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A Very Good Bad Idea
New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase is back with this red-hot romantic comedy about two rival real estate developers who inherit the same lucrative property. There’s just one they have to live in it…together.
Block 42 Lot 17 is the most coveted oceanfront property in Shore Haven, and both Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are certain it’s already theirs.
The elderly owner, Clarabelle Spicket, promised it to Damon. She also promised it to Jade. Awkward…
Now thanks to a provision in the will, the town’s coldest real estate shark and its fiercest power player are forced to spend the next four months living there together or else they forfeit the property.
Even worse, the dilapidated beachfront mansion seems determined to shove them into the same room—and the same bed. As wills clash, tempers flare and walls crumble…so do their defenses.
It’s a bad idea to get too close to your enemy. To care about them, need them, desperately want them.
But when rivalry turns into something far more than either of them ever expected, Damon and Jade discover that love can be a very good bad idea.
Block 42 Lot 17 is the most coveted oceanfront property in Shore Haven, and both Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are certain it’s already theirs.
The elderly owner, Clarabelle Spicket, promised it to Damon. She also promised it to Jade. Awkward…
Now thanks to a provision in the will, the town’s coldest real estate shark and its fiercest power player are forced to spend the next four months living there together or else they forfeit the property.
Even worse, the dilapidated beachfront mansion seems determined to shove them into the same room—and the same bed. As wills clash, tempers flare and walls crumble…so do their defenses.
It’s a bad idea to get too close to your enemy. To care about them, need them, desperately want them.
But when rivalry turns into something far more than either of them ever expected, Damon and Jade discover that love can be a very good bad idea.
8 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Emma Chase
70 books19.1k followersEmma Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romance filled with humor, heat and heart. Her books have been published in over 20 languages and adapted for film. Emma's enemies-to-lovers rom-com, Tangled, and her sweeping royal romance, Royally Screwed, are streaming on Passionflix now.
Emma lives happily-ever-after in New Jersey with her husband, children, and two adorable, misbehaving dogs.
Emma lives happily-ever-after in New Jersey with her husband, children, and two adorable, misbehaving dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
July 17, 2026
OMG This book was brilliant I Loved it so much.
It was written so perfectly by Emma Chase,there was the right amount of Romance,spice and emotion..WOW the emotion got me right in the heart,it brought tears to my eyes,as the words are so beautiful and meaningful at times I wanted to weep.
Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are enemies and they both want the same property and when the woman who owns it dies...In the will both Damon and Jade are left the property.
But there are conditions to the Will..which is they both have to stay in the property for 4 month together,the first one to leave loses.
The banter and shenanigans that take place while they are living together is HILARIOUS..They really loathe eachother and are set on making eachothers lives a misery,sabotaging eachothers property,food,comfort and there are mouse traps involved at one point.
The lengths they go to is astounding,but funny...Its like that movie War of the Roses.
But then something changes and they start to get to know eachother,when they need one another to survive the winter..There are some really deep conversations,which result in some emotional moments when they talk about their pasts and growing up.They had very different upbringings and we discover why Damon hates her father so much,he is a cold and horrible man.
The sexual tension crackles between them and the chemistry is explosive and it rises to a breaking point.
They are insatiable.
The Narration is Phenomenal..I LOVE Sean Masters just LOVE him and his voice is dangerous to my ovaries,he plays sensual and emotional perectly and even does comedy with a sexy flair..He played Damon's character like a boss.
Brooke Bloomingdale is Amazing she portrayed Jades characters perfectly,she got Jades sassiness and sarcasm and I loved listening to her.
Both Narrators told this story as it should be told.
I was enchanted by this audiobook and loved every moment listening to it.
Excellent.
5 Stars.- Cat W.
It was written so perfectly by Emma Chase,there was the right amount of Romance,spice and emotion..WOW the emotion got me right in the heart,it brought tears to my eyes,as the words are so beautiful and meaningful at times I wanted to weep.
Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are enemies and they both want the same property and when the woman who owns it dies...In the will both Damon and Jade are left the property.
But there are conditions to the Will..which is they both have to stay in the property for 4 month together,the first one to leave loses.
The banter and shenanigans that take place while they are living together is HILARIOUS..They really loathe eachother and are set on making eachothers lives a misery,sabotaging eachothers property,food,comfort and there are mouse traps involved at one point.
The lengths they go to is astounding,but funny...Its like that movie War of the Roses.
But then something changes and they start to get to know eachother,when they need one another to survive the winter..There are some really deep conversations,which result in some emotional moments when they talk about their pasts and growing up.They had very different upbringings and we discover why Damon hates her father so much,he is a cold and horrible man.
The sexual tension crackles between them and the chemistry is explosive and it rises to a breaking point.
They are insatiable.
The Narration is Phenomenal..I LOVE Sean Masters just LOVE him and his voice is dangerous to my ovaries,he plays sensual and emotional perectly and even does comedy with a sexy flair..He played Damon's character like a boss.
Brooke Bloomingdale is Amazing she portrayed Jades characters perfectly,she got Jades sassiness and sarcasm and I loved listening to her.
Both Narrators told this story as it should be told.
I was enchanted by this audiobook and loved every moment listening to it.
Excellent.
5 Stars.- Cat W.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
Well this was kind of disappointing. I really like Emma Chase books loved the Tangled series but... This book doesn't feel like her. Cute premise but the female MC Jade Buchanan is just not very likeable and always trying to gain approval from her father and beat out her brothers in the business. The male MC Damon Burke is better, self made man but but neither of them had me rooting for them. I guess the old lady Clarabelle Spicket who died and left them her property was the best character.
Juvenile pranks, lots of lusting after the way the other looks and stereotypical judging by both of them. They fact they are supposed to be successful adults is nowhere to be seen. I see how it will end up but I just don't have the time or will to continue.
Juvenile pranks, lots of lusting after the way the other looks and stereotypical judging by both of them. They fact they are supposed to be successful adults is nowhere to be seen. I see how it will end up but I just don't have the time or will to continue.
July 16, 2026
A Very Good Bad Idea is Emma Chase's latest romcom that was delightful and fun. This book was released on audible first, with the print book coming later this year. It was a pleasure to hear Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale narrate the story, bringing this forced proximity, rivals to lovers story to life.
Jade and Damon are enemies that have been left a piece of property by a woman that put some pretty heavy stipulations in her will. You see, the two of them are required to live together for FOUR MONTHS without leaving said property and must have provisions delivered. If they leave, they forfeit their claims to the property. But with two people that are competitive and have a lot to prove, it's going to be a difficult time convincing either one of them to leave.
I love a good forced proximity story with characters that want to be anywhere but with each other. It creates tension and some great moments. With a charming setting, some laugh out moments that came from pranks and 2 characters that push each other's buttons, A Very Good Bad Idea was a delightful listen. It's easy and fun and more what I would consider a palate cleanser. It's a slow burn of a romance, but it's also not too long and is a book you could read/listen to within a day.
While Damon and Jade have some issues concerning their pasts and family, these aspects also allowed their characters to open up to one another and show some vulnerability. I loved seeing their characters grow from childish pranks and peeling away their exterior to give in to not only their physical attraction to one another, but share the emotional pieces of themselves that no one else gets to see. This made their connection believable, but also took a bit to get there.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale add to the overall reading experience with their wonderful comedic timing combined with their emotional narration of the MCs. The storytelling along with the duet audio performance had me smiling and enjoying this playful and charming, banter filled romance. 3.5 stars
Jade and Damon are enemies that have been left a piece of property by a woman that put some pretty heavy stipulations in her will. You see, the two of them are required to live together for FOUR MONTHS without leaving said property and must have provisions delivered. If they leave, they forfeit their claims to the property. But with two people that are competitive and have a lot to prove, it's going to be a difficult time convincing either one of them to leave.
I love a good forced proximity story with characters that want to be anywhere but with each other. It creates tension and some great moments. With a charming setting, some laugh out moments that came from pranks and 2 characters that push each other's buttons, A Very Good Bad Idea was a delightful listen. It's easy and fun and more what I would consider a palate cleanser. It's a slow burn of a romance, but it's also not too long and is a book you could read/listen to within a day.
While Damon and Jade have some issues concerning their pasts and family, these aspects also allowed their characters to open up to one another and show some vulnerability. I loved seeing their characters grow from childish pranks and peeling away their exterior to give in to not only their physical attraction to one another, but share the emotional pieces of themselves that no one else gets to see. This made their connection believable, but also took a bit to get there.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale add to the overall reading experience with their wonderful comedic timing combined with their emotional narration of the MCs. The storytelling along with the duet audio performance had me smiling and enjoying this playful and charming, banter filled romance. 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy
I loved this book. Like LOVED. ALL CAPS L.O.V.E.D.
At first, it felt very Hallmark. Totally predictable. But honestly? I was here for it alllll because it was already so much fun!
Then it became more. So. Much. More.
Jade is the daughter of a big-name builder who's spent her entire life trying to prove herself to her father.
Burke is a self-made commercial developer who grew up in an underprivileged boys' home. They both spend months charming an elderly homeowner, Clara, hoping she'll leave them her house, the last property standing in the middle of a multimillion-dollar development.
