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Partners in Crime #2
Enemies to Lovers: A Romantic Adventure of a Jewel Thief and a Lawman on a Cross-Country Journey
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26From the author of Partners in Crime, comes a sparkling new adventure rom-com where a con woman and a lawman team up on an epic cross-country road trip to save their families…and each other.
Sejal Chaudhary inherited her mama’s calculating brain, her daddy’s quick fingers, and the boatload of trauma that comes with being the eldest daughter of criminals. Although Sejal has never claimed to be a good girl, she’s spent the last couple years laying low and going (mostly) straight. That is, until a con gone wrong sends her into the arms of a handsome stranger who’s set on dragging her back into her messy family drama.
Krish Anand never mastered the fine art of being a bad boy…he would take a book over bullets any day. But when his FBI agent brother goes missing, he has no choice but to suit up for the adventure of a lifetime. Certain that someone in Sejal’s little crime family is behind the disappearance, a desperate Krish manages to convince the beautiful thief that his brother’s badge is actually his.
The deal is help him find his brother, and Krish and the law will leave Sejal be. With an up-to-no-good ex also hot on her trail, Sejal reluctantly agrees. As they wind their way across the country on planes, buses, and automobiles, sparks ignite, and what began as a fragile temporary truce starts to look more and more like a partnership.
Falling for the enemy? So cliche, but so good…if only they can survive long enough to chance a happily ever after.
TROPES
Enemies-to-LoversForced ProximityForbidden LoveAdventure Rom-Com
Sejal Chaudhary inherited her mama’s calculating brain, her daddy’s quick fingers, and the boatload of trauma that comes with being the eldest daughter of criminals. Although Sejal has never claimed to be a good girl, she’s spent the last couple years laying low and going (mostly) straight. That is, until a con gone wrong sends her into the arms of a handsome stranger who’s set on dragging her back into her messy family drama.
Krish Anand never mastered the fine art of being a bad boy…he would take a book over bullets any day. But when his FBI agent brother goes missing, he has no choice but to suit up for the adventure of a lifetime. Certain that someone in Sejal’s little crime family is behind the disappearance, a desperate Krish manages to convince the beautiful thief that his brother’s badge is actually his.
The deal is help him find his brother, and Krish and the law will leave Sejal be. With an up-to-no-good ex also hot on her trail, Sejal reluctantly agrees. As they wind their way across the country on planes, buses, and automobiles, sparks ignite, and what began as a fragile temporary truce starts to look more and more like a partnership.
Falling for the enemy? So cliche, but so good…if only they can survive long enough to chance a happily ever after.
TROPES
Enemies-to-LoversForced ProximityForbidden LoveAdventure Rom-Com
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
65 people are currently reading
11901 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ★— A fake FBI agent and the daughter of career criminals go on an unwilling road trip together, and they entertained me all the way through!
Sejal has lived a life dominated by her need to evade the sins of her parents, keeping a low profile while using the skills she learned growing up to survive. Krish is her polar opposite, having lived a quiet life that the disappearance of his FBI agent brother has shaken up, which leads him to hunt down Sejal, who he believes has something to do with his brother’s disappearance.
This was such incredible fun! The book throws you right into the story without a lot of setup, and right in the first chapter I realized that Sejal is a girl after my own heart: self-sufficient, smart, and a bit of a black cat type who’s dealt with her life's trauma by mostly ignoring it.
The MMC and second POV of this book, Krish, is a dreamboat! Deceptively tall and broad in a way that helps sell his pretense of being an FBI agent, he's hiding a much gentler, nerdier personality underneath that Sejal slowly gets to see as the two are forced into close proximity.
Apparently this is a sequel to Partners in Crime, a prior novel of the author’s that I personally haven’t read (but now want to read) and which I only learned about after finishing it. Safe to say, I never felt like I lacked any information, so this works perfectly as a standalone!
Krish and Sejal's relationship is well paced, and while the two are instantly attracted to each other, them being on opposing sides and so suspicious of one another naturally lets their dynamic develop gradually. I loved seeing Krish's reaction to Sejal's softer sides, and I adored how much he had to keep an eye on her, in turn.
The family dynamics were an integral part of the story, both from Krish and Sejal's sides, and the book really did a beautiful job of giving you insights into Sejal's childhood that showcase how her more insular adult life came to be, all while still maintaining a lighthearted and banter-y tone.
I really can't recommend this one enough, and as someone who sometimes gets bored of the predictability of contemporary romance, this book's adventure plot brought such a refreshing twist to it and made this story a delight to follow!
🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
⭐ Listener Rating: 4.5/5
This was such a great listen! I really enjoyed the female narrator and thought she infused the perfect edge of nonchalance and bite into Sejal. The male narrator, though, sometimes felt like he was narrating at a slightly different pace than her, which was a bit distracting until I got used to it. Otherwise, I did like how he brought Krish’s POV to life and thought he did well!
__________________
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC and to HarperAudio for the ALC.
Sejal has lived a life dominated by her need to evade the sins of her parents, keeping a low profile while using the skills she learned growing up to survive. Krish is her polar opposite, having lived a quiet life that the disappearance of his FBI agent brother has shaken up, which leads him to hunt down Sejal, who he believes has something to do with his brother’s disappearance.
This was such incredible fun! The book throws you right into the story without a lot of setup, and right in the first chapter I realized that Sejal is a girl after my own heart: self-sufficient, smart, and a bit of a black cat type who’s dealt with her life's trauma by mostly ignoring it.
The MMC and second POV of this book, Krish, is a dreamboat! Deceptively tall and broad in a way that helps sell his pretense of being an FBI agent, he's hiding a much gentler, nerdier personality underneath that Sejal slowly gets to see as the two are forced into close proximity.
Apparently this is a sequel to Partners in Crime, a prior novel of the author’s that I personally haven’t read (but now want to read) and which I only learned about after finishing it. Safe to say, I never felt like I lacked any information, so this works perfectly as a standalone!
Krish and Sejal's relationship is well paced, and while the two are instantly attracted to each other, them being on opposing sides and so suspicious of one another naturally lets their dynamic develop gradually. I loved seeing Krish's reaction to Sejal's softer sides, and I adored how much he had to keep an eye on her, in turn.
The family dynamics were an integral part of the story, both from Krish and Sejal's sides, and the book really did a beautiful job of giving you insights into Sejal's childhood that showcase how her more insular adult life came to be, all while still maintaining a lighthearted and banter-y tone.
I really can't recommend this one enough, and as someone who sometimes gets bored of the predictability of contemporary romance, this book's adventure plot brought such a refreshing twist to it and made this story a delight to follow!
🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
⭐ Listener Rating: 4.5/5
This was such a great listen! I really enjoyed the female narrator and thought she infused the perfect edge of nonchalance and bite into Sejal. The male narrator, though, sometimes felt like he was narrating at a slightly different pace than her, which was a bit distracting until I got used to it. Otherwise, I did like how he brought Krish’s POV to life and thought he did well!
__________________
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC and to HarperAudio for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was really good! I enjoyed the adventure aspect and all of the characters. I recommend this to those looking for a slow burn plot with action and a hefty dash of romance.
**Note: this is the second book in a series (which I didn’t know until half-way through the book), but could be read as a standalone.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader and audio book (Dual narration by Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan; narration rating: 5/5)
Thank you to NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for an early eARC and HarperAudioAdult for the ALC in exchange for my review. This book comes out April 7, 2026.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Krish’s brother goes missing and the only lead he has is notes from his brother’s investigation into an Indian-American crime syndicate called Cobra and one of the leaders of Cobra’s daughters, Sejal. But what does Sejal, who has been estranged from her family for years because of their wrong doing, have to do with anything? She’s just trying to lie low after a string of bad luck: an abusive and dangerous ex, a mother who had her kidnapped, a father that was crooked, and a sister that Sejal believes wants nothing to do with her. In order to seek the answers both are looking for, Sejal and Krish reluctantly start a cross-country road trip, but soon find that they are being chased… Can these two enemies put aside their dislike for each other and take down their mutual enemy?
– FMC: Sejal Chaudhary. Never claimed to be a good girl. Is the eldest daughter. Has a complex family of criminals and non-criminals, but feels pressured to rise above her family’s past and do good (unless you’re a pervy married man with a cheating fetish)
– MMC: Krishna “Krish” Anand. Eldest brother whose brother goes missing after being possibly set up by dangerous people. Holding secrets of his own for his family’s protection.
– Location: Brooklyn (briefly), Wyoming (briefly), Las Vegas (briefly) and Santa Monica (briefly)
– POV: Dual third-person
– Spice: 2-3 open-door semi-explicit spicy scenes (not overly long)
– Tropes: “enemies”/dislike to lovers, strangers to reluctant cohorts to lovers, insta attraction (borderline insta lust), only one bed, road trip, opposites attract, found family, grumpy/grumpy
– Content warning: imposter syndrome (culturally), kidnapping/being held hostage, PTSD, narcissistic mother, child abandonment, abusive ex (mention), family member in peril, Indian and Russian mob, car accident, grief, caring for someone in a care home, being drugged (mention)
– Representation: BIPOC MCs (South Asian), children of immigrants
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: vicious by Tate McRae
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The dysfunctional and mysterious family from Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson crossed with South Asian representation, like in the TV show Never Have I Ever
➼ Dislike-to-like MCs, like in Rook to King by Carina Taylor or the movie One for the Money
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven—————✧——————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet—————✧——————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I was told by someone on Instagram that this was a mafia romance. In the strictest of senses it is not. BUT it is rife with action, a bit of danger, and a crime family. It would be like the POV of what the characters targeted in mafia romances have…maybe? But don’t let that push you away!
