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The Nemesis Pact
The Nemesis Pact – a banter-filled, witty, and hilarious rom-com perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Christina Lauren.
💼🏔️ Enemies-to-lovers. Fake dating. A surprise corporate retreat.
Abby was left at the altar four years ago. So, when she runs into her ex—the one who ghosted her on their wedding day—she does what any totally well-adjusted adult would grabs the first warm body next to her and kisses him. Unfortunately, that warm body belongs to her cold-hearted work nemesis, Jonathan—the same man who was strutting over to insult her vodka cran and make a snide comment about how she allegedly fumbled her marketing presentation that morning. (She didn’t. They both know she didn’t.)
The kiss was staged, on Abby’s part. Jonathan, naturally, was shocked… though he can’t exactly say he hated it. But the pretend romance that follows catches them both off guard. The very next day, her ex is introduced as the new owner of their company—and now Abby and Jonathan are stuck faking a passionate relationship at a work corporate retreat, complete with a shared cabin, nosy coworkers and six years of petty sabotage that’s one HR complaint away from disaster.
Of course, nothing about this plan screams HR-friendly. But between forced proximity, a suspicious ex and one very complicated fake relationship, they both start to wonder what’s real and what’s just another performance.
The Nemesis Pact is a laugh-out-loud, slow-burn romantic comedy about second chances, unexpected chemistry, and what happens when your worst enemy becomes the best thing that’s ever happened to you.
Tropes readers will
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
Forced proximity (yes, there’s only one bed…)
Workplace drama
Ex on the scene
✨ What early readers are saying about The Nemesis ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The banter between Abby and Jonathan crackles off the page. I laughed, I swooned, I couldn’t put it down.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “If you love enemies-to-lovers, this one delivers. The tension, the spice, the heart—perfection.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A rom-com with the energy of your favorite Netflix series. Fresh, funny, and seriously addictive.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Jonathan Slack has officially ruined all other book boyfriends for me.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I devoured this in one sitting. Abby is relatable, Jonathan is irresistible, and their chemistry is everything.”
Perfect for fans of witty banter, sizzling slow burns, and corporate drama with a romantic twist, The Nemesis Pact will leave you grinning, blushing, and desperate for your own enemies-to-lovers moment.
If you love romantic comedies with enemies to lovers tension, fake dating gone wrong (and oh-so-right), forced proximity, workplace rivals, and laugh-out-loud banter, then The Nemesis Pact
💼🏔️ Enemies-to-lovers. Fake dating. A surprise corporate retreat.
Abby was left at the altar four years ago. So, when she runs into her ex—the one who ghosted her on their wedding day—she does what any totally well-adjusted adult would grabs the first warm body next to her and kisses him. Unfortunately, that warm body belongs to her cold-hearted work nemesis, Jonathan—the same man who was strutting over to insult her vodka cran and make a snide comment about how she allegedly fumbled her marketing presentation that morning. (She didn’t. They both know she didn’t.)
The kiss was staged, on Abby’s part. Jonathan, naturally, was shocked… though he can’t exactly say he hated it. But the pretend romance that follows catches them both off guard. The very next day, her ex is introduced as the new owner of their company—and now Abby and Jonathan are stuck faking a passionate relationship at a work corporate retreat, complete with a shared cabin, nosy coworkers and six years of petty sabotage that’s one HR complaint away from disaster.
Of course, nothing about this plan screams HR-friendly. But between forced proximity, a suspicious ex and one very complicated fake relationship, they both start to wonder what’s real and what’s just another performance.
The Nemesis Pact is a laugh-out-loud, slow-burn romantic comedy about second chances, unexpected chemistry, and what happens when your worst enemy becomes the best thing that’s ever happened to you.
Tropes readers will
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
Forced proximity (yes, there’s only one bed…)
Workplace drama
Ex on the scene
✨ What early readers are saying about The Nemesis ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The banter between Abby and Jonathan crackles off the page. I laughed, I swooned, I couldn’t put it down.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “If you love enemies-to-lovers, this one delivers. The tension, the spice, the heart—perfection.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A rom-com with the energy of your favorite Netflix series. Fresh, funny, and seriously addictive.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Jonathan Slack has officially ruined all other book boyfriends for me.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I devoured this in one sitting. Abby is relatable, Jonathan is irresistible, and their chemistry is everything.”
Perfect for fans of witty banter, sizzling slow burns, and corporate drama with a romantic twist, The Nemesis Pact will leave you grinning, blushing, and desperate for your own enemies-to-lovers moment.
If you love romantic comedies with enemies to lovers tension, fake dating gone wrong (and oh-so-right), forced proximity, workplace rivals, and laugh-out-loud banter, then The Nemesis Pact
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
38 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Lynn East
1 book46 followersAshley Lynn East writes witty, heartfelt, and slightly unhinged stories about complicated women, messy love, and the entertaining disasters that come with both. When she’s not plotting fictional drama, she’s chasing her adorable son and ever-enthusiastic miniature schnauzer, or daydreaming about her next book. The Nemesis Pact is her debut novel—and she hopes it makes you laugh, swoon, and maybe scream into a pillow. In a good way.
Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @ashleylynneastwrites for bookish updates and behind-the-scenes fun.
Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @ashleylynneastwrites for bookish updates and behind-the-scenes fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 4, 2025
This novel was such a fun, lighthearted read! It was funny, adorable, addictive and clever. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end and was fully immersed while reading it. This is the author’s debut book and I will say that she completely nailed it! This is a fast paced read and has lovable characters. This is a workplace, contemporary romance comedy! It is filled with hilarious banter between the main characters. It is both plot and character driven and the characters were strongly developed.
I enjoyed the slow burn tension and the fake dating trope in this book. This book starts off in the workplace, then they have a workplace retreat in a shared cabin! This comes with balanced perspectives, a clear thesis and effective visuals! I really loved this story! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars! I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading romantic comedies that are workplace related!
Thank you to the sweet author Ashley Lynn East for this eArC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
I enjoyed the slow burn tension and the fake dating trope in this book. This book starts off in the workplace, then they have a workplace retreat in a shared cabin! This comes with balanced perspectives, a clear thesis and effective visuals! I really loved this story! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars! I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading romantic comedies that are workplace related!
Thank you to the sweet author Ashley Lynn East for this eArC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
July 17, 2025
The Nemesis Pact is my third book I wrote but the one I wanted to put out in the book lovers universe because I truly just loved Abby & Jonathan’s story so much that I couldn’t wait to share it! This is my debut novel as an indie author and it’s told in dual POV. So you get to see the timeline unfold through Abby & Jonathan’s eyes. There’s witty banter, unexpected moments, side characters you will fall in love with & for my spicy lovers, there’s a healthy amount of spice between Abby & Jonathan ;) If you love enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity and he falls first, then please check out my book through Amazon ebook, my website or Barnes & Noble. Thank you all for making my dreams of becoming a published author come true! xo Ashley
August 13, 2025
Rating: 4.5
The Nemesis Pact totally lived up to my expectations! I was hooked from the very first chapter. I instantly adored Abby and Jonathan - their snarky , sarcastic back-and-forth, had me grinning the whole time. Watching them go from workplace rivals to fake dating (and maybe something more) had me rooting for them every step of the way. I just couldn’t put it down! Huge thanks to Ashley for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. This gem comes out on October 14, 2025, and trust me - you’re going to love it!
