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Enemies to Lobsters: A Sweet, Small Town, Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy

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I never thought I'd marry my enemy and live in a lighthouse with him—and a bunch of lobsters—but here we are.

Diana York

I only came back to Cape Georgeana, Maine, to cry dramatically at the lighthouse and rediscover my joie de vivre. Easy peasy, right?

But I ended up married and living on a tidal island with my new husband—the town golden boy and walking beard advertisement. Still, I'll do whatever it takes to save the lighthouse, even if it means living with Ike and his manipulative cologne.

I don’t have to like it.

(I probably will, though.)

Ike Wentworth

Of all the bizarre sacrifices I've made for Cape Georgeana, marrying Diana to save the old lighthouse doesn’t even crack the top ten. Sure, she once ran over my mailbox out of spite. I don’t care. I'll do whatever it takes to get our weird little town back in the black.

I don’t have to fall for her.

(I probably will, though.)

Enemies to Lobsters is a dual point-of-view, enemies-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience rom-com with nothing explicit, but plenty of swoon. And lobsters. Lots of lobsters.

Book one in the Rumors of Cape Georgeana series, but can be read as a standalone.

285 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2025

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104 people want to read

About the author

Elise Haynes

5 books22 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Bree.
445 reviews28 followers
September 30, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔}

🦞 Release Date: October 22, 2025 🦞
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Elise Haynes did it again, y’all—she absolutely knocked this book out of the park! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this story, but I knew it would be full of hilarity and swoony romance, because that’s what Elise does best! She had yet to let me down with any of her fantastic romcoms. If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend you go check out her other books as well!

The chemistry was red-hot in this hilarious, marriage of convenience romcom! From the first interaction between the MCs—which involved a broken staircase and a firefighter rescue—I knew this was going to be a highly entertaining story, and it did not disappoint. The banter between Ike and Diana kept me laughing and coming back for more 😆

Elise knows how to create the best friendship dynamics in her stories! I adored Stevie and Diana’s long-time friendship and all that it entailed. From watching old Gene Kelly movies to eating boiled red hot dogs, these ladies kept things interesting 🤭 I loved the way Stevie did her best to protect Diana, especially amidst the sudden marriage agreement and Diana having to move in with her long-time enemy, Ike Wentworth.

The small town vibes were perfectly captured in this book—from the hilarious, overly opinionated busybodies to the wildly inappropriate town residents. The town meetings were definitely a highlight for me 😄 I can’t wait to revisit this delightful tidal town in Book 2 of the Rumors of Cape Georgeana series!

Top Moments:
🦞 Rescue from the lighthouse
🦞 Muffie’s underpants debacle
🦞 The unusual marriage arrangement
🦞 The bickering newlyweds
🦞 First date fiascos
🦞 Ike complimenting and defending his wife
🦞 Ike and Boone’s adorable relationship
🦞 Ike’s Tom Selleck-esque mustache
🦞 Lobster rescue
🦞 Shelly’s compassionate side
🦞 Ike setting the townspeople straight
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Thank you, Elise, for allowing me to read an arc of your new book ♥️
Profile Image for Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings).
401 reviews67 followers
October 12, 2025
"Your worth didn't change because you were abandoned. You are like this lighthouse--so beautiful, so loved, but so mistreated. You deserved better care."

Enemies to Lobsters by Elise Haynes

Another winner from Elise! Her books are just laugh-out-loud funny, clean, have the best banter, and the best characters! Seriously, if you have not tried her books yet, let this be a sign to you to try them next.

Enemies to Lobsters is a marriage of convenience romcom. When I heard they were going to get married to save a lighthouse, I wasn't sure how those pieces were going to fit together. I didn't read the blurb, so I was so pleasantly surprised and I loved every minute of this book.

Ike is so dreamy! He is kind, thoughtful, misunderstood, goes out of his way for others, and falls soooo hard for Diana. I also found some similarities between Ike and my husband, like when he takes care of Diana. My husband has been so good to take care of me while I have been sick.

