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Hearts of Pine Lakes #2
The Enemies' Island
Not yet published
Expected 11 Mar 26I’ve just been selected to be on the reality show of my dreams, but there’s a catch—my teammate is the man of my nightmares.
Colton Downing—senator’s son, golden boy, and the thorn in my side since high school—has just decided to join me as a contestant on Sunsets and Sabotage—my favorite show. Not his, mine. It’s clear from the get-go that he cares little for the game show and even less about the prize money, which I’m desperate to win. No, for Colton, his sole object in being my partner is just to vex me.
At least, that’s what I thought—but everything changes when we get to Sabotage Island.
Between the grueling competitions, savage competitors, and constant hunger, I quickly learn that Colton has as much to lose in this game as I do, and if we stand a chance of beating the other teams and gaining America’s votes, we’ll need to work together to pull off our crazy plan.
But playing nice with Colton is not something I’m prepared for, especially when his soft glances and heroic actions aren’t just changing the game, they’re melting me like butter on a biscuit.
With each day that passes on the Island, I’m more certain of one thing: winning the show, with my heart intact, will be the greatest challenge of all.
The Enemies’ Island is an enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy filled with adventure, playful banter, endearing characters, and swoony moments that will make your heart squeal with happiness! This is a closed-door romance book with all the chemistry and without any language or explicit scenes (kisses only).
Colton Downing—senator’s son, golden boy, and the thorn in my side since high school—has just decided to join me as a contestant on Sunsets and Sabotage—my favorite show. Not his, mine. It’s clear from the get-go that he cares little for the game show and even less about the prize money, which I’m desperate to win. No, for Colton, his sole object in being my partner is just to vex me.
At least, that’s what I thought—but everything changes when we get to Sabotage Island.
Between the grueling competitions, savage competitors, and constant hunger, I quickly learn that Colton has as much to lose in this game as I do, and if we stand a chance of beating the other teams and gaining America’s votes, we’ll need to work together to pull off our crazy plan.
But playing nice with Colton is not something I’m prepared for, especially when his soft glances and heroic actions aren’t just changing the game, they’re melting me like butter on a biscuit.
With each day that passes on the Island, I’m more certain of one thing: winning the show, with my heart intact, will be the greatest challenge of all.
The Enemies’ Island is an enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy filled with adventure, playful banter, endearing characters, and swoony moments that will make your heart squeal with happiness! This is a closed-door romance book with all the chemistry and without any language or explicit scenes (kisses only).
Paperback
Expected publication March 26, 2026
104 people want to read
About the author
Jessica King
2 books85 followersJessica graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in English and a minor in editing. In her younger years, she spent many hours “zoning out” while imagining plots, characters, and epic meet-cutes. Now, she continues to zone out, except this time, her ideas actually make it to paper. Jessica is a mom to three cute kids and a wife to the most supportive husband ever. In her spare time, she loves to puzzle, listen to movie scores, and watch k-dramas with her husband.
Connect with Jessica on Instagram (@authorjessicaking) or at www.authorjessicaking.com
Connect with Jessica on Instagram (@authorjessicaking) or at www.authorjessicaking.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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January 26, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading this one! It's such a fun story!
February 18, 2026
I loved Colton and Missy! The game show aspect was really cool and unique. I loved Missy’s southern accent and mannerisms! She’s so cute! 😂🥰 The enemies to lovers trope was done so well. The banter between Colton and Missy was everything! Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for the e-ARC!
February 8, 2026
Jessica King did it again! This book was such a fun read. I loved seeing familiar faces from The Best Friends Playlist and watching Colton and Missy’s relationship actually turn from enemies...to something very unexpected :) The game show element added a playful twist that kept me hooked. If you love banter and chemistry that’s all wrapped into a no spice romantic comedy, this one’s a must-read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book!! It was everything I was hoping for and more.
It would've been a one-sitting read if I didn't have to deal with "responsibilities."
The characters, the storyline, the plot twists. I couldn't get enough of it!