The writing style and pacing were both balanced. And this book had depth and twists!! It was like watching an action movie with romance. And the characters throughout the book (excluding a few, and they know who they are), are multi-dimensional and deserving of their own books (in fact one of them already HAS their own book).
I loved being insides of Sejal’s head. She had a real push and pull of morals and what was right for her. I can’t imagine her up brining…My heart longed for her and her sister to reconnect and to watch them both heal.
And excuse?! Krish?! Give me a man that will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to protect his loved ones. He was like…a grumpy golden retriever with a strong moral compass. What’s not to love?
::3/23 update::
I was also given an opportunity to read this again as an audiobook (yes, I liked it enough to read twice!) and I LOVED the dimensionality the narrators—Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan—gave to this story. Their voices were clear and I loved that I could tell between the characters by the change of inflection and accent. The quality was superb.
Two things that held me back from 5 stars:
- It was borderline insta lust, which is not my favorite trope. This wasn’t as apparent as some other books, but I wished there was more development in this area vs. the immediate “he/she”’s so hot, I wonder what they’d be like in bed.
- The last 1/3 of the book felt rushed. We had a lot of great build-up and adventure with Sejal and Krish being chased…but then it kind of ended suddenly. And some of the major hurdles brought up throughout the book felt like they were resolved off-page.
Would I Recommend?: Certainly! I will also be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
———————-
Pre-read thoughts: I’ve been down bad for mafia style books and heard this on was dark despite the cover. lfg!!!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
**Note: this is the second book in a series (which I didn’t know until half-way through the book), but could be read as a standalone.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader and audio book (Dual narration by Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan; narration rating: 5/5)
Thank you to NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for an early eARC and HarperAudioAdult for the ALC in exchange for my review. This book comes out April 7, 2026.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Krish’s brother goes missing and the only lead he has is notes from his brother’s investigation into an Indian-American crime syndicate called Cobra and one of the leaders of Cobra’s daughters, Sejal. But what does Sejal, who has been estranged from her family for years because of their wrong doing, have to do with anything? She’s just trying to lie low after a string of bad luck: an abusive and dangerous ex, a mother who had her kidnapped, a father that was crooked, and a sister that Sejal believes wants nothing to do with her. In order to seek the answers both are looking for, Sejal and Krish reluctantly start a cross-country road trip, but soon find that they are being chased… Can these two enemies put aside their dislike for each other and take down their mutual enemy?
– FMC: Sejal Chaudhary. Never claimed to be a good girl. Is the eldest daughter. Has a complex family of criminals and non-criminals, but feels pressured to rise above her family’s past and do good (unless you’re a pervy married man with a cheating fetish)
– MMC: Krishna “Krish” Anand. Eldest brother whose brother goes missing after being possibly set up by dangerous people. Holding secrets of his own for his family’s protection.
– Location: Brooklyn (briefly), Wyoming (briefly), Las Vegas (briefly) and Santa Monica (briefly)
– POV: Dual third-person
– Spice: 2-3 open-door semi-explicit spicy scenes (not overly long)
– Tropes: “enemies”/dislike to lovers, strangers to reluctant cohorts to lovers, insta attraction (borderline insta lust), only one bed, road trip, opposites attract, found family, grumpy/grumpy
– Content warning: imposter syndrome (culturally), kidnapping/being held hostage, PTSD, narcissistic mother, child abandonment, abusive ex (mention), family member in peril, Indian and Russian mob, car accident, grief, caring for someone in a care home, being drugged (mention)
– Representation: BIPOC MCs (South Asian), children of immigrants
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: vicious by Tate McRae
╰┈➤ ❝Wipe my tongue ‘cross your teeth, just a little taste to remember me by, I’m the ice in your glass, I’m the like the sand through your hands, oh my…❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The dysfunctional and mysterious family from Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson crossed with South Asian representation, like in the TV show Never Have I Ever
➼ Dislike-to-like MCs, like in Rook to King by Carina Taylor or the movie One for the Money
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven—————✧——————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet—————✧——————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I was told by someone on Instagram that this was a mafia romance. In the strictest of senses it is not. BUT it is rife with action, a bit of danger, and a crime family. It would be like the POV of what the characters targeted in mafia romances have…maybe? But don’t let that push you away!
The writing style and pacing were both balanced. And this book had depth and twists!! It was like watching an action movie with romance. And the characters throughout the book (excluding a few, and they know who they are), are multi-dimensional and deserving of their own books (in fact one of them already HAS their own book).
I loved being insides of Sejal’s head. She had a real push and pull of morals and what was right for her. I can’t imagine her up brining…My heart longed for her and her sister to reconnect and to watch them both heal.
And excuse?! Krish?! Give me a man that will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to protect his loved ones. He was like…a grumpy golden retriever with a strong moral compass. What’s not to love?
::3/23 update::
I was also given an opportunity to read this again as an audiobook (yes, I liked it enough to read twice!) and I LOVED the dimensionality the narrators—Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan—gave to this story. Their voices were clear and I loved that I could tell between the characters by the change of inflection and accent. The quality was superb.
Two things that held me back from 5 stars:
- It was borderline insta lust, which is not my favorite trope. This wasn’t as apparent as some other books, but I wished there was more development in this area vs. the immediate “he/she”’s so hot, I wonder what they’d be like in bed.
- The last 1/3 of the book felt rushed. We had a lot of great build-up and adventure with Sejal and Krish being chased…but then it kind of ended suddenly. And some of the major hurdles brought up throughout the book felt like they were resolved off-page.
Would I Recommend?: Certainly! I will also be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
———————-
Pre-read thoughts: I’ve been down bad for mafia style books and heard this on was dark despite the cover. lfg!!!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this book with absolutely no clue what kind of ride I was about to get on. No expectations, no predictions, just vibes… and honestly that worked in the book’s favor because this story thrives on keeping you slightly off balance.
{Apparently this is actually book two in the series (which I somehow did not realize at first??) and now I’m sitting here like… wait. There’s a whole book before this about Mira?? Yes plz!!!!!}
But back to this one….
At the center of the story we have Sejal, who grew up in a very… let’s say creatively criminal family. She’s clever, quick with her hands, and ridiculously good at sleight-of-hand tricks. She’s basically been raised around cons her whole life, even though she’s trying to keep her life a little less chaotic now.
And then there’s Krish, who is very much not from that world. He’s more bookish, thoughtful, and absolutely not the “kick down the door” type… which makes it even funnier that he ends up doing something extremely unhinged at the beginning of the story.😭😭😭
Krish is desperately searching for his missing brother, and he’s convinced Sejal’s family might somehow be connected to what happened. So naturally… his solution is to kidnap her. Yep. You read that right. He literally takes her as bait so he can track down answers about his brother. 😭💀
Which is why the enemies-to-lovers tension kicks in so fast. Sejal does not trust him, Krish doesn’t trust her family, and the two of them end up stuck traveling together while chasing leads, dodging trouble, and trying to figure out what the truth actually is.
And somehow… this extremely questionable partnership turns into a chaotic cross-country adventure.
And the romance… oh the romance was doing its thangggg 😌
The attraction between Sejal and Krish is very much there from the start, which honestly made it more entertaining. Their inner thoughts are constantly betraying them. They notice each other. They think about each other. Sometimes a little too much. 😏 There are moments where they’re very aware of how attractive the other person is… but actually acting on those thoughts? That takes a while. 😭
What I liked about their dynamic is that even while they’re both very aware of the attraction, they keep pushing it aside because the situation they’re in is complicated. They’re dealing with danger, family drama, secrets, and a partnership that starts out purely out of necessity. So a lot of the romantic tension lives inside their heads for a while. Still, the emotional connection sneaks up on them.🤭🤭🤭
There’s a moment where he realizes just how much her feelings affect him, and it just hits 🤭
What I also loved was how he starts appreciating her personality just as much as her looks. She’s chaotic, different, unpredictable… and instead of that scaring him off, it just makes him more curious about her.
And then you get these moments where the emotions sneak up on him in a way he clearly did not plan for 😝
Which honestly feels like the perfect description of that overwhelming moment when someone suddenly matters more than you expected them to. 😌
The story keeps throwing twists and family complications at them the entire time, which kept me really engaged. I loved not knowing where the story was going next, and some of the reveals genuinely surprised me. 👏🏼 👀
That said, I did have a few moments in the middle where certain things happening in the story annoyed me a little🙄😬, but the biggest issue for me was actually the ending.