Except Clara has one very good bad idea...
She leaves the house to both of them.
Now they're forced to move in together and live together for four months before either of them can sell.
What follows is one of the most entertaining enemies-to-lovers stories I've listened to in a long time. Perhaps ever. The banter is absolute gold, the pranks have major roommate from He|| meets Home Alone energy, and I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes!
But underneath all the laughs is so much heart.
Jade and Burke both grew up feeling unloved in different ways, and the relationship they each built with Clara became something they didn't even realize they were missing. She was the mother figure, mentor, and friend they both needed, and those moments gave this story so much more emotional depth than I ever expected.
Emma Chase's writing is absolutely perfect for audio. She paints scenes so vividly that it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. Voice actors Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters absolutely crushed these performances. Their comedic timing is flawless, and the chemistry between them is incredible. They play off each other so naturally that you'd swear they were in the same room. That's a testament to just how talented they both are.
The story? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The performances? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The entire listening experience? An easy, unquestionable and VERY enthusiastic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
At first, it felt very Hallmark. Totally predictable. But honestly? I was here for it alllll because it was already so much fun!
Then it became more. So. Much. More.
Jade is the daughter of a big-name builder who's spent her entire life trying to prove herself to her father.
Burke is a self-made commercial developer who grew up in an underprivileged boys' home. They both spend months charming an elderly homeowner, Clara, hoping she'll leave them her house, the last property standing in the middle of a multimillion-dollar development.
Except Clara has one very good bad idea...
She leaves the house to both of them.
Now they're forced to move in together and live together for four months before either of them can sell.
What follows is one of the most entertaining enemies-to-lovers stories I've listened to in a long time. Perhaps ever. The banter is absolute gold, the pranks have major roommate from He|| meets Home Alone energy, and I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes!
But underneath all the laughs is so much heart.
Jade and Burke both grew up feeling unloved in different ways, and the relationship they each built with Clara became something they didn't even realize they were missing. She was the mother figure, mentor, and friend they both needed, and those moments gave this story so much more emotional depth than I ever expected.
Emma Chase's writing is absolutely perfect for audio. She paints scenes so vividly that it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. Voice actors Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters absolutely crushed these performances. Their comedic timing is flawless, and the chemistry between them is incredible. They play off each other so naturally that you'd swear they were in the same room. That's a testament to just how talented they both are.
The story? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The performances? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The entire listening experience? An easy, unquestionable and VERY enthusiastic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Read
July 24, 2026Cute.
July 13, 2026
Damon and Jade start as fierce competitors chasing the same prime property, only to end up stuck together in a crumbling house for 4 months. Their dynamic evolves naturally, with good emotional growth and a smooth enemies‑to‑lovers progression. The narration from Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale adds charm and clarity, making the story even more enjoyable. Strong writing, strong characters, and a premise that works.
Huge thanks to Valentine PR Audio and Emma Chase for the audiobook review copy.
Huge thanks to Valentine PR Audio and Emma Chase for the audiobook review copy.
July 22, 2026
Enemies to lovers. Not a lot to the plot. This is pretty much porn. 😂
July 30, 2026
✨ALC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review✨
A Very Good Bad Idea is enemies to lovers done right!
Damon and Jade work for rival real estate developing companies and both have their eyes on a remaining key property for a big development, the only thing standing in their way is the elderly owner Clarabelle. Damon decides to befriend Clara to get her to sell to him, and eventually she says she’ll leave him the property in her will. The problem is, Jade had the same idea as Damon and also befriended Clara, who told Jade she was leaving the property to her in the will! When Clara dies and the will was read, everyone was in shock when they learn that Damon and Jade have to share the property and live in the house for 4 months before they can inherit it 👀 Old Clara knew what she was doing, but Damon and Jade had no clue how their lives were going to change from this ❤️
The beginning of their arrangement was hilarious with them trying to sabotage each other, and even funnier when they had to start working together to survive that old house 😂 Their relationship slowly evolved into something that neither one was expecting, and I loved every minute of it! The slow burn was so good, and when they finally gave in it was sweet and spicy 🔥 They were so different, but so perfect for each other ❤️
The audiobook was duet narrated by Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale and they were perfect! Brooke’s voice was very fitting for Jade giving her a sophisticated but also sassy tone, and Sean Masters is always a star in my book when it comes to his performances 😍 This book was funny, but also had some deep moments. I really enjoyed this story and loved the epilogues which were super sweet and had me smiling 😁 I definitely recommend a listen ❤️
A Very Good Bad Idea is enemies to lovers done right!
Damon and Jade work for rival real estate developing companies and both have their eyes on a remaining key property for a big development, the only thing standing in their way is the elderly owner Clarabelle. Damon decides to befriend Clara to get her to sell to him, and eventually she says she’ll leave him the property in her will. The problem is, Jade had the same idea as Damon and also befriended Clara, who told Jade she was leaving the property to her in the will! When Clara dies and the will was read, everyone was in shock when they learn that Damon and Jade have to share the property and live in the house for 4 months before they can inherit it 👀 Old Clara knew what she was doing, but Damon and Jade had no clue how their lives were going to change from this ❤️
The beginning of their arrangement was hilarious with them trying to sabotage each other, and even funnier when they had to start working together to survive that old house 😂 Their relationship slowly evolved into something that neither one was expecting, and I loved every minute of it! The slow burn was so good, and when they finally gave in it was sweet and spicy 🔥 They were so different, but so perfect for each other ❤️
The audiobook was duet narrated by Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale and they were perfect! Brooke’s voice was very fitting for Jade giving her a sophisticated but also sassy tone, and Sean Masters is always a star in my book when it comes to his performances 😍 This book was funny, but also had some deep moments. I really enjoyed this story and loved the epilogues which were super sweet and had me smiling 😁 I definitely recommend a listen ❤️
July 26, 2026
Adorable
July 16, 2026
Cute, easy to listen to. I will always love a RomCom by Emma Chase.
Review of advance copy
A celebration of predatory, irrational oceanfront property development in a romcom that is a blatant imitation of The Hating Game
Two 20-something property developers, Jade and Damon, live in the same small, rundown oceanside town and are from opposite socioeconomic backgrounds. Gorgeous Jade's father owns a hugely prosperous property development corporation, and her position as head of a large team of construction workers is presented in the story, intentionally or unintentionally, as a sinecure, because she dresses for work in tight sexy clothing and spike heels, more suitable for an exclusive party than supervising a construction site. Handsome Damon is in business with his two best friends whom he met in foster care. They have formed a fledgling property development firm in direct competition with Jade's father's firm.
Over the last year, unknown to each other, both Jade and Damon have been schmoozing a 100-year-old woman who has no blood relations in order to inherit her $7 million Jersey Shore mansion. Both firmly believe that they will be her sole beneficiary, but after the old lady finally dies, they discover to their mutual horror that they are named in her will as joint inheritors. Worse, before they can rip down the mansion and erect expensive, high-rise condos right on the disappearing shoreline, they have to live together in the crumbling mansion for four months. If either leaves before that time is up, the other one inherits the entire property. Vicious attempts to drive each other out immediately ensue.
Unfortunately, there were two major strikes against this novel, which is marketed as a romcom, that made it anything but romantic or funny for me personally:
1. The story has the same dynamics as The Hating Game, a forced-proximity version of the enemies-to-lovers trope featuring extensive amounts of juvenile, destructive, slapstick pranking between the MCs. Their bad behavior made me deeply dislike both Jade and Damon. The only way I was cheering for the two of them to get together was in the sense that they are two jerks who deserve each other. Yes, they have a superficial, lust-fueled, distrust-to-trust growth arc in the second half of the novel, but I did not find it convincing enough to wipe out how much I disliked both of them in the first half of the book.
2. I found it impossible to suspend disbelief and identify with either MC as a competent professional property developer for this reason:
The Jersey Shore has already seen the ocean rise about 18 inches over the past century, more than almost anywhere in the world, and over the next 25 years, scientists expect as much or even more additional rise than in the previous 100 years.
In real life, developers and coastal planners in the Jersey Shores area are increasingly being pushed away from building right on the water’s edge and toward climate-resilient projects. That means elevating structures, setting them farther back from the shoreline, protecting dunes and marshes, and designing around massive flood risk instead of pretending it doesn't exist. Some communities in that geographic location are currently outright refusing to allow new construction in the most vulnerable spots.
For these reasons, it is hard to imagine Damon's claim in the story that it will be easy to obtain federal funding for a huge oceanfront development of expensive high-rise condos, fancy stores and restaurants pitched as “redevelopment” for a fading small town. After high-profile property collapses and disasters along the entire Eastern seaboard in the USA, including notably the Florida condo tower that fell into the ocean with a big loss of life, federal programs and insurers are more focused on reducing risk these days. It's unlikely they would subsidize dense, high-value projects in a place that is facing accelerating sea-level rise, which causes higher and higher levels of storm surge with accompanying flooding.
Finally, readers who enjoy Hallmark movies, in which a predatory developer is typically the villain and not the MC, might not appreciate this novel.