The Nemesis Pact totally lived up to my expectations! I was hooked from the very first chapter. I instantly adored Abby and Jonathan - their snarky , sarcastic back-and-forth, had me grinning the whole time. Watching them go from workplace rivals to fake dating (and maybe something more) had me rooting for them every step of the way. I just couldn’t put it down! Huge thanks to Ashley for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. This gem comes out on October 14, 2025, and trust me - you’re going to love it!
December 25, 2025
The Nemesis Pact by Ashley Lynn East is a laugh‑out‑loud enemies‑to‑lovers romantic comedy about Abby Madison, who was left at the altar four years ago and when she runs into her ex unexpectedly at work, impulsively kisses the first available man to prove she’s over him. Unfortunately that “warm body” turns out to be her cold‑hearted office nemesis Jonathan Slack, with whom she’s spent years in petty sabotage and rivalry. Things get wildly complicated when her ex becomes the new owner of their company and, to save face and prove independence, Abby and Jonathan agree to fake a romantic relationship at a corporate retreat, complete with a shared cabin, nosy coworkers, and plenty of tension as their pretend feelings begin to feel very real.
Right away I was drawn into Abby’s sharp, witty voice and her chaotic choice (the kiss, no judgement, it happens) that sets off a domino effect of hilarious and heartfelt moments. The banter between Abby and Jonathan crackles with chemistry, and the way their long‑standing rivalry slowly morphs into something tender and surprising made me root for them even when they both swore it was all just “for show.” I especially loved how the corporate retreat setting, forced proximity, shared cabins, and quirky coworkers heightened both the comedy and the emotional beats, making me laugh one moment and quietly cheer when their walls slipped just a little.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving The Nemesis Pact this score because it made me smile, blush, and truly enjoy the ride from sparks to something sweeter beneath all the sarcasm. It’s a delightful debut that balances humor and heart, perfect for anyone who loves witty workplace romance and the moment when two people realize their feud was just love in disguise.
Right away I was drawn into Abby’s sharp, witty voice and her chaotic choice (the kiss, no judgement, it happens) that sets off a domino effect of hilarious and heartfelt moments. The banter between Abby and Jonathan crackles with chemistry, and the way their long‑standing rivalry slowly morphs into something tender and surprising made me root for them even when they both swore it was all just “for show.” I especially loved how the corporate retreat setting, forced proximity, shared cabins, and quirky coworkers heightened both the comedy and the emotional beats, making me laugh one moment and quietly cheer when their walls slipped just a little.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving The Nemesis Pact this score because it made me smile, blush, and truly enjoy the ride from sparks to something sweeter beneath all the sarcasm. It’s a delightful debut that balances humor and heart, perfect for anyone who loves witty workplace romance and the moment when two people realize their feud was just love in disguise.
July 23, 2025
My first ever ARC and it did not disappoint!! This book had me hooked from the first chapter. I fell in love with Abby and Jonathan. Their back and forth sarcastic banter. Going from work nemesis to fake dating to potentially more, I found myself cheering them on the entire way through. This book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Congratulations Ashley Lynn East on your debut novel. Thank you for allowing me to have an ARC! I can’t wait to see what else you have down the pipeline!
“In this moment, it hits me, this isn’t just about wanting to sleep with AJ. It’s not just attraction or timing or chemistry. I want to be the guy. The only one she wants, now and always. Not her ex. Not some nice rebound. No one else. I want to be the one who gets her laugh at 7 a.m., her stubborn debates at midnight, her brilliantly infuriating opinions and that mouth I haven’t stopped thinking about since the day I met her. I don’t want to be a chapter. I want to be the whole damn story.”
Excerpt From
The Nemesis Pact
Ashley Lynn East
This material may be protected by copyright.
“In this moment, it hits me, this isn’t just about wanting to sleep with AJ. It’s not just attraction or timing or chemistry. I want to be the guy. The only one she wants, now and always. Not her ex. Not some nice rebound. No one else. I want to be the one who gets her laugh at 7 a.m., her stubborn debates at midnight, her brilliantly infuriating opinions and that mouth I haven’t stopped thinking about since the day I met her. I don’t want to be a chapter. I want to be the whole damn story.”
Excerpt From
The Nemesis Pact
Ashley Lynn East
This material may be protected by copyright.
July 28, 2025
Ashley Lynn East makes her debut with a razor-sharp romantic comedy that features steamy, humorous and immensely emotional thrilling! The Nemesis Pact pushes two workplace rivals Abby, ravaged and burning with ongoing humiliation from being ghosted at the altar, and Jonathan, all discipline and snark headfirst into a fake dating catastrophe of their own creation! One kiss intended to save face develops into a full-fledged corporate retreat, complete with one shared cabin, no personal space, and more heat than any HR department would ever approve, their conversations are simmering and boil with anguish that my heart was beyond the universe devouring those outstanding very well-thought banter!
.
The dual POV is very critical, Jonathan's chapters temper Abby's perspectives, but also give an element of yearning that he would never express out. He's not the villain she wants him to be, and seeing him try and fail to maintain professionalism is part of what makes the whole thing so intriguing. Abby our FMC has sharp edges wrapped around a very real pain, and her inner monologue is a perfect amalgam of sarcasm and tenderness! Ashley Lynn East timepieces their emotional adjustments with proprioceptive elegance, little moments, softened pitches, and the micro-movements of individuals trying not to fall in love. It's really a vibrant romantic comedy plot that makes it addictive and unutdownable!
.
The Author Ashley Lynn East's knowledge handling the working setting was tremendeously phenonemal and entertaining to read, there are factual stakes at play, including power dynamics, ambition, secret grievances, and injured professional pride. The tension in the room is electrifying with so many well-researched details that make the romance novel more comedic and very intriguing to read, this was a page-turner romance at its finest! This is a book about seeing someone clearly for the first time after years of knowing them, that realization hits harder than any one-liner ever could
.
The Nemesis Pact features outstanding wildness with tenderness, it's compassionate in all the right imperfections, humorous, and emotionally compelling when it matters. Abby and Jonathan feel their LOVE, and at the exact chapters so did I. It's the variety of romantic comedy that evokes you how much excitement it is to see two people break apart just enough to come back together more powerful! This is a fantastic debut intelligent, spicy, and addictive in the way that makes you want to read the next chapter ASAP. Ashley Lynn East came out slaying the romance world, and if this is the beginning, I'm excited to see where she goes next!
.
The dual POV is very critical, Jonathan's chapters temper Abby's perspectives, but also give an element of yearning that he would never express out. He's not the villain she wants him to be, and seeing him try and fail to maintain professionalism is part of what makes the whole thing so intriguing. Abby our FMC has sharp edges wrapped around a very real pain, and her inner monologue is a perfect amalgam of sarcasm and tenderness! Ashley Lynn East timepieces their emotional adjustments with proprioceptive elegance, little moments, softened pitches, and the micro-movements of individuals trying not to fall in love. It's really a vibrant romantic comedy plot that makes it addictive and unutdownable!
.
The Author Ashley Lynn East's knowledge handling the working setting was tremendeously phenonemal and entertaining to read, there are factual stakes at play, including power dynamics, ambition, secret grievances, and injured professional pride. The tension in the room is electrifying with so many well-researched details that make the romance novel more comedic and very intriguing to read, this was a page-turner romance at its finest! This is a book about seeing someone clearly for the first time after years of knowing them, that realization hits harder than any one-liner ever could
.