Diana is stubborn, misunderstands Ike a lot, in love with the lighthouse, takeout food, and Tom Selleck. She is also strong, organized, and it was so cute to see when she started to fall in love with Ike.

The part where she saves a lobster had me cackling so much!
There were so many parts to swoon and laugh, and even get emotional at.
There were even a couple lines in the book that I messaged Elise about and was like, "Hey, my husband and I say that to each other sometimes". It was so fun to relate that way.

Read. This. Book. Just read it when it releases. Trust me I loved it so much and so excited for the next one in this fun new series by Elise.

Favorite Parts:
The rescue
Their banter
Renovating a lighthouse
Rules
Showing the repairs
Dates
Lobsters
Yankees/Red Sox game
He takes care of her
“My wife”
Reception
The fox trot
Tom Shelleck
The storm
Speech
The ending
Ike=swoony MMC

Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Closed-door: Mild innuendo, passionate kissing (not overly descriptive)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Strained family relationships, toxic mother

Book Info:
Series: Cape Georgeana book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romcom
Romance Level: closed-door
Release Date: October 22
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual first person

Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Regency_Fan_ Michelle.
590 reviews12 followers
November 7, 2025
I read this book slowly to savor every word! I’m sad it’s over! It gets all the stars! Elise Haynes is my go-to author for romantic comedies! Her latest book is another delightful blend of humor and sweetness, topped with a clever pun of a title. Her stories are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, and this one is no exception—with sharp, witty banter and characters that jump off the page! Diana’s hilarious inner monologue kept me laughing, especially when paired with the charming enemies-to-lovers and marriage of convenience tropes. Set in a picturesque small town in Maine, the story is filled with lively drama, quirky antics, and unforgettable town personalities—from nosy, opinionated neighbors to the hilariously inappropriate residents. The playful teasing and flirting build perfect tension leading to genuine, heartfelt feelings. What truly makes this book stand out is its authentic touch—discussions of abandonment, loss, depression, and people-pleasing are handled with sensitivity and hope. I also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a child with Autism, portrayed with encouragement and compassion. This heartfelt story is a perfect escape filled with humor, heart, and small-town charm.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 3 books22 followers
September 1, 2025
Okay, I just finished beta reading this book and LOVED it!

Elise is SO good at writing hilarious moments, relatable characters, and swoony everything.

I loved the setting of this book, a modern day marriage of convenience is always a favorite, and I was cackling the whole way through.

Add it to your tbr and be sure to check it out Oct. 22!
Profile Image for Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary)  Anderson.
177 reviews11 followers
October 28, 2025
“Let me help you carry your world, Atlas. You’ve carried it alone long enough.”

First, I want to say thank you Elise for having me on your ARC team and for the opportunity to read this book early. Second, Elise’s writing is for everyone, especially when you need to put a smile on your face and lighten your heart and mind. Okay, now on to how much I loved this story, which is A LOT!!

Oh, my heck!! This was an absolute delight to read and the number of smiles, laugh out loud, toe curling moments in this book have made this a top favorite rom-com read for me! Not only do we get Tom Selleck references (sigh….), the enemies to more, banter, marriage of convenience, and pop culture references in this book will make you not want to put it down and read the book in one sitting! It is a riot!

Diana and Ike are archenemies. Well, she did run over his mailbox and he may have started a rumor that she is actually a witch…When they discover they share a dream of renovating the beloved lighthouse, an unconventional opportunity finds themselves married, living under the same leaky roof, with all the money needed to repair their lighthouse.

‘Do not skip. Don’t whistle. Don’t do anything to give yourself away, you giant, googly-eyed moron.’

There is so much to love about this story but some of my favorite moments is him falling first, their foxtrot dance, the cooler incident, Tom Selleck references, Diana’s pet lobster, him caring for her while she is sick, the Red Sox/Yankees game, the ‘borrowed’ car, their dates, the rules of their marriage, Diana’s friends, the internal dialogue, singing in the lighthouse, the epilogue, and Ike’s absolute adorableness. I have SO much highlighted and annotated in this book, it is just that amazing!!

