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

[Andrew Monge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a fun rom-com in the vein of You’ve Got Mail? Check out Archenemies by Jody Wenner, an excellent novel about a woman fighting to save a historic bridge her father built, and the man tasked with demolishing it. Top-notch characterization and humor. Loved it!

[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!

[Alyssa Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I'm happy to give Archenemies 3.5 stars and round up to 4. It's a quick and cute little romance in a robust little town with a genuine population of characters.

I enjoyed much of the book! Gemma's personification of the bridge was a little too much for me, but otherwise she was a good character who does a lot for those around her and doesn't notice how much people adore her. She felt a little immature, but she's also not that experienced with the wider world, so it didn't feel too out of place. Leo was a cute counterpart and endearing love interest, and their relationship grew quickly but was still pretty good.

The beginning felt a little odd: Gemma's attachment to the bridge felt a little odd, and the timeline for several things felt like it didn't get the right reaction from her - three weeks to raise 50K would age me years in a minute, but she seemed to think it was totally doable (she is a little delusional about this and that's part of it, but I still would have expected a greater reaction).

The middle was pretty good, and the back and forth with Leo and Gemma was pretty good. He's not a bad guy! Just trying to do his job. But the end threw some curveballs that I wasn't sure I really liked, especially for things that happened in just the last few chapters. It was a little rushed, and, while somewhat realistic, I felt like the good of a previous part got a little invalidated by the end.

Overall it was an alright book. Short and pretty easy with some good characters and a cute little small town.

[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.

[Erin Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this book!

I really liked the character growth throughout this book and how the story line progressed nicely.

I also really really loved all the elderly characters from the residents home, have to admit Frank was my personal favourite!

The male lead Leo didn’t portray and toxic masculinity traits which is such a refreshing theme becoming more prevalent in recently published books.

Would read another in the series!

[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!

[Kelly Malacko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read romance full of heart, with feel-good characters and a wholesome, uplifting plot. Great if you love enemies to lovers, small-town settings, and characters with a cause. Jody Wenner is a great author with a rich and varied backlist worth diving into.

[Glenda White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the book from your giveaway. This was such a refreshing, fun read. I love how lightheaded and fun it was. I love the MFC, Gemma, and her kindness and big heart. Great, quick, fun read.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully cute, feel good romance between the two main characters of Gemma and Red- whilst they spend their time navigating building problems and vying to come to a resolution.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.

[Dawn Fluitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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