The characters were all well written, with hidden layers you didn't expect. The author gave all of the characters, villains, side characters, and main characters the same amount of care and attention, creating a world that drew me instantly. They all felt so real.
I hated the villains with a passion, those on Sabotage Island and those at home. There were several times that I wished I could sabotage them.
I loved the dynamic between the MCs, Colton and Missy. Their banter is toptier and made me laugh every time. I loved how their story progressed and the twists that came along with it. I HAVE to see them in a future book again, even if it's just as side characters.
The storyline was something I had never seen in a book before. I love how it took place on a reality show, kind of like Survivor. I felt fully immersed, like I was on Sabotage Island with the character. I honestly wish there were more books like this out there.
And the PLOT TWISTS. Right when I thought, "here comes the happily ever after," a curveball I never saw coming hit me. I was ready to throw my phone across the room, but in a good way.
I cannot stress how much I loved this book. It was fun and humorous while also sending a deep message.
If you are even considering picking this book up, DO IT! You will not regret it...Well, you might when you absolutely fall in love with the characters and the world Jessica King has written and NEED more of it all.
I want to thank the amazing author, Jessica King, for allowing me to be part of her ARC team. This book was absolutely amazing, and I don't just say that.
It would've been a one-sitting read if I didn't have to deal with "responsibilities."
The characters, the storyline, the plot twists. I couldn't get enough of it!
The characters were all well written, with hidden layers you didn't expect. The author gave all of the characters, villains, side characters, and main characters the same amount of care and attention, creating a world that drew me instantly. They all felt so real.
I hated the villains with a passion, those on Sabotage Island and those at home. There were several times that I wished I could sabotage them.
I loved the dynamic between the MCs, Colton and Missy. Their banter is toptier and made me laugh every time. I loved how their story progressed and the twists that came along with it. I HAVE to see them in a future book again, even if it's just as side characters.
The storyline was something I had never seen in a book before. I love how it took place on a reality show, kind of like Survivor. I felt fully immersed, like I was on Sabotage Island with the character. I honestly wish there were more books like this out there.
And the PLOT TWISTS. Right when I thought, "here comes the happily ever after," a curveball I never saw coming hit me. I was ready to throw my phone across the room, but in a good way.
I cannot stress how much I loved this book. It was fun and humorous while also sending a deep message.
If you are even considering picking this book up, DO IT! You will not regret it...Well, you might when you absolutely fall in love with the characters and the world Jessica King has written and NEED more of it all.
I want to thank the amazing author, Jessica King, for allowing me to be part of her ARC team. This book was absolutely amazing, and I don't just say that.
February 16, 2026
⭐️5
~ ARC review ~
Oh my GOODNESS!!!!!
I cannot with this book! It was so so good! I loved Missy and Colton so much! I loved how their relationship evolved from enemies who can’t stand each other to people who can’t spend a day or a few hours without each other.
Colton. That man. *squeallll* He was so sweet and kind and just perfect.🤭🤭🤭🤭I absolutely loved all their banter and the whole lucky star thing. Iykyk
Missy was such an amazing character as well. I loved her character development and the idea for Something To Glow About. The author did a spectacular job with the whole show idea. I loved the challenges and the way both of them handled it. Oh and don’t forget the snake-one-bed thing!!! Aaack! I absolutely ate up that scene.
The side characters Bill and Maria were my favorite! They were so so sweet and kind. They’re the one best side characters ever! I loved them so so much.
And the ending *happy tears*. I loved how Colton stood up for Missy and chose her through it all. Oh and the way he called her Missy Jean was adorable!
I loved getting to know his brother at the end, I love that they reconnected, also I love that we got to see some of the sibling banter. Gah, I just love this book!🤭
some of my favorite moments in the book:
- Bill and Maria
- when he found her bloodied in the jungle
- Missy and Colton’s teasing
- Colton calling her ‘Missy Jean’
- the way he took care of her
- them sitting at the beach , wrapped in one blanket
- the snake scene
- Colton standing up for Missy
- the ‘I love you’s’ 🤭
- Will and Lexi
tropes:
🩵 enemies to lovers
🐚 fake dating
🩵 forced proximity
🐚 TV show
🩵 he protects her
🐚 one bed
🩵 dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
~ ARC review ~
Oh my GOODNESS!!!!!