This novel is not yet released in print or ebook format, but it has been made available in advance for free in audiobook format for those with Audible memberships. The dual narrators separately do as good a job as is possible with this troublesome format, in which the person performing the MCs varies from chapter to chapter. I much prefer the consistency of duet narration, in which the male voice actor performs all of the male characters, and the female voice actor performs all of the female characters.
PS: Goodreads is not allowing any comments on this review. I don't know why.
Two 20-something property developers, Jade and Damon, live in the same small, rundown oceanside town and are from opposite socioeconomic backgrounds. Gorgeous Jade's father owns a hugely prosperous property development corporation, and her position as head of a large team of construction workers is presented in the story, intentionally or unintentionally, as a sinecure, because she dresses for work in tight sexy clothing and spike heels, more suitable for an exclusive party than supervising a construction site. Handsome Damon is in business with his two best friends whom he met in foster care. They have formed a fledgling property development firm in direct competition with Jade's father's firm.
Over the last year, unknown to each other, both Jade and Damon have been schmoozing a 100-year-old woman who has no blood relations in order to inherit her $7 million Jersey Shore mansion. Both firmly believe that they will be her sole beneficiary, but after the old lady finally dies, they discover to their mutual horror that they are named in her will as joint inheritors. Worse, before they can rip down the mansion and erect expensive, high-rise condos right on the disappearing shoreline, they have to live together in the crumbling mansion for four months. If either leaves before that time is up, the other one inherits the entire property. Vicious attempts to drive each other out immediately ensue.
Unfortunately, there were two major strikes against this novel, which is marketed as a romcom, that made it anything but romantic or funny for me personally:
1. The story has the same dynamics as The Hating Game, a forced-proximity version of the enemies-to-lovers trope featuring extensive amounts of juvenile, destructive, slapstick pranking between the MCs. Their bad behavior made me deeply dislike both Jade and Damon. The only way I was cheering for the two of them to get together was in the sense that they are two jerks who deserve each other. Yes, they have a superficial, lust-fueled, distrust-to-trust growth arc in the second half of the novel, but I did not find it convincing enough to wipe out how much I disliked both of them in the first half of the book.
2. I found it impossible to suspend disbelief and identify with either MC as a competent professional property developer for this reason:
The Jersey Shore has already seen the ocean rise about 18 inches over the past century, more than almost anywhere in the world, and over the next 25 years, scientists expect as much or even more additional rise than in the previous 100 years.
In real life, developers and coastal planners in the Jersey Shores area are increasingly being pushed away from building right on the water’s edge and toward climate-resilient projects. That means elevating structures, setting them farther back from the shoreline, protecting dunes and marshes, and designing around massive flood risk instead of pretending it doesn't exist. Some communities in that geographic location are currently outright refusing to allow new construction in the most vulnerable spots.
For these reasons, it is hard to imagine Damon's claim in the story that it will be easy to obtain federal funding for a huge oceanfront development of expensive high-rise condos, fancy stores and restaurants pitched as “redevelopment” for a fading small town. After high-profile property collapses and disasters along the entire Eastern seaboard in the USA, including notably the Florida condo tower that fell into the ocean with a big loss of life, federal programs and insurers are more focused on reducing risk these days. It's unlikely they would subsidize dense, high-value projects in a place that is facing accelerating sea-level rise, which causes higher and higher levels of storm surge with accompanying flooding.
Finally, readers who enjoy Hallmark movies, in which a predatory developer is typically the villain and not the MC, might not appreciate this novel.
This novel is not yet released in print or ebook format, but it has been made available in advance for free in audiobook format for those with Audible memberships. The dual narrators separately do as good a job as is possible with this troublesome format, in which the person performing the MCs varies from chapter to chapter. I much prefer the consistency of duet narration, in which the male voice actor performs all of the male characters, and the female voice actor performs all of the female characters.
PS: Goodreads is not allowing any comments on this review. I don't know why.
July 12, 2026
🏡🔥 One inheritance, two ruthless rivals, and four months of forced cohabitation that neither of them saw coming. 🔥🏡
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Standalone
HEA: Yes
A Very Good Bad Idea is exactly what you'd expect from Emma Chase: a fun, witty romantic comedy filled with sharp banter, lovable characters, and just enough emotional depth to balance the humor. While the romance is definitely front and center, it's the constant back-and-forth between Damon and Jade that makes this story so entertaining from beginning to end.
As rival real estate developers forced to live together while competing for the same inheritance, Damon and Jade are constantly trying to outsmart each other. Their rivalry creates plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the house itself almost becomes a character with all of its disasters and unexpected surprises. Beneath all the pranks and arguments, both characters experience genuine growth, making their transition from enemies to lovers feel natural and well-earned.
This is also a relatively short listen, making it the perfect palate cleanser between heavier romances. Don't expect high spice or intense drama this book leans much more into the rom-com side, with charming chemistry, heartfelt moments, and a relationship that develops at a comfortable pace.
What I Loved
✔️ Hilarious enemies-to-lovers banter
✔️ Forced proximity done right
✔️ Strong character growth for both MCs
✔️ A house that causes endless chaos
✔️ Lighthearted, feel-good rom-com vibes
✔️ The perfect quick audiobook listen
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters.
Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters were fantastic together. Both narrators brought so much personality to their characters, making Damon and Jade's playful rivalry even more enjoyable. Their comedic timing was spot-on, the dialogue flowed naturally, and they captured both the humor and the quieter emotional moments with ease. Their performances added an extra layer of charm that made this audiobook incredibly easy to binge.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Only One Bed
✔️ Romantic Comedy
✔️ Small-Town Setting
✔️ Dual POV (First Person)
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Workplace Rivals
✔️ Standalone Romance
✔️ HEA
Final Thoughts
A Very Good Bad Idea is a charming, funny, and heartwarming rom-com that delivers exactly what it promises. Emma Chase balances humor, romance, and character development beautifully, creating two leads who are impossible not to root for. While the spice is minimal, the chemistry, banter, and emotional growth more than make up for it.
If you're looking for a lighthearted enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity, hilarious banter, lovable characters, and excellent duet narration, A Very Good Bad Idea is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Standalone
HEA: Yes
A Very Good Bad Idea is exactly what you'd expect from Emma Chase: a fun, witty romantic comedy filled with sharp banter, lovable characters, and just enough emotional depth to balance the humor. While the romance is definitely front and center, it's the constant back-and-forth between Damon and Jade that makes this story so entertaining from beginning to end.
As rival real estate developers forced to live together while competing for the same inheritance, Damon and Jade are constantly trying to outsmart each other. Their rivalry creates plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the house itself almost becomes a character with all of its disasters and unexpected surprises. Beneath all the pranks and arguments, both characters experience genuine growth, making their transition from enemies to lovers feel natural and well-earned.
This is also a relatively short listen, making it the perfect palate cleanser between heavier romances. Don't expect high spice or intense drama this book leans much more into the rom-com side, with charming chemistry, heartfelt moments, and a relationship that develops at a comfortable pace.
What I Loved
✔️ Hilarious enemies-to-lovers banter
✔️ Forced proximity done right
✔️ Strong character growth for both MCs
✔️ A house that causes endless chaos
✔️ Lighthearted, feel-good rom-com vibes
✔️ The perfect quick audiobook listen
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters.
Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters were fantastic together. Both narrators brought so much personality to their characters, making Damon and Jade's playful rivalry even more enjoyable. Their comedic timing was spot-on, the dialogue flowed naturally, and they captured both the humor and the quieter emotional moments with ease. Their performances added an extra layer of charm that made this audiobook incredibly easy to binge.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Only One Bed
✔️ Romantic Comedy
✔️ Small-Town Setting
✔️ Dual POV (First Person)
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Workplace Rivals
✔️ Standalone Romance
✔️ HEA
Final Thoughts
A Very Good Bad Idea is a charming, funny, and heartwarming rom-com that delivers exactly what it promises. Emma Chase balances humor, romance, and character development beautifully, creating two leads who are impossible not to root for. While the spice is minimal, the chemistry, banter, and emotional growth more than make up for it.
If you're looking for a lighthearted enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity, hilarious banter, lovable characters, and excellent duet narration, A Very Good Bad Idea is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
Review of advance copy
Audio ALC Review
Duet narration by Brooke Bloomingdale & Sean Masters
4.5 ⭐️
In true Emma Chase fashion, this book had me laughing and emotional in equal measure, with plenty of steam to fog up your glasses. I can always rely on Chase to write a humorous, cheeky romance with emotional depth. She’s a natural at it, almost like she’s writing from real life. I so enjoyed the banter and the humor between these two characters. And I love that Chase adds in bits of historical nostalgia to please any Gen X-er. This book does, at times, take things a bit too far in the sabotage, bringing these two professionals down to an immature high school prank level. But go in knowing that and enjoy the ride. It’s about entertainment.