The Nemesis Pact features outstanding wildness with tenderness, it's compassionate in all the right imperfections, humorous, and emotionally compelling when it matters. Abby and Jonathan feel their LOVE, and at the exact chapters so did I. It's the variety of romantic comedy that evokes you how much excitement it is to see two people break apart just enough to come back together more powerful! This is a fantastic debut intelligent, spicy, and addictive in the way that makes you want to read the next chapter ASAP. Ashley Lynn East came out slaying the romance world, and if this is the beginning, I'm excited to see where she goes next!
July 23, 2025
— ARC provided in exchange for an honest review — This was an easy-to-read story that kept me interested along the way. The characters were fun, the pace moved well, and it delivered on the charm and banter you'd hope for in this genre! I appreciated the thoughtful detail in the plot and character building, though at times the writing leaned too heavily on similes and metaphors. While creative, they pulled me out of the moment and detracted from the overall flow of the story. Still, this is an entertaining read perfect for those looking for a romcom escape. I’m excited to see how the author continues to grow!
October 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A debut novel! This was such a cute fun book! The banter between Abby and Jonathan was so good lol I was cracking up... the situations they got into lol...I liked how we got a dual POV. I looooove the fake dating and forced proximity trope and this book was great!!
Thank you to Ashley Lynn East for this eARC 😊
- 📖
A debut novel! This was such a cute fun book! The banter between Abby and Jonathan was so good lol I was cracking up... the situations they got into lol...I liked how we got a dual POV. I looooove the fake dating and forced proximity trope and this book was great!!
Thank you to Ashley Lynn East for this eARC 😊
- 📖
July 29, 2025
3⭐️
A sizzling setup with a sweet payoff—but the writing fell a little flat
I was fortunate to be added to the ARC team for The Nemesis Pact, a debut romantic comedy that promises enemies-to-lovers charm with a workplace rivalry twist. The premise? Genuinely fun. The setup? Perfectly breezy. And after a long streak of heavier historical reads, I was more than ready to sink into something lighter and cheeky.
Marketing for this one has been wonderfully engaging. Ashley Lynn East has done a great job teasing readers with just enough tension and spice to reel them in. I was eager to dive in… and while the story delivered in a number of areas, I have to admit: the execution just didn’t quite meet the expectations set by its own premise.
First, the positives:
The pacing was great. This is an easy, bingeable read with a quick rhythm and just enough plot chaos to keep you flipping pages. The banter between Abby and Jonathan (our reluctant, snarky love interests) hits its mark most of the time, and the fake-dating scenario is always a classic when done well. Their rivalry-turned-romance unfolds with enough tension and sass to make it entertaining, and the supporting cast holds their own, too. Abby in particular is easy to root for—scorned, flustered, sarcastic, and unexpectedly resilient.
The story opens with a punch: four years after being ditched by her fiancé in her bridal suite, Abby finds herself face to face with said ex, and—in a flustered moment—grabs the one person she definitely wasn’t expecting to fake-date: her workplace nemesis, Jonathan. What follows is a pact made out of desperation (and a little pettiness), and a whirlwind of awkward moments, simmering tension, and slow-burning realizations.
Now, for the not-so-great:
While the plot held my attention, the writing style did not. The prose leaned heavily on metaphors and similes, many of which felt overly elaborate or unnecessary. Run-on sentences were frequent, and the tone often skewed toward juvenile, making it difficult to stay immersed in the emotional beats of the story. I’m all for quirky narrative voices in rom-coms, but the writing here sometimes got in its own way. This unfortunately made scenes that should’ve been punchy or poignant feel muddy or off-balance.
That said, I genuinely believe East has an eye for fun, well-built scenarios. The foundation of this book is strong. It has all the bones of a truly entertaining rom-com, and for readers who can look past some of the rougher writing edges, it delivers on swoon, sass, and a healthy dose of workplace chaos.
I hope to see East continue writing and growing. The creative talent is undeniably there. And I’d happily give her next book a read!
Thank you to Ashley Lynn East for the eARC of The Nemesis Pact in exchange for an honest review. And congratulations on the upcoming debut publication!
A sizzling setup with a sweet payoff—but the writing fell a little flat
I was fortunate to be added to the ARC team for The Nemesis Pact, a debut romantic comedy that promises enemies-to-lovers charm with a workplace rivalry twist. The premise? Genuinely fun. The setup? Perfectly breezy. And after a long streak of heavier historical reads, I was more than ready to sink into something lighter and cheeky.
Marketing for this one has been wonderfully engaging. Ashley Lynn East has done a great job teasing readers with just enough tension and spice to reel them in. I was eager to dive in… and while the story delivered in a number of areas, I have to admit: the execution just didn’t quite meet the expectations set by its own premise.
First, the positives:
The pacing was great. This is an easy, bingeable read with a quick rhythm and just enough plot chaos to keep you flipping pages. The banter between Abby and Jonathan (our reluctant, snarky love interests) hits its mark most of the time, and the fake-dating scenario is always a classic when done well. Their rivalry-turned-romance unfolds with enough tension and sass to make it entertaining, and the supporting cast holds their own, too. Abby in particular is easy to root for—scorned, flustered, sarcastic, and unexpectedly resilient.
The story opens with a punch: four years after being ditched by her fiancé in her bridal suite, Abby finds herself face to face with said ex, and—in a flustered moment—grabs the one person she definitely wasn’t expecting to fake-date: her workplace nemesis, Jonathan. What follows is a pact made out of desperation (and a little pettiness), and a whirlwind of awkward moments, simmering tension, and slow-burning realizations.
Now, for the not-so-great:
While the plot held my attention, the writing style did not. The prose leaned heavily on metaphors and similes, many of which felt overly elaborate or unnecessary. Run-on sentences were frequent, and the tone often skewed toward juvenile, making it difficult to stay immersed in the emotional beats of the story. I’m all for quirky narrative voices in rom-coms, but the writing here sometimes got in its own way. This unfortunately made scenes that should’ve been punchy or poignant feel muddy or off-balance.
That said, I genuinely believe East has an eye for fun, well-built scenarios. The foundation of this book is strong. It has all the bones of a truly entertaining rom-com, and for readers who can look past some of the rougher writing edges, it delivers on swoon, sass, and a healthy dose of workplace chaos.
I hope to see East continue writing and growing. The creative talent is undeniably there. And I’d happily give her next book a read!
Thank you to Ashley Lynn East for the eARC of The Nemesis Pact in exchange for an honest review. And congratulations on the upcoming debut publication!
July 27, 2025
ARC Review: this story was so much fun with just the right amount of drama. I loved the main characters and how they went so well together without being too much.
I could not imagine being left at the alter without no explanation and not even an apology and then finding someone who says this:
“I just stand there, heart slamming in my chest, trying to figure out how this became my life. How this woman; this fiery, infuriating, completely unpredictable woman; somehow crawled under my skin and lodged herself there so permanently that my only reaction to this entire insane spectacle is… awe.”
I could not imagine being left at the alter without no explanation and not even an apology and then finding someone who says this:
“I just stand there, heart slamming in my chest, trying to figure out how this became my life. How this woman; this fiery, infuriating, completely unpredictable woman; somehow crawled under my skin and lodged herself there so permanently that my only reaction to this entire insane spectacle is… awe.”
July 20, 2025
I’m very grateful to be given the chance to experience this book as an ARC reader!
I thought this book was adorable! The banter between the FMC and MMC was well written, as well as the snappy remarks among all the coworkers. I liked the multiple friendship angles in the book and how the MMC struggled with his feelings in multiple different ways.
The ending of the book had me actually saying “AAAWWHH” out loud as I read it.