‘It’s a symbol, reminding us that doing the thing we were uniquely designed to do is the most important work we can do in this world.’

If this book is not on your TBR yet, stop what you are doing, add it to your TBR, and then immediately start reading it. This is the perfect read for those who love marriage of convenience with enemies to lovers!
Profile Image for Callie Rae.
105 reviews10 followers
Read
September 21, 2025
𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅!!

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘥, 𝘐 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘐 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴!!

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟎.𝟏 /𝟓 (𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒋𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒐𝒄𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒅. 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚)

𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏𝟒+

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏𝟎/𝟓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 ℕ𝕆𝕋𝔼𝕊 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢:

✦ 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚊 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚌𝚞𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚙𝚎 𝙶𝚎𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎.

✦ 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙶𝚘𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙷𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 (𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚘, 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑) 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝙸𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙳𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚏𝚒𝚝 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙸𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚘 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚞𝚝𝚎. (𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚢 𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎)

✦ 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚓𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚢 𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚙 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚒𝚖��� 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑, 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚝.

✦ 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚊���𝚍 𝙸’𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝙸 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝!! 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚋𝚛, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝!!


Thank you to Elise Haynes on Instagram for giving me an Advanced Readers Copy. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Charity - cleanreads_messyhouse .
22 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2025
5/5
Ike and Diana are my favorite. He is the goldenest (I know that's not a word but it should be) of golden boys and Diana is hated by the small town that adores him. The snarkiness that ensues because of their (supposed) mutual dislike of one another is hilarious and makes the moments they start to recognize the attraction and appreciation brewing beneath the snark so much better.
i loved the way that they had emotional depth and history that felt realistic and unforced. I loved watching Ike tear down Di's walls so she could see her own worth. I loved that this combined an enemies to lovers with a marriage of convenience that was anything but convenient. &
the town full of eccentrics - I mean let's just call them what they are... weirdos ۩, meddlesome friends and family, and Tom Selleck references set this one over the edge. it was charming, full of scenes that made laugh, and tender moments that had me swooning and tearing up. it was my first Elise Haynes novel but definitely not my last.
Now off to read some more of her books and to do my best to be 50% less weird.
PS as a Tom Selleck obsessed girl, the references to him were gold.
Profile Image for Jenah Riggs.
440 reviews17 followers
October 13, 2025
4.5⭐️ I’m such a sucker for any book with the marriage of convenience trope and this one did not disappoint! I loved Diana and Ike’s relationship and the way it built slowly as enemies, to friends to more. The lighthouse setting was so unique and I totally wished I could go hang out with them in their lighthouse! I know I can always count on Elise for fun and humor throughout her books, and this was exactly that! If you want something light and comical, go check this out!
239 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2025
I adored this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. I’ve been in such a weird book slump for the last few weeks and this is the first book in a while that has had me anxious to get back to reading. The humor in Elise’s books is exactly my type of humor. I love how heartfelt and happy her books are. I was so interested to see how she did this marriage of convenience and I loved it so much!!
Profile Image for Darla Marie.
247 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2025
if she writes it I'll read it!
this was such a fun and cute read! I loved their banter and the chemistry! definitely recommend this read!

I did receive a complimentary copy but this is my own honest review
Profile Image for Megan.
590 reviews16 followers
December 1, 2025
Super cute marriage of convenience story. Easy to read with main characters that you want to succeed.

I definitely plan on trying more books by this author.
Profile Image for Katrinalee.
332 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2025
I read this book with a sappy grin on my face. Small-town golden boy marries the town witch (but that's really just a nasty rumor) so they can save their beloved old lighthouse. They have to set up house in the old caretaker's cottage to meet the requirements for getting the money to restore the lighthouse and cottage. Too bad they've hated each other their whole lives.