I cannot with this book! It was so so good! I loved Missy and Colton so much! I loved how their relationship evolved from enemies who can’t stand each other to people who can’t spend a day or a few hours without each other.
Colton. That man. *squeallll* He was so sweet and kind and just perfect.🤭🤭🤭🤭I absolutely loved all their banter and the whole lucky star thing. Iykyk
Missy was such an amazing character as well. I loved her character development and the idea for Something To Glow About. The author did a spectacular job with the whole show idea. I loved the challenges and the way both of them handled it. Oh and don’t forget the snake-one-bed thing!!! Aaack! I absolutely ate up that scene.
The side characters Bill and Maria were my favorite! They were so so sweet and kind. They’re the one best side characters ever! I loved them so so much.
And the ending *happy tears*. I loved how Colton stood up for Missy and chose her through it all. Oh and the way he called her Missy Jean was adorable!
I loved getting to know his brother at the end, I love that they reconnected, also I love that we got to see some of the sibling banter. Gah, I just love this book!🤭
some of my favorite moments in the book:
- Bill and Maria
- when he found her bloodied in the jungle
- Missy and Colton’s teasing
- Colton calling her ‘Missy Jean’
- the way he took care of her
- them sitting at the beach , wrapped in one blanket
- the snake scene
- Colton standing up for Missy
- the ‘I love you’s’ 🤭
- Will and Lexi
tropes:
🩵 enemies to lovers
🐚 fake dating
🩵 forced proximity
🐚 TV show
🩵 he protects her
🐚 one bed
🩵 dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reality TV may not be my thing, but I'm beginning to realize that books about reality TV most certainly are! And this particular fictional show (Sunsets and Sabotage) certainly seemed entertaining... like a mix between Survivor and Hunger Games (without the death)... and I was here for it. But mostly I was here for the romance... and it certainly delivered on that front too! Colton and Miss had such a unique dynamic... having been part of the same friend group since high school, but never really getting along. Cue the banter! But when they're actually forced to work together to try to win the competition, they discover that their long-held impressions might be a little off... and the chemistry when they do? So good! Their story was so fun, keeping me at the edge of my seat right through to the end! If you enjoy reality TV romance and enemies-to-love, this is one not to be missed!
The Enemies' Island is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Hearts of Pine Lakes series but could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Enemies' Island is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Hearts of Pine Lakes series but could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2026
Missy’s dream- go on Sunsets and Sabotage- a reality show she hopes to win. What wasn’t part of the dream- having Colton come along as her partner. Will these enemies sabotage each other or will they figure out their differences? This book was so fun. When Missy and Colton fell, they fell hard.
Favorite parts:
-their conversation after they find out they’re partners for the show.
-“Hairy”
-the lucky personal objects
-Colton fishing for food
-Missy’s strength in facing her past and potential blocks for her future
-their time in the hut.
-the coloring book notes.
Favorite Quotes:
Life can take you to a lot of unexpected places, but never once did I think it would take me here—to the tropics, lugging a bag full of coconuts through the jungle, while simultaneously being bungee cuffed to Colton Downing.
He sees me at my worst, but he hasn’t abandoned me yet. And I have every reason to be thankful for that, even if he’s still a pain in my backside.
Somehow, I feel like I can fully breathe around her, and yet, I can’t breathe at all. It’s a heady combination—one that’s bound to end in disaster.
** I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review**
Favorite parts:
-their conversation after they find out they’re partners for the show.
-“Hairy”
-the lucky personal objects
-Colton fishing for food
-Missy’s strength in facing her past and potential blocks for her future
-their time in the hut.
-the coloring book notes.
Favorite Quotes:
Life can take you to a lot of unexpected places, but never once did I think it would take me here—to the tropics, lugging a bag full of coconuts through the jungle, while simultaneously being bungee cuffed to Colton Downing.
