Archenemies

by Jody Wenner

Gemma Mortenson is ready to take the plunge. The question is: will she choose the bridge she has a strong personal attachment to, or fall for the man who has been hired to demolish it? Between caring for her elderly parents and doing crafts with the cherished members of Green Isle Senior Home, each morning she heads to the Redwood Bridge and stands at the precipice. Since learning something huge about this under-appreciated structure, Red has become everything to her. Now it’s scheduled for demolition, but the town of Pine River is uninterested in saving it. The construction crew turns out to be just one guy with (a cute butt and) a hard hat. Gemma stages her biggest protest yet, locking herself to the aging arches. Leo’s been doing his homework—on her and the bridge. Falling for the enemy isn’t what she has planned, but maybe—if she can get Leo to see her side—she won’t have to let go. Of Anything.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2026

About the author

Jody Wenner is a Midwestern author with several independently and traditionally published novels. Shorter stories and articles can be found in the pages of Mystery Magazine Weekly, Punk Noir, Urban Pigs Press, Pistol Jim Press, The Keepthings, and Thriller101. When not writing, reading, or editing, you can find her walking her dog or obsessively knitting. Visit her at www.jodywenner.com

Reviews

[April Jones-Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the romance from it was great. Just a feel good enemy to lover TYPE read that I will recommend to friends. It definitely is a charming read and the perfect guy to fall for. Thank you netgalley and Jody Wenner for letting me read and review. Can't wait for your next one!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma has put up flyers saying Save the Redwood Bridge because her dad built it, but she finds out Leo and his dad have a contract to take it down. She wonders if she could raise money to save it and decides to paint portraits and people could donate whatever they want. Gemma’s mom has set her up on a blind date and it turns out to be with Leo. They find out they both have a lot in common. Gemma talks to the mayor who said the council voted not to replace the bridge. As Gemma and Leo spend more time together she realizes she might have a crush on Leo, but she knows he will be leaving the area to go back home. Then Leo tells her he has a plan for the bridge. What is it? Will she see him again? What secret does Gemma find out about her parents and the bridge?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[KelseyReadsABunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archenemies was such a sweet, feel-good read. The characters were well developed, the pacing was spot on, and I became far more emotionally invested in a bridge than I ever thought possible!

The romance is light, fun, and a little predictable, but in the best way. Sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for, and this book absolutely delivered.

If you're after a charming, easy romance that will leave you smiling, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this arc.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed everything about this nicely-written sweet romance, from the cover to the premise to the cute chapter titles. Gemma was an engaging, well-developed protagonist, and it was easy to see what she saw in Leo, the male lead. The cast of interesting side characters added to the book's charm. Thank you to the author and NetGalley!

[Dawn Fluitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read with the right amount of romance and some unexpected tears.