Don't miss this great fun:

🦞 Lobster Murders and Rescues
🦞 Dancing the Foxtrot
🦞 He takes care of her when she's sick
🦞 Forearms
🦞 Dangerous Storm
🦞 Red Sox vs. Yankees
🦞 He Falls First
🦞 Tom Selleck is the voice in her head
🦞 Laugh-out-loud Banter
🦞 Undeniable Chemistry

“𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢. 𝘞𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳.”
Profile Image for Natalie.
283 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2025
5⭐️/5

Small town romance
Marriage of convenience
Forced proximity

Gosh. I loved this book. Elise knows how to write romcoms and this one is spectacular. She an autobuy autoread author for me!!

Ike and Diane are just the cutest most real couple. I also think this book has sold me on the marriage of convenience trope.

The lighthouse in Cape Georgeana is special to a lot of people - it’s Diana’s safe place and Ike’s favorite place. The problem is there are no extra city funds to repair it. Diana’s wealthy grandparents propose the idea of Ike and Diana getting married because, they want her married, will fund the repairs and Ike will do anything for the town. Ike and Diana have been rivals since high school age. Because of some rumors the whole town is against her, but loves Ike.

They have to work together to rebuild the lighthouse and in the mean time they slowly start building their lives together. Walls come down, conversations are avoided then had, and feelings develop.

If you’re looking for a ridiculous romcom that will make you laugh out loud, root for the characters, swoon at the declarations look no further. This story is about self discovery, standing up for yourself, letting go of the past and the prejudices of silly townsfolk. I laughed out loud so many times and loved escaping into this sweet story.

Thank you Elise for this arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Remarks•
💖 no spice - just kisses
No language
TW- abandonment from a parent


Favorite things:
👨🏻‍🚒The lighthouse rescue
🎭Play date
💻Spreadsheets
🧐Meddling friends and grandparents
💖Conversation with Shelly
🤢Pineapple poisoning

Favorite quotes:

His cologne smells like chopping wood, putting out fires, and all things manly. It’s designed to make intelligent women ignore their instincts.

I’m going to push Stevie into the ocean. “We’re doing married people stuff,” I yell down the stairs. “Lots of it.”

I dig out a section of grapefruit with my spoon, and a spurt of acidic juice squirts me in the eye.

Sometimes it’s like Diana’s a rare bird that landed on my shoulder. She’s too beautiful for words and startles easily. But if I go about my life, quietly appreciating her presence without drawing attention to the fact that we’re legally married, she doesn’t flap her wings. She even seems to enjoy being with me.

“I’m falling for you, Diana.” His jaw tightens. His eyes are so intense. So serious. “I want this to be real.”

“Your worth didn’t change because you were abandoned. You are like this lighthouse—so beautiful, so loved, but so mistreated. You deserved better care.”

“I want this to be real, and I want you to be my husband for a long time—as long as you’ll take me.”

“This lighthouse is a beacon to tired travelers. It stands tall. It’s a symbol, reminding us that doing the thing we were uniquely designed to do is the most important work we can do in this world. Even if our unique role is weird, thankless, or exhausting”

Every one of us is here for a unique purpose. Doing what we were created and designed to do is where we find true joy in life.”
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,454 reviews236 followers
November 25, 2025
An absolute favorite!!

When Diana returns to Cape Georgeana hoping for a little emotional reboot, she somehow ends up in a marriage of convenience with Ike, the town’s golden boy, all to save the local lighthouse.

Neither intends to like -much less fall for - the other, but living together on a quirky tidal island has a way of changing things. As they team up to rescue their beloved town landmark, their fake marriage starts looking a lot like something real.

What you'll love:
enemies to lovers
marriage of convenience
dual pov
protective hero
the re-meet cute
the lobsters!
Tom Selleck
Ike & Boone
"my wife"
small town characters
ALL THE KISSES!
perfectly perfect ending

This was my first Elise Haynes book, but oh, it will most definitely not be my last!! This story was hilariously funny, surprisingly tender, and incredibly romantic. And I completely fell head over heels for all of it! This book is the perfect example of why enemies to lovers PLUS marriage of convenience is the ultimate trope combination.