Damon and Jade are rivals in competing real estate development companies. Both wanting the same property owned by an elderly woman who was the last hold-out refusing to sell. Now that Charlotte has passed her will states that Damon and Jade must live in the house for 4 months. And the first one to leave loses and forfeits their right to the property. This is a true enemies-to-lovers. Yes, the attraction is strong with these two, but they truly despise each other. Damon’s plan includes a strong need for revenge. Jade wants to prove to her cold-hearted father that she has what it takes to play in the big leagues. And both will do whatever they can to win, and that means sabotaging the other to see who can be forced out. Some tricks and games were pushed to the limit and I wondered how they were going to get around this hate and start to connect. Yet the author masterfully weaved an emotional story that allowed these two to start breaking down walls and fall super hard for each other. These two souls who are deeply hurting can hopefully be each other’s rock.
The duet narration took this story to the next level. Sean Masters played Damon and his rich tone had me swooning. He captured Damon’s transition from calculating opponent to a softy longing to be by Jade’s side. Brook Bloomingdale conveyed Jades strength and sass with a very confident tone and showed her range as Jade began to question her motives and falling deeper for Damon. A stellar performance by both.
Duet narration by Brooke Bloomingdale & Sean Masters
4.5 ⭐️
In true Emma Chase fashion, this book had me laughing and emotional in equal measure, with plenty of steam to fog up your glasses. I can always rely on Chase to write a humorous, cheeky romance with emotional depth. She’s a natural at it, almost like she’s writing from real life. I so enjoyed the banter and the humor between these two characters. And I love that Chase adds in bits of historical nostalgia to please any Gen X-er. This book does, at times, take things a bit too far in the sabotage, bringing these two professionals down to an immature high school prank level. But go in knowing that and enjoy the ride. It’s about entertainment.
Damon and Jade are rivals in competing real estate development companies. Both wanting the same property owned by an elderly woman who was the last hold-out refusing to sell. Now that Charlotte has passed her will states that Damon and Jade must live in the house for 4 months. And the first one to leave loses and forfeits their right to the property. This is a true enemies-to-lovers. Yes, the attraction is strong with these two, but they truly despise each other. Damon’s plan includes a strong need for revenge. Jade wants to prove to her cold-hearted father that she has what it takes to play in the big leagues. And both will do whatever they can to win, and that means sabotaging the other to see who can be forced out. Some tricks and games were pushed to the limit and I wondered how they were going to get around this hate and start to connect. Yet the author masterfully weaved an emotional story that allowed these two to start breaking down walls and fall super hard for each other. These two souls who are deeply hurting can hopefully be each other’s rock.
The duet narration took this story to the next level. Sean Masters played Damon and his rich tone had me swooning. He captured Damon’s transition from calculating opponent to a softy longing to be by Jade’s side. Brook Bloomingdale conveyed Jades strength and sass with a very confident tone and showed her range as Jade began to question her motives and falling deeper for Damon. A stellar performance by both.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚A VERY GOOD BAD IDEA by Emma Chase
🎤Narrated in DUET by
Brooke Bloomingdale & Sean Masters
Thanks so Emma Chase and Valentine PR for a #gifted copy of the audio.
Y'all, I LITERALLY blew through this audio yesterday. It was SO funny, SO heartwarming & SO fun to listen to. I was chuckling all day long. 💙❤️💛
Emma's "Only on Audible" book is worth EVERY minute of your time. If you have an Audible subscription, then this already is included & ready for you to download & press play. If not, you can purchase it & I recommend you do. It's currently sitting at #1 in Audible as the most listened to audio in romance. If this isn't your sign I don't know what is!
💙What to expect:
Enemies to lovers/Forced proximity/
Only one bed/Feisty & flirty banter/
Anxiety rep
This story is filled with love/hate banter that will have you laughing right out loud. Shenanigans that are hilarious & an emotional layer to it that is so darn sweet. It follows two rival real estate developers, Roman & Jade. They both inherit the same sought-after ocean front property. Due to certain stipulations in the will, they are forced to live together for 4 months in a rundown mansion or forfeit it all together.
The verbal sparring & sexual tension between these two is literally CHEF'S KISS 🤌 and when they snap? Watch out! 🙌The longer they live together, the more these two realize that they have more in common than they first thought.
🎤Let's talk audio: Ya'll, Brooke & Sean are just down right delightful. Their comedic timing is priceless. They both perform multiple characters & every single one of them was unique & hysterical! Why isn't Sean Masters doing more romcom? The man knows how to deliver enemies to lovers like no other. 😤 Brooke's performance was sharp witted, savvy & sassy. They both infused emotion into their characters & the story line that just made this audio give you a little something of everything. Claps all around 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻
Emma's writing is sharp, clever & heartwarming and translates to audio PERFECTLY👌🏻 Don't miss out on this one guys!
✨️Listen here:
https://a.co/d/0hqZFqIx
🎤Narrated in DUET by
Brooke Bloomingdale & Sean Masters
Thanks so Emma Chase and Valentine PR for a #gifted copy of the audio.
Y'all, I LITERALLY blew through this audio yesterday. It was SO funny, SO heartwarming & SO fun to listen to. I was chuckling all day long. 💙❤️💛
Emma's "Only on Audible" book is worth EVERY minute of your time. If you have an Audible subscription, then this already is included & ready for you to download & press play. If not, you can purchase it & I recommend you do. It's currently sitting at #1 in Audible as the most listened to audio in romance. If this isn't your sign I don't know what is!
💙What to expect:
Enemies to lovers/Forced proximity/
Only one bed/Feisty & flirty banter/
Anxiety rep
This story is filled with love/hate banter that will have you laughing right out loud. Shenanigans that are hilarious & an emotional layer to it that is so darn sweet. It follows two rival real estate developers, Roman & Jade. They both inherit the same sought-after ocean front property. Due to certain stipulations in the will, they are forced to live together for 4 months in a rundown mansion or forfeit it all together.
The verbal sparring & sexual tension between these two is literally CHEF'S KISS 🤌 and when they snap? Watch out! 🙌The longer they live together, the more these two realize that they have more in common than they first thought.
🎤Let's talk audio: Ya'll, Brooke & Sean are just down right delightful. Their comedic timing is priceless. They both perform multiple characters & every single one of them was unique & hysterical! Why isn't Sean Masters doing more romcom? The man knows how to deliver enemies to lovers like no other. 😤 Brooke's performance was sharp witted, savvy & sassy. They both infused emotion into their characters & the story line that just made this audio give you a little something of everything. Claps all around 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻
Emma's writing is sharp, clever & heartwarming and translates to audio PERFECTLY👌🏻 Don't miss out on this one guys!
✨️Listen here:
https://a.co/d/0hqZFqIx
Review of advance copy
“You want to self-destruct with me? I’ll make it so good… then I’ll piece you back together. I swear.” 🫠(growly voice required)
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
I went into this expecting a cute enemies-to-lovers rom-com.
What I got was one of the funniest, sweetest, most unexpectedly emotional romances I’ve listened to all year.
After their elderly friend Clarabelle Spicket passes away, rival real estate developers Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan discover she promised the same oceanfront property to both of them. Her will comes with one outrageous condition: they must live in the house together for four months, cut off from the outside world, and whoever makes it to the end wins.
Chaos immediately follows.
Naturally, they both decide the only reasonable plan is to annoy, prank, and sabotage the other person until one of them finally gives up and leaves. And seriously… the level of petty these two reach is absolutely hilarious. 😂
The banter had me laughing out loud, but what surprised me most was how naturally the relationship evolved. Beneath all the pranks are two people carrying enormous grief, childhood trauma, and family wounds. Watching those walls slowly come down felt incredibly genuine.
Then came the cozy moments…
🔥 One bed. 🔥 Sleeping in front of the fireplace.
🔥Nightly snuggles & the feeling of safety
🔥 Dancing to old records. 🔥 Piano & Reno 🔥 Found family.
My heart didn’t stand a chance.
“ I like you broken I want you exactly as you are i’ll take you jagged and shattered, and I’ll keep the pieces together with both hands I swear”
Excuse me while I replay that chapter forever.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale absolutely crushed this audiobook. Their performances brought Damon and Jade’s chemistry to life, and Damon’s growly voice? 🫠🎧
If you love:
❤️ Enemies to lovers 🏡 Forced proximity
🛏️ One bed 🐶 Cute Chihuahua sidekick (who Damon refuses to call by his real name 😂)
🎄 Found family 🔥 Slow burn with fantastic payoff
😂 Top-tier banter ❤️🩹 Two broken people healing together
…then I think you’ll have a very good time with this one.
🤍 Thanks to Emma Chase and @valentine_pr_ for the gifted ALC!
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
I went into this expecting a cute enemies-to-lovers rom-com.
What I got was one of the funniest, sweetest, most unexpectedly emotional romances I’ve listened to all year.
After their elderly friend Clarabelle Spicket passes away, rival real estate developers Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan discover she promised the same oceanfront property to both of them. Her will comes with one outrageous condition: they must live in the house together for four months, cut off from the outside world, and whoever makes it to the end wins.
Chaos immediately follows.