Because the entire book takes its time building everything—the tension, the twists, the slow burn romance—and then suddenly the last part of the story moves really fast. The resolution and emotional wrap-up felt rushed compared to the rest of the book, and the pacing just didn’t feel as even as the rest of the journey. Which is honestly the main reason this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 for me. 😔😬
Did the ending feel rushed compared to the rest of the story? Yes.
Did I still have a really good time reading it? Also yes.
Overall this was such a fun, twisty adventure romance with chaotic road-trip energy, constant surprises, and a slow burn that mostly lives inside longing looks and dangerous thoughts before anything actually happens.
things to know about the book ↓
💗 Enemies to lovers
💛 Forced proximity
💗 Opposites attract
💛 Slow burn romance
💗 Third-person POV
💛 Messy family dynamics
spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Alisha Rai for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
falling for the enemy? i’m so here for it 😝😝
{Apparently this is actually book two in the series (which I somehow did not realize at first??) and now I’m sitting here like… wait. There’s a whole book before this about Mira?? Yes plz!!!!!}
But back to this one….
At the center of the story we have Sejal, who grew up in a very… let’s say creatively criminal family. She’s clever, quick with her hands, and ridiculously good at sleight-of-hand tricks. She’s basically been raised around cons her whole life, even though she’s trying to keep her life a little less chaotic now.
And then there’s Krish, who is very much not from that world. He’s more bookish, thoughtful, and absolutely not the “kick down the door” type… which makes it even funnier that he ends up doing something extremely unhinged at the beginning of the story.😭😭😭
Krish is desperately searching for his missing brother, and he’s convinced Sejal’s family might somehow be connected to what happened. So naturally… his solution is to kidnap her. Yep. You read that right. He literally takes her as bait so he can track down answers about his brother. 😭💀
Which is why the enemies-to-lovers tension kicks in so fast. Sejal does not trust him, Krish doesn’t trust her family, and the two of them end up stuck traveling together while chasing leads, dodging trouble, and trying to figure out what the truth actually is.
And somehow… this extremely questionable partnership turns into a chaotic cross-country adventure.
And the romance… oh the romance was doing its thangggg 😌
The attraction between Sejal and Krish is very much there from the start, which honestly made it more entertaining. Their inner thoughts are constantly betraying them. They notice each other. They think about each other. Sometimes a little too much. 😏 There are moments where they’re very aware of how attractive the other person is… but actually acting on those thoughts? That takes a while. 😭
What I liked about their dynamic is that even while they’re both very aware of the attraction, they keep pushing it aside because the situation they’re in is complicated. They’re dealing with danger, family drama, secrets, and a partnership that starts out purely out of necessity. So a lot of the romantic tension lives inside their heads for a while. Still, the emotional connection sneaks up on them.🤭🤭🤭
There’s a moment where he realizes just how much her feelings affect him, and it just hits 🤭
“He wasn’t sure when he’d become so attuned to her emotions, but hurting her felt like hurting himself.”
What I also loved was how he starts appreciating her personality just as much as her looks. She’s chaotic, different, unpredictable… and instead of that scaring him off, it just makes him more curious about her.
“She made him laugh, and she was weird and silly and just mysterious enough that he wanted to sit down and slowly peel her layers off”
And then you get these moments where the emotions sneak up on him in a way he clearly did not plan for 😝
”She consumed him and gave him life simultaneously.”
Which honestly feels like the perfect description of that overwhelming moment when someone suddenly matters more than you expected them to. 😌
The story keeps throwing twists and family complications at them the entire time, which kept me really engaged. I loved not knowing where the story was going next, and some of the reveals genuinely surprised me. 👏🏼 👀
That said, I did have a few moments in the middle where certain things happening in the story annoyed me a little🙄😬, but the biggest issue for me was actually the ending.
Because the entire book takes its time building everything—the tension, the twists, the slow burn romance—and then suddenly the last part of the story moves really fast. The resolution and emotional wrap-up felt rushed compared to the rest of the book, and the pacing just didn’t feel as even as the rest of the journey. Which is honestly the main reason this landed at 4 stars instead of 5 for me. 😔😬
Did the ending feel rushed compared to the rest of the story? Yes.
Did I still have a really good time reading it? Also yes.
Overall this was such a fun, twisty adventure romance with chaotic road-trip energy, constant surprises, and a slow burn that mostly lives inside longing looks and dangerous thoughts before anything actually happens.
things to know about the book ↓
💗 Enemies to lovers
💛 Forced proximity
💗 Opposites attract
💛 Slow burn romance
💗 Third-person POV
💛 Messy family dynamics
spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Alisha Rai for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
falling for the enemy? i’m so here for it 😝😝
March 22, 2026
Adventure romcoms are my favorite and this one definitely hit the spot.
I stayed up till 1am finishing this last night! It’s quick, a bit ridiculous (complimentary), and super messy (super complementary).
I had an absolute blast and I’ll definitely be checking out the first book in the interconnected series soon! Also, this is my formal petition for more adventure romcoms!
Whats to love…
- road trip
- adventure romcom
- secret identities
- complicated family dynamics
- opposites attract
- family forward
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- kissing as a form of hiding
Audiobook:
Good audiobook! Solid performance from both narrators. The pausing at the end of each sentence was a bit excessive and that made finding a perfect listening speed a little challenging but not so much to keep be from recommending the audiobook.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Avon for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I stayed up till 1am finishing this last night! It’s quick, a bit ridiculous (complimentary), and super messy (super complementary).
I had an absolute blast and I’ll definitely be checking out the first book in the interconnected series soon! Also, this is my formal petition for more adventure romcoms!
Whats to love…
- road trip
- adventure romcom
- secret identities
- complicated family dynamics
- opposites attract
- family forward
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- kissing as a form of hiding
Audiobook:
Good audiobook! Solid performance from both narrators. The pausing at the end of each sentence was a bit excessive and that made finding a perfect listening speed a little challenging but not so much to keep be from recommending the audiobook.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Avon for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
1.5/5 🌶️
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
Once upon a time, we were blessed with at least one Alisha Rai book per year, but she took a break to like…grow a human, so I understand not also giving birth to another amazing book. Enemies to Lovers is another adventure romance following the events of Partners in Crime that includes a road trip, some Big Secrets, and two really smart people who don’t want to put up with the other’s crap. Alisha Rai is one of those people who is somehow good at both intense emotional drama and slapstick comedy, so I’m excited to see how she continues the criminal rom-com genre that she is currently queen of. —Jessica Pryde
Once upon a time, we were blessed with at least one Alisha Rai book per year, but she took a break to like…grow a human, so I understand not also giving birth to another amazing book. Enemies to Lovers is another adventure romance following the events of Partners in Crime that includes a road trip, some Big Secrets, and two really smart people who don’t want to put up with the other’s crap. Alisha Rai is one of those people who is somehow good at both intense emotional drama and slapstick comedy, so I’m excited to see how she continues the criminal rom-com genre that she is currently queen of. —Jessica Pryde
February 19, 2026
4.25 stars rounded down
I love an adventure romcom, and Enemies to Lovers was so dang fun! From their first meeting, I adored the dynamics between Krish and Sejal. Krish is a competent cinnamon roll, and Sejal is a bristly sweetheart. Their families were both super complicated, but they still cared so much for them. I really liked how it all came together in the end. While the romance was strong, the spice was not. Both spicy scenes felt superfluous and like the author didn’t really care about them, but they were included because that’s what is expected. They weren’t bad, but something was off about them for me. However, that doesn’t keep this from being a great book! Would recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review!
I love an adventure romcom, and Enemies to Lovers was so dang fun! From their first meeting, I adored the dynamics between Krish and Sejal. Krish is a competent cinnamon roll, and Sejal is a bristly sweetheart. Their families were both super complicated, but they still cared so much for them. I really liked how it all came together in the end. While the romance was strong, the spice was not. Both spicy scenes felt superfluous and like the author didn’t really care about them, but they were included because that’s what is expected. They weren’t bad, but something was off about them for me. However, that doesn’t keep this from being a great book! Would recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review!
March 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this novel.
If you are looking for a diverse, romantic comedy version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this is for you. The banter between Sejal and Krish is hilarious, and the way they navigate their feelings for each other while investigating each other is so entertaining to read. This one is a perfect short and sweet romcom for your summer reading TBR.
If you are looking for a diverse, romantic comedy version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this is for you. The banter between Sejal and Krish is hilarious, and the way they navigate their feelings for each other while investigating each other is so entertaining to read. This one is a perfect short and sweet romcom for your summer reading TBR.
March 22, 2026
Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai delivers a fresh, high energy twist on the rom com space by leaning into adventure without tipping fully into romantic suspense. This was such a fun surprise, think action packed and chaotic in the best way, but still grounded in banter, chemistry, and emotional payoff. The story follows Sejal and Krish, two layered, secretive characters whose complicated pasts make them instantly intriguing. Their forced partnership sets the stage for a fiery dynamic that slowly reveals unexpected depth, and watching that shift unfold is where the magic really happens.