Ike and Diana may seem like opposites but their chemistry and emotional connection is undeniable. I loved their witty banter and the beautiful way they become a safe space for each other. Ike's protectiveness was so swoony - there is just something irresistable about a hero who stands up for the woman he loves. I lived for every moment they were together, and when they finally give in to the sparks between them and kiss? Sigh. (insert all the melting emojis here!)

I love how gentle the author was with Boone, an autistic child, and she handled his character with grace and tenderness. The quirky side characters and small-town setting were delightful, and I genuinely wish the town were real so I could go visit! Definitely looking forward to visiting when I read the next book in the series.

If you love quirky characters, witty banter, stories that make you melt, or even just Tom Selleck, then you do not want to miss this one! All the love for a new favorite book by new favorite author!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

429 reviews14 followers
December 3, 2025
"Let me help you carry your world, Atlas. You've carried it alone long enough."

"Your worth didn't change because you were abandoned. You are like this lighthouse, so beautiful, so loved, but so mistreated. You deserved better care."

Let me preface this by saying that I will read absolutely anything by this author. Her books are full of so much heart, humor, loveable characters and swoony romance, that I find myself coming back to them again and again, and this one is no exception.

Marriage of convenience, especially in contemporary settings, is not usually my favorite because it seems so unbelievable, but in this story it works.

"I am marrying Ike Wentworth, my sworn enemy. Well, not my sworn enemy, that's dramatic even for me. But the guy did tell everyone I had a glass eye when we were thirteen. That's a terrible age to have boys randomly ask you to take out your eyeball."

Diana and Ike are tied together (quite literally) by their love of the lighthouse and their desire to see it preserved. Their progression from enemies to more feels organic and is completely entertaining. They may seem like opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts and is only eclipsed by their emotional connection.

"First came antagonism, then came marriage, then comes love, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. So, I got things a little off."

This is a must read for anyone who loves romcoms. It will leave you smiling and uplifted, and wanting to get your hands on every book this author has written.
Profile Image for sassygirlreads.
115 reviews
October 24, 2025
Elise Haynes does it again! Enemies to Lobsters was so much fun – it’s full of laughter, friends, family, banter, flirting, heartfelt moments, and Tom Selleck (and who doesn’t need more Tom Selleck in her life!). Diana is independent, guarded, kind, misunderstood, and organized – she loves her spreadsheets! Ike is everything to everyone, he’s just a good guy – it is not in his wheelhouse to not help others. It made me smile to watch Ike perpetually tease Diana but also continually help her much to her vexation. I love lighthouses and was elated the Cape Georgeana lighthouse is what brings them together. The lighthouse has a special place in each of their hearts, and they both obviously will do anything (get married!) to see that it gets renovated. Their interactions had me laughing constantly. I loved how Ike defends Diana against the town people as he fiercely stands up for “my wife.” I enjoyed watching Diana and Ike go from enemies, to tolerating each other, to friendship, to more. Enemies to Lobsters is a must read!

My favorite things:
-The flirting and banter
- He takes care of her
- Tom Selleck and Shelleck
- Manipulative cologne and E.S.I
- The lighthouse (including singing)
- The first date
- Their friends and family
- The dance!

Tropes:
- Romcom
- Marriage of convenience
- Enemies to lovers
- He falls first
- Forced proximity
- Dual POV
- Knee buckling kisses
- Lots of lobsters

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Megan | Reads Alotl Books.
313 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2025
Well, she’s done it again. I absolutely loved this book and the new series is off with a bang. Elise has an incredible writing style that’s witty, sweet, real, engaging, but also connects to harder issues. I loved seeing the different facets with the characters. (The diner scene near the end…the tacos…Tom Selleck..)
“Everyone of us is here for a unique purpose. Doing what we were created and designed to do is where we find true joy in life.”
If you followed me long enough, you know that marriage of convenience is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. There was so much backstory and deeper meanings behind their behaviors and relationship.
“You’re like if Mother Teresa had a beard and knew her way around a chainsaw.”
There are so many good things in this book and I loved that it was based around the lighthouse. Ike is your golden retriever, town herein and Diana does not fit into the picture. The town has always judged her harshly.
“Ike Wentworth M – my biggest hater – is holding my hand. I like it, and I hate that I like it.”
The one thing Ike and Diana have in common, besides tension, is the crumbling lighthouse. They agree to marry for one year in order to have the Lighthouse fixed and fully funded it by her grandparents.
It is a fantastic read and you won’t regret it!! Plus… the lobsters and her inner Voice being Tom Selleck….🦞🥸
36 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2025
Anyone who starts off with a dedication to the very handsome Tom Selleck has my attention and vote. Diana is a misunderstood FMC of her little hometown. She is seen as aloof and better than the rest, but that is not who she is. She is someone who hides within herself because of all that she has gone through. One thing that always calls to her is the lighthouse of Cape Georgeana. It is where she feels at home and sometimes has dreams of Tom Selleck… :) Ike has been the thorn in Diana’s side ever since they were younger. Granted she did eventually run over his mail box, but he did start rumors about her. The one thing they have in common is their love for the lighthouse and wanting to get it restored. This dream can be a reality if Diana and Ike take part in Diana’s grandparents' crazy scheme. Will it be worth it? Can they handle it? Diana and Ike’s interactions crack me up. Ike knows exactly how to get under Diana’s skin. This book made me laugh with all their back and forth banter. I, like Diana, have strong feelings towards spreadsheets and baseball. Diana and Ike are so loveable. This book had me laughing and rooting for the main couple. I am looking forward to more books about the other characters in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kayla Stewart.
319 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2025
✨Review✨

Enemies to Lobsters by @elisehaynesbooks
Rumors of Cape Georgeana, book one

I just have to say that anything by Elise will make you smile, sigh, squeal, kick your feet, and giggle. I just love her writing style and the joy I find through her reads.

✨there’s embarrassing, as in “I pushed on a ‘pull’ door in front of a crowd.” And there’s embarrassing, as in “the only man in Cape Georgeana who makes my blood boil just rescued me like a cat in a tree.”

Diana York is so very misunderstood and rumors have made her life difficult, but not only that, her mother abandoned her and luckily left her in the care of her grandparents, though that scar is hard to heal from.

Ike Wentworth, the epitome of people pleaser always wanting to help! He’s stretched thin and it’s starting to take a toll. Fireman, Mayor, and now he’s gotten married to make sure renovations will happen for the Light House. Can he get past Diana’s frosty exterior?

Just gunna leave a list right here of all the things:
🦞Dual POV
🦞Enemies to Lovers
🦞Marriage of Convenience
🦞Clean RomCom
🦞Pet Lobster
🦞Tom Selleck
🦞Lighthouse
🦞He Saves Her
🦞Mailbox
🦞Stevie!
🦞Boone
🦞Opera
🦞Paper Straws
🦞He Defends Her
🦞Kissing her hand
🦞Allergies
🦞He Takes Care Of Her
🦞The Storm
🦞He Carries Her Multiple Times

I loved the tender, yet real depiction of some forms of Autism.
TW: narcissistic mother and abandonment

Okay. Anywho. Now you know you need to read this one and all her other books! I’ll join you. I still haven’t gotten to book one in her other series for some crazy reason. Thank you Elise for a truly lovely read.
167 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2025
Sweet read all the way! Lighthouse, family shenanigans, love, and lobsters all in the mix and a beautiful story is out. I love the way the author wove the storyline, creating a picture that you can literally feel the sea waves and the community bond.
Diana has to deal with the community general dislike while she battles her inner battle... and then there is Ik.
The desire to save the lighthouse opens an unexpected path that draws Ik and Diana into a tight web. I enjoyed the banter, the friendship between the friends, and the solid bond that existed.
Diana has to come to terms with her mother's behavior as she finally realizes what true family is about. I also like the fact that Ik learned he wasn't meant to carry everyone's burden, and he had to learn where to draw the line.
Enemies to Lobsters is a superb read and a takeaway reminder that we all are uniquely different, and we should keep doing that thing we were designed for because that's the most important work we can do.
That epilogue... looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marisa.
275 reviews
October 23, 2025
This first book in the series is giving all the best vibes! Misunderstood Diana comes home for a visit and decides to take a huge bite out of the pineapple crab dip, both literally and figurately. She takes on a huge task of fixing up the town’s lighthouse but there’s a contingency...Ike Wentworth. Their banter, his falling first, her insecurities, the connection between the two of them verses the town...I loved all of it! Watching their relationship grow was so entertaining and sweet. You’re going to love this marriage of convenience, enemies to “lobsters” rom-com! p.s. the dual point of views are always a personal fav!

Favorite quotes:
“Ike. Freaking. Wentworth. I’m certain that must be his full legal name.”

“I’ve never been a violent person. Except when Ike Wentworth is involved.”

“I’m not blind. She may be a witch, but she’s also a knockout.”

“I like it, and I hate that I like it.”

“My walls haven’t come down, but my friends and grandparents pushed Ike through a secret entrance.”

“The cab of my truck smells like her. I am a dead man.”

“Ike kisses the way he lives-fully, giving everything, singlemindedly making the people around him happy.”
1,321 reviews59 followers
October 28, 2025
I have been wanting to read this author's books for awhile now and am so glad I finally did. This book was fabulous and I am declaring myself Elise Haynes newest Biggest Fan!
First off, the writing was simply fun. I loved the humor and subtle wit laced throughout the entire story. I can tell Haynes' writing style is addictive and works really well for me. Not only was the book well-written though, the characters were also well-developed and the romance was on par. I loved the dual POV, the distinct voice each main character had, the setting, side characters, and overall plot. Diana and Ike had chemistry I could feel from the start and I just loved this book so much!
Read this for:
*enemies to lovers vibes
*childhood connection
*small-town vibes
*lobsters
*Boone
*Tom Selleck (if you know, you know)
*marriage of convenience
*forced proximity
*happiness
I honestly cannot wait to read more of this author's books, including what's to come in this series, and highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for N.
140 reviews109 followers
October 1, 2025
Yes, yes, you do want this delightfully fun marriage of convenience with all the zanyness and heart. Yes, yes, Ms. Haynes’ writing will have you both rolling and swooning. Yes, yes, the book matches the genius of its title. No, no—actual lobsters were not harmed in the making of this charming small town tale.

The “witchy rich girll” outcast returns to save the only structure she cares about in a New England village of randos and has to team up with one of her main “outcasters”--who happens to be the unofficial town mayor–to preserve it. And by “team up” I mean get hitched. Yes, yes, this one gives everything I love in a contemporary romcom convenient marriage. Both of our MCs and their POVs are endearing and funny as heck and their chemistry is on point, and did I mention you’ll be rolling with the resident randomness?

Honored to have beta read this one. Must add! Must read!

Content notes: kissing only, mentions of childhood abandonment trauma, on page toxic parent.
Profile Image for Kara Adams.
212 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2025
“First came antagonism, then came marriage, then comes love, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. So, I got things a little off.”

If you haven’t read a book by Elise you are truly missing out! I adore her writing, her characters, and her romance! This was my first time being on her ARC team and I hope it won’t be my last! If you love Tom Selleck this is a must. Even though I am i’m indifferent about Tom, the fact that he was Diana’s inner voice was amazing 🤣! The way that Diana was trying to find her joy again was super relatable. Ike was super sweet and one of my favorite things about him is how he treated his autistic friend (I love seeing that rep), and the fact that he just wanted to help (whether that was to make the town better, to help others with their problems, to marry Diana, or to tell people to stop being Weird 🤣🤣) ! I just loved everything in this book. Thanks Elise for letting me be part of it.

🦞Romcom/ Contemporary Romance
🦞Closed Door
🦞No Swearing
🦞CW: Parental Abandonment, Anxiety
Profile Image for Amy.
133 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2025
I haven’t enjoyed a marriage of convenience this much in awhile. The depth of the characters, their growth, and the mischaracterizations that they work through….chefs kiss!

Ike is the hometown “favorite son” and Diana is the “wealthy heiress” that ditched the town as soon as she could. Both have a desperate desire to save the town’s lighthouse….to the point that they will get married so Diana’s grandparents will finance the repairs.

The banter is top notch. The tension and denial of feelings is so good. The side character that captures their hearts is precious. This has some of my favorite mini tropes too - he falls first, he has a soft spot for a kid, he takes care of her when she’s sick, she truly gets & sees him, they defend the other to the town, getting over past assumptions of the other, and NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

It doesn’t hurt that there’s lots of Tom Selleck and lobsters moments. 😍😍 So needless to say, GO READ THIS BOOK NOW!! 🤣
Profile Image for Pray Love.
7 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
ARC Review - I was able to get an advanced copy of Enemies to Lobsters by Elise Haynes. This is a sweet, closed door romance. The main characters are Diana York, the misunderstood, small town “princess” and Ike Wentworth, the town sweetheart with a heart of gold.

🦞I loved the humor that was written into this story.

🌮 I liked how Diana progressed as a character and realized the ideas that she once clung to were not as important as the life she was missing out on.

🦞This sweet and swoony story had me telling myself, “just one more chapter.” Also surprisingly I found myself searching up where to buy lobster nightgowns so be forewarned a slight obsession with lobsters may arise while reading!
Profile Image for Emily Cronk.
334 reviews18 followers
October 27, 2025
Well this was an adventure.

Honestly I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I'm fairly certain Enemies to Lobsters checks all the boxes for a good time - a determined, spreadsheet-loving heroine, a hero who can do no wrong (also I love that he has a beard. Ike's beard > Magnum PI's mustache), enemies to lovers vibes, a marriage of convenience, meddling grandparents and best friends, lighthouse renovations, Tom Sellack, a pet lobster, whoopie pies, a town full of quirky people.....seriously what is there not to love here?

Ike and Diana were so perfect for each other. I loved watching their relationship grow as they realized their perceptions of each other were maybe not the most accurate and they eventually fell in love. They are the cutest couple. If anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's these two.

If this book isn't already on your TBR list, it definitely deserves a place there! I have spoken.

Many thanks to the author for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
163 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2025
Ike and Diana are sworn enemies. They’ve taunted each other since they were kids. Now as adults Diana is back in town and determined to save the local lighthouse. By a crazy scheme the two find themselves married in exchange for funding to repair the lighthouse. The two must live together until the repairs are completed. Can they coexist for that long in such small quarters? Why does Diana suddenly find Ike charming instead of annoying? Has Ike misjudged Diana all these years?

What I loved:
🦞The banter
🦞Manipulative cologne
🦞The lobsters!
🦞The friendships
🦞Diana’s grandparents
🦞Tom Selleck
🦞The mishaps
🦞He takes care of her

This was such a fun read set in Maine. I loved the setting and all the drama and antics in this story. It was sweet, sassy, and full of heart.
Profile Image for Lily.
143 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this small town, marriage of convenience story🥰 It has some deeper topics but the over all storyline will leave you feeling all swoony and cozy inside! I highly recommend you add this book to your tbr🥰

Favorite quote:
“Your worth didn't change because you were abandoned. You are like this lighthouse--so beautiful, so loved, but so mistreated. You deserved better care.”

🦞Marriage of convenience
✨Enemies to lovers
🦞Small town
✨He falls first
🦞Only one lighthouse
✨He takes care of her
🦞He’s her lobster🦞

🌶️: None
🤬: None
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