Definitely recommend for a “rom-com” type of reader!
I thought this book was adorable! The banter between the FMC and MMC was well written, as well as the snappy remarks among all the coworkers. I liked the multiple friendship angles in the book and how the MMC struggled with his feelings in multiple different ways.
The ending of the book had me actually saying “AAAWWHH” out loud as I read it.
Definitely recommend for a “rom-com” type of reader!
July 27, 2025
ARC Read!
I’m not crying, you are crying, 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love a happy ending. This novel has it all, totally recommend! Enemies to lovers read. My favorite. When he bought her favorite chocolate 🍫
I’m not crying, you are crying, 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love a happy ending. This novel has it all, totally recommend! Enemies to lovers read. My favorite. When he bought her favorite chocolate 🍫
September 12, 2025
This was a super fun read! Our bookclub was able to get an ARC and we all loved it! Abby & Jonathan have so much tension and banter. Faked dating at its best. Can’t wait to read more from this author! And she was so sweet, we got to do a Zoom with her. Made the entire book reading process exciting.
September 8, 2025
I read this book as an ARC reader voluntarily, and this is my honest review of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars! If I could do 10, I would.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open door spice, there is one pretty spicy scene (but a lot of tension building up to that point!) but it’s not too spicy.
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Office rivals
❤️Opposites attract
❤️Fake dating
❤️Forced proximity
❤️All the feels!
MMC: Jonathan Slack. A man that is so full of himself, and very competitive. He worked hard to get where he is. Jonathan doesn’t fall in love; he falls into bed with women and doesn’t catch feelings. He’s arrogant and cocky. Although it doesn’t seem like it, there is a soft and romantic side to him just waiting to be uncovered by the perfect woman.
MFC: Abigail Jean Madison (Abby to those close to her, AJ to Jonathan). A perfectionist. Equally competitive and works hard at her job. Competing against her work nemesis— Jonathan for the Vice President of Marketing position that will be opening up. Left at the alter just about 4 years ago, she doesn’t think she can love again. The hurt, the trauma, it’s all still there after all these years. It all resurfaces in full force when she sees her ex again. Desperate to show him what he’s missing out on, she uses Jonathan to show him she is over him (even though she is not quite sure she is), and make him jealous. Shes got her guard up with him, but shes flirty and knows how to push every button of Jonathan Slack— in alllll the ways ;)
The Nemesis Pact drew me in from page one— once I started it I didn’t want to put it down! Two people who couldn’t be more different, but fall in love anyway. A fake relationship to make the ex that showed up unexpectedly, that Abby hasn’t seen or heard from in almost 4 years, jealous. Buildup between two enemies that is just too hot to handle! And banter that keeps you wanting more! The unexpected work retreat and shared cabin, the karaoke bar where things take an unexpected turn, and then singing into an airport tower mic while blaring Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton-John throughout the airport to prove that the heart wants what the heart wants. I went from loathing Jonathan to loving him. I laughed, I cried, I got chills… and then I talked my husband’s ear off about this amazing book because I just wasn’t ready for it to end. In fact, I almost DNF’d it… not because it wasn’t good, but because it was THAT good. I didn’t want it to end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars! If I could do 10, I would.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open door spice, there is one pretty spicy scene (but a lot of tension building up to that point!) but it’s not too spicy.
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Office rivals
❤️Opposites attract
❤️Fake dating
❤️Forced proximity
❤️All the feels!
MMC: Jonathan Slack. A man that is so full of himself, and very competitive. He worked hard to get where he is. Jonathan doesn’t fall in love; he falls into bed with women and doesn’t catch feelings. He’s arrogant and cocky. Although it doesn’t seem like it, there is a soft and romantic side to him just waiting to be uncovered by the perfect woman.
MFC: Abigail Jean Madison (Abby to those close to her, AJ to Jonathan). A perfectionist. Equally competitive and works hard at her job. Competing against her work nemesis— Jonathan for the Vice President of Marketing position that will be opening up. Left at the alter just about 4 years ago, she doesn’t think she can love again. The hurt, the trauma, it’s all still there after all these years. It all resurfaces in full force when she sees her ex again. Desperate to show him what he’s missing out on, she uses Jonathan to show him she is over him (even though she is not quite sure she is), and make him jealous. Shes got her guard up with him, but shes flirty and knows how to push every button of Jonathan Slack— in alllll the ways ;)
The Nemesis Pact drew me in from page one— once I started it I didn’t want to put it down! Two people who couldn’t be more different, but fall in love anyway. A fake relationship to make the ex that showed up unexpectedly, that Abby hasn’t seen or heard from in almost 4 years, jealous. Buildup between two enemies that is just too hot to handle! And banter that keeps you wanting more! The unexpected work retreat and shared cabin, the karaoke bar where things take an unexpected turn, and then singing into an airport tower mic while blaring Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton-John throughout the airport to prove that the heart wants what the heart wants. I went from loathing Jonathan to loving him. I laughed, I cried, I got chills… and then I talked my husband’s ear off about this amazing book because I just wasn’t ready for it to end. In fact, I almost DNF’d it… not because it wasn’t good, but because it was THAT good. I didn’t want it to end.
August 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
If you’re a fan of the movie The Proposal - this is perfect for you!! I devoured this in literally a day and it is such a fun, cute, rom-com read! The banter is bantering, the attraction is sizzling,and the fake dating… isn’t so fake? This is a perfect beach read, vacation read, or something to just make you feel good and giggle while you kick your feet. My only criticism is that the timeline is quick and Abby and Jonathan fall hard and fast. BUT that being said I ate this book up and think you will too!!!
🩷dual POV
🩷fake dating
🩷work place romance
🩷one cabin
🩷opposites attract
Thank you Ashley Lynn East for the opportunity to read this as an arc. You did such a wonderful job with this book! I can’t wait to read what you write next!
🌶️
If you’re a fan of the movie The Proposal - this is perfect for you!! I devoured this in literally a day and it is such a fun, cute, rom-com read! The banter is bantering, the attraction is sizzling,and the fake dating… isn’t so fake? This is a perfect beach read, vacation read, or something to just make you feel good and giggle while you kick your feet. My only criticism is that the timeline is quick and Abby and Jonathan fall hard and fast. BUT that being said I ate this book up and think you will too!!!
🩷dual POV
🩷fake dating
🩷work place romance
🩷one cabin
🩷opposites attract
Thank you Ashley Lynn East for the opportunity to read this as an arc. You did such a wonderful job with this book! I can’t wait to read what you write next!
July 27, 2025
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Nemesis Pact is an adorable workplace romance that felt like a mash up of The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Renoylds, and Anyone But You, with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Plus the book had a side character with the personality of Jonathan Favrea's Happy Hogan from the Marvel Universe.
I loved the banter and chemistry between AJ and Jonathan, whether it was when they one upped each other at work or when they actually became friends. I questioned the reality of the book's timeline, but it's a work of fiction so I'll ignore it. Overall, I enjoyed the plot, the side characters, and the pop culture reference that Grease fans will love.
Congrats to Ashley Lynn East on her debut novel! I look forward to reading more.
The Nemesis Pact is an adorable workplace romance that felt like a mash up of The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Renoylds, and Anyone But You, with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Plus the book had a side character with the personality of Jonathan Favrea's Happy Hogan from the Marvel Universe.
I loved the banter and chemistry between AJ and Jonathan, whether it was when they one upped each other at work or when they actually became friends. I questioned the reality of the book's timeline, but it's a work of fiction so I'll ignore it. Overall, I enjoyed the plot, the side characters, and the pop culture reference that Grease fans will love.