What stood out most is how seamlessly the story balances tone. It has moments of real tension and danger, but never feels heavy—instead, it keeps things playful, zany, and fast moving, especially with the road trip element adding a sense of unpredictability. The slow burn romance works beautifully here, fueled by sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and just enough spice to keep things sizzling. Sejal and Krish both have compelling reasons for their guardedness, which makes their emotional progression feel earned rather than rushed.
Also worth noting: this reads perfectly well as a standalone, even though it’s technically the second in a series. If you’re looking for something that sits in that sweet spot between rom com and light adventure—with a little chaos, a little danger, and a lot of sparks—this one absolutely delivers.
March 23, 2026
4.25 stars
I had such a fun time with Enemies to Lovers. I listened to the audiobook and really loved both narrators. They brought so much personality to the story, and the pacing made it very easy to keep listening because I always wanted to know what would happen next. 🎧📚
There were several moments that really stood out to me. Chapter 11 had a perfect fuck it moment, which we always love. The MMC leaves so many openings for the FMC to poke at him, and that added such a fun layer to their dynamic. I also laughed at the matching outfits because that is absolutely something couples do.
I especially loved getting more internal dialogue from the MMC because it added so much to his character. And OMG at who the head of Cobra is because I definitely did not expect that reveal. Overall, this was such a fun and fast paced read that kept me hooked.
I had such a fun time with Enemies to Lovers. I listened to the audiobook and really loved both narrators. They brought so much personality to the story, and the pacing made it very easy to keep listening because I always wanted to know what would happen next. 🎧📚
There were several moments that really stood out to me. Chapter 11 had a perfect fuck it moment, which we always love. The MMC leaves so many openings for the FMC to poke at him, and that added such a fun layer to their dynamic. I also laughed at the matching outfits because that is absolutely something couples do.
I especially loved getting more internal dialogue from the MMC because it added so much to his character. And OMG at who the head of Cobra is because I definitely did not expect that reveal. Overall, this was such a fun and fast paced read that kept me hooked.
March 23, 2026
Oh my wordddddd was this fun!! An adventure romcom I never knew I needed. Honestly, it was such a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down.
If there’s one thing I love it’s reluctant allies to lovers and with these two? The tension is there from the jump. They might not trust each other at all, but that doesn’t stop the attraction.
We also get:
-one bed
-forced proximity
-magician x librarian
-eldest daughter
-insane family dynamics
-a trip to Vegas
This one had me giggling and blushing and rooting for them the entire way! By the way, Naan Negotiable and Naan of Your Business are phenomenal names for restaurants and I need them to exist immediately!
Thank you to Avon for the early copy!
If there’s one thing I love it’s reluctant allies to lovers and with these two? The tension is there from the jump. They might not trust each other at all, but that doesn’t stop the attraction.
We also get:
-one bed
-forced proximity
-magician x librarian
-eldest daughter
-insane family dynamics
-a trip to Vegas
This one had me giggling and blushing and rooting for them the entire way! By the way, Naan Negotiable and Naan of Your Business are phenomenal names for restaurants and I need them to exist immediately!
Thank you to Avon for the early copy!
September 22, 2025
Review to come, thank you NetGalley!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you so much Netgalley and harpercollins for this advanced copy 🤘
Okay, this book was Soo much better than I anticipated it would be!
I loved Krish and Sejal. I loved their unique backgrounds and how they ended up falling for each other basically the moment they met, even if they were both too stubborn to admit it until the end.
This book was so action-packed, you think one thing was going to happen, and something completely different ends up taking place, and I LOVED IT. I don't even know how to properly summarize all of the things that happened in this book because there was just so much.
I absolutely loved seeing Sejal evolve into a woman she saw as deserving of love and acceptance. And I loved how Krish was the one who helped her see that.
I also really enjoyed that Mira and Sejal finally were able to see each other again and rekindle their relationship, and that Sejal got to meet her niece 🥹
I really, really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it.
Okay, this book was Soo much better than I anticipated it would be!
I loved Krish and Sejal. I loved their unique backgrounds and how they ended up falling for each other basically the moment they met, even if they were both too stubborn to admit it until the end.
This book was so action-packed, you think one thing was going to happen, and something completely different ends up taking place, and I LOVED IT. I don't even know how to properly summarize all of the things that happened in this book because there was just so much.
I absolutely loved seeing Sejal evolve into a woman she saw as deserving of love and acceptance. And I loved how Krish was the one who helped her see that.
I also really enjoyed that Mira and Sejal finally were able to see each other again and rekindle their relationship, and that Sejal got to meet her niece 🥹
I really, really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it.
March 22, 2026
Thank you Avon for the audiobook and physical copy of this ARC! It’s such a pretty book and so excited to own a copy now!!
Enemies to Lovers follows Sejal and Krish as they embark on a romantic adventure.
This book has
Enemies to lovers
Only one bed
PTSD and mental health rep
Family drama
Action/mafia ish vibes
This book was very funny and the banter and chemistry was top tier! There was a lot of lying to move the plot forward about careers (krish def pulls off fake FBi agent) and what family members and people do. There’s kidnapping and some light violence. And it moves the book along at a fast pace!
At some points though - especially towards the end I got a bit lost at who was doing what and how we were resolving some of the tangled webs! I had to rewind a few times!
I did love how the family elements and epilogue wrapped up, that made me really happy.
Overall a fun time and one I didn’t regret picking up!!
Enemies to Lovers follows Sejal and Krish as they embark on a romantic adventure.
This book has
Enemies to lovers
Only one bed
PTSD and mental health rep
Family drama
Action/mafia ish vibes
This book was very funny and the banter and chemistry was top tier! There was a lot of lying to move the plot forward about careers (krish def pulls off fake FBi agent) and what family members and people do. There’s kidnapping and some light violence. And it moves the book along at a fast pace!
At some points though - especially towards the end I got a bit lost at who was doing what and how we were resolving some of the tangled webs! I had to rewind a few times!
I did love how the family elements and epilogue wrapped up, that made me really happy.
Overall a fun time and one I didn’t regret picking up!!
March 23, 2026
I didn’t really know what to expect from this one - I’m terrible about reading blurbs and just going off vibes. Pretty cover? I’m in.
At the start of this, I was a bit leery. I don’t personally love third person and this had a few tropes that I don’t typically enjoy. With that said, I’m so glad I stuck with it. This was a fun ride. I really liked both of the MCs and, while I was pretty lost on what was going on some times, I know that’s a me thing as things were explained.
Sejal was funny and quick and I often found myself actually LOLing at her quips. And Krish was the stuff of book boyfriend dreams - loyal, protective, soft on the inside. What a hunk!
Highly recommend checking this one out when it releases! Thank you to Avon, NG and Alisha for the chance to read this one!
At the start of this, I was a bit leery. I don’t personally love third person and this had a few tropes that I don’t typically enjoy. With that said, I’m so glad I stuck with it. This was a fun ride. I really liked both of the MCs and, while I was pretty lost on what was going on some times, I know that’s a me thing as things were explained.
Sejal was funny and quick and I often found myself actually LOLing at her quips. And Krish was the stuff of book boyfriend dreams - loyal, protective, soft on the inside. What a hunk!
Highly recommend checking this one out when it releases! Thank you to Avon, NG and Alisha for the chance to read this one!
March 16, 2026
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!
Enemies to Lovers is an action-packed whirlwind romance full of humor, spice, and banter. It started off great, and overall was a good book/concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. The storyline and dialogue got a bit clunky towards the end, and some plot choices were made that I personally didn’t care for.
Overall, if you’re looking for a different kind of romance with some action movie vibes, I think it will be an enjoyable read for you. Just because it wasn’t a 5-star read for me doesn’t mean it isn’t good or won’t be a 5-star read for you. Enemies to Lovers will be released on April 7th!
Enemies to Lovers is an action-packed whirlwind romance full of humor, spice, and banter. It started off great, and overall was a good book/concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. The storyline and dialogue got a bit clunky towards the end, and some plot choices were made that I personally didn’t care for.
Overall, if you’re looking for a different kind of romance with some action movie vibes, I think it will be an enjoyable read for you. Just because it wasn’t a 5-star read for me doesn’t mean it isn’t good or won’t be a 5-star read for you. Enemies to Lovers will be released on April 7th!
March 25, 2026
Sejal and Krish what a couple!!! A daughter from a crime family and a fake FBI agent… what could possibly go wrong? I absolutely loved the concept of this book. The way Krish finds Sejal with less than pure intentions but ends up falling for her made the story so compelling. Their journey, the adventure, and the tension between them kept me hooked the entire time!
Alisha Rai is such a talented writer, and this book was such a fun, engaging read. I’ll definitely be picking up more from her in the future!
Thank you to Alisha Rai and Avon for this ALC!
Alisha Rai is such a talented writer, and this book was such a fun, engaging read. I’ll definitely be picking up more from her in the future!
Thank you to Alisha Rai and Avon for this ALC!
March 25, 2026
This ALC was sooo funny!! I feel like the name does not match the book to be honest, but it didn’t matter, I enjoyed it either way! Sejal & Krish were the funniest duo. I loved the suspense element factored in as well.
Thank you Avon & author for this ALC!
Thank you Avon & author for this ALC!
Read
March 21, 2026arc / alc read!! This was fun a fun one, RTC 🚗💖
March 23, 2026
4 ⭐️ I didn’t remember as much from the first book as I thought I did, but honestly you could read this standalone and be completely fine immersing yourself in the story. I really enjoyed Sejal and Krish’s relationship, though I think she did move on from his lies a liiiiittle too quickly.
March 25, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for this ARC.
I am confused?? I kept questioning if this book was a standalone or I missed something but I was confused from the moment I started the book to the moment I finished.
I am confused?? I kept questioning if this book was a standalone or I missed something but I was confused from the moment I started the book to the moment I finished.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75⭐️. Thank you NetGalley & Avon for the ARC.
TBH I didn't expect to end up enjoying ETL overall. It starts oiff insta-lusty and I roll my eyes every time we get to the two protagonists' internal monologue of how distractingly hot they find the other despite how much they get on their nerves. It's such a shame because I really grew to like Sejal & Krish as protagonists SO much, personality- and motivation-wise. I'm picky with my romances because I enjoy specific types of male love interests, and Krish checks off multiple boxes too (e.g. loves books & knowledge, respects and uplifts women, readily apologises for mistakes, appreciates the woman's own strengths, gentle heart). Had it not been for how annoyingly horny they were for each other that never really took a breather, I actually found their Growing Closer Via Thoughtful Observation & Proximity such a good foundation for their love story.
Also the book title, much like its namesake trope which is so often mismarketed in romance, is indeed a misnomer. They're NOT REALLY enemies. It's more Nuisances to Lovers. Yes there is a lot of disgruntlement and irritation towards each other at the start, but they never really HATE each other on a personal level. Even at the beginning when Sejal mistakes Krish to be a past cop-like figure who was a thorn in her side, she didn't actually *hate* him. And Krish as well never had a blinding hatred for her because of her criminal ties and background. But I did go into this knowing it wasn't going to annoy me with the typical ""Enemies to Lovers"" dynamic prevalent in other like-marketed books (i.e. Condescending Arrogant Man x Woman Who Overlooks His Red Flags 'Cause He's Hot), so the title didn't put me off. Really should be called "Forced Proximity" if you wanted a tropey title.
They were so lusty that it's not surprising that their first explicit sexual scene was before the halfway point. Personally, I wish it was just a mere Kiss in the Heat of the Moment rather than outright cunnilingus. It's one thing to go through the awkward tension the morning after with "yeah it was a mistake to kiss you"; quite another when it's "I shouldn't have had my tongue in your coochie". Especially when they were still keeping such huge secrets from each other at that point—Krish especially with not being who Sejal thinks he is—that it almost feels icky.
But as mentioned above, minus the hornness, I could still enjoy something out of Sejal & Krish's Annoyance to Love relationship. I appreciate how they connect and bond over not feeling Indian enough and the pressures of both being the elder siblings. Also, it helped that they eventually got vulnerable by opening up with their respective PTSDs (Sejal on being violently kidnapped; Krish on being in a car accident that lost him a parent). It's always a gutpunch moment when a character is willing to do something for the other despite the potential triggering reaction and being re-traumatised. Deep moments aside, they're also just really funny together?? They bounce off each other's humour so well.
I'd also like to highlight that I LOVE Sejal's main skill as an amateur magician with her sleight of hand tricks. It's not too common a trait among the tried-and-true archetype of Badass Bitch Who Can Fight Her Way Out of Anything.
A fantastic romance book to me is one that also emphasises other forms of love. Given the theme of You Are Not Your Shitty Parents with regards to Sejal, there's inevitably a huge emphasis on chosen family alongside blood family; something that is always wonderful to see in BIPOC-led stories because of the cultural norms of holding on to your biological ties. It's a great message to have in an Asian story that sometimes one's parents can't be redeemed and you don't owe them anything. There's a moment where Sejal and Krish talk about how it's a staple in their culture to have huge, bustling families, which they didn't exactly experience growing up. And by the epilogue, I was so moved that they got exactly that, just in an unconventional but no less valid way.
While this is marketed as a standalone adventure and technically it can be read as so (I did not read the previous book beforehand and got caught up to speed sufficiently well), if you're a stickler for spoilers, it's best you start with Partners in Crime , because many past events I presumed had happened in Book 1 are very much relevant and discussed in here.
TBH I didn't expect to end up enjoying ETL overall. It starts oiff insta-lusty and I roll my eyes every time we get to the two protagonists' internal monologue of how distractingly hot they find the other despite how much they get on their nerves. It's such a shame because I really grew to like Sejal & Krish as protagonists SO much, personality- and motivation-wise. I'm picky with my romances because I enjoy specific types of male love interests, and Krish checks off multiple boxes too (e.g. loves books & knowledge, respects and uplifts women, readily apologises for mistakes, appreciates the woman's own strengths, gentle heart). Had it not been for how annoyingly horny they were for each other that never really took a breather, I actually found their Growing Closer Via Thoughtful Observation & Proximity such a good foundation for their love story.
Also the book title, much like its namesake trope which is so often mismarketed in romance, is indeed a misnomer. They're NOT REALLY enemies. It's more Nuisances to Lovers. Yes there is a lot of disgruntlement and irritation towards each other at the start, but they never really HATE each other on a personal level. Even at the beginning when Sejal mistakes Krish to be a past cop-like figure who was a thorn in her side, she didn't actually *hate* him. And Krish as well never had a blinding hatred for her because of her criminal ties and background. But I did go into this knowing it wasn't going to annoy me with the typical ""Enemies to Lovers"" dynamic prevalent in other like-marketed books (i.e. Condescending Arrogant Man x Woman Who Overlooks His Red Flags 'Cause He's Hot), so the title didn't put me off. Really should be called "Forced Proximity" if you wanted a tropey title.
They were so lusty that it's not surprising that their first explicit sexual scene was before the halfway point. Personally, I wish it was just a mere Kiss in the Heat of the Moment rather than outright cunnilingus. It's one thing to go through the awkward tension the morning after with "yeah it was a mistake to kiss you"; quite another when it's "I shouldn't have had my tongue in your coochie". Especially when they were still keeping such huge secrets from each other at that point—Krish especially with not being who Sejal thinks he is—that it almost feels icky.
But as mentioned above, minus the hornness, I could still enjoy something out of Sejal & Krish's Annoyance to Love relationship. I appreciate how they connect and bond over not feeling Indian enough and the pressures of both being the elder siblings. Also, it helped that they eventually got vulnerable by opening up with their respective PTSDs (Sejal on being violently kidnapped; Krish on being in a car accident that lost him a parent). It's always a gutpunch moment when a character is willing to do something for the other despite the potential triggering reaction and being re-traumatised. Deep moments aside, they're also just really funny together?? They bounce off each other's humour so well.
I'd also like to highlight that I LOVE Sejal's main skill as an amateur magician with her sleight of hand tricks. It's not too common a trait among the tried-and-true archetype of Badass Bitch Who Can Fight Her Way Out of Anything.
A fantastic romance book to me is one that also emphasises other forms of love. Given the theme of You Are Not Your Shitty Parents with regards to Sejal, there's inevitably a huge emphasis on chosen family alongside blood family; something that is always wonderful to see in BIPOC-led stories because of the cultural norms of holding on to your biological ties. It's a great message to have in an Asian story that sometimes one's parents can't be redeemed and you don't owe them anything. There's a moment where Sejal and Krish talk about how it's a staple in their culture to have huge, bustling families, which they didn't exactly experience growing up. And by the epilogue, I was so moved that they got exactly that, just in an unconventional but no less valid way.
While this is marketed as a standalone adventure and technically it can be read as so (I did not read the previous book beforehand and got caught up to speed sufficiently well), if you're a stickler for spoilers, it's best you start with Partners in Crime , because many past events I presumed had happened in Book 1 are very much relevant and discussed in here.
December 20, 2025
📚Enemies to Lovers
✍🏻Alisha Rai
Blurb:
From the author of Partners in Crime, comes a sparkling new adventure rom-com where a con woman and a lawman team up on an epic cross-country road trip to save their families…and each other.
Sejal Chaudhary inherited her mama’s calculating brain, her daddy’s quick fingers, and the boatload of trauma that comes with being the eldest daughter of criminals. Although Sejal has never claimed to be a good girl, she’s spent the last couple years laying low and going (mostly) straight. That is, until a con gone wrong sends her into the arms of a handsome stranger who’s set on dragging her back into her messy family drama.
Krish Anand never mastered the fine art of being a bad boy…he would take a book over bullets any day. But when his FBI agent brother goes missing, he has no choice but to suit up for the adventure of a lifetime. Certain that someone in Sejal’s little crime family is behind the disappearance, a desperate Krish manages to convince the beautiful thief that his brother’s badge is actually his.
The deal is simple: help him find his brother, and Krish and the law will leave Sejal be. With an up-to-no-good ex also hot on her trail, Sejal reluctantly agrees. As they wind their way across the country on planes, buses, and automobiles, sparks ignite, and what began as a fragile temporary truce starts to look more and more like a partnership.