Naturally, they both decide the only reasonable plan is to annoy, prank, and sabotage the other person until one of them finally gives up and leaves. And seriously… the level of petty these two reach is absolutely hilarious. 😂
The banter had me laughing out loud, but what surprised me most was how naturally the relationship evolved. Beneath all the pranks are two people carrying enormous grief, childhood trauma, and family wounds. Watching those walls slowly come down felt incredibly genuine.
Then came the cozy moments…
🔥 One bed. 🔥 Sleeping in front of the fireplace.
🔥Nightly snuggles & the feeling of safety
🔥 Dancing to old records. 🔥 Piano & Reno 🔥 Found family.
My heart didn’t stand a chance.
“ I like you broken I want you exactly as you are i’ll take you jagged and shattered, and I’ll keep the pieces together with both hands I swear”
Excuse me while I replay that chapter forever.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale absolutely crushed this audiobook. Their performances brought Damon and Jade’s chemistry to life, and Damon’s growly voice? 🫠🎧
If you love:
❤️ Enemies to lovers 🏡 Forced proximity
🛏️ One bed 🐶 Cute Chihuahua sidekick (who Damon refuses to call by his real name 😂)
🎄 Found family 🔥 Slow burn with fantastic payoff
😂 Top-tier banter ❤️🩹 Two broken people healing together
…then I think you’ll have a very good time with this one.
🤍 Thanks to Emma Chase and @valentine_pr_ for the gifted ALC!
July 17, 2026
OMG This book was brilliant I Loved it so much.
It was written so perfectly by Emma Chase,there was the right amount of Romance,spice and emotion..WOW the emotion got me right in the heart,it brought tears to my eyes,as the words are so beautiful and meaningful at times I wanted to weep.
Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are enemies and they both want the same property and when the woman who owns it dies...In the will both Damon and Jade are left the property.
But there are conditions to the Will..which is they both have to stay in the property for 4 month together,the first one to leave loses.
The banter and shenanigans that take place while they are living together is HILARIOUS..They really loathe eachother and are set on making eachothers lives a misery,sabotaging eachothers property,food,comfort and there are mouse traps involved at one point.
The lengths they go to is astounding,but funny...Its like that movie War of the Roses.
But then something changes and they start to get to know eachother,when they need one another to survive the winter..There are some really deep conversations,which result in some emotional moments when they talk about their pasts and growing up.They had very different upbringings and we discover why Damon hates her father so much,he is a cold and horrible man.
The sexual tension crackles between them and the chemistry is explosive and it rises to a breaking point.
They are insatiable.
The Narration is Phenomenal..I LOVE Sean Masters just LOVE him and his voice is dangerous to my ovaries,he plays sensual and emotional perectly and even does comedy with a sexy flair..He played Damon's character like a boss.
Brooke Bloomingdale is Amazing she portrayed Jades characters perfectly,she got Jades sassiness and sarcasm and I loved listening to her.
Both Narrators told this story as it should be told.
I was enchanted by this audiobook and loved every moment listening to it.
Excellent.
5 Stars.
It was written so perfectly by Emma Chase,there was the right amount of Romance,spice and emotion..WOW the emotion got me right in the heart,it brought tears to my eyes,as the words are so beautiful and meaningful at times I wanted to weep.
Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan are enemies and they both want the same property and when the woman who owns it dies...In the will both Damon and Jade are left the property.
But there are conditions to the Will..which is they both have to stay in the property for 4 month together,the first one to leave loses.
The banter and shenanigans that take place while they are living together is HILARIOUS..They really loathe eachother and are set on making eachothers lives a misery,sabotaging eachothers property,food,comfort and there are mouse traps involved at one point.
The lengths they go to is astounding,but funny...Its like that movie War of the Roses.
But then something changes and they start to get to know eachother,when they need one another to survive the winter..There are some really deep conversations,which result in some emotional moments when they talk about their pasts and growing up.They had very different upbringings and we discover why Damon hates her father so much,he is a cold and horrible man.
The sexual tension crackles between them and the chemistry is explosive and it rises to a breaking point.
They are insatiable.
The Narration is Phenomenal..I LOVE Sean Masters just LOVE him and his voice is dangerous to my ovaries,he plays sensual and emotional perectly and even does comedy with a sexy flair..He played Damon's character like a boss.
Brooke Bloomingdale is Amazing she portrayed Jades characters perfectly,she got Jades sassiness and sarcasm and I loved listening to her.
Both Narrators told this story as it should be told.
I was enchanted by this audiobook and loved every moment listening to it.
Excellent.
5 Stars.
Read
July 24, 2026[image error]
Surrounded by Gargoyles
In an unexpected twist, the audiobook released months before the book. I'm intrigued as to why. Not enough to try to find out, mind you, but intrigued all the same. 🤷♀️
Anywho....
Jade Buchanan has a mostly awful family. They all need to be kicked hard in the shins regularly. Seriously. They are wretched. Damon's description of them might be the best, referring to them a gargoyles.
Damon Burke, on the other hand, has cobbled together a supportive found family. Given life's challenges, he's navigated them with relative success.
The two of them together are like a tornado battling a hurricane. Both are fierce and determined. They undermine each other at every turn, and they leave nothing but destruction in their wake.
But that battle? Holy cannoli! It's intense and definitely leads to some fantastic sizzle as the sparks fly everywhere. Ev-ery-where!
The added romance between Piper and Ian is adorable. From the first moment the crush appears, I begin rooting for them. 😍
I love that the epilogue gives us peeks into their lives over the course of several years. I do wish we were getting the individual stories for Damon's partners, but it appears it'll just be a paragraph or two. It's a bummer because I do like a good series, but I respect it.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators, Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters, are terrific in duet. They definitely ensure an entertaining listening experience. 🎧💜🎧
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H & h = late 20s, early 30s?
TROPES & TRIGGERS:
👨👩👧👦 Found family
🥊 Enemies-to-lovers
☠️ Self-harm
😆 Ridiculous and funny
🔥 Open-door scenes 🌶
🦝 Invaded by trash pandas and more
🩵 Heat exchange
🚧 Construction projects for her
💔 Horrible family
☠️ Cancer
Surrounded by Gargoyles
In an unexpected twist, the audiobook released months before the book. I'm intrigued as to why. Not enough to try to find out, mind you, but intrigued all the same. 🤷♀️
Anywho....
Jade Buchanan has a mostly awful family. They all need to be kicked hard in the shins regularly. Seriously. They are wretched. Damon's description of them might be the best, referring to them a gargoyles.
Damon Burke, on the other hand, has cobbled together a supportive found family. Given life's challenges, he's navigated them with relative success.
The two of them together are like a tornado battling a hurricane. Both are fierce and determined. They undermine each other at every turn, and they leave nothing but destruction in their wake.
But that battle? Holy cannoli! It's intense and definitely leads to some fantastic sizzle as the sparks fly everywhere. Ev-ery-where!
The added romance between Piper and Ian is adorable. From the first moment the crush appears, I begin rooting for them. 😍
I love that the epilogue gives us peeks into their lives over the course of several years. I do wish we were getting the individual stories for Damon's partners, but it appears it'll just be a paragraph or two. It's a bummer because I do like a good series, but I respect it.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators, Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters, are terrific in duet. They definitely ensure an entertaining listening experience. 🎧💜🎧
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H & h = late 20s, early 30s?
TROPES & TRIGGERS:
👨👩👧👦 Found family
🥊 Enemies-to-lovers
☠️ Self-harm
😆 Ridiculous and funny
🔥 Open-door scenes 🌶
🦝 Invaded by trash pandas and more
🩵 Heat exchange
🚧 Construction projects for her
💔 Horrible family
☠️ Cancer
July 24, 2026
Surrounded by Gargoyles
In an unexpected twist, the audiobook released months before the book. I'm intrigued as to why. Not enough to try to find out, mind you, but intrigued all the same. 🤷♀️
Anywho....
Jade Buchanan has a mostly awful family. They all need to be kicked hard in the shins regularly. Seriously. They are wretched. Damon's description of them might be the best, referring to them a gargoyles.
Damon Burke, on the other hand, has cobbled together a supportive found family. Given life's challenges, he's navigated them with relative success.
The two of them together are like a tornado battling a hurricane. Both are fierce and determined. They undermine each other at every turn, and they leave nothing but destruction in their wake.
But that battle? Holy cannoli! It's intense and definitely leads to some fantastic sizzle as the sparks fly everywhere. Ev-ery-where!
The added romance between Piper and Ian is adorable. From the first moment the crush appears, I begin rooting for them. 😍
I love that the epilogue gives us peeks into their lives over the course of several years. I do wish we were getting the individual stories for Damon's partners, but it appears it'll just be a paragraph or two. It's a bummer because I do like a good series, but I respect it.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators, Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters, are terrific in duet. They definitely ensure an entertaining listening experience. 🎧💜🎧
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H & h = late 20s, early 30s?
TROPES & TRIGGERS:
👨👩👧👦 Found family
🥊 Enemies-to-lovers
☠️ Self-harm
😆 Ridiculous and funny
🔥 Open-door scenes 🌶
🦝 Invaded by trash pandas and more
🩵 Heat exchange
🚧 Construction projects for her
💔 Horrible family
☠️ Cancer
In an unexpected twist, the audiobook released months before the book. I'm intrigued as to why. Not enough to try to find out, mind you, but intrigued all the same. 🤷♀️
Anywho....