He sees me at my worst, but he hasn’t abandoned me yet. And I have every reason to be thankful for that, even if he’s still a pain in my backside.
Somehow, I feel like I can fully breathe around her, and yet, I can’t breathe at all. It’s a heady combination—one that’s bound to end in disaster.
** I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review**
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It is well written and is a perfect blend of romance and adventure. The main characters, Missy and Colton, have been enemies as long as they've known each other. When they are selected to team up to compete on a reality TV show set on Sabotage Island, the betting isn't about whether or not they'll win; it's whether or not they'll kill each other.
As the show proceeds the relationship shifts and the tension mounts. Will they get disqualified because of their arguments? Will they learn to trust each other and work together? And what about the giant snake under the bed??
I loved the way the author crafted a genuine relationship dynamic between the two. I gobbled this book up in two days and was sad when it was done. I guess I need to pre-order Hearts of Pine Lakes Book #3.
As the show proceeds the relationship shifts and the tension mounts. Will they get disqualified because of their arguments? Will they learn to trust each other and work together? And what about the giant snake under the bed??
I loved the way the author crafted a genuine relationship dynamic between the two. I gobbled this book up in two days and was sad when it was done. I guess I need to pre-order Hearts of Pine Lakes Book #3.
February 19, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
This was such a fun read! I’ve never read a book like this; the premise of the show (Sunsets and Sabotage) was a blast to read. It was a fun combination of Survivor and Amazing Race and all the challenges were so creative.
I loved the slow burn for Missy and Colton. The build up was so good and it made their first kiss that much sweeter. I also loved how they brought out the best in each other and were always there for each other even when they didn’t recognize it.
This was a fun, swoon-worthy, closed-door read and I highly recommend it!
This was such a fun read! I’ve never read a book like this; the premise of the show (Sunsets and Sabotage) was a blast to read. It was a fun combination of Survivor and Amazing Race and all the challenges were so creative.
I loved the slow burn for Missy and Colton. The build up was so good and it made their first kiss that much sweeter. I also loved how they brought out the best in each other and were always there for each other even when they didn’t recognize it.
This was a fun, swoon-worthy, closed-door read and I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2026
Another sweet romance from Jessica King, but this time with a little more competition. I loved the Survivor vibes of this book, and I thought Missy and Colton’s obstacles were realistic and believable. I’m here for the found family and the updates on Paige and Jordan from book one, too! The side characters were golden, and I’m excited to see whose story will be next. Glad I got to read another ARC from Jessica King :)
February 12, 2026
This was such a fun read! The game show aspect felt fresh and stood out right away. It’s fast paced from the start and had me hooked. I could hardly put it down! The banter was so good and the fake dating tension was fantastic.
If you love clean romcoms with witty dialogue and swoony moments, definitely add this one to your list!
If you love clean romcoms with witty dialogue and swoony moments, definitely add this one to your list!
February 15, 2026
ARC Review: Jessica King did an amazing job with The Enemies Island and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! I loved the constant action of the Sunsets and Sabotage show and the whirlwind romance between Missy and Colton from enemies to lovers! If you have never read any of Jessica’s books, you need to NOW!! Run don’t walk!
February 16, 2026
This book is absolutely darling. Missy and Colton were so fun to follow and very relatable. I loved the twists and turns, except for when they ruined the moment!! The game show was a fun aspect and allowed us to get a deeper look into Missy and Colton which I thought was very clever. If you’re looking for a no-spice, yet sweet and endearing story— look no further!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from author Jessica King! Loved the clever banter and surprising storyline. All the adventure kept me guessing and enthralled...and laughing! It's a fabulous, fun, and clean romcom...you won't want to put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved Colton and Missy. First off her southern accent and mannerisms are too cute. The game show setting is really fun and unique. I always enjoy the enemies to lovers books and this was no exception.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Fun story! Enjoyed the island life and appreciated the communication they made. I did find it to be a little slow at times and the character development happened fairly suddenly. But I did appreciate the relationship development and how caring of each other they were.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews