than a flawed human being.
The writing as fine, and the pacing pretty quick. There’s a huge cast of side characters but Sofia and Rosita are the only ones who offered Ang brightness and humanity to the narrative.
Thanks so much to Harlequin for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2026
Oh My God I had a blast with this one.
Isabella is just a girl trying to get by (respect) she is obsessed with work and keeping her late father’s restaurat open after his death but they are months behind in rent and she’s keeping it a secret from her mom and and the employees.
So she goes to the week long weeding of her cousin she hasn’t spoken to in 10 years since their mothers had a fight at theit joint quinceañera, she’s hoping yo get an investment from her cousins fiancee and discover a family secret her father left clues of in his journal.
When she gets there she gets thrown into a cabin with her enemy, the girl who ripped her dress at the quinceañera Valentina and soon enough romance starts to bloom. Yes I say soon enough cause the romance happens so fast, even if at the same time I feel like it wasn’t a main part of the story but it was supposed to be.
I liked the telenovela style of the story and all the drama, trying to uncover the secret and the Parent trap references but I feel like the romace was a bit lacking. I loved the family connections that formed.
Other than that the book was so much fun and I really liked Isabella and her growth, it was so cozy and a good summer read.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of the world book !!
Isabella is just a girl trying to get by (respect) she is obsessed with work and keeping her late father’s restaurat open after his death but they are months behind in rent and she’s keeping it a secret from her mom and and the employees.
So she goes to the week long weeding of her cousin she hasn’t spoken to in 10 years since their mothers had a fight at theit joint quinceañera, she’s hoping yo get an investment from her cousins fiancee and discover a family secret her father left clues of in his journal.
When she gets there she gets thrown into a cabin with her enemy, the girl who ripped her dress at the quinceañera Valentina and soon enough romance starts to bloom. Yes I say soon enough cause the romance happens so fast, even if at the same time I feel like it wasn’t a main part of the story but it was supposed to be.
I liked the telenovela style of the story and all the drama, trying to uncover the secret and the Parent trap references but I feel like the romace was a bit lacking. I loved the family connections that formed.
Other than that the book was so much fun and I really liked Isabella and her growth, it was so cozy and a good summer read.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy of the world book !!
April 8, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
isabella. sofia and val had been childhood friends until the parents fell out and isabella never saw her friend and cousin for over 10 year
but sofia is getting married and she has invited and its at a place that isabella has always wanted to experience and also the fact that isabellas restaurant is about to fold and sofia fiancee might invest is also on her mind.... could she pull off the deal of a lifetime and keep running her restaurant without the family knowing... the family she hasnt seen for over 10 years
there is alot of history between the family and she wants to know why..... but nobody is talking
and then there is val.... the one that ruined her dress all those years ago.... and someone who isabella has avoided for years....
can she pull off this deal and get to keep her restaurant and also mend fences with the family and what was behind them not speaking for years....
its an interesting read and when the mystery is solved it explains a lot
isabella. sofia and val had been childhood friends until the parents fell out and isabella never saw her friend and cousin for over 10 year
but sofia is getting married and she has invited and its at a place that isabella has always wanted to experience and also the fact that isabellas restaurant is about to fold and sofia fiancee might invest is also on her mind.... could she pull off the deal of a lifetime and keep running her restaurant without the family knowing... the family she hasnt seen for over 10 years
there is alot of history between the family and she wants to know why..... but nobody is talking
and then there is val.... the one that ruined her dress all those years ago.... and someone who isabella has avoided for years....
can she pull off this deal and get to keep her restaurant and also mend fences with the family and what was behind them not speaking for years....
its an interesting read and when the mystery is solved it explains a lot
June 19, 2026
2.75 stars ⭐️
I have so many mixed feelings about this book.
First off the family SUCKS! Whole family I don’t care who came around who didn’t they were annoying me the whole time and it didn’t really feel like they “accepted” her by the end. I don’t know, to act that way the whole time and then haha nevermind we love you mija! No. And of course the mom but that’s a sentiment dually shared between all.
Second the romance? Is WEIRD. The whole thing revolves around one being in love with someone and sabotaging the wedding but haha just kidding I’ve fallen in love with you along the way it’s always been you growing up? what? And also this whole story takes place in a week I just did not like the progression at all.
I did enjoy the mystery and figuring out the journal and how it moved the plot along in a realistic way and yes brought the main characters together etc but I wish that had been the main point with a b plot romance. It felt like the story couldn’t decide what it wanted to be - telenovela, mystery, romance
I have so many mixed feelings about this book.