Congrats to Ashley Lynn East on her debut novel! I look forward to reading more.
August 3, 2025
My first ever ARC! 3.5 stars for me. This was a quick read that draws you in from page one. Many thanks to the author for giving me a reason to set up my Kindle for the first time.
I enjoyed the enemies to lovers dynamic between Abby and Jonathan. I also really liked that Abby was a strong FMC who knew her worth. The amount of similes did take me out of it a bit, but not enough to make the story itself unenjoyable.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romcom with believable characters and an FMC with gumption—then add The Nemesis Pact to your list.
Thank you Ashley Lynn East for the ARC!
I enjoyed the enemies to lovers dynamic between Abby and Jonathan. I also really liked that Abby was a strong FMC who knew her worth. The amount of similes did take me out of it a bit, but not enough to make the story itself unenjoyable.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romcom with believable characters and an FMC with gumption—then add The Nemesis Pact to your list.
Thank you Ashley Lynn East for the ARC!
September 8, 2025
This novel is such a fun, flirty, and occasionally steamy read that has all of my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, and he falls first.
Abby hasn’t seen her ex-fiancé since he left her at the altar four years ago. So when he shows up out of nowhere, she does what any totally well-adjusted adult would do: grabs the nearest man and kisses him. The only problem is, he just happens to be Jonathan Slack, her work-nemesis. Unfortunately for them, the very next day, her ex happens to be introduced as the new company partner and has planned an extravagant corporate retreat, complete with shared cabins for the fake-dating couple, nosy coworkers, and six years of petty sabotage.
This novel pulled me out of my book slump, and had me fully immersed into Abby and Jonathan’s fake love story. This is the authors debut book, and she absolutely knocked it out of the park! I loved the character development between the two, the dual-pov, all of the twists they encounter, the steamy slow burn tension, and the chaotic karaoke scenes. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Ashley Lynn East’s next book!
Thank you to the sweet author Ashley Lynn East for this eArC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
Abby hasn’t seen her ex-fiancé since he left her at the altar four years ago. So when he shows up out of nowhere, she does what any totally well-adjusted adult would do: grabs the nearest man and kisses him. The only problem is, he just happens to be Jonathan Slack, her work-nemesis. Unfortunately for them, the very next day, her ex happens to be introduced as the new company partner and has planned an extravagant corporate retreat, complete with shared cabins for the fake-dating couple, nosy coworkers, and six years of petty sabotage.
This novel pulled me out of my book slump, and had me fully immersed into Abby and Jonathan’s fake love story. This is the authors debut book, and she absolutely knocked it out of the park! I loved the character development between the two, the dual-pov, all of the twists they encounter, the steamy slow burn tension, and the chaotic karaoke scenes. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Ashley Lynn East’s next book!
Thank you to the sweet author Ashley Lynn East for this eArC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
July 28, 2025
I received an ARC for a review - this debut novel was charming and sweet, and I sailed right through it in one weekend before I even realized it was almost over. I certainly hope Ashley keeps publishing and can’t wait to read whatever comes next!
October 17, 2025
ARC review! So happy I finally got to it! Could not put it down! Literally took my Kindle everywhere lol
Such a good story! Absolutely loved it!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a good story! Absolutely loved it!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 3, 2025
This book was cute and funny! A really fast read and had a writing style that resembled Emily Henry. I loved the premise - enemies to lovers.
September 14, 2025
If you love a work place nemesis, fake dating rom com filled with banter, this book is for you! Ashley Lynn East pulls you into the story right away, evoking all the feelings and getting you to root for Jonathan and Abby. Abby was dumped on the day of her wedding and becomes desperate for a fake boyfriend when her ex-fiancé appears with his new girlfriend. Too bad for her it’s her work nemesis that’s closest…or is it too bad?!? I didn’t want to put this book down! It was light-hearted, funny, and engaging. I am so lucky I was chosen to be an ARC reader!
December 13, 2025
This book was ADORABLE!
I saw the advanced reader sign up for this book on instagram… initially I was like… eeek, my schedule is pretty tight. But I have the author a follow, and loved the aesthetic of her page. The next day, I was still thinking about the sign up, so I leaped head first and signed up. Here we are a weekish later and I read her book in one day.. basically one sitting.
It’s so cute, there’s a little bit of everything. Humor, heartfelt moments, spice, swoony romance and great side characters. I felt part of the story, I was there visualizing everything as it went down. And I loved it so much.
This is a great enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating and office romance. I’m very fortunate to have gotten a chance to read this super early and can’t wait to help promote it as the release day approaches.
I saw the advanced reader sign up for this book on instagram… initially I was like… eeek, my schedule is pretty tight. But I have the author a follow, and loved the aesthetic of her page. The next day, I was still thinking about the sign up, so I leaped head first and signed up. Here we are a weekish later and I read her book in one day.. basically one sitting.
It’s so cute, there’s a little bit of everything. Humor, heartfelt moments, spice, swoony romance and great side characters. I felt part of the story, I was there visualizing everything as it went down. And I loved it so much.
This is a great enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating and office romance. I’m very fortunate to have gotten a chance to read this super early and can’t wait to help promote it as the release day approaches.
September 30, 2025
Chaos. Comedy. Cabin Vibes.
If you’ve ever accidentally fake-dated your workplace nemesis in a panic to avoid your ex… you might be a character in The Nemesis Pact.
Ashley Lynn East’s debut rom-com is a chaotic cocktail of petty sabotage, slow-burning chemistry, and every trope you secretly love. I read this ARC with a smirk plastered on my face—and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Here's what worked, what didn’t, and why I’m now keeping this indie author on my radar.
The Cover
The Nemesis Pact cover features a sassy illustration of the enemies-to-lovers back to back with arms crossed, giving each other the side-eye in a woodsy cabin setting. This is completely on point for the content; the illustration is eye-catching and well-delivered. The Nemesis Pact title text's chunky, rounded sans-serif font speaks to the book's playfulness and light-hearted rom-com vibes. The author's name is tiny, as is the teaser text. This was probably intentional because The Nemesis Pact is Ashley Lynn East’s debut novel, and as such, there is not a lot of weight to be carried by displaying the name largely. For readability, I might have increased the font size a point or three, but the lack of impact isn’t a deterrent. The tagline, “They had a plan -until feelings ruined it.”, should probably have been larger, because it sums up the book nicely and adds some initial interest for people browsing covers. There is a tiny “a novel” in a script font on the cabin roofline in the background, which seems totally unnecessary and a little bit distracting. I'd eighty-six it.
In Short:
Abby and Jonathan are competitive coworkers who actively sabotage one another until an unexpected situation causes a spur of the moment fake-dating scenario, which spirals into a chaotic and hilarious company retreat where love blooms despite their reluctant efforts.
Character Analysis:
Abby and Jonathan have just enough backstory to make the plot work. Their character development is seen at a high level, but not deeply developed. While this might be off-putting to certain types of Romance readers, fans of jaunty, funny rom-coms will find it completely suitable. The entire cast is a bit quirky and fun. It is easy to overlay character stereotypes on the side characters (the office gossip or the demanding but well-respected and stylish boss), but they don’t necessarily feel generic. I kept thinking the character depth was about on par with the 2012 rom-com This Means War with Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy.
Writing Style:
The writing in The Nemesis Pact is engaging. Abby and Jonathan’s internal monologues showcase their personalities and differing points of view. The story is well-paced. East steadily throws hurdles at the characters in the way that only rom-coms can. I do have a couple of notes about the writing.
First, there is a section, probably a handful of paragraphs, that talks about Abby’s best friend. The section has no impact on the plot, nor does it develop the character. The best friend doesn’t significantly come into play anywhere else in the book. It felt like the whole bit could have been removed.
Second, there were a couple of character inconsistencies. I won’t get into that because if you're enjoying the read, you might gloss over them.
There was a "third" but the author reached out when reading the review on my blog for some clarification about where I was confused then said she would be editing that before publication to ensure the passage was clear. Love that!
Themes:
Let’s talk tropes. The Nemesis Pact packs them in. This is a workplace romance that is deeply enemies-to-lovers in a rivalry type of way. The catalyst of the reconciliation of their rival state is a fake-dating scenario that comes about due to the appearance of an ex-fiance, which triggers the jilted-bride microtrope and puts our MMC in a sympathetic mood. Throw them into a forced proximity workplace retreat and a there’s only one bed microtrope and you have the recipe for The Nemesis Pact. Feel like you couldn’t add more in? Well, just wait, there’s also a love triangle when the ex-fiancé wants to rekindle the romance. A miscommunication set-up. And a blow-out, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days-style karaoke mishap.
Critical Evaluation:
The Nemesis Pact is not flawless, but it does show a huge amount of potential. Ashley Lynn East has the chops to write an engaging, funny romance. The blend of multiple tropes felt like a foregone conclusion when, in other hands, it might have felt forced. The language was very youthful, filled with slang and real-world references. It is very much of a time and place. So, five years from now, it may or may not resonate in the same way it does today. But who am I kidding, I still rewatch rom-coms from the 90s and 00s, its comfort-media.
Personal Opinion:
Ashley Lynn East, debut author of The Nemesis Pact, is one to watch. She brings a youthful voice and lots of chaotic and hilarious antics to this trope-filled romantic romp. So thrilled to be an ARC reader for this self-published indie author.
Although I did have some criticism, I had a lot of fun reading this book. It was light-hearted and made me feel good. I was smirking by page three and laughed out loud within the first chapter. I think Ashley Lynn East accomplished what she set out to do. There is certainly room for growth, but this book makes me want to follow along on her journey.
Recommendation:
Is The Nemesis Pact by Ashley Lynn East for you?
If you enjoyed any of the movies I referenced above, read rom-coms, like light-hearted and not too emotional stories with some light spice, then The Nemesis Pact by Ashley Lynn East is for you.
If you are in the mood for more emotional depth, or are turned off by any of the tropes listed in the theme analysis, maybe skip it.
If you’ve ever accidentally fake-dated your workplace nemesis in a panic to avoid your ex… you might be a character in The Nemesis Pact.
Ashley Lynn East’s debut rom-com is a chaotic cocktail of petty sabotage, slow-burning chemistry, and every trope you secretly love. I read this ARC with a smirk plastered on my face—and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Here's what worked, what didn’t, and why I’m now keeping this indie author on my radar.
The Cover
The Nemesis Pact cover features a sassy illustration of the enemies-to-lovers back to back with arms crossed, giving each other the side-eye in a woodsy cabin setting. This is completely on point for the content; the illustration is eye-catching and well-delivered. The Nemesis Pact title text's chunky, rounded sans-serif font speaks to the book's playfulness and light-hearted rom-com vibes. The author's name is tiny, as is the teaser text. This was probably intentional because The Nemesis Pact is Ashley Lynn East’s debut novel, and as such, there is not a lot of weight to be carried by displaying the name largely. For readability, I might have increased the font size a point or three, but the lack of impact isn’t a deterrent. The tagline, “They had a plan -until feelings ruined it.”, should probably have been larger, because it sums up the book nicely and adds some initial interest for people browsing covers. There is a tiny “a novel” in a script font on the cabin roofline in the background, which seems totally unnecessary and a little bit distracting. I'd eighty-six it.
In Short:
Abby and Jonathan are competitive coworkers who actively sabotage one another until an unexpected situation causes a spur of the moment fake-dating scenario, which spirals into a chaotic and hilarious company retreat where love blooms despite their reluctant efforts.
Character Analysis:
Abby and Jonathan have just enough backstory to make the plot work. Their character development is seen at a high level, but not deeply developed. While this might be off-putting to certain types of Romance readers, fans of jaunty, funny rom-coms will find it completely suitable. The entire cast is a bit quirky and fun. It is easy to overlay character stereotypes on the side characters (the office gossip or the demanding but well-respected and stylish boss), but they don’t necessarily feel generic. I kept thinking the character depth was about on par with the 2012 rom-com This Means War with Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy.
Writing Style:
The writing in The Nemesis Pact is engaging. Abby and Jonathan’s internal monologues showcase their personalities and differing points of view. The story is well-paced. East steadily throws hurdles at the characters in the way that only rom-coms can. I do have a couple of notes about the writing.
First, there is a section, probably a handful of paragraphs, that talks about Abby’s best friend. The section has no impact on the plot, nor does it develop the character. The best friend doesn’t significantly come into play anywhere else in the book. It felt like the whole bit could have been removed.
Second, there were a couple of character inconsistencies. I won’t get into that because if you're enjoying the read, you might gloss over them.
There was a "third" but the author reached out when reading the review on my blog for some clarification about where I was confused then said she would be editing that before publication to ensure the passage was clear. Love that!
Themes:
Let’s talk tropes. The Nemesis Pact packs them in. This is a workplace romance that is deeply enemies-to-lovers in a rivalry type of way. The catalyst of the reconciliation of their rival state is a fake-dating scenario that comes about due to the appearance of an ex-fiance, which triggers the jilted-bride microtrope and puts our MMC in a sympathetic mood. Throw them into a forced proximity workplace retreat and a there’s only one bed microtrope and you have the recipe for The Nemesis Pact. Feel like you couldn’t add more in? Well, just wait, there’s also a love triangle when the ex-fiancé wants to rekindle the romance. A miscommunication set-up. And a blow-out, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days-style karaoke mishap.
Critical Evaluation:
The Nemesis Pact is not flawless, but it does show a huge amount of potential. Ashley Lynn East has the chops to write an engaging, funny romance. The blend of multiple tropes felt like a foregone conclusion when, in other hands, it might have felt forced. The language was very youthful, filled with slang and real-world references. It is very much of a time and place. So, five years from now, it may or may not resonate in the same way it does today. But who am I kidding, I still rewatch rom-coms from the 90s and 00s, its comfort-media.
Personal Opinion:
Ashley Lynn East, debut author of The Nemesis Pact, is one to watch. She brings a youthful voice and lots of chaotic and hilarious antics to this trope-filled romantic romp. So thrilled to be an ARC reader for this self-published indie author.
Although I did have some criticism, I had a lot of fun reading this book. It was light-hearted and made me feel good. I was smirking by page three and laughed out loud within the first chapter. I think Ashley Lynn East accomplished what she set out to do. There is certainly room for growth, but this book makes me want to follow along on her journey.
Recommendation:
Is The Nemesis Pact by Ashley Lynn East for you?
If you enjoyed any of the movies I referenced above, read rom-coms, like light-hearted and not too emotional stories with some light spice, then The Nemesis Pact by Ashley Lynn East is for you.
If you are in the mood for more emotional depth, or are turned off by any of the tropes listed in the theme analysis, maybe skip it.
August 1, 2025
This book pulled me in from the first chapter. The characters, story line, banter and pace were so good that it was hard to stop reading. I read a lot of rom-com’s and while it’s true you can easily predict the story, and the 70% of the book disaster point, followed by it all working out well, this one just was truly enjoyable.
AJ is confident in many ways in who she is, and absolutely confident in her work ethics and job qualifications. Yet when it comes to her love life she doesn’t know if she will ever trust anyone again. Being left the way she was left, was devastating. So when her ex suddenly shows up she has no choice but to “be ballsy” as her boss will state after the fact. The problem is her act of standing up for herself and showing her ex that she isn’t still questioning everything just pulled her work nemesis into the situation. Now she can either accept defeat and admit the truth or see if he’s willing to help her out, despite their feelings for each other.
Jonathan isn’t really sure how he feels about AJ. She’s talented for sure, a worthy colleague, but annoying. Yet, why he has never been able to put a finger on. Now he’s been pulled in to a situation with her that he can either help with or expose her for the lie. There is just something about her that makes him feel like it will be worth it to help her out. They may both be competing for a promotion at work, but when it comes to doing the right thing he feels that lying to help her might end up being more important.
They may be enemies at work, but the sparks that they thought were hate might actually be something else.
This fake dating, enemies to lovers story might use some tropes that are common, but the story line still feels fresh and enjoyable. The cover may have caught my attention, but the story really was a fun one to read.
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
AJ is confident in many ways in who she is, and absolutely confident in her work ethics and job qualifications. Yet when it comes to her love life she doesn’t know if she will ever trust anyone again. Being left the way she was left, was devastating. So when her ex suddenly shows up she has no choice but to “be ballsy” as her boss will state after the fact. The problem is her act of standing up for herself and showing her ex that she isn’t still questioning everything just pulled her work nemesis into the situation. Now she can either accept defeat and admit the truth or see if he’s willing to help her out, despite their feelings for each other.
Jonathan isn’t really sure how he feels about AJ. She’s talented for sure, a worthy colleague, but annoying. Yet, why he has never been able to put a finger on. Now he’s been pulled in to a situation with her that he can either help with or expose her for the lie. There is just something about her that makes him feel like it will be worth it to help her out. They may both be competing for a promotion at work, but when it comes to doing the right thing he feels that lying to help her might end up being more important.
They may be enemies at work, but the sparks that they thought were hate might actually be something else.
This fake dating, enemies to lovers story might use some tropes that are common, but the story line still feels fresh and enjoyable. The cover may have caught my attention, but the story really was a fun one to read.
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
November 9, 2025
"So, in two days, I'll be trapped in the woods with my ex-fiance and my fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?"
There's such a fine line between "cute" and "cringey," and this book straddled it... sometimes leaning more towards one side, other times towards the other side.
I enjoyed the banter between Abby and Jonathan, and always love a great fake relationship/enemies-to-lovers read with forced proximity and an ex to make jealous. Their chemistry was off the chains. I like both of their character development from the beginning to the end of the story. Jonathan grew fairly quickly, but it took Abby until about 85% into the book to evolve. Better late than never, I guess.
Things I didn't like: the predictable third-act breakup. The Gen-Z references were a bit out of hand: "We love our Queen Selena [Gomez]," and "I'm a Kardashian stan." They constantly watched Love Island. I have no idea what the song "Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo" is and it for some reason was a pivotal point of the story in a cheesy karaoke-off. Some unrealistic situations also took me out of the story. For example, Abby has a "modest" 2-bedroom apartment between the LES and SoHo and isn't wealthy? And they all live and work in Manhattan, but all drive everywhere? In their own cars? And I was super disappointed that Abby gave her ex-fiance, who literally left her at the altar on their wedding day, a second chance. I understand she was hurting, but, as the Gen-Zers would probably say, it's giving desperate.
The final scene, before the prologue, is a cheese-fest. Cute, but unrealistic, and in real life would have definitely gotten them arrested. If you can stretch your imagination for it, though, it's sweet. Despite these aversions, I still would recommend this book mainly for the humor, the characters' intense chemistry and a gratifying HEA.
There's such a fine line between "cute" and "cringey," and this book straddled it... sometimes leaning more towards one side, other times towards the other side.
I enjoyed the banter between Abby and Jonathan, and always love a great fake relationship/enemies-to-lovers read with forced proximity and an ex to make jealous. Their chemistry was off the chains. I like both of their character development from the beginning to the end of the story. Jonathan grew fairly quickly, but it took Abby until about 85% into the book to evolve. Better late than never, I guess.
Things I didn't like: the predictable third-act breakup. The Gen-Z references were a bit out of hand: "We love our Queen Selena [Gomez]," and "I'm a Kardashian stan." They constantly watched Love Island. I have no idea what the song "Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo" is and it for some reason was a pivotal point of the story in a cheesy karaoke-off. Some unrealistic situations also took me out of the story. For example, Abby has a "modest" 2-bedroom apartment between the LES and SoHo and isn't wealthy? And they all live and work in Manhattan, but all drive everywhere? In their own cars? And I was super disappointed that Abby gave her ex-fiance, who literally left her at the altar on their wedding day, a second chance. I understand she was hurting, but, as the Gen-Zers would probably say, it's giving desperate.
The final scene, before the prologue, is a cheese-fest. Cute, but unrealistic, and in real life would have definitely gotten them arrested. If you can stretch your imagination for it, though, it's sweet. Despite these aversions, I still would recommend this book mainly for the humor, the characters' intense chemistry and a gratifying HEA.
August 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐ but rounded up as a really good romance debut! I'm grateful to the publisher and author for this ARC to read and review.
Ashley Lynn East starts the novel with a bang in FMC Abby running into her ex-fiance for the first time in four years and the snap decision to kiss her way out of the situation. It reminded me of the start for the main characters in Ali Hazelwood's Love Hypothesis. Of course, the nemesis (Jonathan) is surprised by the kiss but takes full advantage of the situation (and fantastic kiss).
When the ex (Marcus) turns out to be the new owner of Abby and Jonathan's company, they are forced to come clean or double down on their fake dating relationship. The fake dating lines get blurred in real connection and feelings as the FMC and MMC are pushed together on a weekend company retreat. With all of the pressure of competing for the same promotion, dealing with a new boss and potentially unresolved feelings, and an interested best friend, how will love prevail?
I really loved how the fake dating and forced proximity situation played out. East's descriptive writing got me right into the personality and mindset of the characters. The rich language made this book so much stronger than just a rom-com. I found the chemistry between Abby and Jonathan to be strong and liked the dual POV writing. Other company members added to the storyline and pushed the couple (and their careers) along.
I would recommend this book as an easy, enjoyable read and would read other books Ashley Lynn East publishes!
Ashley Lynn East starts the novel with a bang in FMC Abby running into her ex-fiance for the first time in four years and the snap decision to kiss her way out of the situation. It reminded me of the start for the main characters in Ali Hazelwood's Love Hypothesis. Of course, the nemesis (Jonathan) is surprised by the kiss but takes full advantage of the situation (and fantastic kiss).
When the ex (Marcus) turns out to be the new owner of Abby and Jonathan's company, they are forced to come clean or double down on their fake dating relationship. The fake dating lines get blurred in real connection and feelings as the FMC and MMC are pushed together on a weekend company retreat. With all of the pressure of competing for the same promotion, dealing with a new boss and potentially unresolved feelings, and an interested best friend, how will love prevail?