Falling for the enemy? So cliche, but so good…if only they can survive long enough to chance a happily ever after.
TROPES
Enemies-to-Lovers
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Love
Adventure Rom-Com
My Thoughts:
Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai is a fun addition to the crime-action universe first introduced in Rai's novel Partners in Crime. Full of unsolved and unfolding mysteries, tense action, and emotional moments interspersed with cameos and humor, follow Sejal and Krish as they learn truths about themselves and each other in a race against time. Sejal is sharp, scrappy, and carrying a lifetime of family-made chaos on her shoulders. She’s not trying to be anyone’s idea of good but she is trying and that tension between who she’s been raised to be and who she wants to become gives her character real weight. Krish Anand: bookish, principled, and deeply out of his element, which somehow makes him the perfect counterbalance for Sejal. The man would rather discuss novels than navigate a con, yet here he is, pretending to flash a badge and diving headfirst into danger for the sake of his brother.. I highly recommend this book add it to your TBR list
Thanks NetGalley, Avon Publishing and Author Alisha Rai for the advanced copy of "Enemies to Lovers" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#AvonPublishing
#AlishaRai
#EnemiestoLovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Alisha Rai
Blurb:
From the author of Partners in Crime, comes a sparkling new adventure rom-com where a con woman and a lawman team up on an epic cross-country road trip to save their families…and each other.
Sejal Chaudhary inherited her mama’s calculating brain, her daddy’s quick fingers, and the boatload of trauma that comes with being the eldest daughter of criminals. Although Sejal has never claimed to be a good girl, she’s spent the last couple years laying low and going (mostly) straight. That is, until a con gone wrong sends her into the arms of a handsome stranger who’s set on dragging her back into her messy family drama.
Krish Anand never mastered the fine art of being a bad boy…he would take a book over bullets any day. But when his FBI agent brother goes missing, he has no choice but to suit up for the adventure of a lifetime. Certain that someone in Sejal’s little crime family is behind the disappearance, a desperate Krish manages to convince the beautiful thief that his brother’s badge is actually his.
The deal is simple: help him find his brother, and Krish and the law will leave Sejal be. With an up-to-no-good ex also hot on her trail, Sejal reluctantly agrees. As they wind their way across the country on planes, buses, and automobiles, sparks ignite, and what began as a fragile temporary truce starts to look more and more like a partnership.
Falling for the enemy? So cliche, but so good…if only they can survive long enough to chance a happily ever after.
TROPES
Enemies-to-Lovers
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Love
Adventure Rom-Com
My Thoughts:
Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai is a fun addition to the crime-action universe first introduced in Rai's novel Partners in Crime. Full of unsolved and unfolding mysteries, tense action, and emotional moments interspersed with cameos and humor, follow Sejal and Krish as they learn truths about themselves and each other in a race against time. Sejal is sharp, scrappy, and carrying a lifetime of family-made chaos on her shoulders. She’s not trying to be anyone’s idea of good but she is trying and that tension between who she’s been raised to be and who she wants to become gives her character real weight. Krish Anand: bookish, principled, and deeply out of his element, which somehow makes him the perfect counterbalance for Sejal. The man would rather discuss novels than navigate a con, yet here he is, pretending to flash a badge and diving headfirst into danger for the sake of his brother.. I highly recommend this book add it to your TBR list
Thanks NetGalley, Avon Publishing and Author Alisha Rai for the advanced copy of "Enemies to Lovers" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#AvonPublishing
#AlishaRai
#EnemiestoLovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sometimes when I’m looking for an escape, I crave a funny rom-com, especially if it has an adventure-themed story. I was hooked into this story immediately, gravitating toward the dynamic between an FBI agent and a fiery, feisty FMC in what quickly becomes a high-stakes whirlwind of an adventure!
It’s a fun, light rom-com that feels like the perfect summer listen. I was immediately drawn to the main character, Sejal—she is such a unique mix of funny and scrappy. I loved the scenes where she is doing magic, dealing cards, or busking; it made her such a distinct lead, especially given her family's mysterious background. The banter between her and Krish right from the start was genuinely hilarious.
What really resonated with me were the heartfelt sentiments the characters shared about feeling like outsiders. There is a moving moment where Krish discusses being bullied and telling people his name was "Chris" just to make it easier for them to pronounce. I loved how unapologetic Sejal was in her response, calling people out for being lazy.
I thought the author highlighted multicultural elements well, and I loved reading about the Desi cultural representation and family throughout the story. I’m always looking for more contemporary romance books from BIPOC authors that feature main characters from other cultures, so this was a perfect fit. I truly believe we should celebrate multicultural voices and diverse backgrounds, and I almost feel like it can be rare to find within the contemporary romance genre.
The dual narration was a massive standout for me. Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan were incredibly clear—I could understand everything perfectly even at 2.5x speed! The narrators captured a range of emotions with the dialogue and action, and they kept the vibrant, action-packed pace of the story going. I hope this opens doors for more diverse narrators; it’s so refreshing to hear new voices rather than the same few narrators we hear repeatedly in the genre.
While the plot becomes a high-energy whirlwind of twists and family drama toward the end, it’s a ride that definitely keeps you on your toes. I actually didn’t realize it was the second book in an interconnected series, but it still works as a fast-paced adventure that is easy to fly through!
Perfect if you love:
✈️ Adventure Rom-Coms with slight whodunnit vibes
😂 A funny FMC that can do magic 🪄
✨️ BIPOC Author & Characters - Desi Representation
🌎 Multicultural Voices
🎧 Top-Tier Dual Narration
😆 Witty Banter
✨️🔥 Forced Proximity and Spice
👀✨️ Family Drama with both mystery and crime elements
Thank you to HarperAudio Adult, Avon Books, and the author, Alisha Rai for an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily, and these are my honest opinions.
It’s a fun, light rom-com that feels like the perfect summer listen. I was immediately drawn to the main character, Sejal—she is such a unique mix of funny and scrappy. I loved the scenes where she is doing magic, dealing cards, or busking; it made her such a distinct lead, especially given her family's mysterious background. The banter between her and Krish right from the start was genuinely hilarious.
What really resonated with me were the heartfelt sentiments the characters shared about feeling like outsiders. There is a moving moment where Krish discusses being bullied and telling people his name was "Chris" just to make it easier for them to pronounce. I loved how unapologetic Sejal was in her response, calling people out for being lazy.
I thought the author highlighted multicultural elements well, and I loved reading about the Desi cultural representation and family throughout the story. I’m always looking for more contemporary romance books from BIPOC authors that feature main characters from other cultures, so this was a perfect fit. I truly believe we should celebrate multicultural voices and diverse backgrounds, and I almost feel like it can be rare to find within the contemporary romance genre.
The dual narration was a massive standout for me. Soneela Nankani and Shahjehan Khan were incredibly clear—I could understand everything perfectly even at 2.5x speed! The narrators captured a range of emotions with the dialogue and action, and they kept the vibrant, action-packed pace of the story going. I hope this opens doors for more diverse narrators; it’s so refreshing to hear new voices rather than the same few narrators we hear repeatedly in the genre.
While the plot becomes a high-energy whirlwind of twists and family drama toward the end, it’s a ride that definitely keeps you on your toes. I actually didn’t realize it was the second book in an interconnected series, but it still works as a fast-paced adventure that is easy to fly through!
Perfect if you love:
✈️ Adventure Rom-Coms with slight whodunnit vibes
😂 A funny FMC that can do magic 🪄
✨️ BIPOC Author & Characters - Desi Representation
🌎 Multicultural Voices
🎧 Top-Tier Dual Narration
😆 Witty Banter
✨️🔥 Forced Proximity and Spice
👀✨️ Family Drama with both mystery and crime elements
Thank you to HarperAudio Adult, Avon Books, and the author, Alisha Rai for an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily, and these are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really interesting read, and I enjoyed the book. It’s not just a romance, it’s an adventure/ action slow burn romance.
It’s mysterious, and in such a way that keeps you reading. There’s a lot to solve. There’s moments that are extremely emotional, but there is humour throughout.
Sejal family are criminals, Krish’s brother goes missing. It’s suspected that her family is linked to the kidnapping, and after Krish convinces Sejal to help him find his brother they embark on a cross country trip. Pretending that he’s the FBI agent to get her to help him. It shows you the lengths he’s willing to go to find his brother. Walking into the dangerous, unknown. He believes his brother is innocent, and fears the worst for him.
It took me a while to warm to Krish. I just hate how he handcuffed her, and she freaked out and then he thought getting on top of her would help the situation. That was quite triggering. I wished that Krish was able to recognise that she has trauma and PTSD. It’s obvious that’s the case, but he didn’t spot the signs. He handled that completely wrong. He did get a little better but it’s ~30% of the book where he picks up. He did come to Sejal’s rescue, more than once. That made him a little redeemable in my eyes. He’s just lost in focus trying to get his brother home, he’s blind to seeing the hurt Sejal wears.
I liked the female main character, Sejal, she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. She’s a real, complex person with a genuine internal struggle I could relate to. Her feelings of not belonging and not feeling lovable or deserving of love gave the reader an intimate view into who she is, and it made me feel more connected to her as a character. I love that we get to see towards the end some of the things she’s been unlearning. She has a lot of trauma and baggage, being the eldest daughter in her family. As the eldest sibling, and daughter I can relate to some of the feelings both Sejal and Krish experienced. The responsibility, the guilt.
The whole being on the run from the mob was so interesting for a romance story and I genuinely really enjoyed reading this one. The reader is going on this adventure with the characters and there’s plenty of twists involved.
I think the pacing was a little fast for a lot of the book, but it did slow down the last 20% of the book. It’s part of a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alisha Rai, and Little Brown Book Group UK for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
It’s mysterious, and in such a way that keeps you reading. There’s a lot to solve. There’s moments that are extremely emotional, but there is humour throughout.
Sejal family are criminals, Krish’s brother goes missing. It’s suspected that her family is linked to the kidnapping, and after Krish convinces Sejal to help him find his brother they embark on a cross country trip. Pretending that he’s the FBI agent to get her to help him. It shows you the lengths he’s willing to go to find his brother. Walking into the dangerous, unknown. He believes his brother is innocent, and fears the worst for him.
It took me a while to warm to Krish. I just hate how he handcuffed her, and she freaked out and then he thought getting on top of her would help the situation. That was quite triggering. I wished that Krish was able to recognise that she has trauma and PTSD. It’s obvious that’s the case, but he didn’t spot the signs. He handled that completely wrong. He did get a little better but it’s ~30% of the book where he picks up. He did come to Sejal’s rescue, more than once. That made him a little redeemable in my eyes. He’s just lost in focus trying to get his brother home, he’s blind to seeing the hurt Sejal wears.
I liked the female main character, Sejal, she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. She’s a real, complex person with a genuine internal struggle I could relate to. Her feelings of not belonging and not feeling lovable or deserving of love gave the reader an intimate view into who she is, and it made me feel more connected to her as a character. I love that we get to see towards the end some of the things she’s been unlearning. She has a lot of trauma and baggage, being the eldest daughter in her family. As the eldest sibling, and daughter I can relate to some of the feelings both Sejal and Krish experienced. The responsibility, the guilt.
The whole being on the run from the mob was so interesting for a romance story and I genuinely really enjoyed reading this one. The reader is going on this adventure with the characters and there’s plenty of twists involved.
I think the pacing was a little fast for a lot of the book, but it did slow down the last 20% of the book. It’s part of a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alisha Rai, and Little Brown Book Group UK for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was the most fun rom-com style whodunit I have read in a long time, and I mean that with my whole chest. If you have ever wanted to watch an action movie turned rom-com while also being in your feelings about two people who really need to just admit they like each other, this book is exactly that. 🎬
The easiest way to describe the setup is a cutesy mafia romance, iuts not mafia romance in the way we typically think of it . Yes, there are multiple crime families involved, but the tone is light and fun rather than dark and gritty. That said, there are some genuinely tense moments and a few triggers worth noting, including kidnapping and gun violence, so go in prepared for the occasional shift in tone underneath all the charm.
Krish and Sejal's dynamic is so well handled. They are instantly attracted to each other right from the bar and equally suspicious of each other as they start their cross country road trip. Them being on opposing sides of the law gives their relationship room to develop gradually rather than collapsing into each other too quickly. Watching Krish catch glimpses of Sejal's softer sides while also having to keep a very close eye on her at all times so she doesn't bail on him is genuinely delightful, and the slow unraveling of Sejal's more guarded adult personality through flashbacks to her childhood is one of the more quietly affecting things the book does. The family dynamics on both sides feel integral to the story rather than fluffy, which makes the whole thing feel grounded in real life experience even when it's being completely chaotic.
Also, Krish is big and intimidating and broody and a librarian, and I will not be taking questions about why that is extremely attractive. 📚
The supporting cast is another real strength here. Most of them are multi-dimensional enough that you will finish this book wanting stories of their own, and at least one of them already has one, though you absolutely do not need to read it first to enjoy this. I hadn't and had no trouble keeping up.
Then the last thirty percent happens and there are no fewer than five major twists that had me saying what the hell out loud to an empty room. The pacing stays balanced throughout, the writing has genuine depth, and the spice is present but quick and never the main event.
This one is an easy recommendation if you want something with real plot, real characters, and a romance that actually earns its ending. 👏
The easiest way to describe the setup is a cutesy mafia romance, iuts not mafia romance in the way we typically think of it . Yes, there are multiple crime families involved, but the tone is light and fun rather than dark and gritty. That said, there are some genuinely tense moments and a few triggers worth noting, including kidnapping and gun violence, so go in prepared for the occasional shift in tone underneath all the charm.
Krish and Sejal's dynamic is so well handled. They are instantly attracted to each other right from the bar and equally suspicious of each other as they start their cross country road trip. Them being on opposing sides of the law gives their relationship room to develop gradually rather than collapsing into each other too quickly. Watching Krish catch glimpses of Sejal's softer sides while also having to keep a very close eye on her at all times so she doesn't bail on him is genuinely delightful, and the slow unraveling of Sejal's more guarded adult personality through flashbacks to her childhood is one of the more quietly affecting things the book does. The family dynamics on both sides feel integral to the story rather than fluffy, which makes the whole thing feel grounded in real life experience even when it's being completely chaotic.
Also, Krish is big and intimidating and broody and a librarian, and I will not be taking questions about why that is extremely attractive. 📚
The supporting cast is another real strength here. Most of them are multi-dimensional enough that you will finish this book wanting stories of their own, and at least one of them already has one, though you absolutely do not need to read it first to enjoy this. I hadn't and had no trouble keeping up.
Then the last thirty percent happens and there are no fewer than five major twists that had me saying what the hell out loud to an empty room. The pacing stays balanced throughout, the writing has genuine depth, and the spice is present but quick and never the main event.
This one is an easy recommendation if you want something with real plot, real characters, and a romance that actually earns its ending. 👏
March 15, 2026
This story was fun. I had a good time with the book. I will say I had not read the first book so I did not have all of the background information regarding Sejal and her family.
In Enemies to Lovers, we are following Sejal and Krish. Sejal is in hiding from her crime lord family and Krish needs Sejal's help in finding his brother. Together, they end up on a cross country adventure trying to outrun Sejal's vindicative ex and trying to find the brother. The meet cute between Sejal and Krish was fun and cute. I loved how Sejal zeroed in on him in the bar to save her from a man. But not knowing who he was and that he was on the lookout for her. Like the title implies, this is meant to be a story about enemies to lovers. Sejal is on one side of the story and Krish is on the other. But they never truly felt like enemies. I did enjoy throughout the story how Sejal and Krish were both constantly trying to determine what the other one was going to do. Each doing their best to outsmart the other, while neither one was truly succeeding. Though I will say that Krish probably had the upper had simply because of his family's background.
The emotional nuances in this book were well done. I truly felt Sejal and how she was being held to standard that was caused by her family. No one wanted to see beyond her last name and the ties to the family that she no longer had a relationship with. You could feel how her early childhood shaped her. Likewise with Krish. You got to see how an accident and everyone's response to the accident had shaped his life and how he viewed himself. Together Sejal and Krish were on an emotional crash course towards each other and finding what they needed from the other. They both got to see themselves through the other's eyes.
My biggest complaint is that the book at times felt rushed. We were jumping from one scene to the next with no feeling of connective dots. And the ending seemed to tie everything up with a big bow but I don't know that I believed it given all of the personalities and the history that existed there. Could it happen? Perhaps. But realistically, I didn't find myself believing the end. Well, with the exception of Sejal and Krish getting their happy ever after. That I was totally on board with.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins/Avon for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In Enemies to Lovers, we are following Sejal and Krish. Sejal is in hiding from her crime lord family and Krish needs Sejal's help in finding his brother. Together, they end up on a cross country adventure trying to outrun Sejal's vindicative ex and trying to find the brother. The meet cute between Sejal and Krish was fun and cute. I loved how Sejal zeroed in on him in the bar to save her from a man. But not knowing who he was and that he was on the lookout for her. Like the title implies, this is meant to be a story about enemies to lovers. Sejal is on one side of the story and Krish is on the other. But they never truly felt like enemies. I did enjoy throughout the story how Sejal and Krish were both constantly trying to determine what the other one was going to do. Each doing their best to outsmart the other, while neither one was truly succeeding. Though I will say that Krish probably had the upper had simply because of his family's background.
The emotional nuances in this book were well done. I truly felt Sejal and how she was being held to standard that was caused by her family. No one wanted to see beyond her last name and the ties to the family that she no longer had a relationship with. You could feel how her early childhood shaped her. Likewise with Krish. You got to see how an accident and everyone's response to the accident had shaped his life and how he viewed himself. Together Sejal and Krish were on an emotional crash course towards each other and finding what they needed from the other. They both got to see themselves through the other's eyes.
