Enemies to Lovers

by Kate J. Blake

A razor-witted journalist. A soft-hearted captain. One staged kiss. Zero fake feelings.

I report the story, I don’t become it—especially not with him. But then one gala dare turns into a 'for the cameras' kiss and I’m screwed.
Liam O’Rourke hates me—I’m the journalist who once wrote the too-sharp piece about him.
Then why did he agree to fake date me 'for the fans?'

Enemies to Lovers Fake Dating Reverse Grumpy / Sunshine Opposites Attract Workplace Romance Happily Ever After Guaranteed!

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Kate J. Blake writes spicy romance novellas for naughty readers who love hot heroes and happily-ever-afters.

Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.

Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.

Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.

Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.

Reviews

[Fruzsina Bagin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book via Booksprout, and the following review is entirely my own voluntary, and honest opinion.

Short, spicy, and very trope-driven, “Enemies to Lovers” delivers exactly what it promises, but not much beyond that.

Harper, a journalist, is forced to work closely with Liam O’Rourke, the hockey captain whose reputation she once damaged early in her career. Their history adds tension right from the start, and the fake-dating setup gives them plenty of opportunities to clash, tease, and blur lines that were supposed to stay professional.

Their banter often doubles as foreplay, which keeps the pacing quick and engaging. The chemistry is there, and the transition from enemies to something more works – just a bit too fast to fully land emotionally.

Liam fits the grumpy-but-soft type well, while Harper holds her ground as a driven, independent heroine. They’re well matched, but their deeper conflicts feel a little underexplored considering how central they are to their dynamic.

As with some of the author’s other shorter works, the length limits the story. The spice is front and centre, and while it’s well written, it sometimes comes at the expense of character development and emotional depth. I would’ve liked more time spent on rebuilding trust rather than jumping so quickly into the physical side of things.

Overall, this is an easy, entertaining read with strong chemistry and fun banter, but it leans heavily on its tropes and doesn’t quite reach the emotional impact it could have with a bit more depth.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Katie J Blake before today. And I gotta say it was super cute and a lot spicy.

The animosity and chemistry between the two characters was off the charts hot!

This is the story of Harper and Liam. Harper is a serious journalist but her boss says she has to cover the hockey team and work with Liam. The city needs this coverage more than the piece is was writing about a corrupt city councilman.

Liam and Harper have history and it’s not one either of them have forgotten but Harper’s boss makes it clear this will happen or she won’t have a job. But can they clear the air and start fresh or will they crash and burn before the story get published?

Liam is a professional hockey player and the team captain. He was not excited about working with Harper after she wrote some harsh things years ago. But his PR team demands that this works.

These two have a short hand that was fun to be a part of. I don’t normally like the quick reads that move as fast as this did. But it slows down when it counts. And boy oh boy did Katie make it count! So hot!

If you e never ready anything by Katie J Blake I highly suggest this book. It’s a short read and the story was well written. While it’s a hockey romance there wasn’t much hockey played that was detailed. So if you’re looking for a more balanced hockey romance this isn’t it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katiebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I positively adored this book!! Hockey romance is my jam, so I've read quite a few. Blake does a fantastic job of character development, and you immediately grow to love Liam and Harper.

Years earlier, Harper was just beginning her journalism career, and she wrote an article about rookie Liam that accidentally hurt his reputation for a while before she tried to make things right. Liam is now a veteran hockey player who has learned a lot since their last encounter. And now, Harper has just been assigned the task, much to her dismay, of becoming the voice for the Royals. As Harper and Liam are seen together at numerous events, the gossip begins to paint them as "Hockey's Hottest Couple".

Ultimately, what begins as a little "make believe" romance for good PR becomes a battle of wits that they both win. I loved watching their romance bloom - complete with a little spiciness along the way. Their personalities are equally matched, and the world loves it. And so do I!!

Thank you to Booksprout for providing a copy of this book to me to reveiw!

[Sharon McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, Sweet and Steamy sums this one up by Kate J Blake - - Unfortunately they were both naïve when they were younger and getting started in their respective industries and mistakes were made on both sides that created some animosity. They both are trying to stick to their assignments from her editor and his hockey PR Team to drum up business and appeal to the public but one thing leads to another and the banter between them gets sexier. Enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one from the author

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

I have really enjoyed this story, their history added to their story but it didn't overpower it. The connection and chemistry between them was written well, their banter was good and doubled as foreplay for them, and I enjoyed how everyone else just sat back and watched how their fake relationship evolved. I really liked seeing them get to know each other and fall in love, I thought they went well together and I could have happily read more of them together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper and Liam were great in this story. They don’t exactly get along because of a piece she wrote on him awfully back. But his reputation needs saving. So the yeti of them get into a fake dating scenario. I loved their banter and their back and forth. Liam really wasn’t the bad guy. He was a pretty great guy under that exterior. And Harper was a strong character all her own. Or was great seeing the two of them come together. The spice was ever present and balanced well. I just wish there had been more to this story. I wanted a little more depth in this one.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a journalist tasked with improving a hockey teams image. Specifically Captain Liam O’Rourke, the same player she has a past with regarding a piece she published on him. Can they work together to get the job done? Will his anger over the past be too much or will passion win out in the end? This was such a great hockey romance filled with just the right amount of passion and humor. Loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Plottwistpending · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, Liam and Harper have history and when she starts working as a reporter for his team they end up fake dating. The initial tension is palpable without overwhelming, the slow and steady build up of their relationship is compelling, they are witty, funny and the chemistry is perfect. A great short read which felt aptly seasonal, perfect for a cozy weekend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Collens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and steamy

Really enjoyed the banter between Harper and Liam, honestly wish that thete was more on the backstory as it would give more substance but the story over all is great and the smutt top tier.

[niki lipsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Yalena Bethany Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the thought and the way the plot was originally going however I felt everything was rushed and was confused when all of a sudden we were all loved up