I really loved how the fake dating and forced proximity situation played out. East's descriptive writing got me right into the personality and mindset of the characters. The rich language made this book so much stronger than just a rom-com. I found the chemistry between Abby and Jonathan to be strong and liked the dual POV writing. Other company members added to the storyline and pushed the couple (and their careers) along.
I would recommend this book as an easy, enjoyable read and would read other books Ashley Lynn East publishes!
August 13, 2025
So many feelings. Full review coming soon.*Thank you to the author, Ashley Lynn East for E ARC, in exchange for an honest review *
When I saw the ARC Instagram sign up, I knew I'd love this book, and it far exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I cannot get Abby and Jonathan's story out of my mind.
I adore this book in so many ways. I’m still going through the emotions; especially after that ending. I loved that the book was set outdoors because I adore anything outdoors-related, especially camping. From the moment Abby kissed Jonathan, I knew that things were about to get complicated. I just didn't anticipate how complicated it would be. You couldn't help but love Abby and Jonathan, and I found myself laughing out loud at some of their banter. I saw a connection between the two of them before they did, and I believe that their banter was the reason behind. I didn’t want to pull myself away from the story because I wanted to see what would happen between them next. I was rooting for them right from the start.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives; they helped me get to know and connect with each character. I enjoyed both Abby's and Jonathan's points of view, though I did question their decisions at times. The only character I didn't like was Abby's ex; no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see things from his perspective. I loved how each character's emotions were portrayed; I found myself going through all of the emotions they were experiencing. If not for school and packing, I would have finished much sooner. Congratulations, Ashley, on her debut novel! I'm so glad I got to read this story, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
When I saw the ARC Instagram sign up, I knew I'd love this book, and it far exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I cannot get Abby and Jonathan's story out of my mind.
I adore this book in so many ways. I’m still going through the emotions; especially after that ending. I loved that the book was set outdoors because I adore anything outdoors-related, especially camping. From the moment Abby kissed Jonathan, I knew that things were about to get complicated. I just didn't anticipate how complicated it would be. You couldn't help but love Abby and Jonathan, and I found myself laughing out loud at some of their banter. I saw a connection between the two of them before they did, and I believe that their banter was the reason behind. I didn’t want to pull myself away from the story because I wanted to see what would happen between them next. I was rooting for them right from the start.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives; they helped me get to know and connect with each character. I enjoyed both Abby's and Jonathan's points of view, though I did question their decisions at times. The only character I didn't like was Abby's ex; no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see things from his perspective. I loved how each character's emotions were portrayed; I found myself going through all of the emotions they were experiencing. If not for school and packing, I would have finished much sooner. Congratulations, Ashley, on her debut novel! I'm so glad I got to read this story, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
July 20, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
The Nemesis Pact
By Ashley Lynn East
“I stare at him for a second too long. Am I delusional… or is Jonathan Slack crushing on me? Worse… am I crushing on him? Ugh, maybe.”
“In this moment, it hits me, this isn’t just about wanting to sleep with AJ. It’s not just attraction or timing or chemistry. I want to be the guy. The only one she wants, now and always. Not her ex. Not some nice rebound. No one else. I want to be the one who gets her laugh at 7 a.m., her stubborn debates at midnight, her brilliantly infuriating opinions and that mouth I haven’t stopped thinking about since the day I met her. I don’t want to be a chapter. I want to be the whole d*mn story.”
Abby and Jonathan have worked together for years and have always been competitive in the work setting, going head to head. But when Abby comes face to face with her ex-fiancé, she quickly grabs Jonathan and pretends he’s her boyfriend. From there things snowball into fake dating at a work retreat. And what was supposed to be fake feelings somewhere along the way turn to real feelings. This was an easy, sweet read that I enjoyed! Congratulations Ashley Lynn East on a wonderful debut!
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Fake Relationship
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Spice starts at: 68%🌶️
Spice: 1/4🌶️
Stars: 4/5⭐️
Available on October 14th
The Nemesis Pact
By Ashley Lynn East
“I stare at him for a second too long. Am I delusional… or is Jonathan Slack crushing on me? Worse… am I crushing on him? Ugh, maybe.”
“In this moment, it hits me, this isn’t just about wanting to sleep with AJ. It’s not just attraction or timing or chemistry. I want to be the guy. The only one she wants, now and always. Not her ex. Not some nice rebound. No one else. I want to be the one who gets her laugh at 7 a.m., her stubborn debates at midnight, her brilliantly infuriating opinions and that mouth I haven’t stopped thinking about since the day I met her. I don’t want to be a chapter. I want to be the whole d*mn story.”
Abby and Jonathan have worked together for years and have always been competitive in the work setting, going head to head. But when Abby comes face to face with her ex-fiancé, she quickly grabs Jonathan and pretends he’s her boyfriend. From there things snowball into fake dating at a work retreat. And what was supposed to be fake feelings somewhere along the way turn to real feelings. This was an easy, sweet read that I enjoyed! Congratulations Ashley Lynn East on a wonderful debut!
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Fake Relationship
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Spice starts at: 68%🌶️
Spice: 1/4🌶️
Stars: 4/5⭐️
Available on October 14th
September 12, 2025
When I started this book… it was a bad start to the week. Anyone who teaches knows how full moon weeks can get. Then my husband hurt his back. Then I got hurt. Then I got sick. Needless to say the week has snowballed. Starting this book when I did could have went poorly for it. However, this book pulled me out of my funk.
It’s super easy to read romantic comedy. The enemies aren’t JUST enemies…they are work Nemesis. The enemies to lovers is real. We all know that love/heartache makes people do stupid things. Cue stupid things and bad choices. It was seriously funny though! I can’t tell you how many times I just burst out laughing because of this book of out loud “Awe”d because of the super sweet moments too. It was so cute and so funny and seriously was the perfect distraction for the chaos that was this week.
Most of this book takes place at a work retreat that the company is taking her on/making her go on. I want to work at a place that hosts a work retreat like that for their employees. I mean….. wowza! It sounds crazy luxurious and fun and amazing.
Definitely open door romance scenes. I’d give it 🌶️🌶️ of 5. Descriptive without turning crude.
I don’t think that there was a single part of this book that I didn’t enjoy. It was very smooth and very well written. Knowing that this is the authors DEBUT novel….I was completely blown away! So impressive!!!
A huge Thank You to Ashley Lynn East for granting me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I really appreciate the opportunity and and thrilled to have been granted a sneak peek into Abby & Jonathan’s world! 🩵
It’s super easy to read romantic comedy. The enemies aren’t JUST enemies…they are work Nemesis. The enemies to lovers is real. We all know that love/heartache makes people do stupid things. Cue stupid things and bad choices. It was seriously funny though! I can’t tell you how many times I just burst out laughing because of this book of out loud “Awe”d because of the super sweet moments too. It was so cute and so funny and seriously was the perfect distraction for the chaos that was this week.
Most of this book takes place at a work retreat that the company is taking her on/making her go on. I want to work at a place that hosts a work retreat like that for their employees. I mean….. wowza! It sounds crazy luxurious and fun and amazing.
Definitely open door romance scenes. I’d give it 🌶️🌶️ of 5. Descriptive without turning crude.
I don’t think that there was a single part of this book that I didn’t enjoy. It was very smooth and very well written. Knowing that this is the authors DEBUT novel….I was completely blown away! So impressive!!!
A huge Thank You to Ashley Lynn East for granting me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I really appreciate the opportunity and and thrilled to have been granted a sneak peek into Abby & Jonathan’s world! 🩵
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