First off the family SUCKS! Whole family I don’t care who came around who didn’t they were annoying me the whole time and it didn’t really feel like they “accepted” her by the end. I don’t know, to act that way the whole time and then haha nevermind we love you mija! No. And of course the mom but that’s a sentiment dually shared between all.
Second the romance? Is WEIRD. The whole thing revolves around one being in love with someone and sabotaging the wedding but haha just kidding I’ve fallen in love with you along the way it’s always been you growing up? what? And also this whole story takes place in a week I just did not like the progression at all.
I did enjoy the mystery and figuring out the journal and how it moved the plot along in a realistic way and yes brought the main characters together etc but I wish that had been the main point with a b plot romance. It felt like the story couldn’t decide what it wanted to be - telenovela, mystery, romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
This book is a jumble of plot threads that never quite manage to tie themselves into a bow and, at the end, I was left dissatisfied and confused with what exactly happened. To be fair to the book, much of it is solid. It’s a reasonable attempt at a romcom with family chaos and mildly amusing hijinx. The problem is all of these threads that never get resolved, or that just sort of trail off to the side.
The romance is the best part of this book. The writing is good, but the lack of cohesion in the plot elements and the overly convenient moments in the ending don’t work for me.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
This book is a jumble of plot threads that never quite manage to tie themselves into a bow and, at the end, I was left dissatisfied and confused with what exactly happened. To be fair to the book, much of it is solid. It’s a reasonable attempt at a romcom with family chaos and mildly amusing hijinx. The problem is all of these threads that never get resolved, or that just sort of trail off to the side.
The romance is the best part of this book. The writing is good, but the lack of cohesion in the plot elements and the overly convenient moments in the ending don’t work for me.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
June 14, 2026
Unfortunately, this was a mixed bag for me. I really wanted to love this because of the premise — sapphic romance with a telenovela spin! — but the romance fell a little flat and there were too many plot points. I liked the nods to The Parent Trap and the various settings, but the novel took a while to get to the action and then once it ended, it tried to tie everything in a nice little bow but didn’t feel convincing.
August 19, 2026
Culturally I loved it. But when a book builds up so good, and gives me no spicy scene, it kind of bums me out. This does not mean the book is bad or that I didn't like it, is just not my favorite. However, the Spanish, the family drama, the food, it all takes me back to the Caribbean. If you don't search for spicy content specifically, this book is definitely for you.
April 14, 2026
Telenovela
From the first chapter I was hooked to get all the juicy details on Isa family and talk about messy 😬. I also did love how the author made this story have a glimpse of the movie Parent Trap but make it messier 🤣.
From the first chapter I was hooked to get all the juicy details on Isa family and talk about messy 😬. I also did love how the author made this story have a glimpse of the movie Parent Trap but make it messier 🤣.
June 17, 2026
Overall, I wasn't really invested in the romance. It felt rushed and undeveloped, like they were just pushed together for the sake of it being a romance novel. Frankly, I was much more interested in the family dynamics and unlearning toxic mindsets taught by our cultures sometimes.
July 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC.
This book was MESSY. Equally as frustrating as it was captivating. I was here 100% for the family dynamics and relationships. Did I want the main LIs to get together? No. Not even slightly. But everything outside of the romance kept me locked in.
The narrator, Aida Reluzco, did a fantastic job 🥰
Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC.
This book was MESSY. Equally as frustrating as it was captivating. I was here 100% for the family dynamics and relationships. Did I want the main LIs to get together? No. Not even slightly. But everything outside of the romance kept me locked in.
The narrator, Aida Reluzco, did a fantastic job 🥰
June 29, 2026
More Like Enemigas was such a messy family drama in the best way. What starts as a mission to save the family business quickly turns into something much bigger as the main character uncovers life-changing family secrets. I started piecing some of the twists together, but they still had me surprised.
What stood out to me the most, though, was her journey of self-discovery. Watching her grow and find herself ended up being the biggest reveal of all.
As someone born and raised in the Berkshires, I also loved seeing the setting come to life throughout the story. It made the book feel even more special.
If you enjoy messy family dynamics, shocking secrets, strong character growth, and stories centered around self-discovery, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.
August 16, 2026
i hated everything about this book. adiós (that means goodbye, btw)
July 9, 2026
I really wanted to like this but I was so disappointed with it. all the characters are so shallow and unrealistically annoying. Juvenile writing, predictable plot, and drama points that don’t make sense and don’t get resolved. I guessed “the secret” in the first few chapters but I forced myself to finish the book anyway because I’m not a quitter
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