Jade Buchanan has a mostly awful family. They all need to be kicked hard in the shins regularly. Seriously. They are wretched. Damon's description of them might be the best, referring to them a gargoyles.
Damon Burke, on the other hand, has cobbled together a supportive found family. Given life's challenges, he's navigated them with relative success.
The two of them together are like a tornado battling a hurricane. Both are fierce and determined. They undermine each other at every turn, and they leave nothing but destruction in their wake.
But that battle? Holy cannoli! It's intense and definitely leads to some fantastic sizzle as the sparks fly everywhere. Ev-ery-where!
The added romance between Piper and Ian is adorable. From the first moment the crush appears, I begin rooting for them. 😍
I love that the epilogue gives us peeks into their lives over the course of several years. I do wish we were getting the individual stories for Damon's partners, but it appears it'll just be a paragraph or two. It's a bummer because I do like a good series, but I respect it.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators, Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters, are terrific in duet. They definitely ensure an entertaining listening experience. 🎧💜🎧
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H & h = late 20s, early 30s?
TROPES & TRIGGERS:
👨👩👧👦 Found family
🥊 Enemies-to-lovers
☠️ Self-harm
😆 Ridiculous and funny
🔥 Open-door scenes 🌶
🦝 Invaded by trash pandas and more
🩵 Heat exchange
🚧 Construction projects for her
💔 Horrible family
☠️ Cancer
Review of advance copy
Oh my god, A Very Good Bad Idea by Emma Chase was an absolute, hands-down 5-star masterpiece! ⭐️💖
Since this was my very first book by her, I honestly didn't know what to expect, but it completely blew me away and made me an instant fan. Emma Chase has written such a wonderfully crafted, witty, and pitch-perfect story that completely consumes you from the very first chapter.
If you have the chance, experiencing this through the Audible version is an absolute must! 🎧✨
The narrators do such a phenomenal job bringing Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan to life. The banter, the absolute tension, and the laugh-out-loud comedic timing translate so brilliantly into audio format. You can genuinely feel every ounce of the delicious animosity and growing chemistry through their stellar performances.
The premise is pure gold...two fiercely competitive, brilliant rival real estate developers who are forced to live together in the same run-down, chaotic waterfront property for four months with no escape. Between the hilarious pranks, the house practically trying to fall apart around them, and the sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the pacing is absolute perfection. Watching these two brilliant, stubborn powerhouses slowly drop their armor and melt for each other is pure magic.
And can we talk about the ending? Because hands down, this has the absolute best epilogue of my life! 🙌😭 Like, I exact-freaking-ly needed this kind of closure. It delivered every ounce of satisfaction, warmth, and heart that you could possibly dream of after watching them fight their way through the chaos. I finished this book with the biggest, dopiest smile plastered across my face, and I am officially ready to binge-read everything else she has ever written. Absolute perfection from start to finish! 🥂❤️
Since this was my very first book by her, I honestly didn't know what to expect, but it completely blew me away and made me an instant fan. Emma Chase has written such a wonderfully crafted, witty, and pitch-perfect story that completely consumes you from the very first chapter.
If you have the chance, experiencing this through the Audible version is an absolute must! 🎧✨
The narrators do such a phenomenal job bringing Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan to life. The banter, the absolute tension, and the laugh-out-loud comedic timing translate so brilliantly into audio format. You can genuinely feel every ounce of the delicious animosity and growing chemistry through their stellar performances.
The premise is pure gold...two fiercely competitive, brilliant rival real estate developers who are forced to live together in the same run-down, chaotic waterfront property for four months with no escape. Between the hilarious pranks, the house practically trying to fall apart around them, and the sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the pacing is absolute perfection. Watching these two brilliant, stubborn powerhouses slowly drop their armor and melt for each other is pure magic.
And can we talk about the ending? Because hands down, this has the absolute best epilogue of my life! 🙌😭 Like, I exact-freaking-ly needed this kind of closure. It delivered every ounce of satisfaction, warmth, and heart that you could possibly dream of after watching them fight their way through the chaos. I finished this book with the biggest, dopiest smile plastered across my face, and I am officially ready to binge-read everything else she has ever written. Absolute perfection from start to finish! 🥂❤️
July 11, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️ I'm going to be very honest, I almost DNFed this book, but because this was an ALC of A Very Good Bad Idea.
I generally love Emma Chase's writing and stories! This one is about Jade Buchanan and Damon Burke who are enemies. Both are bequeathed a rundown beach house on a desirable piece of land that is more like a mansion, but they needed to spend 4 months in the house and could not leave the house for any reason. If one leave, the other gets the house. If they both leave, neither gets the property. Both acted very childish, trying to sabotage each other for the first 42% of the book. It was a lot...to the point where physical harm was caused.
The part that I almost DNFed had to do with spiders. IF you are an arachnophobic or you get queasy easily, DO NOT listen to the book! I'm neither, so I pushed through, and I'm glad I did.
The rest of the book, Jade and Damon fall for each other, but they also end up doing a lot of character growth. We learn why Damon really hates Jade and her family. We also learn why Jade is why she has the rich girl, ice queen, cut-throat corporate baddie persona. Both ended up taking care of each other. They had great chemistry and I enjoyed how Jade and Damon got their HEA.
If you like more rom-com, shorter stories that have good character growth, you should pick up the audiobook. Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters were fantastic as always!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Emma Chase for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I generally love Emma Chase's writing and stories! This one is about Jade Buchanan and Damon Burke who are enemies. Both are bequeathed a rundown beach house on a desirable piece of land that is more like a mansion, but they needed to spend 4 months in the house and could not leave the house for any reason. If one leave, the other gets the house. If they both leave, neither gets the property. Both acted very childish, trying to sabotage each other for the first 42% of the book. It was a lot...to the point where physical harm was caused.
The part that I almost DNFed had to do with spiders. IF you are an arachnophobic or you get queasy easily, DO NOT listen to the book! I'm neither, so I pushed through, and I'm glad I did.
The rest of the book, Jade and Damon fall for each other, but they also end up doing a lot of character growth. We learn why Damon really hates Jade and her family. We also learn why Jade is why she has the rich girl, ice queen, cut-throat corporate baddie persona. Both ended up taking care of each other. They had great chemistry and I enjoyed how Jade and Damon got their HEA.
If you like more rom-com, shorter stories that have good character growth, you should pick up the audiobook. Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters were fantastic as always!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Emma Chase for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 15, 2026
4.5 Delightful Stars!
I loved this hilarious, heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance! This slow burn, rom-com is filled with witty banter, awkward and hilarious situations, and a sweet and sexy storyline with lots of heart. Damon and Jade are competing developers who have their eye on a beautiful home owned by an elderly woman, Clarabelle Spicket. When she passes, she leaves it to both of them on the condition that they both live on site, together, for four months. They are both very competitive and are determined to win while driving the other away. They both have their reasons to win, but as they spend time together, their reasons begin to change. When they start to consider they might mean more to each other, a misunderstanding happens that breaks both their hearts. When the challenge is over, their quirky family and friends cause more complications, drama, and hilarity, that had me laughing out loud, swooning, and cheering for Damon and Jade's HEA. I loved Damon and Jade together, their heartbreaking pasts make their broken places fit together perfectly. I was also fascinated with Clarabelle's story that was sorrowful but hopeful, and beautiful, as it weaved together with Damon and Jade's story.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale did a fabulous job bringing this story to life. Their narration is magic as they voice the push/pull banter between Damon and Jade, driving each other crazy, while heightening the fiery chemistry between them. I enjoyed how easily they maneuvered between playfulness, heartfelt emotion, and sizzling heat. I was completely captivated by their performance of this hilarious, heartwarming, and steamy romance!
I loved this hilarious, heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance! This slow burn, rom-com is filled with witty banter, awkward and hilarious situations, and a sweet and sexy storyline with lots of heart. Damon and Jade are competing developers who have their eye on a beautiful home owned by an elderly woman, Clarabelle Spicket. When she passes, she leaves it to both of them on the condition that they both live on site, together, for four months. They are both very competitive and are determined to win while driving the other away. They both have their reasons to win, but as they spend time together, their reasons begin to change. When they start to consider they might mean more to each other, a misunderstanding happens that breaks both their hearts. When the challenge is over, their quirky family and friends cause more complications, drama, and hilarity, that had me laughing out loud, swooning, and cheering for Damon and Jade's HEA. I loved Damon and Jade together, their heartbreaking pasts make their broken places fit together perfectly. I was also fascinated with Clarabelle's story that was sorrowful but hopeful, and beautiful, as it weaved together with Damon and Jade's story.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale did a fabulous job bringing this story to life. Their narration is magic as they voice the push/pull banter between Damon and Jade, driving each other crazy, while heightening the fiery chemistry between them. I enjoyed how easily they maneuvered between playfulness, heartfelt emotion, and sizzling heat. I was completely captivated by their performance of this hilarious, heartwarming, and steamy romance!
July 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ (Duet Narration Audiobook)
Jade and Damon are forced to cohabitate in order to obtain rights to a house they both want to develop into new property. The elderly owners will stipulates that they have to live together, and if one of them leaves they forfeit their rights. Damon has a vendetta against Jade’s family business and both are adversarial towards each other. Despite that, they are still drawn to one another.
I’ll admit that enemies to lovers is not a trope I really like. That wasn’t why I rated this book a bit lower though, nothing really jumped out at me as amazing while listening to it. We don’t get a ton of insight into why they dislike each other, so their bickering felt a bit forced.
The pranks they played on each other were humorous though, and definitely gave the book some levity. I did appreciate that once they were together they talked about important stuff in their lives, and they both realized they had been wrong in their assumptions about each other. I love when characters talk about their feelings.
The third act breakup was unfortunate, and could have been avoided I think. I did appreciate the finale though and enjoyed the epilogue of the book. Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters did a good job with the narration, and I liked listening to them. I want to thank Valentine PR Audio for the copy of this audiobook, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Grief
Past parental death
Jade and Damon are forced to cohabitate in order to obtain rights to a house they both want to develop into new property. The elderly owners will stipulates that they have to live together, and if one of them leaves they forfeit their rights. Damon has a vendetta against Jade’s family business and both are adversarial towards each other. Despite that, they are still drawn to one another.
I’ll admit that enemies to lovers is not a trope I really like. That wasn’t why I rated this book a bit lower though, nothing really jumped out at me as amazing while listening to it. We don’t get a ton of insight into why they dislike each other, so their bickering felt a bit forced.
The pranks they played on each other were humorous though, and definitely gave the book some levity. I did appreciate that once they were together they talked about important stuff in their lives, and they both realized they had been wrong in their assumptions about each other. I love when characters talk about their feelings.
The third act breakup was unfortunate, and could have been avoided I think. I did appreciate the finale though and enjoyed the epilogue of the book. Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters did a good job with the narration, and I liked listening to them. I want to thank Valentine PR Audio for the copy of this audiobook, I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Grief
Past parental death
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Very Good Bad Idea by New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase is an absolute delight, and I am so glad I finally dove into her work. This red-hot romantic comedy follows two rival real estate developers, Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan, who find themselves in an impossible situation: they have both inherited the same lucrative property and are legally forced to live in it together for four months with no loopholes and no backing out.
Damon is intense, handsome, and vengefully calculating, while Jade is brilliant, ruthless, and just as determined not to lose. As they battle for control, the house itself seems to be conspiring against them with faulty wiring, a leaking roof, and even wild-life infestations. The dynamic is perfection—sparks fly and tempers clash as the house slowly forces their walls to crumble.
While this story had me laughing out loud, it also features a beautiful, underlying emotional current that truly pulls at your heart.
The experience was elevated by the brilliant narration of Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale, who both embodied their characters so well. I enjoyed this book so much that I simply couldn’t put it down and ended up devouring the entire thing in one day.
Ultimately, Damon and Jade discover that when rivalry turns into something more, love can be a very good bad idea.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2026
3.5 Ah… Can’t help but love Emma Chase’s writing Stars
Chase’s books always puts a smile on my face. The audio book is released prior to the printed version and the audio version is the way to go.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale are great narrators. They completely made the reading experience better. I will 100% be looking for future books with them as narrators.
Damon and Jade inherit a house, but the catch, they have to live in the house for 4 months. Whoever is able to stay during those 4 months, wins the house. They aren’t allowed electronic devices and only get provisions once every two weeks.
The premise of the book is fairly simple and I can’t help but wonder this would make a hilarious movie. The book is very OVER-THE-TOP and you have to take it for what it’s worth. Damon and Jade do whatever they can to sabotage each other, by placing bugs in each other’s beds, cutting the power to the fridge etc..
I didn’t really see too much chemistry between the leads because of the comical aspects of the book. The sabotaging kind of takes over the read for me.
The book is very easy to listen to and fairly short, so I was able to listen to all of it in one sitting. If you are looking for something funny and light, then the audio book of A Very Good Bad Idea is the way to go.
Chase’s books always puts a smile on my face. The audio book is released prior to the printed version and the audio version is the way to go.
Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale are great narrators. They completely made the reading experience better. I will 100% be looking for future books with them as narrators.
Damon and Jade inherit a house, but the catch, they have to live in the house for 4 months. Whoever is able to stay during those 4 months, wins the house. They aren’t allowed electronic devices and only get provisions once every two weeks.
The premise of the book is fairly simple and I can’t help but wonder this would make a hilarious movie. The book is very OVER-THE-TOP and you have to take it for what it’s worth. Damon and Jade do whatever they can to sabotage each other, by placing bugs in each other’s beds, cutting the power to the fridge etc..
I didn’t really see too much chemistry between the leads because of the comical aspects of the book. The sabotaging kind of takes over the read for me.
The book is very easy to listen to and fairly short, so I was able to listen to all of it in one sitting. If you are looking for something funny and light, then the audio book of A Very Good Bad Idea is the way to go.
July 27, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audio Rating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
📚 A Very Good Bad Idea
✍🏼 Emma Chase
🎧 Sean Masters & Brooke Bloomingdale
🎙️ Duet
Tropes:
🏡 Small Town Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
🛏️ Only One Mattress
💚 Found Family
🚪 He Kicks Down a Door for Her
Review:
Thank you to Valentine PR and Emma Chase for the ALC! 🖤
This was such a fun, quick listen! If you’re looking for something fast-paced that still delivers plenty of banter, tension, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
Clarabelle, I absolutely loved her 😂 She might just be my favourite character. That little old lady knew exactly what she was doing from the very beginning, and watching her quietly manipulate the situation into exactly what she wanted was brilliant.
The forced proximity was my favourite part of the story. It starts with both of them desperately trying to get rid of each other, but once survival instincts take over, all of that animosity starts to crumble. Watching them slowly shift from reluctant allies to something much more was a lot of fun.
The romance moves at a fast pace, which suits the shorter length perfectly. There’s enough humour, emotional tension, and sweet moments to keep everything flowing without ever feeling like it drags.
The audiobook was also fantastic. The performances made the witty dialogue and chemistry between the characters shine, making it an easy, enjoyable listen from start to finish.
My biggest recommendation? Don’t stop at “The End.” Read (or listen to) the epilogues! They give you a lovely glimpse into the couple’s future and were the perfect way to wrap up the story.
Overall, this is a charming enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of forced proximity, laugh-out-loud moments, and one delightfully meddling grandmother type figure who deserves all the credit 💙
Audio Rating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
📚 A Very Good Bad Idea
✍🏼 Emma Chase
🎧 Sean Masters & Brooke Bloomingdale
🎙️ Duet
Tropes:
🏡 Small Town Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
🛏️ Only One Mattress
💚 Found Family
🚪 He Kicks Down a Door for Her
Review:
Thank you to Valentine PR and Emma Chase for the ALC! 🖤
This was such a fun, quick listen! If you’re looking for something fast-paced that still delivers plenty of banter, tension, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
Clarabelle, I absolutely loved her 😂 She might just be my favourite character. That little old lady knew exactly what she was doing from the very beginning, and watching her quietly manipulate the situation into exactly what she wanted was brilliant.
The forced proximity was my favourite part of the story. It starts with both of them desperately trying to get rid of each other, but once survival instincts take over, all of that animosity starts to crumble. Watching them slowly shift from reluctant allies to something much more was a lot of fun.
The romance moves at a fast pace, which suits the shorter length perfectly. There’s enough humour, emotional tension, and sweet moments to keep everything flowing without ever feeling like it drags.
The audiobook was also fantastic. The performances made the witty dialogue and chemistry between the characters shine, making it an easy, enjoyable listen from start to finish.
My biggest recommendation? Don’t stop at “The End.” Read (or listen to) the epilogues! They give you a lovely glimpse into the couple’s future and were the perfect way to wrap up the story.
Overall, this is a charming enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of forced proximity, laugh-out-loud moments, and one delightfully meddling grandmother type figure who deserves all the credit 💙
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**ALC Review**
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Workplace Rivals
Forced Proximity
Only One Bed
Romantic Comedy
Found Family
Hilarious Banter
Happily Ever After
This book was an absolute DELIGHT! It gave me all the cozy, feel-good, Hallmark rom-com vibes with just enough emotional moments to keep my heart fully invested.
The prank war between these two? ICONIC. I was laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next. Their banter was razor-sharp, their chemistry practically burned through the pages, and the sexual tension? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
This is true enemies-to-lovers done right. Watching them both struggle with the fact that maybe... just maybe... they didn't actually hate each other anymore was so much fun. And can we talk about a hero who knows exactly what he wants and isn't afraid to say it? Confidence has never looked so good.
🎧 The audiobook deserves a standing ovation! The narrators were absolutely PERFECT and brought every sarcastic jab, every vulnerable moment, and every ounce of chemistry to life. They made an already fantastic story even more entertaining.