My biggest complaint is that the book at times felt rushed. We were jumping from one scene to the next with no feeling of connective dots. And the ending seemed to tie everything up with a big bow but I don't know that I believed it given all of the personalities and the history that existed there. Could it happen? Perhaps. But realistically, I didn't find myself believing the end. Well, with the exception of Sejal and Krish getting their happy ever after. That I was totally on board with.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins/Avon for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ (Story) 3.75
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy Chapters:
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 1.5
👫 Sejal + Krish
📚 Tropes/Themes: secret identity, forced proximity, one bed, road trip, he falls first, protective MMC, adventure rom-com, forbidden Romance
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🎙️ Dual narration (Soneela Nankani + Shahjehan Khan)
⏰ Approx 5.5 hours @ 2x
💔 Content warnings: stalking, kidnapping, toxic parents,
🎀 Special editions: Afterlight
Well, I definitely didn't expect this book to do as much as it did 🤣
The suspense/ thriller part of the story was really good, and the characters are quirky and fun. I especially enjoyed Krish's mom and Sejal. And actually with Sejal I think Rai did a great job of making her unique and believable as someone who is deeply hurt without a lot of telling. I notice that a lot of times with MCs who carry a lot of trauma that affects their self esteem that I get annoyed with how they talk/inner monologue because it's too on the nose sometimes, and that wasn't the case here. The characters were really well developed but it's woven into the story in a way that doesn't bog it down..
I also listened to this one in a short amount of time, it pulled me in quickly and kept me engaged. Excellent job by the narrators bringing all the different characters to life with a myriad of American, English and Indian accents!
However, I almost wish that this wasn't even a romance. The pacing of the spicy scenes really threw things off for me and thus it threw off the pacing for the romance arc. Genuinely I didn't think the buildup of either feelings or lust was there when they finally got it on and it felt so out of place.
Actually I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had been an extremely slow burn and they didn't get together until after everything was said and done.
The rom-com aspect wasn't there for me either. It wasn't a serious book, and had some amusing moments but I wouldn't call it a rom-com.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable read, and I've added the first book in the series (didn't know it was a series!!) about Sejal's sister Mira to my TBR.
#EnemiesToLovers #AlishaRai #HarperAudio @HarperCollins @AvonBooks #onebed #adventureromcom #netgalley
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy Chapters:
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 1.5
👫 Sejal + Krish
📚 Tropes/Themes: secret identity, forced proximity, one bed, road trip, he falls first, protective MMC, adventure rom-com, forbidden Romance
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🎙️ Dual narration (Soneela Nankani + Shahjehan Khan)
⏰ Approx 5.5 hours @ 2x
💔 Content warnings: stalking, kidnapping, toxic parents,
🎀 Special editions: Afterlight
Well, I definitely didn't expect this book to do as much as it did 🤣
The suspense/ thriller part of the story was really good, and the characters are quirky and fun. I especially enjoyed Krish's mom and Sejal. And actually with Sejal I think Rai did a great job of making her unique and believable as someone who is deeply hurt without a lot of telling. I notice that a lot of times with MCs who carry a lot of trauma that affects their self esteem that I get annoyed with how they talk/inner monologue because it's too on the nose sometimes, and that wasn't the case here. The characters were really well developed but it's woven into the story in a way that doesn't bog it down..
I also listened to this one in a short amount of time, it pulled me in quickly and kept me engaged. Excellent job by the narrators bringing all the different characters to life with a myriad of American, English and Indian accents!
However, I almost wish that this wasn't even a romance. The pacing of the spicy scenes really threw things off for me and thus it threw off the pacing for the romance arc. Genuinely I didn't think the buildup of either feelings or lust was there when they finally got it on and it felt so out of place.
Actually I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had been an extremely slow burn and they didn't get together until after everything was said and done.
The rom-com aspect wasn't there for me either. It wasn't a serious book, and had some amusing moments but I wouldn't call it a rom-com.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable read, and I've added the first book in the series (didn't know it was a series!!) about Sejal's sister Mira to my TBR.
#EnemiesToLovers #AlishaRai #HarperAudio @HarperCollins @AvonBooks #onebed #adventureromcom #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very fun and fast paced book. It is mob/mafia/crime group adjacent but also a little bit cozy. The main characters have family members that have been involved in illegal activities but they themselves are not the most criminally gifted. They are forced to work together to find some answers and locate people they need to get closure. One thing that was distracting is that though the book is called enemies to lovers, the two main characters are never really enemies. They are working together kind of from the get go, the plan changes and truths are revealed as the story progresses but they never feel like enemies. They are both a little bit confused but kind souls. I don’t think it makes the book any less enjoyable I just know some people get really worked up about the enemies not being true enemies. This is technically a second book from interconnected standalone, I did not read Partners in Crime first but I will likely go back and read it as I thought this was a very enjoyable read. It did have some predictable plot lines but it had fun diverse representation and leaned towards cozy low stakes romance read (and less toxic red flag dark romance-y than other “mafia” books). A solid cozy rom-com for those needing a good laugh and sweet romance with some chaos in between.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“An Indian woman from New Jersey required no further follow-up.”
“Sejal did magic tricks, of all adorable things.”
“ Sejal was like a million pieces of a puzzle, but half of the pieces were chewed apart or missing.’
“Krish had never really craved kids, but if he imagined being a father, it was to one single kid. Only children seemed blessed. For one, they didn’t have to go save their little brothers from, say, the mob.”
“Please don’t come here. I can handle myself. I told you, I have everything under control. He did not, in fact, have anything under control”
“ “Don’t be such a poor sport. Compliment your kids, remember?” Aarthi pasted a smile on her face. “That was excellent thievery, Sejal.”’
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“An Indian woman from New Jersey required no further follow-up.”
“Sejal did magic tricks, of all adorable things.”
“ Sejal was like a million pieces of a puzzle, but half of the pieces were chewed apart or missing.’
“Krish had never really craved kids, but if he imagined being a father, it was to one single kid. Only children seemed blessed. For one, they didn’t have to go save their little brothers from, say, the mob.”
“Please don’t come here. I can handle myself. I told you, I have everything under control. He did not, in fact, have anything under control”
“ “Don’t be such a poor sport. Compliment your kids, remember?” Aarthi pasted a smile on her face. “That was excellent thievery, Sejal.”’
March 22, 2026
I went into this one with zero expectations & honestly, that was the perfect way to experience this story. It’s one of those books that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way, constantly shifting between adventure, chaos, & this slow, sneaky build of connection.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Soneela Nankani & Shahjehan Khan & they absolutely nailed it. The dual 3rd person POV in dual narration worked so well here. You really feel the tension & all the internal back-and-forth as Sejal & Krish are trying to figure each other out while also navigating a very messy situation.
The premise is so unique. We’ve got family ties to crime, a missing brother, & a partnership that starts out, let’s just say, highly questionable. What follows is this cross-country, twisty adventure that honestly felt like a Netflix action rom-com in audio form. I never fully knew where it was going next, which kept me hooked the entire time.
Sejal was such a standout for me. Her background, her skill with sleight of hand, her confidence mixed with deeper insecurities, she felt layered. I loved watching her open up & start to believe she deserves more. And Krish? Soft, thoughtful, a little out of his depth, but so clearly gone for her before he even realizes it.
Their dynamic is more “reluctant allies to something more” than true enemies, so if you’re expecting intense hate-to-love, that’s not really the vibe. But the banter? So good. The tension lives a lot in their thoughts, the glances, the moments they almost say something & don’t.
It leans more cozy than dark despite the crime-adjacent plot, which I actually loved. It’s fun, a little chaotic, & full of heart.
This was such an entertaining, unique listen with great narration, memorable characters, & a storyline that kept me locked in. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book.
💕 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🚗 Road Trip
📚 "Magician" x Librarian
🛌 One Bed
🏡 Forced Proximity
✌🏻 3rd Person Dual POV
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Soneela Nankani & Shahjehan Khan & they absolutely nailed it. The dual 3rd person POV in dual narration worked so well here. You really feel the tension & all the internal back-and-forth as Sejal & Krish are trying to figure each other out while also navigating a very messy situation.
The premise is so unique. We’ve got family ties to crime, a missing brother, & a partnership that starts out, let’s just say, highly questionable. What follows is this cross-country, twisty adventure that honestly felt like a Netflix action rom-com in audio form. I never fully knew where it was going next, which kept me hooked the entire time.
Sejal was such a standout for me. Her background, her skill with sleight of hand, her confidence mixed with deeper insecurities, she felt layered. I loved watching her open up & start to believe she deserves more. And Krish? Soft, thoughtful, a little out of his depth, but so clearly gone for her before he even realizes it.
Their dynamic is more “reluctant allies to something more” than true enemies, so if you’re expecting intense hate-to-love, that’s not really the vibe. But the banter? So good. The tension lives a lot in their thoughts, the glances, the moments they almost say something & don’t.
It leans more cozy than dark despite the crime-adjacent plot, which I actually loved. It’s fun, a little chaotic, & full of heart.
This was such an entertaining, unique listen with great narration, memorable characters, & a storyline that kept me locked in. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book.
💕 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🚗 Road Trip
📚 "Magician" x Librarian
🛌 One Bed
🏡 Forced Proximity
✌🏻 3rd Person Dual POV
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