If you're looking for a rom-com packed with laugh-out-loud banter, unforgettable chemistry, adorable chaos, and a couple you'll be rooting for from beginning to end, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you Valentine pr and Emma Chase for giving me the opportunity to listen early
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Workplace Rivals
Forced Proximity
Only One Bed
Romantic Comedy
Found Family
Hilarious Banter
Happily Ever After
This book was an absolute DELIGHT! It gave me all the cozy, feel-good, Hallmark rom-com vibes with just enough emotional moments to keep my heart fully invested.
The prank war between these two? ICONIC. I was laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next. Their banter was razor-sharp, their chemistry practically burned through the pages, and the sexual tension? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
This is true enemies-to-lovers done right. Watching them both struggle with the fact that maybe... just maybe... they didn't actually hate each other anymore was so much fun. And can we talk about a hero who knows exactly what he wants and isn't afraid to say it? Confidence has never looked so good.
🎧 The audiobook deserves a standing ovation! The narrators were absolutely PERFECT and brought every sarcastic jab, every vulnerable moment, and every ounce of chemistry to life. They made an already fantastic story even more entertaining.
If you're looking for a rom-com packed with laugh-out-loud banter, unforgettable chemistry, adorable chaos, and a couple you'll be rooting for from beginning to end, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you Valentine pr and Emma Chase for giving me the opportunity to listen early
July 23, 2026
I had the BEST time listening to this audiobook! This is my first book by Emma Chase and I have to say that A Very Good Bad Idea was everything I wanted in a romantic comedy.
If you love enemies to lovers and forced proximity, this one is for you. Damon and Jade inherit the same property and are forced to live together while trying to outlast each other. The banter was hilarious, the chemistry was off the charts, and watching them slowly go from rivals to something more was so much fun.
This story made me laugh out loud, smile like an idiot, and completely fall in love with these characters. It was sweet, sexy, emotional, and just an all-around entertaining read.
The audiobook was incredible. The duet narration made the story feel so immersive, and Sean Masters has officially become one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He brought Damon to life perfectly. Brooke Bloomingdale was fantastic as Jade too. She captured her personality so well and made her feel so real.
If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good romance with great chemistry, lots of laughs, and amazing narration, I definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
Thank you to Emma Chase and Valentine PR for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
If you love enemies to lovers and forced proximity, this one is for you. Damon and Jade inherit the same property and are forced to live together while trying to outlast each other. The banter was hilarious, the chemistry was off the charts, and watching them slowly go from rivals to something more was so much fun.
This story made me laugh out loud, smile like an idiot, and completely fall in love with these characters. It was sweet, sexy, emotional, and just an all-around entertaining read.
The audiobook was incredible. The duet narration made the story feel so immersive, and Sean Masters has officially become one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He brought Damon to life perfectly. Brooke Bloomingdale was fantastic as Jade too. She captured her personality so well and made her feel so real.
If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good romance with great chemistry, lots of laughs, and amazing narration, I definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
Thank you to Emma Chase and Valentine PR for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Damon and Jade are competing real estate developers and both befriend 102 year old, Clarabelle with the hopes of inheriting her valuable estate after she dies. While Damon and Jade both are correct, she leaves the property to both of them with a catch. They have to live on the premises for four months without leaving and minimal contact from the outside world.
A silly premise and even sillier time as these two try to best the other with pranks both harmless and not so harmless, as well as just dealing with an old property and a lot of things going wrong during the winter months. The pranks are very home alone esque (which Jade even mentions), adding to the hilarity of the situation. Jade and Damon both have traumatic pasts as obstacles to connecting with each other. Jade with a toxic family dynamic after losing her mother, and Damon being raised without a family after losing his parents young.
This is a short, fun, and spicy listen with Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale expertly narrating in duet style. They really bring a lot of fun to their characters. If you need a quick and easy listen, this one is highly enjoyable.
Thank you Emma Chase and Valentine PR for the audiobook!
A silly premise and even sillier time as these two try to best the other with pranks both harmless and not so harmless, as well as just dealing with an old property and a lot of things going wrong during the winter months. The pranks are very home alone esque (which Jade even mentions), adding to the hilarity of the situation. Jade and Damon both have traumatic pasts as obstacles to connecting with each other. Jade with a toxic family dynamic after losing her mother, and Damon being raised without a family after losing his parents young.
This is a short, fun, and spicy listen with Sean Masters and Brooke Bloomingdale expertly narrating in duet style. They really bring a lot of fun to their characters. If you need a quick and easy listen, this one is highly enjoyable.
Thank you Emma Chase and Valentine PR for the audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story so much. Damon and Jade are bitter rivals, he has his own real estate business and a grudge against Jade's father. When they are left a prime beach front property, which they each thought was only going to themselves. The will set strict stipulations, they each must stay in the house, within the grounds for four months, no electronic devices and ankle bracelets to stop them leaving.
Both go in planning to get the other to leave. The pranks they get up to get ever more devious and are hilarious, neither prepared to forego their share of the house. There is a quote that summed it up for me Jade says "Excellent" Damon thinks it sounds as though she's possessed by Mr Burns.
The house seems to join in the pranks with wildlife within it's walls, Bats, racoons and a particularly escapade with an errant seagull.
Both Jade and Damon have things in their past childhood that has shaped them and when they reveal these, showing their vulnerability, tissues are needed.
After a few structural disasters, they find themselves in forced proximity with one mattress and their attraction grows as they have a truce of sorts. Finding personal things of their benefactor they start to see each other in a different light.
on hearing a conversation where Damon's friend says is he getting her to fall in love and then leave love. He tries to apologise and saying its not what he is doing now.
When she leaves the house what he says to her, what he said to his mother in the past, is heart-breaking. He has to stay in the house to claim it but he goes to her father's business to sign it over to her but things are not quite straight forward but all is well. The epilogue is wonderful, allowing the reader to see their future and those of her family and their friends. A perfect ending.
I 100% recommend this audiobook
I loved this story so much. Damon and Jade are bitter rivals, he has his own real estate business and a grudge against Jade's father. When they are left a prime beach front property, which they each thought was only going to themselves. The will set strict stipulations, they each must stay in the house, within the grounds for four months, no electronic devices and ankle bracelets to stop them leaving.
Both go in planning to get the other to leave. The pranks they get up to get ever more devious and are hilarious, neither prepared to forego their share of the house. There is a quote that summed it up for me Jade says "Excellent" Damon thinks it sounds as though she's possessed by Mr Burns.
The house seems to join in the pranks with wildlife within it's walls, Bats, racoons and a particularly escapade with an errant seagull.
Both Jade and Damon have things in their past childhood that has shaped them and when they reveal these, showing their vulnerability, tissues are needed.
After a few structural disasters, they find themselves in forced proximity with one mattress and their attraction grows as they have a truce of sorts. Finding personal things of their benefactor they start to see each other in a different light.
on hearing a conversation where Damon's friend says is he getting her to fall in love and then leave love. He tries to apologise and saying its not what he is doing now.
When she leaves the house what he says to her, what he said to his mother in the past, is heart-breaking. He has to stay in the house to claim it but he goes to her father's business to sign it over to her but things are not quite straight forward but all is well. The epilogue is wonderful, allowing the reader to see their future and those of her family and their friends. A perfect ending.
I 100% recommend this audiobook
July 12, 2026
Audio Review:
Duet Narration by Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Only One Mattress
Found Family
Small town
This story follows rival real estate developers Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan, who both inherit the same coveted oceanfront property. Thanks to a unique provision in the will, they are forced to spend four months living together in the dilapidated mansion or forfeit it entirely. The verbal jabs and traps Jade and Damon set for each other had me absolutely cracking up! But as they are forced into close quarters, they quickly realize they have a lot more in common than they thought.
Brooke Bloomingdale captures Jade’s fierce, sharp-witted energy perfectly, while Sean Masters delivers Damon’s cold-shark persona with the perfect hint of underlying warmth. Their comedic timing is flawless, and the back-and-forth flow makes the intense chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter feel entirely effortless.
This story was funny, deeply heartfelt, and it beautifully highlights how the family we choose can be the strongest foundation of all.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and author Emma Chase for this audio copy!
Duet Narration by Brooke Bloomingdale and Sean Masters
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Only One Mattress
Found Family
Small town
This story follows rival real estate developers Damon Burke and Jade Buchanan, who both inherit the same coveted oceanfront property. Thanks to a unique provision in the will, they are forced to spend four months living together in the dilapidated mansion or forfeit it entirely. The verbal jabs and traps Jade and Damon set for each other had me absolutely cracking up! But as they are forced into close quarters, they quickly realize they have a lot more in common than they thought.
Brooke Bloomingdale captures Jade’s fierce, sharp-witted energy perfectly, while Sean Masters delivers Damon’s cold-shark persona with the perfect hint of underlying warmth. Their comedic timing is flawless, and the back-and-forth flow makes the intense chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter feel entirely effortless.
This story was funny, deeply heartfelt, and it beautifully highlights how the family we choose can be the strongest foundation of all.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and author Emma Chase for this audio copy!
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